MsPris

Hello again: I updated my ticker, but can't remember where to go on this website to put it. Can anyone help a computer dummy. Actually, when I started this journey -- I was 248 lbs. And I am currently 119 lbs. Thanks again, Priscilla

Greetings Everyone: I have been so very busy that I haven't had the opportunity to write, though I have come on and read everyone's posts. - Not all, just the last two pages or so everytime I come on. I had a rough November, so I'm kind of glad the New Year has been ushered in. And in CT, it's been "stormed in with snow." Anyway - I do have a question I was hoping someone could answer. Because I had the gastric bypass, I have now developed a hernia. So, because I need to have the hernia repaired, my surgeon informed me the insurance would pay for plastic surgery on my stomach. I'm assuming a tummy tuck. My appointment with the Plastic Surgeon is next Monday the 19th, and I am so excited to go. For those of you who have had plastic surgery, how long was the recupperation and has anyone posted any before and after pictures anywhere, and could you tell me where they are? I promise that I will post, my before and after pix, after my upcoming surgery. Thanks a million in advance for responding. Priscilla in CT.

HAPPY - belated - BIRTHDAY !!!

Read the pamphlet - hopefully your surgeon gives you one - or you may already have it - on Lapband surgery. read - all the complications - and not just - after the surgery. I had surgery 7-16-07 for a band and awoke in the recovery room to my surgeon standing over me saying: "You're alright - everything's fine - however, As I was passing my instrument, to bring the band around - I accidently punctured both your esophagus and liver. I had to to repair those injuries first - so you have no band in - and because of prior scar tissue on my stomach from an open gall bladder surgery 30 years ago - I can NEVER have a band - because it's in the exact same spot your injuries were and you will have too much scar tissue in that area for it to work. Waited 6 months - still had weight and severe health problems. Only option - Open Gastric Bypass. Had that Feb 6, 08. Have lost 82 lbs. and best of all..no more Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, High Cholesterol and Barretts esophagus is under control. So, I wish you the best of luck - however, I believe everything happens for a reason - so when it happened - I wasn't even upset. And now, to be honest with you I'm glad it happened. I'm much happier not having to go for fills - and all that stuff. And because they bypass the small intestine, my diabetes was gone within one week. So, I'm very happy. Good Luck to all who read this. Go ahead with the band. This is where I started last May or June, before my surgery. I'm a member of the July 2007 bandsters. And, I still consider myself part of the group - even though they got a 6 month head start on me. Priscilla:thumbup:

Greetings Sammey1 and Shortgal: I'm in Waterbury. Had my surgery at St. Raphael's in New Haven. Good luck with your upcoming surgery. You don't have too much longer. Bear with it, it's worth it in the end.

Greetings All: I’m so excited I finally made it into onderland. Actually almost a week ago, but hated to post such a milestone until I was certain it was definite. Patti C: - Don’t berate yourself for what you did or didn’t do this month or even yesterday. I’m not a band expert as you can see from my signature, so I don’t know if a cup of food at each meal (Did I understand you correctly?) , is good or bad. However, Jackie posted a great post about water. My doctor has on one of her hand-out’s - if you aren’t sure if you are hungry or not, drink water! Jackie: - Congrats on your Casino windfall! Linda: - You have my deepest respects for the mentoring and volunteering you do. Karri: - Hope you are able to eat soon. Glad you decided to go for an unfill. Kristin – Happy ST. Pat’s Day to you also. Not cooking Irish this evening- neither son nor fiancé is crazy about corned beef. As far as cooking fish, I honestly don’t have any great recipes. I only like mild white fish, Tilapia, Sole, Flounder, Pollock, & Haddock. Cod-only in fishcakes. Other than that, I like shellfish of all kinds. (And besides, breaded and deep fried is the only way to cook fish or most shellfish anyway.) Isn’t it? That was my attempt at a funny ha-ha! I’m looking forward to FISH recipes, also !! Phyl & Janet - Thanks to both of you for your help with the site. I’m so envious that you got to spend time together. Hope everyone has a nice St. Pat’s Day, whatever nationality you are, and regardless of what you eat for dinner.

Ara: Just wanted to wish you luck in your quest. I too, was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 1995, but more than any manias, I suffer from depression and anxiety. So, I take an anti-depressant (Zoloft) and I also take Klonopin. Keep your appointment with the new psychiatrist and explain the circumstances. Make sure he or she knows your PCP has made sure you are stable and the psychologist-for surgery approval - feels you need more counceling. It might take two or three visits, but if your PCP writes you a letter stating you have been stable and the new Psychiatrist does also, I don't think a non MD Psychologist can refute their findings. I don't know if that helps or not, but good luck. Priscilla

Greetings All: Janet - thanks for the info on how to include quotes in my messages. But, this computer dummy has another question???? How on earth, or more appropriately where on earth do I add a fancy name from glitterfactory or my weight change from tickerfactory? I can't figure out where on my account these go. Can someone please help! I read as many posts as I can, but don't always have time to respond. So, everyone keep up the good work! Priscilla

Dear allaboutmefl, frustrated, indiogirl55, lindaa, salsa1877, jackie506 and peaches9: I haven't quite figured out how to post your responses as quotes in my replies, but a big thank you to all of you who gave me input. I don't remember who said they missed GUZZLING Water, but add me to the list. I've been the Ice Water queen my entire life. Boy do I miss that. As far as my meds, as soon as I went home, I was off my metformin, lipitor and diovan and prevacid. However, I do have to take a Centrum adult chewable Vitamin every day, along with 2 Tums EX and sublingual B-12. The psych meds I'm supposed to be on are Risperdal - which I took myself off of 2 weeks before surgery, Zoloft and Klonopin. According to my doctor, I am not able to any longer swallow pills. They all have to be crushed or in elixor (sp) form. Risperdal - which I think I should go back on and the generic Zoloft, sertraline are also football shaped type pills and crusing them up in Jello is ridiculous. Even after they are crushed there is as much pill as Jello and so I just can't do it. It literally makes me gag. I'm going to have to go to my PCP or call my pharmacist to see if either of those pills come in chewable or elixor form. The other option is to see how small the brand Zoloft is and maybe get my insurance to override the generic as the brand name being medically necessary. I thoroughly enjoyed all your responses to my questions. It made me feel like I was not alone. And as strange as it seems at my age, I don't know anyone personally who has had a lap band or a gastric bypass. So you great ladies are my sounding board, and lifeline as I go on this journey. Thanks again for everything. Hugs and kisses! Pris

Karri: Thanks for the quick response. I really think most of my depression centers on my weight also. However, the 100 mg. sertraline (zoloft) is so big and bitter to the taste. I do still take my Klonopin though, since my doctor recommended I stay on that. I know the first day I came home from the hospital and my fiance made himself dinner, I thought I was going to vomit as I watched him eat the whole bowl. And, as I said, it's not that I'm hungry, It's just that everything smells so good. But, I remember a quote from a while back, "Nothing tastes as good as being thin feels." Congrats on your phenomenal weight loss! Pris

Karri: Thanks

Hello again: Thanks to all who replied and remembered me. I do still feel like part of this group, though my surgery was different. First let me say I am NOT hungry eating my 1/4 cup of protein 2-3 times a day, plus my snacks of Sugar Free Ice Pops and Jello. However, I do need some advice and input. I suffer from clinical depression, and take medication for that. Which is not that easy, since I am supposed to crush my pills and mix them in with my jello, but it is so bitter, I dread doing it so much I have nearly stopped taking my anti-depressant totally. Which leads me to my questions. 1. Did anyone suffer from depression after the lap band, just because? 2. I live with my son and fiance who are both big eaters, and some times I feel envious that I just can't chow down like they do. Esp. in the mornings when they are eating bacon, egg and cheese on English muffins. I'm happy I'm losing weight and the praise they are giving me is wonderful. When does the psychological aspect of wanting to eat - seem to subside? Or does it ever really go away? 3. I also wanted to know about everyone's goal weight on your tickers. I am 5'3" tall and according to my doctor she would like to see me reach a goal weight of 147 lbs. So, are your goal weights what your Doctors set for you or are they your own personal goals? I'm sure I'll have a million more crazy questions before my journey ends, so bear with me. I'm the new kid on the block now. Hugs and kisses, Pris

Greetings Everyone: It's been months since I've been on to see how everyone is doing. I can't believe all the success. WOW!!!! I see so many familiar names that some of you may remember me. But, for those who don't a real quick refresher. I went in to have my lap band surgery on 7/16/07. There were complications and my esophagus and liver were punctured, so the doctor had to repair those and because of where the injury was, I was no longer a candidate for the lap band. I had to heal for six months, and in the meantime I hadn't lost any weight and my co-morbidities were getting worse. (Diabetes, enlarged liver, Barretts esophagus, high blood pressure and high cholesterol). Consequently, I went in for an open gastric bypass on February 6, 2008. The Wednesday morning of the surgery they weighed me and I was 219.8 lbs. I was released late Saturday- 7:00pm- on the 9th and because of all the IV fluids, my release weight was 242.8 lbs. I was in shock. At my first week check up I was 226 lbs. At my second week check up I was 209 lbs. and I am currently at 202 lbs. I'm feeling better every day, but because I had had an open gall bladder surgery in the mid 1970's and then the laprascopic lap band attempt, I had a lot of scar tissue and as my doctor stated a longer scar than usual for the open bypass. But, at 54 years old, I don't plan on wearing a bikini when I get down to my ideal weight anyway. So, in conclusion, I'm happy I did it. And wanted to let those of you who remembered me what I've been up to. All your success is encouraging and an inspiration. Thanks again for listening and being there when I needed it. Pris

Greetings Everyone: It's been quite a while since I've been here and posted, but I thought I'd come on to see how everyone is doing. First - for those who may not remember me. I originally signed on in June and went for my band on 7/16. During surgery my surgeon accidentally tore my esophagus and punctured my liver. Consequently, those two problems needed to be repaired - and because of where the "injury" was, I am no longer a candidate for the lapband due to scar tissue in the area where the band should be. The last check up I had was at the end of August, and my surgeon informed me I could still have the gastric bypass performed in January - which will give me six months of healing. To make a long story short, I was really up in the air about what to do. I think - 95% sure - that even though I didn't want to have the bypass done, I'm going to go for it. When I originally went to the surgeon for the lapband, I weighed 233 lbs. During my last meal syndrome which lasted for more than one meal, I went up to 247. The day of my surgery, I was 232 lbs. I am currently 227 pounds. So, here I sit - 4 months after I should have been banded - and down 5 pounds. Not very good, but it could be worse. To all of you, CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR SUCCESS. I've read a few pages and you are doing so well, and I'm so very proud of each and everyone of you. The holidays can be so difficult, but you seem to have made it through Thanksgiving with flying colors. Keep up the good work. I hope my words will make any of you - who are not happy with your results, or feel you've been at a plateau, or think you should have lost more by now - REMEMBER where you were in July before your surgeries and grateful for your success. CONGRAT'S AGAIN !!!! Priscilla

Hi Linda: For those who may not remember, I went in for the band on July 16th, but while my surgeon was working she accidently tore my esophagus and punctured my liver. Consequently, I did not get banded. (Just the surgery to repair my esophagus and liver.) Now, I cannot ever get the band because of scar tissue where it should be placed. My biggest decision is whether to have the gastric bypass done. I could have that done in January after I'm completely healed. I never bothered to update my ticker.

Hello and Greetings to all: Hi, It's been a while since I've been on, but I wanted to see how everyone was doing with their weight loss.

Greetings and good Luck to all having surgery tomorrow! I went to my surgeons today and she was surprised I had any fluid in my drain, so I have to go back to the hospital tomorrow for another upper GI, to make sure the repair she did is good and rectified the problem. She also did say that, because of the location and scar tissue I would not now, nor never be a candidate for the band. (not happy) However, she did say, I could come back in 6 weeks after I'm all healed and see if I want to go with the gastric bypass. I'm not sure what I want to do yet. It's a big decision. Oh, well, I'm sure you will be supportive no matter what I decide to do. Hugs and kisses to all, Pris

Kathy - your kitchen looks lovely. What a difference between the U and L shapes, huh? You must be so thrilled that it's nearly done. As far as your little angel...she looks so much like you...it's hard to imagine otherwise. Indio - sorry you had a bad experience in the hospital. Dini - what page is your little one's picture on? Sunshine - all the nurses I had were wonderful. I think they all attended the 'sunshine attitute' about nursing, thankfully for me. Janiee - glad you are home. It gets easier everyday after surgery. Tinkerbell - congrats on your 19 lb weight loss. Pris

Chimboree: Thanks for the PPP, it's awesome and an inspiration. Phyllser: Glad you are doing well. To new Lucky 7's - welcome to the greatest group you'd ever hope to meet. - Come on our cruise next year. Lynette: There's no excuse for rudeness especially within families. I feel bad for them. Their judgement is poor - your response is what makes the difference.

Greetings All: Thank you to the many of you who responded to what happened during my surgery. I do appreciate all your kind words and concern. I have an appt. next Thursday with my surgeon - hopefully to get this drain they sent me home with removed. I'm in pretty good spirits, except for the gas pain I'm still experiencing and the 9 lbs I gained after 4 days of IV fluids. Hopefully, I can start loosing like a bandster, even if I'm not one. Hugs and kisses to all - you are so great. Hope everyone else who got banded this week is doing well.

I'd probably be coming alone, also. Hey sunshine6855, maybe we could bunk together.

Jeanie & Lynette: I am a little bummed out, but surprisingly in good spirits. Yes, my surgeon was very honest and told me it was her fault. I think that because of all the repair work around the esophagus, and the ensuing scar tissue will be where the band usually goes...I guess she doesn't think it's a viable option. She said, just get better and we can discuss our other options for the future. I was initially bummed out, but I'm a big believer in the motto, "everything happens for a reason." A mistake happened, I can't change it, so I'm trying not to stress about it. But I do plan on sticking around here. You guys are like family.

Hello All: I didn't get out of the hospital til today at 3:00pm, so I'm glad to be back with all my bandster friends. I'm back and had surgery, but unfortunately NO BAND. Heres what happened: at 5:30am on Monday the hospital called and asked if I could come in asap to be the first surgery at 7:30. Got to the hospital at 6:30, into the OR at 7:30am. I don't remember what time I awoke in the Recovery Room, with my surgeon standing over me to tell me, she'd gone in and was unable to put in the band because of other problems that needed work. I was half out of it. The next day she explained what happened. When she went in with the instrument to go around - she accidently perforated my esophagus and liver. She was unable to do the band, because she needed to do the repair work. ...And, from all indications, I think because of the scar tissue in that area, I am not a good candidate for the band. But, otherwise - I'm in pretty good spirits - glad to be alive - and uh, well - there's always plan b. Though I haven't quite figured out what that is yet. Even though I'm not an official bandster anymore, I still plan on staying along for the journey with my friends. Is that okay?

Hi CrochetGranny: I'm Priscilla from MsPris' Journal. I wasn't sure how to send you a message, so hope you read this one. I know we are the same height and the same weight. I don't know how you are shaped, but I am shaped like an apple. My waist is bigger than my boobs and hips. I can't wait for that to change. It's 9:30 pm and I have to be at the hospital by 7:30, so my fiance wants to leave by 6:30 in case there's traffic in New Haven. I'm in CT. I've read your journal, also and enjoy it very much. Good luck to you on your preop diet and I'll get back to you soon. Pris

I'm ready Sunshinesonya ! I'm 5'2" 237 and my goal - according to my Dr. is 135 lbs.