Kat817

Laura---my stuff I am bringing is smaller than I had anticipated----but I had discussed with Terry about mailing the box of my presents to her, and let her bring it---so I would not be stuffing my suitcase....she was willing....so you might think about that. A week, should be ok, but chips and salsa will likely be a no go.....I still have to be careful with chips in my old tooth socket--or wear the torture device. I cannot form a thought today. And I have a feeling I just antagonized a new complications poster on the board--I just really wanted to tell him to take a flying F#*@!!!!!!! What has me in that mood??????? OMG! Kat

I had no artificial hopes that lap banding would be without problems---for some, and even possibly for me. So far that has not been an issue. I also had no doubt in my mind that continued morbid obesity was only going to continue to cause new problems as well as exacerbate the existing ones. I am very sorry you are having the problems you had----we all are aware these things happen. My own personal question for you, and it is not meant to be antagonistic--is-----------why here? why now? I mean this IS a LAP BAND SUPPORT BOARD. Yes we do have a section for complications, and we do discuss issues that we have---but most of those come up through current, existing members, who are facing one type of issue or another. You say you are looking into the talk show circuit and into lawsuits. Is that why you suddenly when faced with no longer having a band chose to come to a lap band support site? You have been dealing with this and knowing you had issues, and could have been "warning" others to "be aware of possible problems" all along. So....why here? And why now? And why put the obvious complication issue topic into an area devoted to newbie bandsters? Hope your removal surgery goes well, and that they can repair any damages you suffered. And after that.....why would you come back here??? Kat

Michelle and I arrive within minutes of each other. So we conferred over checking luggage. I have a direct flight, so I am not especially concerned....and if you guys end up looking at me wearing the same exact clothes for 3 days---so be it!!!! They also rejected my Dad's pill taker thing at the airport! He takes several meds, ao he uses one of those weekly pill containers. They refused it! They told him it is their discretion! He said to them he could open his shirt and show them his open heart scars---they siad the pills needed to be in a prescription bottle and they usuall allow no more than 7! OMG they acted like they were God! I ended up coming home, and overnighting Dads meds to my Uncles house! I think he said no more than one quart bag per person--no writing on the bag. And only 7 items of under 3 oz. each in the bag. So....if you have any questions about items, go to the website and check into the legalities. Dad found out, he could have had his meds, he just had no idea how to handle it other than to get agitated!! Kat

The issue with drinking with your meals is not so much a health or welfare of the band issue. What it does is allow the food in the band to be washed out. Part of the way the band works is it allows you to feel full on a small amount of food for a long period of time. If you drink on top of the food, it thins it down and washes it through quickly---leaving you vulnerable to being hungry again. However at this stage that is ok! You do not want your stomach having to work hard to process food--washing it through and keeping things easily digested is what you should be doing! Drink lots-------and I am glad you are re enthused!!! Good for you!! Kat

Other thn having groceries bought up, laundry done, bedding changed at the last minute---those kind of things sounds like you are prepared! Got plenty of clean, loose fitting items to wear? Maybe an appointment scheduled for a shampoo/blow out----for following, before you are able to shower and do it? Don't know how long your Dr. will have you limited. I have a friend who is a hairdresser, so we always took my Mom in for hers to be done following surgeries!! Makes you feel so much better! Did your surgeon give you your Rx ahead of time to get filled and have on hand? Maybe make sure you have some crackers or something simple to eat when you take your pills so you don't upset your stomach. Magazines or a couple of good sounding books on hand? I was told to use a dining room chair next to the bed, to use to leverage up and down in the bed, back when I was banded-------what an amazing help!!!! Try it! I cannot wait to begin prepping for this-I want it done already!! Kat

I cannot say I have/had a recipe for my milkshakes--which I did use A LOT!!! I would have DH call from the grocery store and read me ice cream flavors!!! I would pick one--he would bring it home, toss some in the blender, and add some milk---and whirl!!!! I probably should have had some protein powder on hand back then and added some--but that was pre band learning! Sometimes I would add some extra vanilla, or chocolate or caramel---just ice cream toppings---and blend it! I got some sores in my mouth at times, so would have to thin the milkshakes down with more milk----to make it easier to drink----but they helped A LOT!!! I was the same way, and am again, sweets were never my weakness, I was much more addicted to savory, salty crunchy foods. But the milkshakes made a huge difference. Now----if given a choice--------I am back to the savory things!! Hang in there green-----thinking of you. Kat Yep ask about the patches.

Back 2 years ago when I was banded I was required a 12 month supervised plan. Our first battle was over a licensed nutritionist, there are none in my small rural town--they wanted me to drive 186 miles one way twice a month!!!! Finally battled that, and they let my PCP do it with guidance from the hospital dietician. So I began the whole thing, I met with my Dr. as my Dr once a month, and also met with him twice a month as my dietician----so that was $60.00 bucks a month to him in co pays.....and an inordinate amount of time in his office. I did this for 10 1/2 months. Then one afternoon, I was in a car accident, I was not at fault. I was pinned in my car, and taken to the hospital, where I had surgery on my knee. Well--my Dr. come to the hospital as my Dr......but the nutrionist appt. had to be changed. That ruined it ALL!!!!! Insurance says it has to be consecutive months for the 12 month supervised, and I violated that by missing my nut. appt. I appealled it and was denied again. They assured me they would pay for my surgery IF and WHEN I met all the criteria, and a 12 consecutive month, medically supervised weight loss attempt with bi monthly meetings with a licensed nutritionist....was one of the requirements. 2nd appeal was also denied. I was stuck just blowing off the 10 1/2 months and starting over. I was heartbroke! Then my DD told me she heard the Dr.'s wife who is the office manager talking and said that the psyche evaluation, and the sleep study I had done that month would not count, that they must be done within 6 months of surgery. And insurance would not pay for them again without medical necessity for 2 years. So I called my insurance and found out that was true. So I sat for a few days with my head reeling, not knowing what to do! It was heartbreaking! So whatever you do or don't do---FOLLOW INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS TO THE LETTER!!!!!!!!!!!! DO NOT make any changes, or accept someone telling you it will be ok. Contact insurance and confirm EVERYTHING!!! In the last 2 years, my insurance company has relaxed their requirements a lot.....but I am sure they are still sticklers to detail. In my case, my insurance failed me---I feel like in all honesty---MY DR. failed me! I saw him! It was up to him and his witchy wife to file the paperwork! If I had cancelled the appointment to go on vacation, or forgot it, or something----but I DID see him in the hospital! They KNEW I had had surgery! I honestly feel like they were making bank on me, and saw another year of good money coming in. I mean they got my $60----which I know is not huge, but insurance paid them on top of that for all 3 visits each month! So I figure my case alone brought them in over $500.00 a month. They thought they would just take it for another year or 2----when I found out I couldn't get the other tests redone. He could have easily talked to me about my nutrition needs in the hospital---and I would have been right in line for insurance---but they chose to sideline me instead. First thing I did was find a new Dr. He was not getting one more cent out of me! Then the insurance company of the girl who hit me, called and offered me a settlement for my injury. I took that money and self paid. Put an end to it once and for all!! Hang in there, and FOLLOW the RULES!! Call and talk to insurance ANY time there is a question! Take detailed notes---and do not be afraid to ask to speak to a supervisor if you feel you are being given erroneous information. Kat

How exciting!!! I see my Dr. Friday to schedule the surgery. At this time I am hoping for the week of May 20th. I am meeting my Shrinking Violets group the weekend of the 16th-19th. So there is no way to get it done prior to that and be up to the flight and the trip----so immediately following is my hope!!! Do you have everything set up and ready to go at home?? Kat

Hi Clarebear~ Sorry you are having a meltdown over food. It is hard NOT to! For so long food was just an easy answer, not something we thought about for the most part, other than whether it tasted good! Now we want good taste, low calorie/fat, high Protein. all kinds of things, then we also don't want to eat too much!!! No wonder we freak out! Are you having any pain with what you are eating? Are you getting plenty of liquid in--are you drinking lots? It is very important! At the stage you are in, I was still strictly limited to liquids, so I drank A LOT!! That would be my suggestion to you. Find some Soups you like, as well as some Protein drinks, and when you want to eat more or snack---have a cup of something and drink it. Many times we confuse thirst with hunger. Having something to drink would be beneficial in so many ways. You will not hurt yourself drinking (if you keep an eye on the caloric count), and you will feel fuller, and get your nutrition. How men approach this (as well as most things!) and how we approach it are often totally different! So, Dads answer of just don't eat....while it sounds simple enough, if I could follow that advice I might have never needed a band!! The other suggestion I would have--is to take a walk when you think you want to eat. I finally had to do something to get out of the house, away from the food commercials on TV, and away from the fridge! Like I say I was on liquids for a longer time, so I was feeling like I was going crazy not eating! So when it would hit, I would take a walk. It helped get me away, and also began my exercise. Good Luck!!! Kat

Morning girls~ Feeling better this morning, spasms have eased, meds are getting into my system, and I feel almost human!!! My Mom kept Kinsey so I could sleep in, and I did! Happy Bandiversary girls! I too remember waiting as each of you went through this month!! Mine will be 2 years very soon....and I am still not at goal-but close enough with my TT coming up, that I am not going to worry the last little bit. When this belly is gone, I will be happy where I am. My appointment is day after tomorrow! Rick is going with me so he can hear what his job in all this will be! I am going for my blood draw that morning too. The offices are in the same complex, and my yearly draw is due, and will combine it with the newest thyroid check. My heart always pounds during my big test, and there is absolutely nothing different in the way they draw the blood for my thyroid and for the CA-125! But knowing it is happening, makes me nervous. I ALWAYS get a red flag on it....because it picks up tumor activity---but the normal range, and my normal range differ. Rick changed out the motorcycle seat last night--so when he went to the shed, I had him bring in my suitcase!! Yay!!! That way I can begin dropping things in, that I think of. Anyone want anything special from NM?????? I hear ya on shopping the different sized clothes. I remember seeing something I liked and wondering if they had my size---whether it went that big. Now I see something and often they are ALL too big! What a concept! I am still Plus size on top most of the time.....but misses on bottom, or even Junior.....but tops I have issues with. After the TT I should firmly be able to buy Large or X Large tops, but now they are seldom long enough to cover the hanging belly, so I buy HUGE tops, so they hang down long enough to cover it. The other day Becky stopped in on her way home from work----and I had on one of the tshirts they give me when I donate blood---and she was freaking out how much smaller it made me look to wear something that fit. But when I stood up and showed her why I won't normally wear that stuff out in public---she understood. This belly dictates way too much of my life, I am so glad it is going away! My eating has been so erratic, it is pathetic! One day I will do pretty good, the next I eat like an idiot!!! Or I will do excellent all day, then lose it and pig out on something late in the day! LOL The best thing I can say about it, is at least the band and I have managed to keep it in control, so I am not gaining. That is a good thing! Well, I guess I ought to go get dressed! Will check in with you girls in awhile... Hugs~~ Kat

Mine have smoothed out over the 2 years, and faded in color. They too were bumpy and lumpy!!! And bright reddish purple in color. Now I can easily locate my port incision---as I have a tendency to keloid scar, and it did some----but the others have faded to where I have to look for them..... Ask your Dr. when you go for your follow up, but I betcha he says they will improve with time!! Welcome to bandland!! WoooHooo!! Kat

You can have all the roast Tracy---I don't wanna eat anything....wierd! I am pushing the liquids so hard, I am full! Spasms are easing, but talk about wiping me out!!! I am sitting here hoping my meds are digested so I can call it a night. Will see you all tomorrow. Kat

Awww sorry it is already making you sick Green. They do have lots of options to help with it....I actually found a patch that worked for me better than anything else....wore it right behind my ear, and it helped---no idea why.....or what eventual side effects it, in and of itself may have caused!!!! Hang in there---I am thinking of you!!! Kat

Awwww Mandy---sorry you have to have surgery---but hopefully it will make life easier. I have had both knees operated on---the right one was meniscal repair, and general cleaning! The left one they did a lateral release of the patella---the muscle holding my kneecap in place was soooo tight it was pulling the knee cap off, so they went in and cut the muscle loose. Did some meniscal repair, and instant, I mean from the second I woke up it was better!!! A round of PT and I was a goin' and a blowin'!!! I hope you have as good of results! Are they going in arthroscopically and then opening if they have to, or just opening it from the begining?? I will be thinking of you! I am down today with a UTI---miserable infection. Slowly but surely easing tonight with the meds..... Will check in with all of you tomorrow. Kat

Have you been back to your surgeon to ask why the constant sliming? I figure you must have or you would not be totally unfilled. Have they ever scoped you to check the placement of the band---and to be sure nothing has slipped? If not that is where I would start prior to adding any fill again. Another thing to check into is the possibility that now your insurance might cover. I was banded 2 years ago, and the coverage has changed immensley!! Maybe they will cover it now, or at least cover some of the testing involved with finding out if your placement is ok or not. Then if the band is placed in an ok manner, I would proceed VERY slowly. Small fills, and baby yourself with a few days of liquid following every fill---and cautiously ease back into a normal diet. Did you try any allergy meds to see if drying up the mucus that way made a difference? Zyrtec is now available over the counter, and they do make a liquid, even though the tablets are quite small. Sorry you are having such troubles. So---my advice would be to recheck your insurance, see if there have been any advances in coverage. See your Dr. BEFORE a fill for a scope to check the placement of the band. Then proceed with extreme caution. Good Luck to you, and welcome to LBT! Kat

I was banded in Mexico, without a problem one. Prior to being banded, I made extensive arrangements for follow up care. I live in a rural area, and there are in fact no more Dr.'s in my state doing lap band---the last one had his medical license revoked..... So with the assistance of the coordinator, and the surgeon himself, we made more local arrangements for follow up care. But even then the surgeon doing my fills is 6 hours away 1 way. So my surgeon, was still not happy----he had me contact a local surgeon looking for someone willing to do an emergency unfill on me if necessary. I eventually found someone, in my former oncologist. Once all those plans were in place, and only then, did he agree to band me. For 2 years all went well. Then a couple of weeks ago, I got sick, with a virus, and ended up with my stoma swollen closed. My "local" band doc was out of town----and my fall back on my oncologist, was teaching a class at Mayo clinic in Scottsdale AZ. Leave it to me to get sick during Spring Break!!! Through the help of my band surgeons office, and the office of my fill Dr. they referred me to Fill Centers USA. They did not EVER say a single bad thing about Mexican Dr.'s. I had several hours drive to get to any of the Fill Centers--but they were going to come in on the weekend, and accomodate me in any way. They actually had one of the Dr.'s from another office call and discuss my issues. My original surgeon, called and talked over my problems. Slowly but surely the swelling subsided, and I have been fine ever since. When this happen I called my insurance company and talked things over with them. Back 2 years ago when I was banded---my policy DID cover lap band----but due to some serious hoop jumping, I chose to go to a Dr. of my choice, and went to Mexicali, MX. instead. BUT the insurance company has since relaxed many of their policies regarding lap banding, and any complications requiring medical care, will be covered. If I were to ever require removal and chose to have it done in the states it would be covered. If I use a MX Dr. who has been approved, I can apply to have my medical expenses reimbursed. If I would have had to travel for treatment of my band, I can even claim some of that! I do not now, nor have I EVER work for any surgeon, in the USA or in Mexico. I do not receive any kickbacks from anyone for saying positive things about my experience. Much of how ANY surgery goes is up to the patient. Eating burgers following surgery---waiting when there is an obvious infection----both are obvious NO's!!! If I had been able to find a Dr. who had the experience and credentials of the surgeon I used, and he were down the road 20 minutes, and I could have afforded it---hell yeah I would have been there! BUT that was not an option. I planned it well, and made arrangement in case something did come up----and I went. You should have had aftercare in the USA set up long before surgery, not when you come back with an infection already going. If I were to go to a local Dr. for stitches in my hand, and let it get infected-------no other local Dr. is going to want to suddenly assume liability of me either! They are going to suggest I go back to the other Dr. and let him follow up. I do know there is a bias among Dr.'s and the medical field often about Mexican medical treatments-----but I would be willing to bet many of them were trained by the very Dr.'s we used. I would go back---and I have recommended and sent several to my surgeon--and will continue to do so with a clear conscience----but an empty wallet!!! Kat

Don't you remember the reputation power thing from before BBK? The little white scales on the bottom between the colored dot showing whether you are online or not, and the post report icon......you can click on it, and give others kudos-------or at least that is how I remember it being. It didn't last long before. Too many people I think used it like a High School Popularity thing.... Then again-----I may be all wrong----would NOT be the first time!!!! LOL Kat

What has really made itself apparant to me lately, is that when I was fatter, some of DH's people at work, could not find it in themselves to even bother to speak to me. Now.....between the weight loss, and his promotion, they come up to me and fawn all over me, like we are long lost friends, and want to ask me questions about being banded. Now normally, I am a major band advocate! I tell anyone, anytime, and am quite vociferous about loving my band! But---I absolutely REFUSE to interact with these stuck up, snobby beyotches!!!! There was one a couple of weeks ago, she was one of the worst, she is prissy, and maybe a size 5.....she has NEVER spoke to me. Well now she works for my DH. Another employee introduced us---even though we had been introduced before and at company things together for 5 years or so. All this time, I honestly thought her name was Adrianna....so I called her that, and she screamed at me---causing heads to turn---"GAWD!!!!!!! It isn't Adrianna it is Abrianna!!!! I think about that time she realized she is yelling at the new bosses wife, so she tries to cover her ass and tells me "But that's ok Kathy".......I give her a go to hell look and told her it isn't Kathy, it's "Jones" as in MRS., and walked away from her..... She actually has referred to me as Mrs........(not REALLY Jones!) but usually avoids eye contact now. Little snot! But the others, they all want to know how much I have lost--which is probably more than some of them weigh!!! And yet others need to lose at least that and more, and even they treated me like crap----now they are curious, and fake sweet, like we have always been buddies, and I'll be damned if I share with them!!! LOL The ones who always treated me decent, I will tell..... Kat

Most Dr.'s suggest you limit each intake to a certain amount. If you are not feeling pressure in your chest--which would indicate the Fluid is filling the pouch and backing into the esophagus--and you are not in pain, then you are not stretching the pouch, it is open enough your fluid is passing on through. At least that is my understanding, if your directions from your Dr., show you should be taking in smaller amounts, then I would call and ask----that's why we paid 'em the good money!!! But all in all, personally, I would not worry if I was not uncomfortable, with drinking the liquids. Good job sticking with the liquids--THAT IS IMPORTANT!! Welcome to LBT! Kat

Michelle and I are checking luggage---we already discussed this!!! So we will have extra too---we will share with ya! Jane---what I used to use was just a leave in conditioner, it may be what you are talking about---I don't know. My hair tends to get wierdly dry now if I am not careful of what shampoo I use. I half jokingly told Rick, if I had cut out all the fried, and oil filled foods before, my hair would have been normal, as opposed to oily when I was younger!!! Thanks Jane! Kat

Well I am home, anitibiotics started....hey do the new chocolate Bliss candies count as food to take the meds with???? I do NOT feel like eating, and I have to eat..... Dr, said he could not believe I just began feeling the infection this morning, that my lucocytes (sp??/something infection) were sky high, and the blood in my urine was visible to the naked eye.... I really didn't feel anything til this morning, but when it hit---it hit HARD! These spasms are killing me....whine, whine, whine!!! I put a roast in the crockpot this morning, knowing I was taking my Mom to town----I am soooo glad I did, I felt much better then than now. My official weigh in at the Dr. showed I had lost 12 pounds since they recorded it last---I find that really hard to believe. Of course I was wearing heavier clothes, and likely my boots before, and today I was in flip flops so that is probably 3-4 pounds of it right there!! Anyway---his scale brought me in at 182. Not going to claim that til I see it on my scale, and I forgot to weigh this morning....maybe!!! He was thrilled that my PS was approved, he thinks it will be wonderful. Meanwhile my DD did not get great news. She had an MRI due to low back pain, and she has serious kidney issues, so they were concerned with that. But they found an aortic abnormality in her BACK! Something to do with blood supply....she has to meet with her PCP to get it in laymans terms this back Dr. is a total jerk. He also told her she needed to get with her gyno she has a mass on her right ovary. He said if they are cysts---there are a bunch of them---but he is doubtful they are cysts. Told her it looked like her baby days were numbered....really upset her. I am exhausted--going to sit the rest of the day and do nothing! Glad your interview was so good Jenn. And yes Pamela----your "Hello" passed in my book too..... Will check in in awhile. Kat

GRRRRRRRRR I have an 11:30 Dr. appt. I have a UTI......dammit! Just feeling the first pains of it, but want to get the antibiotics started before it gets really bad.....Such a dilemma---I know I need to be drinking more, but that just makes me pee more, and it hurts!!! Ok----off to get showered and dressed for the Dr. Kat

A clothing exchange has been discussed asnd even planned, and promised by former LBT-ers, and never come to fruition. Many of us have swapped boxes here and there---I have sent out many a box personally.....what size ya lookin' for?????? Kat

The best advice I can give you is to find an activity to occupy you when you begin obssessing! I would go for a walk when I thought I needed to eat, or when nerves hit, or the "What IF's" took over! It got my mind occupied, and give me some much needed exercise. This time of year, the flowers are beginning to come out, there is much to look at, so walking was ideal! If you feel like you overdid on the amount of full liquids you took in, walking will help that as well. Will help to just move around. The not drinking rule is set up so that you do not wash food from the pouch too quickly, feeling full for a longer period of time, you will not cause pouch or band damage by doing it, you will simply feel hungry again sooner. Now that being said, I have almost caused myself to PB drinking too soon after a meal - but I am talking later into it, when I was eating real food. I think the drink, floated the food up and made me gag!!! Ewwww made me remember not to do that!!! Sit down and make a list of things you want to accomplish, whether it be doing some long overdue filing, or trying on last summers clothes---and when you begin feeling anxious, or want to eat when you know you really are not hungry---get the list and do something off of it. It works----and you get extra things done, to feel great about!!! Welcome to bandland!!! And POST AWAY!!!! Kat

Laurend---I have just the opposite problem, a good 80% of the clothes in our local Walmart are petite length. I complained about it! They explained that every time an item is scanned and sold, it is for all intents and purposes reordered in a like fashion. Where I live, is a border town to the largest Native American reservation in the country---the Navajo Nation. As a general rule, they are built with heavy trunks, and short legs. So they sell tons of petite lengths especially in the plus sizes! So they get tons of that in.... So my answer---and it is REALLY holding true now that I am out of the plus sizes....was to drive to Durango--which is a college town, and sells a totally different style and size of clothes. It is the strangest thing---the clothing dept.'s are NOTHING alike!!! I can go to Durango and find tall sizes----I have NEVER found one in our local Walmart!!! So.....if you have a choice of Walmarts---look around---the customer base might be enough different to have them carrying a different size base. OR you could come shopping in NM!!!! Kat