Sojourner

Good Evening all... Thank you all for your kind words and prayers today! What a day this has been... Jack woke me up this morning around 8:30...he said Sushi had a good night, and the vet did not want to give up on her yet. All I could think if was that 9 hours earlier I spoke with the vet and was told she was still in critical condition. God is good, and the power of prayer is beyond amazing! We were asked to come over to the vet hospital...rushed through Breakfast, no showers, and off to Boone to see Sushi. She was still in guarded condition, the vet asked for another 6-8 hours to give her 2 additional IV doses of medication.

Sushi's health certainly has derailed any anniversary plans...tomorrow is our 40th. I will get through this, too. I hope all have a good Monday...I'll get back in form again. Just not possible now... I love and appreciate each of you...thank you for your kind words. They are deeply appreciated.

Yes, there will be a risk for complications. There is a risk associated with all medical procedures. We all are also aware of the medical complications associated with being obese or morbidly obese. There is no way to predict who amongst the population who opt for band WLS will develop the complications. I made a calculated risk to have my band placed, I did my research, and knew ahead of time the risks, which I discussed with my internal medicine PCP. At this point, I believe that you have gotten your point across. Many times over. Perhaps it is time to accept that this topic is like the proverbial "dead horse". There is no sense in continuing to beat the dead horse. Time for you to get down off your "soap box". We get your position. Perhaps you should begin to listen to the feedback you receive here on this topic..j/s.

LOL Janet...very good to read that your friend survived! Her work is not yet completed... Terri and Dee, and Janet, thank you for your kind and caring words regarding Sushi. It is a comfort to me... I hope everyone had a great Sunday. Too emotionally and physically exhausted to say more. Things will get better from here...

Hi everyone... Just a fast check in, a hi and bye... We had to leave Sushi at the hospital this morning. Her prognosis is poor. We just called for an update, and she has required oxygen all day. Tomorrow we will likely have an extremely difficult decision to make... Sushi is 13 years old now. She has had a good life. When I saw her for the first time, it was instant love at first sight. I can't even say that about Jack, but I won't be telling him that... We just spoke with Seth via FaceTime. Even he said that he never met any other dog with the sweet dispossession Sushi has always had. I'm going to miss her so much...

That's a difficult question to answer accurately. There are many reasons for having a band unfilled. There are also many reasons for why people fail to lose weight with their band. If you are dedicated to your journey, likely an unfill is due to a band related complication. That is part of the risk associated with life with the band. It should also be noted that many individuals never experience any complications.

Our sweet Sushi is experiencing congestive heart failure . We have had her put on the appropriate medication to manage her condition...even so, so sad. She is really my baby... We will have to find a local vet to be her regular vet... She is acting lethargic, and like a parent with a child, it just makes Jack and I very sad. We did ask if the move to a higher altitude had a role in her condition. The vet said no, she is just an older dog... He assured us that she is not in pain or suffering. One day at a time.

Janet...certainly hope you were able to rescue your plants from the Water. You all must have had some major rain! Brent usually looses access to the island he lives on, as the access road floods. This was only the second time in the 4 years he has lived there that his dock went underwater. A neighbor rescued his kayak before it floated away. He knows now to leave it tied up even if it is not in the water. I would enjoy seeing some pictures of you piece of paradise...your cover picture on FB is beautiful, but close ups would be nice, too!

Good early morning(for me at least)... Sushi is not any better, though thankfully no morse. Jack will still be taking her into the vet. One is open in Linville...hew will be mleaving shortly. I'm vert concerned for her. She is my baby...it was love at first sight, literally. I hope there is nothing too serious going on. She was acting normal yesterday until the evening... Hope you all will enjoy your day!

To the California girls...CaWanna and Mini...hope all is well, and that you are not in harms way with the fires. Brent called last evening to report that both boats were fine on their lifts. They had an extra high high tide, so he had to wait until early evening to get back onto the island he lives on. Also, during the afternoon they had closed the Skyway bridge across Tampa Bay due to the weather. He said his staff asked if they could go home early because of the storm, but he said no...there were patients scheduled, and he could not get home, so they all stayed. The master bedroom and bath on the main level is just about all put together. We even have lamps! I hate overhead lighting at home, so this is a huge sign of progress. Going to sign off now...Sweet dreams. I hope we all have a great weekend...

Terri, so good to read that the storm was not worse than it was for you. And that your band was not adversely affected by your French fry incident! Janet...now life can settle into a more normal routine. When will Ange go back to her physician? Does she know that we are all following her progress? Keep us updated on the progress with her house... Dawn, how are you feeling? Getting back on track? I'm still struggling with a band which is too tight. It was never this way before... I purchased some low fat cottage cheese today. Perhaps it will help a bit with after dinner reflux. It is not on the approved foods list for my FL doctor, but I am getting desperate.

Diane...you have accomplished so much in just a short while! Happy for you to use your mother's physician as accurate leverage to get your brothers on board with the course of care that your mother now needs. Now, the choices that are made will be part of her treatment plan, and out of your responsibility. Happy Anniversary! I hope you enjoy your celebration... And you're correct...this is a safe haven to both listen and be heard...

What a long day...productive though. Today I met with my prospective new hair stylist. My former stylist will be a difficult act to follow...she is a master! So, I wanted the new one to see the color and cut before my hair, what is left of it, was too far grown out. She seems to know what she is doing...wish me luck! My appointment with her is the day before we meet! Then we went back to the kitchen designer to Iron out a few details. We did not have a few of the measurements she had asked for during our first meeting. We ordered the cabinets today, and am leaving my options for the granite open for now. It will take 4-6 weeks for the cabinets to arrive...and then the fun begins. Then it was off to the grocery store...still trying to rediscover similar brands to replace ones we are familiar with. We,are concerned with Sushi, she is not feeling well. She is the oldest, so if she isn't acting herself in the morning we will have to locate a vet tomorrow.

Well, %&*# iPad is already acting up...continued from chapter 1... Dawn...take a day at a time...and try to use distraction to help with better choices. My son, who can purchase just about anything he wants to always leaves his wallet at home when he is shopping for big ticket items. He gives himself a 48 hour time out. If after 2 days he still wants to make the purchase, he does. It saves him from engaging in impulsive purchases. Many of our impulsive food choices can be managed in a similar way. Diane...I sincerely hope your day improved from the way it began...TGIF! Keep in touch as best you can, because we are all here for you! I'm missing someone or more...but must get in gear for my consult and the kitchen designer! Have an extraordinary day! BBL...

Good Morning all... CaWanna, best of luck on the interview outcome! And what a positive to finally tell someone they have been a positive influence in your career path...keep us posted on the results! Terri, how is the weather at the coast today? We've had mostly steady rain here since last night, no winds though. Hope the same for you. Janet, is today a day to rest for you? I hope the weather has cleared... Dee, hope all is running smooth at home for you...I know that summer will be a nice time out from the daily stressful routunes

Battery notice came on...only 5% left. Sweet dreams...I appreciate and am thankful for each of you every day. And that's no exaggeration!

Janet... It takes being a sweet and smart lady who is a friend to recognize another...j/s! When I saw the "novel" above, I thought you were responding to Dawn. I love that we are friends...and I am making it a priority to visit again if you can work me into your schedule in November. August plans are up in the air still..Jack and I will have numerous medical appointments to keep by then. I miss you...and so thankful that you made it possible for us to stay together! Love and miss you...

Terri...Hope your stuck episode passes quickly! Wifi spots are nice when you are "roughing it"! We are using wifi calling on our cell phones. In the house we use the Internet for phone calls. When we are off of the mountain, we get a regular cell signal. The best part is that the phone knows what system it needs to be on wherever it is. We did not know about that capability until Seth told us how it works. Another indication that Jack and I have been left behind!

Dee, thank you for the encouraging words...and the eating tips as well... How are you doing? The kids are out of school for the summer now? Jack and I have so much space here we have to go looking for each other several times a day. He usually finds his way to the main level around lunch and dinner time.

Janet, so good to read that the weather cooperated with you all today with the move! Are you in the clear yet? I was amazed that the storm did not make the news here until today. What an adventurous woman you are, driving a truck! Never in my life would I have the courage to do that...

Dawn, Your ability to be honest with yourself is the foundation for your continued success. It takes a great deal of courage, and I admire your candor and honesty. You are engaging in avoidant behavior...I do that also. I recognize it for what it is, and like you understand that it does nothing to resolve the issue we ultimately need to face. I also know I have put on a few pounds through the last several months...with surgery recoveries, the retirement celebrations, the move, and the stress it has all generated. I wish I could find my scale. It would really help me get my act back together. I have an appointment towards the end of the month with a new doctor, and I am cringing, but I will be there. The pain you are experiencing may be connected with reflux. I would definitely get in touch with my doctor, and get their qualified opinion. Reflux is nothing to ignore. We're in similar situations...I'm feeling challenged, have little help from a finicky band which becomes way too tight unpredictably, and very fill in it. I've made a concerted effort to return to my roots, use Water to manage hunger, and staying with lean Protein, healthy low carb Fiber foods. I have no idea if it will help, but it won't hurt me. We're in this together. Remember that past success is the greatest predictor of future success. You have already proven you can be successful with weight loss, so you know what you can do when you are motivated. Get in to see your doctor. They need to rule out some possibly serious complications. Keep us posted, and take a day at a time!

Dawn...good to know that Erica has been able to put some of your concerns to rest with her communication. She will remember this time in her life forever! Sorry to read about some of your band issues...Heaven knows that I am not in a good place with my band either. I have to learn how to keep from allowing stress to affect me like it is presently. With a new job, different responsibilities, the empty nest, the move, ect...you are under much stress as well. Perhaps meditation would help? I have attempted this for myself...my mind just never slows down for it to be effective. Hope you will be feeling better...and seeing the scale move again!

Diane...so pleased to read that you have reached some realizations regarding your situation with your mom. Safety and sanity are the primary considerations. And stress does take a cumulative toll on the individual. Your menu from yesterday would not have passed muster with my physician in FL...but if your Protein is adequate that's all that matters. Way too many carbs for Dr. Kim...but you need them to help you maintain your weight. I am nowhere near that place in my journey. Interesting note to me is that you and I are both "emotional eaters"...and now when I am upset my band tightens and I can't even drink Water. Regardless, you have excellent insights into what works for you and you are using your band to assist with your coping skills. I hope you have a better day than yesterday...

Terri... We did not know until the tropical storm until last evening...will you all have increased wind and tides from the storm? I guess most of the rain will be to the east of us, though it has been raining here off and on since last evening. Hope you are enjoying your stay despite the weather!

Janet... Yes, we are still adjusting to spending so much time together...but mostly it has so far been an easy transition. I still find that time with Jack when we are both in the kitchen the most difficult for me. So I do my best to minimize it. The house is large enough, with so many different projects going on we rarely see each other during the day except for lunch, or when we leave the house for errands. So far, so good. Jack still does not miss work, only a few of his closest friends there. it's nice in the evenings when he does not have to go to bed so early because he is not having to get up so early. The dogs still wake him up around 7:30, but he is not minding at all! Thinking of you today with the move and the weather...I hope everything goes well with minimal rain bands.