ShelbiCallie

Hi Everyone! Happy New Year! 2008 is going to be the best year ever for all of us. I'm still around, reading mostly, but wishing you all well and cheering you along. LA -- I had similar second guesses about the $ and possible complications. This is a total leap of faith, in all honesty. If I could lose weight any other way and kept it off, I would have done that in a heart beat. But with my history, I knew that wasn't going to happen and I was heading down the path to obesity complications without surgery. I had to be honest with myself and ended up accepting the very small risk of surgical complications instead of the very real facts of diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, arthritis, etc. I think I made the safest choice with surgery. Hope this helps. In terms of money, if I did end up with a surgical problem, which I haven't so far knock on wood and don't anticipate at this point -- I'm screwed; there's no extra $ here. But, ya know, whatever -- there's always something -- why not me??) Anita -- I'm sorry about the virus and hope everyone's feeling better! Mal & Dynamo -- you're committment to exercise is inspiring ! Keep it up! Take care and have a good week everyone!

Long time, no post! I wanted to pop in and let you know I'm thinking of you all, both the veterans and the newbies. I just sent Dr. K an email requesting that his map on the website be updated -- there are 0 listed from NC! I know of Skyblue, Tarheeluv and myself -- Carolina Girls represent My son's having some school issues right now, but we're working on it. Prayers and/or postive thoughts are appreciated. Merry Christmas to all of you and thanks again for sharing your journeys with me -- you've helped me more than you'll ever realize and I'm sorry that I haven't been around as much to show my support to you recently. But 2008 will be a much better year for us all!! __________________

Hey Brandy, Tarheel, Miss Mona -- Welcome to the banded side! Glad your son is out of the hospital, Michelle. You guys have fun at RR tonight and post pictures for the wannabes, please! I am swamped with work (we're production based and it's the end of the year; goes without saying), but I'm still reading and sending out positive thoughts, etc. You guys make my day! Send some snow and cold weather this way -- it was 78 degrees here yesterday. It so totally sucks for Christmas!

Michelle, I hope your son is doing better. Bless his heart. This is a stab in the dark and I didn't want to alarm you or anything, but wanted to share some info. I talk frequently with parents of teens/young adults who have mild CF and only present with digestive problems, not respiratory problems, and are sometimes not diagnosed until very late because they don't have classic CF symptoms. A mild CF gene mutation (mild or no respiratory symptoms) can increase the risk of pancreatitis by about 50% and is sometimes the culprit behind chronic pancreatitis when there's no know origin. Here's a link to an article. CCFF: about cystic fibrosis: chronic pancreatitis I hope you get some answers soon. Positive thoughts going out to you and your son. Karen

Taynuh -- Thanks again for the pix of your sweeties! Want2B -- I'm Karen (like billions of other women my age! I am my parents 6th girl, so by the time they got to me they had run out of creativity). Shelbi and Callie (guess I have no creativity either. calico cat = callie) are our cats; Barkley is our dog. I'm doing well! I am developing some bad bandgirl habits that I'm trying to get a handle on (Still eating too fast and getting the slimy golf ball -- then make myself PB (puke/barf). I have got to slow down and try harder. I find myself going for the soft foods so that I can still eat faster, bigger, more bites. I've got to make better choices about this!!) Good Saturday, everyone!

Munchkin -- Good to hear from you! Tina -- Wanted to add -- you're looking good!!! I can really see the your band progress, comparing avatar to new picture. Keep it up, momma! Everyone --Have a great Saturday. I'm working overtime for some extra $ today. Boo, hiss! for today, but yippee for the extra come pay day (which will be a few cents after Uncle Sam pays himself. Another boo, hiss!)

They are adorable, so sweet! Gorgeous babies both. Ya'll look so happy and I'm happy for you!! Thanks for sharing Tina!

Munchkin -- You did it!!!!! Congratulations!! Tina -- So glad to hear you're back with Tanner! Welcome home, little man! How bout a picture when you get a chance (I realize with 2 kiddos under age 3 now, your chances are few and far between!) All of those teeth at 9 months -- sounds like he's ahead of the game. Doesn't early teether ususally mean early walker? Watch out! Sleeps all night -- good little fella. I LOVE to watch a baby sleep -- so snuggly and peaceful and sweet. Enjoy! Dee -- You. Are. The. Best. What you did for Munch is just awesome. And congratulations on your new surgery date! Tarheel -- Less than one week left -- so cool!! Mona -- Congrats on losing 20 pounds already! Excellent!! Welcome Annette -- I'm not 6 months out yet, so I can't help you there, but I wanted to say hi.:welcome: Everyone -- Happy, healthy Thursday!

:clap2: Munchkin -- You did it!!!!! Congratulations!! :clap2:Tina -- So glad to hear you're back with Tanner! Welcome home, little man! How bout a picture when you get a chance (I realize with 2 kiddos under age 3 now, your chances are few and far between!) All of those teeth at 9 months -- sounds like he's ahead of the game. Doesn't early teether ususally mean early walker? Watch out! Sleeps all night -- good little fella. I LOVE to watch a baby sleep -- so snuggly and peaceful and sweet. Enjoy!

Dee -- That's great that you and Munchkin are able to connect!! Wishing you both well!

"The secrets we keep, keep us from the health we deserve.....Secrets keep us sick." Very powerful words....hits home...thanks, Lap, for making me think. Keep it comin'.

Dee, Good to see you posting -- I've been thinking of you! I don't know if Munchkin ever mentioned which surgery center. I hope she's doing ok and will post soon. I've got a strong feeling that she'll deal with just about anything that comes her way without too much problem -- She's an ICU nurse/paramedic, with a cast, her first surgery was cancelled, her flight was cancelled, she's guttsy enough to come to CO alone and with a smile -- I mean, day-um!, I'd say she's one strong-willed, self-reliant woman!!!! She rocks!!

Hi Marilyn I ended up not having fluro with either fill. Dr. Ahigian uses the fluro Carolinas Medical Center-Lincoln in Lincolnton NC as needed, but he didn't feel that it was necessary with my fills. My fills have been a breeze -- painless. I had my fills done in his office in Denver, NC. You could call his office and find out what he would prefer for you (704) 483-2200 or call Fill Centers USA. Good luck with your journey!

Hi Want2B & Everyone -- I've been sick and gorked out on cold medicine for the last several days. Been thinking about you all, but just couldn't get it together to post. Munchkin -- Sending you smooth sailing vibes for surgery! Can't wait to hear your surgery story. Brandy -- I saw this recipe on NC OH board and thought it sounded really good and easy and very low carb. So I stole it. Maybe this will give you a little variety in the pre-op stage. SPINACH BEEF BAKE 1 pound ground beef -extra lean 1/2 cup onion 1 egg, beaten 10 ounce package frozen spinach, thawed and drained 4 ounce can mushrooms, drained 4 ounces mozzarella cheese 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, 1 ounce 1 teaspoon garlic powder Salt and pepper, to taste 1tablespoons butter, melted-- used Smart Balance Margarine and it tasted great. Brown the ground beef with the onion; drain the fat. Mix all of the ingredients, except the butter, in large casserole. Drizzle with melted butter. Bake, uncovered, at 375º 25-30 minutes. Makes 4-6 servings Taynuh-- If you're reading this, give us a Tanner update!!!! More later. Everyone stay well!!

Hi Sundance, First appointment was $299. Fill appointments thereafter without fluro are $155. Dr. Ahigian uses the fluro equipment at the local hospital and I think the additional charge is around $330 as best I recall, but I'm not positive -- I can't find my notes where I wrote it down. The best thing to do is to call FillCentersUSA and they can give you the exact amount. I've had 2 fills now with Dr. Ahigian without fluro and haven't had any problems and no pain -- but I think my port is fairly palpatable. I like Dr. Ahigian -- he's a straightforward kind of person, very open and unpretentious. Good luck in your journey... Karen

Dee, I am so sorry. I don't know what to say. This just sucks big time. I am angry and mad, too, about this for you. You are so good-hearted and supportive and kind -- you deserve the opportunity to be healthy, dang it. I am not giving up hope yet; please don't you give up either!!! Big hugs, friend, I'm crying with ya.

Dee!!! After all that, I need a drink! I can only imagine how YOU are feeling. Hey, since you work there, can you talk to the business office or whatever and see if they'll let you do some kind of pay roll deduction? That's quite a chunk of change to come up with in one shot otherwise, I would think! Munchkin! I saw on the other Dr. K thread that you are in a cast!! Are you still planning on making a solo trip to CO?? Let me put on my Mother Hen hat for a second -- I am worried; how you are going to get yourself and your bag around in the airport with a cast and Dr. K's 5 pound post-op lifting restrictions? Or, is someone coming with you now?

Dee -- I'll be thinking of you tomorrow! (You are in good hands -- no worries!) Gurly Girl -- Hope your first fill is a breeze (I'm sure it will be!) Mare -- Take good care of that hurting inner child~~ she means alot to the folks here. Hugs, friend.

Hey Munchkin -- You'll be in Denver next week this time! WOW! I know you're getting excited~~ please post an update while you're there to let us know how you're doing!

Just a quick pop in to say hi and welcome new people! And it's good to hear from you again, Rosey!

:rofl::eek: That's a first! Too funny, Missmona!! Hang in there -- Dec. 13th will be here before you know it!

He requires low carb; Paula will give you lots of details. Dr. K's words to me were "no rice, pasta, bread or potatoes -- not so much as a cracker". Have a great day, Karen

Dee -- If I had been there I would have given you a big hug! But I had my fill here in NC. Tears of joy are a beautiful thing -- this is a very exciting and life-changing experience and you are right in the middle of it. Have Natalee to remind Dr. K to take a photo of your band while he's in there. He made one of mine for me -- I had always planned to post it here, but of course, haven't done that yet! I can't wait to hear your surgery story. Just think -- next year this time, you'll have turkey with no edema! 2008 is going to be such an awesome, healthy year! All these new babies coming into the lives of the people on this thread; things happen for a reason -- getting banded, getting healthy, getting ready to keep up with a little one!! A new life for two~ so to speak. Happy Tuesday! A new day for each of us ~~ let's make it the best. Thinking of you today.

Hey Gurly -- it's good to see you around! How have you been? Your first fill is this week, right? Dee -- Dr. K will take one look at those ankles and KNOW it's fluid gain and not that you didn't stick to the diet. Hopefully getting off your feet and maybe a little Lasix will resolve it. I'm sending positive thoughts that you'll flush that fluid out quickly. I had my second fill today. I thought that my first fill was 1.5 but it was actually 3! So we added another 1.6 for a total of 4.6. I am SO hoping this will give me some control. I'm taking liquids well for now.

Hi MissMona -- Paula is Dr. K's nutritionist. She does a pre-op nutrition consultation to go over the pre-op and post-op diet. I had a telephone appointment that was scheduled. Perhaps she trying to schedule with you? Her information is great and I found the session very helpful. I hope you two will connect soon. Have a great week, Karen.