New Hope

I've always been told to leave the surgi- strips on until they fall off. After removing staples, a lot of times they'll use surgi-strips. Vitamin E oil will help with scarring and itching. Penni, are you overcleaning it? I did that w/ a previous surgery. I was cleaning it w/ betadine several times. I really thought I was taking care of my wound. But it made some of the surface skin peel away. Peroxide and/or alcohol is very drying, too. Leatha, your dr. may have used a nail gun! He may have gotten a better deal on it. But did he use stainless? You know, health care is having to make cuts! We had some missionary friends that would collect and take medical supplies when they went to Russia. She said Russian sutures are thick and coarse, just like dental floss. Ouch!

Hey, Leatha, great idea! Texas is so spread out. Where's a good half-way point? Terry, you and your daughter are precious! How wonderful to have a daughter for your best friend! I cried when I read your thoughts. I feel everything you're saying! I think you made that bartender's day! Neicy, you ard your daugher are also banded? How cool is that! You can really give each other moral support and a good kick in the butt when needed. How's your fill?

Best of luck in your search! I did the same thing. I even signed consent papers for the bypass. Then went home and thought it over. I was really afraid of the intestine rearranging also. I agree, your kids are a wonderful motivator! Hang in there! If ins. denies, appeal, appeal, appeal.

Cindy, Good for You! You are doing fantastic. I love your quote, "I'm too young to feel this old!" I've felt the same way, but I'm a LITTLE bit older than you. Hey, isn't there a country song about that, "Too damn young to feel this old"?

Wow, Tom, great job! Have you returned to work?

Get a flu shot in November, when they come out. Heck, have the whole family get flu shots. (I do.)

Niecy, I've only shared w/ my husband. I'm addicted to this group, too! It's better than the soaps I used to watch! I got absolutely nothing done yesterday because of the "excitement" here.

Welcome! What does your name mean? It's cute. Best of luck on your new. healthier life!

Leatha, Happy Belated Birthday! Alright, if you ate some cake, we'll forgive you "this time".

Step back, world, Alex is a'comin' ! I'm so proud of you! A personal trainer will help you get an even more efficient workout and show you how to prevent injuries. You go, girl! Darcy, I'm with you. I haven't owned a swim suit or swam in years. I walk and ride bikes because I can still cover up the bad parts. I really admire people like Lisa. I wish I had her guts! But her tummy looks better toned than mine.

Thanks, we're going on vacation this October. Those will be perfect to pack.

Maureen, you have every right to vent! It would definitely help if everyone could get on the same page! Try to take care of yourself and try to keep calm (know that's easier said than done). This will be straigtened out (eventually). It would just help if you really knew what was going on! Sending calm, healing prayers your way...

Congratulations, Mrs. L.J. So glad the surgery went well. Now your new "improved" life begins! I just want to know if you're as cute as Mr. L.J. is.

Terry, you fit right in here! Your thoughts are the same as mine (and I'm sure of a lot of other Bandsters.) This is a FANTASTIC support group! I consider this my diary. I can write what I feel and know others can really understand. Ditto on those other forums --- M-E-O-W!

You're just a baby! Congratulations on the birthday and the super weight loss!

I'm doing much better about the middle of the night scarfing! Some old habits just die hard! But the pbing might just break me of that habit for good! Lisa, my band directions didn't say anything specifically about scarfing. That must just be with the "Mexican" bands. You got that little piece of knowledge as opposed to aftercare.

Fortunately, I've only pbed a few times. It was usually when I was standing up and scarfing something down in the middle of the night. I think it was trying to tell me, "DON"T DO THAT, DUMMY!"

Yes, Terry, 50 years old. It doesn't bother me. I didn't like the option of not getting older. Our kids are grown now too. One still lives at home. We really enjoy our "goofing off" time. We got the "Senior Discount" at Denny's the other day. My husband was so offended! I could care less! Hey, a buck saved is a buck saved! We're planning a vacation to Colorado this fall to see the glorious Aspens. It's so nice to know my son can "man the fort" while we're gone.

Good one, Shelly! I think that should be her avatar.

Terry, I think your daughter could just be jealous! You are really beautiful! It's about time these guys start appreciating a "hot looking babe" when they see one! Glad to hear that "50 isn't totally over the hill. My sons think I already have my nursing room reserved.

Sascijo, You must be so proud! You are two entirely different people! What a great job! That is so encouraging to us new bandsters! Did you have any health problems before banding? How are they now? I love your house. It looks like it has a lot of character. And if it's paid for, that makes it even better!

Lisa, you look so pretty! You need to update your avatar. You and Chris make a very handsome couple! Congratulations on the great weight loss!

Lisa, your husband can cook a 6 course meal? Wow! It sounds like he just wants to get your approval and attention when he cooks. Maybe you could do a taste test, brag on it (a lot), eat your regular small portion, and say, "I can take some for lunch tomorrow." My husband was so sick for so long. But since he's gotten better, he's a stickler on bike riding, walking, and treadmill. He also enjoys anything to do with guns...reloading ammo., repairing, gun range, gunshows, etc. I used to lie around, eat, or sleep in while he was doing these things. One Friday night, I got so bored. I went back and had him show me the safety rules about handling a gun. (I hadn't known enough about one to safely use it, in the event of an emergency defense situation. I probably would have shot my foot off.) It really made him feel good that I was really interested and that he could teach me something. Since then, we do all of those things together. I even trained and got my CHL! He says his friends are jealous that he has a wife that's interested in all this. Wow, I hope this little revelation hasn't stirred up any activists!

Michelle, God had to choose very special parents that have children with cancer. The average Jo/Josephina just doesn't have what it takes! It's apparent from your postings on your younger son and your husband, that you are a very special young lady. You have a gift that many people have searched the whole world for and never found. You have compassion, love (that has no depth), and the heart of a lion to run interference with any drs. or nurses who think they might know much more than you, since you are ONLY the lowly wife or mother. You have certainly carried a heavy load! No mother should ever have to lose their son to such a horrible disease and at such a young age. These events, some so extremely devistating and others so inspiring are what weave our life stories and help us become the person we're meant to be. I am so in awe of you! You've been through so much, but yet you continue to be so gracious and caring to others. Thank you for joining Lapbandtalk and giving others a chance to get to know you. I think your husband and son know that they have a "keeper" Here's to continued improved health, happiness, and less stress for everyone!

"Living and loving someone with chronic pain or a life threatening illness is sometimes very difficult." Yes, but it has also taught me to get my priorities in order. I try not to sweat the small stuff, like I used to. I'm a lot more patient and happier now. I hope that I am more understanding with other people and their particular problems.