PrtyAntOvrYt

Hey Everyone!!! I have been busy working so I haven't had much time to pop on and read all the posts! Welcome everyone!!! This is great!!! I know that this Thread might be much bigger and a little intimidating because it's hard to read all of the last 185 pgs, BUT if you just post, we'll welcome you and you can catch up on who we are at anytime! I haven't been banded yet. My date is 1/29/08. I was supposed to be banded in November but things were cancelled. Long story!! Anyway, I didn't start posting here til October and I have been welcomed and made to feel as part of the family. It's a wonderful feeling to know that everyone here understands what we are going through. We are at the same place that everyone else was at before they were banded -- feeling anxious, thrilled, a little or a lot nervous!!! I love everyone here! L.A. you asked about Dr. K's practice of not requiring a pre-op liquid diet! He said that he doesn't feel that is necessary. He used to require it, but now asks his patients (Thank Goodness!) to stick to a NO Carb, High Protein and Veggie diet. I found it to be pretty easy to stick to and I lost weight pretty quickly. Once I got past the first 6 days, I felt energetic and well. Even tho my surgery isn't for 6 wks, I've started it again so that I don't gain any more weight! I've done the "Last Supper" thing already! I am so ready to be banded!!! I was self pay too, but it was paid for with the money I got from my divorce!! YEAH BABY!!! Marcy, I saw the map too and thought of you!!! I look right away for your pin in Alaska! I think it's great!!! AND it says so much about Dr. K!!! Virid, I know what you mean about not being sure about telling your family. For me, my friends have always been more supportive and less judgemental than my family. I have not told anyone in my family but my Mom and she won't tell anyone if I ask her not to... she's pretty good about that!!! When I filled out my FMLA papers Marilyn in Dr. K's office asked me who knew at my work and how I wanted things written. She had a way of writing it so that they didn't know it was WLS. BUT I told her it was okay to put Adjustable Gastric Banding because I already told the people in HR Mal, how's your son and his friends doing? You'll get back on track with your eating and exercise. You just went through a very difficult time with your family... it was an emotionally draining time for you. Take care of you -- too! Livingthedream, let us know how the surgery went!! Hope things went well and you're home and painfree! Mona, I'm glad you're home and safe! AND I'm glad the pain is less! Don't overdo it at work!! Well, I gotta run! Hugs! dee~

Yes! Where is Mona? Has anyone heard from her? Tarheel, you're 1/3 of your way to goal! That's great! I'm hoping to get a jump start too... I returned to the pre-op diet even tho my surgery isn't going to happen for 6 wks. I am afraid of gaining more weight before my surgery! How are you feeling at 5 days post op? Brandy! how are you doing? I hope you're feeling well! Munchkin, how was work on Friday night? I really hope you didn't have to work three shifts in a row!!! Threedogpeople! Welcome! Wow your hubby has done great on the pre-op diet! He's lucky to have such a supportive wife! Kirsten, I'm glad to hear you're home safe and sound! Well, I gotta go now, I'm working in the morning! Hugs Peeps! dee~

Michelle, I was thinking about your son and I think it's important that you report the treatment he rec'd. It's totally unfair that he had to wait so long for his pain meds. The "ask-a-nurse" should be calling to get his opinion of his care there -- that would be a good idea to mention it. I have to say it's something we discuss constantly when it comes to patient satisfaction surveys. Thanks for welcoming John. I think he enjoyed himself. He thanked me for inviting him. He's a nice guy and I think he'll be a nice addition to our group and like Marilyn said, we need a man around. Heck, I need a man around -- please!! I'm looking forward to January, the New Year, a New Me! I got accepted to grad school yesterday in Lincoln Nebraska for the fall of 2008. I'm not sure what I'll do. I'm going to give it some thought! I applied such a long time ago! I'm glad your son felt well enough to go to his own place. I know how you feel about not wanting him to leave home. Our babies will always be our babies! No matter how old they are, how big they grow or where they live. We will always hold them in our hearts -- as the biggest and most important part of who we are. Our children, sigh. BTW, I hated my picture of myself too! It looks like I'm working with half a brain cell and that night it was out of service! Can everyone say YIKES!? Love, dee~

Mal, I'm so sorry! I totally understand your time with your son was more important. He must be so confused and heartsick. Just keep telling him that is not the answer. There is a better way to deal with these problems in our lives. Last year a friend of mine's son killed himself. The preacher at the funeral said, "Sometimes the world gives us more than we think we can handle and we forget God will help us and we take matters in our own hands." It's very sad. I hope your son and his family will be okay and able to get through this time. Love, dee~

Thanks Marilyn! I am going to go there and get a bracelet! Mona! How are you this morning? When do you drive back home? Are you feeling better? From what others have said, you will feel much better by the 4th or 5th day. Don't get discouraged -- let your sweet hubby take care of you and just believe that you'll feel better soon! Mal! I missed you, My Dear Mal! I hope you and your family are well. Kirsten! It was so nice to meet you and your sister last night! Everyone is so sweet! Diana, I'll be seeing you when I reach my first goal -- a nice massage. Everyone, thanks so much for being so sweet and welcoming my friend, John. He enjoyed himself. Anita when you disappeared on our way out, I thought you had stopped to play in the Arcade. I asked John about it and he told me the true story! I had the image of you trying to win one of those toys for your sons! If I had known, I would have waited for you. I hate leaving women walking alone in a dark parking lot. Okay Ladies! My new surgery date is January 29th! Please help me stay motivated and on target! I feel there are days that I'm not doing so well. This last week, I have been on the verge of tears almost constantly. Hormones, the holidays and the cancelled surgery has me just down. Love you all! stephie~

Want2b! It was my pleasure and honor to be able to take Munchkin back to her hotel! The nurse kept us informed of her napping and we insisted we were okay waiting til she woke up! She is as adorable in person as she is here! You guys are going to love her when you meet her in person! She's huggable! dee~

Hey Brandy! Are you banded? How are you feeling? Hope everything went very well! dee~

That is a great story!!! I love it! I can only imagine what they were thinking at the elevator! Yikes! I was also afraid I wouldn't be able to put mine in so I brought some gloves home for my daughter to do it. She was horrified! She kept saying, "Please don't make me do that!" Luckily for me and for her especially, I am tall and have very long arms, so I was able to do it myself! I told my friend who was banded just recently that my daughter was begging not to do it and she said she'd be happy to come and do it for me! I told her husband, now that is what you call a true friend! I told her, if you do that for me, I'll buy you a Starbucks Coffee! (honestly, she'd deserve an entire Starbucks franchise!) Thanks for sharing that great story!!! Just think next year at this time, you'll be able to put anything you need to in that area!!! Hopefully, you won't need to put anything! Give your husband a big kiss and ask him, "Honey, was it good for you too?" dee~

Good Vibes Brandy!!! Quick and Easy and Uneventful recovery!!! What time is your surgery? You'll do great!!! dee~:clap2::clap2::clap2:

Anita, I wish I lived in the Springs! I need a good female person to be my GP. I love my doc, he and I met when I was working at Porter in 2002. He's family practice and I was the nurse to some of his patients. He has a lot of respect for me and treats me well. It's his office staff that concerns me. His PA is not so nice to my daughter and his billing office is a mess! His MA is the gatekeeper and won't allow messages to go to him, instead she tries to put us in with his PA, whom I know doesn't really care about me or my daughter because she told my daughter at a Well-child (not really a child anymore) appt. that she was wasting her time since she was not sick and girls who are 19 years old and not sick shouldn't be seeing a doctor! Excuse me? Has anyone heard of Health Maintenance? Of course my daughter was upset and blamed me because I was the one who talked her into having a check up since she hadn't been to the doctors since her freshman year in HS physical. "See I told you Mom, I didn't need to go!" "Even the PA said it was a waste of time!" Let me know how the Big Fat Greek Diet book is -- I was going to find the Orgasm Diet Book. (did I spell that word right?)

Thanks God you're here! I was so worried about that drive! I know it must have been just scary!!! We've all been waiting for you to post that you made it! We're all just a bunch of Mom's -- concerned for everyone's well-being! Do you like the malls? Park Meadows is kind of fun. The outlet stores in Castle Rock are nice also. Although, I'm not sure what that road will be like today! About being nervous! We've all felt that way! I was a nervous wreck until the morning of my surgery -- that morning I was energized! Washed the car, gased it up, went grocery shopping and to Weight Watchers for my official weight! Take a deep breath Dear and try to remember all of the reasons you chose the Band. AND be so proud of yourself for doing so well on your pre-op! Your BMI is under 60 and that's what you wanted! dee~

Wow Anita! That is very important information! I never have heard that before, but what I read in reference to the Generic vs Name Brand was talking about Wellbutrin. They need to pull that generic drug now! I know now that my Metformin comes in liquid form, so I'll probably opt for that. I was off of that stupid med for less than a week just prior to my cancelled surgery and now my TOM is a wreck. Horrible cramping, over a week late and pretty bad PMS this time around and I blame not taking my med! I am in such a foul mood this morning! The Ugly Dee is just not very nice to be around! Well, I am glad you have a good GP. Some docs are not up to date on such information. Does he have other band patients? Have you heard of any problems with the band and food sensitivities? If you have an allergy to something -- eat it without knowing -- is your reaction going to be slower or happen much later? Just a thought! Stay Warm, dee~

Anita, I didn't find much out about the time-release meds and the Band. It is advised to discuss it with your doctor and see if they can change brands, i.e. from generic to name brand since some generic meds are a lot smaller than their name brands. Also another option given is to change the dosage, i.e. 2-50mg, could be changed to 5-20mg's since the 20mgs are much much smaller. More pills but they won't sit in the pouch. What I was reading stated that the stoma is as small as a baby aspirin. My BP med is that small, but my other meds aren't. I guess, I'll have to crush my Lipitor. Sorry I don't have more information for you. Ask your doctor maybe he/she knows if your med comes in a smaller form or the pharmacist can help too. dee~

Michelle, Did they check your son for gallstones? Sometimes they can cause pancreatitis. I'm sure they have already done that, but just an idea. Infections and also certain medications can cause it, such as steriods and antibiotics. It's very painful. I'm so sorry he's dealing with that pain. I've been on eHarmony for awhile. I find the men are of a higher quality than some of the other dating sites. I've done several and was treated pretty poorly by some men on Yahoo. I know your prince is out there somewhere -- just get through all of those frogs! I'll get you some chapstick! dee~

Anita, I had to go back and look at the posts, because I've been worried about Mona driving up here. I couldn't remember her plans. She left Phx on Monday, should arrive here sometime today and post-op tomorrow at 1630 and then surgery on Thurs at 1230. I hope she's safe! What a nightmare drive in this weather! Glad to hear you're feeling better without your med! I wondered about time released meds myself! What I read it will just take longer to get them released because they will sit in the pouch until they desolve into the lower stomach. I'm not sure of the delay. I'll do some research today and get back with you. I was supposed to meet someone for lunch today but I'm not so sure now. My daughter and I were going to do some shopping too! I have to get stuff done!!! Yikes! As you can see the scale hasn't moved yet! BUT that's good because I haven't weighed! That's 50% of the battle with me! I had been weighing 3 or 4 times a day! I'm going to only weigh on Thursdays since that marks the end of each week towards my 10 week challenge! "Melt Snow Melt -- so Anita can meet us at RR" Kirsten: I hope your flight can land too!!! I think they learned their lesson last winter with the snow delays at the airport! Hopefully!!! That's the time I was stuck at the hospital for 3 days!!! Then came home to find my condo with a broken heater and the temperature inside was 42 degrees!!

it was a cake walk. i never left my chair -- stayed home, everything was done for me over the phone. the lazy, fat girl's way of buying a new car!

Mal, I wanted to let you know that I bought my daughter's car and my Highlander from Cost Co. I saved about 6K on my Highlander and I saved about 4K on my daughter's Corolla. It's a great story, I can share it with you, if you'd like. I'd advise anyone to get their car through Cost Co. dee~

I'm going with Dr. Kirshenbaum because I'm self-pay. Where does Dr. Melniczek do his surgery? I have never heard of him before, but I'm fairly new to the Denver area. Good Luck!! I have heard really good things with Dr. Tillquist and Dr. Snyder and Chae. They are all in the Denver area.

Michelle, I'm sorry to hear about your son! Please keep us posted and let us know how he's doing. I know one other person who has had that and they are fine now. The also had not been drinking. It just happens. Don't forget to take care of yourself too Michelle. dee~

Welcome Frisky! I'm from Littleton and I'm getting banded on 1/7/08! There are quite a few Coloradoans on here! Do you have a pre-op diet you have to follow? My name is Dee~

Nope, I aint never found them purity socks! I told my daughter it's all her fault! She was there and it was her responsiblity to make sure those socks made it home safely! She laughed and said, "those ugly things?" I told her, "ugly?" "them were the puritiest socks I ever did see!" Just kidding! But I was thinking they would make a great Christmas gift for someone! HA!!!

hey Munchkin! Where are my hospital socks! You mentioned the socks and I am here thinking, where are those socks? I guess, I was so upset with my surgery being cancelled that I totally forgot about my socks! I loved those socks! Brandy! I know exactly what you mean about the pre-op! I'm not looking forwad to starting that again! I had to be on it for 14 days! I didn't cheat once!!! Not one lick or nibble! Anyway, I made stuff in the crock pot and it helped a lot to have something prepared. Red chili and strip steak cooking all night in the crockpot. I put a little cheese on top and it was so good and so filling! My problem with the diet was I had no energy for the first 6 or 7 days and then I was 100% better. I was never hungry or had any cravings at all. After I started eating carbs again, I missed that feeling of satiety that I had with the pre-op. You can also get some recipes from the Food Network : Healthy Recipe Collections, Party Ideas, Quick & Easy Recipes, Cooking Videos under the Low-Carb and Loving It show. There is a stuffing recipe there with turkey sausage and cauliflower that is absolutely yummy! I'll see if I can find it! Shel, I'm going to make that recipe, Thanks! dee~ (I'm going to look for those lovely hospital socks now!)

Missmon, Please be careful driving up! If you're going through NM on I-25, call before you get to Raton (the town before the Colorado boarder) The Raton Pass is now closed due to the weather and a Semi-truck accident. If there is snow present and it's open, it can be pretty dangerous. The elevation is over 8000 ft. Anyway, I'm from Albuquerque and drive there about every 3 mos. so I know how bad I-25 can get. It also gets bad if there is snow through Gallup & I-40 (a small city 3 hrs west of Albuquerque) Here is the number to check the roads for NM and Colorado. NM #1-800-432-4269, I have it in my phone and call it along the way. If you have a computer with you. you can check. NMRoads.com also. CO #10303-639-1111, (press3 for the I-25 corridor, CDOT Traveler Information) Munchikin, Your dogs are so cute! I think dogs are amazing! My bestfriend's dog was so sweet to her after her divorce. He would sit on the sofa and comfort her with his head on her shoulder. I thought that was the sweetest ever! Hang in there Cutie, you'll start feeling better soon! I'm glad your hubby is treating you well. Rest, Rest, Rest, Sip, Sip, Sip and walk when you can. dee~

Tina! Your babies are beautiful! I love the little outfit you have on Tessa for Halloween! She makes a great pirate! Your little Tanner looks like he's going to keep you running! I can see the difference in your picture too! Anita! Congrats on the moving scale! I'm still weighing everyday and last Thursday marked 10 weeks til Valentine's day -- so my friend and I are doing a 10 week challenge. I'm sure I'll spend Valentine's day home alone, but at least I'll be smaller! Mal! My ex keeps asking me what our daughter wants for Christmas, I told him, Money! What kid doesn't like money!!! Last year, we bought her a brand new Toyota Corolla. I know that's insanity, but knowing she'd be going away for school and not having a car of her own, we wanted her to have something dependable. That little car gets the best gas mileage. When she goes out of town, I drive it the whole time! The car had a huge red velvet bow on it -- it was hiding in the neighbor's garage and the poor neighbor's teenage boys thought it was for them. Her expression was priceless when we gave it to her! She still has the bow in her trunk. Have a great Weekend, Peeps!

Mal, You're such a good Mom! Exposing your boys to the beliefs of others is such a wonderful gift. So many kids have no idea of other celebrations or the richness they hold. My daughter has always been interested in Hannukah and Kwanzaa. She researches these things on her own. Can you tell, I absolutely love my daughter? I missed you Mal, thanks for posting! dee~