WLSResources/ClothingExch

Is that a goal you've set for yourself or are you wondering if it could happen? For it to happen as a result of following your practice's plan is one thing. As a goal, it's unsound thinking.

Now and then I find myself not acknowledging my role in things that go wrong or just haven't worked from the start, but I do pull myself back before too long. People who work at being clueless about their failed weight-loss efforts or why other areas of life aren't working make me crazy. Before long the kindest thing I can do for them is either to change the subject or walk away. @@CowgirlJane, I understand your point. It seems to me, however, that those of us who delay going back in to the surgery practice are far more self-indulgent than accepting of responsibility. Postponing what's in our best interest is a matter of, "Oh, poor me, what have I done? I'm so ashamed/embarrassed/humiliated. Me, me, me, it's all about me." Where's the part about taking responsibility and doing what makes sense to do? It's wasteful and a shame that it can take so long to get there. @@4MRB4PHOTO, working and married? That's fine, but something you wrote early in my tenure at BP led me to think you're a college student. Can't recall what it was. As to the big-girl and big-boy undies, I hope you didn't mean simultaneously in the third instance you spelled out. @@Dub, your last line? You did it again, rascal.

@@CowgirlJane, M behaved badly. She could have brainstormed with you to find a way that she could have helped when you were out of commission. Alas, there's no snapping of fingers to get past the hurt-resentment-anger-disappointment, whichever thereof. Since you find value in aspects of your friendship, you may get past the bad feeling by reining in the interaction to the good parts. I have a situation with a couple of friends with similar effect. It revolves around my now and then being given comp tickets to performances (concerts, dance, theater). Two of these friends whom I've invited on occasion have responded with a stinginess that just irritates and neither is strapped financially. Like you, I don't expect anything in return, but I can't imagine having a friend invite me to an event and my not treating for dinner or whatever we stop for before or after. To me it's the same as borrowing a car and not returning it with a full tank regardless of how much of the gas I used. It just isn't done; it's unthinkable to me; it's the unspoken training at my father's knee. All this came to mind a few months ago. I decided then to eliminate the two people from my list for these comp events. There is much that I value in our associations and I don't want the good to be discolored. At the same time, I can't help but wonder if I'm "wrong" and their conduct is acceptable. My primary invitee is my very closest friend and we reciprocate by various methods; he, too, often invites me to events.

I'm glad, very glad, and thank you for letting me know. Keep humming. Sing, too. It feels good. It's life-affirming. Yes, I know the song. It's the one you should sing just for starters.

Bands were installed empty historically. In the past few years, it's become more common to install a band with a bit of saline. This doesn't mean that every surgeon does this. Yours may prefer the earlier method to minimize the shock to the patient's body. This is surgery, which means some shock to the body. I'm making a guess here. You can get the exact reasoning by checking at the office.

I attended an info seminar a month ago. The surgeon who did the presentation did say that a sleeve can stretch. I don't recall, however, whether she said anything about causes or whether it can happen spontaneously regardless of how diligent an individual has been.

@@CowgirlJane, sounds as though your Mr. 8/8 was a variation on the 'walk on the wild side.' If he was diagnosed bipolar skewing to the manic side, he would have to have been fun at those times and probably near-frightening other times. Yup, the video fellow was attempting humor, but a broad humor of 60 years ago, don't you think? If I recall correctly, I may have quarter-snickered once or twice. He's stuck in a time warp/high school locker room/men's lodge event mentality. (Any Elks or Oddfellows reading this?) I wonder if he was wearing a wedding ring, but not interested enough to click 'replay.'

@@healthier&happier4life, great. Now you're free to worry about something else. So many opportunities for worry, so little time. Really do look into your practice's support group and, if your schedule allows, you can also go to another's. BP is a good source of info and support, certainly. In-person contact adds a lot.

I can't guess whether the drip is causing nausea or you've picked up a bug or something else, but all things are possible. What caught my attention in your post was that last part. Surgeons and other doctors have heard it all before. If you're human, you've looked like an idiot before and you will again: It's like weather. That, of course, is based on my own experience. If your surgeon is a humorless chap, tell him to turn up those little corners. Oooh, oooh, how could I forget the chestnut, "The only stupid question is the one that isn't asked." Peace of mind and all that.

@@OKCPirate, @@CowgirlJane, Harrumph, how rude that chap is. One would think he'd have the good taste to whisper his judgments behind closed doors as do most proper people. CJ, the emergence of exes always makes me think of the primordial ooze. Then, too, it seems that exes who emerge from the fog of high school or college days actually take. So many people connect solidly decades later.

You can google Silver Sneakers, an exercise program for adults, generally those who have Medicare Advantage coverage regardless of age. SS classes are free to members of the affiliated plans and are offered at Y's, community centers and some privately-owned gyms. I don't know whether it's applicable in all cases, but my Y has a few of their classes. My SS membership also gives me free, regular membership to the Y, which opens all their fitness classes and use of the gym and pool, etc., to me. Therefore, I have a Y membership card in addition to the SS card. The latter would get me into SS classes at any location in the country. If you fit the demographic and coverage, it's an excellent deal.

Unless someone comes along with some recommendations, try the website for the brand name of your band. If it is the Lap-Band brand, now owned by Apollo Endosurgery, the url is lapband.com. The sites list surgeons who use the products. Obesityhelp.com is another source of names. P.S. Try BP's own Surgeons tab, above.

@@Green1, I'm no surgeon, but have you had a complete abdominal ultrasound? Or whatever type of imaging that would show positioning of the band and the port? I'm wondering if you may have a hernia somewhere in there if the pain is always in the same place. If it is, you may (only may; not for sure) feel a lump rising if you press your hand against it when you cough, for example. I say this because I do and a complete abdominal ultrasound shows that I do appear to have hernia. I first saw a gastroenterologist who ordered the ultra sound and went over it with me. I'll be taking the CD and written report to my band surgeon who is a general surgeon and whom I'd have take care of the hernia of it becomes more painful than I want to live with. I'm not diagnosing you, just throwing out one possibility. you If this has been going on since you were banded, ask the surgeon why he said three years before removal. You need more info than you seem to have been given and it may be a combination: that you haven't been quite specific with him about what you experience.

@@healthier&happier4life, not good enough. I wanted you to feel a lot less nervous. Trust me, you'll be fine. It's not about opening up your deepest, darkest secrets. The evaluator doesn't care at what age you relieved yourself of your virginity. (You have, haven't you?) You may be subjected to a lengthy questionnaire filling-in during the eval. From what those who go through it say, my guess is that it's a lot of flapping about so that the evaluator can justify the fee. Be yourself. Let's hear once you're back home how accurate or way off I am about this. Remember, though, that I'm providing a free service here. "They" couldn't pay me enough...

Never mind. I misunderstood, thinking the topic originator said that the alarm had gone off.

@@Green1, as your surgeon told you, the band and port can be removed. Why don't you ask why he specified three years? If there is a problem with the port alone, ask the surgeon if repositioning it may be a solution. I'll say no more, as you gave no real information on your history with the band and port. You'll do well to pose specific questions to the surgeon.

Great news, GG. Let's dance by the light of the moon.

@@ojibway, that's great. Nothing to be sorry about at all. It worked out for you. I'll just find my answers in other pastures.

@@shrinkingkimber, you will reach it with bells and whistles. @@HopeandAgony, indeed. Then they'll see you off at the trolley. In short time, though, they'll join you. You'll frolic together in Onederland, drink mountain-fresh Water, pop cherry-flavored, sublingual Vit. B12 tabs and dance the Lobster Quadrille 'neath the light of the silv'ry moon. You'll all have a jolly time.

One of our esteemed colleagues, Mr. @Fatty McFatster of the U.S.A. McFatsters has announced having slid in under 300. [Applause, applause.] No word has ever taken hold for the achievement and there should be one. "Onederland" is a great place name. I propose "Twoonerville" for its neighbor and, in thanks for inspiring the name, appoint FMcF as Mayor for as long as his pants stay up without suspenders.

The purpose of the evaluation is to determine: - whether you comprehend the risks involved in surgery (any surgery has risks) - have realistic expectations of the procedure vis à vis weight loss (that is, you know you must do the work of eating properly and exercising and that surgery is an aid rather than a magical 'cure' or solution for obesity) - you have the capacity to understand instructions given by the practice staff and to follow through If you have a support network (which would include BP and attending your practice's support groups), certainly no harm in letting the person conducting the eval know. If your practice doesn't offer groups, you understand [from moi] that other practices in your area are likely to be welcome outside patients to their groups. That about sums it up. You'll be fine.

@@Cervidae, I remember your announcement. Thank you for writing a real comment here. I was hoping someone would actually speak. You also were the one back when I posted that nice little November poem. I'm going to your profile right now because, if we haven't already done that "friend" thing, I'm clicking in. You're a keeper! Happy afternoon to you.

Safe = what you were doing until your wanton birthday madness. Your surgeon won't delay your date. Continue as you were without taking on self-inflicted punishment to atone for your celebration. Sure, you went overboard, but, hey, you're still here and you'll be fine.

@@WorkinOnMe, your daughter is no dope, but the black & white has the edge. The black sides and band across the waist show off your waistline more. Trust Cervidae as the artist and trust me as the envious bitche.