Kat817

Torture Device? Me? A torture device????? OH!!!! You mean that thing that has been in the case in the bathroom for days and not in my mouth!!!! It is fine!!! I see the oral surgeon and the dentist both tomorrow! LOL Kat

I may have missed it, I did not go back and read-------but have you had a thorough check up with your Dr.? What is your thyroid doing? Have you had it checked on a regular basis, one test every year or 2 can be misleading. What about your monthly cycle is it normal? Have you been checked for PCOS? It makes weight loss very difficult, and both tend to run in family lines. Which could explain many of your relatives issues too. While it is true we all have different issues with losing weight, or gaining weight---our metabolism all runs differently. But I really feel like it is as Wheetsin said, an issue with yours being slow, as you do less now than what your body adjusted to for years. Most of us do....and any hormonal imbalances in the body---can affect others. And hormonal fluctuations are VERY common in women, it is part of our usual monthly cycle...so if you have other imbalances, my surgeon said it just makes finding the problem that much harder. I believe the band will work for someone like you--who recognizes a proper way to eat, and is not at issue with portion control. But I also believe it is imperitive that a complete work up with your Dr. be done first, as some things make losing weight even with a band difficult! I lost without issue for well over a year. Then it stopped. I thought I was plateaued, which happens to us all eventually. But I worked with it. Upped the work outs, dropped the calories, nothing. So I upped the calories, and tweaked the diet some....nothing. I went this way for a few months. Weight did not budge. Then I got sick---had a sore throat, etc. thought I had strep throat, I was feeling my glands they were all swollen. Noticed where I usually had a hollow in my throat, I had a huge lump. Cold went away, glands went down, the lump did not. So off to the Dr, I go. I have multiple thyroid tumors, one extremely large, and growing fast. Went through all the tests, and biopsies, and junk. Ended up in surgery. Had most of my thyroid removed. Now we are working to try to adjust my thyroid hormone to get to a normal level again. My weight continues to drop but ever so slowly! Now whether that still has anything to do with my thyroid---or whether it is solely that my workouts stalled during recovery....or whether it is my calories need to drop again now that I weigh less....or bits and pieces of all of the above....I don't know. But even banded---it is not always an easy thing to figure out. A good relationship with a Dr. helping to figure these things out is invaluable! Kat

Oh I know Cheryl---the mail delivery comes, and I hold my breath----still no news....the wait continues... Congrats on the weight loss. We were banded about the same time. My back is not bad, my butt not bad----very, very minor sagging. But it was not my problem area as for carrying my weight either, my problem was my stomach---and it shows!! My surgeon recommended a TT. At this point if insurance would cover just the pannectomy---or whatever just to remove the skin---I would go for that. It is interfering in my movement to work out---and it is causing tears in the skin---just a pain all the way around!!! I am so impatient. I want it done yesterday!!! Keep us posted what your PS says!! Kat

Are you banded as well? Considering banding? Kat

We can use one of DH's "shoe" boxes----they are the size of trunks!!!! Kat

Very pretty Terry---and Judy----! Ya know, I think you need to plan a "trunk show" while we are in SA/Gruene!!! Bring all your goodies you have made up and let us shop!!! Kat

When I read sore throat, my thoughts went to the fact that what always follows that with us is a cough. I would not have wanted to have anything that caused me to cough non stop following banding. Better to postpone by a couple of weeks than to tear port stitches, and maybe the band stitches, all due to coughing. Sorry the timing has been so rough....I can imagine your disappointment.... Kat

I am inclined to think this comment Includes more of us than it Excludes!!!!! I know for sure it does me!!! Kat

I think a general asshole description fits him! No further classification needed! Now, first things first--Congratulations! I hope this comes to be happy news, and that all goes well for you. Did you get an OB referral? Do you have friends who might reccommend an OB they liked? My DD did an interview type of appointment, with one she hated, and the next she loved---all in the same office. Lucky for her the right one was on duty when she delivered!! Hope you find a good Dr. willing to work with you and your band Dr. There are good ones out there, and now you have a place on LBT to compare notes! Kat

Oftentimes the surgeons do groups of people, so there will likely be others there by themselves as well. You might ask the coordinator if there is anyone else going by themselves you could get in contact with prior to traveling. I went to a different area in MX, but it was not an issue. All went well---I loved my experience. But was I scared? You betcha!!! But to be honest---my fear about dying is one of the things that spurred me to have the band. I was afraid if I died, I would require a dozen pall barers to lift my casket. I knew there was no way 6 even 8 men could lift me and the weight of the casket---it was mortifying! I could imagine all the special arrangements--oversized coffin----everything!!! As it is, I can now fit and they should be able to lift me should I go! It will be ok, and yes, fears are totally normal! Kat

When I had my hysterectomy I lost all sensation on the outside of my left leg from mid thigh to below my knee---no reaction to painful stimuli--nothing! Occasional burning feeling---with no regular cause.... Finally they determined, that my surgery took so long, and was so invasive, it was permanent nerve damage. Wonder if there is a nerve anywhere that could have been involved? How strange......have you ever let it go too long, with not having the normal reminder? Is that going to be a problem. I am really not just asking if you ever peed your pants just to laugh at ya!!! And if I do--------feel free to kick me in the leg! Kat

Was your white cell count raised at all in your blood work at the hospital? Did they rule out appendicitis? If so how did they rule it out? My DH, they kept saying his pain wasn't the appendix because it hurt all the way across his belly, notjust where it should. Well finally the 2nd CT scan picked up the inflamed appendix, and they removed it---and found why he hurt all the way across his belly--------his appendix was 9.5" long!!!!! They checked and it was not a record---but his surgeon said it was easily a record for him!!! And we never had any idea he was abnormally appendix endowed!!! I would keep at it until something was resolved. Good Luck! Kat

When you do think about it and go in and pee---is it of normal amount? Normal in color? Any pain? When you think about going---do you feel it once you think about it, or is there a total absense of feeling regarding urination? I would have the answers to all these handy and make the Dr. listen, that something is off!!! Let us know! Kat

I know this is going to sound like a "man comment"--blaming everything on hormones....but could your Mom be going through menopause and the hormone surges exacerbating all the issues? I was recently reading up on peri-menopause---I personally had a hysterectomy years ago, but my best friend is acting pretty strangely off and on lately, not to me....but to her sons! And their wife & fiance. She said the other day that her Dr. said she had entered peri menopause. So in this article it said it often triggers other chemical imbalances in the brain, leading to bi polar actions, and for years this has always simply been associated with "the change" when in actuality it can happen in spurts during pregnancy, PMS, and other times of hormone surges. Has your Mom ever exhibited these signs at other times in her life??? Going to do further reading on it, as the article doesn't really describe my friend----but will check other books out on the conditions. Kat

You will find this site invaluable in the aspect you can talk "band" all you want!!! And everyone understands!!!! It has been such amazing support to me, I cannot begin to convey how much! Welcome to the site!!! My skin, is pretty good, for my age, with the exception of my belly. It is bad! It is limiting my exercise etc. at this point, it hangs so badly--so I am awaiting a decision from my insurance concerning a TT. I lost weight wonderfully the first year, the second has slowed considerably, but not through band issues. I had some thyroid tumors, and had to have surgery---it has been a challenging time, but thanks to the band, maintaining the weight loss, without dieting, or regaining has been possible. In many ways this has relaxed me like nothing else could. I think always in the back of my mind was the question about what would happen when I hit goal. Well I am not quite at goal, but maintaining has been a non issue!!! I eat most anything, just in moderate amounts, and I don't snack 24 hours a day! I don't binge....I live a normal life!!! Who would have ever thought that could happen??? My biggest advice would be no matter how difficult, adhere to the post op diet! It seems to set the tone for success the Dr. told me. Other than that, simply being prepared and knowledgable about what to expect to feel, and how to handle things as they arise....and this site will help you there every step of the way!! Welcome--and congrats on your decision----you will be out there running with your child in no time! Kat

I've heard only a few people are able to get satisfactory results out of the new arm surgery. In my case I keloid scar---so it is not an option.... I am waiting now to hear from my insurance on my TT.....praying for a good letter to come!!! My stomach is interfering in my exercise, my quality of life now, so it has to go..... But I hear what you girls are saying....I sat in my chair the other night, and was reading a book, I flipped sideways with my legs over the arm of the chair, and went----wow!! Look how much room I have in this chair--I was feeling on top of the world---til I walked in the bedroom and saw this belly hanging-----awwww crap---------nothing has changed!!! Feelin' it! Kat

Thenume is right! One fill is hardly ever enough----and no reason at all to begin feeling like this failed!!! All being able to eat that many pieces of pizza means is that you do need another fill, to continue searching for restriction. Since everone is built different, and weighs different, it takes different amounts for everyone, and our Dr.'s do their best to make educated guesses at where to put us fill wise. Slow and steady is the safest way to go....so you will get there!!! Omnipaque works for someone like Donna, who gets a fill, feels the restriction, and then poof it is gone--------repeatedly! Omnipaque is a thicker liquid--kind of a fix a flat for bandsters!!! It is too thick to leak out of the small pin holes that sometimes end up in the band or the tube--although VERY rare, they do happen, and are sometimes the result of a poke during a blind fill--one done without fluoroscopy. Hang in there, let the process have a chance to work!!! We all go through the panic that this is going to be yet another failed attempt at weight loss---------at least everyone I know did!!! You WILL make it! Kat

Glad to have you back MRS Tracy!! Lookin' good!!!! So tell us how the wedding went....we want details-----!!!!!!!!!!! You look so happy....and I am so glad!!! Love ya girl!! Kat

Donna---so glad things are looking up for you!!! One of my friends required Omnipaque to feel any sort of restriction....go figure!!! Whatever it takes---------when the band is working, it is an amazing help!!!! There will be no stopping you now!!!! I'm so happy they figured it out for you! Kat

Pamela, I did not read this book, but one on such a similar premise it is ridiculous!!! In the one I read, they actually did a sequal. She offers knitting classes, and her students are varied.....and have different issues. From a punk, needing a community class to avoid juvey--to older wealthy clients. Then in the 2nd book, she has all new students, but the old ones pop in to buy yarn, and end up entwined in the new class of students....I believe there may eventually be a 3rd book. I want to say maybe the ones I read were by Debbie MacComber maybe, or Sheryl Woods....dunno they were passed on to me by my Mom. She reads a lot of both authors. Wierd how similar the plot is though. Her ex husband even resurfaces..... I'll ask Mom if she remembers who wrote them and what the name was....the last one was The Shoppe on....something, I think. I began a book over the weekend, but it is slow starting, so that is disappointing. I read one last week called "Year of Fog".....wasn't impressed. I avoided the scale after my ice cream last night. I don't know if the ice cream upset me, or my emotional reaction to caving in and eating it all upset me, but my stomach was upset all night, I didn't sleep well!!! Well I am off to get dressed! Yep Kinsey and I have been lazy. Played a game of Cootie---then while she is just building bugs, I thought I'd check in with you guys!!! So---I'll check back later! Kat

Occasionally it catches me by surprise----sitting in the recliner, and I have all this room in the chair---I used to sit ON it....now I sit IN it with lots of room----amazes me!!! Now if I could get this surgery-----I would be one happy camper!!! Will definitely keep ya in the loop!!! Hoping to hear this week. Kat

Just gonna check in----I ate well all day, and drank well----then Rick come home, and we ended up at DQ!!!!!! My resistance was nil!!!! Kiddie size....and ya know pre band ice cream was not a big thing of mine, and I would only eat half a kiddie size---not any more, I ate it all!!!! Oh well, it is gone, out of the house, tomorrow I begin trying to work it off....... We spent the evening on the sofa, in a tangle---flopping from one comfy spot to the next---lazy barely scratches the surface!!! Time to take a shower, and think about going on to bed. Kinsey is back tomorrow---after a weekend with her Dad sometimes she is a challenge. Last time he taught her you don't say please when you ask for something----you say CHOP CHOP! We went round with her over that-----Manda talked to him, for whatever good it will do....idiot! LOL Will check on all you girlies in the morning! Night! Kat

Amazing Laura!!!!! Awesome! Spectacular!! Incredible!! And every other positive thing I can think--You look wonderful!!!! Strut your stuff Girl!!!! Kat

I agree with a lot of the suggestions you were given. I also flew home--so am going to approach my answer from that angle. Comfortable elastic waisted pants, with a loose tshirt type of top. Find an older non underwire bra for the trip home---I am large breasted, and going without was not an option. I would have turned and taken out a flight attendant or something!! So it may not be the prettiest in the drawer, and that is good, depending on where your incisions are--they might even ooze some on the bra--so make it an old, loose, comfy one. Same with panties---dig deep and find the loose, comfy granny panties!!! I also wore slip on tenny shoes type of thing---as has been said bending over to tie them is not always easy, and they have to come off to get through security. Being able to drop them, and step into them is ideal, but you also want them to be something you don't worry about slipping in. PACK LIGHT!!! You have to deal with your luggage after surgery on the way home as well. So take nothing you don't need....and keep lightweight in mind when you pack what you DO need. It isn't like the same people will see you, so plan to fly in the same outfit, or something to lessen the amount of things you need. This is not what to take---just advice given to me that eased my mine and made my trip so much easier!!! When you get on the plane, as you are boarding---if you need an extender for the seatbelt--ask for it then. Do not wait til you and everyone else has been seated. If you ask for it as you board, it is usually right within reach for her, and they hand it to you and off you go. Those in line behind you have no view of what is going on, and those getting seated are fiddling around stowing things, not paying mind to you. If you wait, she comes back down the aisle looking for you, all eyes on her as you all wait to take off---then all eyes go to you as she hands it over! If you do not need one on the flight over, see how the belt fits and decide if you will need one on the return due to soreness and swelling. Also as you board----grab one of the little pillows----depending on where your incisions are, the seatbelt sometimes rubs. My plane belt didn't hit mine, but the car seat belt did! And I had a long drive home -3.5 hours- from the airport. I took some liquid Tylenol--but not sure of the liquid limitations now----and I don't think Tylenol is making the Go Tabs anymore---so you might need to just take a partial bottle with you. I did not need my Rx pain meds, but I did take a shot of Tylenol, during a layover on my flight home. Sip on Water in the airport, they will make you ditch it usually---so when they come around, you can get another small bottle---and when you land, buy another--just keep well hydrated. While on the plane, wiggle a lot--it may annoy your seat mates---but better to annoy them than end up with blood clots! Lift your feet and make circles with your ankles, just lift them up and down--like tippy toes, then down....don't cross your ankles. Also remember to breath deep several times during the flight. Deep, deep breaths, several in a row----will keep your lungs clear as well. How exciting---your day is almost here!!!! Good Luck! Kat

Me too--slept late, felt wonderful.. Got up, and caught up to Tracy, got all my housework done-----made me some jello, hung out on the computer awhile, been half reading/half watching TV.....just relaxing. Just noticed, it began snowing---aarrgghh!!! Go away Winter! Rick should be home in a few minutes---then not sure if we are gonna hang out for the day or catch a movie and a burger. Speaking of movies, hope Pamela's snuggly movie date was a good one. I'd ask what they saw, but wouldn't want to embarass her if she couldn't remember!!! LOL Michelle---80 pounds-------how amazing is that?! Next time you are in the store, go try to see if you can begin to life a 50 pound bag of dog food! Imagine you carried that and another 30 pounds around every single day, every single step! No wonder you are not being recognized!!! Great job! Tracy---I bet Macy is ready to see Mommy too!! Kinsey spent the weekend with her Dad---Manda called this morning, and is also ready for her girls back---Lindzie is with her Mom. Is one of the rare weekends both girls are gone together. Ryan leaves today for WY for a week---Manda is a bit worried about it---with Lindzie's asthma having been acting up. But they have dealt with it before. Abbey wanted us to come help them build a fence---her DH is NOT a handyman! But with the weather, not looking like it is gonna happen this weekend. Their neighbor moved out, and the Daughter took the house over, and has a big boat, they have to use Abbey & Rhetts drive way to get it out, but it bottoms out and is chipping up the drive way----so he refuses to talk to them about it, instead is building a fence! I think he lives his life that way---instead of working things out, he builds people out-------not too sure about the boy! So it is awful quiet in here---must be a busy weekend for everyone!! Check in girlies, let us know all is well!! Hugs~ Kat