3loves

I can't get this out of my mind. I had to look back to see who posted it. Do you have the recipe? I want to try some. :hungry: Do you deliver?

Does anyone have those stupid moles? I almost trip from their runs in the yard. We must have a bad case of them. :cry I have heard traps are very efficient, but I don't think I could handle that. Any suggestions?

Hi CLOE, I don't think I mentioned this to you b4, but I did do the Optifast program last year for 12 weeks. They included an Optifast bar with the 5 shakes a day. YOU CAN DO THIS!!! The doc I saw each week allowed bullion cube whenever I needed something salty. The sweetness does get to you after awhile. It wouldn't hurt to make a call and ask if you could have some broth or bullion cubes, especially if it keeps you on track. Your doing great....keep up the good work!!!

The things that make you go HMMMM!!! :guess

Yup...it had me on edge too. I play a hand-held game while watching TV so I don't eat. I kept having to rewind the TiVo just to keep up. It's going to be a long summer without "McDreamy".

So glad to hear you got help and are on the mend. :biggrin1: I'm sure this was a scary thing for you. What kind of pain meds were you on? Did you have any other symptoms other than the bloating and nausea? Just want to be prepared myself. I'm sure you've helped a lot of people without even knowing it. :success1: Take care and here's to a good nights sleep.

Has anyone ever had a severe allergic reaction to anything while banded? Can hives cause your stomach to swell and cause problems with the band? I need info from anyone to help understand what happens to your body during a reaction. This fear didn't occur to me until last night. You see, last weekend I ended up in the ER about 2 hrs after eating shrimp. I love shrimp, I was craving it, and I've NEVER been allergic to it or any type of fish. I can't say for sure it was the shrimp b/c I had also taken my birth control, Vitamins & Biotin as usual that day. My palms starting itching, felt pressure on my ears and when I looked in the mirror, I asked my SIL to take me to ER (I was in OH visiting). Within a very short period of time the hives were unbearable and I have bruises & scratch marks still today from where I was scratching them. My BP was 170/101 when they checked me in. I could feel tremendous pressure on my ears, but thought it was from swelling & not BP. After 2 shots & 40 min later, my BP dropped to 128/72. I felt much better and went home. I really didn't think this was a big deal since I was able to get treatment ASAP. I didn't see where this should cause a problem for me in the future. Now I'm wondering.....:Banane13: worrying.....:phanvan. Is this a shell fish reaction? Does that mean I can't eat fish like cod or talapia? What if I was banded? What would happen to my band with such a reaction? First thing Mon, I called my nurse, surgeon, & hopistal where I'm having my pre-op tests next week. They all said to bring my bottle of prenidsone just to make sure they document the dosgae I have been taking. This is the second time in my life that I've had hives that have taken me to the ER. The first time was over 10 yrs ago after getting my hands in some fertilizer while planting. I have regular seasonal allergies, but don't suffer from any other allergic problems. Is my body changing? Could I develop an shell fish allergy out of the blue? Thank you in advance to anyone that could answer any of my many questions.

Boy, I am learning so much and appreciate each and every one of you!! Wow....love all the details Medussa....thanks!! I try to understand the whys and hows and this helps. I think I will call my PCP to see if they can do a quick blood test b4 surgery just so I know for sure. I know I can't get into the allergist b4 then b/c they are a 45 min drive and usually pretty booked. Morsaille ~ Your right about the peanut oil. That's a good thing to check out. Good idea on the plastics too while I'm at it. Boo ~ I loved that website!! Did you know it's Food Allergy Awareness Week? Very appropriate in my case. Help me understand the sea salt srubs.....I use BeautiControl Instant Manicure often and have never had a reaction. Is this something that could build up to a reaction? Andy Liz ~ I will tell everyone I come in contact with at the hospital. They will ALL know it by the time I leave. :success1:

This is cute....thank God for DH's. :biggrin1: Hope tomorrow is a better day at work. Hey CLOE, Optifast does get old very quickly. Hang in there. I have some from last year and they expire 6-06 so I really want to use them up & hope to lose a few lbs in the process. :success1: I can't believe it's only 10 more days. It just seems like yesterday I was fighting the insurance battle. I'm really starting to get some "real" support from my mom, so I'm feeling even better as the date draws near. kelli ~ So glad to hear your doing well!! Your ticker looks great now, so I guess you figured it out. :clap2:

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF YOU THAT HAVE BEEN BANDED AND THOSE YET TO BE BANDED!! :success1: Kim ~ Great job.....5 lbs!! :scales: Your doing super!! I lost 1.5 lbs over the weekend and found it difficult to stick to the liquids away from home. I did have my Optifast several meals, but did stray a bit. :phanvan Today is better, although Aunt Flo is coming....:cry I go for pre-op tests on Thurs. Can't wait to drink that barium stuff. So you say it was good? I bet your glad that part is behind you. Hippo's Hope ~ I have used regular cooking oil to remove tape residue. Rub a little in and it just rolls off your skin with a wet cloth. escudero012004 ~ Welcome to LBT. Your band date is my bday.:biggrin1: Congratulations!! :welcome2:

Reporting in.....I lost 1.5 lbs. That's the most I've lost in months!! I ate very reasonable for Mother's Day and tried to stick with my liquid diet the rest of the time. I wasn't 100% successful with the liquids, but it's the little steps that help me. Aunt Flo is coming Wed, so I'm not looking forward to that other than I won't be having it for my surgery...YEAH!! Telly ~ You are sooooo dedicated and an inspiration!! Thank you for that. :clap2: Keep focused and don't let the jealousy of others cloud your mind. They must be staring at you b/c they want that glow you have and that gleam in your eye. It can't be denied. :biggrin1: :success1:

Death is a reality for either surgery. Personally, I feel it's more unlikely with the band, but it could happen. I have complete peace with my decision and have no fear of the surgery or the life after band. This is an elective surgery and although many have breezed through without ANY problems, there a many variables that play into complications. Like I've said before, this is serious stuff and a decision of this magnitude should not be made lightly or on a whim. Death is a reality. :cry Holy cow....it's real!! If you pray, pray with your daughter to help bring her peace. I know my mom has the same fear. She doesn't really want me to have the surgery, but I am 100% confident in my decision. My children aren't old enough to really comprehend, but bless the hearts of our children....they don't want anything to happen to mommy or daddy.

Congratulations!! Are you having your surgery on a Sat? There are a few of us that are scheduled for the 26th. I am also starting my liquid diet today. Right now I'm still drinking my coffee. :confused: I hate mornings. :biggrin1:

Here is a great list for pre-surgery. Heating pad is at the top. :biggrin1: http://www.lapbandtalk.com/showthread.php?t=14814. Good luck everyone!! Look out liquids....here is come!!! :confused: :hungry:

Thank you all for the words of wisdom!! It's comforting to hear from those of you with various experiences. I have added to my shopping list liquid benedryl, epi-pen (calling doc) and solumedrol?? What is this anyway? Do I need a script or get it at Wal-Mart? Cindy ~ Bless his little heart!! Are you talking about that little man in your avatar? What is idafoam? I'm not familiar with all of this and I'm learning. :confused: Allergies are more scary to me when it comes to my kids. We did have the squad out once for my son's egg allergy after he decided to make mommy a cake. :phanvan I was on the phone with 911 and about to stick him with the epi-pen...I told him it was going to hurt....dog gone it....that thing was upside down and I stuck my own thumb!!! Only a blonde would do such a thing!! :confused: The squad arrived less than 30 sec later. He was starting to have trouble breathing. I was flying high. I don't ever what to go through that again. I only buy eggs when I know I'm going to use them & then the excess goes in the trash. Not worth taking the chance on a little precious life.

You are on the right track. :thumb: Who knows, perhaps Vanderbilt has a physical therapy program you could benefit from while doing all the other requirements for the band. The good thing about the band support groups is that we're getting toward the end of May and you can attend another one at the beginning of June. I was able to attend 3 groups within 2 mos b/c of timing like this. I just pray your not in too much pain. :phanvan You haven't said much about the pain. Does the steroid shot take care of most of that? I'm so glad your able to be with your family. Keep in touch!!

Actually, we do keep a couple of epi-pens for my son (egg & dairy allergy), the jr version. I guess it would suffice until help arrived if I needed it. Excellent point that I didn't even think about. We even keep one at grandma's house which is where I was when it happened. I always keep up on the dates b/c I think they expire every year. I have an excellent allergist that I will go to after I get the band. I really need to have a test anyway b/c it's been years since I've had one. Now, I take it the blood test is more accurate than the skin test for shellfish? I know our pediatrician and allergist both said the skin test was more accurate to judge my son's allergies (egg & dairy). On his blood test at 1 yr of age, he did test a 5 out of 5 for egg and a 4 for dairy. Therefore, we didn't even start skin testing until age 3. I will make a point to ask the allergist about the blood testing for myself. Do you think I should get an adult epi-pen until I do get testing done? I'm pretty sure my PCP would give me a script.

I noticed it too. Sad. :cry It seems someone on here said he had the "sleeve" surgery. Not sure b/c my memory doesn't always serve me correctly.

Hey Rosa, congratulations....glad your home and sounding so chipper!! Stitchy ~ Two days and on your side....that's encouraging. I have a hard time sleeping on my back too. missnikki ~ It's good to hear from you. Keep us posted!!! I second what CLOE said....we're praying for all of you!! CLOE & Kim ~ Ready for the liquids? I am packing some of my shakes tonight since we are traveling to OH tomorrow. Maybe I'll tell my SIL's that I can't help clean-up after the big Mother's Day meal b/c it's too much temptation. :heh: Do you think that would work? :rolleyes Holy Cow!!! 2, I say 2 more weeks girls!!:dance:

Don't forget the race is Sat night 6:30PM. My dad is a huge DJ fan. I also think he is a handsome man's man. An old saying my mom likes to use. Goodness, I just read that Slugger was suspended for 4 races and DJ fined points for the sway bar. This is the first time I can remember this happening to DJ. Did anyone see Tony's monkey on pit road? I was cracking up. He is such an animal lover....part of my attraction to him as well. I wished I would have saved that pic online. Did anyone get it?

Great news...well sort of, at least now you know!! No more nuts or popcorn for you. My DH had 12" of his colon removed b/c of diverticulitus....he's was only 34 at the time (very poor eating habits). He had swelling the size of a grapefruit which is part of the reason they operated on such a young person (after the swelling went down of course). What is your course of action? I would imagine with the band, your eating habits will help control it. I will continue to pray for you!! :biggrin1:

Jill ~ So glad you contacted them. Now you can begin the leg work and back track. They should let you pick up reports, but may have you sign a release. Good luck and I'm glad you at least know where things stand.

Sorry about the confusion....I went on the prednisone AFTER I left the ER. They gave me 10 mg and have gradually decreased the dosage each day since last Sat. This is the ONLY prednisone I've taken except for the "shot" in the ER. I think one of those shots was the steroid. Boy, it does increase the appetite for sure!! I take Triphasil for birth control, (1) 1000 mg Biotin, (2) daily multi-Vitamin Super Matragen by Genestra http://www.rockwellnutrition.net/product.asp?itemid=653(purchased from my chiropractor & have taken them 1 yr+). It's actually a prenatal, but I have more energy with this than taking the regular vitamin. I had taken my biotin & Vitamins right b4 we left for the restaurant b/c I forgot earlier that morning. Almost forgot, I take an Ambien CR 12.5 mg every night, so I did have that the night b4. I had cheerios for a late Breakfast and the early dinner was the fried shrimp (7) pcs, baked potato w/sour cream, butter, salt, pepper, and a little ketsup to dip the shrimp...not a cocktail sauce fan. Also had a diet coke. Nothing else except Water. I was too busy with all the kids to get dessert. :biggrin1: I truly appreciate any info. I guess I like details and try to understand how/why my body does what it does. In my heart, I really think the only true answer will be when I go the an allergy specialist to get tested. It does scare me a bit at the thought of the hives with the band b/c I know how much I swelled, even on the inside of my ears & a little of my throat. Believe me when I tell you, you could have bounced a quarter off my chin. :Banane13: I will avoid any kind of fish the rest of my life if necessary. This won't deter my band decision, but I would like to know so I can be in control to prevent any future reactions. Has anyone had really bad hives with the band? Can the stomach swell with such a reaction? Thanks again for ANY input!!!

CONGRATULATIONS on your approval!! :clap2: Good for you on sticking with it and your GP!! This is an exciting time. Do you have all your tests done & such? Try to post often and keep us updated on your progres....we're so glad your here!! :welcome:

My DH's motto: It's not what you know, it's who you know. This is so true in business and life. I wish you all the best and I know whatever the outcome, it will be for the best!!