Tumbleweeds

My Quest (bariatric surgery)

2011-01-01T01:11:00.000+11:30

Notes to and from me during my weight loss quest:

Going for bariatric surgery soon! Will keep you posted on my "quest"
March 6, 2009 at 8:50am ·
Debi McQuillan Gibbs I wonder where my last post went? *sigh* oh well
March 8, 2009 at 2:48pm ·
Debi McQuillan Gibbs Just waiting for a phone call and a surgery date, as I sent in my part of the $$
March 8, 2009 at 2:49pm ·
Debi McQuillan Gibbs Got a phone call today....Cleveland Clinic got my $$ and I should be getting a call from the surgeon's office in a few days!
March 19, 2009 at 12:49pm ·
Debi McQuillan Gibbs Got a surgery date today...May 11, 2009...now I have to wait for another appt. with the surgeon and a phone call from someone else in the BMI. Went to my first Bariatric support group with DH and learned quite a bit!
March 21, 2009 at 12:02am ·
Debi McQuillan Gibbs Now I have to go back to my cardiologist for an "ok" for surgery and HE told me all I needed was a letter from him saying it was fine for me to have the surgery, but his Nurse Practitioner now says "appointment needed".....so I made the appt with cardiologist!
March 23, 2009 at 8:24pm ·
Debi McQuillan Gibbs Ok.....Called my cardiologist and asked HIM if I really needed this appt....got a call back from my cardiologist's office 2 days ago....DR. says I do NOT need the extra appt. and he will write the letter saying I am ok for the surgery. Sooo.....canceled that extra appt. Just waiting for the pre-op people to call me now and get the pre-op done.
April 2, 2009 at 9:29am ·
Debi McQuillan Gibbs Got my admission appt. package from CCF for all the pre-op tests. Surgery date is coming up fast. I still have to admit I am a bit scared, but this is something I want to do for MYSELF......and then the people I love and my friends. It's scary surgery, but my health is not getting any better and I have been using a cane more and more. (knee and back pain.....slowing me down more...) I am looking forward to being more healthy afterwards!
April 19, 2009 at 1:28pm ·
Zola Ayte
‎*big hugs*!!!!

Don't worry debs! you will do find and all will be better!

:)
...See More
April 20, 2009 at 10:02am ·
Debi McQuillan Gibbs Cool! I never remembered your 'real name' ROFL! thx zola! :)
April 20, 2009 at 2:08pm ·
Debi McQuillan Gibbs
Last night, Marilyn, Robert, Devin and Veya took me out for "early Mother's Day"! (Since I will be going into the hospital the next day and will be on full liquids *blech*) We went to Olive Garden in Mentor and I even indulged in a Frozen S...See More
April 26, 2009 at 10:36am ·
Zola Ayte
Sounds like you had a lovely day!!!!

*hugs*

zola8
...See More
April 26, 2009 at 10:29pm ·
Debi McQuillan Gibbs
I did! Thx!
=============
Yesterday, Jon and I spent just about ALL DANG DAY at the Clinic! I spent more time WAITING for the appt's then I did AT the appt's. *sigh* Made for a very tiring day! I swear to you.....Just about everywhere you tur...See More
April 29, 2009 at 7:32am ·
Debbie Colkitt I will keep you in my thoughts You go girl!!!!!
April 29, 2009 at 10:42am ·
Debi McQuillan Gibbs Thx Debbie! I appreciate everyone's good wishes! :)
April 29, 2009 at 10:58am ·
Zola Ayte
lol! hate losing posts

always worried they will get in the wrong hands
or any hand for that matter....i hope you aren't pre-surgery stressing too much! as a super nurse! you know what goes on, and i hope that makes you feel a bit safer. at l...See More
April 29, 2009 at 6:15pm ·
Debi McQuillan Gibbs Surgeon says I should be in the hospital for about 3 days. I don't know anyone with a laptop that they will let me borrow, so I will be "offline" for a bit *sigh* ; )
April 29, 2009 at 7:33pm ·
Zola Ayte
ok, so "buy one" and return it lol after you get out of hospy!

;)

nothing like a return policy....too bad dose not apply to lovers! hahahah
...See More
April 29, 2009 at 7:36pm ·
Debi McQuillan Gibbs u r just a evil, evil woman.........that is why we get along well huh? LOL!! *hugs*
April 30, 2009 at 8:16am ·
Debi McQuillan Gibbs FYI......Full Liquids suck! BUT....I can do it. ;)
May 2, 2009 at 8:59pm ·
Frankie Bruchis As a bypass case myself I can attest to 3 days and you will be amazed at how little fills you up! Just remember to wal walk walk!!
May 3, 2009 at 12:11am ·
Debi McQuillan Gibbs Thx Frankie!
May 6, 2009 at 4:12pm ·
Debi McQuillan Gibbs Today I bought all the vitamins and minerals that CCF says I have to take. Spent $73 on them, but it's about a 3 months supply on 5 diff. chewables. I also went and bought a new pair of slippers and some new socks! Don't want people thinking "*yuck* she has nasty dirty socks!* ROFL!!!....Nurses can and do think about that stuff from time to time!
May 7, 2009 at 2:24pm ·
Debi McQuillan Gibbs
Went to "group" last night and got alot of affirmative comments and suggestions! That group is wonderful! I am very nervous and scared about surgery (any surgery really), but I really feel this is going to be a WONDERFUL TOOL for me in my "...See More
May 8, 2009 at 1:32pm ·
Lurinda Pollard Tate Good Luck to you Debi. Fighting the weight has been a constant battle for many people, and now You have a weapon on your side that's hard to beat. Shhhh...you know my daughter-in-law had that surgery 4 years ago. You'd never know it now! And she is so much healthier. I'll be waiting to hear from you when you get back "online".
May 8, 2009 at 3:24pm ·
Debi McQuillan Gibbs Ok....Thanks to everyone for all the well wishes.........((Friends)) . I should get, or at least try to get some sleep. Surgery is for 7:15am..and have to get up early. Yes, I am nervous and scared....seems to be worse today ;) BUT....I am sure this will pass after tomorrow afternoon! Well....Good Lord willing, I will be home by Marilyn's birthday 5/14! I will try to leave a note on the home page when I get back and let u all know how I am doing! Luv ya all!!!
May 11, 2009 at 1:15am ·
Debi McQuillan Gibbs
I just now got enough energy to check email etc... Thanks for all the prayers......:) I got home on Weds. 5/13.....still in MAJOR hurt, but it is getting a bit better each day. Thats about all for now......it is bothering me to sit in this...See More
May 18, 2009 at 4:03pm ·
Debi McQuillan Gibbs
Only ONE BAD THING at the Hospital!
Weds, before I got the discharge.....the nurse taking care of me was helping me in the bathroom. She told me I needed to walk in the hallway 4 more times before I go home....so I said "ok" ( you know, as i...See More
May 18, 2009 at 4:11pm ·
Zola Ayte
Some ppl are just rude and dumb!!!

:P~~~~

glad to see you back!! how are you doing?
...See More
May 19, 2009 at 9:53am ·
Debbie Colkitt HEY DEb screw her she is rude!! You go girl !!! i am pulling for u!!! :D
May 19, 2009 at 10:49am ·
Annie Chalmers Hope you'll be safely home soon Debi xx
May 19, 2009 at 5:11pm ·
Debi McQuillan Gibbs
Last night was not a good one, pain-wise. Today is a bit better though. Pain has been getting better each day, so last night really 'threw one at me'. (Maybe it is because I went to Walgreens for toiletries, etc..)The pain meds I am taking ...See More
May 20, 2009 at 12:35pm ·
Debbie Colkitt YES CHEER UP 11 pds WAY to GO !!!
May 20, 2009 at 12:36pm ·
Debi McQuillan Gibbs ‎: )
May 20, 2009 at 12:37pm ·
Debbie Colkitt ‎:D
May 20, 2009 at 12:38pm ·
Mariane McLean ‎(((((Deb)))))
May 20, 2009 at 5:16pm ·
Mary Hansen
you are SOooo brave and courageous. when you recover from all this enough to be out of pain,....be SURE to write the hospital administration AND your DOCTOR telling them what you told us. That nurse should be FIRED!

How many people have t...See More
May 22, 2009 at 9:24pm ·
Debi McQuillan Gibbs
down a total of 13 pounds right now! A blouse I had stopped wearing because it was too taught in the bust line, I can now wear! Cool! Does it look really, really good? Noooo........but I can wear it better than I use to! LOL!!! *ouch* ;)

===...See More
May 26, 2009 at 2:48pm ·
Debbie Colkitt You go girl & I am so HAPPY for you keep going ;D
May 26, 2009 at 2:50pm ·
Mary Hansen Hang in there!! We're all pullin for ya!!!
May 28, 2009 at 7:14pm ·
Debi McQuillan Gibbs I'm pretty sure I have the flu or something. At least it feels that way! It started last night and has stayed that way all day.
June 5, 2009 at 4:48pm ·
Debbie Colkitt awww How are u doing otherwise??
June 5, 2009 at 4:57pm ·
Mary Hansen oh my gosh!!! hope you get over THAT!!! hope you have someone around there to help you!!!
June 5, 2009 at 10:31pm ·
Zola Ayte fight for your rights Deb!! as a nurse yourself, you understand what is ok, and what isn't!!!

*hugs*

:D~~~
June 6, 2009 at 10:58pm ·
Debi McQuillan Gibbs
Today I have 3 appts. at the CCF, and that includes one surgeon's appt. I have my letter done and will give him a copy of it. Gotta get the Director of Nursings Name and address, along with the ombudsman's name and address. I also want the...See More
June 10, 2009 at 9:05am ·
Debi McQuillan Gibbs
One scoop of Protein powder equals 1/4 cup. I put the whole amt. in the blender....so this shows you how much protein powder I used.....and I did follow a recipe. Oh well, as I said...I will keep trying and when I find the BEST TASTING Smoo...See More
June 10, 2009 at 9:07am ·
Debbie Colkitt I am glad u r doing better I wish i had a smoothie rec. for u but i do not so good luck with that :) Keep up the good work on losing weight Deb :)
June 10, 2009 at 9:10am ·
Marilyn Gibbs That smoothie didn't tast bad, it was just a lil chalky, maybe just a lil more juice and less powder.
June 11, 2009 at 8:13pm ·
Debi McQuillan Gibbs
Gotta get the types and amts of food I can eat right now down to a better "science" ...if ya know what I mean....So far my worse nemisis' have been the amt. of any fats and types of sugars I am using. It is hard trying to re-do...or UNdo a ...See More
June 18, 2009 at 3:54pm ·
Debbie Colkitt Way to go Debi :D
June 19, 2009 at 3:04pm ·
Debi McQuillan Gibbs TYVM Debbie!.......and to everyone else for all the encouraging remarks! :) :) :)
June 19, 2009 at 3:34pm ·
Debi McQuillan Gibbs Weighed myself today....I have lost ANOTHER 3 pounds! Trying to fiqure out what foods I use to eat/like that do not like me anymore! I scared the living bejesus out of my friend who came over and then called my DH....I think they both thought I was dead.......LOL! (ok, ok.....only I will/can laugh)....I wasn't feeling too good and decided to go to bed EARLY!.....Nice to know that I have good friends that care about me! :)
June 24, 2009 at 7:30pm ·
Debi McQuillan Gibbs
I am now down 32.8 pounds! :) WhooHoo!
Last night I got VERY dizzy...pulse was low (48) BP seemed ok, since I had to palpate it cuz I lost my stethoscope) Feeling better today though.
Called my Dr. this AM....waited for Dr. or NP to call ba...See More
July 7, 2009 at 10:09am ·
Debi McQuillan Gibbs Down 42 pounds! Down 42 pounds!Down 42 pounds!Down 42 pounds!Down 42 pounds!Down 42 pounds!
AND HIT MY FIRST WEIGHT LOSS GOAL!!!!!!!!!!!!
(and I am feeling better since I stopped taking the Lopressor, at my Dr's PA request.)
July 20, 2009 at 10:17am ·
Marilyn Gibbs Woohoo!!!! YAY mom!!! =) *jumphing and clapping*
July 20, 2009 at 7:11pm ·
Debi McQuillan Gibbs TY TY *taking a bow* hehehehe
July 20, 2009 at 8:43pm ·
Debi McQuillan Gibbs
‎47 pounds DOWN!

There are now foods that I used to like that I gag on now....most yogurts,cottage cheese, smoothies, chewable calcium & vitamin c tablets. AND these are the GOOD things I need.....trying to find other food stuffs to eat and ...See More
July 28, 2009 at 11:40am ·
Debi McQuillan Gibbs I found a protein bar that tastes pretty good......only thing is that the sugar content is a bit high. Soooo....I have cut it into 3's and eat it during the day......so far, no "dumping" and the bar is worth 30 Gms. of protein!
August 6, 2009 at 6:03am ·
Debbie Colkitt WOW 47 pounds I wish i could lose 50 You will by the time i am done typing i am sllllowwwwwww
August 7, 2009 at 5:59pm ·
Debi McQuillan Gibbs ‎51 pounds DOWN! Have had a few "dumping syndrome" episodes, but that was due to me NOT watching the sugar content as close as I use to......believe me, I WILL be checking the labels ALOT closer! 8 more pounds to lose before I get to my 2nd goal!
August 26, 2009 at 5:05am ·
Debi McQuillan Gibbs Ok.....should have read another label! I had never heard of "sugar alcohol"........but BOY DID I FEEL IT! It's neither sugar or alcohol.......but has something to do with the artificial sweetners........if I read that right. Will DEFF. do some reading on that! That is for sure! 53 pounds down!
September 5, 2009 at 9:08pm ·
Debi McQuillan Gibbs ‎62......SIXTY-TWO Pounds DOWN!! Damn that feels good to say!!! (and feels good physically also!)
October 7, 2009 at 6:39pm ·
Debi McQuillan Gibbs ‎125 pounds DOWN! God How I want to STAY this way! Hows that for a "push"? lol
September 28 at 7:54pm ·
Debi McQuillan Gibbs
Saw the nutritionist on Monday........she was VERY HAPPY & PLEASED with my progress! The Dr. (not the surgeon) was completely opposite....she just about "dissed" everything I had to say and when I asked her what I could do if the 2 options she gave me didn't work for me.....she said sarcastically .....and I QUOTE: " I ALREADY *TOLD* YOU WHAT TO DO".....gonna dump her and see the surgeon for follow ups or another dr. for them. After she pissed me off, I only answered her with "yes or no" answers, and when done, I just left her office without a goodbye or anything.......and then went to the appt. desk and asked if I had to see "that bitch" anymore.....and was told who else I could see. (when I said that, the nurses gave each other a "knowing look" and smiled when they told me who else I could see.)
October 15 at 10:07am ·
Debi McQuillan Gibbs I HIT MY ULTIMATE WEIGHT LOSS GOAL!!! I am sooooooo happy! Now I have to work at not going over it..........*yikes* I am so use to what/how I eat now, I hope I keep it up! *DRUM ROLL PLEASE!* 130 pounds lost!
a few seconds ago ·

2011-01-01T01:01:00.000+11:30

From http://www.clarkhoward.com/

Scavenger debt collectors are engaging in out-and-out fraud by signing affidavits that allege unsuspecting consumers owe the debts of people who are of same or similar name -- even though the collectors have no idea who really owes the money!

Scavenger debts of this kind are a longstanding problem in the banking industry. Banks with old uncollectable debts on their books will often put them out for bid, which is when scavengers buy them up for pennies on the dollar. Unfortunately, the debts come with very shoddy recordkeeping from years and years of bank mergers. Too often the true owner of the debt is no longer known.

That's created a situation where the Federal Trade Commission reports people are being held liable for debts that either are not rightfully theirs; are outside of the statute of limitations; or, as The New York Times recently found out, are the result of bogus affidavits.

With the affidavits, the collection agencies are en masse filing lawsuits against people of same or similar name in the hopes that they won't show up to court and the agency can receive a default judgment enter on the books -- even though the debt may be out of statute or of dubious ownership.

A default judgment puts you legally on the hook. But you probably won't know it until your wages are garnished or your checking account is emptied by a collection lawyer. Or you could find out about the default judgment when you try to qualify for a mortgage or refinance and get turned down.

So here's what you need to know: If you are contacted by a collection agency about a debt that's not yours, be sure to answer in writing to that effect. Send your response by certified mail and keep copies forever. If you are ever served with a notice of a lawsuit, you must go to court and bring your records.

The New York Times reports that if you go to court, you will win 99.999% of the time. Why? The scavengers have no proof that you owe the debt to begin with. They're just looking for a "drive-by lawsuit" where they get a judgment. They don't want anyone who puts up a fight.

This is a serious issue. If you fail to defend yourself, you may end up paying money to a hoodlum.

=================================================

Sample Letter: "Drop Dead" From http://www.clarkhoward.com/

A drop dead letter for collection agencies that are harrassing you about a debt.

(Date)

To Whom It May Concern: I have been contacted by your company about a debt you allege I owe. I am instructing you not to contact me further in connection with this debt. Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, a federal law, you may not contact me further once I have notified you not to do so.

Sincerely,

(Name)

(Account No.)

2009-09-23T00:07:00.002+11:30

"Plarn Bag"

2009-09-02T02:32:00.000+11:30

This is my "Plarn" Bag. I am going "green".
This was made from recycled plastic bags....the kind you get from Wal-Mart, Walgreens, K-Mart, Target, Grocery Stores, etc....
The stitch I used is all HDC (half double crochet). I used a crochet purse pattern I have, but this being plastic and not nylon thread, it is alot bigger gage! I used a size "K" hook. (I have the pattern and will post it if anyone sees this post and is interested)

So far most of my plastic bags have come from family and friends who support me in doing this....and wanting me to make them a bag when I am done hehehe...
I only had one store give me a headache in giving me some recycled plastic bags..
Most stores will give you some of their recycled bags, especially when you tell them why you want them, and show them the finished project (or promise to show it to them when it is done lol!).

GETTING READY:
First: I had to put the plastic bags back into it's original shape...you know, bring the sides in, smooth it out, etc.....

Second: Cut the handles and the bottoms off the bags.

Third: Cut the bag into the size strips you want. Mine are about 3/4 inch strips/loops.

Fourth: Attach the strips/loops together by interlooping the strips making the "knots" the smallest, tightest you can. (Don't pull too hard, as you will break the strip) You will then have a double plarn you will be working with.

Fifth: Crochet as you normally do!

I added some small wooden beads to the bag, just for decoration....but all the colors in the bag rather make "decorating" the bag slightly un-needed. I had wanted to make the handles a bit different, but so far this type of handle is best for the grocery (which is what I am making them for). The "clutch bag" type of handle wouldn't work well for what I want to use the bags for. The bag can have as many different uses as you want it to have.

To clean the bag, I have read of 2 ways......1. diluted bleach water 2. diluted peroxide water. I am opting for the #2.....diluted peroxide water.

2009-08-29T05:10:00.000+11:30

I recently sent this to a friend of mine who is getting married soon. I thought I would share it... Oh....DH means Dear Husband; to those who may not know that abbreviation.

I wish you all the best and all the blessings of a wonderful marriage!
May you have at least as good as my DH and I have had during our 36 yrs of marriage.......maybe even Better?! Love each other, keep to each other........u can look but DO NOT TOUCH! hehehehe.......Support each other, monetarily and most importantly SPIRITUALLY and EMOTIONALLY! When he is "down and out"....pick him up........when you are "down and out" he must pick you up. Forgiveness is a Key Word in any relationship, if possible....A marriage has its ups and downs.....sometimes you have to "fight" the downs, but remember, it is not a "Merry-Go-Round" but a Cedar Point *Raptor!
May God bless you with a man as good as mine.....and loving, caring children, grand-children and all your extended families! I don't mean to come off as knowing everything, because you and GOD KNOW I don't have all the answers.........but what I just told you.....*THIS I KNOW*!
OH! And remember to do the "Cabbage Patch" Dance when you think no one is looking, or you just don't care.........good for a laugh and good for the soul!

*from the official page of Cedar Point:

"There's nothing below your chair but air! Sit in unique ski-lift-style trains as you're flipped, dropped and flown through Raptor's unique layout."

http://www.cedarpoint.com/public/park/rides/coasters/index.cfm

God Bless!

7th Book from Diana Gabaldon: An Echo in the Bone

2009-08-28T10:26:00.000+11:30

The newest book by Diana Gabaldon:
The seventh book in the series, An Echo in the Bone, is coming out 9/22 !
Her official page is: http://dianagabaldon.com/
Here is what the webmaster, Rosana Madrid Gatti has to say about our favorite characters, Jamie and Claire and their creator:
Diana Gabaldon is the New York Times best-selling author of the Outlander series, which tells the story of Jamie Fraser, a Scottish Highlander from the 18th century, and his time-traveling wife, Claire.

An Echo in the Bone Countdowngreat free widgetsWidgetbox

OK....you can't really read this "Free Copy", but I wanted to show the way Diana explains what her book is all about! She makes the characters come to "life" like no other author I have read! Come on.....fall in love with Jamie or Claire.........or both Jamie and Claire......I KNOW you will NOT be sorry you read these books. There is also a yahoo group that is all Jamie/Claire..all the time! : http://www.zurc2.com/outlander/jamie.html Click on the "snowglobe" to get to the other pages.
Click here to join the group....the link will take you to the yahoo group page: http://www.zurc2.com/outlander/listpage.html
I haven't really had time to update the pages, but you can still enjoy what is there!
*note* Outlander is called Cross Stitch in the U.K.

A New "Sin Tax"???

2009-08-28T00:55:00.000+11:30

I wrote this on a note on my FB account and thought I would begin my first blog attempt with my own plagiarized note. *Can someone plagiarize themselves?* *shrug*
ANYWAYS......this is my first blog, as I already told you......so please forgive me for any mistakes I may make. So, with that being said, here it is:

Hello 1984..........?

Quite a few years ago, when the cigarette smoking B.S. was beginning...and I, being a smoker at the time....was getting very PO'd over the whole damn "push" to stop smokers from being able to smoke where ever they wanted to or were allowed to! I told almost everyone I knew that "one day, I don't know when and I don't know what it will be, the government will take something from you....mark my words...and then what are you going to say/do?".... OK NOW....Today, on HLN there is the story of how the govt. wants to add MORE TAX to Junk Foods and Pop/Soda! "Because of the obesity problem in our country". BS! They even called it a "Sin Tax"!! WTF??!! A SIN TAX on FOOD??? I don't care if it is junk food or not........it is beginning to become 1984 and it has to be STOPPED NOW! For God's Sake people....what are you going to do when the govt. comes and puts it big meaty hands on something YOU like/want/need????? I have 4 problems with all this crap:
1.The government just wants to tax something else.... and then I bet they will want to ban it just like the smokes!
2. The "so called" Junk Food is the most reasonably priced food around! The "so called" Good Food is priced out of most peoples budgets. The poorer amongst us need the "junk food" prices! Does anyone need the cholesterol and trans-fats, etc??? Hell no! BUT.....if you only have a dollar to spend to eat on....."Dollar Menu" here we come!
3. Who is going to decide what "JUNK FOOD" is????
4. The Pop/Soda......who's damn business is it if I drink Regular Pop or Diet Pop??

But NO ONE Stood up for the smokers! So I think you/we all deserve it!....it's a bit like the story of the man who saw people being taken away for different reasons, and he said/did NOTHING....and then they came for him, and there was no one to help him........this is becoming a very sad/bad situation!

Hello 1984? ...We are here