les527

mls and ccs are the same amount. 4.5ml = 4.5cc

I was banded on October 2, and I was a daily visitor to this site for the first six weeks. I had my first fill in mid-November, and I was scheduled for my second fill on January 3. Due to me having a sinus infection and my 4 1/2 year old son being in the hospital, I had to cancel my appointment. On January 7, my son, Sammy, passed away due to acute respiratory distress syndrome, sepsis, and disseminated intravascular coagulation. My son was born with the odds already stacked against him from a congenital brain malformation, but he defied those odds many, many times. We were told that he would be stillborn or wouldn't live long after his birth, yet he lived nearly 5 years! And, we made every single one of those days count, and we created many wonderful memories with him that carries us through our grief. This past Monday, I had my first appointment since that first fill in November. The good news is that I've gained only 4 pounds. If I didn't have the band, I'm sure that I would have gained much more than that given the situation. I had a small fill on Monday, and I'm back on track again; however, I'm having trouble because I just don't feel like eating. My doctor wanted me on Clear liquids for 24 hours and then full liquids for the next 48. I've passed that stage, so I can begin eating a normal diet again; however, I'm not hungry and I just don't feel like eating. In the past, food was my comfort during stressful times. I've never truly experienced the grieving process in the way that I am now, and I'm quite surprised by the lack of hunger. I've never battled depression before, so I'm wondering if that's playing a bigger part in this. I think I'll head out to the grocery store and pick up some fresh fruit and vegetables. I'm thinking that might give me a little pick me up and give me some healthy choices. I can't live on Jello, SF pudding cups and chicken broth forever. On a more uplifting note, my husband and I decided to get a Nintendo Wii system. I always thought video games were a waste of time, but as soon as I realized the potential for activity and exercise while playing the games, I could see how the Wii might help me in my weight loss. Anyone tried the kickboxing or dance games? Leslie

I've been hungry today, but I've been drinking a lot--mostly Crystal Light. I added some apple juice just to help keep my blood sugar from crashing. I haven't had any problems getting the fluids down, but I've also been sipping like I did following surgery. Physically, my port is more sore today than it was previously. It doesn't hurt really, but it is a little uncomfortable when I brush up against something or bend over.

I'm Leslie, and I'm from Indianapolis, Indiana. I'm 37, married, and I have one child, Sammy. Sammy is 4 1/2 years old, and he was born with a severe brain malformation known as holoprosencephly (HPE). Basically, his brain didn't separate into left and right hemispheres, and as a result, he has profound mental retardation. His HPE was discovered during my 20-week routine ultrasound, and we were told that there was a high probability for stillbirth. We prepared for the worst, but hoped for the best. As I said, Sammy is now 4 1/2 years old and has been quite a challenge for physicians because he is so medically complex. A medical diagnosis is what he "has", but it does not explain who he "is". We have come to learn that Sammy is a teacher, missionary, bridge builder, peacemaker, and life changer! As a result of Sammy's life, I now spend my days as a full-time volunteer for Families for HoPE, Inc., a nonprofit organization I formed last year. Families for HoPE offers emotional support and education to families whose lives have been affected by an infant or child with HPE. If you want to learn more about Sammy or about Families for HoPE, please visit www. sammyyammy.com and Families for HoPE, Inc.. I'm excited to see so many RNs in our Tenacious Tens group. Sammy receives skilled nursing in our home, so I feel right at home in this group surrounded by so many nurses! And, I noticed that there are two individuals who work with special needs children . . . how cool is that?!

I was able to move to soft foods last week, and I was so afraid. I'm glad to know that I'm not the only one! I'm still afraid to try chicken breasts, but I have had some thinly sliced deli turkey breast, and that has gone down easily without a problem. I'm chewing a lot, and so far, I've managed to avoid any painful episodes.

I had my first fill yesterday. It was fairly quick and easy. I knew that I would need to eat only liquids for a few days; however, I thought "liquids" would include Protein shakes, SF Jello, etc. I was shocked when I learned that I need to do Clear Liquids for 48 hours. (No Halloween treats for me!) Basically, after a fill, I need to eat just as I did following surgery due to swelling. 48 hours later, I'll go to mushies again and if I tolerate that, then I can go to soft foods and solids at my own pace. The next fill for me is December 4.

My surgery was October 2, and I had my first fill today. I knew that I needed to be on liquids for a day or two, but I guess I didn't realize that it would be clear liquids. I thought I could still have protein shakes, but according to the written information given to me by my surgeon, I can only have clear liquids. I wasn't sure if I should eat lunch before my fill, so I didn't. I'm regretting that now because I'm so hungry! No Halloween candy for me!

I've been lurking for a while, but I'm now finally posting. I was banded on October 2, 2007.