Kat817

Keep in mind I have the older smaller band...it is 9.75cm, and holds a max it says of 4cc.'s (which can actually be pushed to over 5cc.'s I am told). My Dr. has a standard plan of action. First fills he always starts with 1.25cc's. Then .50cc's each time from then on. It is conservative, he admits it, and kind of has this attitude, that he feels it is safest that way, and you are free to find another Dr. if you don't like it! He is extremely cautious, and is concerned for long term safety and results---but while you can laugh and joke and talk about dozens of different subjects with him....when it comes to the band, there is a simple fact that he is the DR. you the patient---and he is not going to do anything he is unsure of. I know some people would not like this, and I have heard of some going in to the Dr, and telling them how much they want---he would not do it that way!!!! I am ok, he has done good by me so far, and seems quite concerned for my health and safety, so stick with him despite his sometimes egotistical attitude!!! And like you I think a slow and steady approach is the way to go--so since I agree with him it works!! Kat

That really is not true Laura--I was looking forward to that, because I feel in a controlled environment. I know none of you would find it funny to tip me out just to see if I really freaked out or not. The river seems like it must be pretty overall safe or it would not be such an attraction. I thought it would be the IDEAL way to face those minor fears! BUT muddy water, and fresh incisions? Nah not thinking so!! Girls I needed you earlier! I needed someone to take my brother, or my granddaughter, and then my Father off my hands! My brother is crippled--as I have told you--and he has to have a special type of boot, to hold his foot properly, and also one that the sole can be built up on. For umpteen years he has bought them at the Army/Navy Surplus store. Well now they have quit carrying them. So I tell him we might find out on line if the brand is still made and find a way to get a pair. He has hounded non stop over it. The style numbers he has worn in the past are no longer made, so he decided no, he'll check with the store again--then no he better get some ordered...back and forth! So today he comes, wakes Kinsey up, she is grouchy and wanting to put on a summer dress, and he is whining about why I can't look in other places on line because surely he is not the only one inthe world who wore those....OMG made me crazy! I snapped at Kinsey--which he is not a big fan of kids--and made her cry so when she started crying, he stormed out acting like a bigger baby than she was telling me to take care of my business and he will take care of his. So I call my Mom for sympathy, instead for some reason lately the phone rings--Dad always answers it----and he was zero help. He just did not say a word, not in agreement, not to calm me down, I might as well never have called! So I hung up, threw the phone and went and layed down with Kinsey and contemplated crying with her. I swear! 15 minutes go by.....and here he comes, to see if the kid calmed down. I finally told him--this is what you get or I cannot help you. So I ordered him a pair of $80.00 boots, that he isn't going to pay for until he knows if they will work. Fine it is worth it to get him out of my house. Dealing with his mental challenges have been waaaaaaay more challenge than I needed. And they want me to go check calves---cuz it is windy and they are not feeling 100%. Can't we go to Gruene today?????? If not Gruene......CALGON.......take me away! Kat

HI! Well to 100% honest, I have not held the paper in my hands concerning what they approved. My Dr. submitted for a full Tummy Tuck. And she told me on the phone simply that it had been approved. If I get it and they tell me differently, then I will deal with just having the pannus removed----whatever to get rid of it. Now I might have a dilemma. Terry--I got no mail day before yesterday, so I brought my check in, and have it still sitting addressed on the desk, was going to put it out yesterday, got my approval, and kind of lost my head for the day!! I am hoping to get my letter this week telling me the details on my approval. According to the HR woman at Rick's work, since it was approved as a medical necessity, I HAVE to have my surgery within 30 days of approval. So if that is the case, I am going to have to call the Dr. and see if I am ok to fly. Plus, I do not want to be a wet blanket for y'all. I personally do not have an issue sitting pool side, and relaxing, like while you float the river....I can sit around and visit----so my plan is to come still-------I want both soooooo badly! I told you guys this was going to end up being my dilemma!!! Rick pointed out today at lunch, that a lot of people go to MX for PS, and they stay until the drains come out and then fly home. Plus the time I am gone, is a weekend, my Dr. will be closed too. So we are not seeing it as anything of an issue, except I might not move so smoothly on the dance floor when we go honky tonkin'!! And if it is still pretty new, I might need some help with compression garments, or bandages or something....that normally Rick would help with. Would someone be willing to help me??? Please??? I want to go soooo bad! As soon as I know any little tiny detail--I will be sharing with you girls! Judy, feel better. Kinsey is usually pretty perceptive of me not feeling well, and loves to wait on me!!! LOL Should take advantage of that while it lasts!!! Took DIL and grandson to lunch today---was not in the plans, but it was fun. I am totally exhausted now though. That boy has one speed and it is FULL SPEED AHEAD! He does not slow down, he is impulsive, and has a bit of a mean streak! Yo have to watch him like a hawk. He will reach out and grab from the buggy/cart----doesn't matter if it is items off the shelf or a baby in another cart. Makes me a nervous wreck!!! I always think she will hear me discipline Kinsey someway, and get the idea to reign him in as well, but nope---she just lets him run. Upsets this Granny! Suzanne I heard the same thing on the water. But they didn't say drinking extra would hurt you. I KNOW from years of dieting, if I do not drink, I do not lose. So their studies will not affect how I drink either! We have a cold front moving through with snow and or rain expected, it is chilly out for sure. I need to go to the bank--but Kinsey is settled in, watching her new Chipmunk movie---so I guess I will wait til she heads home. She wants a fire---she got her blanket instead!! As for Dinah Shore, I of course heard rumors--I would imagine there were far more gay celebs/athletes etc. that just could not come out in the day and age they were born in. Like some of the long time couples----if divorce had been accepted then like it is now, they would never have stuck it out either. Well, I am off to get some things done around the house. I have 0 energy, and if I don't.....I simply will do nothing today. Talk to y'all in awhile. Kat

I don't know of a much more inconvenient truth than cancer----they can deal with the change of direction---here we all know where to check for your updates, without attracting undo attention elsewhere...... I really feel like I should have had my hands on my hips and ended that with a haughty "so there!" Kat

Well I have had my band so long now, I have it all figured out, so I will just wait til Monday to lose my 20........ Kat

No, not a PIG Apples (1201 would have put in the PIG category---right along with me!) -----but....your signature does sound kinda like you are whining!!!! And doncha know whining annoys our OP......!! Kat

This made me laugh out loud--brought DH in to see what was so funny!!!! A picture IS worth a 1000 words!!! Kat

Wow girls---I miss you! Welcome to our newcomers! That sounds kind of silly coming from someone a looooooong ways from New Jersey! A couple of years ago, when responding to a thread, I inadvertently ended up in the Jersey thread---even though I am from New Mexico---and they made me so welcome I stayed! There are actually several of us here from elsewhere....Texas, Illinois.......but there are some real Jersey girls here too!!! Sherry--I actually made it here on the first of the month!!! Of course since it was April Fools it was enforced that it was a new month. My DD used an example of telling someone they had a spider on their foot then when they looked saying April Fools, to my 3 year old granddaughter......so over the course of the day I must have had 40 spiders on my foot!! Think she didn't really get it, but she thought it hilarious if I would jump!!! I am so thrilled my plastic surgery was approved!!! I don't know for sure when it will be done. I have the trip to TX with the Shrinking Violets planned next month----so will try to work around this. Mandy---how is Abi doing since surgery? Do you still have your niece with you? Well everyone take care, will check in with you tomorrow! Kat

Just to clarify---the above post underlined in red, is a quote of our OP----not 2bemeagain. The orginal poster in this thread, posted that on the other thread---so it isn't just us she dislikes!!! Kat

I'm so sorry---that really does suck! Did you question his reasoning? Are you losing that steadily that he thinks you can do it? What are your stats----how much do you have to lose? I was wondering if you are close to the cut off or what. I too would be looking, and quickly so maybe your 6 months does not get interupted. What a jerk! Hang in there! Kat

Just someone who likes going around causing problems I believe. There are many points to argue in the short but hateful post Love777pink left---but I think the one I will bring up is how the band works. The goal is not to "diet" as we all see the word. The ideal goal of the band is to help control hunger, not simply cause restriction. We do not need to concentrate on simply eating a little less, we need to work to eat just enough, and quit. Just Enough. Just enough that you are no longer hungry--forget full for now. Most of us live in a manner that if we find ourselves starving again in 2 hours, we can reheat some Soup, or snack on a FF/SF pudding cup. But often times, stopping when you have had 'just enough' will hold you. StephieNana--much of restriction following a first fill is dependent upon what size of band you have, and how aggressive your Dr. is with that fill. Following my first fill, I felt very little change--if I ate to fast I could feel minor pressure, but my amounts were not changed. I was still struggling to control how much I ate----working hard to behave!!! Then I went for my 2nd fill, and he was SOOOOO conservative I thought it would make no change at all---he gave me 1/2 a cc the second time! But OMG I had massive restriction!!! I have never required a 3rd fill. I am not tight as some people prefer, but my hunger is controlled, so I opt not to get any tighter. I can still eat any meat, and for that matter pretty much any food. I PB'd on a donut once, and opt to never EVER eat one again!! But each person reacts totally differently to the fills.....I hope yours is smooth!!! I too was on a much longer post op diet than many---I had 2 weeks of Clear Liquids, 2 weeks of full liquids, and 2 weeks of mushies, before moving on to a regular diet. But I managed, and survived! Bandster Hell is hard---and I sympathize with those of you there---but soon it will be behind you and you will be dispensing the same words I so often repeat......It WILL get better!!!! You CAN do this!! Kat

Just try to slow down the speed at which you are taking things in, so that if something has to come back up, it will be a small amount that can be simply spit up, as opposed to a larger amount that would cause you to feel like you were full fledged vomiting. Your Dr. will of course be the best one to answer this....I hope he calls soon! Some peoples stomachs are just much touchier than others....and once you get upset, then you cause the swelling to continue, so it is best to find out how he wants to handle it. I had friends fly down to Dr. Rumbaut to be banded a few years ago, and on the way home, following being banded, the husband got air sick, and he vomitted or dry heaved for most of the trip. They were in the air, and even when they landed they were hours from home. They called him as soon as they landed, and he told them what to get, and they got a motel room, and he slept for hours.....and when he woke up he was not sick at his stomach any more. He stayed on clear liquid for a little longer than usual, but he has lost close to 150 pounds, and is fine...... It was the right thing to do calling the Dr. Let us know what you hear!!! Kat

Back when I used to drink lots of soda, and now with tea--if I am going somewhere I want to take a drink, I always stop at the Sonic. They use the styrofoam cup, and my drink does not water down----even at the end of a long day, there will still be ice in my tea. Years ago, they had the teeny little ice cubes---perfect for crunching!!!! I used to order whatever with extra ice, it was mainly just flavoring anyway, I wanted to cruch the ice. After my hysterectomy I never wanted it anymore, and now I hear that the craving to crunch ice is often a sign of iron deficiency!!! Anything else at the Sonic.....is pretty standard fast food. Kat

I got sick last week, into the weekend, and my Dr. as well as my back up plan were both unavailable! One was gone with his family for Spring Break, and the other doing a seminar at the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale AZ. I ended up swelling myself almost closed, I was in trouble! My Dr.'s office manager suggested looking into Fill Centers USA. I called them, was put in touch with a patient facilitator who was absolutely amazing! She was kind, caring, and worked hard trying to find me someplace within reason I could go. I am in rural New Mexico, and they are few and far between, without travelling 7-8 hours to Denver. She got a Dr. from one of the centers to call and talk to me, to assess how serious the situation was. She called and checked on me every hour or so until the severity began passing-thanks in part to suggestions from the Dr. I spoke to. My Dr.'s office manager, called all of the local hospitals, and radiology clinics, trying to get someone to agree to a total unfill, and the one place who had agreed to do it for me was fine with that, but found out the did not have a long enough non coring needle! So the Fill Centers USA said if my Dr. did not make one available to them, they would! My Dr. sent it, and it is now in my file in case of another emergency. They went above and beyond for me! When they called the closest FC USA to me, which was in Albuquerque, the receptionist we conferenced in with did not seem very on the ball at all to be honest--and while I was on the phone, she was not helpful. I was quite dissappointed in them in particular. But the facilitator called back the Albq. office when I was not on the phone, and they became MUCH more willing to help! I was thrilled with the contact I had with the facilitator at Fill Center. She felt like my only life line besides LBT for awhile! Kat

Just stopping in to share my wonderful news....I got APPROVAL from insurance for my TT!!! I have an appointment later this month....will keep all of ya posted! Kat

I can GUARANTEE mine were not only more sanitary--they tasted better as well!!! But he is strange--------and she has to live with him....not me! Although it is rather embarassing to go to places, and he sits there doing nothing, because he is soooooo picky! Kat

I know---I am so excited I could just about do a flip! But....the belly flap might smack me in the head and make this whole thing a moot point!!!! Thanks Girls--I couldn't wait to share the good news! Kat

My son in law lives on Totinos Cheese Pizza and cheeseburgers. Unfortunately his parents NEVER made him even try to eat anything else. So even on holidays, he expects to have his pizza, or a cheeseburger----or he does make some sort of concoction with a tortilla and ketchup (UH HUH) that he microwaves and eats! Gag! If he goes to dinner with us somewhere a cheeseburger isn't available, like a seafood restaurant, or Italian---he just sits and drinks Coke. He avoids company doings, anything.....strange fella my DH's son in law is!!!! He also will not eat a burger if we are grilling because he is put off by the fact that we touch them getting them on the grill....he actually left my house one day during a family BBQ and went to the Sonic and got a burger....cuz ya know---they don't touch them there!!!! Kat

Curves....I want some Curves! I can fit in a 14----but I am not curvy like that.....hips are super narrow----no junk in my trunk! All you Texas girls, will remember the Rockies jeans....they were made for someone like me--(only skinny) straight hipped..... My niece as she gained weight, kept trying to wear the Rockies, and similar, Lady Wranglers etc. She looked like she had to be in pain! Those things with the high waist--climbed into places, no jeans should be!!! Now she is banded, and losing and she will be able to wear the Western style anytime she wants comfortably....I am so happy for her! She was like Haydee---had the nice curvy/girly shape....so she is just doing the same, overall shrinking....I wish!! Instead of shrinking everywhere, and having the belly hang! Kat

Count me in!!! Just got my approval! My appointment for scheduling is the 18th, although always before when I get on the cancellation list, it moved up, so trying that again. She said she would look over his calendar, and pencil me in pending my appointment. I am going to Texas mid May to meet up with the Shrinking Violets----so am working around that-------but I will find a way! Just wanted to say Yay, Yay, Yay---------count me in!!!! Kat

I am soooo happy! The problem with claiming you is....you like my own kids, are too old to be included.......or yep I'd drag ya right along with me---moral support! And count me there for graduation! Gotta go make some calls and scream a little!! Kat

Hey Girls---I just got my APPROVAL!!!!!!!!!! Insurance didn't question a thing, I have my next appointment on the 18th, unless there is a cancellation, and both times prior that got me in early-------she said she would go ahead and pencil me in the next open slot following that and we could discuss it, when I see him! YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I too have actually managed to drop a bit lately, being sick does that!!! I have yet to claim it---gonna see if it stays away! Had to share-- Kat

MY PS WAS APPROVED!!!!! Kat

Green----my hat is off to you. I would have been sucking the entire bottle down----well a bottle of something~ I always end up in a nice little Verced (sp?) dream when I have my MRI's!! I think general anesthesia would have been warranted!! For you to be able to do all those things is impressive to me! I bow down to you! And I too am glad that you have had kind people....by and large most I have run into through all of this have been. Keep us posted on what is going on, and give Mr. Green a hug too----this is hard on them too, and I am so glad he is being the rock you need him to be. Spouses----when you get a good one they are priceless.....which is so much nicer than the alternative of worthless (had that before too!!!!!LOL) Power to you green!!! Kat