mare5569

I am doing great. A little tight, but, glad I am, because I need to change some behaviours. Really surprised at how much stress affects my band.

My band has a personality all its own. However, I have figured out that the tightness is often in proportion to how tense I have been, if I am under stress, etc. When I had a disagreement with my hubby, it was so tight Water wouldn't go down, it actually came back. Good luck

Ok, when is Red Robin??? It appears we may need to do two groups this month. Lapdancer, when will it work for you????Many of us want to meet you so we are willing to work around your schedule. Will Saturday Nov 10 at 12:30pm work for you????? Is there a better time??and day??? I am going to attempt to make a chart that people can sign in on. hope this works. you may have to copy and paste. Saturday, Nov 10 12:30pm Mare5569 Tuesday, Nov 13 7pm Mare5569

Screen Name August Surgery Date andreerichards1 1 brwneydgrl78 1 cbrock1592 1 ihawgfan 1 Kat44 1 MarquiseWeaver 1 munchkican 1 Trish2u 1 bekafine 2 Hollywoodred 2 kero 2 Rhonda G 2 Ses 2 Texas Becky 2 dmorris72 3 Kkermit25 3 wanabthin 3 JackieL 4 4gr8kids 6 alihopp7 6 beaurifulME 6 ejbseratin 6 homew6kids 6 jewonda 6 joannar 6 ms925 6 newgirl07 6 PamL 6 pratstr 6 wc_lady 6 whosyadaddy 6 whsyadaddy 6 BigHarleyGuy 7 Camurray30 7 holmmi 7 irish70652 7 Kathleen 7 Ladysuz 7 PigsRFlying 7 QueenB 7 StacieM 7 sweet for life 7 Wannabethin 7 wclark 7 2bthinagn 8 bandedinciny 8 brandottie01 8 KarenG 8 klaw 8 nannyof3 8 nuddyBuddy 8 pammycakes 8 purplegirl1818 8 singdeborah 8 vet8008 8 walterBrian 8 Beka 9 beth40 9 Lennyboy 9 lynn l 9 mbanja 9 mslisa 9 Pashmina 9 pronetus 9 Taynuh 9 tismepatti 9 anewme 10 carries 10 enufisenul 10 HarleygirlRN 10 imagine1073 10 Judi M 10 Patricia 10 zuchinno 10 Alexandra 13 clorox123 13 crazyace 13 Elismom1992 13 GoMe 13 llbelle 13 Lorsbander 13 MissNilsa 13 robinmtz 13 Valzie 13 brwneydgrl75 14 kimnizing 14 madfrogdady 14 mbsbike2002 14 MeanGreenRick 14 NanaRenan 14 pinjc 14 sniggle 14 BBMagoo 15 bmadsgirl 15 Bridget 15 Castle Girl 15 doxielover 15 FallsTooFast 15 Happyhayley 15 hawaiigirl 15 hlyndes 15 jpayton 15 lawgirlky 15 mare5569 15 melbart01 15 Michee 15 short c 15 thj 15 travelchicky 15 utep99 15 7thangel 16 agonzalesjoy 16 AZGirl 16 cheyncarsmommy 16 D. Haizel 16 dee bo 16 julita 16 leemoe49 16 mbeokett1 16 rosie2toes 16 Stargazer6213 16 stonersmom 16 angeleyes32 17 heavengiggles 17 kristijay99 17 lizster2007 17 lovestoned 17 maddog2005 17 rose suongas 17 shleb 17 vallin 17 ADM07 20 badonkonkbutt 20 born to Loose 20 gweniper 20 Jezaamphilyn 20 Judy145 20 liz hager 20 mckelmer 20 new2tch 20 nulife2be 20 RedFiona 20 band chick 21 Bergdorfblonde 21 hf2havefun 21 jenlovestoshop 21 melissa Tirado 21 NYUB0121 21 SPEBSQSAlady 21 The Bear 21 Dr.Rx-Tulsa 22 FastpitchMOM 22 hkmuzyka 22 jensdandy 22 Julz723 22 Justplainme 22 lapbandguy 22 Nikki S 22 ShelbiCallie 22 Vex 22 dreno 23 jenjuice 23 mceni 23 Mermaidpuppy 23 MR123 23 phanvanMR123 23 Picklebritches 23 pjanes54 23 pmmegm 23 redgirl 23 2big4owngood 24 jkeirn 24 leedorr 24 Missdarlene 24 princesst 24 R6Chick 24 scubadof 24 fairydust 25 SueMagoo 26 bandzski 27 BrownSuga 27 candle 27 claramae 27 Hannah212 27 kathyc02@alltel 27 Light er NYC 27 patakake10@aol 27 shelli16415 27 Trimkim 27 lvnmylife 28 mbsbike2002 28 MissMolly 28 momto1 28

I sent an email to Lapdancer, so I hope she responds today to the board. I can meet pretty much anytime so I vote to get together when Lapdancer and Dee can meet. Mare

Angie38 - I got a fill in mid October and was tight. For me I have had to decided, whether it was modifying my behaviour more than I wanted or not. If I follow the "Band rules" very carefully, I am fine. BUT!!!!! if I get in the least hurry, or start the meal dehydrated, or take too big a FIRST bite, then I get stuck. Also if I am tense or had a squable with the hubby I am a lot tighter and need to use liquids for a while. It has been an up and down decision about whether I think I am too tight or not really, or do I just not want to be so controlled. Right now, I am voting for the control and trying to modify my behaviour AGAIN!!! Just my two cents on the tightness of a fill Mare

Oh Mal I am so sorry to hear about your long time Pal. Your pets are so special to us. I am glad to be home but having a little trouble getting into gear. The 19 hour drive home just wears me out. We got home yesterday, and forgot daylight savings time, so my husband went to work last night an hour early. Bummer! I overslept this am and need to be somewhere at 9:15am, but I am not moving or typing fast. I am open to RR any time just about. Can't wait to see everyone, wish we could include the gal who will be here on the 12th, too, but we kinda set this one up based on Lapdancer's schedule. Maybe we need to plan ahead so everyone can schedule there fills on the same day. Can't you just see Marilyn trying to schedule the RR group on one day. I was suppose to have a fill today, but I called and cancelled. I am still pretty tight. One thing I noticed, while in Mexico, was that when I am tense my band tightens to the point that I have trouble with water. What an experience. Bad situations mentally cause me to eat, but the band says "Oh no you don't, I am going to restrict you even further, so don't even try food for comfort." Lots to say, but no time. Nickanut where are you and how are you doing? Mare

Well, I got to use a friends computer down here in Mexico and just wanted to check in. The weather is perfect. Sleeping with all windows open and a slight breeze. Walked about 2 hours on the beach and maybe saw 10 people. What a delight. Yesterday we canoed in the esturary and today we took the kids to town. It is our daughter n laws first time out of the country. She is goggle eyed. I am eating well. My fill is still very tight, but I am getting use to it. Tried a shrimp tonight and cut it into micro size pieces, and it went well. I miss getting on the computer and seeing what is happening with everyone. You guys are the best support. Thanks Mare

I didn't have trouble with smells, but my taste buds were off for awhile. I have that problem every time I have anetheisa.

I had to pay $9500. Which included all doctor and hospital costs. Three months of follow-up are included but if Dr. K does your surgery, He only charges $15 for fills after that. I had surgery coverage, but the wait time with Kaiser was over a year. I am so glad I didn't wait. I would have had another 20 lbs to loose and I would have been another year older and sadder.

I am so glad that you are doing well Nicnacknut. I so enjoyed our time at Red Robin. Sorry you couldn't make it Mal, Dee and Woofray. Michelle, hope your time in Mexico is refreshing. Well it 2;30 AM and unfortunately, Im awake. Tuesday, I had a long long problem tooth go bad, an upper molar. Up all night. Used the meds left from Lapband surgery, didn't touch the pain. Spent all day Wed going to regular dentist, specialist to see if they could save it, and then having it removed. I had to drive to the Springs to get it taken out same day. What a mess. Why the specialist couldn't have deadened it before I had to drive to the springs by myself, is unknown. I even asked and they gave me a motrin. sure glad I have dental insurance, but hate to see my part when the bills roll in. Needless to say, getting ready for the drive to Mexico, is a wee bit behind schedule. This tooth thing is much harder than Lapband and more painful. I have company coming tonight, haven't gotten rooms ready etc. Good thing my wonderful husband is off today. My son said he would come over and help too. Gonna be a busy day. but I plan to nap too, These pain meds they gave me really make me feel tired, and just dull the pain. Enough whining from me Woofray, hope you find a new job soon, nothing worse than dreading to go to work everyday. It is hard enough to get in a routine again after being off, but to not like it, just compounds it. Tied 2 bfit, your time is fast approaching, hope your pre diet is going well. want2be meagain - you are so fun to be with. thanks for organizing the Red Robin thing, sure hope we can do it again. Tell your Mom, I would like to adopt her. Mal, was your son's friend OK?? Missed you at Red Robin. I will be off the computer til Nov 4. we don't even have phone service where we are going. Some friends to have a Mexican cell for emergency, but we have no tv etc. a little rugged but very nice. Best wishes to all Mare

Any one hear from Nicnaknut? How did her surgery go.

I hope this works, it is a great encourager. The Simple Truths of Appreciation Movie

Who's going to Red Robin tonight at 7pm????? Mare5569 - yes Tied2BFit - ????? Want2 bmeagain????? Nickaknut ??????? Mal - NO DynamoMini - NO Drews - No Woofray - No JUst not sure how to meet up? Marilyn

Dee, I am so excited that you got your date. and so soon!!!! You have a great journey ahead of you. Ok Lapdancer, where are you???? Hey, Mal, whats this scheduling something else on Monday, Red Robin won't be the same without you. I haven't heard any details if we are meeting on Monday and what time. Want2be are you in charge? You know dynamo just because you are leaving Tues doesn't mean you can't come Monday. We promise to get you home early. I am still pretty tight from my second fill. Water and liquids go down fine, so I am OK. Just feel the tightness more than I have before. It should start the weight loss again. Have a good Saturday Marilyn

I really enjoy our Red Robin meetings. I plan on being there Monday too. Lapdancer, when are you going to be in Denver, so we can plan Novembers get together then. I leave the 21st of October and will be back November 5th. We are going to Mexico, Puerto Penasco. I am really excited because we figured out how to get my son and his new wife down for three days. Air fare to Phoenix, round trip for two just $280. Wow you got to love it. Marilyn

Has anyone else gotten a second fill? I got mine on Monday the 8th. Lot easier knowing what to expect. I had it filled a little bit tighter, cause I was eating myself out of house and home. Well it is tight. Water and liquids go down as long as I sip. Other foods in miniscule bites and ~100 chews. Now I know I will start losing weight again. I might be a little uncomfortable for a week or so til I loose weight and it loosens up. Or at least that is my plan. Hope it works

Anyone going to be at Dr. K's this afternoon. I will be there about 2:30pm. for my second fill. I just had a bad pb so I hope that doesnt mess up my fill. I can probably make both dates for Red Robin. The fun of an empty nest. Michelle you said the Red Robin at Arapahoe and I-25 Correct. Also, a reponse about the med cost. I filled my prescriptions at costco for about $80. Marilyn

Hey Mal and dynamo- a page or so back want2be said she and someone else would be in Denver around the 15th for fills. Could we work red robin around so they can come. I can come either time. Marilyn

Lap Dancer and Littleroo1 - I loved your pictures, they were so relaxing to flip through. Didn't God make an incredible world. Lap Dancer - One thing you said that it is not easy to forgive someone who does not want forgiveness really strikes a note with me as I struggled with forgiveness forever. It really freed me when I realized that forgiveness is NOT necessarily reconciliation. Forgiveness is for you, so that you don't become bitter. You can forgive and not be friends again. Reconciliation happens when the other person admits their part in the problem and changes their behaviour, not just saying they are sorry. Just my two cents. I leave for Cailfornia to babysit my GRANDBOYS. They are 3 years and 18 months. So I will be tired and might not get much computer time. Marilyn

Sooverit - I couldn't get the insurance to pay. Very frustrating, However, there are several doctors in the US that have great reputations that are under $10000. You can fly for many fills on the difference in money.

Hey, this is Marilyn, Ive not been on the talk group for a couple of days and so much happens. First- I want to say how wonderful it was to meet everyone at Red Robin. What an incredible, supportive, beautiful group. Second - Travel expenses for medical treatment are deductible. Third- Yes, there are plenty of times (I'm a month out) that I wish I could have done this without the surgery. But---I couldn't. I am below 200 lbs for the first time in years!!!!! yes it still takes work, not a majic bullet--don't we all wish is was, but it is the first time in I can't remember when that doing something about what I eat is actually making a difference. For me to be full on half a burrito, to feel satisfied and not wanting to lick the plate is such a wonderful thing. There are still days when I have an extra protein bar etc and mess up. But, I don't eat 3-4 protein bars one right after another. Chewing and small bites is still taking practice and thinking at each meal. I had trouble with scrambled eggs last night because I was eating on automatic, instead of thinking. It was a painful reminder. We can do this together!! Fourth- If you go back and read some of my post from earlier, you'll find I asked Dr. K when going into surgery if it was too late to go home. You all rock!! Marilyn

Well I had my first fill yesterday. Everything went well, can't say it was no pain, but it was Ok. Dr. K doesn't routinely use the fluro, so my experience is different than those who have it done under fluro. It amazes me how different we all are in the amount of fills. He put in 1.5cc, tried even .1 more and it was too tight. First he locates the port with fingers and then used the sonogram to verify. Cleans the area well with Betadine. Then sticks the needle in to where he thinks the port is. A little jiggling around with the needle to make sure it is in the port. (That is not bad, but not comfortable). Then when he is sure he is in the port he adds an amount of saline to start. You then sit up with the needle still inserted and has you drink a small cup of Water. If you feel it, (the ole pressure in your chest) then he waits to see how long it takes for the feeling to go away. If too rapidly he adds a bit more until he thinks the timing between drinking and the pressure being released is about right. What I love is his direction to come back in a month, but earlier if it gets too loose or sooner if it is too tight. I really like his flexiblity. Now if I could only stop eating before I am uncomfortable. Can't seem to remember to not take the last two or three bites of something that tastes great until it is too late.:faint:I know I will learn, but ....... Marilyn

Red Robin??? Yes, I will be there at 7pm. Marilyn can't wait to meet you all.:biggrin1:

Well I got my fill. I was scared, but as usual Mary and Dr. K put me at ease. For those who have questions about how Dr. K does fills. I will give a little summary. First he locates the port with fingers and then used the sonogram to verify. Cleans the area well with Betadine. Then sticks the needle in to where he thinks the port is. A little giggling around with the needle to make sure it is in the port. (That is not bad, but not comfortable). Then when he is sure he is in the port he adds an amount of saline to start. You then sit up with the needle still inserted and has you drink a small cup of water. If you feel it, (the ole pressure in your chest) then he waits to see how long it takes for the feeling to go away. If too rapidly he adds a bit more until he thinks the timing between drinking and the pressure being released is about right. What I love is his direction to come back in a month, but earlier if it gets too loose or sooner if it is too tight. I really like his flexiblity. Marilyn who survived first fill, needlephobic and all.:eek::D