NYSparklegirl

Hi all.

Im watching changing americas school eating?? Or something like this. It takes place in Huntington VA I think. Its about a chef who comes from England and is going to try to change the school lunch prgram one school at a time.

It is the premier of a reality series changing the way we eat and prepare foods. I think it is a goody....and he is just tearing apart the food we feed our kids...at lunch...home etc,

I took Dassi off the lunch program at school about two months ago after there were several days where the lunch consisted of......fried chicken..mashed potatoes, rice as a substitute, Jello and juice to drink. No salad or vegetable....when approached...the persons in charge...said it was a mistake but after several days like this over two months..I had it. so...took her off and now I have to make her own lunches...since taking her off...she has slimmed down...and feels better and she is actually eating all her lunch instead of throwing half it out.

well.....hope everyone had a great weekend.

Mrs. Bubba; hope you are feeling better or will be feeling better soon. No fun not feeling well!!!

Apples..Im glad you are feeling better!! I dont know what stones feel like however...from your description it hurts like a bitch so im glad they have passed!!!!

Apples - Sorry for the pain of passing it - but glad it is gone forever. Great plan to focus on rest today.

Well - tomorrow I advance from mushies to all foods. I'm a sissy, so I'll go very, very slowly keeping in mind all I have learned here. I understand that it will be my responsibility to get to know MY band and that each one/person it different.

I'm very comfortable here - so I'll go slowly.

Now for confessions - my b'day week - total 3 glasses of wine (one at each dinner/celebration) I enjoy wine and have missed it since Feb. 8th when pre diet began. Also had a 4 oz. Hagen Daaz choc. Peanut Butter ice cream for my b'day dessert.

Started to mentally punish myself and experience guilt --- then called it to a Halt. I'm human and occasional, moderate treats are OK.

Any suggestions/advice as I move forward??

Joyce

Phyl - way to go girl - so few want to volunteer and good for you to train for emergencies. Love the pictures.

We are all human....and bday celebrations are celebrations!

however....I just heard a story today....

my aunt told me about her friend who was banded...so you should be aware....a glass of wine maybe fine however....she landed up in the hospital after drinking sips of wine all night...not knowing that she was becoming dehydrated. She started throwing up and went to the hospital where they told her that "Wine" is very dehydrating and that with a band its very important to drink 64oz of liquid and wine will dehydrate you to the point that it can be very dangerous. so please be careful.

Good afternoon guys~

Jodi~ I have not personally used the Purity supplement. Are you talking about the purity organic juice? Our nutritionist was talking about them- have to be careful as some of them have up to 120 cal for 8 oz serving and the bottle is 2 servings. One gal was having two "bottles" a day and didn't realize she was having almost 500 cal a day with this juice. They do have a powder, is that the one you are talking about? Only 60 cal/serving. I drink the little V8 juices (low sodium)- usually one a day.

Yes, the organic juice, but the powder one that has 60 cal. and no sugar per serving. They have a "reds" and a "greens". The taste is pretty good. So, the question is....is it important to supplement with something to get the vegetables that we arent getting or at least Im not getting now or going to get for a long time to come yet?

It also is a liquid so...I figure kill two birds with one stone....8 oz of liquid at a time..and gettting the veggies and fruits at the same time, perhaps it doesnt matter?? Im not sure. what do you think about this? If your drinking a V8 a day then I guess it matters some??

It sounds like we enjoyed our Sunday--lounging around, reading, etc. Karen, glad you are better--those babies can hurt! I did the prep for my taxes. AARP does them for free at the clubhouse! I'll go tomorrow and have them done. I should get back a bit--paying for all that cosmetic surgery will help.

SO--this guy has been calling me everyday since Thurs night. Sorry, but I am really not interested. Girls just wanna have fun! and he isn't. NEXT! (there are other reasons too...)

Tomorrow I am meeting someone with an 11 year old poodle that needs a new home. (no fault of the poodle) The new home will NOT be mine, but I may foster. Let's see if Bitsy (the bitch) will be nice to her.

I want to go to the beach! Let's see if the weather cooperates with my desires. Everyone is invited.

OMG..dont you hate when the guy doesnt really get the hint and you really have to tell them this isnt going to happen?? It sad sort of...but we cant like everyone...and we should have a choice as to whom we spend time with! lol

We have a saying...it should happen at a good time..oh and of course we add....with gods speed....lol

but I applaud you for going out at all!!!! Its tough out there! and because for the prince to come you have to kiss alot of frogs....but sometimes....we find a little socialization is good too and he doesnt have to be the "prince" for you...but for someone else....and in the meantime he might be at least decent company for dinner or something similar.

sorry this one was a dud!

Have a great night every night and a great week!!!!

Jodi

OMG! Very small world! I grew up in Coram. I was born at St. Charles Hospital in Port Jefferson. :laugh: I also lived in Florida for 5 years :thumbup: I've been back here for almost 12 years. I lived in Orlando and I miss the warm Florida weather :tongue2:

Yes' date=' we'll def have to meet up! :thumbup:

My husband and I moved to Yaphank this past August. I like it. It's pretty quiet but there's no 7-11! :smile: lol

Oh! My cousin, who lives in Victoria B.C. was banded by Dr. Ortiz in Mexico in August. Is that who your surgeon is?[/quote']

Amy....I see you also live in LI but havent heard of Yaphank. I live in the five towns. Cedarhurst. Are you familiar with this area? We spend weekends in summer in FI.

Not sure where you are in comparison. Who did you use for banding? I used Dr. Holover with LI Bariatric with Dr. Holover and Dr. Garber..who did you use?

Hi All!

I am a March bander :laugh: (March 16th to be exact).... I live on Long Island and I am hoping to be on this amazing journey with you all.....

Hi I am on Long Island as well. Who are you doing the band with?? I had mine done with Dr. Holover with LI bariatric. How are you now?? Hope you are feeling fine and had an easy surgery.

Four more days!!! I am down 20lbs so far on my pre-op diet!!!

Hiya guys... Its been a few days... I was banded around 8am or so on Friday..Got to the hospital at 5:30am and Remember heading to surgery at 7:30am.. I remember being in my room around Noon, Dr Urbandt was awesome, so friendly and calming too.. He told my Mom and Dad that surgery took longer due to the fact I had really strong ABS that took longer to get into.

I was in a great amount of pain, I honestly didnt think it would be this painfully, I was up and moving around 2pm friday, I wasnt allowed to drink until Saturday AM, until had a gastric View Test. They were going to keep me another night due to the amount of pain I was in and not being able to keep anything done, But I really wanted to go home so They let me go at 5pm yesterday, I stayed at my Folks Hotel, and now I am now at my own home and bed :smile:

Still is a good amount of pain :laugh: Just trying to walk and sip, walk and sip...

Glad you are home now!!!

Im sorry you had a such a hard time the first days. Take the pain killers....dont even think about it..just take them.

I also had a hard time the first day. I was throwing up after waking up and taking a few sips...that was the worst!!! Once they took out some air..I felt horrible but after that I began to feel slightely better...but my blood pressure was too high and they wouldnt let me leave until it came down..so i did have to stay another night.

It did get better...It will for you as well too. It might not seem so now...but it will. Give it three days....sip and walk like you said...and dont be scared to take the pain killers they really do help. Every day you will start to feel better...after a week...you will not feel the pain or the gas as much...just do whatever the doctor says and drink those Protein Drinks, its really important for nutrition and healing.

Will you be on mushies or liquids this week??

Dont overdo..and try to get that 64oz of liquid in....you know the breakdown right??

64oz..and 40 to 60 mg of Protein. Thats 15x3 drinks of whatever a day...sip, sip sip.

Hugs and kisses your way....you did it..the worst is behind....now its just going forward!!

Its worth it!!! I lost 16 pds the first week...and only after the week..did I say okay so far it was worth it......

I hope it will be that way for you.

have a great night feel good,

Jodi

Hi everyone!!

Hope everyone is having a beutiful weekend!!

It is simply gorgeous in NY. Upper Seventies?? whod have thunk after last weeks storm that we would have such amazing weather??

We walked in the park for an hour or so with the dog...boy was she a happy camper!

Shabbat was quiet....... Been scouting out my recipes..for the Seders we are having here next week. I actually made some menus and got the shopping list ready. My daughter was away for shabbat and mom was with...so it gave me some time to work this through.....otherwise... next week will be here and id be running around like a chicken without a head.

Monday we start cleaning....and cleaning and cleaning...till I can Kosher the kitchen....probably this will be done by Wednesday and then ill start shopping and such....its gonna be a busy week!!!

Im feeling really good. I have been drinking my Protein drinks.....and I had a soft boiled egg the outside only for Breakfast a Protein Shake for snack and ground chicken..an oz. for lunch....starting to get a little hungry I think....so might have a two tablespoons of cottage cheese for dinner.

I also found...this product from Purity....called "REDS" and "GREENS" that are a powder that you mix with Water that give you all the fruits and vegetables that you would need for daily recquirements. It tastes good. I fugure since im not eating all those fruits and veggies...that I would try this twice daily. No sugars, no total carbs.......2.

Has anyone else tried these products and do they think they are helpful as from what I hear...the Proteins are the most important...and if such where do fruits and veggies come in..esp those that will not agree with the band??

Have found...choc chewy cal nuggets...that are citrate?? is that right? they are yummy and are not chalky at all...but three out the bag.

I will call the surgeon and find out the name of this product...I know someone was asking if anyone knew any products that were good....I like them...! lol maybe they will help.

Tomorrow we go to acting sessions all day...with Dassi. She is excited as she has an audition with an agency that will be on site and well....who knows?

Hope you are all having a great weekend.....

Jodi

I had my first post - op yesturday and I cannot believe I lost 16 pds!!! I was like....no way. I dont feel like I did; I dont see it for sure....but thats what their scale says...and apparently they pride themselves on their scale. lol

I can now eat mushies...and thank god....as youve all heard I could not stand another day of just Clear Liquids and Protein Drinks.

SO...after I came home from the doctors I sat and had a tablespoon of cottage cheese...and let me tell you...that was like a little heaven!!! SO, yummy. It was the most delicious thing Ive ever eaten!!!!

Today...I had the same. (sad but true)

Tomorrow....I think something else maybe...lol

I asked the doctor...about what exactly happened to me...and why....after explaining I felt alot better!!!

Turns out it wasnt a prefil at that was put in and had to be taken out. What happened was...... apparently what happened was....they put the band in and yes your right its not filled with solution its empty however....when the surgeons attach the band to the port..air does get in the band which secures a tight fit around the area its placed. In my case the area around it became too tight due to the normal inflamation and so to relieve the tighteness that was causing the liquid to not pass easily....too slowely.....he took out whatever air was in their.....due to the attachement above right away the band fit like a glove..as its supposed to. I was on only clear liquids this whole week to help with the reduction of the inflamation..over the week...and I feel great now!!

I actually dont feel like I had surgery at all. I feel really good. Ive been taking the vitamins....and all that other stuff..but bottom line...im feeling fine.

I dont feel the port or incision at all and all the gas pains have dissipated.....Im a happy camper.

Ill have to eat mushies for a month and April 14th I go back. Im happy to eat mushies!! Yea

Hope everyone had a great day!

Have a good night.

Jods

Hi everyone...Hope everyone is feeling good!!! Those who have been banded and those going for it in the next two weeks...my thoughts are and wishes are with you all!!!

I had my first post - op yesturday and I cannot believe I lost 16 pds!!! I was like....no way. I dont feel like I did; I dont see it for sure....but thats what their scale says...and apparently they pride themselves on their scale. lol

I can now eat mushies...and thank god....as youve all heard I could not stand another day of just Clear Liquids and Protein Drinks. SO...after I came home from the doctors I sat and had a tablespoon of cottage cheese...and let me tell you...that was like a little heaven!!! SO, yummy. It was the most delicious thing Ive ever eaten!!!!

Today...I had the same.

Tomorrow....I think something else maybe...lol

Stevie, you were right.....turns out it wasnt a prefil at all. Apparently what hap

pened was....they put the band in and yes your right its not filled with solution its empty however....when the surgeons attach the band to the port..air does get in the band which secures a tight fit around the area its placed. In my case the area around it became too tight due to the normal inflamation and so to relieve the tighteness that was causing the liquid to not pass easily....too slowely.....he took out whatever air was in their.....due to the attachement above right away the band fit like a glove..as its supposed to. I was on only clear liquids this whole week to help with the reduction of the inflamation..over the week...and I feel great now!!

I actually dont feel like I had surgery at all. I feel really good. Ive been taking the vitamins....and all that other stuff..but bottom line...im feeling fine.

I dont feel the port or incision at all and all the gas pains have disipated.....Im a happy camper.

Ill have to eat mushies for a month and April 14th I go back.

Hello all. I am on day 5 of pre-op and so far so good. I have lost 11 lbs since last Thursday. I went in for my pre-op blood work today and the dangt nurse bless her heart stuck me 4 times and never found a vein. She felt so bad for sticking me so many times. Heck I am use to it. I know I have hard veins to find. She had to send me to the lab and they got me on one try. Then it was off to the bank to get my first of two payments for them. That was tough to have to withdraw that much money but it will be well worth it.

Ouch that must have hurt. U seem to be such a sport...id have been screaming like a banshee....When I had the surgery and they first put the IV on the back of my hand...after a few minutes it began to hurt....I was like Please take it out and put it in my arm. They said it wasnt really what they did but if it made me more comfortable....then they would...I felt much better and it didnt hurt at all. Yes, its alot of money..but like you said it will be so worth it!!!

Its olmost the 24th....

Question for you all -

My docter reccomended 2 multi chewable per day and 2X500mg chewable calcium citrate a day. The chewable isn't great, but doable, but I could not even tolerate the chewable Calcium without gagging. The pill was HUGE - about the size of the circle when you put your thumb and pointer finger together. Any suggestions for better tasting calcium?

Thanks!

Hi....Yes Ive tasted those pills....yuch. I got some really yummy ones...they are choclate chewable calcium bites. They come in a bag and they taste like a choc chew. I emptied the bags and poured them into a container....and Im not sure what the name of it is...but I will find out and let you know...in fact they are so yummy and you take four a day.....so I space it out and use them as a snack. lol

I got them from the doc office...they are really yummy everyone seems to agree...Ill let you know.....I will call tomorrow.

Banded 3/5

Start Weight 350

Current Weight 330

Goal Weight 200

I received a whole little packet of information with a member ID number. It came with a little temporary ID card, and I went on LAP-BAND®.com and I filled in my information and they sent me an actual patient ID card with all of mine and my Dr.'s information.

I didnt get anything lol. Maybe it will come in the mail in two weeks post op as well here....lol

a little unsolicited advice: be cautious about who you tell for just the reason you said. I think "dieting" and "weight loss" are like parenting, in that everyone has the right idea and best solution and they feel compelled to share it. shame is such a nonproductive thing anyway. so peace and love and good luck to you! I was banded March 8 and am doing very well ...

'

I agree...so true. People are so brainwashed about the way they think about "diets and "food" and the band/gastric bypass. If and when I get those dumb ass remarks I just say....my body, my life....I choose the tools I will use to get healthy....nothing not to like or like for u. I told people that im doing it before and now I tell them ive had it done..and if I get that,...but why cant you do it on your own...I just say....you have something in your body that doesnt belong??? how about an ear pierce?? that usually ends that conversation real quick!!!

Good Evening all,

So it is official I am banded. My surgery was last friday, and I'm feeling pretty good. My starting weight was 300, and the day of the surgery I had lost 20 pounds on the pre-op diet. Today I weight myself and I have lost ten pounds since the surgery.

I'm having to learn to drink all over again, in the past I was a Water gulper and now that hurts like a bad word when I do it. Someone had suggested purchasing the sippy cups that kids used so I did. I am now drinking from a SpongeBob cup, which is making it kind of fun!!

Today I probably did more than I should have, and am feeling it now. I also decided to make my husband dinner instead of him eating another cardboard box meal. He does not mind them, but I wanted to do something nice for him. I made meatloaf, mashed taters, and gravy. It was nice making dinner, and not even being tempted by it.

Glad to hear things are going good and you are feeling fine!!

I hated the liquid clear diet as well!!! If I have to have another sip of chicken soup...Ill really loose it..after all how many containers of Jello, ice pops and Protein drinks can you have...the broth broke it up but by the end of the week...I was screaming for something else lol.

Well...its time to go....

glad to catch up...Have a great night!!!

Jodi

My surgery is tomorrow at 7:30 AM, Super excited and nervous. Was supposed to be on clears today but I had little slip up at lunch But back on the wagon and Trying to Drink my slip up away hehehe!

Good luck.....youl do great!! Remember to walk walk walk....and sip, sip, sip after you awake. Will have you in my thoughts and prayers for tomorrow......

HI....hope everyone had a great day yesturday....Im feeling really good today....overdid it yesturday for sure..but today not bad!!! I go back for post op check up at 2:30 when I pray I can go to stage 2 or I just might have to just kill myself...as last night I think I actually felt something like hunger for the first time..and had some broth didnt really do it!!

heres was my day yesturday...as I couldnt post late last night!

It was Dassis bday yesturday so....after dropping her with donuts for evryone for her Birthday at 9:00 AM since that time I was running around all day!!!

Since then it was all about...well running. I ran to Oceanside which is about a half hour away....to pick up the liquid protein....that I was telling you all about that I found through a health care agency but couldn't do that till 11 AM...so had about an hour and half...so did what every mother does before a major holiday for her kids.......

Shopping for pesach clothes,..

which was pretty convenient as "KOHLS" was right around the corner from the place I needed to pick up the bottles!

Spent way way too much money....just my luck a "3 day sale" Not good!!!! 300 bucks that I dont have. Half needed to go back as they apparently werent her thing??? Does this mean no more shopping for her?? Is that what 11 years is about?

After bottles of the Liquid Protein being picked up I decided to check out that great Health store that everyone keeps telling me has great Kosher stuff which conveinently was on the way home in Oceanside.

Wish Id have been there before the surgery....would have saved time money,,,and probably my taste buds. However....I didnt. spent about an hour there...and had an amazing kosher Protein Drink to taste while waiting so I was able to get my proteins....while shopping woo hoo. I didnt mind this whey powder so bought a jar...so now I have both. Enough!!! Someone had posted...not sure who but said....."you have to try alot of diff types to find one that you like and then stick with that one" I dont remember but if you do....you were so right!

I needed to meet my mom back at my place to go with her to an apt at 2:00 at a lawyers office....she at 73 is filling for divorce from my step father...which should have been done long ago but she was afraid to loose the MONEY. Now she could care less...she just wants to be alone. SO...we are all supporting her emotionally and go with her to the apts and all......Funny how she is using my divorce lawyer.....Whom I love.....and is now a really good contact, apparently. lol

so decided it was time for a change in hair color. I know I had cut and color before ...but I think it was too light. so added a few low lights and feeling more like me. didnt need a change that much and after a week figured if its this long ...then well I dont love it so ran to my salon...where thankfully you dont need an apt. If I did....I tried to squeeze the dog in for a groom as well...but alas there you do need an apt.;...go figure.

So....having my hair looking all spiffed...I can say...Yes. now. I love it! So....ive spent a pretty penny...I best be getting back to work soon!!!

(still vain)

I met my mom at the designated...spot...the hair salon..which frazeled her as she expected to meet at my house so she wasn't so happy....but it was on the way.....she wasn't planning on going there as her GPS was set for JODI. lol We left my car there took hers...and drove the hour to the Lawyers..by this time I was in need of some something..something....but decided a "Starbucks" Decaf tea was all I was allowed. boo hooo

AFTER returning to the five towns...we picked up Dassi for her Bday..dinner "SUSHI"....I had three tablespoons of wonton Soup which kosher style means chicken broth. lol......she had her usual and mom had lo mein that smelt so good I wanted to lick it!!....couldn't eat it...but thought maybe if i just lick it it would be okay??Gross....so, I didnt...tomorrow to the surgeon...and hell let me know when I can eat....again....oh please let it be tomorrow.....I think Im beginning to know what hunger is feeling like!!!

SO....we had a nice dinner and well..went home....when I realized...sheeeezzz THE CAR IS AT THE HAIR PLACE!!!!! OH NOOOO, not good. not good at all.

Mom had left by now...and well what could I do??? I had to call my brother who couldn't believe neither of us remembered that little detail....he had to come pick me up and drive me their to pick up my car..lol

MY BAD! I told him about my day...and he just stared...blankely and said.....after I told him...I think I might have pushed it today...."Jo, ya think?" hmmm

did get back home in time to watch one of my fav TV shows..."THE GOOD WIFE" and NCIS....I fell asleep in the first five minuets and woke up to the news....bleh so went to sleep!!!

Hope you all have a great day....Im actually going to go to Raymour and Flanigans....just to check out something for the kitchen...this apt doesnt have enough storage space and since mom will be here for a full two weeks......pesach I better start thinking what the heck to do!!!

tomorrow going back to work or ill be checking out something else that ive been needing to do..and spend even more money!!!! NOT GOOD> But enjoying my vacation.....whats left that I feel good for! lol

Next vacation.......HAWAII

Have a great day all

Hi. Just checking in....

Julie, Mimi is just so cute!! I know teachers arent supposed to say a child is "so cute" but she is soooo cute!

I know what I forgot... moving "traditions".... I've probably moved more than most of you, if not all... almost 22 years in the AF, several moves with Boeing and a couple others thrown in for good measure... I think I counted close to 15 last time I counted... in 45 years of marriage. I don't know if this would be considered a "tradition", but it is my ONE BIG RULE!!! Setting up the bed is a PRIORITY!! And knowing exactly where the bedding is! And don't let movers, husbands, or anyone helping you move put ANYTHING on the bed! The bed gets set up and linens put on!! Because you might stay up until all hours unpacking, arranging furniture, etc., but you DON'T want to be scrounging around for the linens, taking a bunch of crap off the bed, and making the bed at midnight!

Yes, setting up the beds first is the first thing!! I agree!!!

Nothing like having clean sheets and a pillow in all the mess.!!!!!!

Phyl, I think I might beat you, this will be my 16th move, however, 3 of those were with my parents as a child, if we are counting during marriage then it's my 13th in almost 31 yrs of marriage. I do very much agree with you about the bed, that and some towels as I always want to take a shower after all that unpacking.

Forgot to mention got on the scale this morning and those pesky 3 lbs I gained are gone!!!!! WoohOo!! Maybe my fill is working!

OMG....dont think so..Im 44 and moved just in the last 10 yrs....8 times...before that....well...about another 8. I have never been in the same apt or house for more then 3 yrs at a time...since I moved out of my family house when I was 17. Its been a long haul. I just cant seem to stay put. I think its a NY thing...there is just so many apts in so many neighborhoods that are nice but unless its your own house....its always..either the raising the rent...or not enough heat...noisy neighbors are a big reason to move...and when you move jobs....

its easier and cheaper to move then to travel with the traffic and take longer then 1/2 hour to get to work. We are just spoiled I think. Im not sure if outside NY has one year leases...to sign....only recently you can opt for a two to three yr lease...and no one really wants that anyways....in a building. So far....however weve been a year and half in this neighborhood and my daughter is going to keep us put....she has said..we arent moving ever again....unless its to a big house with lots of kids and animals.....so I hope we are staying put. lol

I would like a small house.3 bedrooms would be nice. A real dining room and den. Dont need a basement for flooding.... condo or coop of my own someday that I wont be rent bound to anyone...however....for now till Dassi is out of high school......well we are staying put. Please !!!! lol

Tradtions - remember what I did for gf who got new how - bread/salt/broom/wine - right now have crs - bread so you never go hungry - salt ?? Something about flavor ?? Broom to sweep away troubles/wine ???

This is a great one!!! oh I like this one!!

What really pissed me off this morning was all the emails I had - no one does our work when we are out one day - I have a stack of files - a new account to imput bill etc and don't know who what when where.. 80 more file $6000 less $$ - our insurance is screwed up - well at least they are still paying for it - my stop loss is $6000 - well how in the hell am I suppose to pay $6000 when I make $6000 less (well I guess that means don't get sick) How am I suppose to take care of 80 more accounts and work less days - Then on top of it - I have been asking for an updated renewal list - can't get it - well how can I make sure things got renenewd - Supervisor scared of controller - has been asking for it - hell I would go to my boss and tell him - he loves her - cuz she kisses his ass - one of the young ones gave her 2 week notice - she handles 1/2 of one of the owners book of business (mostly contractors) he treats her like shit - We all told her congrats on leaving - that's sad. But now what's going to happen - how much more work are they going to give us - cuz the other girl can't handle it all by herself.. And finding an experienced insurance person in the desert isn't easy and who's going to come to work for us - we furlough you - the other insurance agencies in the desert aren't furloughing.. My bosses are a bunch of dumb asses - they can't even get along - oh he has 3 account managers and I only have one - well hell ya his book is bigger than your... Then on top of that they are afaird to tell on lady she got more account...

I am really tempted to call in sick tomorrow - but if I do then I will have to pay for it and I am already swamped - don't need to be more swamped - may do it friday - I am leaving this post for a few - then going to edit it.. I am not parinoid but they can find me it they want to..

Cute Pic's Julie

Well gang - I will be back in a bit

I have no familiararity of any of what you were explaining about accounts and numbers...but am familiar with someone who is fed up.....and oh your there!.....Im sorry you are having such a bitch of a time. I hope for you they hire someone soon who is competent and is able to handle a decent amount of accounts in their own and leave you the heck alone!!!!

Good luck..hope things get better!!!

Phyll I love the necklace.. I really do...in fact...my daughter would be beserk about it....its gorgeous!!!

OMG I just spilled 6 ounces of that sweet tasting..smelling isotopes....omg...on my couch..I was wondering why im smelling that sweet stuff....yuch and then all of a sudden im feeling wet!!! I left it in the bottle and was carrying it around with me and put it down next to me to post....mistake!

sheez

must go clean up...sweet sticky stuff.....on my couch!!!

a thought just occured as to the last time that happened and im laughing but good, yuch gross....ouch....yuch must go gross....

have a good night.

That is odd that they gave you a fill while you were still in the hospital. I had to take a test before having surgery and one of the questions was will you get a fill right then and there in the hospital and the answer was false.

Every surgeon I have looked up never did a fill right in the hospital. Your body is working and learning that there is an instrument inside you, without the fill you will still start to lose weight, I dont go for my first fill till 4/14..

Jodi glad you are doing well now, and I hope this is an experience for you.

Stevie. No I didnt get a fill after the surgery. From what I understand sometimes the surgeons put the band in with fill or without. I hear its just a matter of where and who?

Alot of people have the fill and dont need a fill so quickly or those who dont get it 4 to six weeks after....something of the sort.

Who knows...apparently what happens does happen...which is why they always do a barium swallow with that yuchy tasting stuff in the AM to make sure that the liquid is going down without obstruction and not to slow beofre you go home....as there are many reasons that obstructions can happen. Its okay....Ill just get a fill in several weeks...Im still not hungry and have alolt of restriction regardless.

Glad to hear you are feeling better!!!

Sorry to hear about you extra day in the hospital, At least things seem to be doing better... Hope you start feeling yourself really soon :thumbup:

Thanks,....much appreciated! Im feeling much better. You are right about the surgery. It is a tool. Not a magic bullet however....its not going to tell you when you have had enough to eat...our brain is going to have to do that...and that we have to all by ourselves. Change the way we think about eating, food, and changing the what and when we eat.......the band is not going to do all that for us. Which is why we need to want this to work...and find a way to change all the above. Whether this means....reading, nutrtionisist, following a diet, exercize.....support, support and with support.

Ive been reading the BECKS DIET SOLUTION and began going to a nutritioninst once weekly, a support group and began looking at diet...exercize clubs.

The book has really helped. Maybe this or one like it will help you...but, the band is just a tool as you have described....if you dont retrain the brain....nothing is going to happen....like with that guy...why go to a support group at all??? or perhaps....like you said...he just doesnt have a clue and doesnt know how to begin...but sabotage cannot be our thing!!!

Go for it!!!! You can do it.....you can....!!!

we will help!!!

well be here...burping up Protein whey....with you all the way~!

Question for the banded people: are you guys allowed to take your regular meds? IE. blood pressure meds and such

I was told to either see if liqiud is available or get a crusher to crush pills. If it is a tablet you can open and pour then crush or get tab open and driink if they wont crush so they werent meant to and you shouldnt.

I'm so happy that everyone is doing so well pre and post surgery. I am having mine on 3/24 and we are actually leaving for Mexico on 3/22 so its one week from Monday! Yay.

I've started a blog of my journey and would like to invite you all to visit. It is in my signature line. I have found a whole bunch of mostly women and a few men who have gone through this, are going through it and who are thinking about going through it! Such great info.

Please check it out!

This was great thank you so much!!! Great information.

so i definately over did it yesterday loading and unloading the dishwasher. im taking it easy today. i woke up this morning at 4:30 and took some medicine for the pain. its gotten more tolerable though. im not really hungry which is probably from the swelling. my arm where they had the iv in is black and blue though. i guess thats what i get for having small veins. so today i am going to be working on some homework that i need to get caught up on. i cant wait to take a shower tonight since i havent had one in a couple days. i also have to go through my important papers and find the packet that the nutritionist gave me. i cant wait till i can have liquids and Soups. i am really really craving brocolli and cheese Soup. the one thing that i am not touching is sugarfree Jello. that stuff is disgusting. jello is disgusting by itself let alone with no sugar. i love the sugar free popsicles though. i have one of those and some apple juice im still nursing for breakfest. but let me tell you i am bored just sitting around and i get up every now and then and walk to the mailbox and back. in fact i am going to get up and do that in a little bit. i finally starting passing some gas instead of just burping. which is good. im hoping to get all the gas pains out before i head back to work and school on tuesday. im still really sore where the incisions are though especially where they put the port. that area of my stomach is bruised. the dressings are also icthing and driving me insane. i have to go back to the doctor on friday for a post opt check up and we will see how much i have lost in this week. my 5 year old doesnt understand why he cant give me a hug which breaks my heart. but soon hopefully it wont hurt to do that. well i am going to get back to doing my homework...

Im glad you are feeling better...me too...but OMG the Protein Drinks are killing me!!!. The gas is much better....today not to much of it but this past weekend....OMG my daughter was like...MOM. I couldnt help it. Im on only Clear Liquids until Wednesday. But each day is getting better.....

I was eating a stick of string cheese. I am on my soft foods stage, which is just about anything that I can chew really really good. I guess I didnt chew well enough and it blocked my stoma, but I gave it a minute and it went down. Now I continue to chew chew chew chew! I go in for my fits fill 4/14 but I havent really been eating too much as long as I get my protein in. I basically have carnation instant breakfast for breakfast, then lunch would be 2 oz of veggies and 20z of protein and the same for dinner. I am full at about 4 oz which is good since I have no restriction whatso ever.:tongue_smilie:cant wait to actually start working out next wednesday. I am looking into the gym where my Dr.'s office is. tomorrow night is support group for me, I urge anyone who is to get or has already gotten the band to continue to support group it truely helps.:smile2:

Stevie, Hi. Im sorry about the...cheese....I guess...I know where my port is and you now know what getting stuck feels like. Lets not have to know these things unecessarily. Chew Chew Chew,...id like to Chew Chew Chew. but soon ehough. You sound like activity is really your friend and embracing it. Im envious...exercise is not my thing never been....but you make it look alot easier to begin...to like.

Hi Bandsters,

So - it is 9 days post surgery and am really feeling great! I went to the doecot on Thursday and all seems to be going well. We (all those who had surgery the same day) spent about an hour and a half in a nutrition class. It was very informative.

I had no pre-op diet and was on a liqiuid diet until yesterday. Yesterday was my first day on the mushy diet. It consists of 1/2 cup of food 3 times a day with 2 optional 1/4 cup Snacks (same food as eaten during meals. I love the part skim ricotta with a bit of Tomato sauce. Luckily - they also alow eggs and watermelon in this stage. I will be on this phase until next Saturday when I can add alot more.

So - I am going to have to learn to read my body. They say to eat the 1/2 cup or until you feel full. I don't feel full, but a half an hour, or an hour later feel VERY full. They say to make the meal last for 1/2 an hour, but considering that you are eating only 1/2 cup - this is almost impossible.

So - the weight loss is going really well - down 19 pounds in 9 days. I cannot believe it. I joined a gym and have begun walking - up to half an hour.

Hope all is going well for the early March surgeries. :thumbup:

Starting Weight - 350

Current Weight - 331

Goal Weight - 200

That is terrific!!!! You seem to be doing great keep it up.....thanks for keeping us posted!! I cant wait to join you eating at least just liquids...not just clear...and then Ill follow all your expertise...about whats working and what maybe not so much!

Jodi

Hi all.

Im gathering from all your responses that what happened to me was not the norm? lol

(Okay, but we are talking about me? I wasnt expecting anything less then the abnormal. lol There is always something with something for something when something is being done. No suprise here).

In all seriousness I wasnt really sure why what happened happened. There wasnt any real clear explanation...was it because I was congested? or was it the Anesthesia? I was thinking that maybe it was my underlying asthma? Who knows....perhaps it was just the naseusness that made me start throwing up then wretching...and then the swelling and irritation began...and therefore the liqiud going down became obstructed.

I wasnt aware that sometimes the bands are filled and sometimes not until later. I was so upset when he had to take out the fill thinking....oh no. Then how am I going to loose weight or not be hungry until they fill it again..will they ever be able to fill it and of course what does that mean for me now that Ive got a band thats empty...however from your posts I see that there are several ways to do this...and this sometimes can happen at any time...so all is not for nought. (is that right)

I have the band. Its.....in...im okay and doing well.....what more can I want?? NADA. Ill get a fill when the doctor says its time. Until then..Ill just do what needs to need to be done....how it should be done and thats what I shall do! lol

So, its been a few days....and I have to say...its been okay. I feel okay. Been up and active. I hate these protein powders, isolates, drinks etc!! Ive tried several and found only one that I can tolerate and whod have thunk it "STRAWBERRY Protein Powder DRINK". I am really a chocoloate gal. Anything that has chocolate im usually okay with but I gotta say......yuch. Chocolate, vanilla, peach, banana, etc etc you name it....i cant do it.

I never would have suspected strawberry. lol suprise suprise.

So. Im able to get my 30 grams right now from those two drinks. but it is still not enough and am struggling as I am only on clear liqiiuds this week now. Ive been getting to 50 ounces of liqiud. but I guess with during the night Im getting to maybe 60? This is hard. Cant wait to eat not "clear" liqiud.

Had quite an adventurous weekend here.....at the house. We had my daughters....bday party last night. That. was fun!!! In the dark half the night. What fun..ghost stories, candles, with five, ten year olds. Loads of fun.

Thank god the oven is gas and not electric and we were able to make the pizzas!!! Im also glad I ran on Friday to get the edible fruits from the Edible fruit store.....instead of after shabbat on sat....as they would not have opened due to the storm here! The girls had a fabulous time dipping their fruit into the choc fondue. Again, sure glad the oven was working to melt that choc. Dassi decided to have this as an activitiy as opposed to having a cake which was not a healthy choice for....no sodas and no candy or junk.

What a party???? It was perfect. The kids made mini pizzas and tasty edible friuts dipped in choc, and they were able to make their own creations with about 8 skeweres of floweres shaped all different fruits. This was the healthiest and cheapest party ever!! The kids didnt even ask about the cake.

OF course when it came to 3 AM and the noise level hadnt gone down....well the party had to come to an end....with big momma comming in and turning down the noise to sleep.......

The electricity due to the lovely storm that apparently isnt over....has still not returned. It had been 24 hours now without power on one side of the apt. Thank god...I was able to run a line from the bedroom side of the apt to the kitchen so the fridge is working. Had that not happened....lord have mercy.....I dont know what I would have done with all the fridge and freezer after 24 hours and they have said that they still will not have service for another day or so....well. Glad I took a shower sat morning, and washed all the dishes from shabbat on shabbat. Otherwise id have one bigggg disaster plus a bday sleepver in the dark, at least in the major area of apt. BUT tomorrow I will be in need of a SHOWER!!!! A HOT SHOWER!!!

Funny thing...I never knew about my dog. She is a scaredy cat. I took her out this evening..where it was alot dark as the light in the hallway in the building is out totally. It is pitch black. I took my flashlight out and walked her....she was not walking...

she wouldnt move. Im like come on Starlight Im here with you.....its only dark see....im here and im guiding her...Im guiding her??? wth?? she wasnt budging...she starts cowaring etc etc....I had to call Dassi to come out to the hallway and get on the other side of her to go forward. ME GUIDING A DOG???? What is wrong with that picture! Poor thing was scared of the dark. never knew that about the little thing we rescued 5 years ago. I wonder what happened to her before to have her so scared Ill never know....but know now...not sure what im going to do tomorrow with her.

Feeling okay tonight....it was a big weekend but had my friend Renee help with the party and the cooking and all with the girls. She also helped make shabbos for Dassi as I was really not up to sitting at the table for an hour with them. SO, I sat on the couch and watched them together and felt so lucky to have such a good friend. Between my mother and her this week...went as smoooth as can be..and I cant be blessed enough to have them.

I also have to thank all my other friends who have dropped off containers of leftover chicken soup, broth and chicken from the chicken soups to grind up into baby food. Thought this was nice...dont have to cook at all another batch for at least two weeks...thats if the electric stays on ....on the other side of the apt and I get to eat blended any time soon! lol

Well......must go now and see if I can wash some dishes even in the cold water.....will have to rewash all when the electric comes on.

come to think of heat....its starting to feel cold in here.....uh oh. didnt think of that....NO HEAT? NO HEAT?? grrrr, now im getting ticked.

Have a nice night all........have a great week.

Thanks for all the best wishes again!!!!

Jessica...happy to hear that you and your DH and DS will be making a move to a place of your own. I am not surprised that you have made this decision. With your new-found independence, you will see many changes in yourself and much more self-confidence (already seeing that in you).

You've mentioned having control over the food that you and your family are exposed to. That's a biggie in itself....no unhealthy choices. Sounds as if you have chosen a place that will allow you to stay active and also a place where your son can get out and play.

Don't let the "lost" keys ruin your day. Email your prof and let him/her know of what happened and make a plea to take the test at another time. And, swing by your local harware store and get another key made (or two) and keep it in your purse so you always have one....keep the other hanging by the door so it is available at all times.

You are making great strides towards your independence and you should be so proud of your progress. I also watch your weekly blog and saw your t-ball video. So cute and your blog is a great way to help yourself and others. You rock!

Im not sure I would tell the instructor/profressor this story.....yes it is true and it does happen...however as an instructor myself........I would have some concerns if we are being honest.

I would just say Im really sorry....something came up with my family (which is true) and you know.....our kids give us so much hard ache sometimes...cant we just use them just a bit to our advantage sometimes??? My son...needed me. (doesnt he always anyway it would be a white lie?)

whatever....but not having the key to the car.....is um...not being prepared. It would say to me.....that this wasnt important enough to someoone to make sure you were or werent here for this class/ test/ apt/ interview/ Job.

This is an an instructor talking......not me personally....me personally....understands totally because ive been in this situation and its no fun to make up excuses....for me or my husband or mother or father....having embarrassed me or done something.,..so i couldnt be where I needed to be.

yes, I agree.....Jessica has come such a long way...shes done what I can never do.....in what shes done with .....took me about 10 yrs to start getting my life organized. so....I cant speak anything .....but words of praise..but I will say...we are woman.....and we need to take control over our whole lifes always.....and make it work for everyone in the family, we should not rely on anyone else to make things happen for us.....or to control the things or the way things happen. We are the only ones who can do that ourselves. Our husbands, children, families, friends, employers, instructors will not only respect us more but....will in turn look to us for inspiration and what they all need to succeed in life and careers.

oops. maybe said to much....but you are right.

you opened that sentence...with "you have been so good about taking back control.....so dont stop here.....

I just thought id throw in the instructors view...and how maybe it wouldnt be great to use this exp as a reason to why you missed a test.

Forgive me for butting in and being motherly.....you can curse me if youd like......it would be okay....after all....today.....id only burp whey Protein at you in response.....lol not funny...for sure but thats what ive got today....help! (a joke)!!

On a lighter note....here is a question to post.

"What does your family do or have you heard of families doing involving placing something of significance when moving into a new house or home before unpacking and settling in"???

"Lets Help Jesica move!!!!

"My family puts a sandwich bag together of a packet of sugar, salt a candle and match"

Jodi

Good morning all.....

Feeling better....but uh no....those Protein powders are doing me in!

I cant drink them anymore.

I called the doctor...to see if I can go to at least liquids not just "clear" I now understand the children song......

Little Miss Muffet.....I feel like her.....and her curds and whey......I smell like whey.....I smell like protein.....

is it possible that the protein whey is curdling in my stomach? I dont know why im feeling this..but somehow I just taste this protein...

OH and it gets even better.....yesturday...I figure okay...so Ill have the strawberry powder but instead of making it with cold water....I thought well maybe in a tea....boy was that a mistake!!! lol My daughter was ROTF! As soon as the Water hit the powder.....OMG like one big explosion of whey glob. lol It was like yeast when you wet it. It got all bunched together and OMG it smelled the house up so....I had to open the windows!!!

It was the funniest site. I guess that when a powder is not meant to be with hot water but just as a drink.....cold and thats what the directions said.....FOLLOW THEM. Im a teacher....why cant I get that??

It was so nasty...i couldnt even wash the cup out..I just threw the whole mug and spoon out.

This...is probably why im fixating on "Little Miss Muffet" and her curds and whey and tasting them etc etc

lol. oy. Maybe I should go back to work tomorrow....just to much time on my hands!

But seriously....maybe the liquid isnt going down fast enough and is curdling before going through the band?

Am I being totally rediculous here?

So, this morning we missed the bus....dang it. I had to drive Dassi to

school. It wasn't that far away however...in PJs..theres always that chance of

meeting all the other parents driving their kids to school who are

late.....and I really really hate...chatting with other parents in PJs...in front

of school. lol (blushing)

The storm has passed and the electricity is back on....thank g-d. One day

without a shower is enough thanks. Two days??? Id have lost my mind.

Dassi was freaking out. What?? Go to school without a shower? What will my

friends think??? and all im thinking is....theyl be thinking the same thing

as all the girls pretty much except a few live in the five towns??? Did

they have hot water??? NOOO theyl be just as stinky. hmmm, she wasn't buying.

But barush hashem everything was restored by morning and we both had nice

hot showers...hence the missing the bus.

Actually it really wasn't that at all. Im assuming that because there was

so much outage that most people went out of the five towns and were driving

to school from whereever.....apparently NJ and here LI on the coast got hit

the worst and had the most outages in 20 yrs...It was pretty scary out.

Surprised it wasn't considered a hurricane..... with what was called

hurricaine winds and all. What would that be called then??? lol lots of trees and

lines down all over. Glad we had power in half the apt. I just ran a line

from refrigerator to the living room. No biggie in to what could have been.

My mom....she is the funniest. Picture this.....I have this nice sized apt

for one person...we are two so its a little tight. The Kitchen....well its

nice. Big enough to cook in and eat in. The fridge however is a standart

apt sized fridge so the freezer is not so big. I could buy food for shabbat

for a family of four and be at max capacity...and usually we have guests

over for shabbat or Dassis friends. so, its a week before Purim. Now...get

this. Purim is coming so we are baking and freezing etc etc. I didn't need to

prepare for the seudah as the Chabbad of the five towns has a great program

that I a lot of friends go to together. So, My freezer is full still

....as their are at least 6 weeks left to Pesach. Well..right before Purim my

mom phones and says....and g-d bless her when I say this....she says....the

meats and everything went on sale today for pre-pesach shopping and I bought

some stuff for you guys to put in the freezer!....uhohohhhhuhhhnoooooooo.

Well....needless to say. I thanked her profusely for thinking of us etc etc

etc. and thought...how is this going to happen??? But....we managed. 4

chickens, 2 roasts, lamb shanks, steaks, and chops. Who the heck is eating

this?????? NOT I the bander for sure. Dassi?? the Babysitter??? Ash....I live

across the street from Gourmet Glatt Emporium. I can walk there in 3 min.

They will have the best sales the day week before Pesach after all the woman

have bought all the cows in NYS. What ever would be left would be to much

for just Dassi and the Babysitter. lol but I digress....the point of all

this....I was thinking...and what if all the power was down?? not like I can

cook for pesach in the non pesachdik kitchen...and im on liquid protein fro

two weeks. I was just laughing....away with that thought through the whole

storm......praying please please..anything else but the fridge lol

Have a great day..all.

Good morning ladies, Sorry I haven't posted in awhile. I tried posting yesterday but then lost it and had to run. Life has been crazy. My son had his first teeball game saturday. I loved watching every minute of it. I made a little video about it. You can click on the link in my signature if you wanna see it.

My Mil went on vacation last weekend and has been a huge...grouch... since she got back. She is being a pain about giving Jacob a ride to and from school now. At the begining of th school year she was so insistant that she do it. She kept saying that I was "to sick" (crazy) to take Jacob to school. So we enrolled him somewhere close to where she works. Now she is flaking out about it and we are having to make a 2 hour round trip to pick him up. So anyway, with all the trouble we are going through with the situation we decided to go ahead and move. We are not waiting till June. We need to be close to his school so we don't depend on her for transportation anymore. We looked at places all week within our budget. Until we finally found an apartment yesterday that was not run down. It is beautiful. It also has a pool, fitness center, and jogging trails. We will be moving out as soon as I get back from visiting my brother over spring break.

I really believe this move is going to be a huge leap in my LAP-BAND® journey. I will be in charge of what groceries are coming in the house and how things are cooked. Plus, I will have more flexability with getting my workout in. Not to mention all the other pluses that come with living on your own. I am so excited to finally be moving on.

I had school and an exam this morning but my husband took my car keys to work with him. So my day is all messed up now. I hope I can retake this test.

So that's all my craziness right now.

Jessica, you will feel so much better when you are on your own. Sometimes youve got to do it....even when we arent really sure if its the right thing...however....two hours to drive to and from school for a child seems like such a long trip....for that alone I applaud your decision...this will give so much more quality time for everyone as well. Sounds like a great place that you looked at. I wish I could have that!! In NY your lucky to get the garbage disposal as an ammenity outside the apt. lol closet not to far away from the apt.

I used to have the key problem thing with my husband we shared one car for a long time.

The key..was in preparation the night before. We sat for 5 min to go over each of our sched. and what was needed for each of us to succeed for the day.....and write it down. Then pin it up on the door in case someone should forget.

But....the keys to the car...should be with the one who needs it first the night before to start out...this way no accidents happen.

Of course this was when we were in counseling and things were good for a while....to tell you the truth this plan worked great for when we were seperated as well.....on out....it kept us both abreast of any plans at any time.

I was so glad for that advice ....it saved my sanity and from being fired from a job I really loved and would have loved not to have lost...due to miscommunication.

With all your work load and happeninings....I dont know how you guys do it!!!! You have so much going on at the same time.....its great but....not if you cant be lessed stressed.

Maybe this can work. Hey ya never know.

Sorry...you missed your test. I hope you can retake it.

Good Luck on the move....

get a bag of sugar, salt and candle and put it in a bag...and put it in a kitchen drawer when you get into the new apt....supposed to bring good luck!!!

Jodi

Hi all.

Im gathering from all your responses that what happened to me was not the norm? lol

(Okay, but we are talking about me? I wasnt expecting anything less then the abnormal. lol There is always something with something for something when something is being done. No suprise here).

In all seriousness I wasnt really sure why what happened happened. There wasnt any real clear explanation...was it because I was congested? or was it the Anesthesia? I was thinking that maybe it was my underlying asthma? Who knows....perhaps it was just the naseusness that made me start throwing up then wretching...and then the swelling and irritation began...and therefore the liqiud going down became obstructed.

I wasnt aware that sometimes the bands are filled and sometimes not until later. I was so upset when he had to take out the fill thinking....oh no. Then how am I going to loose weight or not be hungry until they fill it again..will they ever be able to fill it and of course what does that mean for me now that Ive got a band thats empty...however from your posts I see that there are several ways to do this...and this sometimes can happen at any time...so all is not for nought. (is that right)

I have the band. Its.....in...im okay and doing well.....what more can I want?? NADA. Ill get a fill when the doctor says its time. Until then..Ill just do what needs to need to be done....how it should be done and thats what I shall do! lol

So, its been a few days....and I have to say...its been okay. I feel okay. Been up and active. I hate these Protein powders, isolates, drinks etc!! Ive tried several and found only one that I can tolerate and whod have thunk it "STRAWBERRY Protein Powder DRINK". I am really a chocoloate gal. Anything that has chocolate im usually okay with but I gotta say......yuch. Chocolate, vanilla, peach, banana, etc etc you name it....i cant do it.

I never would have suspected strawberry. lol suprise suprise.

So. Im able to get my 30 grams right now from those two drinks. but it is still not enough and am struggling as I am only on clear liqiiuds this week now. Ive been getting to 50 ounces of liqiud. but I guess with during the night Im getting to maybe 60? This is hard. Cant wait to eat not "clear" liqiud.

Had quite an adventurous weekend here.....at the house. We had my daughters....bday party last night. That. was fun!!! In the dark half the night. What fun..ghost stories, candles, with five, ten year olds. Loads of fun.

Thank god the oven is gas and not electric and we were able to make the pizzas!!! Im also glad I ran on Friday to get the edible fruits from the Edible fruit store.....instead of after shabbat on sat....as they would not have opened due to the storm here! The girls had a fabulous time dipping their fruit into the choc fondue. Again, sure glad the oven was working to melt that choc. Dassi decided to have this as an activitiy as opposed to having a cake which was not a healthy choice for....no sodas and no candy or junk.

What a party???? It was perfect. The kids made mini pizzas and tasty edible friuts dipped in choc, and they were able to make their own creations with about 8 skeweres of floweres shaped all different fruits. This was the healthiest and cheapest party ever!! The kids didnt even ask about the cake.

OF course when it came to 3 AM and the noise level hadnt gone down....well the party had to come to an end....with big momma comming in and turning down the noise to sleep.......

The electricity due to the lovely storm that apparently isnt over....has still not returned. It had been 24 hours now without power on one side of the apt. Thank god...I was able to run a line from the bedroom side of the apt to the kitchen so the fridge is working. Had that not happened....lord have mercy.....I dont know what I would have done with all the fridge and freezer after 24 hours and they have said that they still will not have service for another day or so....well. Glad I took a shower sat morning, and washed all the dishes from shabbat on shabbat. Otherwise id have one bigggg disaster plus a bday sleepver in the dark, at least in the major area of apt. BUT tomorrow I will be in need of a SHOWER!!!! A HOT SHOWER!!!

Funny thing...I never knew about my dog. She is a scaredy cat. I took her out this evening..where it was alot dark as the light in the hallway in the building is out totally. It is pitch black. I took my flashlight out and walked her....she was not walking...

she wouldnt move. Im like come on Starlight Im here with you.....its only dark see....im here and im guiding her...Im guiding her??? wth?? she wasnt budging...she starts cowaring etc etc....I had to call Dassi to come out to the hallway and get on the other side of her to go forward. ME GUIDING A DOG???? What is wrong with that picture! Poor thing was scared of the dark. never knew that about the little thing we rescued 5 years ago. I wonder what happened to her before to have her so scared Ill never know....but know now...not sure what im going to do tomorrow with her.

Feeling okay tonight....it was a big weekend but had my friend Renee help with the party and the cooking and all with the girls. She also helped make shabbos for Dassi as I was really not up to sitting at the table for an hour with them. SO, I sat on the couch and watched them together and felt so lucky to have such a good friend. Between my mother and her this week...went as smoooth as can be..and I cant be blessed enough to have them.

I also have to thank all my other friends who have dropped off containers of leftover chicken Soup, broth and chicken from the chicken Soups to grind up into baby food. Thought this was nice...dont have to cook at all another batch for at least two weeks...thats if the electric stays on ....on the other side of the apt and I get to eat blended any time soon! lol

Well......must go now and see if I can wash some dishes even in the cold water.....will have to rewash all when the electric comes on.

come to think of heat....its starting to feel cold in here.....uh oh. didnt think of that....NO HEAT? NO HEAT?? grrrr, now im getting ticked.

Have a nice night all........have a great week.

Thanks for all the best wishes again!!!!

Hi everyone...wanted to give you all an update: Am home and resting comfortably now!! Thanks for all your support and wishes....before hand...they really did help me through this!!!

So....Surgery was over Tuesday afternoon and needed to stay an extra day in hospital but now home resting comfortably.

The procedure started off real easy and predictable....until after surgery.when I began to suck on ice chips..I started throwing up and feeling really nauseaus.......

Every two hours when the nurses got me up to walk I would get naseus and throw up; That lasted all night until I was wretching up just the ice chip Water.< /span>

In the AM they did a barium swallow and saw that I was obstructed probably from all the wretching. So...right then and there...the surgeon came in and took out the fill from the band and I emmedietely felt better. Apparently this happens..so now I am only aloud liquid diet and this will last till next Wednesday. My blood pressure was high and so I needed to stay another night in the hospital...and this really annoyed me...as every two hours they wake you and make you walk the hallways. lol

Since coming home Thursday AM. I feel okay..lots of gas but only in the lower abdomen. Ive been walking it off or at least trying. Last night was hard. I kept waking up from gas pains and walking the outside apt hallway. Probably woke the whole building.

Havent filled my pain killer script as im really not in pain. Just gassy and tired from being poked and prodded and given this anti naseau med and that one...etc etc. WOW what an experience. I hope that everyone else has had an easier time....

All in all it really wasnt awful...just alot uncomfortable!

Well...must go now....as im pretty tired.

Hi Everyone....Glad to see all of you early bandsters doing well and this weeks bandsters are home and recouping!!!

So....Surgery was over Tuesday afternoon and needed to stay an extra day in hospital but now home resting comfortably.

The procedure started off real easy and predictable....until after surgery.when I began to suck on ice chips..I started throwing up and feeling really nauseaus.......

Every two hours when the nurses got me up to walk I would get naseus and throw up; That lasted all night until I was wretching up just the ice chip Water.

In the AM they did a barium swallow and saw that I was obstructed probably from all the wretching. So...right then and there...the surgeon came in and took out the fill from the band and I emmedietely felt better. Apparently this happens..so now I am only aloud liquid diet and this will last till next Wednesday. My blood pressure was high and so I needed to stay another night in the hospital...and this really annoyed me...as every two hours they wake you and make you walk the hallways. lol

Since coming home Thursday AM. I feel okay..lots of gas but only in the lower abdomen. Ive been walking it off or at least trying. Last night was hard. I kept waking up from gas pains and walking the outside apt hallway. Probably woke the whole building.

Havent filled my pain killer script as im really not in pain. Just gassy and tired from being poked and prodded and given this anti naseau med and that one...etc etc. WOW what an experience. I hope that everyone else has had an easier time....

All in all it really wasnt awful...just alot uncomfortable!

Well...must go now....as im pretty tired.

Good luck all who are having surgery....this coming week....may you all have a easy and speedy recovery!!

Good morning once again. So after my little moment of anxiety yesterday. My son made me realize, without even knowing it, that I HAVE to have this surgery and stick with all the rules!! Last night my 5 year old son brought me a picture he had drawn for me. It was a picture of me laying in bed and him bringing me a book to read. Sweet right. The sad thing is that I spend most of my time in bed. If I am not doing the cooking or the cleaning. We lay in my bed and read at night and color or watch a movie. It is always my husband that takes the kids outside to play. I hardly ever go because it makes me so tired to chase them around and then I am embarrassed that I catch them. I did play a little T-ball with him over the weekend and that kicked my butt. It was fun though and I am looking forward to doing more things with all three of my kids with the more weight that I lose. Tomorrow starts my pre-op diet but I have been doing Protein shakes for Breakfast for the last two weeks and started adding them for lunch this week. Now I will just have to cut out the 2 high Protein Snacks per day that I ahve been eating and just stick to the liquids, jell-o, and SF popcicles. Have a great day everyone!!!

You should hug yourself with that feeling that you are doing the best thing for you and your family!!! Just wait till your son starts drawing pictures of you playing with him in the yard as opposed to reading to him from bed. Then you can hang the two pictures next to each other on the wall!!!

Btw...you should not feel guilty or bad that you havent been able to be the one to also run around and play....child experts would say..its the quality of time we spend with our children that is important...and that does not matter where that quality time happens....and it sounds like youve developed some real great bonding with your son...now youl just create even more and different experiences with him.....but as a teacher.....I can tell you...there is no better bonding experience then reading to a child in bed...but now youl just be able to turn it around and read to him while he is in his bed!!!

Youl be just great...and you will now be there for a long long time....to watch him grow up and have his own children and be the grandmother running around with her grandchildren!!!

Jodi

Happy Birthday Arlene

And Happy Rebirthday to NYSparkle tommorrow.

I did the C25K day 1 today. I actually did it. I jogged. It was over before I was expecting it to be. It seemed so quick. Not easy but quick. I found out there is a track at my campus. So I did it there. On Wed and Fri I can do it at home (with more shade and privacy). I was a little self conscience about my butt bouncing around behind me but I forgot about that quickly as I got into the music.

I told my MIL about my C25K. I told her I wanted to do it but wasn't confident about it. She was so supportive and said she knew I could it would just take some work. Hubby gave me a look like HUH? a 5k? Then when I explained the conditioning he was supportive too. I am trying to find a 5k to register for so I have a definative goal. I found one in Madiera Beach S. FL. But still trying to find one closer to home so my family can be there. When I get to that point it will be a huge deal for me and I want to have people there to cheer me on and Celebrate with me as I cross the finish line. Still trying to talk hubby into a Y membership.

I got a paper today from Jake's school about graduation. I almost cried just reading it. He will be graduating from prek. Already! I feel I have missed out on stuff because I got sick and checked out for awhile. I am not ready for him to be in school. My tune will probably change though by the end of our summer together. Alot of changes going on here. Just gotta get through them one day at a time. Looking at the big picture though our life is starting to turn around. We are moving out, Don found a job he loves, I'm in school, adopting a new healthy lifestyle, losing weight. I can't wait to see where we are in 2 years.

Don was in school to become and electrician and the minute he graduated things went down hill. He lost his job because he became too expensive. So we moved to NC so he could go to a seminary there. We lived in the dorms with a 2 year old and felt cramped so we bought a house. Then came the drought and my illness at the same time. Don lost his job, dropped out of school and we lost our house. Then, we had to move in with his parents. He got a job here but lost it due to lack of work a few months later. I can't wait to be on our own again. It means so much to me. I better get off cause I am tearing up. I am so tired today.

Jewel....old jewish proverb that we use today when you move.......

"Changing your place means it will also change your luck!

Good Luck!!

Jodi

Hi Good luck tomorrow...Im also being banded tomorrow at 7AM.

Finding me..so glad you found a solution after going through the whole process and to be stuck at the end...I was going to suggest you check out Mexico as a last resort.....their are alot of people who have been having their surgeries there and they have had alot of success...however..you dont need that anylonger and March 25th is right around the corner! So happy for you!

well...Ive been so buisy getting ready for surgery tomorrow that Ive been reading all the posts but havent had time to post myself!

To all those who had surgery last week......im so glad things went well and you are all feeling good!!! YOu GUYS ARE GREAT!!!

Thanks for all the updates...its been really helpful for me.....so thank you. You guys have made me alot less nurvous relaying your experiences.

Ive spent the week getting all my bills and paperwork in order. Buying everything that I need for the post-surgery diet and stacking the fridge and cupboards so that I wont have to go shopping for the house any time soon.

This weekend.....I spent one day.....getting waxed, haircut, highlights, manicure/ped. All the things that needed to get done that I never have time for and do them in dribs and crabs....but did it all in what I called the marathon beuty day! Cant go to the hospital with hairy legs!! (or anything else) Ill be exposed in who knows what way during surgery lol

Today....im getting my bag together dropping off paperwork...going to bed bath beyond....for the "Bullet" and filling my scripts that wil be needed post surgery......

worst..thing I think I have a cold...or my allegies are really bothering me!!! Like alot. Crossing my fingers!!!

well....just wanted to say to all those who had surgery last week....glad you are all doing well.....and for those who are having surgery along with me this week......

Good Luck and my prayers and thoughts are with all of you!

Jodi

Thank you all for your wishes!!!! Yes. Tomorrow is the day....

Today...I need to still do a few things. Like....

buy some SF ice pops lol (far as food goes)

Drop off all owed paperwork...there was so much!

Buy the bullet at Bed Bath Beyond..that everyone has given me their 20% coupons for....(20 at least)

Get a small bag together with everything I need for the hospital.

Must put my clothes away that are sitting on a chair in my room....Cant leave that for Mom or she will start organizing drawers and closets while im in the hospital overnight. lol

Shop for the week for Dassi...poor thing thinks shes going to be drinking those Protein Shakes as their is nothing in the fridge or cupboards.

oh and to top everything off.....I might have a slight cold or allergies?? not sure what it is but hoping its gone by tomorrow.

I hope everyone is well.....

again Karen....Im so sorry for your loss.

Talk to you guys after surgery!!! Wednesday or Thursday!!!!