Kat817

Mark---isn't it the most bizarre feeling to look forward to getting on the scale!!! I would NEVER have believed that before!!!!! However the last one----I am begining to think it is age---the grunt as you get up, and the sigh as you sit down!!! I don't do either if I am busy---but when I am relaxing---even 100 pounds down, I still do it!!!!!! My newest NSV----over the weekend, I had 2 people tell me I did not need to lose any more weight! I know I do, but them saying it sure felt good!!!! Kat

Jennifer, I cannot remember ever having seen a picture of you, but in my mind, I KNOW you are pretty! It is something I would never have thought otherwise of! Congrats on the compliments---you've lost almost 40 pounds of course they are noticing!!!!! WTG girlie!!! Kat

This is from page 1. A response to the question ask. Possibly not what you would consider a direct response in the white women-black men only possibility---but a response from a level headed, non irate, long time LBT-er. Then she went on to answer it very directly---do you think there is a trend towards white women/black men marriages? She says No. She says basically the same thing you do---and that most of us have agreed with, that the number of interracial marriages are going up simply because it is more accepted than at any time in the past. As for myself, and many others on here, we welcom the DEBATE of an issue. NOT Lee's cut and dried, his way or no way attitude. When you tried to discuss something with him in this or many other threads, he shut down and went to insulting you if you disagreed with him, and that is not a debate...it is childish. The other problem with debating this issue of interracial marriages, is we have thus far only heard one side, no one yet seems to have issue with it. I have no doubt in my mind that there is still racism problems in many white/black marriages. Where I live there are many Native American, Hispanic, white combinations, and I see with my own eyes, how many are not accepted. Do I think it is right for them to be treated in a lesser manner? NO! Do I do it myself? NO! In my own family there are interracial marriages. It took awhile for my DIL's family and my own to combine our celebrations, and mix and mingle them to everyones satisfaction and comfort---but we did it! Our kids are worth it! I would guess to be truly anti racist, I would not see that her skin is darker than mine, but I see it, I learn from it, and I learned to love her. Had she been as blonde and blue eyed as my son, I would still have had to adjust and learn to love her---she is a new family member---she comes with her own baggage---we all do. I have NO DOUBT in my mind that her Hispanic family had just as much trouble figuring out our family. And if the truth be told, our family has embraced her, and our grandson...her own grandparents will not be around our son, or our family, and if we happen upon one another, they refuse to speak English so we might understand. Their Daughter (my DIL's Mom) has repeatedly apologized for them. THAT attitude is why there were less interracial marriages in the past! We ARE moving on--and up! What part of the original question do you want to debate or discuss? Kat

Well snowangel---I am so sorry you got less than wonderful news. BUT it is something they can fix it sounds like in the office. Maybe they plan on using the omnipaque. I have heard of that quite often. I have no idea why you have a leak....maybe it was punctured during a fill? Maybe just a weak spot? No idea! I am glad you finally got past the witchy receptionist and got to see the Dr. Now I would totally complain about her treatment, you KNOW now it isn't you overreacting. Please keep us updated, I'll be thinking of you! Kat

I know the difference a good bra makes, and will not have a problem spending what they cost when I finally get to a size and stay there---but right now, with the band size changing so often, in my case it seems cost prohibitive. Good point about ebay---- Kat

Good Morning my purple pals! Terry the picture looks awesome!!!! You will be sharing clothes with DD before you know it. Maybe not her size 2's (which btw, have changed over the years, they proved it on one of the evening news shows!) But lots of things you will be able to share soon. My DD is the same height I am (5'9"), but she weighs in the 150 -155 range, and we can share some things now. I know all you Moms will find this hard to believe, but so far it has only worked out that she has borrowed from me!!!! She has offered things, I just don't see me in them! I look at her and cannot imagine that I will ever look like that size wise again....and yet, my clothes look ok on her. It literally makes my heart pound to see that and realize that it IS possible! Tracy--glad you got to spend some special time with DS. The big party is something I am sure he will enjoy. Look out 220's here Tracy comes! Sara--glad things have mellowed, or you have, whichever, I am sure it feels much better. My inlaws, more specifically my MIL is on my S*#t list in a big way right now. She is allowing the kinda sorta niece's half brother to stay with her. #1 that is our rental not hers, and not her place to say! #2 the 1/2 brother is a jail bird, in and out of trouble, in and out of jail, not to mention the prison stint he has already done. #3 He has a history with my DIL ( a mutual friend was her former fiance), and he has taken to driving by my son and DIL's house and mouthing off at her---which has her scared witless. And my inlaws just blow it off! #4 my Son is threatening to move away from the farm because of it....and they don't give him any support at ALL. He works his tail end off for the ungrateful people! I truly believe my MIL is scared to try to make him leave---and I do understand that---he has a terrible temper, and a con attitude. Note I said a con attitude, not an ex con. I have met people who were ex cons, who deserved to be out, he does not. He is still into drugs, he is a thief, and is currently waiting to go to court on a charge that someone cut him off in traffic, so he jumped out, and put a hatchet through their windshield---with them in the car, on the road! Well he actually went to jail for that, but got out on some technicality....and is waiting for something to go down on it again. I told her I was going to enforce the rental contract and get them ALL out, and she was pissed! Told me this family did not act like that---so as far as I am concerned at this point in time, they can be her family. Even Rick is not speaking to them---he is furious over their callous treatment of our son who does sooooo much for them. OK sorry---but man it feels good to say all of that! My best friend is gone on vacation, and to say this to much of anyone is only going to piss off the rest of the family at them, or my family at them---it is better to let it go down however it does, if son moves on, then he did the right thing in my book. Jenn---keeping my fingers crossed that your business plan falls effortlessly into place! Judy--I am thrilled for your DH that he was so touched with his gifts. Our former pastor wore robes, and was highly energetic. We now have our first woman as a pastor, and she is very meek in comparison. My Dad was the one I wondered if could accept the female preacher....and he has actually said he appreciates the different perspective she brings to things. I guess it is the old male brain vs. female brain thing. I have yet to really feel anything about her (I know that sounds mean! It isn't meant to!) She just does not evoke strong emotions, in any way. I don't feel challenged to be better by her. Going to give us both time though! Enjoy VBS---Kinsey was VERY put out that she didn't get to go, but Lindzie did! Laura, the pictures looked wonderful. Cake looked yummy too!!! My DD had the same squiggly design (I think it was called Cornise lace, or something, made me think of stippling on a quilt!), on her wedding cake, but hers was white on white...with the squiggles being sparkly and the rest not. It looked very similar!! Great minds and all that!!!! Denise, Michelle, Gina, Haydee----what's up girlies???? I know I am missing some of you---my brain does not go any further back than my page scrolls lately!!!!! Hope Pamela is having a great time vacationing! Could you believe that "closet"???? I want one!!! Well the girls and I are off to buy groceries today...fun fun fun!!! We got the woodshed finished, and man it looks good, it is going to make things so much nicer this winter, to have the wood in a new place, and covered. Well it actually is not finished, we still have concrete to pour---will work on framing this week, and pour it this coming weekend. Let me tell you I am a cement mixing fool!!! We have done so much of it, it is unbelievable. We have to---if there is dirt...it turns into a litter box, my neighbors have 9 cats! So we either plant grass or pour cement! They are such good neighbors, it is hard to say anything....it wasn't this bad when I had Bailey, they respected one anothers turf or something, but since he died, OMG---there are cat piles everywhere---really upsets my DH! Everyone have a good day, I'll check in on you later. Kat

I too ended up with some numbness following my hysterectomy---also in my left outer leg, between the knee, and thigh area. Numbness, and hypersensitivity to pain. It was determined to be nerve damage caused by positioning in what turned out to be a 7.5 hour surgery. That has been 5 years ago, and I have done the medication route, with neurontin, I have done the chiropractor, and physical therapy....all to no avail, the nerves have been damaged. My hysterectomy incision goes all the way from hip bone to hip bone down low, and they removed everything. My banding surgery took place much higher up, so I have no idea if the same nerve bundles would be encountered. I am anxious to see what the Dr. has to say at this point! Keep us posted! Kat

You might try spending a little bit of money by comparison, and having the tranny flushed and a new filter put in. We bought a car to use as parts because the tranny was bad---but before doing any tearing down my DH decided to try that, because other than the tranny it was in better shape than the one we already had. It went on to have another 40,000 miles put on it before we traded it in. It was a Cutlass, and I still see it around town on occasion!!! I now drive an Intrepid R/T that I refuse to trade in!!! I love my car! Kat

Welcome Art--- I can't help you on the numbers issue, I was one of them that went South of the Border! There are several medical credit plans available, and the interest depends mostly on your credit score. This is a great site, and I am sure you will get some more informative answers. I just wanted to welcome you to LBT and wish you luck on your financing! Kat

These are symptoms I have never heard associated with the band before. Has your Mom spoke with her banding Dr.? If she is still having problems it sounds like it is time for a new Dr. or new hospital, maybe a teaching hospital, would give her some new insight. Numbness is especially scary to me, I would be in constant touch with numerous Dr.'s, this does not sound like something to be messing around with! Good Luck to you and your Mom! Kat

I agree the fall is nothing with the band as compared to before! To be honest, I have fallen off the wagon since being banded---I will even admit to jumping off a couple of times, but with the help of the band, and the positive reinforcement of the steady weight loss, I manage to climb back up and off we go again!!! Hang in there, you realized what happen, you admitted what happen, you are seeing the triggers, and fighting to overcome them---that sounds like amazing progress to me, especially without the help of a band!!!! Kat

Same here, my boobs have gone from a DDD to a loooooong!!!! Kat

Alls well here, glad to see you here again Sara---stand strong with the inlaws. Having some issues that way myself the last few days---will go into that later! Don't have much time right now, we are in clean up from construction. Will be back later----enjoy the rest of the day off! Kat

My hairloss was also extreme, leaving me cleaning the shower drain every other day, and almost burning up the vaccum cleaner! It lasted several months, but the good news is, it is not permanent. It will stop eventually. Mine is regrowing---although much slower than it fell out! I lost 12-18" strands, and the new ones are now, maybe 2" and tend to stick up all over my head! The days of wash & wear hair are gone for now, it takes some attention!!! Hang in there----and try not to stress, I think that makes it worse. I did not have an issue at any time before or after surgery with low Protein, that did not affect it, neither did the Biotin shampoo, or nioxin, or swallowing bioten or zinc.....time is all that made a difference. I too went from thick and managable to thin and wispy, with a wide part, and a visible scalp! When I finally gave up worrying about it----it quit! So do try not to stress!!!!! Sorry you too are experiencing this---it was by far the worst part of my banding, everything else was good! Kat

Hi Eileenie---welcome to NM!!!! You welcome me to NJ all the time, so it is nice to see you here!!! Kat

TracyK you ought to try Ratatouille---it was entertaining enough to keep my 2 1/2 year old, and 6 yr old granddaughters involved, as well as my 70 year old Mom and myself!!! I will buy it when it comes out. Tonight we are headed up to the chuckwagon dinner with DH's work group. He is finishing up the woodshed, it is impressive!!! He did a good job. I don't have much time, just wanted to tell Lunasa---for goodness sake be careful---I am glad with all of your accidents that overall you are ok!!! I'll try to check back in tonight. Kat

At the time I was banded, I was taking Lisinopril and HCTZ for my high blood pressure, I was running in the neighborhood of 150/95. I now run an average of 115/72---with no meds at all. I was also taking Metformin for high blood sugar---and now no longer take it either, and run in the low/normal. My Dad has taken meds for HBP for years, but he also fights his weight, and has artery disease. I am hoping the weight loss will help me stay off the meds. Right now I take nothing! Kat

Well Rick's appointment was a little anticlimactic. He didn't get bad news, just no overwhelming "you're cured!" either! He is now wearing an event monitor. Similar to the holter monitor he wore prior to surgery, but this one is less cumbersome. It has 2 EKG type leads, and the little box is like the size of an old protable tape player or transistor radio. When his heart does something abnormal, or he feels something he feels is not right he presses the event button, and it records an EKG type reading, then he calls an 800# and lays the speaker of the phone over the device, and it makes all kinds of noise like a fax machine, and it receives the print out of the event. It will store up to 3 events, then needs called in. If they are Dr. worthy then we hear from the Dr. otherwise, it is on with our day. Now he has to wear this thing all the time except in the shower, for 30 days! He is allergic to the adhesive, so we should have a nice reaction after that many days! But they have to see what he is doing on a day to day basis to see if they can begin weaning him from some medications.However before we even got out of the parking lot, it recorded an event, and has recorded I think a total of 7 in less than 24 hours. While that sounds scary, we have not heard from the Dr, and they did say a loose lead, or a sudden bump or things can send an event. So maybe it isn't bad. He isn't doing too bad, considering he is outside building a woodshed. Isn't that what YOU want to do on your birthday??? I was helping, then my brother showed up, and since the shed is long and narrow, there really wasn't much room. So I come in the house for a few. Looks like the weather is going to be problematic for them, looks ready to rain. Sherry---if you are maintaining while you heal up I wouldn't worry too much. You learned all the right lessons, it is just so much harder to apply them without the help of the band---but at least it is something you caught and are fixing, before you lost it totally!!! Mandy---I hope you do better at home, I always do. I feel so bad, I have your get well card sitting here on my desk---life has been so crazy----I apologize, I really have been thinking of you!!! Hang in there, the worst is behind you and it is all better from here on out! Cindy---how is the relaxing day going? I think we should have all descended on Patty's sisters, and swam together!!! Well I am going out to see if they need my expertise!!! They will love that!!! BBL--- Kat

PB stands for Productive Burp. IN actuality it can be that simple or it can be a bit more like throwing up for a bandster. It usually happens when we overeat, or eat to fast, or take too big of a bite to pass through the tightened down area where our bands are. Most times the first sign you get of an impending PB is that you start sliming....which is when your body senses something is not passing, and it tries to help, by slicking things up! You start producing huge amounts of thick saliva. If the problem is happening though because things are not moving, or you are too full, there is also no room for all the saliva-or slime-as it is referred to. So spitting it out is about the only hope you have to avoid the PB. If it doesn't work, and you do end up losing your food through a PB, it is basically like vomiting. But there is nothing except the chewed food, and all the slime, there are no stomach acids. Since we don't eat large amounts, it is usually pretty mild, fighting it off, is harder! But throwing up or PB'ing is not good for our bands, so we do our best to avoid it. Check out the abbreviations thread, and if something else confuses you---feel free to ask! Welcome to LBT, good luck in your research of the band! Kat

When I got to feeling run down, I would drink Zero Carb Isopure, it is a clear liquid (in several flavors). I bought mine at GNC, it was in the neighborhood of $3.29 a bottle. The bottles look kind of like Sobe bottles. There is 40 g. of protein in each bottle. I would sluch them with ice, drink half in the morning and half at night, it made a HUGE difference in my energy levels getting some protein in. Welcome to bandland, it is sometimes a difficult start--but you are on your way to a new healthier you!!! Welcome!!! Kat

OMG-----I don't think this has ever happened---it says I am the only one active on this thread right now!!! LOL Well Rick's appointment was a little anticlimactic. He didn't get bad news, just no overwhelming "you're cured!" either! He is now wearing an event monitor. Similar to the holter monitor he wore prior to surgery, but this one is less cumbersome. It has 2 EKG type leads, and the little box is like the size of an old protable tape player or transistor radio. When his heart does something abnormal, or he feels something he feels is not right he presses the event button, and it records an EKG type reading, then he calls an 800# and lays the speaker of the phone over the device, and it makes all kinds of noise like a fax machine, and it receives the print out of the event. It will store up to 3 events, then needs called in. If they are Dr. worthy then we hear from the Dr. otherwise, it is on with our day. Now he has to wear this thing all the time except in the shower, for 30 days! He is allergic to the adhesive, so we should have a nice reaction after that many days! But they have to see what he is doing on a day to day basis to see if they can begin weaning him from some medications.However before we even got out of the parking lot, it recorded an event, and has recorded I think a total of 7 in less than 24 hours. While that sounds scary, we have not heard from the Dr, and they did say a loose lead, or a sudden bump or things can send an event. So maybe it isn't bad. He is up and around and doing his thing. Today is his 47th birthday, so he is celebrating----he is building a woodshed! I was helping him, but then my brother showed up, and there isn't much excess room, so I come in the house! We bought the things he needed to build his next motorcycle trailer while we were in Albq. yesterday. This one is already sold, so he really needs to get it done! The guy picked up the other one this morning, on his way to Sturgis, and was thrilled, he said he will give his # to anyone who asks about it. Trouble is, coming up with all the parts he uses if we have to buy them new cuts into profit!!! Anyway it looked good, the man was totally happy with it---Rick was proud of the way it turned out. I made Rick a huge breakfast---and had trouble eating any of it myself. I over ate last night, at dinner, then sat there in not really tight pants, but sitting in a car in non stretch jeans for 3 hours----I don't think it allowed my food to move right, or something I ate didn't pass well. I don't hurt, but I have no room to eat much. I am drinking without issue, so will take it easy, and I will behave when we go out with the kids tonight. Tomorrow night, we are going to the Bar D with Ricks company people. It is a big ranch, they serve a chuckwagon meal, have a stable, and a train around the place, there are curio shops, and a blacksmith shop...and they have the meal and then some country entertainment....comedy and music. OLD country stuff mostly. It is all done outdoors in the mountains. I enjoy most of the guys he works with and their wives, so it should be ok. I will get to take care of Kinsey I would imagine. My DD's ex works for the same company, and he ask to take Kinsey, but when he does that, and there are people around, he is usually dumping her on me---lucky for us we don't consider that a bad thing, we love having her with us. I haven't had her all week, and I miss her something fierce! Well I am going to go check the progress of the woodshed---see if they need any guidance!!!! TTYL! Kat

Hi Mandy---I'm here----thanks for keeping us in order!!! Glad to see you here!!! Kat

Yesterday we took my Dad to Albuquerque to see his cardiologist, it is 186 miles each way. We get there and they had screwed up the appointment---and his Dr, was not even in. They ran the Doplar, because he is having problems....and sure enough the Dr. called today and said within the next 6 weeks we will look into bypassing the carotid arteries. Not what we were hoping to hear, it is supposed to be a fairly dangerous surgery with the risk of stroke being quite high. Tomorrow we take Rick down to Albq. to see his Dr.s tomorrow is his check up following the ablation, and will be one year to the day from his original open heart surgery for the valve. Hoping we get good reports on him. Will let you know. In the meantime, I am getting my exercise today---we are building a new wood shed, against the north side of our house, it will be like 10 feet wide, but will run 30 feet along the side of the house, to store our firewood in a closer location. I have carried lumber, and moved wood, and cut down shrubs (I cried, I planted the poor things about 15 years ago---they were very pretty forsythias) So I will check in, and try to let you know what the Dr. says. Friday is Ricks birthday, and he is off until Mon, or Tues....so I will be MIA a good part of that time, he has a list 2 miles long of things to get done. We have been camping and biking so much on days off, our honey-do list is overwhelming!!! Will be back!!!! Will come up with some challenge....maybe 16 days this month, then I can feel good when I surpass it!!!!! Kat Love the look Tracy---I have seen it in my own mirror many times!!!!

Glad to see it is behind you Mandy---I have been thinking of you. Yesterday we took my Dad to Albuquerque to see his cardiologist, it is 186 miles each way. We get there and they had screwed up the appointment---and his Dr, was not even in. They ran the Doplar, because he is having problems....and sure enough the Dr. called today and said within the next 6 weeks we will look into bypassing the carotid arteries. Not what we were hoping to hear, it is supposed to be a fairly dangerous surgery with the risk of stroke being quite high. Tomorrow we take Rick down to Albq. to see his Dr.s tomorrow is his check up following the ablation, and will be one year to the day from his original open heart surgery for the valve. Hoping we get good reports on him. Will let you know. In the meantime, I am getting my exercise today---we are building a new wood shed, against the north side of our house, it will be like 10 feet wide, but will run 30 feet along the side of the house, to store our firewood in a closer location. I have carried lumber, and moved wood, and cut down shrubs (I cried, I planted the poor things about 15 years ago---they were very pretty forsythias) So I will check in, and try to let you know what the Dr. says. Friday is Ricks birthday, and he is off until Mon, or Tues....so I will be MIA a good part of that time, he has a list 2 miles long of things to get done. We have been camping and biking so much on days off, our honey-do list is overwhelming!!! Will be back!!!! Kat

The only problemwith the poll was that there was only yes or no---I needed a YES!!!!!! I love my band! Yes it can be more fickle to find the sweet spot, but just as we each react differently with our bands, so do bypassers, and some still crave sweets, others apparently do not. When I got good restriction, my desire for any food, as well as most of my cravings went away too. My friend Pam had bypass, and has been highly successful, but it has been hard work fighting the cravings for her, and being around sweets, with the dumping, and ironically she and her DH own an ice cream shop! She has some health issues with the malabsorption that she controls with supplements. Zen girls, I hope you find good restriction, because with it, the band is a whole new ball game. Without hunger, cravings are not a big deal. Work with your Dr. sometimes it takes several fills to perfect....but it is sooo worth it!!! Kat