gentlespirit

This would sound so funny to other people, but I know you'll understand...my first mini goal was to get below 300 pounds, and I'm now at 298! I started at 329, and I'm so excited to have met a goal. Lots more work to do, but it'll come. I've started walking about a mile a day and actually look forward to it, which is also something I'm excited about. Emily

I'm 3 months out from surgery and while my losing is really slow, I would DEFINITELY do it again. Part of it is the weight loss (30 pounds so far) and part of it is believing that I'm worth the money and effort I'm putting into this. I have more energy and have even begun walking for exercise again, and most importantly, I have hope that I will be healthy and comfortable in the foreseeable future. Emily

Crystal~ Now that you know what you're dealing with, a plan of treatment can be decided on and hopefully you will be on your way to recovery. I'm sure it's terrifying to consider surgery, but as someone else said, people breeze through it and are just fine. Good docs can work miracles, and I'm praying that you have excellent docs who will do the best possible job. You have definitely had WAY more than your share of problems, and my heart goes out to you. Please know that many of us are praying for you and holding you up in our thoughts. At this point with your mom, I agree with everyone that your time and presence and love are the best thing you can give her and probably the only thing she wants. Hugs to you, my dear. Emily

My sister just had her banding done on 5/3...when she first mentioned it to her PCP he didn't know anything about it. We printed out a bunch of statistics and info from online sources and she gave it to him. He wrote the letter for her insurance co. but hasn't said anything about the stuff she gave him. I think we oftentimes haveto educate them... Emily

Congratulations!!! Enjoy it to the max! I can't wait to join you...someday Emily

I was banded Jan. 24, and tonight I leave for Sioux Falls with my sister, who is having her surgery Wed. morning. She's excited, and I'm excited for her. She's been heavy most of her life, and I so want her to have a good experience ith this. She's having the same surgeon I did and was with me when I had mine, so I'm glad I can do this for her. Good thoughts sent her way would be appreciated! Thanks. Emily

I really liked comment in Leatha's post that it's not how much we CAN eat but how little we can get by with. I'm trying to adopt that attitude, but it is hard! Emily

A banded friend flew to Brazil recently and was scheduled for a fill prior to her trip. Her doc didnt want to fill until after the trip because of the air pressure thing...don't know the rationale, though. I think I've read posts here on the topic but can't remember specifics. I'd check with your doctor's office just to put your mind at ease. Emily

I wish I had changed from loving chocolate, but unfortunately that's still there! Emily

Congratulations! Glad it's going well. Be gentle with yourself and give yourself time to heal. Emily

Aloe gel is fantastic for sunburn or any burns, for that matter. It takes the heat out very quickly and stops it from getting worse. I always kept it in the fridge when my kids were little and played outside a lot...it felt so good to them when they got sunburned. I'll have to get some juice and try it before bed. Emily

Congratulations, Jamie! I can't even imagine how proud and happy you must be! That's an awesome event, and I hope you celebrate however way you enjoy the most! You give hope to the rest of us who are just getting started. Can't wait to see your photos. Emily

A second opinion might be the best thing you can do for yourself! This is just too much to tolerate. And it doesn't matter if the doc's a nice person...trade that in for one that follows up on this! I can't believe he wasn't concerned enough to do a swab/culture... Let us know how you're doing~ Emily

Wow...congratulations! What a great milestone to reach! I'm so excited for you (and so jealous, too!)!! Emily

This could be just the normal shoulder pain from gas that we all go through for awhile after being banded. But it is WAY too soon to be eating anything solid, even a couple of bites. Please stick with what your doctor told you...it's hard but well worth it to let yourself heal. Consider it an investment in your future banded health. Emily

I make the filling my sister uses for manicotti and bake it in a 9 inch square pan with spaghetti sauce on it...tastes just like the manicotti and is really filling and satisfying. Her recipe calls for ricotta, cottage cheese, shredded lowfat cheese, an egg, and spices, so it's really high Protein. Emily

I'm so sorry to hear of what you're going through. As Sarah said, I would think they could code it differently so that insurance would pay. It's ridiculous that they aren't anyway, but they can make us jump through all kinds of hoops. If 4 docs have said it's medically necessary, I don't see how they can deny it, but I'm with leenerbups, appeal to whomever you have to including the insurance commissioner or board. Please keep us updated, and I wish you the best possible outcome to all of this. Emily

Yes, for me it is worth it. For the first time I'm not gaining and have lost 30 pounds since I was banded 3 months ago. The first week was hard and the second was OK, and it's been getting better since then. There are a few things I can't eat anymore, but I'm getting along fine without them. I would do this over again in a minute. Good luck with your surgery...I hope everything will go well for you! Emily

Congratulations! Sounds like things went well. Keep walking and sipping, and you'll do great! Emily

Someone here gave me the suggestion of Protein shakes morning and night with a meal at noon. It did help me shed a few pounds. Emily

Robyn~ Don't have any other advice to offer, but everyone can always use another hug. Will be sending prayers your way that the financing works out because going on as you are is just so dangerous. If I had it, I'd send the money to you! Keep us posted. Hugs~ Emily

I''m still at about the same as I was a month ago. My scale isn't moving even though I started walking twice a day..I'm up to about a mile (1/2 a m ile each time) and will continue to increase it. I have had a few NSVs, one of which is being able to walk that distance at all, but I really want to see that scale move, too. Could use a little encouragement/reinforcement/whatever!! Emily

I am SO GLAD KELLIE IS GONE! That made my week! I hope Paris and Taylor go next. I really like Elliott, but I think probably either Chris or maybe Katharine will will. Probably Chris. I loved his song Tuesday night. Emily

I'll take the challenge, too. I keep a card on my desk with a saying I love: Master the art of tenderness. We are all tired of having our hearts and spirits broken by the absence of tenderness in the world. That's something I've found on this board as well as fun and information...tender hearts that lift each other up. Thank you to all of you, and hopefully I can be a blessing to people I meet each day, too. Emily

Hi, Kare~ I'm in the same place as you except a little further along in the process. My sons are 25 and 27...one is a grad student and wants to go to medical school and the other is a senior in college hoping to get into pharmacy school. The empty nest thing is really hard to cope with when so much of your identity is tied up with being a mother. I know my kids still need me, but it's not in the same way anymore, and I went through a grieving for the "feeling needed" that I don't have anymore. It really helped me to talk with a counselor...mine was also a divorced mom who raised 4 kids on her own. She was able to help me a lot. You should be so proud that you have raised fine young men who are making their own way and building their own lives. I think that's the accomplishment I'm most proud of in my life, too. It's so amazing to see your kids turn into people you truly like besides loving them because they are your kids! Have you thought about volunteering for some cause you are passionate about? I don't know what your interests are, but there is always a need for volunteers in child guardians/advocacy or hospice or adult literacy programs or...the list is endless. I still work full time so I don't have a lot of time but hope to get back into hospice volunteering when (IF) I ever retire. Give yourself some time to readjust and think about how you want your life to be now that you have a little more freedom. And remember that they DO still need you, just differently. Hugs~ Emily