New Hope

A few days ago, I was feeling along my abdomen whiling standing.. I noticed it was very hard on both sides. Of course, I was worried that my band was doing something funky, like hardening. Then yesterday, I realized it was my bottom ribs! They've been covered up w/fat so long that I forgot what they felt like!

Amy, the stress test will probably be fine. One thing about it, the pretesting helps us know what status our general health is. Where will you be having your surgery done? Best of luck to you!

Hey, Amanda, "Ugly is to the bone!" Your brother and sis-in-law shouldn't get too cocky about being thin. I was thin until I hit my mid-30s. Then boom! All that changed. This is the first time the scale has been going back down since then.

Sending prayers and hugs your way. Hope you get good news!

Tina, just move around as much as you feel comfortably doing. You'll probably notice different little aches and pains in various places for a while. But it does all go away. Walking is about the best thing to do. Just don't overdo it. Best of luck to you!

What is "hammer throwing?" Sounds like your co-employees better not mess w/you!

I love your little icon! I hope the "Grim Reaper" can start keeping her opinions to herself. Has she actually worked in surgery, as an anethesiologist? Where is she getting all of her info.? There have been people banded at over 600 lbs. If you're using an experienced band dr., he/she has had to have worked with patients much bigger than you. Are you able to walk? If you can, please start walking as much as you can. This will help w/ your lung capacity and probably take a few pounds off before surgery. Best of luck!

Rica, remember she who laughs last, laughs loudest! Another little quip, they're going to be "finding" the weight that you are permanently "losing". Perhaps you don't need their "little weight watchers' meetings. You do need to be around others that can be supportive and happy for you. There are other support groups available. Have you checked to see if there are any Bandsters groups near you? How are your knees since you've lost so much weight? Do you still have to wear the braces? There are always going to be people in the world that are vindictive & just plain old jealous. They see how great you are doing. They're feeling threatened. You are already a beautiful woman -- physically and more importantly inside. You've taken a big step in living happier & healthier with your cutie pie husband. You're doing this for YOU, not for them. You don't owe them any explanations for anything. Yes, we have our band to "help" us. But we still have to do our part. It's a lot more work to take excessive weight off, than it was to put it on. You are already doing so fantastic. You've lost that weight forever! Don't waste your valuable time over them. They're just not worth it. Take care!

Diane, just research, research, research. The experienced bandsters here can answer so many of your ?? Check out the surgeon you're considering. Have your followup care in order before your surgery. If you're using an insurance, make sure you're getting proper preapprovals, referrals, etc. (or whatever their particular rules are) so the tests, surgery, etc. are covered expenses. I remember asking my surgeon if I was too old to get the band. It seemed like most of the patients in the waiting room were a lot younger. I didn't have the insurance o.k. before now. Self-pay wasn't a financial reality. Realistically, I don't know if I was really mentally ready to make a major life change at an earlier age. My 20 yr. old son and his girlfriend went bike riding w/us the other night. He was shocked at how good I did. I'm beginning to think the next "50" might even be better than the first! Best of luck to you!

Thank goodness! Thanks for posting about the "no gum" rule. There is a lot to learn about this band!

Penni, behave yourself! You don't need to risk having another surgery to see Dr. Billy.

Suz, you're younger than me! Sure, I would have loved to get on the right track a long time ago. But the important thing is I'm doing it now. For years, I just sat around, cooped up in the house, and life marched right on by. I missed out on a lot. Since my banding, I have a whole new outlook -- about everything. I look forward to riding bikes each evening w/ my husband. I still have a long way to go. But I'm finally heading in the right direction - losing. I don't know how long it will take me to reach goal. But I'm willing to work at it for as long as it takes. My band is teaching me healthy habits that will last a lifetime. Please don't lock yourself into a certain amount of weight loss by a certain time.

And, Carmen, just what were YOU doing to "flip your port"?

Smoking probably won't help your lung situation. I don't smoke, but have asthma. I was on oxygen after surgery. The stronger your lungs are, the easier it is to get the "gunk" up. Would you possibly consider giving up smoking before your surgery and banding? Did this nurse/practioner give you a realistic alternative to the band surgery --- for losing weight? Doesn't she think excessive weight is a health hazard all by itself?

Michelle, that was one of my pb's also --- a dry triscuit. But it wasn't nearly as violent as yours!

Great job, Cindy!

I'll be hoping for option #3.

I can't wait until you talk w/ the pschologist! Go, Ryan!

"We'll carry ya' all to the Walmart. Git some bacon and aggs and fix ya' all a mighty fine little spread. But we can't drink sodas any more."

Another Texan? Welcome! Glad to hear about your banding. You have the same goals I do! What are you allowed to eat right now? You will probably notice little aches and pains in various areas for a while. But each day gets better. Congratulations on your weight loss so far!

O.K., Donali, come clean! How did you really flip your port?

I bet Donali, our local expert, will be able to give you some info. when she sees your post. Please take it easy this weekend!

Wow, Kyleight, I sure hope not! Now if I could just get these mental images out of my head of "a wild escapade".

Nancy, I had to cancel my first fill for yesterday also. So since we both cancelled, maybe the patients that did come in only had to wait 2 hours -- instead of 3. Spivak's rules: "Only contact him if you're bleeding or vomiting." That reminds me of the movie, "Doc Hollywood", w/ Michael J. Fox. Remember, the old retiring dr. had similiar rules. Does it feel like the gum is moving yet? Sincerely hope it goes south real soon. My oldest son swallowed four buttons when he was a toddler. They were attached to the button card w/staples. I called the dr. & he said to start checking his diaper. I was worried about the staples getting hung up in his intestine. The next day, he "passed all 4 buttons w/ staples still attached. What a relief!

Hopefully this is your "sweet spot". Good luck!