Sojourner

I agree with others regarding your initiative to conduct your own research into the topic. I also saw your earlier post, and truly did not have the information to respond. I had significant reflux issues going into having my band placed, though well controlled. I have had some issues post banding, though these have been addressed by my physicians with a good outcome to date. Peace of mind is a priceless commodity, and your decisions should reflect what you feel comfortable with. Best wishes and good health to you...

Reducing your restriction to go on vacation is not a decision based on sound judgement, IMO. Reflux at night and coughing indicate you may be putting yourself at risk to develop aspiration pneumonia. It is also a sign as others have posted that your band may be too tight. Definitely consult with your medical team to determine what is happening. These potential complications should never be ignored. It reads to me that there is still some inaccurate thinking going on with you and your relationship with food. We still need to make healthy choices when it comes to meals regardless how much we enjoy eating.

Thank you Dawn...I love the quote! And it is true, I have come through worse than this, and I'm still standing...

So, the news is not very encouraging. Jack and I met with the surgeon today, and I am scheduled for another barium swallow exam in the morning. The surgeon, who told all of us at the information seminar that he is not in the business of "removing bands", spoke to us about just that. He wants to "examine the images with his own eyes", and then will decide if my band needs to be removed. I'm fairly certain that is what will play out, as a very minor esophageal dilation was detected in the study done in NC. But the surgeon there said that it was so minor that it was his medical opinion that I should not be concerned about it and would never become an issue for me. Yet another example of the differences in medical opinions between physicians. We may need to extend our stay in Florida if I am advised to have surgery. It's all up in the air right now. But I still cannot/ will not "slam the band" for my body's apparent inability to tolerate it's presence. I asked what I may have done to precipitate this situation, and the surgeon assured me that I did nothing wrong. It sometimes happens that the band is not compatible. He believes that there is still a distinct possibility that the band has slipped. And if so, the post op results of repositioning a band are not too favorable. So, please keep good thoughts for me...I'll keep you all posted. Hugs...

Good Afternoon All... Janet, I also believe in "messages from God". It has happened far too many times during my lifetime to not believe that we are directed at times of major decisions or making life changing decisions. Keeping you in my prayers always... Terri...good to read that you are starting to feel better! I hate being under the weather...we just don't have time for that! I hope everyone else is doing well...

#^%! iPad again... Michelle...how did your son's appointment go? So good to know that you are making good progress with reaching your goal...and enjoying life! Dee, I hope all is well at home now. How is your husband doing with his new diet? I hope all is well... Janet, I admire your fortitude...surgery is so soon! You must feel beyond ready for your mobility to return. As Brian Williams shared ( he just had knee replacement surgery), his physician told him he would know when it was time to have the surgery done. You will remain in my thoughts and prayers! Diane, long time since "seeing" you around. I also hope that all is going reasonably well, and that the rest of the family is helping. Dawn...I enjoyed your pictures! You are looking wonderful...I hope you are feeling as good as you look! I hope that I will have some answers tomorrow...will keep you all posted...wish me well. Sweet dreams...we are so blessed to have each other...

Good Evening All... We have been enjoying our time visiting with the family...except for missing our Sushi. Miso, the runt of the litter had been with her mother, Sushi, every day of her life. She looks so lost and lonely at times. It just makes the empty space seem larger. Tomorrow I see my surgeon to get his opinion as to what is to be done about my band. My PCP believes there is an additional issue with my stomach, but will defer his medical opinion to the bariatric surgeon. The PCP did share that another of his patients decided to have her band removed, as she lost enough weight that the band could be seen when she laid down, which interfered with her "bikini" image. She ended up regaining most of the weight she lost. So much for "going it alone". Terri, I hope you are feeling better now. No fun to be sick...

I got sidetracked with getting the grandsons off to school...got to leave for doctor appointments now. Tech son has been updating iPad and new phone for the past 2 evenings... Love and appreciate you all! BTW Dawn...glad you enjoyed your new NSV at the park and had a glorious time with Brad... BBL...

Good Morning all... Janet, I apologize for being remiss and not sending a card... I know you enjoyed your birthday and celebrated in style! And so happy you are moving forward with your knee replacement! Of course this prayervwarrier is on deck with you...keep us posted on your progress!

Just wanted to,say good night... Diane, your wisdom and inner strength will see you through. You have more strength than you realize... Terri, thank you for sharing the seasons message. I am not aware of the passage of,time until I look at my sons, and realize their ages. I is so true, the older we get, the faster the time goes... Janet, we will make plans. I will work on dates with Jack. If it took you that long to cut the squares, how many hours to sew the, back together again??? Michelle, thank you for your message. We all have to go through sad times when we lose our pets. I know that Sushi will remain in my heart forever. Dawn, it looked like nice weather in Chicago. Your pictures were beautiful. I hope you are feeling better. Dee, I hope that all is well in your world. Keep in touch... Sweet dreams...

Yes, the "green zone" does exist...though my surgeon has advised that some of us will not find it. When I was in the "zone", it was very easy for me to go 4-5 hours without even thinking of food or eating. That was after 4 fills, to 4.5cc of Fluid in my band. I believe that it will always be up to the individual to develop a healthier belief about our relationship with food. With that understanding, you can continue to be successful with maintaining a healthy weight, green zone or not.

Janet, I would have loved to visit with you on Friday, but Jodi..'s coating and hooding ceremony begins at 5pm, so we will be driving to Orlando in the morning. When I know dates for our trip back here in November, I will definitely seriously want to make plans...that is if I can pry you away from your family! The new granddaughter will have arrived by then... Travel day tomorrow...I'll be back, not sure when. I am thankful for each of you every day.

Janet, will you need surgery on both knees? A good friend of mine had both knees replaced, and she has done so much better since. Her knees are pain free...and her mobility is so much improved. I know that you are in a good place and weight to begin the journey to make yourself whole again...we will be with you here! Also, Terri and Janet, and Dawn, Diane, and I'm certain I'm forgetting someone...thank you for your kind and understanding words. Diane, life is always a winding path. I understand what a financial stress caring for elders can be. We had to cover half of the costs of the monthly care for Jack's mom before her benefits from the VA were approved. That was around 18 months. Do your best to keep your faith, and it will all work out. Hugs to you! Dawn, amazing pictures from Chicago today! How exciting for your daughter to attend her orientation...she is one step closer to her university experience! BTW, your picture is beautiful! How are you feeling? I hope your back pain is resolving.

Good Afternoon all... What a difficult few days it has been for us...we are truly mourning the loss of Sushi. Both Jack and I still get tearful at times. She was just such an important part of our family. Brent actually drove us over to the veterinary hospital. We thought that perhaps IV Medications would be more effective, but the vet there said that with her kidney issues, fixing her pulmonary issues would strain her kidneys more. Jack, Brent, and I were all in tears...we just could not allow Sushi to suffer any longer. She had been fine the day we drove to FL and that evening after arriving at Madeira Beach, but in the morning her breathing was labored. It got progressively worse, and by evening we knew she needed medical attention. We picked up her ashes and paw print today...and so the healing and adjustments to the new normal begin. Thank you all for your kind words...

Good Morning... What a long road trip, 3 dogs and a bird! But all went went well. Brent and Jack are over ordering the aluminum I-beam for the boat lift. Sushi is having some new issues, the vet in Boone said to increase her dose of Lasix. So we will see... Very good to read that everyone is doing either better or well... BBL...mind can't focus now. Concerned for Sushi...

Back... Seth let us know he had been traveling to the various aid stations via helicopter, after the fact. He knows how I worry about him. He will be doing this on a regular basis. He says he's learning a lot. One month down, 11 to go... Hope everyone is having a good Monday...

Back... Seth let us know he had been traveling to the various aid stations via helicopter, after the fact. He knows how I worry about him. He will be doing this on a regular basis. He says he's learning a lot. One month down, 11 to go... Hope everyone is having a good Monday...

Hi all, Currently in Columnia SC. We can tell we are in not in the mountains any more. Seth called us awhile ago. Regarding care packages to military, he said the USO were the people to contact. Seth said what the soldiers crave most is anything to get them cleaned up. Shampoo, conditioner, soap, baby wipes. Makes me sad to learn about this. I'm going to begin to send more to troops in the field. More later...

Hi all, Currently in Columnia SC. We can tell we are in not in the mountains any more. Seth called us awhile ago. Regarding care packages to military, he said the USO were the people to contact. Seth said what the soldiers crave most is anything to get them cleaned up. Shampoo, conditioner, soap, baby wipes. Makes me sad to learn about this. I'm going to begin to send more to troops in the field. More later...

Good Evening all, Just a fast hi bye...just about all set to leave, but this evening I found out that a dear friend of mine from work years ago has been diagnosed with breast cancer. She will have a 12 hour surgery, double mastectomy, and begin reconstructive surgery this coming week. She is 45, no family history, a routine mammogram. Another way to keep my thoughts centered on gratitude for health, and prayers for her recovery. Never take anything or any one for granted. Dawn, have you been to a consultation with an orthopedist? Perhaps a second opinion would have additional treatment insights to share? I scares me that your treatments are causing so much additional pain. And adjusting to the empty nest is not easy. I'm so glad that you and Brad have so much to look forward to as a couple and a blended family. Ange gaining weight...how wonderful!! Terri, glad there was no flooding by you. Dee, continuing prayers for you and your family... Diane, Janet has a good insight into assisting your hubby to get on board to assist you rather than antagonize you... Michelle, have a great week and keep up the great job... I'll be here as I am able. Depends on wifi access. Iffy for Brent's house, should be good at Jay's... I am thankful for, appreciate and love each of you...please stay current on your mammograms... Sweet dreams...

Happy Sunday... We awoke to rain in a cloud, so much like Seattle. I still miss the Pacific Northwest even after all these years. Dawn, how is the bike riding coming? Has your pain prevented you from continuing your exercise? I hope not...but we do need to listen to our bodies. Diane, do your best not to have guilt feelings for being human. You have been under constant stress for so long, I'm not surprised you are feeling this way. Just as chronic pain wears a person down, so does chronic stress. I hope you get a time out from it all today. Try to give yourself permission to be you without any guilt. Dee, we would like to know how your hubby is feeling today. Prayers for his continuing recovery. Michelle, you are definitely on your way to goal now! Very happy for you! Janet, skinny you! Still tearing up your ticker! Very happy for you also! I would love to see you, I have no clue as to plans for the week with the exception of Tuesday. Brent is off on Tuesdays, and I believe he wants us to go out on his boat with him to dinner. Other than that, I know of no plans for Wednesday or Thursday. Let me know what your schedule is, such as you know it now. I understand...it is subject to change without notice! Terri, I hope you are not in a flood zone. The pictures from yesterday were amazing. We don't seem to have the drainage and ground saturation issues in Florida. I'm certain you are enjoying back to routines at home...there is no place quite like it. Are you already planning your next trip? I rediscovered most of what I needed yesterday. So many things are still packed in boxes. I'm still missing a box of my shoes, and could not find the purse I wanted. What I found will have to do! Jayden (older grandson) has been drawing pictures of us coming to visit him! So looking forward to seeing everyone again! I'll check in as I am able, Internet access may be difficult at times. BBL...and yes, prayers of strength for all of us.

Yes, sometimes life comes at you fast. I am sorry to read of your additional stress and anxiety. However, if nothing else, during the time you have been banded, you should have developed some additional insights into the triggers to your emotional eating. Do your best to stay busy and focused on other thoughts that take your mind away from the issues at hand. I do understand that these are circumstances which need to be dealt with, however it is imperative that you focus on what you can do to influence a difference, rather than be caught up on the negative thoughts of helplessness. This flawed thinking promotes your reverting back to your former maladaptive patterns of eating to soothe your mind. Take a day at a time, and do your best to maintain compliance with eating. Overall, despite the sad circumstances you have to cope with, the bright spot in your life could be a sense of empowerment to not give into your need for comfort food.

Today it is raining...a good day to stay at the house and get ready for the trip. Any word on updates about Ange and Charlie?

Oh, I forgot...about care packages to the military... I believe that if you contact your local chapter of the USO they may have some information about what you can do. Seth's mailing address makes it impossible for anyone to know his true location. Since the terrorist factor, the military has amped up their security significantly. I know that all the candy we send Seth he shares with the rest if the 4th batalion. I'm certain anything you can send to enhance the quality of life over there would be appreciated. Seth has told us that his work days tend to be 14 hours. He has 2 days a week when he can report to work for a half day, but on those mornings he is required to conduct a training class for all of the new incoming soldiers. Long days, and very little down time. We are thankful he has already safely completed a month of his year long deployment.

I guess it our Internet connection...I just cannot type invisibly. Jack got a positive post op report from the surgeon, so we will be leaving here early Monday morning for Madeira Beach. We will head over to Orlando for the graduation that Friday, and return home on 8/12. Janet, if it would help to have a friend to visit, I will be there for you. Just say the word, and I will do whatever I can to help. I mean it...let me know. I may have difficulties getting online while away from home. At least until I reach Orlando. Jay will solve any connectivity issues I may encounter...thank God for resident tech support! I'll check in...it's going to be a hectic weekend here. Prayers for Ange and Charlie, and for all of us. Love and deeply appreciate all of our group....