July Chat...

[jttaurus]

:nod:I got out of my cozy bed to say Hi, it's july!!!

:neener::neener::crazy::eyerub::eyerub:

We officially are in the 7th month of the year. Sorry for those heat lovers, but these are my hibernation months. Get me through this heat.

I'm hoping my July will be much healthier and financially better.

I hope everyone else has a good month too. I predict I will be busy this month. I hear couch sitting and resting is tough work for a busy gal like me. Maybe I can sneak in some sun in my new bathing suit. Yes, I got one and it's probably too big now since I lost that weight last week. :nod:

One other funny thing, my hospital dr's all began with the letter "P" so I had the "P" team this past weekend. One doc kept asking how princess was so quite and why we didn't have anymore. Ok, I'm stressed out, is it ok to ask a stressed person about having kids when she can barely feed the kid she's married too and the one they produced. Guess we put up a good facade.

[Mrs Sabre]

... Guess we put up a good facade.

I'm the queen of facades. So many have gone through so much since late last year that I simply don't tell folks everything. Physically and financially, I'm doing fine, but emotionally I'm falling apart at the seems! :( Between stress, early menopause hormonal fluctuations, and some underlying just causes, I've been seriously depressed now for months! :sadcry2:

I wouldn't even know where to start to go into it here, and folks who've never dealt with depression personally often don't understand ... so I generally keep it to myself and cry a lot.

Depression also brings with it a measure of guilt and shame. In my case, I have so much to be thankful for, so why do I feel this way? So you feel bad (guilty) about feeling bad (depressed), and that tends to make you feel worse (depressed). See the vicious cycle?

Fear of sliding back into pre-band depression eating habits, which along with weight gain also creates a vicious cycle, scares the snot out of me! That's the only reason I'm posting this.

Sorry for the buzz kill, but I had to get this off my chest.

[Kim G]

Oh Karen I for one feel honored that you can come to us. It's all ok! We are here for you crying, happy, sad whatever. I think we all go through things at times and that is what is great about this place. Each of us have a one thing or another going on this year. I have to say 07 can't end soon enough. I think I would have a lot backing me on that one.

Jen you have been through so much. I hope they can find out what is going on w/ you. I hate you haven't fully recovered since the first problem. My heart aches for you but you are so strong. I have to say I am happy to hear your DH has a job offer but from the sounds of it you will be moving further away from us? Don't think I like that, we don't see you as it is.....you move away we will NEVER see you.

Dianne - I think I read for the June chat that you had to go to the ER. Sorry to hear that but I am glad you went. Dr V is very caring. :) I so wish he could be my pcp. (ok well he kinda is now. haha)

Well ya'll know I have been having a problems - well pain I guess. I have the UGI/ fluro un-fill w/ Dr V on Tuesday. OH MY AN UNFILLED BAND AFTER 2 YEARS!!!! I can do it. Well Dr V finally got all my labs and I knew my Vit B's were down but he told me that could be contributing to the ulcers. Which is what he is treating me for. I am on so many vitimans now that it's crazy. But I don't don't to loss my band so I will do as the doc orders. He will deciede Tues if he is going to do an EGD. Well at some point after Tues he is going to decide. I am leaving Tues for the beach so I have so protein snacks packed and going to make sure I do good while we are gone.

Hope July turns out better for everyone!

[Lovemylpband]

Karen, like Kim said you can always come here to us.

It has been an aweful year for most of us. But it's JULY 1, lets start to do our best to turn the year around. For me I am very excited about my new job!! Yippeeeeeeeeeeeeeee......

Then today I was talking to a dear friend of mine about Marianne and her grief and how she isn't talking to Lynn and I and how hurt and upset I am. For some reason we started talking about addictions. And I said yeah like food is mine. Well to make a long story short, I'm so excited, I have been praying for him and his weight, he has agreed to come to SEB WLS group next Monday. I told him that quite a few men have recently gotten the band and it went from there. I'm jumping up and down inside. He is such a wonderful friend and has a beautiful wife and family. They are like family to us. I would hate for something bad to happen to him.

Well this is my last week before I start my new job! I'm so excited...Have I told you that before...At first I was really nervous about it. I have such peace now, it's wonderful.

OK I have to take my MIL to the eye dr at 9:30 tomorrow so I have to leave here at 8:45 hich means I have to get up urgh anyway it's bed time.

I don't remember if I told you but Kelly is coming home tomorrow afternoon from CUBA! I am so excited!!!

Night night....

[ladytonya]

July will be a wonderful month for everyone! Dianne will start her new job and her leg will get better. Kim will find out what is going on with her band and at least have a plan to get it fixed! Jen will finally get a resolution to all the complications, her hubby will have a great new job, and she'll be able to start getting her teacher's certificate and the great new job that will go along with it! Everyone else will get better/feel better/be happier! It has to happen because July is such an awesome month!

Plus, with July came a new adventure for me! I HIT TWOTERVILLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I weigh less than 300 lbs. for the first time since I can really remember, definitely since sometime in either my freshman or sophomore year of high school. Yooooooooooooo Whooooooooooooooo!

[Kathy]

Welcome to Twoterville, Tonya!!!:woot: congrats!!!! :)

Jen, you are in my prayers, girl. I'm sorry about all this yucky stuff going on :( Dr Hottie-P will get you fixed up, I just know it. Hang in there.

Dianne, get those veins fixed! I can't WAIT to add that to my list. Tummy tuck comes first, but my leg veins need some attention BADLY! Ugh. Keep us posted. You start Monday the 9th?

Karen, big HUGS :hug: my friend. I'll be praying for you. Let that guard down on occasion and let us in. Feel the love, feel how you are cared for. We gotcha on this end of life. BTW, I really like your daughter. :) She's nice.

Kim, I'm so glad you have Dr V close to you. Keep us posted. We need to learn form one another, good and bad! I take a sublingual B6/B12/Folic Acid/Biotin every day. I take it that's a good supplement for me to have? :nod: Dr A recommended it. I think she's spot on. :thumb: Here's a :hug: hug.

Happy July everyone. My sun is shining again, and it feels good. ;) I'll share as much as I can!

:sun_smiley::sun_smiley::sun_smiley::sun_smiley: :sun_smiley:

[Mrs Sabre]

OK, just as there's been hope rising for others; I am having a wild and awesome day! I was at the uptown YMCA at 5 a.m. to re-join and workout. I've been in and out of this same Y for 8 1/2 years, and even with a number of folks out over the July 4th week, was still greeted by at least 8 people I know. They haven't seen me in over 6 months, and although my weight loss has slowed, you know it was really conspicuous to them! That made me really feel great! :clap2:

So on I go to the first day of my new job downtown. 75% of the folks on the floor on which I work I've known for over 10 years, so there too is a sense of homecoming and comfort in this. My manager calls me saying she's stuck in VA and will be back in tomorrow. In the mean time she tells me which co-workers to sit with to begin my training. The morning goes on, and no one shows up. I decide to take advantage of the quiet, and make my rounds to say "hi!" to everyone I know. In the process I found out that my work group has been given today and tomorrow off, not to return until Thursday. I call my manager in VA; she tells me to go home! :D I have a mini vacation before going back to work on Thursday!

If 45 minutes in the gym this morning weren't enough, Alyssa and I are going rollerskating this evening for a couple of hours!

[stac1982]

Well. . . .it happened. I got stuck :(. I had to stay late at work tonight, so I picked up dinner from the Chinese place behind us to eat while I worked. I was doing great chewing the very tender beef and even the steamed broccoli. I was pretty much full and then I decided I want the stupid egg roll. . . and not the nice veggies inside, the fried bread from the outside!:crazy: I was enjoying it so much but could tell I was getting too full, but did I listen. . .NO! I wanted that fried bread! Well, the last bite did it. It got stuck and I walked for a while and felt a little better and then the slimming started. I tried some water and that came back up. It took about 10 minutes of spitting into my trash can and walking. Finally I spit some up. Nothing really solid came up, just lots of slime and a little bit of the food, but in little pieces. I guess it was not an issue of my chewing enough but of just eating too much. Well, I guess I am no longer a Virgin :ohwell:.

[Kim G]

Tonya how awsome is that! I am so excited for you....you go girl.

Dianne good luck on that new job. I can't wait to hear about it. Get those legs better.

Kathy I am so glad you are back w/ it girl. You are the one that has been through my whole journey with me and I am so glad to see you back in the band wagon. haha

Jen How you feeling today?

Well tomorrow is the day I start to find out what is going on. Kathy Dr V wants me to take a Supreme B Complex. I am sure it's about the same. Let me tell ya'll my pee is bright yellow taking all the vitiamins. It's crazy! Heather has been wanting someone to try all these different vitiamins...well guess how got stuck doing it. Your truly! Some have made me gag and others are very good.

Alright so I am NPO after midnight until after 10...UGH I am going to die. I drink a bottle of water on the way into work, I drink a bottle of water getting ready for work....this is going to be the hardest part. :)

Have a great night....I don't know that I will internet while we are at the beach but if I do I will chat w/ ya'll.

[Kathy]

Nope, you lost that PB virginity. I'd say it's official. Isn't it odd to simply not, physically, be able to overeat? How weird is that? That band is a love/hate thang. Love it cuz it works. Hate it when it won't give you your every food desire. :rolleyes:

Cool great day, Karen!

Let us know how it goes, Kim. I know what you mean about the yellow pee. It's a good sign, though! :lol:

[ginabobina]

Hi everyone - just wanted to let you know I had a great 2 week followup with Dr. V this afternoon and have posted the following thread about my exciting news... http://www.band2gether.net/showthread.php?p=72474#post72474 It's called Farewell 400s FOREVER!!! Woo hoo!!

I enjoyed my mushies tonight - so far so good and it was about the most delicious thing ever! I'm quite proud of myself for making it through the whole 4 weeks of liquids without even cheating at ALL!! Go Gina Go Gina!

[Mrs Sabre]

WTG Gina! Keep up the good work!

Kim, please let us know how it goes!

I'm going to have to start keeping notes on everyone as I read these posts. I want to speak/write to everyone, and my little pea brain won't hold it all! :neener:

OK, so I have to work a while today after all. That's OK. It's just me and the boss. I know we're starting late, and ending early; although I don't now exact times.

I'm off to the gym again! ... and don't have to rush!

[stac1982]

Hope all goes well today Kim. . .please keep us posted!

[Kim G]

Ok a quick update: Fluro showed band in good place as well as the port looking good. :) So he left me @ 2 we feel the ulcers are healing and we are swing back up in about a month to see how I am doing. He said if I don't start doing better in about 2 weeks he wants to know but if I think I am getting little bite better he will wait for a month and maybe start taking my fill back up. I am so excited!!!! I was so scared my band has slipped and I was going to be unfilled completely. So good news we are good and we are going truck along as is!!!! :) Thanks for the thoughts.....

[ladytonya]

Yeah, Kim! So glad to hear it's not slipped! Hope that 2 keeps ya with enough restriction. Sometimes I swear I know what ya'll are talking about when you talk about restriction. Staplers aren't supposed to get "stuck", but sometimes I feel that way. At lunch today, I ate too much and slimed. Gross! I've done it before and it's always on deli meat. Don't think I'll be trying any deli meat any time soon! Yuck! Anyway, I'm so happy you're not slipped. Hope your ulcers get better. Have fun in Wilmington. I loved the battleship, but I'm a geek and love stuff like that anyway.
Happy July 4th, everybody!

[Lovemylpband]

Kim that is great news! PTL!!!

Tonya I don't remember if I congratulated you on entering the 2's I'm so happy for you. That is just wonderful.

Gini- I'm so happy and excited for you! WTG girl....

Well today I had a wonderful lunch with Glo, Kathy and the kiddos! It was so wonderful to see them and so thoughtful of them to want to get together.

I'm excited about starting on Monday. I feel like today is Friday night already.

Have a good night guys. And a happy 4th. Whats everyone doing?

Were hanging with the in-laws...you know something new...I really don't mind, we always have a nice time.

[Mrs Sabre]

I am seriously praying to God that our collective improvement continues! Unless I'm mistaken, once JudyBellyBand gets her band replaced, I think everyone in NC is on the mend from our multitude of trials & tribulations?

I think I'm going to really like my new job. I already love being back downtown! I'm trying to kick my exercise up and get the scales moving down again! Depression continues to be an issue, but not as severe now that the old job has been wrapped up.

[Glo]

Happy 4th of July, everyone!

Karen--Thanks for your COURAGEOUS post--chemical and hormonal imbalances can throw us for a loop--speaking up for support is important. Also--you have sure earned my respect for jumping in there and taking care of yourself with exercise and letting some of those brain chemicals wash over you!

Tonya--You have lost 1/2 of yourself. I'm just so amazed at how fast this has been. I had lunch with Dianne and Kathy yesterday and just mentioned to them how inspiring you are with how much you just enjoy your life!

By the way, Dianne's chest is looking HOT! She's ready to go into that new job and knock them dead.

Stacey--Oh girl--that Chinese food was my first PB too. I loved Chinese food so much pre-band...now I just stick to the soup. Your weight loss looks great too! You and Shelley are tearing it up.

Gina--Congratulations on exciting news on the weight loss!

Wasn't it really fun to read Kathy's "...my sun is shining again!" I loved that.

JEN--Hope you're out of some pain and into some joy.

Jill--This is your first 4th without a gall bladder. We're celebrating with you, Argentina.

Kim--I'm glad you didn't have to get completely unfilled--a couple of people on here say they are just starving and have a rebound weight gain. My doctor put me on a vitamin B at the June check-up--it has folic acid and some other thing too--it's sublingual. I had never taken that kind of supplement.

Haven't heard from Godloveshope but I'm thinking she's still doing the liquids.

Hello to everyone else and it's just great to see the positive vibes move into July! Go for it!

Love,

[jttaurus]

Thanks Glo - I'm comfortable with my liquid laxative mix. I know TMI.

I see the doc's next week. I'm still having quite a bit of pain and I need to see another specialist next week. I am not working right now and I beleive I'm going to stay out until things are right. I need some serious down time. It's like Zombie land at our house. I'm just resting and eat and resting. DH is just working out like a nut because he missed it for 4 days and daughter is just being a kid. Too much TV.

We are also exploring the job prospect and possible move in store for us.
Can u beleive my boss didn't even call to check on me. It just shows how little corporate america cares. After 8 years, they could atleast act like they care. My family is upset that we are entertaining a job move, but they aren't the ones who live in our shoes. They can be so negative all the time.

Karen - I'm so glad your new job is good for you and like a home coming. I know how important this is for you. As for the depression, I have no advice to offer, just a listening ear. We all have our issues, I beleive some more complex then others, never the less, all of equal importance.

We will be strong and get stronger.

I'm glad Kim's band is good and strong. I know what a psychological issue this weight brings for me and all of us.

Now, if I could just get that stupid Sonic Cookie Dough Blast Commerical to stop playing I'd feel less of a food addict. It's so stupid, I'm home and thinking of food all the time.

[Mrs Sabre]

Jennifer, I hate that you work in an area of the bank that is so uncaring. If I miss two days of work in a row, I'd have at least 2-3 people calling John to check up on me!

It sounds like you're feeling somewhat better?

[jttaurus]

Karen - I've worked with most of these people for my tenure with the bank. There are so many petty issues on so many levels, I will not bring them outside of work because they bring me down. Needless to say, entertaining joe's job offer and leaving there is something that will bring me joy. I will miss my benefits but not the commute or enviornment if we go to the carolina coast. We have some things to iron out as far as his job off but the pluses are great. I don't want to tell everything right now.

Money would still be an issue, but this would enable us to grow as a family and develop in his career instead of me just having a job. I will catch up with you. Maybe we can plan something while i'm on my 'time out'.

I think my new med's are making me have sensory overload. Everything seems blurried and I want to eat alot. I wanted watermelon so bad and they didn't have any decent ones left, I know it's july 4th. I will seek out one tomorrow. Plus, I've been snacking on veggies, like those little corn on the cobs, i love them. We had no food left, it was so funny, not even mayo. We ran out of everything. I'm doing a bit better too. Sorry if this is muffled, it's the med's. I'm gonna veg out and do nothing.

[jttaurus]

Gina - Congrats - I forgot to mention it, what a huge accomplishment.


Tonya - You are amazing - You zipped through those 3's and now two's you go girl. I know it can be expensive. I'm ready for new clothes soon.
Just waiting for those deep summer discounts. It's almost like being a kid again, giggling for new clothes. Did I tell you I sold one of the Ipods?
I got a new cell phone, pink ofcourse, but now I think I should get a cellphone mp3 player.

[ladytonya]

Jen, it sounds like you're doing better! That's good! Hope the new job works out and you can put all these complications behind you.

I'm with ya on the new cell phone. Mine is fairly new, I have a Razr and I love it, but I am seriously lusting over the iPhone. I want one so bad I can hardly stand it, but we can't afford it right now. Probably should wait until all the kinks get worked out anyway. The first version of any new product usually has bugs and they get worked out over time. That phone just looks so cool! We have US Cellular now and would have to switch to AT&T to get one, plus we are under contract to US Cellular so it's not even possible, but I can still lust over technology. Hubby says I'm transferring. We went to Lowes today and bought a new grill and I want to order a camcorder. I've always wanted a camcorder and have never bought one because I don't really know how much I'd use it, but I want one anyway. I could Vlog with it or post stuff to YouTube. There are some WLS groups on YouTube and some pretty cool stuff getting posted there. I know I could do it with a much cheaper web-cam, but that doesn't matter. I want a camcorder! I'm such a brat! Anyway, hope ya'll are having a nice 4th! RIght now, hubby and I are both chillin' on the computer. We're going to grill some brats later and then shoot off some fireworks. Well, "shoot off" isn't the right word because they aren't the illegal kind from South Carolina, but we got a big package with all the different spark fountains and they are so fun to play with!

Happy 4th of July!

[Shellster]

Hey you guys! It's been a while, so thought I'd post my two cents. You're lucky I can even type because I went walking to get my exercise in tonight and almost got maimed by a rogue roman candle. I did my best to do my most graceful scream-duck-serpentine run before I flipped the guy the bird. :cover: He saw me coming - dern it and lit that thing anyway! I suppose I can officially say that my walk has now become a run. Who knew!

Sounds like things are starting to take a turn around for everybody. I'm glad...we're barely into July and I was starting to get worried.

Karen, I'm so close by. If you need to talk, call me and we'll walk and talk. :console:

Gina...woo hoo! :cheer4:I'm so happy for you. I am trying my best to get in the 230's. I can taste it!

Jen...rest up girl! The job offer sounds promising...I've been hoping something good came ya'll's way. Keep us posted.

Stacey....ummmm.....eggrolls. I tried one today and was okay. It was like I was testing fate because we're so close in our journey. I just wanted to check it out. I was okay for a few bites, but didn't press my luck. Your first pb! My little girl is growing up...just kidding. You're doing great! I made an appointment for follow-up and possibly another fill on 7/17.

Diane...good luck on your new job! :wink2:

Kim....I know she's on vacation. I talked to her Tuesday before her test. I'm just happy that all came out okay.

Glo...want you to know that you inspired me to go buy some new bras. I did and man - they make all the difference! I look like I got a lift/tuck! I have 25 year old bewbies now...that's saying something because I'm 36!

Jill....where are you? You have to come to the next lunch because I'm having withdrawals.

Tonya...when are you coming down again? I've yet to meet you in person!

I know I'm forgetting someone....

Happy 4th of July!

[Glo]

Shelley--Can you BELIEVE the difference the right BRA makes??? That's why I was preachin' at lunch that day. It just made all the difference in the world--comfort wise and looks wise!! I'll be looking out for those perky girls on the 21st! Your weight loss is awesome!

Have a great weekend everyone!

[diva girl]

Hi Everyone....

It's been awhile since I've posted but I'm feeling the need to reach out...so here I am.

Tonya...Save that money from the iphone and other tech stuff for all the plastic surgery you're going to need with YOUR AWESOME WEIGHT LOSS! Congrats on getting into the two's. Isn't that just amazing? Aren't you so proud?

Speaking of plastic surgery, I need some. It turns out that all that fat was holding up wrinkles. A LOT of wrinkles. Gotta wait at least another year...but I swear...I look like a crone. Notice that I haven't changed my avatar, even though I've lost 50 pounds since then....

Kathy...and other Charlott-eers....what are the chances that you can come to Asheville to break bread? Ok...not communion...eat dinner.

xoxoxoxo,

[Lovemylpband]

Hi I'm a bit frustrated! I went to see Dr today about my veins and he wants to do another ultrasound tomorrow and then see me on Wednesday. My first week of work and I'm going to have a stupid Dr.s appointment. I feel like such a failure. I made the appointment for 8AM so hopefully I will make it to work by 9, but I hate that I have to do this right now.

[stac1982]

Hey y'all! I hope everyone is having a great weekend! So I got this idea today and wanted to run it by everyone before I call and check it out. Kevin and I have been to a couple of Charlotte Knights baseball games recently. Tonight we went out there and they have a picnic area for groups. Tonight there were several groups there. It looks like you get dinner and then tickets to the game. And if you didn't know, Saturday nights, they do fireworks after the game. I'm not sure how much it cost, but I can call next week if everyone is interested in doing this. I thought it would be something different to do. The only Saturday games left are August 11th and the 18th. It might be to late to organize this now but it's a thought. Or if we don't want to do the group picnic, we could just get a group together to go to the games. What do y'all think?

[Mrs Sabre]

I keep praying to hear that Judy got approved for a new band. Otherwise, it still seems like we are collectively on the mend ... finally! Praise God! The last 9 months or so have been harsh!

Thank you all for the words of encouragement around my menopausal hormone fluctuations and depression. Although I don't feel confidently out from under it, I am improving. :)

I forget who asked ... but the new job I started last week is still with the bank, but it's back uptown and back in a group with which I worked 5 1/2 years ago. I'm doing international regulatory reporting, primarily for our Cayman Island branch. Too bad I don't get to go visit! ;) It's felt like a homecoming!

Similarly, I re-joined the uptown YMCA, and worked out 4 days last week. Having been in and out of that same gym for the last 9 years, it too was like a homecoming! A lot of people were out last week with the 4th holiday; nevertheless, I still saw a dozen or more folks I know. :nod:

My husband is the techno junky in our household. His birthday is the 10th, and we got him a Wii this weekend. I like it; he loves it!

[ladytonya]

Oh, I LOVE my Wii! They are so fun! I can't get my hubby interested. He won't buy a second controller until he decides he likes it. I only have a few games, but it doesn't matter! I love them all! Have fun with your new toy! Well, I guess I should say have fun with both your new toys. I'd love to have a motorcycle, but both my hubby and my mom would have a heart attack if I ever got one. I'm too much of a wild child to keep it under control!

[Mrs Sabre]

Tonya, I love riding. If you're interested but not sure that you're ready to commit, I'd highly recommend taking the Motorcycle Safety Foundation's beginner course. It's usually offered at local community colleges, and they provide the bikes!

[stac1982]

Oh Karen that sounds like so much fun. I might have to try that out one day.

[Lovemylpband]

I LOVE the Knights game idea.

Hope you all had a good weekend. I really enjoyed mine.

Bed time now I have to go to WORK tomorrow!!!!

[ginabobina]

Diane I hope you had a GREAT first day of work - can't wait to hear how it went!!

[ladytonya]

Dianne, hope your first day at the new job went well. Karen, I'll have to check that class out! Sounds like fun.

Okay, I just had my gallbladder removed this morning and forgot to ask one important question. Is there anything that I should or shouldn't eat today? When I was in discharge, they offered me a danish, muffin, or crackers. Gee, I just had gastric bypass 7 months ago, let me have that cream cheese danish! I just WANT to dump! NOT! Anyway, I figured since I had peanut butter crackers that eating was okay this evening. I hope so anyway because I was feeling hungry so I ate. Hopefully, when I take my pain pill I won't regret it! Any experience? Jill, you around? I'm really thinking this is something I should have asked the doc. Oh, well. Too late now!

[Neal R.]

Tonya, glad your surgery went well. Sounds like your feeling fairly good.

[jttaurus]

Tonya - glad to hear your surgery went without a hitch. I didn't have any restrictions with my surgeries as far as dietary. Just no concentrated sugars or carbonation. Just keep the heating pad handy for the gas pains.

I'm glad everything went smoothly for you. All signs look towards us moving but I don't know if I can handle it. I really don't. I wish my mom could 'ring' me up right now. I just saw that the dr's billed $13k for my hospital stay and they just 'observed' and ran tests. I'm in the wrong business for sure.

I was out in the heat for 1 hour today and I think I aged 100 years.

[ginabobina]

Glad you're doing well Tonya - gall bladder recovery is pretty speedy. I think the only thing I was told to avoid was really fatty items... which we obviously ought to be avoiding already. You don't have the gall bladder to help process the fattier items and some people have trouble after surgery with eating those things, like fried stuff. Otherwise you should be able to eat as normal. l was in so much pain before ther surgery I had barely eaten in a week... once that gall bladder pain was gone I was starvin'!! Take it easy and hope you rest well!!

[Kim G]

Ok I am BACK!!!! I know ya'll missed me. haha

We had a great time. My sister showed up and messed up all our plans so I didn't get to meet Shelia and is so bad....I was probably 5 blocks away from her. Go figure. Oh well it's a good thing we have a house down there and I will for sure make it to meet her again.

I have a lot of catching up to do.

Here is what I think I got...Karen has a new bike because her other one was too high and she had a little accident but is a-okay. Now she is chaning her name to something....snappy like her bike. haha

Dianne started her job today!!! Welcome to the 9-5 world.

Tonya is now missing her gall bladder that was good for an once or so of weight loss. hehe

Jen - still in pain and out of work. But keep us up to date and hanging in there. We just love you girl.

Stacey, Shelley, Kathy, Cathy, Wavy, Judy, Glo, and everyone else hope you July is off to a good start.

Mine I am heavier then I was 3 weeks ago but it's ok. I have been able to eat and make choices I haven't in a long time and while I finally enjoyed a cheese burger (well kinda) I don't miss them as much as I thought. I have learned alot over the last week and when Dr V starts to fill me again in about a month I will so ready. I am not worried about the weight gain as I know I can get through this since it was truly just an ulcer and my band is GREAT just like me. It took me 6 months but I think I am finally out of the rut I have been in. I feel great, I am still smaller then I was 2 years ago. I have a great family and WOW look what almost a week to myself can do.

Welcome July hope it contunues to go great!!!

Oh for the penny pinchers out there like me...Eckerd has 75% off their name brand stuff. I got 8 bags of stuff for 30.00 tonight. I love getting a GREAT deal! Alright I am so far behind at work I am going to sign on and try to get some done. Yes at 10 at night but I gotta do it.

[stac1982]

Hey Gina! I saw you tonight at the meeting, but you left before I could come over and talk to you. Awwww man. . .I still have not talked to you in person! Hopefully one day!

[ginabobina]

bummer Staci!! Sos orry to miss ya - next time we need to have a b2g section! help me remember to post and ask who is coming so we can try to sit together.

[Lovemylpband]

Good idea Gina!! I really enjoy those meetings. You all should come. I promise you won't be kicked out if someone else did your surgery!!

Work has been really great. The people are so wonderful, and I have a window!!! LOL

I haven't been on here this week except for Tuesday and tonight. I'm getting home on the late side and then running. But thats ok.

I finially decided to bring my vitamin B's with me so I don't forget to take them. I really think they do help with energy!

And on that note....I'm going to bed. Have a good night. I will try to catch up this weekend.

I have not read the sos thread so I have to check that out sometime soon.

Oh one more thing. My legs....I have to have surgery in the OR at the hospital....twice....I can't wait to get rid of the pain and the ugly veins! I'm waiting for insurance stuff to go through. As of right now it looks like the end of August for the first leg.

Well have a good night.

[jttaurus]

I'm just checking in, it's been a few days. I am doing some what better. My roller coaster just keeps going faster and faster, and I want to jump off.

Dr p told me I could stay out of work for several more weeks, however, he couldn't guarantee I would receive my income during that time. So, I am returning to the workforce monday. I have decided I might ultimately give my notice. I am going to see how things work with my husband first. I really want to take a leave so I could try to transfer within the company but those process take about 30days and time isn't on my side.

It looks like the move is the way we are going, unless we get a surprise offer in the next few days/week. I finally heard on of the true reasons why he's most likely not getting called or offers and that's because of his gender. Another teacher mentioned that most female principals don't see male teachers as nurturing thus they just pass them over as potential candidates for k-3 grades. Ofcourse, he's 6 2, huge muscles, and a brush cut, he looks intimidating. Lets hope the principal who offered him the job doesn't get scared. Just kidding. I just don't get it. It's really made me question people and their agendas. Did my husband go into the wrong field, did we give up 3 years and the financials just to continue to struggle?

Anyways. We might be busier in the next few weeks. I have to finish up my medical appointments before we move incase of the lapse in insurance coverage. I was told by one specialist it will take 3 months for an appointment, yet at the hospital it was very 'urgent' for my to receive care from him. I think its crazy.

I'm glad everyone else is doing better. I am excited for the opportunity, i'm just scared about the journey of getting there. Atleast, I know my husband and best friend will be going through this journey with me.
Today we took Chloe for a haircut, she looks adorable. Joe got his cut, now I need mine cut. I hate curly hair, it's always bushy and puffy. I just need a good stylist. Mine gave me a really bad haircut and I need to find a new one.

Adios!

[Kim G]

Jen where is the move going to take you? How far away from us? Will you PLEASE come to one last lunch before you leave us? PLEASE!!!!

Hope everyone is doing well....I have some downs and little ups.....but I am getting better. I can really say that I am so READY for 07 to end. :)

Annie is joining us for our next lunch again....she loved you all. She wants us to come and do a work out boot camp before we go eat. I have a flier for it and I will post about it here. She is making me come and get my but in gear so I think ya'll should join me. :)

This weekend is for us to be lazy!!!! I haven't done much of anything this week and I have no plans for the weekend and I like that for once. I need some me time in bad way and it's going to be good.

Hope ya'll have a great weekend and I am sure I will check in through out the weekend.

[jttaurus]

Kim - I will spill all the beans when things are more soild.

He has another interview locally next week, so things could change again.
It's like the bipolar job hunt, it's manic. The solid job offer is 5 hours aware near the beach. However, if he gets a local one we will be staying.
So we cannot make too many plans and everything is limbo. I will try to make lunch, but I do not know at this point how I will feel next week.
I will keep you updated on the manic move.

[Lovemylpband]

I haven't checked in in a while. I'm finishing up my lunch next to my desk here at work...have I told you I LOVE MY JOB..The only problem I have is eating to fast these days and not enough time to go to lunch and get food and eat in. No PB's yet, lets hope it stays that way. bye for now..

[ginabobina]

I'm do glad you love your job Diane!! That's so great! I missed seeing you last thursday - are you coming to the lunch on Saturday? Can't wait to see the crew - it has been forever!! Thank goodness i at least get to see Kim's smiling face pretty often :nod:

So, today is my one month (4 week) bandiversary and it has gone by pretty fast. My DH took me out to lunch today - yippee, soft foods!! It was my first restaurant trip in 6 weeks and I did well. I was so nervous - there was no problem eating slowly - I was not about to risk having a PB or something in public! I tried salmon with a smidge of mashed potatoes - felt like such a waste since I could only eat such a small amount. Next time I'll try to find an appetizer or kids portion. I looked at the list of allowable foods and I'm itchin' to try some scallops. Anybody know of a good seafood place in South Charlotte?

[jttaurus]

Spilling some more monday beans.... I returned to work today... I work with the most hateful people in charlotte, it's amazing why I stay there...

I will not seek a leave of absence....however.....since some of the members here can/do know where i work and who I work for...i cannot say anymore until i notify the workplace of 'the rest of the can of beans' until then.....

[wavydaby]

HEy.. i am alive.. wanted to say hi.
I cant come to the lunch sat.. am going to my parents this weekend
Oh and Jen... sexual/reverse discrimination....
Oh and if one person works remotely on your team, your manager HAS to let anyone do it. HR policy or its discrimination too.
Hubby was a manager. he knows.

Everyone else. HEY
Dang. I am sooo out of the loop.
I threw my back out and had issues... life. it gets in the way sometimes.

[jttaurus]

Wavy - i'm out of the loop too. I don't want to ruffle anything, but i feel like an outkast there. I worry that there's too many eyes sometimes.

I put in my 'official request' to take a leave today, if it isn't approved I have other plans. I will keep you updated. I hope to see you saturday.

[Kim G]

Wavy hope you feel better soon....can you join us Saturday? I can bring a heating pad.

[jttaurus]

Well the 'creep' in charge has 106 reasons why I cannot take a leave, i guess one would include why the creep is just that. I will probably just submit my resignation next week because i have a short temper right now.

Maybe, I'll know more by the end of business tomorrow. This person just rubs me be the wrong way on purpose.

[Kim G]

Jen hope it works out for you!

[Shellster]

Whoa nelly!:eek: So this is what restriction is like? Okay...so, I posted something on the lapband complication board, but I went for a fill Tuesday and there was no liquid in my band. Doc put the whole 1.2c's back in my band. I think it was just a fluke because good gravy do I have some restriction now! I can really feel liquids go down and swirl around then....gurgle.....gurgle....and superstar! (That's my best Mary Katherine Gallagher...that's what I want to do when it goes down.) Anyways...had a couple of bites of puree tonight and oops...tightness....a little discomfort....then just full feeling....after a couple of bites. Wow...then I went and exercised. We'll see if it loosens up in the next couple of days...

[Kathy]

Ohhh, watch out Shell! Take it slow, take small bites. Looks like you don't have a leak, huh? :nod: I wonder if you have your 1.2cc plus another 1.2cc?! Egads! :lol: Be careful. :)

[Shellster]

I thought the same thing when I got the big chest pain from a small bite of mashed potatoes today at lunch. Who knows....I guess I'll know when I go back on the 31st.

[Halo]

Hello Everyone,

I pray that all that are having difficult times will be healed whether physical or emotional. And I rejoice with those that are celebrating. I am about to be on the bandwagon with you all as my surgery is with Dr.Voellinger this Wednesday the 25th at 7:30 AM. I would appreciate any prayers for all to go well.

Thanks!

[BondGirl]

Good luck Halo! prayers are with you!

[jttaurus]

Hi Halo -

Good Luck and You are in great hands.

Today was great. Good for the heart and belly.

Tara it was nice meeting you.

[stac1982]

Good luck on Wednesday Halo!!! I will be thinking of you!

[stac1982]

Oh yeah and about me. . .so you all don't think I have fallen off the face of the earth! We are in TN for the next few days. Kevin's Grandfather passed away early Saturday morning. The funeral is Tuesday and we will be coming back on Wednesday. This is why I missed all the activities from Saturday. I am having a little bit of B2G withdrawals! My parents use dial up, so it is nearly impossible to be on here too long!!!

[Tara]

So sorry to hear of his passing.

Dial-up...argh! I have to do dial-up wihen I venture back home to Indiana. I stay at my parents, and they are in the middle of the country on a farm. There isn't a high-speed service available at their location, not even satellite!

Missed seeing you!! We have to plan to meet up soon!!

[Glo]

We missed you Stacey--I wondered if your grandfather had passed on. Your family is in our thoughts. We'll see you in August!

[ginabobina]

We missed you Stacey!! I hope things go as well as they can while you're away - it's never an easy thing to go through. Take care and have a safe trip home

[Kathy]

Wow, Tara, it really is you in your avatar! I just love your curls...you really are gorgeous, so I hope I get a chance to stare at you more at our August lunch. :nod: Not in "that" way, but, you know. :lol:

[wavydaby]

Hey peeps!
I wanted to say hi!
Now I get to go back 6 pages and read all of what has been going on.
BUT Im in chat now if ya wanna say hey

[JudyBellyBand]

Hi everyone . . . I have enjoyed reading today and seeing what is going on. So much is happening, but I just wanted to add:

Gina, when do you get your first fill? 4 weeks out and my word you are going for the 'no-fill most lost' record of any female I have ever heard of. ...what a blessing. You better be getting ready to write your story.

Halo, I know what I mean when I say even when you get the band placed, it's still a struggle... but oh so worth it. Do whatever you have to in order to put getting your band in and filled as a personal priority. You will be so glad you did.

Dianne, I may be the only one here who is not over-joyed you're now a "working woman" rather than retired like me. I miss your calls. Save some for me ;o)

I am planning on making Aug's lunch meeting even if I have to walk from Greensboro. I have way to many new friends to meet in person. I sure hope I can work this one out. . . the Lord willing, I will.

As for me and getting to my replacement lap-band surgery, I am still hanging. Maybe by Aug. I'll know which door to jump from. I have now gained 33 lbs (I know, I know) since most of you last saw me and struggle every day but the Lord has a plan and I am counting on Him to show me the when and the why . . in time.

Love to each of you and hope to see you soon.
Always,
Judy

[ginabobina]

JUDYYYYY!!!!!! My Spidely Senses were tingling!! I was just about to email you and see how you're holding in there! So glad to hear from you. I'm sure it is hard to be on here sometimes when you're having band troubles. I started feeling ledt out in the middle of the waiting period before surgery - started getting so bummed out reading about how everyone was doing and I was sitting there wanting that band soooo bad!! But, eventually you'll be typing away talking about how it seems so long ago when you were dealing with the leak!! I just know it will work out for you!!

As for the fill, when I saw Dr. V last week he said there is no reason to get a fill yet since I am still not eating very much and I'm losing weight. I am still so shocked to not be hungry all the time. It's so hard to get enough protein in. I'm doing better with my water but still struggling with the protein. I'm getting at least 40 a day but not always 60. Today I've had a latte and a McD's grilled honey mustard snack wrap with half the tortilla torn off. And I feel full still, not just "not hungry". I know it won't stay like this forever but I am trying to take advantage of every second of this time!! I have so much to lose and it is really helpful to be getting a good start - a lot of docs insist on RNY for someone of my size, that the band is not going to work - i am hoping to prove them wrong!!

[Kim G]

Stacey I am so sorry to hear Kevin's grandfather. Please let us know if there is anything any of us can do.

Judy I am so happy to see you. :) I would love to you here in Aug. PLEASE, PLEASE try to make it.

Well as for me......my husbands family is just crazy!!!!! I had to work seminar last night but it started Saturday after lunch. To make a long story shorter - My 8 month preggy SIL is in the hospital tonight for observation becuase of all the stress she is under. My BIL pressed chargers against my FIL and a friend of his they were both arrested today. FIL is down at the court house pressing charges again BIL becuase he "started" the fight. My SIL and BIL filed restraining orders again both my FIL and MIL. Ya'll it's SO ugly...my MIL moved up there to keep the baby so sil and bil could afford to have a baby. Well now MIL isn't even talking to them and they want ever talk again. She is changing her will next week beause she doesn't want her own daughter to get anything of theirs and I have been instructed to not give them anything ever. I have told both SIL and MIL that I am not taking sides on this as neither one of them did anything to us. I told them that we would be there for both of them but we would not be put in the middle of this. I have been asked to go up friday and move all the stuff from sil's house and take to mil's house. MIL only trust me doing it and SIL only trust me to do it. SO I am taking PTO on friday to get go up and get back here by 7 friday night so I can do something fun for me. (dinner on demand)

With all the health problems I have had and are having my DH has told them that I will do this for them friday BUT they are not to ask me to anything else. Last night the calls started coming in 8 and I went to bed @ 1. I was on the phone w/ someone the whole time. Talking to sil for mil, talking mil for sil oh it was bad. So tonight we have cut the ringers off and the cell phones off and Mike picked up dinner and it's just us. I am sitting here w/ ice on neck and then I have to go heat and then ice again. They told me I have nurophthy (bad spelling) in my neck and my back is killing me. I think my ulcers are starting to flar up again, so Dr V called me in some more carafet so that I can take that now before they get bad again. We are not taking Curtis around any of this. It's his aunt and uncle and his grandparents and they have all been instructed not to mention the others when he is around but dh said we are not taking him around them any time soon.

So please put my my in-laws in your prayers and please try to pull us through this.

Thank you all as always for your support.

[Tara]

Wow, Tara, it really is you in your avatar! I just love your curls...you really are gorgeous, so I hope I get a chance to stare at you more at our August lunch. :nod: Not in "that" way, but, you know. :lol:



HA...in that way. :) Thank you for the compliment. I feel like I have a medusa head. :scared: We will have to sit together next time, Kathy!

[JudyBellyBand]

Gina,
You ARE so thoughtful and I am just s-o-o-o excisted that you are working hard and having such great results. You are so correct just to stay on the track Dr. V has for you. The fills will be there when you need them. But oh my ...WOW, no hunger . . . reading your message reminded me of just how wonderful that was. I sure pray you are right and that before long, I will not be hunger again. I'm just so very excited for you. Keep going and keep us posted . . . please!

Dear Kim; This situation is just the worst. It upset my stomach to think of all the stress your family is putting on you and their own son and daughter and her unborn baby (oh my word, what a shame). This is just evil and I am going to pray for you and about this before I go to sleep in just a few. But I would also hope you will remember that this is about their choices and that you and your DH have to also agree and make a choice for how to cope for your little family as well. Let them work it out or not cause in the end, their relationship will redefine or (refine as by fire) each of their character, their spirit, and their heart. Just lay as low as you can and know that each of them need and MUST get their hearts right first with the Lord before they will with each other. I see this all the time with people in our church family. Most often, it does not turn out well ... I am sorry to say that but evil is real and without a focus on the Lord, all of us revert to our natural natures which has satan whispering in our ears all the time saying "self" and not "WWJD". Love you and please take good care of yourself.

Good night everyone.

[Lovemylpband]

I miss all of you! But I really muct say I love my JOB!!! Have I told you that before.

night night

[ladytonya]

For those of you who don't venture out of the NC board (that's usually me, but I saw this thread at the top when I logged in one day), check out this thread!

http://www.band2gether.net/showthread.php?t=4241

[wavydaby]

GOsh,,, I guess that means, we have to come up with an organised party...

[BondGirl]

Check out this website for camping. Ive been to this campsite and its awesome! I really loved it.

http://camp.nchotsprings.com/


Angie

[jttaurus]

I miss all of you! But I really muct say I love my JOB!!! Have I told you that before.

night night

Diane,

This is Wonderful. I hope to say the same soon. For me, I hope it's just being Chloe's mom that I will say I love so much, even more then I do now.

I'm glad you love your band and what you do for a living.

Jen:wink2:

[Mrs Sabre]

I've been away for so long that there's no way I can get caught up. For this I apologize. Kim as most graciously offered to keep me up to date on the BIG things. We're having major computer issues at home right now, and I cannot access the board at work ... not that I would have time to anyway. I'm in the middle of my first quarterly reporting cycle with my new job. I've been putting in a lot of 12 hour days, but the bulk of it was wrapped up today. I have additional reporting to do, but over a longer period of time ... until the end of next quarter. Like Dianne, I love my new job! :D I love being back uptown again and being able to have lunch with my DH and friends! :)

I miss you all!

[wavydaby]

ok, whoelse besides me read HP book 7??

[ladytonya]

Yeah, Jill! I finished last night. Have been avoiding any posts involving HP until I finished. It was great!

[Shellster]

I am reading it! I'm about on page 300 or something. I've had too much going on, but after I sign off I'm gonna hunker down until I finish it.

[jttaurus]

You HP are so funny.

We were sitting across from some 20ish guys in Ruby Tuesdays near Camp LeJuene and they were talking about Harry Potter the other day. We were just laughing to ourselves like, get a job guys your officially grown ups. It's amazing how HP has held people captives all these years.

Now, whose seen him at IMAX?

[Kim G]

I am not into HP...nope not me. Haven't read one book or seen one movie. Not for me.

So friday I survived....went to the SIL's house to move the stuff out...took the whole 17 foot trailer and 2 car loads to get everything over there. Plus they had gotten 2 truck loads the night everything blew up. The whole thing is just crazy! Had Abby's 2nd birthday party yesterday and she didn't care a thing about anything except playing by herself off to the side. She was so funny and cute!

So today Curtis and I are hanging out and not doing anything. I am hurting, my back, my neck, my stomach but it's all ok.

Have a great Sunday and hope you are all doing well.

Can you believe that July is almost over? Were does the time go?

[jttaurus]

I am SO glad july is over with. June end sickly for me, and july has been SO stressful. AUgust we will be jobless so to speak and I will have new insurance. I'm hoping that my insurance change will be seamless. I am still having terrible migraines and the dr's keep saying it's stress.

My brother and his grandson were down to visit. This kid was awsome. Chloe loved him, he's 11 going on 20. Very grown up and well behaved.
Next weekend we start packing, return to new beach city, sign lease, clean new house up, come back. We are schedule to leave the 'redneckghetto' on the 11th and joe starts work on the 13th. Chloe starts school the 27th and I think I will work on my tan.

I'm scared of being broke and not working. My family tells me I need the rest. My husband is nagging me about my eating and drinking. I might kill him.

[ladytonya]

Jen, your new start sounds so awesome! I would give anything to be able to not work. I don't even know how we'll pull it off when and if I ever get pregnant. I don't want to stick my baby in daycare when it's 2 weeks old but we can barely pay our bills with two incomes!

Right now, I'm in a rut. I had my gallbladder removed on July 9 and lost almost 10 lbs. in the week after. I have been stuck going up and down one or two pounds ever since. It is so frustrating! I don't get enough protein and I know that, but I've never gotten enough protein! I also don't really drink enough fluids but, again, I never have. Hubby is trying to get on a plan and I'm going to get back to being strict on mine! Gotta get that protein in me! Ugh!

[jttaurus]

Tonya -

We will have enough money for a bit, but we are eliminating alot of expenses because where we are moving is not creating the costs charlotte we have now. I won't need 2 tanks of gas, sitting in traffic 1 hour plus a day, private school for Chloe.

There are negatives too. We don't use any credit cards, we do have debt, cars and stuff, but we manage on a budget. We had the worse time when we went from 2 incomes to 1. Leaving the redneckghetto is the best for us. I can live without alot, but the internet is one thing I cannot.

Now, where we are moving is very 'green'. I will not be spending or splurgin like we do now. There are not the resturants and extras near the coast so we won't have excess. This will be good. I will eventually work, I need to have a heart to heart with myself, if I really want to teach this is my time to do it. I want to heal and really get well. I plan on working out and getting better. Much Better. There I plan on healing, getting stronger and losing down to the 130's where I want to be.

The move will provde myself with a healthier lifestyle. I just hope the city girl in me can survive.

Take care of yourself. I know I don't get enough protein, I have trouble eating. I am suffering right now because my emotions are hurting and i cannot eat them. It kinda sucks. I really think 18 months is a pivotal time in this process. I do get my fluids in though, I drink with my meals and I don't think I can ever stop.