hagerteresa

Hi everybody, I need your consumer opinions once again... My husband and I really want to fly to Kona Hawaii this spring sometime/ anytime to visit his birth parents. I know I have heard airline tickets are supposed to be getting cheaper because of the Delta price slash thing but so far I haven't found any great bargains on the net. I know several of you have mentioned being able to get good prices on travel and was wondering where your website of choice was or if there is anyone with special connections who could hook me up. I am planning on using our tax refund to get the tickets which probably won't be here till mid-February but was wondering if people could start giving me some advice or keeping their eyes open. Like I said, the time/date of travel isn't any big deal at all. Thanks for your help. Teresa P.S. So far I LOVE my newish car. Thanks for all the feedback on that endeavor.

Mama Leones chicken Soup Saute in a soup pot with a little butter: 1 small onion 3 stalks celery 1 zuchinni 3-4 sliced mushrooms Add: 1 can chicken broth 2 cans diced tomatoes 2 cups of chopped cooked chicken (easiest if you get the pre-roasted rotissorie chickens and just use part of it) 1 pint of light sour cream or whipping cream salt and pepper oregano and basil a couple of handfuls of chopped spinach at the end Another yummy recipe: Southwest Scramble Scramble 5 eggs (for 2 normal people, it seems I can only eat 1/2 of what I think is a band serving) Just before they get done add 1 small can of chilis to the eggs Top with a little bit of cheddar and light cream cheese.

My dad isn't doing very well these days and is dealing with a lot of pain. He is only 54 years old but has beaten his body up over the years. The earliest injury I recall him having was a motorcycle accident when I was 6 years old or so that nearly killed him. They had to put a metal plate in his shoulder but don't know more than that. He later broke his ankle roller skating too. In the past half dozen years he had neck surgery (disk problem) and most recently (2 years ago or so) had a hip replacement surgery which never did ANY good and after another surgeon told him he hadn't need the hip surgery but another major back surgery dad had that too which ended up not helping at all. My dad was also a professional machinist for the past 30 years which is hard on the body. He recently had to completely quit work as his body just couldn't take it anymore but he is on 33 major pill dosages a day just to keep the pain tolerable (evidently the back problems have caused a degenerative nerve problem to his legs and he gets terrible back spasms too). Most of the pills are heavy narcotics. I am sure in this day and age there has got to be a better way to manage long term pain but wanted to poll everyone here to find out about experiences. He can barely walk and falls a lot. This is all terribly hard for him because he has always been an avid outdoorsman and loves to ride horses, fish, hunt, etc and can no longer really do any of it now. I have just started doing some research from all the big pain management societies online but wanted input from real personal experiences. Thanks a bunch, Teresa

It is so cool to see this thread. I am a teacher in training and am finishing up my Masters degree in education (Oregon requires the masters, not sure what it is like around the country). I will be highly qualified to teach middle and high school sciences and hoping to add middle school math onto that later. I have had my band for a long time but have been so busy, I kind of put it on the back burner for the last 20 months or so. I finally just went in for a fill and wowwie it reminds me of the early days. LOL. I've been kind of paranoid about eating anything challenging while I am in the school as well. I would love to teach in a south american country when I finish my degree. Does anyone have any good advice about where to look for jobs in that direction? Best wishes, Teresa

It is so nice to see several of the old familiar faces and names still here. I can't believe how long its been since I've gotten to this site on a regular basis. I am doing good. I haven't really lost much more in the past year but I can attribute that to my great losses the first year. I felt so good and comfortable after that loss, I slacked on the rules a bit and have just maintained. About a month ago I got more motivated and have been doing 6 miles in 20 minutes on my stationary bike daily and drinking A LOT more Water (60-80 oz). I haven't seen much result from it so far but if sweating accounts for anything, I do plenty of that. Other news... I got into my Master's program this past Aug. for being a middle and high school science and math teacher (Oregon requires a Master's for this) so needless to say I have been swamped. I was looking in this site for that online calorie counting/ journal program that we had chatted about a couple of years ago. Alex, I think you might have actually purchased the advanced version. I can't remember for sure. Anyway can someone send me a link if they know what I am talking about. I've tried other free online programs but I have found most of those to be more confusing. Hope everyone is doing well.

Hi all, Hope you had a great Thanksgiving. I really tried hard not to stuff myself and was fairly successful. Hubby on the other hand HURT. Poor guy should have ate slower. LOL.. Thanks!!! It was fitday I was thinking of but funny enough I was searching around for calorie counting sights and bumped right into sparkle people. It looks like a good site and I think I am going to try it for awhile. I have thought about all of you frequently and wonder how everyone is doing. It has been a crazy month for me. I was diagnosed with abnormal cervical cells and had to do a biopsy which led to a LEEP procedure (in which they accidently electrocuted me EEK) and now I am still recovering from that. I was diagnosed the day after my uncle died of cancer so it freaked me out big time for a few days. The doctor thinks he has gotten all of the bad cells though and so I'll have to visit him on more frequent occassions. My best friend called a couple of weeks ago and had nuerotically decided to sell his house, leave his boyfriend and move back to Eugene. He needed to stay with us and bring his two dogs. That was hectic having 4 adults and 4 dogs in my 2 bedroom apartment (we still have a roommate). He ended up having a nervous breakdown and had to check himself in for treatment for the next month. Hopefully he gets things straightened out and thinks rationally again. All of that on top of school and work has been really hectic. I do LOVE all of my teachers in the Masters program and am having a great time with my cohorts. It is a very small group of us so we have become pretty close. Oregon requires a masters to teach middle and high school but I know many states don't require that. I was wondering if any of you knew what your states policy was for being a middle/secondary teacher? I am so glad to see all of your familiar faces and expect to see mine more frequently. Teresa

I too am saddened by the loss of Ryan. What a special sensitive man he was. I feel so sad for Patty and am hoping she will still find some way to get the care she needs. I know Ryan was her life and she was his life. I'll be praying for the family. Teresa

I'm thinking about him and praying for him too.

Many people have experienced erosion after having their bands placed by Dr. Lopez. Around the same time several of those bands were placed I too got my band from him. I lived in fear everytime I would hear of another erosion by one of his patience until I got my first endoscopy done earlier this year and everything checked out pretty good. If I had to choose over again, I would not have chosen this doctor. Erosions can be a statistical problem and may not be caused by that specific surgeon but countless people including myself were found to have random stitches left in from the origonal band surgery, evidence of mysterious other repairs, infection problems, etc. It really is getting cheaper in the US and I know of at least 2 surgeons in Oregon who are charging right around 11k and that includes a year of aftercare and fills. If you need any more information about Lopez you can pm me. Best wishes, Teresa

Thanks for all your responses as they all give me something to consider. My dad actually is living in Northern New Mexico at this time. He has been on heavy narcotic pain medications for years and is definitely addicted to them. Like Babe said... the doctors cringe when they prescribe them but don't seem to offer any other choices. The pain patch has been mentioned but dad isn't sure it would work (be strong enough) for him as the dosage gradually decreases over the 3 days. I have wondered about that implant and recall somebody on this forum whose wife had one. Penni unfortunately my dad already has had the hip replacement and that latest insane back surgery of which neither of them helped at all and in fact made things much worse in both cases. I forgot I posted this thread until a few minutes ago and spaced checking it for a few days. Thanks again, Teresa

I recently heard accupuncture mentioned before in regards to his pain so I'll have to check into that more. Thanks...

Penni! All you other nurses!!! Please put some input into this!!!! I'll have to look into the accupunture, I've also read about treatments using several types of nerve blocker injections called lumbar sympathetic blocks and neurolysis (destruction of nerves) and epidural steroid injections, and botox/myobloc for neck and back pains but don't know anything about any of those except for what I read on the american chronic pain association Nat. Off. website and the american pain society website. Jessie, that sounds just like my dad's situation. He is on some REALLY strong pills, is definitely addicted to them and they can't get any stronger as he is on the strongest doses allowable and he is also difficult to reason with. He has always been kind of impatient and tempermental but when I was there for my visit it seemed to be at an extreme. I've been in persistent pain for short periods of a time (a week to a couple of months) and know it is horrible and definitely affected my moods at those times in my life but I can't imagine having to live with it permanently. Best wishes to you Jessie.

My endoscopy came out fine. Just got out of the doctors office a couple of hours ago. Procedure went fine and was a peice of cake (except for the starving and dying of thirst all day part) but otherwise slept right thru the whole procedure. I did have a minor case of esophagitis (irritated throat) and a minor hiatus hernia but nothing to worry about. Anyway I was mega relieved. Teresa

Hey Butch, First off GREAT JOB on your current success. Your weight loss is fabulous! Now, regarding your fill situation...You were perfectly appropriate demanding your money back. I would have felt and reacted the same way. Rather than dropping you as a patient they should have happily returned your money and then came up with a plan to help you in the future. My port is in a very funky position and absolutely has to have flouro used for fills. I actually prefer it this way because I KNOW I'm not risking the pain of multi sticks and tube punctures. My first fill was in the office without flouro and I was poked at least 40 times and then had to make another 100 mile round trip to come back the following week for the flouro fill. I won't go thru that again. I would at least try to work with that first doctor and see if they won't help you (aren't you below that 400 lb weight limit now anyway?). Otherwise check with those other doctors folks have mentioned on this thread. Best wishes to you and let us know how this works out, Teresa

This is a great thread! I just happened to notice it. I've been around on this forum for a long time so many of you know me but many of you don't as well. All my band related information is in my signature but I started my journey at with a BMI of 62 (I think-can't remember off the top of my head anymore) and felt like I was one of the only hefties around here at the time. I would have loved a thread like this. This past year my band weightloss has been at a standstill but I need to make some life adjustments and get back on track. I just had my first endo a couple of weeks ago and it looked good so now I have no more excuses... MUST GET BACK ON BAND WAGON, MUST GET BACK ON BAND WAGON... I have to keep repeating that to myself. I can eat child size portions on a small plate but nothing more. I have considered getting another fill but I just don't think the fill is the answer. I get stuck and PB too easily and I would just get myself in trouble, also during the endo they found I had a bit of esophagitis so I wouldn't want to do anything to irritate that any further either. I am on protonix for that for now. I really just need to get that initial zest I had the first year out. I'm happy I haven't gained this past year but really need to see the numbers drop again. Anyway way off topic but I was thrilled to see this thread, Teresa

I have been thinking of Blossom a lot lately too and knew it had been close to a year since her death. I had been doing a couple of searches of her posts to find out for sure and found this thread. I miss Blossom a lot too and I agree, she was always so sweet she made everyone feel important. I am so glad many of us still hold her memory dear to our hearts. I get weepy thinking about her too. Teresa

I love spagetti squash too and don't have trouble with it at all. It can be seasoned however you want it to taste (butter and brownsugar or light maple syrup, or use it just like you would with spagetti add a tomato sauce with fat free motzarella, parmasean etc.) Hubbard squash is super yummy too.

Hope you have a wonderful birthday! Treat yourself to something fun!!! Teresa

Happy Birthday to you!!! Wishing you a happy, happy day! Teresa

Pat, I could agree with you there. My best friend had a 14 foot python that worked better than a watchdog. I'll never forget going over to her house to shower and get ready to go party. She was due to get off work and was going to meet me at her house (I had a key she had given me) I was standing in her studio talking on the phone and the next thing I know I have a massive snake attached to my side and it won't let go!!! OUCH!!! I finally shake it off, am bleeding all over and zip down to the doctor's office. Didn't need any stitches or anything but I have been traumatized from pythons ever since and probably would never own any snake at all. That snake was too big to keep in any cage (short of a zoo) and chased me out of the house at least a couple of times. It loved my friend but nobody else and it especially hated men. My friend had to get rid of it eventually because all her potential boyfriends were terrified of it.

Hi Jess, Your new puppy is adorable. My brother recently got a Shih Tzu/ Laso Apso mix with a touch of Maltese. He looks really similar to yours but all black with tan feet. He is adorable too and so soft. Funny enough my Welsh Corgi is named Baylee. Cute pup... Pat seriously I think that pic of your puppy has been altered or something??? LOL.

Awe... Now your talking! I love Zucchini too and eat it all summer long in a million different ways. Stuffed Zucchini, mock lasagna with zucchini slices (you can also use eggplant) instead of Pasta, zucchini bread, grilled, roast, sauted...its all good. One of my recent favorites was chopped up zucchini with a can of tomatoes on it and parmesian cheese sprinkled on top and roasted. Best wishes, Teresa P.S. I used to love corn but no matter how often I try it since getting the band, it NEVER works out well. Is it similar for everybody? I can eat salad very easily. Curius how things work or don't work.

How much in U.S. dollars is 8,000C anyway??? LOL. I could have tried to fight my insurance company to get my band but didn't want to waste the time or energy. Unfortunately I too am one of those instant gratification folks and had waited a long time for help with my weight problem. You really will need your husbands support though, so maybe talk to the doc and your FIL and see what kind of financial arrangements can be made. Present them to your hubby with his favorite dinner, a bottle of wine and a few good kisses. Men can be easily won over. LOL. Best wishes, Teresa

Good Job Kathy and fiveholts!!! I agree completely. Like both of you, I had my surgery in Mexico but had my aftercare lined up locally well in advance of my surgery. Aftercare is easily as important as the banding. What good is a band if you have no restriction and nobody who will do your fills for an affordable price if at all. If nothing else call or email Inamed and see what they have to say about the various doctors your considering. I made lists when I was making my surgeon decision too and it helped. I agree about your hubby being your "partner" too. You NEED his support and his understanding. Your on the same team. Best wishes to you, Teresa

Hello all, Yeah, I still can't get over the fact it was all okay. I didn't let myself stress about it much but I was thoroughly convinced that it wasn't fine. Not because of any particular symptoms or the persistent sore throat but mainly because I am the only Lopez patient I know who still has their band. I'm just glad it was all okay except for those minor problems that shouldn't be an issue. Now I feel I can get back on track. I have been swamped taking some spanish classes and working too. By the time I got home I hardly wanted to look at the computer. I also found that I stressed less about the safety of my band if I wasn't on here all the time. I really hardly think about it much on a daily basis but when I get on here and see the occassional horror story (and especially those pretaining to Lopez) I would stress. Even my mom told me to quit thinking the worst and was sure it was fine. I do want to see people post complications and all their vivid details because I think its important but the erosion cases related to Lopez were unnerving me a little. Anyway like I said I'm just glad that stress is done with for now. I am not by any means a model bandster (I smoke, I eat chocolate, drink latte's, etc) but I really do try to go easy on my band but sometimes I just can't control everything and something will get stuck or I'll gulp down a few consecutive bites and be in big trouble. I need to work on drinking more Water, getting back on the excercise wagon, snacking less or making healthier choices, etc. Pat, no I don't PB that often. On occassion I will have a few episodes over the course of a few days but I also go for many days or weeks without Pb's too. I FIRMLY believe that anybody with the band should get an endoscopy done somewhere between 18 and 24 months out. It was also critical that I had one done considering DeLarla's, Penni's, Donali's, Diane's and Tracey's situations all having used Dr. Lopez as a surgeon and experiencing erosion. All of them except Donali and Diane got their bands within a few days to 6 months of when I got mine. So considering that, it was imparative that I be concerned about mine also. As it was, they found some crazy loose stitch down in the bottom of my stomach. Seems like a Lopez trademark...