PamRN

I had a terrible sinus cold/infection a month ago, and used alka selzer plus cold. For work I used the non-drowsy which helps but isn't quite as good as the regular knock me out sinus formula. I hate the taste, so I use a 5 oz dixie cup half full so I can get it down in a shot. I let it sit for a bit past the dissolving stage to get the carbonation out. I didn't have any trouble with it, and it works good.

When taking a bath you divide the tub into two separate ponds, like you can pull the plug, but until you get up the water behind you doesn't move.... nsv: My @$$ no longer touches both sides!! Water can actually swirl all the way around me!

That's awesome and quite an honor that you most definitely deserve! We should all strive to be as motivated and motivating a bandster as you have been. Congratulations from Central Illinois!

I have to admit to being a fairly bad bandster. I don't follow a diet or exercise regime at all. I eat what I want when I want. Because my intake is so limited, I do try and make better choices than I used to, but deny myself nothing. Somethings my band decides I can't have, so luckily there are many foods like breads, cakes, cookies, carbonation, etc.. that since banding I can't tolerate, and that helps me cut out a lot of junk. I don't want to be unhealthy or get sick, so I take a flintstone vitamin everyday, and try to drink more water, but I know I don't drink enough. I don't do regular workout type exercise, I do walk a lot at work, but then I walked a lot before banding... now that I've lost weight, I am more energetic, and thus more active, that's my workout. I feel like this band is about lifestyle changes not dieting, so I am trying to deal with my band in a way that I can live with permanently. If I want chocolate, I'll have some, but somedays it just doesn't agree with me and after 1 small bite I'm done. If I notice I haven't done well with proteins, I'll eat part of a pouch of flavored tuna. If I eat at a restaurant, I try and pick band friendly choices. I do find it difficult to get in enough water, fruits and veggies in good proportions, so I keep bottled water on hand, and have added v8 to my grocery list. I don't know about fail safe, it seems that a person could take in a lot of calories in shakes, puddings, and cream soups, when caloric intake reduction is what we're looking for, I just know that I am not a rigid lapband rules follower and I'm still losing weight. If I worked harder to eat and exercise more, I know I'd have lost a lot more weight than I already have, but I'm comfortable with my current way of things. You have to do what works best for you, and working with your band IS the best way to get maximum benefit.

Good luck tomorrow! I'll send you good thoughts and prayers for a speedy recovery!

I am tight first thing in the morning, sometimes I can't even get in more than a few sips of coffee, then I loosen up some in the later morning, I can usually eat bandster size portions in the late afternoon, then in the later evening I tighten back up. This is varied and I can have unexpected periods of relaxation in the morning or at night, and it is subject to how I'm feeling, my monthly visitor tightens me up, colds/sinus issues tighten me up... it took some paying attention to my band habits before I realized how it was working for me, and now I plan my intake around it.

I've been banded nearly 6 months and have probably pb'd 4-5 times, and always knew it was coming. Saliva starts getting abundant and thick like slime, and you have to spit it out, don't swallow it! I've never not felt it coming, and usually kind of help myself cough it up in order to get it over with. I've yet to have one come up without warning.

If you go to http://www.lap-band.com it has a locator that helps you find a surgeon in your area. Good Luck! There are a few in IL on that list.

I'm with Kathy, gotta have the straight french vanilla or no coffee at all. I don't like the ff or splenda blends either. I was hitting dq for the mocha moolatte a few days a week last month, those are soooo good, but I've made myself stop because they are probably morbidly laden with calories. See? I am SUCH a bad bandster!

Great description Donali, I have had all of those except shoulder pain. Hiccups are my most common sign that I've had enough, though I usually have more than one. Tarafeena, She's right do not swallow your saliva...The saliva is very thick, abundant and slimy... hence the term sliming...and will make you feel worse if you swallow it.

I didn't PB for a couple of months post banding, and still vividly remember that first time. We were watching harry potter's new movie. I'd had moments of discomfort before, and a lil' sliming action, but in trying to be an oh so careful bandster, had managed to postpone the inevitable for a while. My first visit from the master blaster came when I made the mistake of trying to eat half a pb-j... note to bandsters... pb-ing pb is NOT fun. I remember looking at that foamy return on my ingestment and thinking so THAT'S a pb... huh... When I have food stuck, with only slight discomfort, sometimes a sip or two will help, as will raising my arms over my head in a good stretch, or pounding my chest Tarzan style... though this makes my kids think I'm losing it. If it's big discomfort... forget it, ejection action imminent. I also find that chicken can be difficult.

I was banded in Tijuana last september. When I called my surgeon's office, I was told of an upcoming unadvertised special, and received my surgery, transport to and from the airport and 2 nights hotel stay for $7000. I paid my own airfare, the deal they had that did include airfare was $8000. My 2 tickets only cost $550, so i saved a few bucks buying my own. My fills there including fluroscopy will be $150 when it's time for me to go. I've been fortunate not to need one yet in the nearly 6 months since banding.

Have you looked into online courses? There are what they call fast track courses now offered through lots of colleges online where experienced nurses can advance their degree from home and clinical credits are offered through your job. (wish they'd had that when I was commuting to college!) I currently hold a BSN (baccalaureate of science in nursing) and phoenix of az keeps contacting me about advancing to MSN (masters) through them online. I live in IL... just a thought

I wear Liz Clairborne Curve for the same reason. It has a clean fresh scent, and I get lots of comments on how good I smell. I wore Perry Ellis America before this, and still like it too.

I was banded last September and have not had any complications. I don't regret it one bit. My biggest issue right now is learning how to accept all compliments I'm getting about how great I'm looking now that I'm down nearly 50 lbs and from a tight size 24 to a loose 18!

I'm a bad, bad bandster! My son eats popcorn almost every night. His favorite is the Orville R. pour over butter. We always have some on hand. I'm sure it's lard by the handful, but I eat it with him whenever I feel like it, and I don't have any problem getting it down. I do eat a whole lot less than I used to, but still... I just can't get myself to enjoy air popped or the low fat/ff kind. If thats all there is, I just don't eat it...HEY there's an idea! Now... how to get my son to comply...

Welcome back, I'm also glad to hear it went well for you. You'll have your ups and downs on this journey, and I send lots of good wishes for a consistently positive and downward trend. Pretty soon you'll be a big loser too!!

You really are doing much better than you'd given yourself credit for! I've lost 48 lbs and it's been 5.5 months since banding for me. You've got me beat so far! I've had losses and gains in that time, but continue in a nice slow but downward trend. The gains are scary aren't they? I haven't gotten used to the idea that those will NOT be permanent yet, so everytime I see one I get that familiar sense of dread, only to replace it with this new sense of joy and disbelief a few days later when it's gone and then some! Old feelings and habits are VERY hard to break, I know I could be losing much faster if I were stricter with my diet. I am more careful since banding, but not diligent. With this I am comfortable. I am not a perfect bandster. I'm ok with that. If I had the ability to be perfect about eating I'd have never gotten overweight in the first place. I think I might fall somewhere in to the average bandster category. I have decided to pick battles I can win. Thanks to the restriction of my band I can win the war on over eating by having some of, but much less of something I really crave, rather than lose all hope by denying myself to the point of feeling cut off from things that are normal for others. (and having the craving for that which I deny myself grow stronger) RNY people lose a lot more than fat weight when they lose so fast, remember that they've had part of their weight cut out in important intestinal organs. They also have to lose fast because they are on a time clock, that window of loss opportunity closes for them after a time. Our window is as open or closed as we want it, for as long as we have our bands. Don't bother to compare yourself to them. I wouldn't be surprised if they don't end up envying you, and wishing they'd taken the safer, less invasive, longer term route.

Mononucleosis (often called "mono") is an infection caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. Signs of mono include fever, sore throat, headaches, white Patches on the back of your throat, swollen glands in your neck, feeling tired and not feeling hungry. How is mono passed? Mono is not spread as easily as some other viruses, such as the common cold. The mono virus is found in saliva and mucus. It is usually passed from one person to another through kissing, although it may rarely be passed in other ways, such as coughing. Signs of mono usually develop 4 to 7 weeks after you're exposed to the virus. Generally, people only get mono once. It's most common among people 15 to 35 years old. How is mono diagnosed? Your doctor will probably first ask you some questions about your symptoms and then may do blood tests to confirm the diagnosis. One common test used to diagnose mono is called the Monospot test. Sometimes other blood tests are needed if the results of the Monospot test aren't clear. Does mono have any complications? Sometimes. The main serious concern with mono is that the spleen will enlarge and even rupture (tear open). The spleen is like a large gland. It's located in the upper part of your abdomen on the left side. It has functions that relate to your blood. Although a ruptured spleen is rare in people with mono, it's wise to be aware of the signs and call your doctor right away if you notice any of them. Signs of a ruptured spleen include pain in the left upper part of your abdomen (under the left chest), feeling lightheaded, feeling like your heart is beating fast and hard, bleeding more easily than usual and having trouble breathing. Can mono be cured? No. But mono will go away on its own. Symptoms usually last about 4 weeks. How is mono treated? The main point of treatment is to relieve your symptoms. Rest. Drink plenty of fluids. Gargle with salt Water, suck on throat lozenges, hard candy or flavored frozen Desserts (such as Popsicles) for sore throat. Acetaminophen : (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Nuprin) to relieve pain and fever. Do not give aspirin to children. Aspirin should be avoided because it has been associated with a disease called Reye's syndrome in children. Reye's syndrome is a serious illness that can lead to death. Do I need an antibiotic? Antibiotics like penicillin are of no help in mono. Mono is caused by a virus, and antibiotics don't work against viruses. If you have a bacterial infection in addition to having mono, your doctor may give you an antibiotic.

What a great Ass!

I bought mine at CVS pharmacy, and saw it at Walgreens. Marie is exactly right about the sore throat liquid tylenol; it's the same thing, with nothing extra added, just the acetaminophen. The liquid in either type is like taking 2 extra strength tylenol pills @ 1000mg, (regular tylenol is 650 mg for 2 pills). I have been on the look out for those excedrin quick tabs, (acetaminophen and caffeine). Anyone know where to find these anymore?? I found some at my local IGA a while back after looking every where, so I bought 2 boxes, but those are nearly gone, and I can't find them again. They have a minty taste and melt fairly quick, but I still need a drink to rinse the taste out. I just like them because I can keep them in my purse for when I'm away from home. When I'm out of the quick tabs, I carry a bottle of childrens aspirin, and a bottle of children's acetaminophen chewables for headaches, but I have to take a combination of the two so it's a gazillion aspiriny tasting fruity pills to chew up... bleh

We worked on a friends computer, so they took us to pizza Hut I could only eat half a slice of meat lovers pizza, and the topping of the other half, and one cheesy breadstick. Dessert was one GS cookie from each of the 3 kinds we bought, so 1 thin mint 1 samoa 1 double dutch

10 ADD/ADHD Myths By Karin A. Bilich Separate the fact from the fiction! Many parents are confused about exactly what Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) really are. The first thing you should know is that the two conditions, while slightly different, are now both being referred to in the medical community as ADHD. Here are 10 common myths -- and the scientific facts to dispel them -- that surround this disorder. Myth #1: Only kids who are hyper have ADHD. While hyperactivity is the most common symptom of ADHD, it is possible for a child to be suffering from the disorder without being hyperactive. ADHD actually has three subtypes: A predominantly inattentive subtype: Signs include becoming easily distracted by irrelevant sights and sounds; failing to pay attention to details and making careless mistakes; rarely following instructions carefully and completely; losing or forgetting things like toys, pencils, books, and tools needed for a task. A predominantly hyperactive-impulsive subtype: Signs include feeling restless, fidgeting and squirming; running, climbing, leaving a seat in situations where sitting or quiet behavior is expected; blurting out answers before hearing the entire question; and having difficulty waiting in line or for a turn. A combined subtype: Which is the most common of the three. Children who fit into only the first subtype may be suffering from ADHD without showing signs of hyperactivity. Myth #2: Children can outgrow ADHD. If left untreated, ADHD continues into adulthood. However, by developing their strengths, structuring their environments, and using medication when needed, children with ADHD can grow up to be adults leading very productive lives. In some careers, having a high-energy behavior pattern can be an asset. Myth #3: Children on ADHD medications are more likely to take drugs as teenagers. While it's true that people with ADHD are naturally impulsive and more likely to take risks, those patients taking stimulants for this disorder are actually at lower risk of using other drugs. Children and teenagers who have ADHD and also have coexisting conditions may be at high risk for drug and alcohol abuse, regardless of the medication used. Myth #4: Ritalin "cures" ADHD. Ritalin, a psychostimulant medication, is one of the most common forms of treatment for ADHD. It's been shown to help children focus and be less hyperactive. But in order to be most effective, it must be part of a larger treatment plan that may include academic help for the child and behavior-modification treatment. Myth #5: Kids with ADHD are just poorly disciplined. ADHD is a condition of the brain that makes it difficult for children to control their behavior. While researchers have been unable to find the exact cause of ADHD, they have discovered a distinct change in brain size and activity in children with ADHD. Because these children have difficulty controlling their behavior, they may be labeled "bad kids." This is far from the truth. Myth #6: Children on Ritalin will never grow to full size. Ritalin may have an effect on some children's growth. But recent studies have revealed that any effect on height is only temporary. Even children who are still taking the medicine throughout adolescence ultimately do achieve their normal height. Myth #7: ADHD can be treated through herbs and vitamins. You may have heard media reports or seen advertisements for "miracle cures" for ADHD. However, the following methods have not been proven to work in scientific studies: Optometric vision training (asserts that faulty eye movement and sensitivities cause the behavior problems) Megavitamins and mineral supplements Anti-motion-sickness medication (to treat the inner ear) Treatment for candida yeast infection EEG biofeedback (training to increase brain-wave activity) Applied kinesiology (realigning bones in the skull) Myth #8: ADHD is a result of a child eating too much sugar. Research doesn't support the theory that sugar can cause ADHD. In fact, it's highly unlikely that sugar intake can affect the size of parts of a child's brain, as is seen in patients with ADHD. Myth #9: ADHD isn't associated with any other conditions. The majority of children who have been diagnosed with ADHD have at least one coexisting condition. The most common conditions are: Conduct disorder: Up to 35 percent of children with ADHD also have oppositional conduct disorder. Children with this condition tend to lose their temper easily and are defiant and hostile toward authority figures. Studies show that this type of coexisting condition is most common among children with the primarily hyperactive/impulsive and combination types of ADHD. Mood disorders: About 18 percent of children with ADHD also have mood disorders, more frequently among children with inattentive and combined types of ADHD. Children with mood disorders or depression often require a different type of medication than those normally used. Anxiety disorders: These affect about 25 percent of children with ADHD. Children with anxiety disorders have difficulty functioning because of extreme feelings of fear, worry, or panic, and may frequently suffer from a racing pulse, sweating, diarrhea, and nausea. Counseling and/or medication may be needed to treat these coexisting conditions. Learning disabilities: Learning disabilities make it difficult for a child to master specific skills, such as reading or math. ADHD is not a learning disability in itself, but it's a common adjunct to learning disabilities. These two conditions together can make it very difficult for a child to do well in school. Myth #10: Kids with ADHD won't amount to anything. Many famous artists, scientists, and politicians had ADHD as children. Here's a list of some well-known celebrities with ADHD: Ansel Adams Charlotte/Emily Bronte Salvador Dali Emily Dickinson Ralph Waldo Emerson Benjamin Franklin Robert Frost Zsa Zsa Gabor Bill Gates John F. Kennedy Abraham Lincoln Mozart Jack Nicholson Eugene O'Neill Elvis Presley Joan Rivers Anne Sexton George Bernard Shaw Sylvester Stallone Vincent Van Gogh Robin Williams Tennessee Williams Virginia Woolf Wright Brothers Frank Lloyd Wright Sources: American Medical Association; American Academy of Pediatrics; Kitty Petty ADD/LD Institute

Dr. Alan Greene on ADD/ADHD Medications By Alan Greene, MD, FAAP Is the new drug Strattera safer than Ritalin? Question My son has been diagnosed with ADHD. Is the new drug Strattera safer than Ritalin? I'm not sure which one to have him try first. Answer Recently, the FDA approved Strattera, a new drug for ADHD. Unlike Ritalin, it is not a stimulant, doesn't seem to cause insomnia in kids, and is not a controlled substance. It's the first whole new class of medication for ADHD in almost 30 years. But we don't know too much about it yet. It has been tested on only a few thousand kids in some very short studies. It has only been proven effective for nine weeks, and it's only been proven safe for one year. We do know that during these studies, kids fell off of their growth curves for both height and weight. We don't know if they will catch up in the long run or not. Also, in studies of Strattera in adults, there were a number of reports of sexual dysfunction in both men and women -- impotence, etc. I am cautious about giving medications that affect sexual organs to kids whose organs are still developing. I remain very cautious about Strattera, but I like the idea behind it. It is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, and as such it raises the brain levels of one of the neurotransmitters in an analogous way to the action of Prozac and other antidepressants that raise levels of serotonin, a different neurotransmitter. The only studies I've been able to find show it more effective than a placebo, but not more or less effective than Ritalin. It is being positioned as an alternative, not as better. I'm glad that there are now alternatives available, and this may turn out to be gentler and more effective. But we still don't know, and it is still "playing with the brain" -- perhaps even more so. Source: HealthyKids.com - Healthy Kids online

just an FYI: Ladies home journal has a great article this month about this subject; John and Kelly Travolta are on the cover. (April 2005) . It's about the experiences of families with the different med and non med treatments. The article is called "a generation out of control". I thought of all of you when I read it. It's got some great info and good comparisons from families who thought they could fix it without meds, but found that meds were necessary and a godsend, others who could go without meds, and some who had to change around a bit with meds to find the right one. Good Luck and Best Wishes for a sane household and destressed kids!