Kat817

Laura......how hard would it be to change my Shrinking Violet signature? I would like to take my avatar pic and put it in the SV signature, and eliminate it from the avatar pic----just put something else----I do not like seeing me all over the place, I want one pic and that's all! Lotsa work? If so I will just eliminate the signature pic.....but I like the SV association. Sorry for being a PITA........ Kat

I agree, and I cannot help but wonder if these new Dr.'s trying to build themselves up a quick following, are not over simplifying the discipline involved, as well as the strict post op diet, for fear of scaring off potential patients. While the surgery literally could be done over a lunch hour say---it truly shouldn't be done in that cavalier of a manner. This is a lifetime commitment....or at least what we hope to be a lifetime commitment---but it makes it sound easy, and like a quick cure. I want my surgeon, or my Dr. to have experience to draw on if I have a problem I need help with. Kat

Yep I would do it again in a heartbeat! Weight being a second issue----I was taking 2 medications for high blood pressure, one for high blood sugar, another for high cholesterol (all these high numbers, only thing that was low, was my spirit!), and yet another for joint pain in my knees. The medications were ALL gone very quickly! My blood pressure is now on the low normal range, same with my blood sugar. My cholesterol just dropped below 150----and my knees no longer hurt. The weight loss, and new freedoms have been wonderful---but I regained my health, and my hope. Yep in a heartbeat I would do it again.....my only wish, is that it had been available to me years ago! Kat

I paid slightly less than that 2 years ago, but I loved Dr. Aceves, and would recommend him highly---I have sent several local friends his way!!! Kat

I understand what Nikki is complaining about, I am getting the similar treatment from some of the women DH works with. We discussed this on another thread a couple days ago. When I was at my biggest, they did not have the time of day for me, they ignored me, and did not act like I existed. Then I lost weight---I love my band!!! These same women--many of whom are maximum size 5---yet others are obese, they suddenly want to talk to me, and lo and behold, within a couple minutes the subject comes around to my weight! They want to ask personal questions, how much I've lost, ask about the band-----which if they had treated me decent in the begining when I was friendly with them, I would gladly answer. But hell no! Treat me like crap when I am fat, and then want to get info from me when it suits you-screw that! Then we added insult to injury----and now DH is the boss!!! They fall all over themselves trying to buddy up to me now! Nope! There were some who were pleasant, and friendly from day one, and those are the ones I associate with, the others can take a flying leap!!!! I think you need to take the time this summer to come up with a simple response---something not hateful------very simple----just like "do we know each other?" to always use when those type come up to you! By high school, some people really do change, and if you are mature enough to handle the band, and to know to come here and vent, not take it out on someone (!) you are smart enough to recognize genuine when you find it. That may actually come in the form of someone from the past who is truly interested in the changes you made for yourself, or it may be from someone new to the school. When you find your niche, stick to it, let the rest stay peripheral. Do your best to enjoy your high school years. Explore some education options----and always keep in mind, this is just something to get through, to get on with your life!!! I know that these problems to you are as big to you as someone later in life facing a foreclosure or something--this is your life, and someone/something is screwing with it!!! I hope you knock their socks off. The absolute best advice I can give you is this.....walk into that school with your shoulders back, and with pride--even if you ARE shaking on the inside! Walk proud! Strut your stuff girl!!! Smile, as though you know something they don't. Do not skulk around like you have anything to be ashamed of. Show them how you are losing the weight, let them see you eat.....keep them guessing!!! But never ever let them think that you believe they are better than you. You are not less than any of them---regardless of weight, or skin color, or family situation-------anything! When you get back, if you have hard times, come here, and let us bolster you back up------because girl, they may be talking about you getting the band now-----but someone will get arrested next month, or pregnant, and you will be old news. And by the time high school is over, they WILL be talking about how hot you have become!!! Hang in there----you will show them!! Kat

JulieGeraci - April 21 StephC - May 1 TMarie - May 5 Boo Boo Kitty - May 6 TracyinKS - tba Kat - MAY 20th------I got a date!!!! I come soooooo close to having it done this coming Wed.!!!! But the only opening he had was an afternoon, and he only does FTT's in the morning, so there is plenty of recovery time....oh well!!! Then his next open date was May 6th, and that was too close to my TX trip he said. So I told him "fine then, as soon after the 19th as you can do it!" His scheduler said "the 20th!" I said "SOLD"!! While manipulating/playing with my belly flab today he said he thinks he can make me really happy, except I am likely to have small puckers at each end of the incision. He said I have 2 opposite extremes. Lots of excess in the very front, and hanging (gross--YUCK) and then over to the hips----where I have nothing--------it is simply skin over bone...... So he said the transition might not be perfect----but he guaranteed me I will love it compared to now. I will be going to have a total unfill on the 13th---then going to Tx to meet my Shrinking Violet group, coming home on the 19th, and having surgery the 20th!!! One thing about it, my mind will be occupied!! LOL I am SOOOOO excited!!! Anyway--wanted to change me from a TBA to a date!!! Kat

My fill Dr. works out of both Pueblo, and Canon City. He is open to patients banded by other Dr.'s---I am one! His name is Dr. Timothy Brown with Colorado Bariatrics. His phone # is 1-866-BAND or 719-275-4061. Website is www.coloradobariatrics.net . You can call and talk to Reenie, or Andrea, they are both very well band educated, and super helpful!!! Let me know if you need anything else in relation to them! Good Luck with your surgery and your upcoming move!! Kat

I'm sorry, I must have read it wrong, I was reading it as though you needed to bump your BMI up to make the surgery--and thought you wanted them to think you were taller, which would have lowered the BMI numbers......HELP somebody smack me!!! Sorry! Somedays my eyes read one thing, and my brain interprets it totally differently!! Kat

Hi Mandy---glad surgery went well, and you are home... Now on to a speedy recovery! I saw my PS this morning, and I am having my TT done on May 20th. I am meeting the Shrinking Violets Bandsters in San Antonio the 16th-19th of May, come home and have surgery the next day!!! I am SOOOOOO excited!! I need to run to Auto Zone for Rick---will check in later. Good to see you Ivan! Kat

Heya Girls~~~ Well I fly in from TX on the 19th, and have surgery the morning of the 20th!!! I actually, almost had it this coming Wed!!!!!! But all he had was an afternoon slot, and he wants it a morning surgery---so then the next opening was the 6th---which was not enough recovery time between it and out trip.....so I said as soon after the 19th as he can do it--------so the morning of the 20th! He said he can hopefully do it as a day surgery....I will go home with usually 3 drains, which will stay in a week. I am unfortunately not an ideal candidate for this surgery to end up totally smooth. I go from having enourmous amounts of flesh in the front, to nothing but skin on bone on my hips, nothing to smooth out the transition. So he said I might end up with a small pucker on the very ends of the incision, which we can debrade off in a year or so in an office procedure. He says I will not have the belly of an 18 year old---but it will be flatter, and taut. At this point ANYTHING is an improvement. DD goes to her PCP today---which she has to do for the rest of her referrals, but she also wants to talk to him...just to talk to him! She worked for him for a couple of years, and she knows he can look up her things on the computer, and discuss what he thinks of the tests with her. He knows her, he knows how to talk to her, and yet will be totally honest with her. She feels a need to hear what he thinks of it all---so it is a good thing, then her ultrasound will be done. Rick said he wants her to go to his cardiologist in Albq. and she agreed. So I mentioned all of this to my surgeon, and he said not to worry, he knows kids come first. So......I am scheduled around the trip, the only thing that will cause a change would be disaster with Manda. Pamela, I am SOOOOOOOOOOOO relieved to hear your biopsy come back benign! I cannot even tell you! That is such excellent news! Well I need to go see what the heck Rick is destroying in the garage, I hear crash! Bang! BOOM! Uh oh! TTYL~~~ Kat

4-3: JenRN - 263/257/223/150 - 40 total 4-3: jenn28 - 282/265/229/165 - 53 total 4-3: Picardy3 - 298/300/257.5/150 - 42.5 total 4-3: tipper - 300/290/259/165 - 41 total 4-4: Sugar1 - 311/289/231/150 - 80 total 4-4: DeltaDawn - 358/184/179 - 174 total 4-4: Dak – 255/251/205/150 – 50 total 4-4: Angels - 264/255/235/? - 29 total 4-4: Harpseal Al - 327/295/220 - 34 total 4-5: Boo - 208/203/165/132 - 43 total 4-5: siestaqh - 180+/177/117/110 - 63 total--NO MORE BAND :-( 4-6: Disneynut - 290/287/260/125 - 27 total 4-7: Guysis - 234/170/134 - 64 total 4-10: JulieNYC - 358/186/179 - 172 total 4-11: Vickie1177 - 320/297/267/137 - 53 total 4-11: tellymelly - 240/235/143.5/140 - 96.5total 4-11: Fel0816 - 307/284/265/to get under 200 - 42 total 4-11: dsrjrr - 231/230/210/130 - 21 total 4-11: truckinmama - 262/234/160 - 28 total 4-11: waterlily1072 - 354/273/150 - 81 total 4-13: Nursekathy2u - 358/356/335/175 - 23 total 4-13: NJgirl - 248/230/188/140 - 60 total 4-13: Miper70 - 217.5/187/145 - 33 total 4-17: Amourette - 22.5 total 4-17: Jeepergurrl - 242/192/140 - 50 total 4-17: MelAnne - 245/207/150 - 38 total 4-18: KAYBEE-284/198/180 -86 total 4-18: Danaclark2 - 270/260.5/259/150 - 11 total 4 18: lisa_butterfly 295Hw /263pre op/250/205 -90 lbs 4-20: TrustUfirst - 210/205/177/135 - 32 total 4-20: Omamoon - 220/211.5/179/130 - 41 total 4-20: KimInMD - 288/288/228/156 - 60 total 4-21: Yoda - 273/257/198/150 - 75 total 4-21: kristielynn - 310/302/237/150 - 73 total 4-22: alisonb - 286/270/176 - 16 total 4-24: Eficka - 125/117/95/69 - 27 kgs/66 lbs total 4-24: Ceparano- 255/270.5/201/170 - 69.5 total 4-24: Kat - 289/281/184.5/165 - 104.5 total 4-24: hlj25950 - 262/257/200/160 - 62 total 4-25: momof2boys - 270/266/237/145 - 33 total 4-26: Bostongurl - 264/244/184/150 - 80 total 4-27: tinaj - 226/221/210/150 - 15 total 4-27: lookingout - 185/178/165/101 - 20 total 4-27: flowergoddesstn - 214/204/190/130 - 24 total 4-27: Dimples0323 - 284/284/241/145 - 43 total 4-28: Susan4794 - 283/228/150 - 55 total 4-28: bluehill - 333/228/150 - 105 total 4-28: Irish Girl - 225/214/150/135 - 75 total 4-29: Momofsixkids - 238/188/140 - 50 total

Until you can maybe get you or the break room moved----you might try to take a small container of Vicks to work, when the smells start take a small, barely there bit and rub it right under your nose---it will interupt the other smells. I know nurses who do this to avoid smelling gross things----bodily function things---so maybe it would work for this too. I am at a loss otherwise, I can only imagine how difficult that would be......poor you, I am so sorry! Kat

You know, if you are eating more than usual, and were getting hungry sooner, you might have been ready for the fill. It may just be some residual swelling as you adjust to it. I would take it very easy, go onto some liquids, then just feel your way along slowly--your body might just take a few days to settle back down following the new fill. For me--I do feel like I am at my sweet spot---because I simply do not feel hunger. I can likely eat more than most bandsters because I am not very tight---I eat so much less than ever before, but more than some bandsters I know! Last night for dinner, I had a grilled hamburger on a bun, and I ate just about half of it, and about 1/2 cup of cottage cheese, and about 3 Scoop size fritos. Tonight we are having pot roast, I will eat a piece of roast---say 1/2 a cup, 1/2 of a potato and several small carrots....with the gravy it cooked in. I am tighter in the morning, I eat usually part of a container of yogurt with granola in it. If we go out for fast food, I can eat a Taco, and some pintos and cheese at Taco Bell. I donot count calories, I try to eat healthier than the things I have mentioned here, I was just drawing on recent memory!!! I do try to make the biggest portions of my meal Protein and vegetables---less starchy foods. I am having a TT done soon, and will have to be unfilled, I am afraid!!! I have not felt hungry to have to fight that feeling in almost 2 years! Not sure how I will do to be honest. I am impressed that it was your first slime and PB after 5 months---you must be doing really well following the rules! Way to GO!!! I would just take it easy, the fill may settle in, and be fine, but if you continue to have problems I would ask for a teensy weensy unfill ---no sense in being miserable. Glad you are feeling better! Kat

Yay Denise checked in!!! Glad all is well, house is coming along great--BUT so are those babies!!!! Yay! They will always have a cousin around to play with---and how perfect could that be! You will always have appropriate toys for them!!! I like the name-----believe me, I was not a fan of the name my DD chose for my granddaughter----but now it is her! I had a totally wierd dream about her being pregnant again. She is actually facing some scary things, and I would appreciate all prayers for her. Her MRI was loaded with not so good news. 1. the herniation they went looking for they found on L2 2. they found she has some stenosis of the ascending aorta---a hardening of a heart valve---which would have to be replaced if it is serious enough. 3. she has a huge mass on her right ovary. She went today for a CA-125 blood draw---which is a tumor marker----and has an ultrasound of it tomorrow---they are not wasting time. Please think of her---she is only 26---lots to process for her. I find it hard to believe but her ex husband has been amazing with it-----I mean I know he is trying to court her back, but, just being good to her is all I need right now. Well Rick is headed up on top of the house to sweep the chimney--I don't want him out there alone, so I will BBL~~ Kat

Excellent plan, to get all the info before making a move! Do you know why your friend suffered from heart failure--was it caused by years of obesity---or in some way related to the surgery? There are many advantages in my opinion to being banded as opposed to bypass, but I am sure the bypass patients feel the same way!!! The biggest being we do not suffer automatically from malnutrition....our bodies utilize the nutrition from everything we eat, it travels a normal path through the body---due to that, the weight loss is sometimes slower. Although I have a friend in the same weight range I am, she had bypass a month before my banding---and while she lost quicker, we are within 3 pounds of being equal now----but my ability to eat is much different than hers. She has to read all labels, hidden sugars have caused her some seriously embarassing accidents.....one in a Target parking lot---I was there, and will never let her live it down!!! I can eat all foods, just less of them. My personal biggest sway in the 2 surgeries is the unfill option. I am a cancer survivor, and if I ever need to I can unfill and increase my intake for nutritional purposes. This can hold true for pregnancy as well. Since you are so young----not something I am going to worry about!!! They do draw it out to see if you are committed, but also to really get as much as they can out of your insurance I believe!!! Sore subject---sorry!! Please, hang out, get some information--------just remember to take the numbers into consideration----there are many threads began about complications---because when someone is having even a minor problem, they want help! But when the majority of us are not having any issues, we do not start dozens of threads each day, saying we are doing great, and not having a problem!!! That said, I look forward, to seeing what you decide to do! Welcome! Kat

Yes if you PB, go onto liquids for awhile, give your stomach a chance to recover. It sounds to me as though you did not need the last fill, and you may well be too tight. There is no law that you must get fills on a regular schedule. You should never be so tight as to only be able to eat pureed foods and liquids. Why did you have the fill? Had you quit losing weight where you were? Ideally if you are still able to control the hunger, with a proper diet high in Protein, low in sugar and carbs ideally----and are losing 1-2 pounds per week, then a fill is not indicated. I am almost 2 years out, and have only had 2 fills the entire time, the last one was a year ago last July!!! I am not losing the 1-2 pounds a week anymore, but I am not hungry.....so I work on the weight myself, I feel it to be a safer approach. I have mild restriction.....but am able to eat any food----and try to get good nutrition from the food I take in. The problem with being too tightm, besides the fact it might lead to erosion, is that when you are tight you end up eating higher calorie softer foods, that do not stay with you as long as lean protein does. If your fills are causing you to PB more, and you know you are eating properly--small, well chewed bites, then I would discuss a small unfill with your Dr. So much better to be safe than sorry! I can see how you find this scary---I would too. Hope you get some good answers---from those who have had more fills. Good Luck! Kat

A lot of that depends on your insurance. I recently was sick as I said and had to use a different Dr. I use a Dr. here in the states for my fills etc. He has no issue dealing with me and my band, and he accepts my insurance which does cover it. It would have paid for the band, I opted to quit trying to jump through their hoops, back when I was banded. My insurance covers complications from the band. If I opt to go back to my MX surgeon if I have a complication, I can submit to the insurance my costs, and recover a small portion of them. But you are right, every aspect needs to be looked into. And it is also my understanding that some of the centers --in fact MOST of the Fill Centers USA- do not have operating surgeons at all----simply Dr.'s to do the fills. I know the one in Albq. NM does not do lap bands, but he does follow up. I have also heard of people moving within the company my DH works for and having a hard time locating a new Dr. One of the guys he works with -his wife has been banded for almost 2 years, she was banded in Washington State, and is now in NM---and is freaking out she has to drive over 6 hours to get to a band Dr. and he only took her on, because she knew me----he is swamped and not taking new patients. It is kinda scary!! Excellent point though---hope you are recovering! Kat Before you have surgery anywhere ---- all these things need to be looked into--I agree!

And being older and morbidly obese does not present problems??? My Mom is too old for the surgery, but if she needed it, she would be the ideal candidate, she follows Dr.'s orders to the letter! I was over 40----and I was also up and walking in hours, and have been going strong ever since. I went into this surgery on several Rx medications for health issues, I now take none. My health issues would have likely killed me in another decade.... I am sure as hell glad someone else with more knowledge makes the call on age limitations....... Damienne----there is an age thread for bandsters over 60--------------pop in and visit, I bet you find they are doing wonderfully! I chat with one regularly, who is over 60----and she is going non stop, both she and her DH have been banded, and are wildly successful!!! Good Luck!!! Kat

Have you searched to find out how far away the nearest Fill Center is? I am in a state with NO lap band surgeons at all!!! My closest band Dr. is 6 hours away---but I made it work......and it has been worth it. Plus, if you do go to a Fill Center, say in a bordering state, and in 2 years they put one in near you, your fees have all been paid, and you can go to the new center.....and they are expanding all the time. There is a survey going right now about new possible locations for a Fill Center USA---go vote for where you want it!! Good Luck--- Kat

Laura----I still need larger tops---let me know if you have any room to haul any of it to TX!!!! Kat

My ticker doesn't make me giggle........:tt1: Kat

A productive Burp, is a bandster form of bringing up offending food. Others might refer to it as throwing up, but it is usually not that severe....although that is not always the case. They can range from a mild hiccup, to hours long, painful regurgitation of the offending food item. The biggest difference in a PB and vomiting is that there is nothing in a PB except food and saliva/slime----no stomach acids. They happen for several reasons, overeating, eating too fast, too big of bites.....basically not following the bandster way of eating. They are unpleasant, and often without much warning---so you learn from them-----aversion therapy. Most people end up experiencing them.....me included!!! Welcome to LBT Barbara Kat

I made that comment, and I got that impression from your very first post....and never have felt like you have veered from that. Yes you do eventually emphasize that the band was just not for you....but you still use negativity to discuss the band. When the reality is for many of us it has been a life saver.... If you do not in fact believe that, then please accept my apology for misreading your posts, that led me to believe you felt that way. I do know it is difficult to "read" people on a forum such as this, without facial expressions, or hand movements, or something as simple as eye contact. I did not mean to put words in your mouth. Kat

WABB I believe that is why many of us keep posting, I know it is the reason I question the OP's changing statements. I believe anyone coming here to get information regarding being banded, has the right to hear both sides. When he began posting that was his intent he said was to hit a certain group of people who were researching the band, and to let them know the band is deadly, and there is a massive conspiracy to keep the medical profession shut up. His life was in danger, and pulling the band from the market was on the horizon. If you are considering the band, you have a right to hear all sides. His included. But ours too. Yes I have questioned him and some of his statements, he has an equal right to question statements we make. I disagree with his scare tactics, when it is like pulling teeth to get him to give you any pertinent information....it is always saved for later... I remember you having band issues, and I remember you saying you pulled off the road as you drove to your Dr. in MX throwing up blood---but the point is, you went as soon as you needed help, and you kept going back......are STILL going back, and dealing with follow up care. We shared the same surgeon---but it was not feasable for me to see him for all of my follow up, but I made arrangements prior---he INSISTED on it! LOL. Point being, YOU made the decision, YOU assumed responsibility for your own health. The OP could have done the same, and still have his legal options open to him if he is intent on making someone else pay--after the problems were dealt with-and that seems to be the big issue. We have ask for a simple time line to get an idea of how long all this took--it interests more than band researchers.....it is of interest to us all. Our questions are not strictly our way of defending our decision to be banded--one he made himself....We can learn from his misfortune too---if allowed. I mean he said it was not immediate, it was following a fill, he paid Cobra for awhile....but no details. If the band is as dangerous as he wants us to believe why doesn't he want to share information? I agree that obesity in and of itself will kill far more people than the band.....he hints that is not true---but won't back up those comments meant to scare of people. Kat

LOL Tracy, I love it!!!! I was looking through pics, and found one to bring to TX and show you girls---but this takes the cake!!! You punk rocker you!!! Kat