Sojourner

That sounds refreshing...I will have to try that. At present, my favorite is red grapefruit infused water...also refreshing on a hot summer day.

There is really no "normal" amount for a band to be filled to be in the "green zone", as we are all individuals. It is not unheard of to have a surgeon "prime" the band with an initial fill of 4cc's at the time it was placed. That practice varies by practioner preference. My band was not primed when it was placed. There are also no rules to follow as to how much and at what speed one's band is filled. It is usually done at a rate that the surgeon and patient agree upon. For me, slower has been better. Others mileage does vary.

I have never been able to log in to this site using the app. I asked for technical assistance numerous times through LBT to allow me to utilize the app, and never received a response. This was from trying on an iPad, and both an Android system phone and iPhone. I gave up, and now just access the forum directly through the Internet access. My desk top and lap top computers the same...directly through the Internet, or not at all. The forum is accessible on my iPhone and iPad directly through the Internet.

And though that may indeed be your situation, it will still always come back to the choices we make. Our minds are clever, and we can rationalize and justify just about anything we CHOOSE to. I am assertive enough to place my own interests above the possibility of others speaking about not eating a worst scenario, what would have happened? Just saying, it's all about choices. In the coming months you will have many choices to make. As the band is highly self empowering, you will also choose how successful you will be with your weight loss journey. What makes the difference? Choices we make! Good luck!

Good Morning all... Janet, Delaney Rose is beyond adorable! I hope she enjoys her school year...and very good to read that you will be appropriately assertive with the so called nurse. I remember my first day home alone post surgery with my feet...it was almost a relief after so many days of constant care. You will do fine...and if you get bored, text away! Terri, I guess you realize as I do that the differences between the generations are growing wider. My sons are on a mission to make their lives as paperless as possible. They will never own a set of encyclopedias...but I refuse to give mine up, as when I was a child one of my favorite pastimes was to read them. Yet we must do things to make us happy as well. So, scrap book away! A cloudy and rainy morning here...but I am not complaining. Reminds me of our years in Seattle...good times! Have a great Monday...BBL...hugs!

#%^+ iPad again... That is, I got to within 20 ft of the deer before they went back into the forest. I wished I had a camera... And Janet, don't be shy about educating the nurse. The absolute last thing you need to contend with now is an infection of any sort. Just because they are an RN or LPN does not make them experts on preventing infections. J/s...I once had open wounds on my ankle and had to go for bone scans at the hospital. The tech removed the dressings from my wounds to conduct the scans, and then made no effort to replace them. I told him he was insane if he thought I would take a single step without the dressing being changed and replaced. He was very unhappy, and ask me if I cared? Have a great evening...and a better Monday!

Good Evening All... Just a fast catch up... Janet, sad I did not receive any under the influence texts...but so happy you are home and making progress with your recovery. Yes, PT can be painful, but you get back your mobility a day at a time. I had 2 hours of PT 4 days a week for 25 weeks, and went from a wheelchair to a cane. It is so worth it... Perhaps it would help to consult with a pain management doctor to look for ways to calm the nerves which are now inflamed and acting up? That is not pain meds, but alternatives... Anyway, just sooo happy you are home! Terri, I am about at the end of my rope...with the kitchen. Trying my best to stay calm and sane...who are you making the scrap books for? Yourself and/ or other family members? I wish I had the artistic talents to do that! Michelle, the power of positive thinking...look to your past performances to predict future success. You will pass if you prepare. Based on your posts over the past year, you will be prepared for success. Keep us posted on your progress! Dawn, yes, sic the new warrior dog on the misbehaving neighbors, if you think it is safe for both of you. I can't wait for you to be moved away from that war zone. Stay safe! BTW, how is your back feeling? Dee, sometimes you have to be appropriately assertive with husbands to help them stay diet compliant with a heart healthy regimen. I know I did...and it helped that I was already well educated to the nutrition labels. If it is not on his diet, it should not be in the house...not even for the kids. There is an opportunity for them to grow up eating better, too. That is what I had to do with Jack...and praise God...so far so good. Diane, I hope that all is well in your world.... Trying to get over to the rec center to exercise now. Amazing last evening to see a doe and her 2 fawns along side the path around the center. They were eating the apples which had fallen off the tree. I got 20 f as I walked at a fast pace

I also fit into that age cohort. I don't believe that age has hindered my weight loss, however some of the ensuing complications have. That said, I would be much worse off medically speaking if I had not lost the weight I have to date. And, I continue to lose weight by following the rules specified by my surgeon. We are all individuals, and no two of us will have an identical journey.

One of the comorbidities listed for my approval through Aetna was weight related arthritis. My conditions also included GERD. I believe that your physician would need to be specific to identify that any joint pain you are experiencing has a causal relationship to your weight when they submit your letter of medical necessity. Asthma, and as far as I know a hiatal hernia are not considered to be conditions related to obesity for insurance approval. Best wishes for your approval..

What we eat, at the bottom line, is always a choice we make. The mindset that you " had to cheat" is inaccurate thinking. It is more accurate to tell yourself that I was in a situation where I felt I should have the meal than attempt to answer any questions about why I was not eating a meal. I hosted a luncheon for my woman's club 3 days before my surgery. I had not told anyone of my surgery, and as I watched them enjoy their 3 course lunch I was content with sipping ice water. I chose to continue to follow my pre op instructions. I'm not trying to be harsh, but success with a band has much to do with our mind set. Giving yourself permission to not follow the rules once may lead to the slippery slope of rationalizing and justifying other episodes of so called cheating. It's all about self determination and the choices we make.

So, the weather has been glorious to say the very least...it is August and I have been driving with my sunroof open every trip. Unheard of in Florida unless it is during the Winter months... The kitchen is definitely making progress. The stone fabricators are coming next week for final measurements. All of the bottom cabinets are in, and now we are working on the top ones. Jack is enjoying doing the instillation. He will need a couple of strong young men who want to earn some extra money to help and get the double wall oven mounted into the cabinet, and to get the former range and pantry cabinets downstairs, but other than that it has been just us. Happily, there is a small college in Banner Elk at the base of the mountain, and friends of ours have directed us to the community liaison to get the assistance of a couple of students when we need it. I know I will appreciate it all when the work is completed, and have a working sink, microwave, and pantry all in the same room again...it's the little things which mean so much! I hope all have a great Saturday and weekend...big hugs and love to all...

Good Morning all... Janet, so happy you are home now. A hospital is no place to get well...IMO. Both times in 2011 when I was inpatient I pleaded and begged to be allowed to go home. We know what our bodies need, and for me it was peace, quiet, and home cooked meals which looked, smelled, and tasted like they were fresh and not out of a can somewhere. Because you have lost so much weight to date, your recovery will be easier. I could not mention that on FB, but my other friend did not go into her surgeries at a healthy weight, and she did experience some complications post op. You are on your way now! Please continue to keep us posted on your progress! Terri, sorry to read about the boat repairs...as with a house, it does always seem to be something to repair! Hence the first part of our trip to Madeira Beach to complete adjustments and reinforcements to the brand new boat lift...I also know that my hunger has returned, but I don't see myself opting for any fills. I don't want to make another emergency trip to Ashville to get my band emptied again. I'm still watching my portions, and drinking a lot of water... My last appointment with my PCP was an eye opener, in that he shared that he had a patient who chose to have her band removed as she lost all her desired weight, but the port was visible. She wanted to wear bikini's, chose to have her band removed, and then ended up regaining her weight and then some. Not the situation I want to find myself in... Dee, so glad that you made it back to your classes. Is there any way that you could join a study group with other students in the class? I know that concept was popular with my sons as they went through school. It was extra help and training for all the members in the group. Keep after Charlie to do the correct things and follow his doctor's instructions. Take a day at a time...you are a strong woman, and you will prevail! Dawn, cute little foster dog you have now! I did not realize that you fostered dogs. What a great community contribution that is! Seriously, when is moving day for you? I would be scared of going home to the " hood"...not a place to feel safe in your own home. How is Audry's move coming along? Diane, so glad that you checked in with us...you are adding on to your current home? That would be a great solution, and the extra space will help all of you. I know you know how important it is to take a day or a minute at a time...take good care of you, too! Michelle...you are on your glide path to completing your studies now. That has to make you feel a huge sense of accomplishment! What will you do with all your spare time when you no longer have to spend time with your books? I'm certain you will have no difficulties with the adjustment!

Good Morning All... We woke up this morning to 70 degrees inside the house. I went looking for a heavy robe and slippers for the first time since our move. It's difficult to believe it is still the middle of August. I hope all is well with all... Janet, you do look marvelous and tiny in that great big bed! I hope that today as your begin your post op therapy you will find it easier than the idiot who you encountered pre op and predicted trying times ahead. The kitchen is taking shape nicely, we are ready for the stone fabricators to come for final measurements. The sooner the better. Not having a functional kitchen is the pits! Theymaresupposedmto set the appointment for measuring today. I have not yet gotten beck into my exercise routine since returning home, and this is at the top of my priority list. I am not supposed to wash my hair before tomorrow post highlights, so I will wait 1 more day. I can't stand perspiration drenched hair without washing it. I hope Dee is studying, Michelle negotiating, Dawn is staying safe, that Diane is well and meeting her present challenges. I hope Janet is feeling better today and roaming the halls in the hospital with her walker. And Terri, I hope you are making progress with your scrapbooks... Today is continue to climb out from all the laundry day for me, and tackle a couple more boxes... Have a great day...

Dawn... Thank you so much for the update! Amazing to look so radiant so soon post op...and Janet, you look wonderful! Get well soon Janet...you are going to do stellar with your new parts!

It would be best to ask your medical team this question, as this may vary by physician preferences. I was advised to wait for an entire year post op to have any alcohol. I almost made it a year before having a glass of wine, and did not have any adverse effects. You should be aware that it may take less alcohol to experience the effects from it, so judge accordingly. My surgeon warned ahead of time that he would not be writing any letters to assist patients who got stopped for DUI because they were not monitoring the effects of using alcohol post op.

I am in your same age cohort, and a former resident of Everett WN. I agree with what information others have previously posted regarding the need for your current medical issues to be addressed prior to having a bariatric procedure. In my case, I needed a non-band issue to be surgically corrected prior to being medically cleared to have my band placed. This resulted in a significant delay for band surgery, but it is a good plan to be in good medical condition before you begin your weight loss journey. In my case, though I had lost significant amounts of weight(60-90 lbs. post pregnancies and medication side effects) several times and managed to keep it off for years, when I gained weight as a side effect of medications and was older than 50, I was unable to lose more than 40 pounds and even with that it was a monumental task to try to keep it off. I chalk it up to my metabolism going into hibernation...but I had to do something to get my A1C below the diabetic threshold. I was also afraid of failure, but chose to face life with the band with the same determination for success as I had when I was younger. I have experienced some significant complications, and have managed to be reasonably successful with losing weight, and most of the time it was done without having any significant amount of Fluid in my band. I do not have the plication some of the members of this forum discuss from time to time. Recently, I have managed on average to lose around 2 lbs. a month with a totally empty band. Most of the accountability to manage my eating and appetite has to come from me, and because I am motivated to complete my journey successfully, my scale is continuing to move in the right direction. Your motivation for success is the key to your success, IMHO. And from your post, you seem to have the motivation you will need. Understanding ahead of time that you will need to "get your head in the game" to modify your behavior with eating and your relationship with food to be successful will serve you well. Only you have an accurate understanding of your level of motivation for success. The band is only a tool. Despite it being empty now, it does still help me manage my portions, but I am the only one who will monitor my behaviors to drink Water when I am hungry instead of looking for anything else to eat. I also understand that at this stage, the only way I will keep the weight loss at the current pace is to be committed to regular exercise. The band does not stop you from eating the wrong foods, you still need to make healthy choices for your meals. I understand your concerns about failure...a common fear for many. You won't truly know your abilities for success unless you take the steps to move out of your "comfort zone". Best wishes to you as you move forward with your decisions...

My bariatric surgeon was convinced that my band had slipped, so much so that last week he ordered, and I completed a repeat of the upper GI study I completed in June in a different state with a different surgeon (I have moved since my band was placed). The results showed a perfectly placed band...again. But I appreciated his wanting to be through with his medical opinion. My symptoms are only present at night after I am asleep, and otherwise I am able to eat without any adverse events. My surgeon discussed with me that even with slipped band, some patients are able to eat normally with few complications. With the symptoms I presented with he told me he would be surprised if my band had not slipped. I feel fortunate that it was still in place, otherwise he would have removed it. It will be best to discuss your concerns with your surgeon. I am not a physician, and only am able to share my own experiences!

Good Afternoon... We hit the ground running, and have not stopped since. We have our new mattress waiting for the bedroom furniture in the upstairs master suite. Jack is working on dismantling the rest of the kitchen. The good news is that we don't have to get involved with selling the hardly used appliances installed in 2009. We pulled them out because they are "stainless" steel, which we hate, and Brent wanted for his new kitchen. He planned beginning his kitchen renovation at the beginning of the year, and he liked the pictures he saw. So he will pull them via trailer back to his house in October. One less thing on the "to do" list. My band is behaving if I treat it right. We certainly have a love-hate relationship now. I am encouraged that I was still able to lose weight even with it totally empty. I just have to keep up my exercise regimen. All good things in time... Continuing prayers for you Janet...I know this is a big step for you, but you are ready to take it. I am so looking forward to your pain free future with your knees. My friend now enjoys going shopping, which she was unable to do for years. Michelle...yes, our children do take us through life as they achieve their milestones. Enjoy the years ahead, as before you are ready he will be leaving the nest. I hope all is well for everyone. lunch break is over... I'm looking forward to some "under the influence" texts Janet...:-)! BBL...

Good Evening from Beech... What a long trip...just glad to be back in our chaotic home so we can tackle the rest of the projects. It was sad as I carried Sushi's ashes inside, and then Jack removed her bed from the great room. Another adjustment to make...and life blessedly moves forward. Dee, hugs hugs to you about your son. Please know that you are not alone with your grief. I have had a couple of friends go through similar circumstances with their adult children, and over time the kids have come full circle to reconcile with them. Patience will help, and one lesson remains above all..."let go and let God". Focus on areas where you can influence the outcome, such as your classes. The rest will play out as God has planned. I certainly would go on a liquid diet for a day or two. Stress does make the band tighten up, so as others have already said, perhaps now is not a good time to get a fill. And your weight is a number on the scale. What is important is what weight do you feel good? I do believe that we all have a "set point", and that is the weight your body prefers. Perhaps discuss this with your physician? Terri, happy to read your posts...I tried to like them all, but the DSL speed here is slow...Diane seems to be doing well from her FB pictures, thank you for the update! What is your current project? Dawn, soon to be empty nester...this is an emotional time in life. And your time to begin to enjoy some additional "me" time. I hope your back gives you some respite from the pain fast. Nothing wears me down faster than chronic pain...have you been able to find out if massage and/or stretching exercises would help? Sending you positive energy to cope with everything... Michelle...has there been any decision regarding your business future? I hope it all works out the way you want it to. Janet...please do take care of you, and check in as you are able and feel up to it. My close friend who had both of her knees replaced within the past year is doing quite well...and you will also. You are a determined and very tough cookie...failure is simply not an option! You are always in my thoughts and prayers, and especially now. Huge hugs... I hope I did not forget anyone...time for a shower and bed. Sweet dreams all...it is an honor and a privilege to have you as friends!

The iPad had me invisible again...and would not permit editing... I could not forget Michelle...I hope you are enjoying a great weekend also! One more day of rest, then leaving early Monday for home. While here, we received calls that our bedroom furniture has arrived to be delivered, and also our new bed. We will have to wait until they have another truck heading to the area, likely another week or two. Still earlier than the 12 weeks we were initially told it would take. I was glad to see all of the updates today...I will check in when able. dinner with Seth's in-laws and our daughter in law this evening. Who knows what tomorrow...just as long as it does not involve any time in a car! Love and hugs...

Good Afternoon All... Another long day on the road, as we drove down to Palm Beach and back so that Jack could visit his mother. She is at the stage of Alzheimer's which she is presently stable, however she no longer recognizes Jack or his brother as her sons. Very sad...but is what it is. Terri, good to read that all is well in your world... Dee, I hope you are able to return to your classes. I understand how much you would like to achieve this for you! Keep us posted on your progress. And yes, the medical field is infuriating at times. Like the UGI I had done in Asheville was the repeat of images done yesterday...and I don't tolerate the barium well. Diane...MIA...please let us know how you are. Janet...isn't it amazing to see the Snacks in the medical offices? We really have to develop a strong sense of willpower to avoid the pitfalls. Please keep us posted on our post op progress. How long of a hospital stay will the surgery require? How long do they recommend you attend physical therapy post op? You will do stellar...and I am so happy you are getting this done! Dawn, I hope you are having a good weekend...

For bariatric purposes, it is the quality of the Protein which matters. There are many options available, and it is important for you to find one or more options which you like, because even post banding, it will be necessary to periodically use Protein shakes for a day or two, especially after getting a fill. whey isolate protein is considered to be a "complete protein", as it includes all of the amino acids which our bodies require for proper nutrition. I made it a priority for me to discover one that I liked. I use the Wheybolic Extreme from GNC, I prefer the chocolate flavor. I like shopping with GNC as they have a liberal product return policy, so you really are trying their products without fear of spending money on something you don't like. There are other choices for whey isolate protein products...but whatever your choice be certain to check which type of protein they contain. As for fiber, I take a Fiber Choice supplement which is the one my surgeon recommended. Fiber is important to try to avoid constipation which is common with a radical change in eating habits such as the pre and post op liquid diet. Best wishes for a successful journey...

One consideration, which should be discussed in depth with your surgeon are any pre-existing medical conditions you have. I was advised that my pre-banding extensive history with reflux ruled me out as a suitable candidate for the sleeve. Your long term health and well being should be primary with your decision. No weight loss surgery comes without risks. And all WLS to be successful requires behavioral changes to allow for the success. Changing eating habits, getting your head in the game so you can change your relationship with food, and exercise are all necessary. It will never be quite as easy to lose weight as it was to gain it. To me, the more I have to focus on diet compliance and exercise to lose weight, the more the lessons of a healthier lifestyle become habits. My weight loss becomes more meaningful to me, and the incentive to keep it off becomes greater. Just my experience and insights...others mileage does vary.

BTW Janet...loved the quilt! Michelle...kudos for your new found confidence with your weight loss! Dawn...definitely keep us posted on progress with your move and wedding. I am so anxious for you to safely get yourself out of the "hood". Terri...I hope you are continuing to feel good. Diane, I pray all is stable and going well with life and stress level...remember to take good care of you! Dee, I hope that life and family are going well...keep us posted! I am blessed and proud to have you all for friends...<3

Hi all... So, my band and I will not have to,part ways, at least for the time being. This morning, the PAC, at the instruction of the surgeon took a series of pictures of the fluoroscopy at different stages. The surgeon agreed that the info from the NC surgeon was accurate. He wants me to continue with the evening routine I have devised to keep me from throwing up while asleep as it seems to be working. In his words, mine was a "perfect study with no sign of reflux and a very slight dilation in the esophagus by the band." He wanted me to return in 4 weeks to begin to refill my band, which to be honest I am scared to do. I have managed to lose on average 2 pounds a month, even with the nearly 4 weeks I could not exercise because of my sprained foot, with a totally empty band. That does place more responsibility on me to manage my hunger, however I feel I have learned to do that adequately since my band was placed. So, all in all, a best case scenario outcome for which I am most grateful for. And I am also deeply appreciative of all your kind words of support through this latest episode of my ongoing "band drama". The power of prayer and emotional support is awesome...there are no words adequate to truly express my feelings to you all... So, for now, onward. Slow, but steady...Life is very good!