Darragha

Wow, Karenb Against all odds, huh? Congrats and all my best wishes for good health and a remarkable outcome. Darr

Rupert Boneham (Survivor) is very attractive and he's slightly overweight. "Hurley" on LOST is a big boy and I wouldn't kick him outta bed, yanno? Hardbodies and perfection are great for some folks--but I want personality. Mama always told me to go for the "frogs" 'cause they'd spend more time looking at you, than themselves in a mirror. Darr :confused: PS My DH is 6'4", 280lbs. I love every inch of him!

Agreed. Retired paralegal here. I recall hearing, more than once, around the firm, that just because you have a poor result from a surgery does not necessarily mean it is malpractice. To "sue" someone you need to have measurable damages. Damages that can be proven (wage loss, medical bills, therapist bills from emotional stress, etc.). I loathe the legal system. It is not a system of justice. But that rant goes in another post, on another day. Go get a scope and puke blood in front of your doctor so that he'll "wake up" to your needs. (Okay...no puking...but you know what I mean). Darr

I recall after I had a c-section that I had terrible pain in the area of my big belly where the skin was lifted and opened like a box lid. It hurt for weeks in that one spot, and 15 years later, if I move the wrong way, I still feel a "painful pull." Ligaments, tissues, muscle--all of it gets moved around and bruised during surgeries. It takes time to heal--and then like my funky "phantom pain" it may never really goes away. That's surgery.

I posted my schedule on my publisher's forum (in the authors only section) so that folks would know what was going on with me. Generally speaking, the support I'm receiving from my family, friends and comrades is very encouraging. I did receive one reply from another author who expressed reasonable concerns because of her sister's problems with a gastric bypass. Yanno what: In replying to her, I figured out why I am so excited about having the lap band surgery, and I had to run over here and share with you. I am leaving an unhealthy relationship behind and am on the brink of having a wild, passionate affair with someone/thing I've been neglecting: my own body. This is one of the best decisions I've ever made. Thank you for allowing me to wax poetic. Darr

There are "fill" nurses in Arlington, WA. I have a friend who was banded in Monterrey and she's having her fills in Arlington. I'm going to be banded at NWWLS and will receive my fills in Bellingham. I doubt there's mudslinging. It's probably a matter of which way they want the money flowing, huh?

I dunno. I was advised not to share my penchant for covering myself in green Jel-O and running nekkid down my block. :omg: Other than that, if asked, I am going to tell the truth. I don't know. I work, I write, I have a husband, daughter, horse, dog, cat and two pet white rats. I have 3 books to write, one to finish and I'm waiting on my day with the cover artist for another. I think I'll have to say, "I'm busy. But I'll find time to walk and/or go to the pool instead of eating a loaf of bread." I sometimes wonder if I'll get turned down for the surgery. However, why would they not take my money? I am more afraid of them saying, "no" to me than I am of passing the psych eval. Jeez...I'm 348lbs. I'm a private payer. They'd have no reason to turn me down! Fear...fear...ain't worth the time.

Hi Why are some surgeries performed in hospitals and others in clinics? Some banders are kept overnight, others go home the same day. I'm having my surgery at NWWLS (Dr. Montgomery) and I'm supposed to get to go home the same day unless I need "more care." A friend of mine had her surgery in April in Monterrey and stayed overnight in a hospital. It's the same surgery from place to place. Out patient surgical center or hospital...it's the same surgery. Why not do all the surgeries in the hospital? I suppose it has to do with the technology available at area facilities? Yes? And Is tomato Soup considered a liquid a semi-mushy or a mushy? Thanks! Darr

Me, too! Consult is next week! Welcome to this lovely place! It is full of helpful information for us newbies.

Do we all get intubated? Darr

Buying clothing off a rack is a dream of mine. Thank you for sharing! Darr

Well, said Mr. Gadget. Darr

I wore them proudly and kicked his sorry rear end out the door He later went to treatment. And failed. Then beat up his current girlfriend. When he got out of jail, she beat him up. By then, I was with my current husband (18 years!) Darr

Hi RubyJade From what I've read: don't drink when you eat. Huh? That's simple enough. Next: MAJOR HELLACIOUS, WILD MEN DANCING IN THE STREET CONGRATS on your weight loss. Holy smut, woman! I'm starting out right about where you were. And I don't live far from you. Darr

A long time ago, when I was young and dumb, I married a man, who when presented with this choice, "It's either you go to treatment or we get a divorce. What's it gonna be? Marijuana or me?" He chose marijuana. It's not easy to share your life with someone when there's a third party hanging around. Addiction makes a poor bed partner. Side note: I'm glad I'm not married to him! It's been 20 years since we split up! It's easier to stay stoned than deal with marriage troubles. It's easier to get numb (because the titillation ends at some point and you just want and need more more more) looking at internet porn than it is make love to another person. Sharing yourself is hard! Porno is a destroyer of the beauty of conjugal bliss.

<p> </p> <p> </p> <p>You go girl!</p> <p> </p> <p>And here's the thing: if your boyfriend with his ready male parts gets up and away from the computer or tv screen and rocks your world, he's not addicted. It's when you can parade around nekkid promising to participate in acts forbidden in 26 states, and he continues to look at close ups of Jenna Talia, that addiction is rearing its ugly head.</p>

There's an Enterprise poster with a Star Trek avatar. She's posted in this thread a couple of times. I lurrrrveeee Star Trek. Since I write fiction, I mostly read non-fiction for enjoyment. I read romance ebooks to support the industry and non-fiction to amuse myself. I'm reading "Eat, Pray, Love" right now. Such a wonderful book. I just don't want to offend anyone by blatantly stating: Hey! I write smut! I know about love and loving and dammit, you should, too! Darr

I've only been on a self-imposed pre-op diet for two days. Extremely low carb. Lots of water, protein and two "shakes" a day. Grilled chicken and salad or a ground lamb patty and about a cup of chopped up fruit have been my "main meals" so far. I've had way, way, way less bread than I normally eat. And it's high fiber, high protein, "straw-like" bread that needs to be toasted. Three slices in three days. Man--I was a 4 slice a day girl forever. No wonder I'm overweight! I have been peeing my life away! I might as well sling a toilet on my back and tote it around with me, 'cause all I do is make water! I smell funny, too. I know that that is: it's ketosis--the "magic" phase of low carb dieting. But here's the proof that what I'm doing is making me "shrink" at least around my face: I looked at myself in the mirror this morning and damn...I wasn't as puffy. My complexion is clear and I had a healthy glow that I have not seen in months. Oh, dear...maybe it's because I haven't been eating milkshakes from Cruisin Coffee every day! I am determined to be at least 10lbs lighter at my consult on 8/9. I think I'm going to make it! Happy me! Darr

From what I'm reading on this site, it is a bit of a miracle. I've never seen so many people lose so much weight, keep it off, and live happier, healthier lives. It is inspiring. Darr

1) I am a huge (no pun intended) Star Trek fan, too. My husband and I gave each other the Vulcan Salute when we married. 2) I've been married to my (for lack of a better phrase) soul-mate for 18 years on August 11th. We enjoy an active and loving relationship. He doesn't keep his hands off me now--and he's already talking about "elevator" sex when I've lost weight. Oy vey. I refer to my husband as my "crash test dummy" sometimes. Oh, honey! Will this work? Now, hold that position...I need to capture it in my mind and translate it onto paper! 3) I write romance novels. I write steamy, spicy, happily-ever-after and even a few happy-for-now novels. I once received an email from a reader saying that reading my book aloud as a couple was the best foreplay they'd had in years. Cough! I have older relatives who call me the "Porno Queen." Grrrr. I do not write porno. I do write bodice-rippers and crotch-burners, but there's a huge difference between romance novels and interent porn! HUGE! I have some very strong opinions about porno addiction, to wit: It broke up my cousin's 17 year marriage. It removes a level of intimacy in marriage (or bonded couples), and leaves them both unsatisfied. It desensitizes and anesthetizes. It can be a gateway drug to a seemy, smarmy underbelly of images that are both illegal and immoral--not just sexually titilating. It is a serious addiction. If you know someone with an addiction, talk to them about getting help. Alcohol, drugs, gambling, whatever. Pray, talk, point them in a direction where they can learn to overcome their addictions and regain their lives. I truly want all women to know love; to know the joys of intimacy and even if it's achieved alone, the release of climax. If, for any reason, you are not finding satisfaction in your life with your partner, please discuss it, pray on it, go seek medical advice. Loving relations are too wonderful to dismiss! I don't usually discuss this kind of thing on forums, so if I've offended anyone, I apologize. Darr

I'm telling those on a "need to know basis" only. I can't wait for six-seven months to pass and have people do "double-takes." When did Darragha gain a chin instead of one continuous neck? Is that Darragha? Holy &*^@! Oh, babies...I can't wait. Less than a week to my consult! Darr

I agree. I'm sorry for anyone's troubles with the band, but really glad this group jumps in and points out how to eleviate said problems. Darr

I *should* be having my band done by Dr. Montgomery in early September. My consult is 8/9. I am totally jazzed--especially after reading so many of your posts. I don't think I'll need a sleep study, because I don't have sleep apnea. If I don't wear green Jel-O as a hat will I pass my psych eval on 8/8? Darr

Looking at what I've eaten so far today: A Slimfast Optima shake. This has 25 carbs. Coffee w/ half&half (but way less than I usually drink) 1 cup of veggies w/ chicken 1 Activa yogurt 1 Protein water (oooo...I like these!) 1 cup of egg drop soup w/ 1 tbsp of mixed veggies in it 1 Atkins shake (low carb) This has been my breakfast, snack and lunch. For dinner I'm having a home-cooked organic beef patty on 1 slice of high fiber bread and a wedge of ice-berg lettuce with 2 tbsp of blue cheese dressing. I have lots of onions from my garden, too-- so I might cook my patty in home-grown little purple onion bits. I have two water bottles to finish this afternoon and will drink at least one more tonight. I've done nothing but piddle all day long. I'm trying to follow a low-cal, low-carb diet to get that liver shrinkage in. My daughter took a photo of me standing on a postal scale on 7/31, then took a photo of the weight read out. I'm going to start posting these photos and blog about my journey in the near future. I'm going to take the photos to my consult, too. "Hi, I weighed 348lbs on 7/31. I've worked my rear-end off and have lost XXlbs by today. Let's schedule my surgery! I'm working the program!" Darr

OMGoodness... I am hungry. I have a headache. I want to curl up like my kitty does and take a nap. The pre-op diet is a bit of an adjustment, huh? I'm assuming the hunger and fatigue pass after a few days. Right? I am starting the pre-op diet sooner than directed. I GAINED weight during June and July--14lbs. If I get a jump start on the necessary pre-surgery weight loss now, I'll be ahead of the game. I'm feeling my liver shrinking as I type. Thanks, Darr