Being the audacious and forward kind of gal that I am, I (a Californian, Oregonian, Texan [Calgoniexan?]) am starting this month's chat thread in the Jersey forum. Ballsy? Maybe so. Get over it. :]

Good Morning Happy Bandsters!! How the heck is everybody? I hope there weren't any tragic chocolate overdoses last night.

Betty - Gracious!! Candy for 300 wasn't enough? That's one heck of a party!

Eileenie - how is the MIL? It's really hard for me right now - because it seems like only yesterday my Parents were - well, my Parents.... authority figures, larger than life. Now, in the last few years I have started to notice that they are old people. It's a hard mental transition, I tell you. Suddenly, the people who could always be counted on in times of need have needs of their own. I guess it's only fair - but it sucks, all the same.

Anyway, I hope that your doc can help you out with the coughing. What, did it never go away?? Or is this a new cold? Oh, and if you WERE feeling restriction with Water, I would be scared for you! You aren't supposed to have any restriction with water... :]

Lisa - you are a better woman than I if you can RELAX in the middle of a 500 acre girl scout camp surrounded by 13 little girls... Yikes!! That just doesn't sound like as much fun as it probably was - at least, not to me.

Ira - Was Zach all pumped up about the Fire Dept demo? Did he have a good time at the parade? What's up with you? How were the Halloween festivities?

JaLynn - Howdy!! Hope you are feeling better. There is not much worse than being sick in a house full of sick people that need you. ((hugs))

Pat - Fun with furniture... Is it comfy? I loved buying new furniture when we moved into our new house in Texas. It was the coolest thing ever. We avoided the Leather, though. It get's so hot here for so much of the year that we decided nice cloth upholstery was the way for us. I hope you enjoy it! Hope your mouth is all healed up and you are feeling energetic.

Cindy - Those little girls grow up sooooo fast. My Granddaughter just turned 11 and it seems like only a minute ago she was a todler.

Well - I have to get back to that thing we lovingly call "work". A little slow today, now that the month-end blitz is over, so I will have time to call and harass the insurance company. Yes, they have 30 days from October 12th to respond to my appeal. I have scheduled my first appt. with the doc for the 8th - ahead of the curve. I just need to get it all together so that I can have my surgery before T-Day. That is my goal... Of course, if the *&^(& don't approve me, I will be back to square one - but I am thinking good thoughts.

Everybody have a great day!!

I am so excited for you, Ira! Try not eat that cracker in one bite!

Pat, that is a beautiful view, and I thank you for the mental break just looking at the picture provided. How very peaceful....oops! back to reality as I sit in a room of at-risk teenagers!

Eileen, sorry about your back...hopefully, as you keep losing weight, that will also improve?

Beanie, I haven't even been to IKEA once! You, like, live there! I do not remember every screaming for a teen idol, but I was pretty pumped up about just seeing the Beatles on Ed Sullivan! I always liked George. And Mickey from the Monkees.

Betty, hope you had a good ride this weekend...beautiful weather!

Zan, how's the Big Apple? Did you get some rest? Yes, being around children will flat wear your behind out!

I can definitely feel restriciton on this fill... a protein bar will last about 3 hours...a big difference!

Happy Monday! Cindy

Dang, Ira! You kick some serious butt!! Awesome! Go wild on that cracker.

Under the heading of "Somebody's Gotta Die" we have the latest in the Blue Cross Saga... I called them to find out what the heck is going on. The system was updated on the 11th - and the customer service person on Friday assumed that it was the letter being sent. WRONG. That was the grievance department ASSIGNING MY CASE to a "Grievance Specialist". Up until then, nobody had even looked at the damned thing. As of this morning, there is no answer.

At least they gave me the person's name and a direct VOICE MAIL number. Of course, I can't tell if it is the correct number - because it is a generic "you have reached" type of message. No name or anything. I left VM - for all the good that will do me.

I decided that the liklihood of getting an answer today is slim & none - so I called Dr. Fox's office to re-schedule my appointment for Thursday.

The gal there was very nice - she said that if I DO get an answer before their office closes, I can call them to re-up for my tomorrow morning appointment time. Of course, they close at 4:30 - only 1.75 hrs from now....

:[

Beanie, I'd hate to say it but don't hold your breath about BCBS calling you back, they said the same sh*t to me. The chick at the other end even asked me for my cell # because she promised she would call me back. I was on pins and needles. Tell them when you talk to a supervisor you want a 48 hour expedited review. Then they should have your answer in 2 days. I'm so sorry you have to deal with this, its just awful.

Other than that Beanie, how are you? How's texas and how's the fitness club? are you making it there? How's DH.

Cindy WOWOEEE 1 bar last up to 3 hours...whoooahaaaa !! My meals don't even last me 2 hours. I took a nap today to avoid the frig thats how hungry I am lol. My back will never get better, I have DDDisease and arthritis, bone spurs that jingle jangle jingle as I go riding merrily along So I deal with it lol.

Dinner time......... mush mush mush !!!

Cynics - 1, Optomists - 0.

Someone did in fact call me back. The clinical review nurse called me and told me as little as humanly possible except that I was denied, yet again, because my BMI is over 50%. The update on the 11th was the letter going out, according to her. So, I am pretty much back to square one - except that now I can submit to the State Insurance Board.

If I do that and fail, I may have exhausted my last chance - I am not sure. I was told that submitting to the State on my own was a waste of time - that I need to get Obesity Law.com to help me - but that costs money that I don't particularly have... I need every little penny I have saved to pay the amount that insurance won't cover. So, I am pondering an exercise in futility. I am going to get some sage advice and think about it for a day or two - then it's back to action.... one way or another.

I have to say that I have a renewed hatred for all things Blue Cross, this evening. I will try to purge that negative Karma from my system before morning.

:[

Awwww Beanie, I'm sorry to hear that! But, I always say "Where there's a will, there's a way!" I do believe that! Please don't give up yet!

Sorry I am so late getting here, I am working this week for my neighbor, and don't have acess to the site, so I just sit and think about it all day!

Ira - congrats to you! I love your new avatar too!

Pat - Love the pictures! It makes me feel like I am right there with you!

Eileen - Hope that back feels better soon! Back pain is so bad!

Cindy - 3 hours, girl you do have restriction!

Well, I am tired, going to go kick back and watch some tv. I like the new Prison Break, does anyone watch it? I also watch Medium, that is if I can stay awake long enough to watch it! :sleep

Catch you all tomorrow evening!

Hello, everybody,

My name is Patty and I live in California just 15 minutes from Disneylands Magic Kingdom. If you were to walk into my home you wouldn't know that I love all things Disney because I'm not a collector. I admire Walt Disney and what he was all about. It was Walt who took his kids out on Sunday and had to wait on a park bench for his girls to ride the carousel. That was the day he created Disneyland... a place where children and their parents could be entertained together. The park was completed 1 year after they broke ground and July 17th 1955 was called "Black Sunday" because of all the mistakes that happened that monumental day. The reason I'm telling you all this is because it was a dream come true and it only took 1 year, but if was far from being perfect. A few days ago I decided to get approved for a lapband, and this coming Saturday I will set those wheels in motion. My dream is to get the weight off, re-claim my life and to successfully raise my 4 boys as mature and moral people, and yes I am far from being perfect. Ask Eileen, my roller-coaster existence has to come to a stop, but I can't do it alone... thats where you all come into play. That NJChick urged me to say hello and I decided to just jump in with both feet. So, here I am warts and all.

Oh, Here is my favorite quotation:

Do Not meddle in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy and good with Ketchup!

Hey Miss Patty,

Good to see you here. Stop by any time and fill us in on the workings o' the walt...

:]

Hi everyone, just wanting to check in. I've been working like crazy the last few days but finally I get a day off tomorrow and I'm heading to the gym. I'm not loosing anything lately but my food intake has not been the best, just kind of eating on the go. I'm going to see my doc on thrusday, hopefully get scheduled for another fill. Hope everyone has a good night.

Sara

Good Morning,

Patty, I'm so glad your here Your introduction was great !!! I didn't know walt opened up disney in 1955, I thought the one in florida was the first one and I believe that opened in 1971 (I was there, 3 whoppin rides LOL). Some day I'll get the nerve up to fly and I'll go again but this time I'll have my DD to share in the fun. Good luck this saturday.

Beanie, I'm so sorry to hear about BCBS. My friend know's a lawyer who had the band and will write letters to insurance companies, if you want I can find out his name. I don't know how much it cost but I do know he is from NY (if that makes a difference)? She said he is frustrated b/c he knows what it is like to deal with the insurance companies and being over weight. Let me know if I can help okay!!

Betty hope you enjoyed your TV show. The only tv I get to watch is kids shows

Sara, Hope you have a relaxing day today and good luck with the fill

I'm out of here soon to take DD to school and then back home to rest my back. i feel so bad b/c all DD is doing is sitting watching tv. I can't even get up and walk around the back yard with her. Dang back !!! Oh well LOL.

Have a wonderful day everyone

HI to Patty! Get a cup of coffee and join us! I am a Disney-a-holic myself...I knew Disneyland opened in 55 because that is year I was born, and Disneyland is celebrating it's 50th anniversary, and me, my 50th birthday! I bought a sweatshirt there that has 1955 on it...I couldn't resist!

Beanie, maybe that lawyer Eileen knows is something to check into? There HAS to be a way! How can we help?

Finally, finally, a cold front is making its way through N. Texas...shock! It might be close to freezing tonight! Of course, I love it!

3 more days until a week off!!!! I am going to my grandmother's in Kansas for Thanksgiving...she is 92, and after my mom's death, I just feel like I want to be with her for the holiday. I am already feeling the sadness building up...this happened the week before my daugher's and sister's birthdays; at least now I know what that feeling is. I don't know how many of you have already goe through the grief process for a parent, but it's a struggle. Not a day goes by that I do not miss her terribly.

What are everyone's Thanksgiving plans?

Have a good day, Cindy

Morning,

I just got the kids to school.... one bloody nose and lots of complaining!

Eileen, can you get into a warm bath or shower? Might help with the pain. Epson salts are good too.

I have a Sub job today, for those of you who don't know, I work in Special Ed for my school district. Today I report from 10-12:30pm and then I'm off. It's such a fun job. Last week I spent an hour helping a 2nd grader make a woven placemat for Thanksgiving. Construction paper, glue and giggles.... and they pay me for that!! I am truly thankful that I was able to find a job that has me working the same hours that the kids are in school and when they are on vacation, so am I. Blessings.

OK, time to brag. Any little girls out there that like Tinkerbell? I know her! If you have the movie Peter Pan, fast forward to the end where there is an interview with Margaret Kerry the body model for Tinkerbell, shes a friend of mine! I usually visit with her around Christmas time and she is always willing to give autographs. Let me know and I will try to send one out.

Patty, excuse me while I pounce on your offer!!!! My DD (8) adores Tinkerbelle, and pretty much all things Disney, but the princesses most of all! What info do you need? PM me and let me know...WOW! That's cool! Cindy

OMG I LOVE TINKERBELL, I have a tinkerbell purse that I just bought at wallmart last week ROFLMFAO !! I'll take you up on that too. WoWEEEE ! feels like christmas early. Your job sounds like the best !!! I would love that. Hey you must be a tough mom...giving your kid a blood nose...guess you showed em who's boss ROFLMFAO !! I'm just kidding LOLOL

Cindy I know how you feel with your mom gone, I lost my dad from cancer in 1984, he was only 54 years old, I lost a brother in 1990 from heart failure, he was a body builder and we think steroids might have done it. AND this one is the hardest for me, I lost my eldest sister in 1998 from a rare blood disease that took her life in one week. They thought it was the flu, then they figured it to be moskowitz (sp?) disease, anyway they said she would be okay but she died 5 days later. Thats when I gave up in life and started gaining all my weight back. Patty she is the sister that lived in California. One thing that I have learned is greiving is so important, cry and get it out because if you don't your only harming yourself. I still grieve for my Sister, something terrible. I'm glad your going to spend the holiday with your Grandma, that is really nice of you.

Well its lunch time and my refried Beans and squash are calling me. I just don't know what to eat LOL!!! tomorrow my Mom is making chili so I'm having some of that for sure. Can't wait

Thanks, Eileen...I think we talked about your sister before? I would be so sad to lose my sister...we are good friends. You sure have been there, haven't you? I think I would cry more, I sure feel like it, but I don't want to in front of my students, or too much in front of my daugher...I do talk to DD about missing mom, and how much, and when it is harder, etc. I know it is important to keep these things out in the open, and I appreciate all the support I get here in that regard. It really can and does make a difference!

Enjoy the chili!

Cindy

Hi Everyone,

Hope everyone is having a good day.

Welcome Patty!

Beanie – I’m so sorry to hear about BCBS. Is there some sort of voodoo ritual I can perform? Maybe Eileen’s friend can help. A New York lawyer? Come on, that’s double the jokes and double the toughness!

Pat – I went to Monmouth Beach, it’s near Long Branch. It was great, very windy on the beach so I ate a lot of sand but my band did not seem to mind!

Eileen – Back pain is awful, I hope you are trying to take it easy and take relaxing baths. I hurt my back 3 years ago and it has never been the same.

Cindy – Hang in there and have a great time with your Grandma, Eileen is right…it is good to let it out.

So today I took the day off of work because I had my 2nd follow up with my doctor. Now let me start with telling you that my first follow up had to be re-scheduled 3 times by his office, always at the last minute and at the worst times of day possible. When I finally had my first follow up I did not even get to meet with my surgeon but members of his staff because he was “not available”. Funny… I could have sworn that was him meeting with other patients as I sat in the waiting room. A little disappointing but when I asked his staff they said the rescheduling was a fluke and not normal – okay I gave them the benefit of the doubt… So jump forward to my second follow up…. First appointment was rescheduled, second appointment rescheduled for today. I brought 3 magazines, 1 book and a newspaper because the day was supposed to go like this…10am upper GI and 2pm Dr. and 2:30pm nutritionist. Yup – a 4 hour wait between appointments in not the best area of NYC. So I get my test done, everything looks good (phew!) and head to a coffee shop to wait. 12:00 I get a call… you guessed it… the Dr. had an emergency and had to reschedule again for the 3rd time. Nope… no one else in the office could meet with me and do a fill. So now I get to trek back there on Friday …that is if they don’t cancel again. Thankfully, my work is fantastic so I can come in late and not worry. So what was a girl to do with a free afternoon? Laundry? Cleaning? Chores? Nope….I went for a manicure and pedicure and it was divine!

How is everyone else doing?