NC November Chat

[Kathy]

Happy November everyone! It's a month of Thankfulness. I'm so thankful for all of you! First post...everyone give thanks for SOMEthing! It can't ALL be bad, right? :eek: Love to all...:love:

[Lovemylpband]

Happy November! I am thankful to have you guys and I can just request prayer and it's done! How cool is that!

Kathy I'm thrilled you want to do the book with me! Once you get it we can start the thread.
Anyone else want to join us?
I was at New Creations in Matthews and they didn't have it. I'm not sure about the one in Concord though.

I'm running all over the place today for meetings. I am hoping for 2 more advertisers before next Wednesday. We'll see.

ttyl..

[wavydaby]

book? what book?
Whats this about a book?
I need a new book

[Kathy]

book? what book?
Whats this about a book?
I need a new book

It's buried in the October Chat. I wrote it down so next time I'm near a Christian bookstore, I can run in and get it. It's "what happens when women live by faith?", I think? Oh crud, I'll go dig it up...BRB

here's what Dianne typed...

I'm reading What Happens When Women Walk in Faith by Lysa TerKeurst. If you all want it would be fun to read it together and then posts our thoughts on it. It has really helped me. It has a small study at the end of each chapter.

So we are gonna start a thread when we get our books and go through the chapters and post our thoughts, etc. Cool! Join us!

OMgosh, Jill, I'm cracking up at you walking through SouthPark in spandex and a tube top! :pound: how funny! Now THAT's walking in faith! hehe, okay, maybe that's NOT what the book is about...*snort*

[Mrs Sabre]

I'm thankful for Jesus! I'm thankful for my family, friends, church family, job, house, relative health, lap-band, pets, clothes, food, doctors.

I'm going after work to look at an apartment.

Mom sees the orthopaedic doctor this afternoon. I've suggested that she let me drag her down here for a few weeks. That way she has the support she needs while she heals, and I'm here to get things done. If she comes, I'll drag her to lunch on Nov 18th!

[Kathy]

Amen on Jesus, Karen! It would be great to meet your Mom! Kewl!

[Lovemylpband]

What spandex Jill I missed that one..lol..that is walking in faith..lol...

Kathy you got the book right.

Hey I can't find a BRA!!! That fits right and holds these suckers UP!!!!

[Mrs Sabre]

The doctor was able to put a walking cast on Mom's leg. Her job is going to find things for her to do sitting down. So, she's doing fine and won't be coming down here unless something unforeseen happens.

We signed the contract for the sale of our house yesterday. :)

[Lovemylpband]

Good news Karen.

Hey have any of you tried getting onto LBT it seems to be dow but I'm not sure if thats just me or not.

[ladytonya]

Yeah, Karen! I know it is so frustrating trying to sell a house! It must feel really good having a signed contract. Our house was listed for 6 months a while back and we didn't have one single looker. Now, we're trying to get some things in line before we list again. Will sell better if it looks better.

Dianne, I hadn't been to LBT in ages and tried to go last night and just now and still can't get there. I wonder what's going on over there, interesting.

I need to add a ticker to my signature for how many days until my surgery! I can't believe I finally have a date! December 11. Unfortunately, it won't be the band but at least I'll be a big loser! Yeah losers!

[ladytonya]

Okay, now I should have a ticker on the bottom! I figured since my date is two weeks before Christmas, why not have a Christmas themed ticker!

[Mrs Sabre]

Very nice Tonya! We don't care if you have a band or not; we're all big losers! ;)

OK, I missed Jill walking through the mall in spandex & a tube top too. When did this happen, and where are the pictures? :)

Is Kim still out of town?

Where is everyone else? Melissa, Angie, Court, Jennifer, Robin? I'm missing more, but can't remember everyone's names. :(

[wavydaby]

No tube top yet, check out Paranoid Kathy's ring thread.
I threated to go with her to Southpark wearing spandex and a tube top. :)
I soooo hate southpark.
LadyT, what size are you in?
I just went thru my closet last night and I have some 24's that are good, but too big...

[ladytonya]

Jill, I will be pleased as punch when I get down to a 24. Right now, I'm in a 5X or 6X depending. I don't even know what number size that translates to, I think the one pair of jeans I have are like a 38. I can't wait until I can shop at Lane Bryant and even in the plus size department of Target and Old Navy. I haven't been able to buy clothes anywhere other than Catherine's or by catalog for several years now. I can't even remember not buying in the plus size department! That's one NSV that I am so looking forward to! I'm afraid that I will turn in to such a clothes hound! I could be, but can't afford it at Catherine's prices. Old Navy, here I come!

[jttaurus]

Congrats Tonya - On your surgery date, the approval seemed to be quick.
Which is wonderful. We are here for you.

Did you read Weight Loss Surgery for Dummies? I loved that book and read it several times, there are a few newer ones out, but I'm done with hte research reading phase, i'm on to the healing, and learning how to deal with my emotions (actually that's a lie) I cannot deal right now.

Things are rather busy. I am so greatful not to have any complications from my RNY and I have a great husband and daughter. I'm very thankful.
Last evening I was thinking of how smoothly my life is flowing again. I finally got a great review at work. School has fallen into place and I'm able to provide the support my sister needs right now. THe death of her husband has really affected me and made me think about having another child.

Jennifer

[Lovemylpband]

Tonya, I'm so excited for you! Just think this time next year!! WOWEEE be sure to take lots of pictures every single month! And do not forget to take one the day you start your liquid diet and the day of surgery! Your in ashivlle right! I'll pm you dd and I are heading up tomorrow afternoon maybe we could meet up!

Jennifer-I can't imagine what you all are going through Glad school is going well and your WL.

Next Holloween lets have a spandex tank top parade!!! lol..not..

Ok I'm off to bed I most liekly won't be on here tomorrow so Tonya call me if you want to try to get together.

Oh LBT is up and running fine now.

Jill why do you hate SouthPark?
Kim is out I think until this Sunday.

night night

[ladytonya]

Dianne, I would love to meet up with you and your daughter, but hubby and I are headed for Connecticut this weekend for his 20 year high school reunion. We're leaving Friday afternoon from Asheville. Our flight leaves Charlotte Saturday morning at 7:05 am. Ugh! Anyway, have a great time up here in Asheville!

[Kim G]

Wow we are only 3 days into Nov and it's just hoping around here. hehe

Ok so I am in Salt Lake City and the mountains are just to die for. It's so pretty here. I will have to post some pics when I get home. I have our saturday group being listed in a national support group registery. It had to show me as the leader becuase I am the one certified but I wanted to get it out there for people looking. Hope ya'll don't mind they will have my contact info and then I will send them here. This is such an amazing time for me. How many people get to work and do a job that they love? WOW I am so blessed. (Although I do miss Mike and Curtis so MUCH).

Ok just wanted to jump in and say hello...have to get ready for class we are 2 hours behind you and it's really messing with my body. hehe

Karen congrats on the house being sold.

Jill I want pics of you in the spandx and tube top....That would be so funny. Hey you might even end on the news for that one. hehe

Jennifer - I am glad to hear you are doing good and helping your sister. You are so sweet and amazing....I am so glad you didn't leave us.

Tonya girl for real let me know where you are staying and how long you will be in the hospital. I live in Concord and I will happy to help where I can.

Kathy you are just GREAT, as well as Dianne.

I know I am missing someone and I am sorry....

Ok just wanted to check in I will chat latter.

[Kathy]

http://www.band2gether.net/showthread.php?t=935

Here's the thread that started all the tube top talk. OMGosh, Jill, ya crack me up!

[Kathy]

I have an appointment with Dr. Pirello at Bauman's office. Next week, Wed at 9:30am. $200 buckaroos for the consult, then another $625.25 for the flouro fill to be scheduled. OUCH!

But it feels good to have a band doc following me around. I'm no longer flapping in the wind after a year and a half since my return from Mexico.

Here's the plan. I haven't had a fill since last October, over a year! I want to get this last bit of poundage off, and I'm ready to start over with being restricted more than I am. I'm ready for this band to kick my eating butt again.

PLUS, I'm tired of being worried about being eroded. I just am. If I'm eroded (and it's easy to assume I am with every tummy twittle, gas pain, or change in restriction that could very well be chalked up to poor eating technique), if I'm eorded, I will look into the Gastric Sleeve. I'll not leave this band journey empty-handed. I'm not going back to *me-on-my-own* and the threat of weighing any more than I do now scares the crapola outta me.

I need to know if my band if healthy and happily in place. It's gonna cost, but it's worth it. I'm 10 pounds from wedding weight (have been for months!) and 15 pounds from Tummy Tuck, and 20-25 pounds from a "Normal" BMI. No turning back. For real!

SIGH. Ya'll wish me luck. :eek:

[wavydaby]

Hey, i have that weightloss for dummies book.
let me know LT if you want it. I will see if i can figure out a way to get to someone to get it to you if you are coming 11-18, cause, thats my last sat at the ren faire.

[PhotoNut]

Hey y'all! I just wanted to pop in and tell you I'm still alive and kickin'. Tonya, grats on your surgery date hon! I'm very happy for you! Kathy, you poor dear.. so worried about that band of yours. I'm sure you're just fine. Can't wait to hear the good report when you get home from the fill. I miss NC and I miss all of you! Seems I just don't get enough time to "hang out" like I used to. I guess that's a good thing but I feel so out of touch with what's going on with everyone.

Ok, enough from me.. *gives each of you a hug*

Love you my NC sisters!

[Mrs Sabre]

Kathy, best of luck. Prayers go with you, but I too bet you're just fine!

I saw Kim today; she looks awesome!

I also had a dinky fill .. 0.1 cc; I'm up to 1.8 cc total now. I also saw the pain management doc today. To my surprise, they had a cancellation, and I'm having more spinal injections tomorrow! Thank God!

I'm watching a Lap-Band commerical; it's pretty good.

We found a townhouse to rent when we close on November 27th. We also found out the foundation is being poured on our new house this week! :)

[Kathy]

Hey P'nut! :wave: thanks for checking in!

Wow, Karen! All good news from you...kewl!

I can't wait to see Kim, and all of you! on the 18th. A lady at church asked me to help with a choir luncheon on the 18th. I said yes, then saw my calendar...oops! Gotta change my plans, because I'm not missing lunch! I'll figure it out. :)

[Lovemylpband]

Hi gang.

Kathy when is your appointment again?

Hope everyone is doing good.

Tonya hope you had a good time in Ct. Since DD and I are pass holders we will be going up again soon. I'll let you know when.

Kim you sound great!
Karen I'm excited for you.
Melissa, Angie where are you chickies?

Have a good night.

[Kim G]

Wow Kathy I am so excited for you. That is great....I am glad you finally have a local doc. Hopefully next time it want be so much for ya. I have to say you have done great but I have learned....for the band to work to it's fullest you have to have a good follow up plan. I am just amazed by you how well you have done following your self. That is great...that is why I admire you so much. I don't think I would be this successful without the kick in the butt. :nod:

Karen you look great girl!!! I am so happy for you. New house, a new life, get rid of the pain and girl you will be doing things right. WOW I want to live through you.

Dianne hope you are doing well. I am so jealous everyone is getting to meet Tonya and I haven't yet. What's up with that. I am going to crash her hospital room. SSShhhh...don't tell her. hehe. Just kidding.

Jill girl stop working so much we want to see you!!! If Tonya is going to be at the lunch I have a friend that works out at CIC and I know you could give her the book and she could get it to me. So just let me know if I can help out.

Susan - girl we just love you. I so wish we could have met up but I totally understand. I didn't get to chat with Gayla for a few minutes and she is SO sweet. I wish I had more time with her.

Ok so are we one the search for Angie and Melissa again? Those girls what are we going to do with them. I hope all is ok...Melissa moving? Angie working and caring for those 3 wonderful girls? WOW

Ok so my trip was great. I am a certified group leader now. Don't I feel special. hehe. Really though if ya'll ever want me to bring some materials just let me know. I don't mind at all. We have so good stuff going on and I love to share.

So I am home for 4 days and off again...this time vacation with the family and my first time at Disney. YEAH!!!! I am so excited.

Ok ya'll have a great night and I will chat later.

[ladytonya]

Wow, Kim, you are one busy girl! You will absolute LOVE Disney! I've been many times through the years and still love going.

I will be in Concord on Nov. 27 for my orders appointment, but we'll probably be there and have to turn around and come right back. Not sure yet on that trip. I'll be back down there from Dec. 11 - 18. Surgery on 11 and followup on 19 with Dr. B and Diane or Ruth. I'll have the laptop with me so I will be online to keep up with everyone and let you know when you can crash my room! I think I'm still in shock that I am actually doing this. I was doing really good the last few months. Hadn't lost a bunch, only 7 lbs., but at least I hadn't gained. I'm going to hate to get on a scale when I get home because I have been really bad on vacation. I've eaten horribly but I've also been walking a LOT so I'm hoping they balance each other out. I doubt it, but one can hope!

Kathy, good luck with you fill! I'm glad you found a local doc to do them. You'll be getting that tummy tuck in no time!

P'nut, WE MISS YOU! My little blue Idaho bear is sitting on my computer at home and I think of you every time I see it. You are the bomb!

Dianne, hope you and DD had a great time at Biltmore! Wow, you have a pass. Cool! A friend of mine had a pass several years ago and we used to just go up there and wander around the house all the time. That and finding a quiet spot on the grounds to have a picnic whenever we felt like it was great. Then of course is the winery. Forget the tour, just take me to the tasting room! Wow! Anway, this has gotten really long so I better wrap it up and finish watching the CMAs.

I can't wait to meet ya'll!

[Lovemylpband]

Tonya-Are you coming for our lunch in a few weeks? I can't wait to meet you. DD and I had a wonderful time. We didn't know it but Friday night was shoppers night. We got to park at the estate and shop away. We didn't go into the house because they charge you another $40 to go in at night. I'm looking forward to going inside next month when we go. You'll be in Concord though on your way to a skinny bod! BTW your doing great with losing 7 pounds! Congrats that's wonderful!

Went to curves this morning. I went bowling last week like an idiot! Hurt my back again. What a fool! So I am trying really hard to avoid the Dr. So far so good.
I talked to Loretta yesterday. She is doing good and is hoping to come to lunch.
Well have a good day.

[ladytonya]

Unfortunately, I can't come to lunch. The trip for the pre-op appointments and the trip for the surgery are enough! I can't afford another trip down to Charlotte! Maybe sometime I can combine one of the lunches with something else I have to be down there for, but definitely not on the 18th. Look forward to finally eventually meeting all of you!

[Mrs Sabre]

I want to meeting everyone else too! Tonya, I'm going to try to crash your room too! :)

P'Nut, I'm sorry I didn't get to make the trip when you came this way. :(

Has anyone ever gave thought to a national Lap-Band convention? Maybe we could rope Lap-Band doctors and Inamed into sponsoring the event? We could have training seminars on eating with the band, head-hunger/ emotional eating, receipes, and exercise?

I had my spinal injections this morning. It takes 3-4 days to know how successful the injections were. The last time, it took 2 series of shots to wipe out the pain. Since the pain wasn't quite as wide spread this time, I'm hoping the one series takes care of it.

[Lovemylpband]

Karen I think I need your spine Dr can you send me his info. My butt is numb and I have leg pain. I'm ding my stretches and exercising but I'm really tired of this pain. I also wonder if this is just the way it is.

Off to the shower.

Kathy how did your fill go?

[Kathy]

Dianne, I have a consult first w/ Dr Pirello, next week on Wed morning. We'll schedule the flouro fill from there. Soon, I hope! Thanks for thinking of me! I'll keep you posted.

Hi everyone! :wave:

[Mrs Sabre]

I'm still experiencing some numbness and weakness in my right leg/foot, but praise God, no pain. I've even made it to the gym 3 times already this week! :) I'm keeping it low impact, mostly the recumbent bike, but I'm getting some regular exercise again, and I've noticed how much better I feel physically and emotionally already!

The house inspection report is pending, and we're waiting impatiently. The only thing we know for sure is there were a few little red dot stickers around the house. Our realtor also said the inspector found active termites! :( We're hoping there's no damamge, and we can simply pay for a thorough treatment. My spirits fell when I heard about this yesterday, but I put it in His hands last night at church and am simplying praying that His will be done. The worse case senario is we don't sell our house, and the new house is sold to some other buyer. It may not be our desires, but it may be His; and it's not the worse thing to happen to anyone. Whatever happens, I'm counting my blessings! God has been too good to us for us to be disappointed in anything He wills for us! :)

[Kathy]

Excellent attitude and perspective, Karen! You got it! The Lord's Will Be Done. :amen:

[Mrs Sabre]

Hey Kathy, I meant to ask what you mean by "Getting Rid of Monkeys"? :confused:

[Kathy]

Monkeys off my back. Things that are hanging over my head, that need to get done, that are overwhelming me for no good reson, other than the fact that if I did them, they'd be, well, off my back. Monkeys. Most of them home projects, a few errands. I got rid of one the other day. I picked up that ring from consignment. THAT was a huge monkey! Go to the Cafe and see my thread "Could I get Arrested?". I didn't. whew!

[Lovemylpband]

LOL I like that monkey attitude Kathy.

Karen I also like you faith! I'm sure that everything with the house will work out fine.

OK I ate to much last night the throat is feeling stained. So mushies and liquids for this girl today. That is the first time I ate to much and had pain since I got the band. WOW I am not doing that agian! So mushies and liquids are my diet for today! Fun. This is weird though my port really hurts. I think my bra maybe hitting it all the time cause it always hurts!

Hope you all are fine.

Tonya I know your counting the days!

[Kim G]

Hey everyone...

Just wanted to check in and say hello from the sunny state of Florida. We are having a great time. I am so excited....this is my first time to the Disney area. Friday we went to Seaworld yesterday it was Animal kingdom, today is the magic kindgom. After today if we get through magic kingdom tomorrow we will go to MGM. So exciting...we don't have any plans after that. Have you ever seen a 33 year acting like a kid again. It really does bring out the kid in all of us. I LOVE IT!!!!!

SO I hope all is well. I am working on pictures so I have run but wanted to jump on and say hello!

[Lovemylpband]

Kim I'm so glad your having such a good time. I love that place!

Hey Judy I forgot to tell you I have a differen't name over here. It's cause I Love my lap band!

[ladytonya]

Kim, Disney rocks! My hubby and I went two years ago and had an absolute blast! I am a Disney freak anyway, so being in that place is just like heaven on earth for me. Ever seen a 400 lb 34 year old (that's what I was at the time) skipping down Main Street, USA? I'm sure it was a funny site, but I was just so happy I didn't care! I even stood in line to have my picture taken with Winnie the Pooh. Yeah, I'm a big kid! Gotta love it!

[Lovemylpband]

Tonya-when we stop acting like kids we are in trouble! Fun and Joy is what life is all about. We just all need to remember it more often

I have to go to bed I've been up since 6 and was part of the Chralotte traffic this morning I went to that Get Motivated conference at the Bobcats areana with 11.999 people! It was great and boy were those speakers on track about thier God! One of the men told people about Good Friday and Repentance! it was so cool. I want to send him an email. If what he said changed 1 persons life in that room today it was so worth it. Anyway I could go on and on about it but I won't. Poor Judy I did with her on a PM.
Anyway, God is GREAT! And I forget so often. I need to keep him out of the box!
Well it's time for sleep my grandmother is coming on Wednesday so I have tons to do tomorrow to get ready for her.
I hope you all sleep as good as I know I will tonight!
Night night!

[Mrs Sabre]

The new house is already being framed in! If we have a mild winter, it could be done as early as February!

We're packing this weekend, in spite of the fact that we're still in negotiations with the buyers (old house) over repair money. They seemed motivated, and with the new house under way, we're trying work it out.

I'm going to miss everyone tomorrow! I hope/pray I can be there in December.

[Kim G]

Looking good Karen...

Ok so I hope everyone is doing well. WOW at the people joining in with us. It's great. (but I am horrible at names...Kathy you think between the 2 of us we will remember.) hehe

We survived Disney and really I could go back. I so loved the time with my family and our friends. She is banded also but already has plans for this saturday so she will hopefully make it with us next month.

I wanted to have pictures ready to show ya'll but I am slack and I am still working on them. Go figure. Oh well maybe next time.

So with everything going and seeing everyone tomorrow I will keep this short, I just wanted to say hello and I miss ya all...I am glad it's finally time to meet up with the group.

See ya in the morning!

[Kim G]

Ok we have been sick all day today. Gotta love that. Our bathrooms have been working today.

I enjoyed lunch yesterday. It was fun to get together and see everyone again. Angie it was great to see you. I miss you. Melissa I told everyone you said hello...We missed ya. Hope you can make it next month.

So I have to go back to work tomorrow...I have been off a week and a half. Wow what a break but I know I need to get back but I could get use to this not working. Not that I had a lot of time but I just don't know how I get it all done. Well it's back to real life tomorrow but only for 3 days. hehe...I think I am only working 11 days this month. Good thing I almost have us booked for December and we even have a couple booked for Jan already. Go us.

Ok so have a great night and I will chat later...just wanted to say hello and tell everyone I had a great time yesterday.

[Lovemylpband]

It was fun yesterday. Missed Judy, Gloria and Melissa and the rest of the gang though.
Gloria, I never got the note you sent me but I heard about it. Please give me a call!
Angie came over last night and we had a fu night. Playing cards with my 98 yr old Grandmother can be tense though! lol she is really something!
Gotta hit the sack gang. Have a good night.

[ladytonya]

I know whatcha mean about going back to work after vacation, Kim! Sometimes, I feel like I need a vacation to recover from a vacation and I end up going back with a ton of stuff on my desk! I'm worried about the next month or so. Next week is a three day week, then the week after is a 4 day week for me as I'll be off on Monday for my orders appointment with Dr. B. Then the next week will be a full work week then I'll be off at least a week for surgery. I'll be in Concord from 12/11 - 12/18. I'm hoping I feel okay to at least work a little the 19 - 22 then the next week is a three day week for Christmas, then finally a four day week for New Years. At least it might make my recovery easier because I am going to try to go back to work asap after surgery. Basically, I have 3 paid days off. Anything after that is unpaid and I'll be stressing out so much if I'm not working that I won't rest and recover. Plus if I'm working, I can't think about food! Anyway, it's definitely going to be an interesting next couple of weeks!

[Mrs Sabre]

Tonya, I know what you mean about interesting. For the first time since I left home at the age of 18, I'm not cooking Thanksgiving dinner. We have to be packed by Sunday evening, so we can move out of the house and into an apartment on Monday. Similarly, since we're going to have such limited space and will only be in the apartment a relatively short time, we're not decorating for Christmas this year either. I'm not ready for either holiday, but those two things kind of take the air out of it for me too.

[ladytonya]

Wow, this would not be a good time of year to be moving. I hope everything goes good for you with moving and with getting your new house finished!

I decided to go ahead and add a weight loss ticker since my surger is 3 weeks from today! I can't weigh that often because there aren't many scales that will accurately weight me, but I was able to weigh yesterday and to my amazement I've actually lost 19 lbs. since my initial consult with Dr. B on September 14. 12 of those have been since my October 24 consult with the nutritionist. I've not really been doing anything in particular to try to lose and have actually been being really bad in that I'm eating out way to much and eating things like pizza and all-you-can-eat chinese buffets. Dr. B didn't tell me I had to lose before surgery but he said that I needed to not gain. I'm a little worried about that because I am eating a huge Thanksgiving dinner. Yeah, I know, we're not supposed to eat a "last meal" but this isn't just any mean, this is my mom's Thanksgiving dinner! I'll eat Thanksgiving, then Saturday, November 25, we are having a surprise 80th birthday party for my grandmother and my dad is getting it catered with the best barbecue in Asheville. My orders appointment is that Monday, November 27. Then between the orders appointment and surgery is my husband's office Christmas dinner and our yearly trip to the Grove Park Inn for the breakfast buffet and viewing the gingerbread houses. That will be December 2, then I'll have a week and 2 days to behave myself before surgery. Surgery is on the 11th and I'll be on full liquids for 2 weeks. 2 weeks from Dec. 11 is Dec. 25, so for Christmas I get to switch from liquids to mushies! Yeah! Even though I would have preferred not doing this right at the holidays, at least I'm getting it done and can be on the losers side soon!

[JudyBellyBand]

Hey everyone, I just love you all and reading your chats here. I already feel like I know most of you and just can't wait to meet in person hopfully at December's get-together. It sure sounds like everyone had such a good time last Sat. If all goes according to my current plan, I am going to LA (Lower Alabama) on Wed. to be with my Mom and Sister-in-law for Thanksgiving. Its going to be a different one as my only beloved brother died 11/22/05. But we all know where he is and we'll see him for the true Thanksgiving in the future. So I just wanted to to say I have already sent special prayer for each of you for Thanksgiving. You are wonderful and a blessing to me.

PS:
Dianne, I love you sweet friend and sister

Kim, Disney and coming back getting sick on your vacation? It is going to be hard going back to work today. . . I said a special prayer.

Tonya, only 3 weeks to go and right between the Holidays. Oh, it is going to be the best present any one will ever give you. So do have that last meal at Thanksgiving but watch the fatty stuff because they really want your liver to srink-down so the surgery will go easier on you. I KNOW you are going to do wonderful. You have the best outlook and we're here.

God Bless you all ....always!

[Mrs Sabre]

I seemed to barely scratch the surface packing this weekend, but I was being thorough. Anything I/we don't need is being given away (clothes) or thrown away (old unnecessary paperwork). I may have a ton more packing to do, but the bulk of the sorting out is done.

On top of everything else, work has been really busy, and I made a big mistake last month. Although my boss is very supportive and willing to go to bat for me; I may end up getting written up. I've have never been reprimanded, much less written up! But in all fairness, it was a sufficiently material enough mistake to justify disciplinary action. :( So much for a year-end bonus for me this year.

I've been in the gym 10 of the last 13 days. I need it for stress management above anything else.

[jttaurus]

Karen - I'm sorry to hear your having a rough time at work. This will pass
and you will recover just fine. I have made my share of mistakes at work.
Your faith will get you through this rough patch.


Tonya - I gotta tell you, I ate like a hog everday before my surgery. 2 days prior to surgery I had the worse migraine and I couldn't eat. It helped to ease and with the bowel prep, I didn't eat much. Don't forget ot get your med's filled before surgery and allow enough time for the pharmacy to get everything.

I don't think I'll be out near concord during that week, I have my daughter's birthday on the 12th and some misc appointments that week. As for going back to work, I don't know if your going to feel up to it. I don't know how your accomodations are. Dr B told me I could have 2 weeks and I wound up with 15 days, I do have paid disability thought.
I have pretty good work benefits.

You will do fine, after surgery I found it difficult being home. IN the morning I"d make my frappacino protein shake in the blender and measure out my ounces. I craved so many foods and I had a rough time with the liquids phase. I did fine though. When my family ate I just stayed in the bedroom and play my gameboy or read a book. Dr B will tell you to go out an walk. I didn't walk because i live in the "GHETTO" and would risk life or limb being on foot out here. I"m sure I"d be fine, but I'm not taking any chances. That's the NY'er IN me. Too many opportunties for something to happen.

I loved, loved, loved having direct tv at home and watching all the movies that were on. I got my sleep cycle out of wack too. I hated going back to work. I was very tired.

I hope i"m not scaring you or anything.

Kim - I hope your feeling better. I haven't had a vacation since my European Honeymoon in 1999. We've done myrtle beach a few times, but nothing relaxing and lots of fun. I'm afraid CHloe would hid under a table if we took her to disney world, she's scared of all those charachters at Carowinds and Chuck E Cheeses.

Happy Thanksgiving.

JEnnifer

[ladytonya]

I love my job and I have really good benefits for working for a sole practitioner. Most sole practitioners around here don't provide any benefits except maybe some paid time off. I have health insurance that I pay less than $100/month for and I get 12 days of paid time off plus either 11 or 12 paid holidays. The PTO is for vacation and sick days, I can use it however I want. Right now, I have 3 paid days off left. Any other time I miss is money we don't have. We did build some extra into the loan we had to take out to pay the out-of-pocket amount but it's just enough for me to miss three more days which puts me through December 18. I've read that many people recover in different ways. Some have said that they felt fine after three or four days and could have gone back to work but waited a week and some have said that they stayed out three or four weeks before they felt up to it. I haven't had major surgery since I was 14 years old, but I did recover very fast from that. I have a breast reduction (very painful) and felt completely normal two days after the drains were removed. I also think having the full week in Concord will help. I will have absolutely nothing to do but rest and sip and walk. I won't have to worry about my cats jumping on my stomach or feeling like I need to do things around the house. I'll be in a hotel room with my laptop, my video games, and my iPod. I'll be in heaven!

[Mrs Sabre]

It's official, my boss is awesome! I got a "verbal", which is a lot better than being written up. She was more concerned with her boss's reaction than at all concerned about my mistake. Fortunately, her boss was in a great mood! :) I feel better.

I also discovered later yesterday that my absentmindedness (sp?) isn't isolated to work. So, in hopes of getting my brain straightened out, I'm cutting out or back on all non-essential medications. Having done so last night, I do have some residual back/leg pain, but have also seen that it's largely tolerable. I won't take anything more than a Tylenol unless it gets severe again.

Thanks for the shoulders! I try very hard not to be a whiner, but once in a while we all need to let it out. :nod:

[ladytonya]

Yeah, Karen! You go, girl! Doesn't it feel great when something you're dreading doesn't come out as bad and you think it will?

Good luck with trying to get rid of the brain fuzz! I wish I had medications I could stop taking. Sometimes, I feel like I have the brain of an 80 year old! unfortunately, the only medication I am on is the occasional Aleve and my daily multi-vitamin. Oh, well! Such is life! I am just so looking forward to joining you all on the losers bench that right now nothing gets me down!

HAPPY TURKEY DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Mrs Sabre]

Tonya, I can't wait to meet you! If you're up to company and keep us posted on where you're staying, I'd be honored to crash your room with the rest of the NC gals while you're down here for surgery! :D

[Kim G]

Oh Tonya I really hope you want us to come and visit you. We will be happy to. Also since you will be like 10 mins from really it will be no problem at all.

Karen I am so happy for you. Girl it's alright things happen. Hey I lost most of mind when I had Curtis and it still hasn't come back...I sure hope it does one day. hehe

Wow went back to work and wow we are so busy....it's great. My boss worked my desk while I was out and thank goodness she did it would have been CRAZY with all the stuff that comes in each day. So this week has been busy but not horrible. I guess just a typical week.

Judy I can't wait to meet you...I so hope you can make in Dec. (I hope I can make it in Dec. hehe)

Jennifer it's funny the other family we were with was afraid of them but we finally got him to start coming around. It was a lot of fun. I am like this was our first family vacation since our honeymoon also in 99. You are so funny about the amount of food ya'll waste. Mike and I just had this conversation while we were in FL.

I am sure I am forgetting someone...sorry. I don't mean to.

Well have a good night...gonna start getting some things ready for Thursday. I am going to plan on getting our Christmas shopping done this weekend. So I am going to get the list done tonight also.

If I don't make it back I wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving and enjoy your time with each other and your families.

[ladytonya]

I'll PM everyone where I'm staying once it gets closer. Yeah, my hubby's going to just love all these women stopping by! He'll get over it. It'll be great to meet more of you! I can hardly wait!

[Kathy]

Wow, so much happening!

Angie, I'm so glad you went and played cards with Dianne's 98yo grandmother! Was it wonderful?! I'll bet it was. I'm happy you went.

Dianne, I told Angie but I really enjoyed having coffee the other day. It really topped off the day! You are one wonderful lady.

Kim, girl, I can't believe how you go and go and go. I'm with Jen on not keeping up. There's no way I could fit in all you do. You have commented before about me being a SAHM and how you love your job, yada yada, and you just keep a different pace, for sanity's sake! *I* couldn't do what *you* do! We all have our skills. You are really using your gifts, so go to town!!! I'll watch the whirlwind from the safety of my office at home. :D :lol:

Karen, you have loads on your plate, too. I'm happy you have found such favor with your boss, and that it worked out so much better than you hoped. Smart move, cutting back on unneccesary meds. Take care of yourself. We missed you Sat. I was hoping you'd charm hubby into changing his mind about you coming, haha! but I'm certain you did the right thing. So, is the house now empty?! How's apartment life so far? You are gonna love your new house. Keep posting pics! My hubby is a builder, so it's neat for me to watch this. It goes really fast till the roof goes on, then slows till the sheet rock goes up, then it moves super fast!!! Need granite counter tops? I know someone...:)

Jen, it's so wonderful to see you holding Tonya's hand a bit. Nothing like the voice of experience. We'll have 2 RNYers here! Wow! Aren't we diverse?! :lol:

Tonya, I just love reading up on you. You are positively giddy with excitement and it shows in your posts! I picture you skipping down Main Street with Mickey and smile!!!! You won't believe your own self as your weight comes down. I'm excited for you! ((((hugs))) and can't wait for the Protien Shake party in your hotel room :D

Hondagal and Diane, it was good seeing you last week! Diane, keep us posted on your plans to move back up North. I wish you the best. And Honda, you look younger and younger as you lose. Here's to your 20's again! Cheers!

Lindalindalinda...oops, that's only 2 lindas! It was so nice meeting you Sat. Crud...I have forgotten the name of your friend...what did she think about our crazy group? I hope this band gives you all you hope for. You are so beautiful!

Melissa, we are missing you. Please check in soon. Just wave...so we know you are there.

Who am I missing? JudyBellyBand...I can't wait to meet you in person. I hope we can get something together for Dec. that works. It's hard to acccomodate everyone, but we do the best we can.

Okay, I have officially checked in. Happy Thanksgiving to everyone! I'm so thankful for all of you, my in-person bandster buddies! I think ya'll are so cool. :)

[ladytonya]

I wish I was skipping down Main Street with Mickey! Right now, I'm on my lunch break at work but I need to go back to work. I have a ton to get done before 5:00, especially since I won't be here Monday! Of course, not being here Monday makes for a 5 day weekend! Yeah, me!

I was reading your December lunch plans and if it is the 16th or 17th and I feel up to it, maybe I can join you! That would rock! Of course, by that point I don't know if I'll be up to watching everyone eat so I don't know. I'll still be sipping away on my protein shakes and water at that point.

I ordered a protein taster from bariatriceating.com so I have a good variety to try. I've heard that most people's tastes are altered after surgery so I don't know if I should try any of what I've bought now or just wait until after surgery. My taster pack comes with a stainless steel shaker which I hope works well. Ruth gave me an Isopure sample at my nutritionist consultation and it was kind of gross because I couldn't get it to blend well. I hope the shaker will work for me at work and I've ordered a Magic Bullet to use at home!

So, besides having protein on hand and getting all my medications filled after my pre-op visit with Dr. B, what else do I need to be getting together to bring with me to Concord? What all do I need to take to the hospital? What did you not have that you wish you would have brought? Not being at home after surgery is going to be so difficult, I'm going to have to think of anything that I might need for an entire week! My husband thinks I'm obsessing, I'm just trying to be prepared!

["Just" Paul]

Magic Bullet is the BEST!

You'll love it. Once I started feeling a little better after surgery, with the bullet I was able to add a little Psyllium husk to my protein shakes. it helped keep me regular. You couldn't really have that mix well with a shaker.

You are right on the money... preparation is key. Even if you over-prep, it is better, then you won't have to worry about ANYTHING but HEALING after you get home!

[Mrs Sabre]

Tonya, I think a list is in order here ...

- Extra pillows for proping yourself up
- A heating pad ... comforting, and may help with gas pain?
- Mindless entertainment ... movies, music, stuff you don't mind nodding off during.
- Baggy, comfy clothes
- sugar-free liquids ... water, Crystal Light, etc.
- protein shake stuff
- Gas X (for the other type of stomach gas).

OK ladies, help me out here; I know I'm forgetting things.

[Mrs Sabre]

Kathy, we move this weekend. We'll close on the house on Monday, and move into the townhouse apartment that afternoon.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!

[Lovemylpband]

Hey everybody Happy Thanksgiving..I kow it was 4 days ago but I don't remember if I said HT so there you go!
Kathy I really enjoyed the coffee also. It was just what I needed. Angie did come over that night and we had killer cards..lol..it was fun.
Well this week is crazy. Tuesday my grandmother flies back to NJ and then I run from there. Saturday I fly to Cancun with my sister for 4 days..yay..a freebee..woweee! Still trying to figure out what to wear at night there since we will have to fomal nights..ahh..I am so looking forward to it but my anxiety is pretty high.
Have a good night everyone...Gloria pls call me...

[Kathy]

Kathy, we move this weekend. We'll close on the house on Monday, and move into the townhouse apartment that afternoon.


Yah, it took a minute for that to sink in...I got confused when you missed lunch because of packing...not moving. SO, now it's the FOLLOWING Monday, and you should be closing and moving today, right? Thinking of you!!! Post us an update when you can. :nod:

Dianne, you have a ball on your trip. You are just so special. (((hugs)))

[Lovemylpband]

Kathy- You always make me smile. Thank you!

Hope all went well today for you Karen.

I'm off to bed. Having major anxiety about the scale tomorrow in Dr. V's office. I know I have to calm down, but I am temted to reschedual! Actually I may have to because Apt is at 2 and GM's plane is at 1:30. I will be taking her in a wheel chair to the gate and waiting with her until they board then I'll have to run to my car and the office..AHH just writting this is stressing me out.
night night

[Kathy]

I saw her, in real life, but she got away. I think she even saw me but I was chatting with my neighbor in the Toy Section of Wal Mart at 6am on Black Friday. I shoulda yelled "Melliiiiiiiissssaaaaaaaa!!!!!!" across the Wal Mart but I didn't. I tried to hunt her down, but in a flash, she was gone. It was early, I got distracted, I missed getting a big hug from our long lost friend. :(

[Mrs Sabre]

The house is sold, and we now occupy a two bedroom townhouse apartment. It's not home, but it's temporary, so who cares? :D

[Kathy]

Yay Karen! New home...here you come!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[wavydaby]

Immm baaack.
no more weekend work, unless you call the horrific mountain of laundry work.
I dont.. I call it torchure (i cant spell it-- sound it out, you know what I am trying to say)
woohoo. more posting from me!!
I do have to say I was very bad on Thanksgiving, I drank with my meal.
I have an excuse, I cooked the turkey and it was dry.
No, not really an excuse. BUT no more of that for me!!
:)

[Kim G]

Since it's the last day of November I thought I would post a hello and wow where did the year go. As always I am on the run...I have not been home one night this week. UGH....Then we got a call tonight that Curtis did make it on the basketball team so that starts saturday @ 9am for the next 8 to 10 weeks. YEAH...

Ok so I weighed in today for the offical weigh in because I wanted a little fill and I have offically hit the 100 pound mark. (it's in the books now.) I have lost 101.7 pounds and I have 68% of my excess body weight. I am so happy I am still working towards a goal of I don't know what. hehe... I like lossing I like almost being in normal clothes, and I love the way I feel. Oh I love my band also. hehe

Also found out at a confrence from Inamed that out our 4cc bands will actually hold 5cc's. So I am not as afraid to get a fill but now my fills are only like .1 each time. Just enough to kick me in gear. So I am at 2.9cc's now and it's super nice....

Ok enough rambling...is everyone good? Wavy it's great to see you around here again...you have been missed. Laundry = YUK. Although I still love my new washer and dryer so I don't hate it right now...hehe

Got to visit with Dianne a little bite yesterday. She looks great. Have I said how much I love what I do.

Karen moving wow I never look forward to that...but I am so happy for you.

Kathy I just love you....you are great.

Tonya is getting closer...YEAH.

Got to meet Shelley Monday night...it's just been a busy week.

Ok gotta get ready for bed. Chat later.

[Kathy]

Okay, so SOME of you NC girls really need to wander OFF the NC Forum every once in a while to the big wide b2g world. It's NOT scary out there, promise! LOL

I quit smoking...yup. I did. I have a whole 84 page thread about it...okay, not that long, but it's there! You should come and cheer me on! It's in Group Support. Hellllooooooo!!!!! Venture out, Ladies!!!!!! :pound: yer killin' me!

[Kathy]

Hey, someone new start the NC December Chat thread...