lotsofkids
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Everything posted by lotsofkids
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I took 2 gas-x but no change yet. I called my hubby and he is concerned that it might be peri-cardial effusion "fluid build up" around the heart as it is harder to breath in a lying down position. He told me to take 4 adult asprins and we'll see if that eleviates some of the pressure. When he comes home he'll check my BP and heart rate. I currently have an air activated heating pad on my shoulder....with a little bit of relief. I have been on diuretics for Water rention and have had mild effusion in the past.....I have not been taking the meds for the past few days...as I wasn't feeling that my legs were swollen. He felt I should have stayed taking the meds....as this can happen to patients after a surgery. HOpefully, it it is just gas....or something positional.....but I'll keep you all posted. 3Loves.....it seems my port is sort of in the middle????...barely an inch to the left of my belly button. Tracy D....Congrats! you go girl! thanks guys....diane : )
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It's that sunken in chest feeling......I am walking bent over....it hurts to stand straight up. But, I slept a lot today and I am a little better...but not enough....still uncomfortable with this....but I might send one of my boys to pick up the gas x and see if that'll work. smiles....diane : )
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Borderline BMI - a waste of time and you still pay?
lotsofkids replied to Constance's topic in Insurance & Financing
Even with a BMI of only 35.....my insurance approved me and I had my surgery on May 23rd, 2006 I had sleep apnea hypothyroid starting to get hypertensive and a fatty liver Of course....all the copays and deductibles will not be applied to my annual maximums.....so I will be probably paying between $4000 to $5000 for my portion.....but I was thrilled to be accepted...and quite surprised! good luck and hang in there! diane -
OH Kim.....I hope you start feeling better quickly. Glad to see you check in with us. Kato....welcome officially to the May bandsters! Scully.....we share surgery days....(I know what YOU did on May 23rd) to all....smiles and hugs...diane : ) yesterday I had a great and productive day.....today, I felt hit by a truck. I couldn't take full breaths without pain in my chest and in my left shoulder. Did anyone else experience something similar? I figure....I could have overdone it yesterday...or it is gas pain in my shoulder....or a mini heart attack....(hopefully not).....I do worry about that...as my dad had a massive MI at age 43 yrs old. If I don't feel better tomorrow....I will make a phone call to be seen by a doc. smiles....diane : )
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I have 5 kids total.....my 3 older boys are all in college (2 commuting from home and 1 just graduated in Fla...but will stay on for graduate work) then I have 10yr old twins in 4th grade (a boy and a girl).....so I cook daily.....and you don't want to know what our monthly food bill is....it is too painfull!...But, everyone is happy...and we really congregate for wonderful family meals and weekend "special" hot Breakfast menus.....but everything seems to get eaten.....No one is overwt in my home???? just me!....they all are high achievers with busy schedules and a lotsa sports. Even my husband is in great shape.......so....no one wants me to impose a lowfat menu on them!!!! Thank God for the band.....it will be my only chance in a food filled existance to remain in control. My older boys each eat 2-3 full plates of food at any sitting...I buy most of my groceries at Sam's Club and haul back those 5lb cans and 20lb bags of rice or sugar,.....25lbs of flour....and about 5-6 gallons of milk per week....and we actually go through it all! They now love to invite friends over for dinner....as they brag about "mom's cooking....so in a way.....I am flattered....but I do worry that they could "enjoy" food too much....and someday.....when their metabolism slows down.....they could find themselves in my shoes. Food is such a part of many cultures and holidays.....it is really an uphill battle if you have weak self-control. I rant.....time to step off the soap-box.... smiles to you all...diane : )
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I just did a quick count and came up with 97 of us!!!!!! (I might be off 1 or 2 as it was a "quick" count!) But that sure is a lot of us........maybe we can post on our 3 month anniversary....our total loss amount.....it could be in the thousands!!!! Or in elevator terminology......."x" amount of persons.....LOL Glad the Magic Bullet is helping......I cook a lot....so I invested in a Vita-mix mixer....it is the rolls-royce of mixers. But way too expensive if you don't feel you will get a lot of usage. Mine is used daily....so I really enjoy it...and recommend it...for those looking into heavy duty blenders. It has a 7 yr warranty....with great customer service. Glad to be a part of such a warm and inspirational group of bandsters : ) warm wishes to you all.... diane
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We used to have to relight them multiple times so that each child could blow out the candles....regardless of whose b-day it was!!!! Enjoy these moments.....they are the greatest memories! Glad to hear you are back on-line. How are you feeling tho? Last week, I had a tough time getting up or down from a sitting position and seemed to feel a lot of pressure, discomfort and constant gurgling of gasses....but today I was out grocery shopping and errand running.....and pretty much had a full day of it. I even made a broiled salmon dinner for the family and was able to eat a mini portion of it without any pressure or pain!!!! (my first real food in two weeks!) My oldest is coming back from college tomorrow and I will make him a lasagna dinner....but I probably won't go there...this early on....I definately will tread lightly with wisdom! My problem is I am a pretty talented cook....in both American and mediteranian dishes....so everyone still wants Mom's cooking....although....my cooking has lead me to my wt issues.....I read cookbooks for entertainment....and then I design recipes ...and I have been famous for amazing deserts....guess I should start looking for a new hobby! Julia Childs...once said....eat anything you want....just don't eat too much of it....that is the key to my problem....and she is right...I have no control once I start eating good food...hopefully the band will remind me of my mission to lose wt. The scale "is" actually showing progress......I suppose it should.....I am really eating like a bird. My fridge has a bunch of sugar free popsicles and those are great to snack on without guilt...and I walked thru the grocery store in a very different mindset.....food is not to be abused....I'm so glad I am not a smoker....I would probably be a chain smoker with my compusive traits...LOL So glad to see you in here tonight...... hope you are doing better....smiles....diane : )
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What Foods did you have to give up?
lotsofkids replied to BakoGal's topic in LAP-BAND Surgery Forums
I am only 8 days post surgery.....last week was tough......even the liquids felt like a rock in my tummy......tonight I cooked a moist salmon with augrautin potatoes.....I was able to have a mini portion of both and it was the first real meal I have had in over two weeks. I knew not to overeat...and stick with a sample sized amount. Very slowly and with tons of chewing....as I am a coward for any problems. I was away for a night during the holiday weekend....Sunday night I ordered french onion Soup....the chef graciously pureed the onions for me and I slowly enjoyed the melted provolone slice on top.....Well, I never slept the whole night......it was like a brick in my stomach......so maybe I am not yet ready for cheese products. Just taking baby steps....and hoping not too many band-aids in my future...LOL big hugs....and smiles..... diane : ) -
you and "Jack Benny" 39 for life! Your 2 loves in the photo are just beautiful : ) Hope you are recoving and feeling a bit back on your feet. Sending only "cybercake" your way......help yourself...it's all yours.....(bad...friend....slap......bad friend.....slap) forgive me....it was only "cyber"......my alter-ego is fat....."I" am a svelte size 7...LOL Big hugs to ya.... diane : )
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Just got banded on 5-24-06
lotsofkids replied to julesings's topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
I was banded 5/23....the first thing I did was weigh myself when I came home only to see I had gained 6 lbs! Now, I am at my one week anniversary and down 9lbs.....so for me....it was just bloat and gas... Hope you see some good results too! smiles...diane -
I just wanted to say thank you for keeping all us May bandsters in order! Without order.......hey....we could run amuck! Who knows how much damage we could be posting around here LOL !! Glad you have us all contained. It's a big job.....glad you took it on! smiles and hugs.... diane : )
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I stayed one night in the Cleveland Clinic. I woke up and found I had a catheter placed. That was a good thing.....so I didn't have to get up and about every time I felt the urge to pee. I am having some pain still....especially when coughing or getting up or down from the sofa. If I am in a stable posititon....I am fine and not in any discomfort. I do seem rather wiped out and sluggish. I want to sleep a lot....so I just follow what my body is telling me. I still don't have any appetite....I am eating only because I don't want to get dehydrated and I know my body is healing and needs nutrients. If you do need the pain meds....I suggest getting them filled BEFORE your surgery...I tried to fill mine at 3 pharmacy's and none of them had the liquid pain med in stock. So I just got some liquid tylenol over the counter and that is all that I have available. I sort of wish I had something stronger during those initial days. big hugs.... diane : )
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still a little under the weather...3 days post surgery....still uncomfortable getting up or down. Overall, doing well. Made a strawberry shake for breakfast. skim milk, egg and a few frozen strawberries. Drank 1/2 cup. Appetite is still not up...that's a good thing. I hope it stays suppressed. Robin Alheit sent me a beautiful flower basket...just outstanding. We spoke on the phone and she is very encouraging. Hopefully, we can meet when I am up and about. The diareah is not a pleasant side effect.....be sure to protect yourself with something as it usually gives no warning....yuck. I suppose solids...will solve that issue LOL smiles...diane
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still a little under the weather...3 days post surgery....still uncomfortable getting up or down. Overall, doing well. Made a strawberry shake for breakfast. skim milk, egg and a few frozen strawberries. Drank 1/2 cup. Appetite is still not up...that's a good thing. I hope it stays suppressed. Robin Alheit sent me a beautiful flower basket...just outstanding. We spoke on the phone and she is very encouraging. Hopefully, we can meet when I am up and about. The diareah is not a pleasant side effect.....be sure to protect yourself with something as it usually gives no warning....yuck. I suppose solids...will solve that issue LOL smiles...diane
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I had my band done on 5/23.....was in my room at 7pm. The first night I had a lot of discomfort but not terrible pain.....I think the pain meds kept it all under control. I was discharged the next day and pretty much slept Wednesday and Thursday on the sofa. It only hurt to get up or down from a position. I made myself a shake this morning.....lowfat milk, an egg and a few frozen strawberries. I had about 1/2 cups worth as my breakfast. Funny, because I still don't really have any appetite. HOpe that lasts for a while! I tolerated the shake very well....and I had 1/2 cup of a creamed soup for lunch. So far, so good. Robin (ralheit) sent me a lovely basket of flowers.....with 2 turtles inside. Ya know...the turtle wins the race....LOL She is so sweet, her surgery was March 7th and she is doing great...I big encouragement for those of us behind her. I too seemed to gain wt after the surgery...I was up 6lbs....it must be water rentention...as today I was down 4 lbs...yippee. I guess all went as well as it should....as I didn't have terrible nausea or any other problems....so now it is just a matter of recouping and recovering...then on to a slimmer ME. I do plan on following all the rules....lifestyle changes, excersise ect.....I came this far to succeed...not to fail. Hoping us May bandsters will be all having great success. Remember...November will be our 6 month anniversary.....we will all need to check in for those wonderful updates! big hugs and smiles.... diane : )
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Hey there LBsters.....I was here early spring and asking all my questions and mentioning my dear Hubby....was extremely non-supportive...yet very much into daily "fat" jokes about my wieght. Anyhow.....I just learned TODAY that I was approved by my insurance...AND I can get banded on this coming Tuesday! (they had a cancelation....and called me STAT as my health insurance will change end of June and the new one might not be as friendly) Ok....no time to think too much more about it....if I miss Tuesday's surgery...then the next available is mid-July....so I will be jumping in head first...or "tummy" first...so to speak. My hubby is still NON supportive....he wants me to sign a paper stating I am doing this against HIS wishes and I am fully on my own with any future health problems or financial burdens arising from this procedure! LOL ..Can you believe that.....he is a doctor (pediatrics)....and it sounds like he is worried I might hold him responsible or sue....LOL Then he said his true feelings are that he has no respect for someone who needs surgery because they couldn't control their eating. Ok..fine...but after 5 kids...you tell me if you take two brand new balloons out of a package.....inflate and deflate balloon "A" 5 times...then hold it up to the unused balloon "B"..and see if they both still look the same!!!! I was really shocked that my insurance actually approved me.....I only had a BMI of only 35....(I just barely made it) but I have a horrible sleep apnea and with the workup...they found out I also have a fatty liver...which is another co-morbidity I guess. So.....my thoughts were..if I do get approved....go for it....if not...then keep trying the old-fashioned way....which I have lost and gained over and over and will probably be doomed to fail again. Well, even with no support...and I know very well.....he is going to give me all sorts of guilt during my recoup time....as he "might" have to forgo some comforts and take on some house duties or parenting ...etc....I am still estatic and I hope I will find the emotional support from my cyber friends here on the board. I do have one great friend in my area and she is going to be a big support for me....but I am too embarrased to let my extended family or anyone else know that I was even considering this.....guess that's a side-effect of my hubby's take on the surgery. Oh well....do keep me in your thoughts.....tomorrow morning I will meet for the presurgery consult at the Cleveland Clinic. Warm wishes.....and only cyber chocolates from here on in! Diane : )
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In heading in for mine one day ahead of you......a few butterflies ...but certainly excited. Hope all goes smoothly for you and see ya in da 'recovering phase! warm wishes, diane : )
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and glad you are being pro-active.....don't wait for the band to lose all your wt.....do start losing some now....you will be in a better place for when you do get banded. hope to see you around, warm wishes, diane : )
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Oprah backs out of lapband surgery
lotsofkids replied to bbrecruiter2000's topic in LAP-BAND Surgery Forums
but as far as her doing it.....well she knows how powerful she influences the media and her audience....so I highly doubt she would take that road....as she would want to be a model and an encouragement for healthy lifestyle changes. And many people might think that the band will do it for them....without putting forth personal efforts. Take it with a grain of salt.....but it's nice to see the band having some publicity! warm wishes, diane -
I will be joining you in bandland.... tomorrow! It's so nice to hear you are doing well......keep it up and hope to see more of you here. I love the name of your favorite smoothie! Now maybe you can buy one...and it will last the whole week! go to tickerfactory.com not ticker.com......they will walk you through it and it's free w/o and sign ups or anything. smiles, diane
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Insurance Has Been Approved!!!!
lotsofkids replied to lotsofkids's topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
I loved your earlier post.....you are right....they "all" seem to have major quirks! LOL thanks for your support and well wishes. (I really appreciate it) Hey....we need to head off to sleep....do you know what time it is? Good night John Boy smiles......from Maryellen aka....Diane : ) -
Insurance Has Been Approved!!!!
lotsofkids replied to lotsofkids's topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
I just love to see your antics and comments. I would love to answer everyone personally....but it is getting late....and I am running tired...so please forgive me. Don't worry about my hubby....I have been married over 23yrs....and he really is a decent guy....he just has this defective gene.....that he has to CONTROL everything...but I find ways to take it all in stride and find the humor in it all.....you just have to. 10 yrs ago....I was at a party, when I met a group of female residents that I never previously met. When they realized who I was....one of them spoke up and said "did you know, I pray for you every day?" I looked at her rather confused.....then she said...every day....I say "God help his wife!" We all burst out laughing....and it was the hit of my evening. I still remind him of that comment from time to time! I have to find humor in my daily life....I don't believe in being stressed out even if those around you are too serious. I am taking a stand for ME.....and I have been a devoted wife and Mom for way to long.....so whether....my family is on board or not......I am moving forward and I won't let anyone sabotage my success. This weekend....I was out of town for my son's soccer tournament.....and we ate at restaurants....but I stood firm and chose wisely. My husband was insisting I join them for icecream and a pizza meal. I had a Soup....and was quite satisfied....as I am mentally up to the challenge. Although, during the pizza meal, while I refusing to eat a fatty, high calorie slice,...he said "you know...you are going to put yourself through a surgery and a lot of expense...and in the end you will ultimately end up the same wt you are now" I smiled.....and let that one slide .... what else can you do? Can't wait to prove him wrong...... : ) hugs...Diane -
we meet again in da 'boards! Time is nearing......but this is all exciting......Us May bandsters will need to have a 3, 6, 9 and 12 month reunion! To share and encourage each other!!!! That would be August, November, February and of course May. 3Lov's hey....I told him jokingly that if he wants me to sign anything.....then I will have a paper for him to sign as well......he rolled his eyes and never mentioned it further. (hmmm.....do ya think he might have thought I meant a divorce paper? ...LOL...well...I say...let him sweat it a bit....!!!!) Big smiles to all....and there are sooooo many of you here....it will take me a while to learn all the names.....but I am sure that many of you will soon be near and dear to my heart. You are all so kind. hugs, Diane : )
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thanks for the head's up and sending me to this posting....WOW....so many May bandsters! And I am really impressed with you posting on the same day you had your surgery! You're one tough woman! (hmmm....I had all natural childbirth with my kids....so I guess this should go well ....except the older I get...the more wussy I seem to be) But this thread is really encouraging....!!!! Add me to Tuesday, May 23rd for my banding....and hopefully...all will go smoothly. Thanks...and hope to be hearing from many of you over these coming days....and that you all stick to successful life changes. Warm wishes....Diane : )
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Insurance Has Been Approved!!!!
lotsofkids replied to lotsofkids's topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
and 3loves.....you really cracked me up! I WILL tell him to sign "my" paper along with his. Believe me...that's how I deal with this guy. 2 months ago he said my job is 24/7 to be in the kitchen preparing meals for the family....well, my mouth dropped....but I went straight to my office and made a paper chef's hat and put in big bold letters 24/7 on the hat. Then I put on a kitchen apron and I wore that for 2 days straight.....I told him if he has any important visitors...you can be sure they will be served with me wearing my uniform! By the third day.....I came home and found him wearing the outfit.....I had clearly made the point and he felt humiliated. I did do an ultrasound showing a "fatty liver" but I did ask the doc about it and he said as my weight is not so high....it should not be a problem for me. He is aware of its size and felt comfortable with me only doing the liquid diet 48 hrs prior to surgery. I will be going out of town in the next few minutes.....yep..the last thing I did was to check in with you guys! I will be back Sunday evening and check back here again with you all. And MYRA....best wishes on your banding.....hope to hear from you that everything went well. Big Hugs to all.....and a few smiles too....Diane : )