Second Quarter of 2016: April 3-June 30: Winners All at Losing Weight!

Helene610

Was Jessiecat showing symptoms that you were concerned about? Or was it just a check up? I'm at the library posting. I was nearby getting a mani/pedi and decided to stop in. I'm sure some of my home computer problems are connected to still being on Windows 7 but I have zero interest in upgrading to 10. I guess my fear is something will go wrong and that the task I do now will be different with new software. It took me a while to adjust from XT to 7 and some of the things I did easily on XT became more difficult. I never found some of the shortcuts I was used to and it just seemed burdensome to me. I adjusted but that was 6 years ago. That's probably TMI about my computer woes.

I see the doctor Thursday for a check up. I already know my Vitamin D is low so he recently put me on a prescription mega dose. Let's hope he doesn't find anything else.

mdubbs1

Jessicat lost 2 pounds since her last visit in November. I know I've been giving them prescription diet food but that still seems like too much.

DH upgraded his primary computer to windows 10 to test it out. I wanted to see if CROM's data base would work. It did. He kept threatening to upgrade my primary machine but I resisted. Then I did it by accident! The little window that pops up was changed by Microsoft so that if you just click on the "x" in the corner thinking you are closing it it actually is your permission to upgrade (massive uproar on the internet over that one)! What a helpless feeling to not know what you did and see your computer upgrading. Turned out to be a real non event for the most part. The screen looks exactly the same - same background, same icons. The only glitch we had was that somehow my keyboard didn't work. DH had to figure that out. One other minor glitch is that our networked scanner doesn't work quite the same way it did before. A few more steps involved.

KonaKat

I am back from Branson, which is an amazing place to visit for the scenery as well as the variety of entertainment. I bought Midnight a new pet bed in Branson which is he currently enjoying as well as some of Branson's local food products.

I didn't watch TV or even checked out the Internet much while gone. I don't like posting from any tablet, so I rarely post. Our days and evenings were filled, and time spent in between activities warranted a quick check on email, etc.

I gained my usual 6 pounds while gone. Most of this is water retention. I don't use much salt at home, but restaurant food is usually high in sodium so I quickly retain fluid.

KonaKat

I took time today to make a run to the city over an hour away for an appointment. I had to talk myself into it as it was so easy to sit here and relax. The bad part about a vacation is returning to reality.

mdubbs1

Jean - I'm glad you had a good time! Sorry you had to come back to reality. LOL!

I'm going to have a NS day today starting with nutriflakes cereal and 1/2 a banana.

KonaKat

Maryanne--Enjoy your NS day. Groupon had a special on that PB2 peanut butter. I decided to try it as I enjoy peanut butter. It is really good; it tastes like the real stuff without all the fat and higher calories.

Helene610

I thought of Jean today as I had oatmeal for breakfast. I don't have that very often as I'm an egg person. Glad to hear you had a good time on your vacation. I thought I had a doctor's appointment but it turns out it's tomorrow.

Helene610

I thought of Jean today as I had oatmeal for breakfast. I don't have that very often as I'm an egg person. Glad to hear you had a good time on your vacation. I thought I had a doctor's appointment but it turns out it's tomorrow.

mdubbs1

DH decided the Savannah, who is spending his days in our yard, needed a toy so he took him one. Too funny! If his people just knew how he was spending his days. I just wish they'd keep him in.

I did some grocery shopping this morning. Now it's time for lunch and getting down to work.

KonaKat

Helene--I broke over and had eggs for breakfast before I went on the trip. They don't satisfy me as much as the oatmeal does. I hope your doctor's appointment goes well.

Maryanne--You are on target with your grocery shopping. I do hope they had everything you needed. I really dislike it when you develop a love for a certain item but then the store chooses not to carry it...or the company phases it out.

mdubbs1

When our one local chain closes its doors in a month there are going to be certain items I only buy there that I will miss. I hate that too!

I'm planning wonderslim pancakes for breakfast.

Neither the bone density or the mammogram results came back with anything newsworthy. Moving on to the next doctor/test now. LOL!

KonaKat

Maryanne--Good news on the bone density and mammogram results. We all are doing our best to economically support the medical community.

I've lost 3 pounds of my water retention gain while on the trip. I fixed eggs for breakfast and did not use salt as usual. They tasted fine to me.

mdubbs1

Well, since the medical community accounts for a huge percentage of my income I guess it's only fair. LOL!

I'm tired of salads for lunch so I'm thinking of alternating for awhile between NS and JC lunches and lower calorie frozen meals.

PamS53

I think I've certainly done my fair share to support the medical community this year!

Nothing much going on around here this week. The rain finally stopped and it's getting hot, which typically means I hole up inside where the air conditioning keeps it nice and cool.

Jean, I'm glad you enjoyed Branson. I thought it was a very pretty area and offered lots of entertainment options. We went in April which was nice because it was before the peak tourist season misunderstand the traffic is pretty awful during the summer.

mdubbs1

I had eggs for breakfast and a lean cuisine entree for lunch.

Dinner will be stuffed sole (Omaha Steaks), brown rice and brussel sprouts.

I fed the colonies this morning. In spite of doing 150 minutes on the treadmill each week obviously I'm still not in the greatest shape. I was sweating when I got home!

KonaKat

Pam--The Branson traffic is horrible once school is out and families descend. The main drag through Branson on which many hotels, restaurants and entertainment venues are located is only two lanes with an additional center lane to use as a merge lane, turn lane, etc. and by the police and ambulances. It is a beautiful area but was overwhelmed by some of the very steep hill streets. I would like to go back as there is much to do.

Maryanne--Good job on the treadmill. Keep it up!

I picked up some Atkins entrees at WalMart. I really like them and need a change.

Helene610

The doctor's appointment didn't happen after all. The office called to say since the doctor doesn't accept Medicare, he's barred from treating Medicare aged patients. So DH and are are shopping for a new primary care doctor. Talk about upsetting. I've been with him 25 years. He stopped taking Medicare years ago because of the extra work on his staff. We opted to stay with him and self pay. That worked for years until the government told him he couldn't treat us unless he takes Medicare. It's pretty upsetting to have our choices taken away. There's a community health center 5 minutes from the old doctor. We dropped off paperwork to get new primaries. Our doctor is edging towards retirement so we probably would have had to change in a couple of years.

KonaKat

Helene--Sorry you are faced with finding a new doctor. In our area, it is very unusual to find a doctor that does not accept Medicare because of the high percentage of senior citizens. I have a relative that is in the medical profession and processes all those insurance claims. She said the major difference is that doctors could order procedures as they saw fit but Medicare limits the number. I found it interesting that I used to have to have blood tests every 3 months but that changed to 6 months when I went on Medicare unless it is some new condition that is surfacing.

mdubbs1

Helene - I'm sorry about your doctor. I'm not sure what hold Medicare would have over your doctor if he's not taking Medicare. In other words, what could they threaten him with? I know seniors who go to concierge practices that take no coverage at all.

My ob/gyn told me that visits to her and mammograms would be limited by Medicare to every two years unless I met certain criteria. Let's just say that even if I met the criteria I'm danged if I want it on my "permanent record".

My husband told me Medicare only covers some lab tests. I don't know all the details yet. They didn't cover the A1c my nurse practitioner ordered on me (without mentioning to me). And at the lab place they put some piece of paper in front of me. All I really got a chance to read was something at the bottom about "we can't choose a box for you" and then the phlebotomist checked a box for me and had me sign it. I also remember seeing "A1c" on the form. So I'm guessing that was my acknowledgement that Medicare wouldn't pay.

They also don't cover the 3-D mammogram.

To my disgust, the nurse practitioner did NOT include the test for Vitamin D even though her boss, my internist, is the one who prescribed extra Vitamin D for me.

The current AARP newsletter (DH insisted on signing us up - I am NOT a retired person thank you very much LOL!) has an article on fighting Medicare fraud. The tone of the article isn't critical. BUT after I read it my reaction was these people are idiots. Apparently they only do paper checking of things, not real life/real time checking. In other words they just sit in their offices and look at paper, hoping whistle blowers will turn in the crooks. As some Congressman suggested - why don't we hire a bunch of college kids to go out and check every provider who signs up for Medicare and see if they even exist. Compared to the cost of the fraud, it would be a steal! Makes sense to me. Let's face it, $60 BILLION a year in fraud gives you a lot of room to try new ideas.

I fed the colonies this morning. I'm getting the hang of it which means it doesn't take as long. I'm guessing ultimately it will be about an hour door to door.

I had eggs for breakfast. I'm planning NS soup and a small salad for lunch. American Heart Assn steak with small baked potato (I actually FOUND small potatoes - SCORE) and brussel spouts for dinner.

The other day at the store I was checking out all the bread crumbs and looking at calories and I discovered whole what bread crumbs. Interesting. Had to buy some.

KonaKat

Maryanne--I have run into signing the paper that states Medicare will not pay for one of the tests that was ordered if it was done less than 6 months ago. I remembered it was less than 6 months so I refused the test in question. I just think it is interesting that if a test is sufficient every 6 months for monitoring a condition then why was it done every 3 months before Medicare.

This is interesting insight into the 10,000 step recommendation:
http://blog.myfitnesspal.com/many-daily-steps-really-need-better-health​/?user_id=274078559538365&alt_source=mfp&alt_medium=email&alt_campaign=workouts20160606

mdubbs1

It will be interesting to see how Medicare handles me having another thyroid biopsy so soon after the last one. Hopefully the doctor will be honest about the first one.

KonaKat

Maryanne, I am sure the biopsy will be justified appropriately.

I decided to download Windows 10. I now have a malfunctioning laptop. I despise virtual keyboards of tablets.

PamS53

I'm watching the Tony Awards tonight. Our niece's fiancé will be performing with the cast of "Spring Awakening" which was nominated for Best Musical Revival. He is so excited and we are very proud of him. The play will probably not win, but what an honor for it to be nominated. And of course, it will look good on his resume! DH is being a good sport about watching with me, but he really doesn't enjoy these types of award shows.

I agree, Maryanne, that it is interesting what is covered and what is not covered. Our insurance will cover most blood tests, but not if performed on the same day as an annual physical. So what is that about? I can't think of a single logical reason to make someone come back for blood tests the next day if they are already fasting and are in the doctor's office, butt hat is what we are required to do if we want our insurance to cover the tests.

Helene610

Medicare and insurance regulations are enough to drive anyone crazy. But you can't take a chance on not having them. Dh's heart attack was over $30,000 when the last bunch of bills came in. I wouldn't be surprised if more showed up. Fortunately everything was covered. My old doctor ordered the vitamin D. I'll have to see what the new doctor thinks when the 3 month prescription is done.

mdubbs1

Jean - windows 10 screwed you up? When I accidentally d/l it my keyboard didn't work. DH researched on the internet and found various comments. Many people suggested doing the d/l again. That meant we gave up our option to roll back to Windows 7 but we went ahead anyway. Unfortunately I'm not clear whether it was that second d/l or the new keyboard that fixed the problem. Anyway DH ordered two books on windows 10 so he can fix issues as they come up. Good luck!

Pam - I dvr'd the tony awards. Since it's the closest I ever get to Broadway I always watch it. So far I've only watched part of the opening. That guy is no Neil Patrick Harris that's for sure!

I can't think of a single reason to do lab tests one day later either.

Helene - you are right that you have to have it. I'm not taking prescription vitamin D but two caltrate plus D tablets a day. I did have one recheck after I started doing that and it was good but I"d have thought she either have added it on or, if she knew Medicare wouldn't pay, asked me. Although she didn't ask about the A1c OR tell me she was doing it.

I lost the pound I gained last week plus 1 1/2 more. I can now officially get my 30-pound bear out of the closet!

I'm going to eat breakfast, go feed the cats, and then buckle down to work. I have my food laid out for today and spreadsheet filled out and printed. I'm ready!

PamS53

I was diagnosed with severe osteoporosis at the age of 45. I went to a local health food store and began researching calcium supplements and learned that most of the common brands like Caltrate and Citracal were actually not very good sources of calcium. According to the research I read, the absorption rate for those is around 20-30%. What was recommended was a chelated form of calcium citrate which is not easy to find, but increases the absorption rate to 60-80%. I find it at health food stores and the supplement I buy is actually called Bone Reinforcement Formula because in addition to calcium and Vitamin D it contains all of the trace elements that are necessary for bone health such as magnesium, copper, zinc, etc. I also take a vitamin D supplement. My bone density has improved greatly since I've been on this regimen. Incidentally, I used to cringe at the commercials for antacids that implied they were a good source of calcium. In actual fact, they are very poorly absorbed to the point of being worthless for improving bone health. I always wondered how they got away with advertising the product that way. I've noticed that they stopped touting that as a benefit a while ago.

Helene610

Pam..What's the brand name of the Bone health supplement you take? Irt sounds interesting. I have osteppena in my wrist and it would be nice to keep it from getting worse. I enjoyed the Tonys last night. I didn't see it the year NPH hosted. I thought Corden did a good job but there probably isn;t anyone as good as NPH for hosting.

PamS53

Helene, the brand is Nature's Life. It's expensive but the store where I buy it puts it on sale occasionally and sends me coupons at least once a month. I really scored last week when they had a two for one sale! It comes in a bottle of 250 capsules and the capsules are standard size. It used to be a very large chalky pill that was very hard to swallow, so the capsules are a big improvement.

KonaKat

Maryanne--The laptop was nearing 5 years old. I got it when Windows 7 first came out. I always made it a practice to wait until the bugs were worked out of a new Windows OS and get a new computer if the old was real aged. On the laptop, I have no sound, the computer clock doesn't work, I can get on the Internet using Chrome but not Edge as it freezes.

My trusty personal laser printer dates back to Windows XP but still worked with Windows 7. It will not work with Windows 8 as that printer is no longer supported with drivers, etc. I looked online and saw a great sale at Office Depot and saw a couple of laptops with specifications that matched what I wanted. I called and found they had two left in each, so off to the city I went. I came back with a new laptop and also a personal laser printer for less than what I paid for my last laptop.

Both are still in the car. I wanted to wait until tomorrow to "play" with them. In the meantime, I can use Chrome. I can't even shut down the dumb laptop unless I do a hard shutdown. After I go on the Internet with Chrome, I can't do anything. It takes forever for the laptop to load. Windows 10 is a memory hog, so my 4gb of RAM is not enough. I played with the one I bought at the store; it is a dream in comparison so $200 saved on buying it today is a mental health measure for me.

mdubbs1

Pam - is this the calcium supplement? https://www.amazon.com/Natures-Life-Reinforce-Formula-Count/dp/B000GPCV5Q?ie=UTF8&*Version*=1&*entries*=0

Helene - there's a new John Verdon. Release date is still listed as July BUT Amazon is shipping it. Go figure! In the same order I'm getting my reduced sugar ketchup to try and a meat loaf pan that drains into the bottom to try.

Jean - enjoy that new lap top! Windows 10 has given us surprisingly few problems. Except for the keyboard glitch. One of my colleagues at work, probably the least technically savvy person in the whole company, and one who has refused to switch from word perfect to word, accidentally updated her work computer to windows 10 just like I did. Apparently word perfect won't work on it so that was a major catastrophe. Luckily our IT guy is beyond excellent and he got her back to work.