Kat817

It has just gotten better!!! I am a happier more outgoing person. I am physically able to "do" more, we bowl, we go walking together, we lift weights together...all kinds of things. It has also improved our sex life---I am able to "do" all kinds of different things there too!! And I just feel better about myself, and how I look without clothes. I mean I know I am still over 200 pounds, and far from a beautiful body---but heck he loved me 80+ pounds ago---so he sees a huge difference too---and we like it!!
He was not pushy, the surgery was my idea, and when I mentioned it to him, he told me, it put him in a wierd spot. If he supported me and encouraged me, he was afraid it would be taken that he was unhappy with me the way I was. And if he wasn't supportive it could be taken that he didn't want me to do it --even if I wanted to. We talked, and he told me he would be there behind me all the way. he has been, he slept on a couch in my room in the hospital, and has been my biggest support ever since. He hugs me and comments on how much I am shrinking---he brags about me to his co-workers...he has been awesome. He had some serious life threatening health issues this last few months, and I was able to repay the "by your side" attitude. He is for sure a "keeper" and I intend to keep on keeping him!!!
Our marriage is stronger---we faced this together---the good the bad and the ugly. I would not have wanted anyone else to see the scales when I stepped on them, or seen my big fat belly when they come in to look at my incisions....just him. My SIL was banded the same time, and she refused to even let her DH know what she weighed---and he never has been much support. it makes a difference. My DH is my best friend----I have girlfriends---but he is my best friend, when something happens good or bad, he is the one I want to tell.
Will my marriage survive? I say YES!!!
Kat

I ride too.....husband, horse and motorcycle, and have no problem with any of them!!!
Welcome to LBT~~
Kat

Terry----as Kinsey would say....I yuv you soooooo much! I borrow trouble, always have, always worry----dummy me!!! I am listening to the rain fall now....and trying to decide whether to stick with my plan to drive the van to Albq. It is much less likely to get stolen from the parking area than my car!!! Hell I'D be less likely to steal it!!! LMAO!
Kat

Dyingbreed, I have no idea what the new stats are, I am personally no longer researching it! I realize it is not an ideal solution, I am fairly well convinced there is not an ideal. There are problems with any WLS, and drawbacks to any weight loss program, one of the biggest being that WE have to WORK it. The fact that most of us are not very good at that is part of what landed us here needing it. If they could band our brains, or bypass the problem areas of them, perhaps it would be easier!



I made it to my goal weight, went through some personal problems, very emotional time in regards to my daughters health, and I was put on steroids due to recurring hives, and I regained almost 40 pounds. I have been unfilled for 3 years now. Not due to a problem, but I was unfilled in preparation for an unrelated surgery, and I have a history of vomitting with anesthesia, so I was unfilled, and never had an issue with regaining, so never had myself filled again. I have the old band, which will hold 4 cc.'s and at my fullest, I had 1.5. So I have NEVER been super tight. I prefer it that way. The band itself gives me mild restriction, and I am happy with it.

Since that time, I have lost part of the regained weight, and I know, if I were to exercise, and be serious about it, I could lose the rest....I am simply complacent. I am in a size 10, and for my height of 5'9" I feel comfortable there. I would love to lose the wings I now have as opposed to arms, but......life goes on, and I wear sleeves! LOL I was in a car accident in January, and have been seeing a Dr. 3 X a week since then, I am now doing physical therapy, and lo and behold, I am losing some inches again! LOL I t works when I do.



Sorry, I am not up to date on stats. I know they are out there, I found them when I was researching getting banded.

Sleeves were not being done when I was banded, but I am still uncomfortable with removal of my stomach! I like the ability to be returned to my before shape I guess----not really, I am glad that shape is gone! Not sure what I would have chose if it had been an option, I know I would have researched it as well. I did the bypass, as well as the band, and another option at the time. Then made the choice I was comfortable with. It was still fairly new.......and as with all things, they learn more, with each one done, and as the days and years go by, and it may be that they learn that banding is not the best option. For me, it got me off of ALL prescription meds, for High Blood Pressure, pre-diabetes, arthritis........my blood pressure is normal, my blood sugars are normal, and my knees do not ache when I walk. I can go in any store around and buy clothes, I have energy, and the ability to exercise, where before it hurt! It might not be for everybody, and it might not be for any of us forever, but I know the last 6 years with the weight going down as opposed to up---have added not just length but amazing quality to my life! I have learned healthier eating habits, and through these boards, I have found a support system that I fully lacked before----they know the struggles, they know the daily work it takes, they "get it". Some of them, most actually, are still banded, a couple are now sleeved, and one is now bypassed.......but they are still support------we ALL just want to find something that works for us. It is not a one size fits all.

Janet, there is a definite difference in how your body feels being full with a band, and being full without. If you overeat with the band in place, the food backs up into your esophagus, which hurts! That is the feeling in the chest people are getting. Continuing to do that can do damage, so you learn not to eat enough to cause that. It is aversion therapy. It hurts, so your body learns to tell you not to do that again.
I never noticed it before, but in hindsight, I know it has always happen---but I get soft stop signals. They tell me I am reaching my limit---to stop eating. For me, my nose gets sniffly, it means I am full. I imagine it is something to do with the same trigger that causes us to "slime" if we do overeat, or get stuck. I have also pushed it to a point of giving myself hiccups!
I have really tried---and it has not been easy---it is a lesson still in progress, to learn just to eat until I am no longer hungry, and forget about what is or isn't "full". In my house, there is not going to be any problem with going hungry. I know if I stop, and I do happen to get hungry in a little while, I can always find something to eat. And without fail, when I stop---I find myself satisfied. And comfortable.
None of us knew how to work with this little silicone buddy of ours before we got it, and each of us has found our own way of learning, and dealing with it on a daily basis---so will you! It is a scary thing to think of learning to do differently and learning to do without. I do not do well with deprivation---I was really scared! I was losing a good friend in my food I thought. In reality, I did not lose my friend, I just see less of it! And since I can eat anything, I am not feeling deprived. I know I could have lost more faster if I dieted with my band, but I knew myself better than that!!! If dieting were something I did well, I might not be here!
When you get your band, you will learn your signals, and adjust your lifestyle around them. And until you figure it out, we are always here!!!
Alfie---what kind of whey did you order? Is it a Protein powder?
Kat

Not sure if the antibiotics can bring on break through bleeding, but the CAN and DO often times cause your BCP's to be useless!!! In other words, use back up protection!!!! My anitibiotic baby is named Amanda---she is 25, and my antibiotic "nephew" (actually a best friends son) is named Cody! Be careful, the # of banders getting pregnant quickly following is pretty impressive, probably something to do with all the release of hormones, but if you are not ready don't take any chances!!!
Kat

Call a police officer to do a civil standby while you meet a locksmith at your house to change your locks. The code to th garage door opener should be easy enough to change---ours is a 3 step procedure---holding the clicker part next to the unit in the garage---simple.
Tell the police officer WHY you need a civil stand by, that he has threatened you---they can make a report on that. Then you have documentation, so if he comes banging on the door at 2 AM---he will not simply walk away.
As for his threats with your Ex----the judge will decide any of that in the future---so any documentation you have of him being unreasonable, will play against anything he would have to say anyway.
Call the police, and secure your home is your first step. Sitting and crying is not getting you anywhere---and he will still have those keys when you are home with your boys tonight. Get the locks changed---and if you feel you need it---keep protection nearby.
Good Luck.

Debbie e-mailed me and is confused about the new layout. That seriously pisses me off that this happened. I am going to try everything I can to get a new one on the other and I will let you all know how it goes. If YOU can do one, do it and let me know. After it is set up I will e-mail debbie back and give her the link.

I was trying to say pretty much what Cindy did, but this damn mess of a new layout....I was trying to increase the font size and froze it up----grrrrrr. Not a happy camper with all this nonsense!
I agree, that you handled it in a wonderful way. I would not let her deter me from attending ANY function I wanted to, and I would not ignore her as requested, I would speak, and move on, not act like I was begging for a relationship with her, but also letting her know she could not write me off to make herself feel better!!! LOL
I just have the one brother, and he is challenged, both physically and mentally. He is self supporting, but has an attitude of a young teenager, so he tends to be quite obnoxious much of the time. If any of you that have or deal with kids, can imagine a 14 year old boy who has worked hard, and has no real friends, and is saddened by that, and you know how they act when they have to be around the family all the time!! That is my brother. Problem is he is 48 years old, forever stuck being a kid. He argues about everything, so adults get fed up with him quickly, he gets along great with other kids---but it is not appropriate to be hanging out with kids when you are an old man. And they all grow up on him.....it is sad, and frustrating. But when he hurts me, hurts my feelings---he is not violent in any manner----I can give him the benefit of the doubt, and know he has a problem. I am sorry, you have to deal with a sister being this way. You deserve better!
StrangeDZ---you come in while I was gone, and I am sorry, I don't know another name to call you! I am Kat. I was banded in April of 06. I am down a hundred pounds, and sitting tight. I have no fill, but am comfortable where I am, and not working it like I should! I am married to a wonderful man, Rick. 99.9 % of the time when I refer to DH it is Dear, or Darling Husband the other .01, it is Damn husband! Together we have 3 kids, and 6 grandkids. We live in New Mexico, in the nrothwest corner, just a few miles out of Colorado, we also have property in Texas, which is where I have been.
I ask in the mod forum about the sharing, also about email notifications, and taking you to new posts, and why the font and size freeze, and why ALL the changes at once! Good grief, it just frustrates me! I have so many PMs as a moderator asking me questions, and we have or at least I have not been told a single damn thing!
So you wanna change the logo---change it! You need to add advertising space to pay for bandwidth, do it. But to change EVERYTHING all at once is asking for problems. what is wrong with a gradual upgrade?
Eh female brain vs. male brain Rick says.
So all night and all morning my jaw hurt. I have a cracked filling, so I called to set up a dentist appointment. She told me she just had a cancellation and if I come right then they would see me---I whipped around, to head back, called my Dad to get Kinsey, and went to the dentist. Well the filling is still cracked, but the Xrays are clear, and he thinks it is from the swelling in the glands under my ear, causing the pain---the teeth look good. So that eased my mind. I call my Mom to tell her I am on my way---I woke her up! She and Dad fell asleep and forgot to get Kinsey from the bus! I was in a state! Well I had my phone off in the dentist office as the sign said! When the bus come and I was not there, they honked, and my neighbor heard it, she went out, and when Kinsey saw her she told the driver it was her auntie Connie---so they let her go there! She was in their house eating milk and Cookies. Scared the crap out of me----and out of my folks (who kinda deserved it!!!). Dad come FLYING up here, before I could let them know where she was and that she was safe---so he took her home, and Manda picked her up there. Her Dad actually DID come in for Thanksgiving and her birthday. He told her he was coming for her birthday and she was counting on it! I am so glad he did not disappoint her. so she is spending the night and day with him tomorrow, so I have a free day to prep for Thanksgiving.
I am putting my turkey in a brine this year for the first time ever---anyone do it???
Well I better see if this posts or gets lost in cyber space, or shared, or whatever!!!!

When I get the urge to eat, just for the sake of eating, the first step I take is to get a glass of ice Water, and try that. If the thought still doesn't go away---I head out for a walk or hit the elliptical.
Sometimes brushing my teeth helps----but moving is the only way I have truly found to squash the urge to eat. There were times in the beginning, I would take 3 walks a day, just to have a plan in place to avoid food at non food times!!! Not super long walks----just enough to break a cycle of thinking I needed to eat if I sat down in front of the TV for instance.....
I WISH I had the answer to head hunger, I would be well loved!!!
Kat

Yes if you PB, go onto liquids for awhile, give your stomach a chance to recover.
It sounds to me as though you did not need the last fill, and you may well be too tight. There is no law that you must get fills on a regular schedule. You should never be so tight as to only be able to eat pureed foods and liquids.
Why did you have the fill? Had you quit losing weight where you were?
Ideally if you are still able to control the hunger, with a proper diet high in Protein, low in sugar and carbs ideally----and are losing 1-2 pounds per week, then a fill is not indicated.
I am almost 2 years out, and have only had 2 fills the entire time, the last one was a year ago last July!!! I am not losing the 1-2 pounds a week anymore, but I am not hungry.....so I work on the weight myself, I feel it to be a safer approach. I have mild restriction.....but am able to eat any food----and try to get good nutrition from the food I take in.
The problem with being too tightm, besides the fact it might lead to erosion, is that when you are tight you end up eating higher calorie softer foods, that do not stay with you as long as lean Protein does. If your fills are causing you to PB more, and you know you are eating properly--small, well chewed bites, then I would discuss a small unfill with your Dr. So much better to be safe than sorry!
I can see how you find this scary---I would too. Hope you get some good answers---from those who have had more fills.
Good Luck!
Kat

You know, if you are eating more than usual, and were getting hungry sooner, you might have been ready for the fill. It may just be some residual swelling as you adjust to it.
I would take it very easy, go onto some liquids, then just feel your way along slowly--your body might just take a few days to settle back down following the new fill.
For me--I do feel like I am at my sweet spot---because I simply do not feel hunger. I can likely eat more than most bandsters because I am not very tight---I eat so much less than ever before, but more than some bandsters I know! Last night for dinner, I had a grilled hamburger on a bun, and I ate just about half of it, and about 1/2 cup of cottage cheese, and about 3 Scoop size fritos. Tonight we are having pot roast, I will eat a piece of roast---say 1/2 a cup, 1/2 of a potato and several small carrots....with the gravy it cooked in. I am tighter in the morning, I eat usually part of a container of yogurt with granola in it. If we go out for fast food, I can eat a Taco, and some pintos and cheese at Taco Bell.
I donot count calories, I try to eat healthier than the things I have mentioned here, I was just drawing on recent memory!!! I do try to make the biggest portions of my meal Protein and vegetables---less starchy foods.
I am having a TT done soon, and will have to be unfilled, I am afraid!!! I have not felt hungry to have to fight that feeling in almost 2 years! Not sure how I will do to be honest.
I am impressed that it was your first slime and PB after 5 months---you must be doing really well following the rules! Way to GO!!!
I would just take it easy, the fill may settle in, and be fine, but if you continue to have problems I would ask for a teensy weensy unfill ---no sense in being miserable.
Glad you are feeling better!
Kat

I'm so glad your DH was so proactive in the situation!!! Seeing a Dr. next week is definitely preferable.
That is what I am preaching at my DD-----get on it! Do it yourself!!! I hope she does as well as your DH---otherwise her Mama is gonna have to step in!!!
Hang in there, let us know!!!!!
Kat

Hi girls--SOOOOOOO good to see you!!!
The new girl at the top is actually from LBT this time. Her screen name here is BooBooKitty. They changed it, and they also added what they call a landing page.....if you click the HOME and FORUM tabs at the top you can go back and forth and see the new changes. The landing page is all part of the new magazine thing going on. Has been a time of change for sure!!!
Well I am on a less than a month countdown now!!! I told Rick this morning, this is the last 21st of any month I will wake up with this belly!!!! He just looked at me like I had lost my ever lovin' mind!!! LOL
We got some nice rides in this weekend---was pretty out, but the wind kicked up. We also helped our friends Becky & Gary do some siding on their house, and I got major sunburned on my chest, and arms....I know my chest will peel, dangit.
My DD is in need of some health prayers, please. She has been having issues, and they finally decided maybe the palpitations she was having were related to the back pain. So they did an MRI---and found some serious problems, in multiple areas. She does have a mild herniation of L2, but that is not being worried about right now, they found some serious stenosis, of the ascending aorta into her heart into the aorta valve. She is seeing a cardiologist with a cardio/thoracic surgeon on staff. The MRI also picked up a HUGE all encompassing mass on her right ovary. She has the ultrasound of it Thursday, today she has her blood draw for a CA125 tumor marker test. It scares me half to death. Trying to remain calm, and deal with each of them as the issues are being dealt with.
I will say as wierd as it is, her ex husband is being sooooo good through it all, I am unsure how to act. Just going to be thankful, she sure does not need more stress right now.
So if you could remember her, in your prayers, I would be forever grateful. Her name is Manda and she is only 26....lots to face at that age.
Well Kinsey is awake and ready for Breakfast now....so I will check in soon, and I am so glad to see you back Sherry---cool bike, you and Mandy will be Hot on those new bikes as you cruise around!!
Kat

Okay,
My gay sistah, btw, I love that you put your partner out there in your initial post. Got to love the out people. Thanks from all of us.
I wanted to write sooner but had other obligations...I hope you don't mind me coming late to the conversation.
Others have touched on hormones being released and emotional eating. I was initially struck with how it seems like you are greiving. You've given up your comfort mechanism and you can't go back. Ever. Not that you want to, but it's real and final and done. Now you need to find a new way to cope. What's a rational person to do?
Temper tantrums seem reasonable to me. Well, so long as you don't hurt anyone or yourself. And this will be a short lived phase.
I don't know if medication is the solution or if really wrapping your head around the tantrums will be effective for you, but certainly try different methods. I mean you've got to live in your skin and people do have to live with you.
One effective way to work your way through the rage is to just own it. Lay on the floor and kick and scream like a 3 year old. You might look foolish, but it feels great. I did it once when my kiddo was having a fit and I was going to beat the tar out of her. So instead I took a clue from her and did the same thing she was doing. She thought I was nuts. I thought it was effective at getting out my stress and no one got hurt.
As for the crying jags they will become fewer and longer spaced inbetween.
It's happening for the same reason a child has fits. You don't have the words to describe your emotions, and without the words you don't have a way to process the concepts.
This is from some business model I came across but a way to get answers and solution is something like the 6 Whys or the 6 questions. Example:
1. Why am I sad? I'm sad because this man has cancer.
2. Why does cancer make you sad? This person will die.
3. Why is death sad? People I love will be gone from me.
4. Who do you see passing soon? Grandma, grandpa
5. What can you do to connect with them? Visit write a letter, etc.
6. What is stopping that from happening? Make a plan....
I don't know what to say other than be kind to yourself right now. You need not add guilt or other stress to an already stressfull situation. Ask your partner for a little understanding and maybe an end date that until you meet it she'll be flexible with your bad behavior. Then she gets to say enough is enough.
Keep on writing. I'm sure many other people will propose solutions that will help you out. One of them is bound to give you peace.
Juli

Don't you remember the reputation power thing from before BBK? The little white scales on the bottom between the colored dot showing whether you are online or not, and the post report icon......you can click on it, and give others kudos-------or at least that is how I remember it being. It didn't last long before. Too many people I think used it like a High School Popularity thing....
Then again-----I may be all wrong----would NOT be the first time!!!! LOL
Kat

I was banded in Mexico, without a problem one.
Prior to being banded, I made extensive arrangements for follow up care. I live in a rural area, and there are in fact no more Dr.'s in my state doing lap band---the last one had his medical license revoked.....
So with the assistance of the coordinator, and the surgeon himself, we made more local arrangements for follow up care. But even then the surgeon doing my fills is 6 hours away 1 way. So my surgeon, was still not happy----he had me contact a local surgeon looking for someone willing to do an emergency unfill on me if necessary. I eventually found someone, in my former oncologist.
Once all those plans were in place, and only then, did he agree to band me.
For 2 years all went well. Then a couple of weeks ago, I got sick, with a virus, and ended up with my stoma swollen closed. My "local" band doc was out of town----and my fall back on my oncologist, was teaching a class at mayo clinic in Scottsdale AZ. Leave it to me to get sick during Spring Break!!!
Through the help of my band surgeons office, and the office of my fill Dr. they referred me to Fill Centers USA. They did not EVER say a single bad thing about Mexican Dr.'s. I had several hours drive to get to any of the Fill Centers--but they were going to come in on the weekend, and accomodate me in any way. They actually had one of the Dr.'s from another office call and discuss my issues. My original surgeon, called and talked over my problems. Slowly but surely the swelling subsided, and I have been fine ever since.
When this happen I called my insurance company and talked things over with them. Back 2 years ago when I was banded---my policy DID cover lap band----but due to some serious hoop jumping, I chose to go to a Dr. of my choice, and went to Mexicali, MX. instead. BUT the insurance company has since relaxed many of their policies regarding lap banding, and any complications requiring medical care, will be covered. If I were to ever require removal and chose to have it done in the states it would be covered. If I use a MX Dr. who has been approved, I can apply to have my medical expenses reimbursed. If I would have had to travel for treatment of my band, I can even claim some of that!
I do not now, nor have I EVER work for any surgeon, in the USA or in Mexico. I do not receive any kickbacks from anyone for saying positive things about my experience.
Much of how ANY surgery goes is up to the patient. Eating burgers following surgery---waiting when there is an obvious infection----both are obvious NO's!!!
If I had been able to find a Dr. who had the experience and credentials of the surgeon I used, and he were down the road 20 minutes, and I could have afforded it---hell yeah I would have been there! BUT that was not an option. I planned it well, and made arrangement in case something did come up----and I went.
You should have had aftercare in the USA set up long before surgery, not when you come back with an infection already going. If I were to go to a local Dr. for stitches in my hand, and let it get infected-------no other local Dr. is going to want to suddenly assume liability of me either! They are going to suggest I go back to the other Dr. and let him follow up.
I do know there is a bias among Dr.'s and the medical field often about Mexican medical treatments-----but I would be willing to bet many of them were trained by the very Dr.'s we used.
I would go back---and I have recommended and sent several to my surgeon--and will continue to do so with a clear conscience----but an empty wallet!!!
Kat

Don't you remember the reputation power thing from before BBK? The little white scales on the bottom between the colored dot showing whether you are online or not, and the post report icon......you can click on it, and give others kudos-------or at least that is how I remember it being. It didn't last long before. Too many people I think used it like a High School Popularity thing....
Then again-----I may be all wrong----would NOT be the first time!!!! LOL
Kat

Hi!
Just checking in to see if we heard from any of the newly bandeds---and I see we have---hope the rest are following along as well!!! WooHooo welcome to bandland!!!!
Pamela, you can check out the syrups on the website www.davincigourmet.com they have tons of SF flavors---I have used several, and am hooked!!! They ship quickly, fairly inexpensively, and I have never had anything come in broken. I am a huge toffee addict, I love the English Toffee, and the Caramel. The Dulce Ce Leche is similar, but reminds me of the caramel used for caramel apples at Halloween.
I too love Mexican food, and had enchiladas as my first food, refried Beans as my first mushie....still it is the easiest of all food for me to eat.
Sorry talking about those things to liquid dieters, is referred to as "food porn"----I'll behave!
My 2 year old granddaughter has croup. Poor little darlin' sounds so horrible! When she coughs and makes that horrid barking sound she looks so confused as to why that sound is coming from her!!! Then she very meekly says "scuse me" she cracks me up!!! The best with her lately is when she wants to go to Fudruckers for a hamburger---do not ask a child who just turned 2 to say Fudruckers!!!
Well ladies, I hope all of you are hanging in there---I am hoping the rest of our new banders are ok----will check on all of you in the morning. sleep Well!
Kat

Shocking your body with a calorie increase, or exercise increase might help bump the weight loss again. You have now lost all the Water, and Fluid weight, and your body is probably taking an inventory here---and not liking what it is finding---you are starving it!!! I know you are still on liquids, so you might hit a lull, until you can move on to the next stage. Until then, work on increasing movement maybe---it will help keep your metabolism up.
It is such a guessing game!!! I know they say you have to burn more calories than you take in..... period.......but I have also found, that too many days of just that and my body sets out to show me who is boss, and weight loss stops! Now during those times, I am still dropping inches---so check that---it helps mentally!!! I have lost a lot of inches, during times that my weight is stabalized. I have weighed near this weight for some time however when I first hit this point, I was wearing a tight size 16---now my 14's are loose---so my body continues to morph, whether the scale moves or not!
Don't know if any of you use them, but the DaVinci syrups changed their shipping costs---they went down. They have tons of sugar free flavors---they can make the Protein Shake stage so much tastier!!!
I actually use the Syrup in several different ways--I use it in my oatmeal even!
As far as blending the lasagna---it might be ok. The problem I have with pasta---to this day---and I am almost a year out. Th Pasta "grows" once I eat it. Have you ever put a pot of homemade chicken noodle Soup in the fridge, and when you get it out the next day, the noodles have soaked up the entire pot of liquid? I feel like it tries to do that in my stomach! The pasta keeps increasing in size, and then has problems passing! I chew it into small pieces, but in my stomach they swell, and then pass through the stoma very slowly. I can eat an average of 2/3 to 1 cup of food per meal, but with pasta, I can only do about 1/4 of a cup. Blended, it may be ok, but I would use very little of the pasta, and use mostly the filling. I have the same issue with potatoes---and it is the same with potato soup, I cannot eat as much of it as I can say vegetable soup---go figure!
Have a good one!!! (those of you celebrating bathroom successes, can take this as you wish!!!)
Kat

Jennifur, when you fill your pouch, the only place for excess to go is up into the esophagus----which is where your Water is! It will trickle down-----walk, deep breaths might help. Yep----I answer with a voice of experience, not guzzling tea was my hard thing to learn!!!
Kat

Morning all!
As soon as I posted how to give rep power---they moved all the icons!! But it still works the same. Try it out!

Well today is my 1 year bandiversary! In fact one year ago this time, I was being wheeled in to surgery, and was a nervous wreck!! A year later--life is so different! 90 pounds---not a record by any means, but one helluva record for me! I cannot begin to convey the changes, it has brought about. I hang out here, excited to see all of you go through it, your enthusiasm keeps me motivated! The only pictures I have availabel right now are my before and my 50 pound loss pictures. I took a 75 pounds lost, but it was at Christmas, and the decorations on the door behind me, made it difficult to see. I intend on having Rick (DH) take my 1 year photos tonight. I will attach the 50 pound loss pics, just imagine, it is almost that much again---that just blows me away!
I had several little things I put on a list on a thread a year ago that I wanted to accomplish with my band---I have almost met them all in a year!
* I can cross my legs--squat-- sit on the floor and get up with ease
* I rode rides at a local carnival, so know I'll fit roller coasters this summer
* I buy clothes in Misses, no more Plus sizes!
* I no longer feel like people stare at me due to my weight
* I actually liked the family pictures we had made---I ALWAYS hated them before!
* I wanted to be able to share clothes with my DD---and while that has been accomplished, so far it is a one way street, she borrows mine, hers a still a bit small!! But the knowledge that she can wear mine, thrills us both!
* I take NO high blood pressure meds, NO diabetes meds---NOTHING!
* My cholesterol numbers are so good they make my Dr smile!
* I am able to ride my horses again, without feeling like the ASPCA is going to come after me for animal cruelty.
* I hike the farm with my husband, I no longer sit on the edge of a pool, or make excuses to avoid physical outings.

This list could go on, I no longer remember what all was on the first one. There are things I could not have foreseen a year ago, that I find to be awesome success. First of all the friends I have made on this board, have taken on such importance to me. I discuss you in real life, my husband asks about you! I thank each and every one of you for the support and friendship given me this last year--and look forward to the continuation of it! Another amazing aspect of this, was the ability to continue weight loss, or at least maintain during times of HUGE stress. I went through a time back before most of you on the Head Start on Spring board were around, that my stress levels were off the chart! Within a month of my banding, we found out my DH's mitral valve in his heart was failing, and he required open heart surgery. Before he could get it done, he got a blood clot, which took awhile to clear, and his heart kept getting worse. Finally in August he had surgery, successfully---and we thought all was well. But in Oct. He got sick and simply threw up---and due to al the blood thinners, he tore his esophagus, where it attaches to the stomach, and began bleeding profusely--I have never seen so much blood. The Dr. took me to a small room in the hospital, and told me due to the blood thinners, they could not stop the bleeding, that he would likely expire within the next 15 minutes. They were trying an experiment on him, but would I like to be with him as he passed? To tell you this months later makes me cry---I have NEVER been so scared in my life--this man is the love of my life! He was dying! Through some smart Dr.'s and a well timed experiment, they saved him! He ended up with almost 30 units of blood, and half again that of platelets--for the clotting factor. And he has no serious side efects from all of that. Now before my band, I would have been up a minimum of 30 pounds, I would have eaten everything in sight, I am a stress eater! I eat, I cannot sleep---I would have been out of control. The band was a such a blessing, it sat in there and did its job even when I couldn't! And I could sit in the ICU waiting room, waiting to see him without stuffing my face---thinking only of him. It got me through huge stresses---I love this band!
I tell you this long story, so you know that as you head into this next year, you are no longer alone in the weight battle. That little silicon fist is in there wrapped tight around your belly helping every day! And the friends you make here will be there praying for you and for anything that comes your way. I fully believe the prayers that went up from all corners of the USA and 3 different countries for my DH made a difference.
The first month is not always easy---but neither was walking around with the weight---and as you heal it gets so much better!!!! 90 pounds better for me!
The big deal for me today is a 3 way combo----#1 it is my bandiversary, #2. I am down 90 pounds, and #3 that puts me into Onederland!!!!! At least for today!!!
Thanks for listening guys!!!
Kat

Morning all!
As soon as I posted how to give rep power---they moved all the icons!! But it still works the same. Try it out!

Well today is my 1 year bandiversary! In fact one year ago this time, I was being wheeled in to surgery, and was a nervous wreck!! A year later--life is so different! 90 pounds---not a record by any means, but one helluva record for me! I cannot begin to convey the changes, it has brought about. I hang out here, excited to see all of you go through it, your enthusiasm keeps me motivated! The only pictures I have availabel right now are my before and my 50 pound loss pictures. I took a 75 pounds lost, but it was at Christmas, and the decorations on the door behind me, made it difficult to see. I intend on having Rick (DH) take my 1 year photos tonight. I will attach the 50 pound loss pics, just imagine, it is almost that much again---that just blows me away!
I had several little things I put on a list on a thread a year ago that I wanted to accomplish with my band---I have almost met them all in a year!
* I can cross my legs--squat-- sit on the floor and get up with ease
* I rode rides at a local carnival, so know I'll fit roller coasters this summer
* I buy clothes in Misses, no more Plus sizes!
* I no longer feel like people stare at me due to my weight
* I actually liked the family pictures we had made---I ALWAYS hated them before!
* I wanted to be able to share clothes with my DD---and while that has been accomplished, so far it is a one way street, she borrows mine, hers a still a bit small!! But the knowledge that she can wear mine, thrills us both!
* I take NO high blood pressure meds, NO diabetes meds---NOTHING!
* My cholesterol numbers are so good they make my Dr smile!
* I am able to ride my horses again, without feeling like the ASPCA is going to come after me for animal cruelty.
* I hike the farm with my husband, I no longer sit on the edge of a pool, or make excuses to avoid physical outings.

This list could go on, I no longer remember what all was on the first one. There are things I could not have foreseen a year ago, that I find to be awesome success. First of all the friends I have made on this board, have taken on such importance to me. I discuss you in real life, my husband asks about you! I thank each and every one of you for the support and friendship given me this last year--and look forward to the continuation of it! Another amazing aspect of this, was the ability to continue weight loss, or at least maintain during times of HUGE stress. I went through a time back before most of you on the Head Start on Spring board were around, that my stress levels were off the chart! Within a month of my banding, we found out my DH's mitral valve in his heart was failing, and he required open heart surgery. Before he could get it done, he got a blood clot, which took awhile to clear, and his heart kept getting worse. Finally in August he had surgery, successfully---and we thought all was well. But in Oct. He got sick and simply threw up---and due to al the blood thinners, he tore his esophagus, where it attaches to the stomach, and began bleeding profusely--I have never seen so much blood. The Dr. took me to a small room in the hospital, and told me due to the blood thinners, they could not stop the bleeding, that he would likely expire within the next 15 minutes. They were trying an experiment on him, but would I like to be with him as he passed? To tell you this months later makes me cry---I have NEVER been so scared in my life--this man is the love of my life! He was dying! Through some smart Dr.'s and a well timed experiment, they saved him! He ended up with almost 30 units of blood, and half again that of platelets--for the clotting factor. And he has no serious side efects from all of that. Now before my band, I would have been up a minimum of 30 pounds, I would have eaten everything in sight, I am a stress eater! I eat, I cannot sleep---I would have been out of control. The band was a such a blessing, it sat in there and did its job even when I couldn't! And I could sit in the ICU waiting room, waiting to see him without stuffing my face---thinking only of him. It got me through huge stresses---I love this band!
I tell you this long story, so you know that as you head into this next year, you are no longer alone in the weight battle. That little silicon fist is in there wrapped tight around your belly helping every day! And the friends you make here will be there praying for you and for anything that comes your way. I fully believe the prayers that went up from all corners of the USA and 3 different countries for my DH made a difference.
The first month is not always easy---but neither was walking around with the weight---and as you heal it gets so much better!!!! 90 pounds better for me!
The big deal for me today is a 3 way combo----#1 it is my bandiversary, #2. I am down 90 pounds, and #3 that puts me into Onederland!!!!! At least for today!!!
Thanks for listening guys!!!
Kat

Hey Jill, and any one else who is interested---there is now a way to give Tracy (or anyone you see fit) a public nod in another way. One of the new features of LBT. Up in the right hand corner we now each have a rep power---the more posts you have or the more kudos you are given by other posters the higher your rep power number goes, is my understanding. In order to do this, you click on one of the posts by the person, and in the upper right corner in the middle is now a scale icon (to the left of the exclamation point---to me it looks like a set of scales). It will allow you to give good or not so good feedback, and leave a message, that I understood the poster could see on her User CP page. I am sure as this feature is finalized, we will hear more about it. But thought you might want to try it for our Tracy girl!!!
Kat

Morning all!
As soon as I posted how to give rep power---they moved all the icons!! But it still works the same. Try it out!

Well today is my 1 year bandiversary! In fact one year ago this time, I was being wheeled in to surgery, and was a nervous wreck!! A year later--life is so different! 90 pounds---not a record by any means, but one helluva record for me! I cannot begin to convey the changes, it has brought about. I hang out here, excited to see all of you go through it, your enthusiasm keeps me motivated! The only pictures I have availabel right now are my before and my 50 pound loss pictures. I took a 75 pounds lost, but it was at Christmas, and the decorations on the door behind me, made it difficult to see. I intend on having Rick (DH) take my 1 year photos tonight. I will attach the 50 pound loss pics, just imagine, it is almost that much again---that just blows me away!
I had several little things I put on a list on a thread a year ago that I wanted to accomplish with my band---I have almost met them all in a year!
* I can cross my legs--squat-- sit on the floor and get up with ease
* I rode rides at a local carnival, so know I'll fit roller coasters this summer
* I buy clothes in Misses, no more Plus sizes!
* I no longer feel like people stare at me due to my weight
* I actually liked the family pictures we had made---I ALWAYS hated them before!
* I wanted to be able to share clothes with my DD---and while that has been accomplished, so far it is a one way street, she borrows mine, hers a still a bit small!! But the knowledge that she can wear mine, thrills us both!
* I take NO high blood pressure meds, NO diabetes meds---NOTHING!
* My cholesterol numbers are so good they make my Dr smile!
* I am able to ride my horses again, without feeling like the ASPCA is going to come after me for animal cruelty.
* I hike the farm with my husband, I no longer sit on the edge of a pool, or make excuses to avoid physical outings.

This list could go on, I no longer remember what all was on the first one. There are things I could not have foreseen a year ago, that I find to be awesome success. First of all the friends I have made on this board, have taken on such importance to me. I discuss you in real life, my husband asks about you! I thank each and every one of you for the support and friendship given me this last year--and look forward to the continuation of it! Another amazing aspect of this, was the ability to continue weight loss, or at least maintain during times of HUGE stress. I went through a time back before most of you on the Head Start on Spring board were around, that my stress levels were off the chart! Within a month of my banding, we found out my DH's mitral valve in his heart was failing, and he required open heart surgery. Before he could get it done, he got a blood clot, which took awhile to clear, and his heart kept getting worse. Finally in August he had surgery, successfully---and we thought all was well. But in Oct. He got sick and simply threw up---and due to al the blood thinners, he tore his esophagus, where it attaches to the stomach, and began bleeding profusely--I have never seen so much blood. The Dr. took me to a small room in the hospital, and told me due to the blood thinners, they could not stop the bleeding, that he would likely expire within the next 15 minutes. They were trying an experiment on him, but would I like to be with him as he passed? To tell you this months later makes me cry---I have NEVER been so scared in my life--this man is the love of my life! He was dying! Through some smart Dr.'s and a well timed experiment, they saved him! He ended up with almost 30 units of blood, and half again that of platelets--for the clotting factor. And he has no serious side efects from all of that. Now before my band, I would have been up a minimum of 30 pounds, I would have eaten everything in sight, I am a stress eater! I eat, I cannot sleep---I would have been out of control. The band was a such a blessing, it sat in there and did its job even when I couldn't! And I could sit in the ICU waiting room, waiting to see him without stuffing my face---thinking only of him. It got me through huge stresses---I love this band!
I tell you this long story, so you know that as you head into this next year, you are no longer alone in the weight battle. That little silicon fist is in there wrapped tight around your belly helping every day! And the friends you make here will be there praying for you and for anything that comes your way. I fully believe the prayers that went up from all corners of the USA and 3 different countries for my DH made a difference.
The first month is not always easy---but neither was walking around with the weight---and as you heal it gets so much better!!!! 90 pounds better for me!
The big deal for me today is a 3 way combo----#1 it is my bandiversary, #2. I am down 90 pounds, and #3 that puts me into Onederland!!!!! At least for today!!!
Thanks for listening guys!!!
Kat