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I have a confirmed family history of Malignant Hyperthermia. It's a sensitivity to certain anesthetic agents. If I received this agent, I would die. The anesthesiologist wasn't comfortable doing my surgery in a surgicenter. BUT he didn't bother to read my chart and find this out until after I had my IV in and was ready to go to the OR. Then they kept the IV in for a while hoping to move me upstairs to the main OR but then we found out that only Dr K had privileges for the Main OR. I had the surgery scheduled for the following Monday (the original date was 11/29) but it was canceled that date, then rescheduled for 1/7 and finally rescheduled for the 29th of January because we wanted to make sure everything was ready to roll. I spoke with Dr. K's office this week and everything will be happening on the 29th! I'm starting to get excited now! I had been holding my emotions in check because I was afraid of being disappointed again. You know how much it took to plan for your surgery. Thank God, I still have everything ready! dee~

LA, You're smart! I heard that there are tickets from ABQ to Denver for $49.00. That's a great price! I lost 16 lbs with my first pre-op diet! It seemed like the weight just melted off me. I was so surprised even tho I'd been on the South Beach diet previously. I usually don't have problems losing weight, it's the keeping it off that is so difficult! Have you eaten any fruit on your pre-op? That was one thing I craved like crazy!!!

Wow LA! That's great! You're doing great! How long have you been on the pre-op, I think I remember you saying that you started a little early. I'm starting mine next Tuesday. When do you leave to come up north? Are you driving or flying? Poor Mona had quite the drive up! Take care Dear! dee~

Michelle, I am so sorry to hear about your son having problems again! How frustrating for him and for you. I hope they can figure this out and get him some help and recovery. It's so difficult when our kids are ill. I can't imagine what you're going through. Please try to get some sleep tonight and take care of yourself. I'm going to be sending good thoughts your way. Let us know how things go. Hugs, dee~

Anita! That would be great! A job with the school system is the best for someone with school-aged kids. When my daughter was in elementary school, I was the school nurse. I loved it! AND I went on every out of town class trip. We went all over the country with these elementary aged kids. Space Camp was a riot! Chicken pox AND pink eye!!! "But Mrs. S, I'm allergic to pink eye!" "Just get in the bus, Hannah! No one is allergic to pink eye." Then top off the week with a real allergic reaction -- and an epi injection on the way to the ER. Fun Fun Fun! Working at the schools can be the best!:wink:

"Yup, and we like you, we really like you!" (remember when Sally Field won that award and she said that? "They like me they really like me.")

finally you ventured over here John! I'm glad to see you -- and I'm glad you accepted my first invite to Red Robin -- see, I told you they were nice!!!:wink:

I should I should! One time when I was working at Littleton's NICU. They wanted to take pics of the nurses to put them on the wall. I hated the thought of my ugly face being on a public wall in the hospital with my name attached! What a way to make people go elsewhere for their care! ANYWAY, they had this photographer come to take the pics. When I got in the room, I stood where everyone else did and then I said, "you might want to back up a little" She hadn't looked in her camera yet and she said, "no! not at all" then she looked in her camera and she couldn't back up far enough to get me in the viewfinder. Yikes! I laughed at the time and then cried later! The same thing happened when I had to get my badge pic in ABQ at the hospital the camera was mounted on this desk and they had to get the screw driver to unmount the camera to take my picture -- so that it was more than just my nose! Lydia likes the music group Big Head Todd... how about -- "Big Head Dee" -- my first major in college was "music performance" then my parents got wind of it and made me change! Party pooopers! I could have been, "Big Head Dee" performing nightly at the Grizzly Rose! See ya Girl!

shhh, don't tell a soul, but I figured out the secret for looking 'okay' in these Red Robin pictures -- you have to stand as far away from the camera as possible.... like Kansas. BUT since Kansas isn't possible, I am satisfied with the back of the group. thanks Lovely Mal for posting the pic!!!! You're the best!

Thanks for a fun evening Peeps! You all are so cute! You made me laugh and I haven't laughed like that in a while. I loved seeing you all again, the hugs, the conversation and the stories were just what I needed. Lydia, it was so nice to meet you. Nice seeing you again John. Marilyn -- hope things go well with your new unfil. Let us know how you're doing. Mal -- thanks for bringing your pics and for the idea of the journal. I'm going to start one, I think that's a great idea! Anita -- loved sitting next to you! You're a sweety! Michelle -- things for always taking the time to plan these little events, you're the best! Next time I see you guys, I'll be banded! On my way to a new and improved version of the Ole Dee! The time we spend together is so valuable to me, I appreciate the fact that you take the time to spend your evening @ Red Robins --together, supporting each other through this journey. Hugs and Kisses! dee~:clap2:

Sunshine! I'm so sorry for your pain. I haven't been banded yet, so I can't tell you why or what, but I wanted to tell you Congrats on your surgery! I hope the pain subsides and you'll feel better soon! Do pain meds help? Hugs! Brandy! Would you be interested in doing the Susan G. Koman Walk for the Cure? And forgive me if I'm wrong, but don't you live in Brighton? If you can ever make it to Red Robins, we'd love to meet you. I know it's a long drive, I used to live up there! see ya, dee~

Anita! Congrats on those smaller clothes! I love it! I had to buy a 4xl scrub pants to replace my 5 xl's and my daughter was folding the laundry the other day and she came running in the bedroom, "Moma (that's what she calls me) you're wearing a smaller size?" She was beaming! What a great NSV -- having your child beam with pride! Damn, I love that girl!! Heather is right, Lane Bryants does run small. I think, anyway. I also have much smaller clothes calling my name. I have a smaller pair of jeans that I bought when I first planned my surgery. I have them hanging in the front of the closet where I see them everyday. Also a tinier Babydoll blouse! I can't wait to wear them! Yeah!!! Heather, I hope your doggie is there! I still feel so bad about not getting our "Barry" -- he was such a dollbaby and he would have added so much joy to our lives. I pray that he went to a good home. If your husband divorces you because of the doggie, just get in your car and drive west and then south! I'll be waiting! Just think you can get your fills from Dr. K! Mal, Great story! have you heard of suspenders? I had to buy some for my scrubs before I finally got a smaller size. I had a hard time finding a pair. I would ask the very young clerk @ Target or Wal-mart and they looked at me like I had two heads! Yes, my head is freakishly large and the size of two normally sized heads, BUT suspenders are not that odd of a clothing item! Did you know that the human head (normal size, not mine) weighs about 8 lbs? I've lost just over one human head. How many human heads have you lost? (frequently at work, I lose my own!) Can't wait to see all of your pretty pretty faces tonight!!! Hugs, dee~ Oh! I forgot, my goal Mal is to do the Susan G Koman walk this year! We should have a Lap Band group do it together. I'll be walking in honor of my Grandma Juanita. She died when she was 61 y/o of Breast CA with Met. I was a freshman in HS. She was the sweetest Grandma, the type who'd get on the floor with the kids and play games. Anita, she loved Christmas music (and Josh is always acceptable! -- I got that one for my daugther in her stocking) and listened to it year round -- she also had a Christmas tree in every room! Don't you love those kinds of Grandmas?

Lap!!! You're doing great with that band! I haven't seen the 2's on my scale for a long time! I can't wait!!! Michelle - I'll be at RR - I invited John, but he's oncall for work so he might not make it. Mal, Anita, Marilyn - Ladies, I'm going to need big time encouragement! I'm starting to get stressed AND having my fears that this thing isn't going to happen for me! I need to make some calls and see where everything stands! My schedule at work has been altered and if I need to go back on it again, they are going to kill me! :omg:Esp. this one nurse who has changed her life to pic up some of my hours! I'm afraid of her! She could easily kick my butt! If I have to change my hours again, I'm going to have to hide!:help: Aren't you all glad the holidays are over? I am! I really hate Christmas music! Nowadays it starts the day after halloween! ARGH! See you at Red Robins!:hungry: Love, dee~

Happy Happy Happy Birthday Michelle!!! If I had known, I'd a baked you a cake! (and then eaten it for you too!) :happybday2:

I just read this and thought you'd find it interesting! January 6, 2008 FRom "The AGE" - Fairfax, Australia Jason Dowling OBESE people as young as 14 would get free weight-reduction surgery under a radical Australian Medical Association proposal to tackle the obesity crisis. The Opposition and health groups have backed the scheme for publicly funded weight loss surgery, which was proposed by the association in a submission to the State Government. The most common weight-reduction operation is lap-band surgery, in which a band is placed around the stomach to constrict it and reduce hunger. Entire article: http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/free-surgery-plan-to- fight-obesity/2008/01/05/1198950131112.html?s_cid=rss_news

Michelle, You're right! We can't beat ourselves up so much but lately it's been horrible with me. Perhaps it's because I'm PMS'g (good excuse!) but it's like I could eat a horse and still be hungry! Has anyone tried horse grilled on a George Foreman grill? I always will, should always, try to always, put my bad food in the sink and pour water on it! I've never gotten food out of the trash (unlike George Constanza) but something about putting it in the sink and pouring water on it makes it so much less appetizing! Thanks Mal! I need to support Girl! Can't wait to see you at RR! Tina, I will accept your mantra! It's not IF but when! Are you enjoying those babies? They laugh at me at work because I just love babies! Sometimes I go on and on about how cute one is -- I'm sure they want to push me out the window! Mona, how are you feeling? Have things gotten better? LA, I wanted to address your question on vomiting. Vomiting is more a symptom of an illness. A person doesn't have to vomit unless it's a case of food poisoning and then I'm not sure what would happen if you couldn't. Perhaps it would go out the other direction. OR you would just vomit. Vomiting from the lower pouch would be a problem. To answer your question, using an antiemetic is the best thing to do. Mare was on the right track when she used the suppositories from the surgery. Mare, are you doing okay now? Are you going to join us at RR? I've been exercising about 30 mins a day! Stop before you think, "wow! that's great!" It is, but it is in 10 min intervals. I don't have the stamina to ride my recumbent bike for more than 10 or 12 mins at a time. Too fat! BUT I can do 3-10 min sessions. My friend's Mom who was in her late 70's when she did this, came to visit my friend and she started riding her recumbent bike every morning. She could only ride it for 3 mins the first day, but by the end of the 6 wk visit, she was up to 45 mins! She's my hero! What a gal! That's my goal to work myself up to longer and longer times. Bless her heart, she passed away at Thanksgiving this year, but what a sweet sweet woman! And I will always use her as my inspiration that anything is possible for anyone! Hugs! dee~ Damn PMS! Now I need a tissue, I'm sure a cry baby!!!

Virid, If you're having your surgery at Parker Surgicenter there are 2 hotels about 2 mins from the center. The Holiday Inn Select and The Hampton Inn. I don't DO Hampton Inn because they were total jerks after my accident on their property, BUT The Holiday Inn Select is beautiful and when it snowed so much last December here in Denver, I was stuck at the hospital for 3 nights. The night shift slept in the room during the day and the day slept during the night. The bed is ultra comfortable and the showers are amazing! There is also a Walgreens up the road on Parker and several resturants next door for hubby to eat at! Red Robin has great French Onion soup (or so I've heard!):hungry: dee~

Dynamo, I know what you mean about the Oreos. Isn't it odd how we can be so good and then something appears and we just lose control? The other day that happened to me at work. I was so good ALL day long, breakfast and lunch, healthy protein, no carbs, and steamed veggies. Then I got home, I was starving and ended up eating some Famous Amos Choc Chip Cookies with Pecans. I didn't even look at the calorie count. I hate when I do that!!! dee~

Red Robin List (copy and past) Going to be there: Dynamo (Michelle) Tied2BFit (Dee) Hey guys!!! I'm sorry I haven't been posting much lately. I've been struggling with some depression. I'm so afraid this banding is never going to happen. I'm trying hard to not think negatively about it, but it's so difficult with what happened previously. So far I haven't gained any of the last pre-op weight loss back, but I haven't lost anymore either. I start my pre-op on the 15th of January. Maybe things will feel more real then. Mona, I'm so sorry to hear about your problems. I was worried about you when we didn't hear back from you once you got home. Don't worry about the bills. Just be honest with them and do what you can. Munchkin, When are you going to get your first fill? LA, I'm so envious! I wish I lived in AZ. I am so tired of being cold. BURRRR! Congrats on your hiking! You're so cute! Marcy, You have the 'coolest' life! (pun intended!) Anita, I hope your tummy is back to normal. Nicnaknut, 60 degress sounds wonderful to me! Sorry you can't join us at Red Robin! Viridescence. Dr. K is very personable. He is very sincere with his concern for his patients. I think it makes him very sweet. Tina, I agree with you about the Slim-fast. The Low Carb has higher protein, lower carbs and I think tastes better. I heard 1-2 lbs a week is optimal. Approximately 52-104 lbs a year. Brandymom, How are you feeling? I met a lady today who is looking for a place to be banded. I hope I've talked her into calling Dr. K's office. I think she'll love his approach! Kidlings, I'll be off to bed now! Hugs and Happy Snappy New Year to you all! dee~

Hey Kidlings!!! Greetings! Here I am about to start another year wondering if this new year will bring me good things. I hope! Less than a month and I'll be banded, I hope! I saw Dr. K at Cost Co the other day and he was very sweet. He encouraged me that things were on track for the 29th of January. I hope! I'm trying to not get too excited yet... it's hard tho... because it's something I want so badly. Well, I wanted to welcome everyone -- you'll grow to love everyone here as much as I do. It's a great group of people and if you live in the Denver area or even Brighton (hint hint!) come and join us as Red Robins. Hugs and Smooches! dee~

Bookholder, What I want most for the New Year, I can't talk about here! Oops! see ya Dear! dee~

I just wanted to stop in to say!!! Happy Happy Holidays Everyone!!! The New Year is just around the corner -- a time for new resolutions, new starts and reaching new goals. You have all been my friends and my support. I love you Guys! Hugs to you this holiday season! So go -- take those tiny bites, chew well and enjoy yourselves!!! dee~:clap2::clap2::clap2::clap2:

Trina, It worked for me!!! Just copy the top stuff (I don't know what you call it) entirely. And paste it into the signature portion. Try it! Good Luck! dee~

Trina, I may be the worst person to help you with your ticker, because I've been trying to get mine working, BUT you have to do it from your edit signature place. And you have to copy and paste the same thing you did here to the signature place. Try that... I'll be back, I'm going to try it for me now too. BRB, dee~

Munchkin, I totally see what you're saying! My friend, whom you met, hasn't told anyone except her husband and children and me and you!! I think it sucks now that I've told so many people. I don't mind that I told my Mom, but others are really starting to bug me! What I should have remembered was -- you can always tell people, BUT you can't ever take it back once it's told. The bad thing about telling people is that the Band is not well-known and people assume you're going to lose like RNY. I had a friend who had RNY in Sept and she's lost over 100 lbs already. Some told me, 'wow by the time March is here, you'll be down 100lbs" I thought, "oh boy!!" It sucks! L.A. - Yup, we are being banded very close together! That was nice of them to change your date! I live in Littleton Colorado. Are you being banded in Parker or Aurora? I work at the hospital in Parker and I'm working on the 17th. I'll try to remember to pop down to see you! What time is your surgery? Believe me, I'd rather be in a good marriage, poor and having to borrow to be banded than divorced with a stash of cash on the side. My stash is getting smaller. I am or was in the process of purchasing a brand new home. It's being built as we speak. I just did the sheetrock walk through. I told them about my surgery, which wasn't planned when I signed the purchase agreement and they said to wait and see what my financial status looked like at closing! See ya Buddies! dee~