Klover Dad

Hey Arkie, Your welcome. I guess I could have been clearer in the begining. P.S. Doc's says It's hard too stay focused during the holiday(s) bombardment. So don't quit being a [weight]loser. Hee, hee, hee.

Thanks. Down five pounds already. Ye-e-e-ah!!

Hi fellow "Tens", No it's not that I lost all my weight. I lost control. Over the holidays and drank when I ate, burgers, fries, M&M's, you name it. Gained 23+ pounds. in about 5wks. It really looks awful on the weigt-lost-slope . I figure the first thing to do was 'fess-up and acknowledge my actions and start again. I scheduled for a fill feb 3rd. Until then it's Adkins and Protein shakes for me. What a tenacious monkey I have on my back. Well hope the rest of you guys are fairing better... if not just keep starting over. I mean I'm still down 19lbs from my all time high. P.S. The "bump" is on the line on my weigh loss graph. I'm charting every saturday my weight when up creating what looks a spike or bump on that line. I hope this clears it up for you.

Hello Everyone, I've been reading about those whom are experiencing a (for want of a better word) bump in their downward, weight loss, slope. I am/was glad to know, as usual, I'm not the only one. My bump weighed 6.4lbs. two weeks ago and through no great effort on my part is now four pounds lighter. I was, of course, a little 'freaked-out' about this but, when in doubt I read Lapbandtalk.com to see what my fellow shipmates are doing and chill-out. A kilo a week is about my norm so I believe I'm headed back down my gentle slope. I'm getting alot of daily "How much have you lost?" at work and it's getting a little tiresome... they're not necessarily supportive when I tell them; just curious. Despite me explaning (several times) don't expect me to shrink away overnight they ask, time and time again. Any ideas on a polite way of saying 'enough'. I been thinking of graphing out and posting my weight loss on the breakroom bulletin board cuz at a deeper level they/and my brain make me feel like, what's not being said is, "You've spent alot of money and, well, It's not much of a loss (now is it?)." At the same time I know it's only been two months, my weight loss is at a healthy rate, and IT WAS MY DAMN MONEY TO SPEND. ER-R-R-r-r-r Sorry about that. The thing about this is my Fluoro next Saturday (8th) and am tempted to get a fill, based on their expectations. Crazy, yeah, I know, but I'm asking for some help refocusing a little bit. For those of you out there in E-land who never write... please write your thoughts... the way you think about an issue might be the helpful answer someone else needs. Dylan

Hello my fellow Tens, I was banded on the 1st, in Acuna, Mexico, By Dr. Jose Rodriquez. Wow! What an experience. It all seemed to (and did) happen so fast. Briefly as I can tell you and still try to add some details. Sunday PM met with rep. in San Antonio (SA) for about an hour - wife and I both nurses so we sped through alot of the medical. Monday the first, 0545, van to Del Rio/Acuna. 0930 Arrive - Paperwork, Lab, CXR (chest X-Ray), and IV start by 1000. Brief visit by Drs. Rodiguez and Calderone for last minute questions etc. 1030 I had been given Valium (it was decided by Dr.R to take Mary first) and almost missed giving my wife a 'Good-luck' kiss and she was taken in to surg. within 30 seconds. The next thing I remember was -- (It's my turn already?) -- it was 1100. Before I had a chance to be nervous I was out like a light. After that, it was about 1300 (1:00PM) and Mary was waking me up for my first walk! A-a-r-GH!!! I had told myself not to be a weenie about it before going in and to just accept the discomfort. And... I did...every two hours for about 8hrs. Then slacked off a bit, during the night, to about every 3-4hrs until we left the next AM about 0930. Folks I hate to say it but, YOU gotta walk. It got easier and easier each time; going from the crumpled-old-man walk to 'mostly' up right in less than 24hrs. Breakfast was hot camamile tea followed by a little box of A.J. The van was/is uncomfortable and the ride back back seemed slow at 70MPH most of the way (one manditory walk at the half-way point x's15mins). Now the good news I now can breathe deep, laugh and burb without discomfort. Minimal discomfort when I drink a little too fast (already LEARNING my band). I think the torso hairs, that I Nair'd off last saturday, are getting the majority of my attention now... E-r-r-r. Weight loss, you ask? Pre-op 340.0, tues 335.8, weds 335.0, thurs 334.4, and today 331.3. Yes, I am eating. Occational hunger on the liquid diet but not too bad. O.K. my daughter just arrived for a visit. Good luck to everybody still waiting to band later this month. Talk with ya'll later. Dylan P.S.'s I asked the doctor how long it actually took once in OR - Mary approx. 12 mins and me 15 mins (This is from scaple to suture.). Also they rotate/turn you on your right side about 30 degrees from flat, to help keep your liver out of the way. As a consequence, most patients feel gas discomfort in the upper left chest/shoulder area (This took the longest to leave/resolve despite me trying to sleep 30-90 degrees on my left--thinking if the gas has to migrate back(up) across my body it will have to thin out a little and thus - yes, I said thus - dissolve easier.). Crammed alot into that sentence didn't I? Whew!!! Lastly, I always weigh naked, after I pee, in the AM, usually every saturday. Today 10/6 - 330.2 yea-a-a-a!

I band on the first and have the usual anxiety I get when I do anything for the first time (repelling down a cliff, giving an injection, learning to drive on the the interstate in/thru Houston, Yikes!!!). But, I did manage to get through it and now can look back and wonder what all the stress was about (O.K. Houston is still a little hairy - LOL). So despite my current jitters I'm sure I'll add this experience to the 'Been there done that' list sooner or later. P.S. I'm not real computer savvy so I'm hoping this ends up on the October 07 Bandsters site....... if not could somebody help get it there ? Thanks. Dylan

Hi Jane, My wife and I get banded Oct.1st. I have the exact feelings, anxiety, and questions about taking the leap that you did. But for me, the bottom line is 'Nothing else has worked.' I need something physical to SAY NO to excessive portions (or face unpleasant consequences). This grounds me. Some people need canes, etc., to go about their lives and I need a band...my wife... and you guys. P.S. D.O.B. May '56

Hi Fence sitter, Have you thought of a simple PRO's vs CON's list? Change vs No change. I've had to face facts: All my losses have made a bigger me. I believe I need a physical device implanted, to help me get a grip on my focus on food. I'm in the medical field and know the things one could do. But I can't... I need the 'WHOA' to be out of my control.... out of my ability to override common sense. I band Oct 1st and am telling myself now that it's just the CHOICE OF THE AMOUNT is all I'm really giving up. Dylan

The rocks at the bottom will crumble to dust and for you a new life will bloom up. Taller, with pride, and more beautiful with a sunny smile. I'm glad you have a warm buddy to share with. Please remember us E (mail) buddies, too. We'll want updates. Good luck. Dylan

I would encourage you to do whatever is financialy/physically feasible (and legal) to get this procedure as soon as possible. A healthier, lighter, you, will give you opportunies you only dream about now. Dump BCBS - they don't care about YOU.! The best I've heard of is 20% (AFTER you jump through a bunch of hoops and pass a multitude of demeaning roadblocks!).Time we stood up to these short sighted insurance people, whom seem to prefer paying 80% for weight related problems than keeping us, healthier, longer living, premium payers. I just don't get it!? I wish I were wiser, in business maters, and had some money to help my fellow/future 'Banders'. There are just too many of us for some kind of 'credit union-like' loan company not to work. Every time you bent over and tied your own shoe; you'd thank-the-bank...wouldn't you? Sorry, I got off on a tangent and ranted a little bit.... but ALL of you know what I mean. Best of luck, A'Lady, Dylan

Thanks Edie, Bad Girl, and Jaque, I'm predicting my biggest obsticle(s) will be euphoric memories of large portions of tasty (again, fill in the blank). My plan to counter these thoughts is to jump on a bike and ride around the block or mow an acre, ya'know get away from food sources... at least until I start seeing the results on the scale. If it's raining or cold; I'll try to lose myself in this web site. Or see what Klover Mom is doing.....:eyebrows:. Thanks again for your welcome notes. Dylan

Hi, Our will be $7000 a piece ($500 down) plus the travel to and from San Antonio. Our insurance stinks too. It'd take us about a year of jumping though hoops (multiple MD office visits, exercise programs, etc.,etc.) to prove we REALLY needed assistance. Good luck in your efforts. Dylan