gentlespirit

Kathy~ You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers, too. Waiting is the worst. Hugs~ Emily

WOW...what a great NSV! Huge congratulations to you!!! Emily

My surgeon told me that if I get nauseated and someone I've been around has the stomach flu, I should go to the ER anad get an anti-nausea shot right away...not wait to start vomiting. Emily

Wow...congratulations!!! You should be VERY proud of yourself!! Emily

I couldn't have gone back to work that quickly...I was really tired for almost a week. If you can reschedule your surgery for a Thursday, you would at least get the weekend in there to use for recovery. Hope you can work something out to give yourself a little more time. Emily

According to Tizag in Israel, they have been doing them for about 10 years there. She said that nearly everyone she knows who has had one for that long has had to have at least one additional surgery for one of a variety of reasons...I, too, would love to know about stats from Europe that cover a longer term. Emily

I'm so sorry you are going through this. Some men just never grow up and leave their mommies, and some mothers encourage that because of their own insecurities or whatever. Your husband will someday realize he made the wrong choice, but for now you have to do what's best for you and your children. Divorce is never a good answer, but sometimes it's the ONLY answer. Sending hugs and good thoughts your way...you WILL get through this. Emily

Congratulations!!! Hope everything goes well for you~ Emily

Zicam always works for me...it's available at Wal-Mart or any drug store. It's some k ind of homeopathic thing, which I don't understand, but it will prevent a cold if you take it when you first start feelingthe symptoms or make the cold shorter and less severe if you already have one. You ocan get ta bs to dissolve under your tongue or a nasal spray gel. Good luck! Emily

Maybe it was just an off day, as Lavisa suggested. I was glad that they only have nurses trained for lap band patients work with them...I think that's great. That way none of the bandsters have to deal with "floaters". Emily

I had my surgery on 1/24 in Sioux Falls and was really surprised about a couple of things that happened. The surgeon was fine and everyone I met pre-op was great and very nice. But I didn't get my regular medications until I asked about them just before I was discharged after staying about 30 hours (I take a couple of antidepressants and use an inhaler for asthma). And then they were supposed to make the appointment with the docs office for a one-week followup and never did. I finally called the doc's office today and made it myself...it's a good thing I checked. The hospital is part of the Univ. of South Dakota, and I guess I expected the staff to be more on top of things than that. The followup appt. is pretty important and his schedule fills up fast. I guess I was disappointed about the follow through on the part of the hospital staff. But I should probably count my blessings because everything went fine and they were nice. Emily

Congratulations!!! This is an exciting time for you! Emily

Gentlespirit Feb. 24 Dr. O'Brien Sioux Falls, SD I'm down 14.5 pounds! Thanks! Emily

Glenda~ I'm so glad you found something that works for you. I, too, have found anti-depressants to be a lifesaver. They allow me to function well and to feel in control of my life...as well as to feel actually happy. Even though I know they don't work or cause problems for some people, I thank God for modern medical miracles! I am sorry for your loss...I can't imagine how difficult that must be. Emily

Waiting sucks! I hope that you'll get a definitive answer soon so they can begin treating it. Maybe the anti-anxiety pills will help...I know it's hard to stay strong when everything seems overwhelming. Know we all care about you and are holding you up in our thoughts. Take care of yourself. Emily

Mary~ I"m so sorry you had to go through this...what a tough way to start! You must be a strong woman! I'm glad things are on the upward swing now and that you are feeling better and more optimistic. You will get so much encouragement and support from this group of people, and you're right...we're all in the same boat and need to help each other. Hugs to you...hope you continue to improve by leaps and bounds Emily

Ciera~ I'm so sorry you're going through this but thankful that they found it and took the band out. I know it must be discouraging, but everyone here is supporting you and wishing you well. Hope your recovery is speedy and uneventful! Emily

Congratulations!!! I am only a week out from surgery and am doing well. The day of surgery is easy enough...just a little nervous, but you don't remember anything until you're waking up in the recovery room. Then you're a little sore (but the meds help a lot), and they get you up within a few hours to walk and pee. I went home the next day after a gastrograff (?) swallow. That was the worst...it was bitter and thick. Sicne I've been home, the gas has been the worst thing, but walking helps with that. Days 3 and 4 were fairly miserable, but I woke up on day 5 feeling like a new person. So just remember that you WILL get better. You'll be fine. Isn't it exciting to be on the brink of a new adventure?? Emily

Welcome! I'm only a week out from surgery, and my only advice (since I don't know much yet) is to remember that however you feel on days 3-4, it WILL get better!!! Emily

I read something romantic and sexy and totally mindless...it usually helps. Crystal, you'll be in my thoughts tomorrow. Emily

What Vinesqueen and Alexandra said! The chances of dying too soon from an obesity-related health problem are incalculably greater than the chances of dying in surgery. Don't let fear of something so unlikely keep you from doing something so good for yourself. Emily

Isn't it exciting??!! I got mine the day after you did, and I'm down about 18-20 pounds. Still not hungry and am on liquids for another week. Congratulations on the 27 #...it's the start of a new life!!! Emily

I know our community ed department offers classes...maybe check out your area for that?? They are usually very inexpensive. Emily

Wow...you must have felt so amazing! Congratulations!! Emily

Crystal~ Sending hugs your way and prayers to the Lord for you! You know we all wish the very best for you and will be thinking of you. Take a deep breath and hang in there. Hugs~ Emily