Kat817

Oh you poor thing!!! A real case of Murphy's Law!!! Glad you can look back and laugh! It is a good sign that you will have a positive outlook even on rough days! You will make a good bandster, look forward to seeing you in bandland! Kat

Anytime kmarie, we all have our moments of terror!!! Yours sounds like panic + pain, has you questioning yourself----sounds like you made a good plan to me! Keep in touch! Kat

I was ask too Pamela, had not responded yet, as I am not experienced, nor super computer savvy.....any thoughts? Kat

That really is a great link, gives you a nice guideline for getting back on track, in a realistic time frame. I may well do that. Not much going on here today. Rick has been hurting, and is grumpy---we got crosswise over the fact that our chimney needs cleaned. He has no business on a snow covered roof! He is not going to pay anyone to do what he has done himself for years. Stubborn.....omg! Everyone around me is sick, I have fought it off, it sneaks in, and I feel crummy, then battle it back---I am so tired of feeling yucky. I do not want to be super sick to get it over, I just want to be well!!! But because I am not as sick as all of them...they think I feel wonderful! My Mom told Becky she was bringing dinner, then she got sick too, and wanted me to do it. I told her Gary is fine, he can cook, he doesn't work (medical disability)--I am not taking dinner in for the entire family, when her husband, her son, his fiance will all be eating, and they are as well as I am! She got put out with me (Mom) because she felt bad not keeping her word...good grief Becky understands, she feels crappy too! So Mom reminds me she brought dinner in for us when I was sick....so?....you were well, Rick works 12 hours a day, and there is only 2 of us here. It is not comparable! So Rick is coming home, and he was going to bring home some Churches Chicken, I called Mom and ask if she wanted him to take some out there---she said no Becky said she was just going to go to bed, and let the crew fend for themselves. And Mom agreed, like she had never heard the idea before....frustrating!!! Sorry to come here and just complain!!! Guess I will go make Rick's lunch for tomorrow, and call it a night. See y'all tomorrow! Kat

LOL---I don't think so!!! I spit and sputter when the shower hits me in the face!!! Closest I have ever come is to go snorkeling in Hawaii---will leave the scuba diving to you brave sorts!!! Kat

I am so sorry you are getting the run around! For some people it goes smooth as silk and within days their insurance approves, and they schedule surgery within weeks. For others the road is not so smooth. My story was that my insurance required a 12 month medically supervised diet program with a nutritionist consult monthly. Well I am in a rural area, and no nutritionists!!! A 3 hour drive away was my closest. So after several weeks they finally agree to let my PCP do the nutritionist consults---so I have 2 appointments with him every month--they would not combine them (co-pays of course---the almighty $$$). So for 10 1/2 months I meet with my Dr, twice a month, we scheduled and I did my sleep study, my psych evaluation, and a swallow study, that he required because I had GERD. Then one afternoon, going home, I was in a car accident, and was injured. When I had the resulting surgery, it caused me to cancel my appointment, and reschedule it. When I went in, the office manager---also the Dr.'s wife---told me I had violated the insurance conditions of coverage--my appointment was 4 days past a month! The insurance states it must be 12 consecutive months! Now I fully realize this was their policy, and I did violate it--with good reason, the one I was totally pissed at was my Dr. so I immediately changed Dr.'s----all I was to them was a steady stream of copays and insurance money. Well I began the new 12 month study, when they informed me, that insurance will only pay for the sleep study, and the psych evaluation every 2 years----and must be completed within 6 months of surgery. So....while I mulled my options, the insurance of the driver at fault contacted me, and offered me a cash settlement on my claim. I took it, grabbed my $$$$ and run for the border!!! Went to MX and had surgery by one of the Dr.'s that my original surgeon recommended. My DD dealt with military Dr.'s in treating infertility---and they were notoriously slow and behind things with her---where we have a mile of paperwork to do---when you are in the military you have 3 miles of paperwork. However, I have seen LBT members who have gotten it done through the military. It is excellent coverage! I hope they get it together for you! Have you looked into aftercare in Hawaii? Where are you going to be stationed? My DD was at Schofield Barracks---Oahu. Good Luck---keep pushing, I bet, when they get it together it will go much faster---seems like that is how it works! Kat

Looks reasonable to my way of thinking. You can get some with more Protein, but this does not look bad to me. Does it taste ok? Kat

You just did it!!! Anytime you re-post in it, it brings it back to the top---where you chance more people seeing it! Referred to as a bump! Kat

Sorry I did not see the 20 somethings until after clicking! When I found myself extremely fatigued following surgery, I was told it was from lack of Protein. I used the Zero Carb Isopure drinks I bought at GNC...they have like 40 g. of protein per bottle. They also sell the protein shots, look like test tubes---both are clear liquid and fine for the first liquid stage following surgery. Adding the protein made a HUGE difference in how I felt and the energy level. Good luck on your healing, and congrats on your band! Kat

Try bumping your post a few times. I think I remember Wheetsin having info on scuba diving with the band. Just keep it refreshed until someone with some answers can help you--unfortunately that is not me!!! Good luck finding your info! Kat

The surgery to remove it is done in my understanding identically to the placement. But when they do that you will once again have incision pain. With an unfilled band you should not be causing increased esophageal problems. Have you addressed that with your Dr.? If you have no issue with waiting for removal, then my suggestion would be---get your pain under control now, speak with your Dr. make sure there are no underlying infections. Then I would wait -- avoid filling the band until you make a decision. It could be that in a couple of months, once the trauma of the surgery is past, you might decide you want to give the band a chance to help you with the weight. If at that time, you have not changed your mind, you have not lost anything by waiting. I would suggest waiting, letting yourself heal, both physically and emotionally from surgery. It DOES affect us both ways! It is a life change, and we do react emotionally. Making a decision now might be a bit rash. Give yourself some healing time, I would say. I hope your pain eases, and your fears subside quickly--let us know how you are doing! Kat

Impatient? Yeah probably....but most of us are!! I am! For all the good it does, I still am impatient, I want it NOW! I did not acheive real restriction with my first fill---but I did notice I had it. I had to really be sure to eat by the bandster rules, small bites, slow, well chewed--or I got the pain in the chest, as it worked through. But I could still eat way too much I thought...so I had the second fill done, and it was like less than half what he gave me the first time, so I expected nothing, was WAY upset, and disappointed,. Waited my 2 days to eat....and HELLO restriction!! I was full on 3-4 bites, I had to seriously chew to liquid consistency. I thought I was too tight, but decided as long as I could eat at all, I would ride it out a few days and see how it went. And sure enough it loosened some. I was able to eat hard Protein without pain, and yet not huge amounts. I have never had another fill....that was over a year and a half ago---and I am just kinda coasting now. Trying to decide whether to tweak it with another little fill to get the rest of the weight off, or try to make it as is.....hmmmmmm not sure yet!! You will get there, sometimes it takes a few fills, and it is better to sneak up on restriction, it is easier on your stomach to take it in small amounts, than to suddenly tighten it down too much, that is usually when swelling sets in it sounds like to me. Keeping in mind this is only my opinion and view of things from what I have read, and what my own Dr. has said to me. And we all know every Dr. is different in their approach to this band!! Hang in there it WILL happen! Kat

Being a bit apprehensive is perfectly normal---I cannot imagine going into any surgery without being!!! I too have found LBT to be a blessing!!! I have learned and been guided, and supported by an entire group of wonderful people! We are glad to have you here, and hope all goes well with your surgery and recovery----be sure to come back and share your experience!! Welcome to the forum! Kat

Me too, Chelle, me too!! Want this saggy stuff gone!!!! Using the shakes is probably ok, if you are on the full liquid stage as opposed to still on Clear liquids. You might check the label and see what the calorie count, and Protein counts are, and see if they fit. Some of the shakes out there have way high calorie counts, as they are made for Meal Replacement, so have several hundred calories---and there are better options!!! But if you have some on hand, or know they do well with your system....and the numbers fit--I cannot imagine why they wouldn't work! Kat

Good morning all you successful banders!!! You are all doing wonderfully. I amso glad your scale moved Terry--I think maybe we got stuck in the great "scale strike of '07-'08" ... Obviously some people just had those kind of scales that crossed the picket line!! I am so glad for all of you that yours are moving. Mine is too actually....up .50....down .50, just frequently enough to get my hopes up and assure me that the scale is working fine, it is me that is the problem!! BUT in my former life...I weighed in at 185 for probably 4 years---so I think my body is under the impression we have arrived at goal---it is wrong, wrong, WRONG!!! Pamela----your back likely hurts due to using the muscles differently to baby your knee. Anytime I had knee issues, it would also affect my back. Sometimes even the other leg wigs out over the extra burden you put on it. Terry gives good advice!! Wow, you are really getting the cold spell now Judy. Here it is slowly melting off, we have had some decent weather---above freezing I mean---I think we might have made 40 yesterday. But it melts it all into water then when it gets dark there is black ice everywhere. Including my driveway. Manda fell last night carrying Kinsey--I felt so bad. They are scratched up, and I imagine Manda's chiropractic visit yesterday was worthless---but they are ok, neither one hit their heads or anything, elbows, and backs mostly. Poor girls. Rick was up and out there salting, I was having a fit, my gosh if he fell on the cement on his owie??!! Which by the way is so bruised it now goes half way down his inner thigh....ouch! Jane, Gina--hope you girls feel better soon! Colds/Flu are everywhere here as well as some stomach virus that has taken Becky down. Mom was taking lunch out to them today--not me, I am avoiding the germs! Tracy--you look wonderful!! Your poor niece, but it will be a wedding everyone will remember. I always worried about that, when planning my DD's weddings!! You do look great! Glad Macy is seeming to be on the mend for good now. Do you give her vitamins? Maybe add some serious orange juice!!!LOL I have no idea how to protect them from it all. Jenn---glad you finally got some sleep, that will do wonders for making you feel better. Getting the funeral behind you, and feeling confident in the fact that your Grandma is no longer hurting, and that you did all the things with her and for her you wanted....makes it where you can sleep with ease. I am so glad. Well I am off to peruse the morning paper....oh--and I need to call myself to see if Manda put my phone back the way I had it!! I have 3 rings...and she changed them! She won all these free ring tones. Which is all good for her, I like my 3...it gives me a good idea who is calling, and I like all the music...one of them I tend to let play too long so Kinsey can sing, and Manda (her ring) always hangs up thinking I am not going to answer--think that is why she changed it!!! See ya in awhile! Kat

Are you ready for room money now Terry? I know you mentioned a date, and was not sure if you could not pay til then....or what....just let us know!! Kat Ya know I don't want Jenn having a room, and Jane and I not!!!!!

LOL--- My DH does that jokingly when he is on my case about something..."Bad Kitty" LOL....now I am not even safe on LBT!!!!!!! Get my LIfe Back----some things never change....and real true cowboys and horsemen are among them I think!!! The Rexall Rangers---or Drugstore Cowboys will always follow the latest fashion fad....or what have you--but cowboys not so much....not that most would notice. I am slowly changing my opinion as I typed that sentence!!! The cowboys I know---do sort of follow a fad---however it for some reason is a bit different. It follows the market, and the almighty $$$. I know ranchers who have changed out herds of hundreds for another breed of cattle!!! BUT they are still wearing the same denim chambray shirt, and re soling the same boots until they can no longer do so!!! Come back South and have some fun-dancing, is great exercise!!! Kat

What has happened to you is pretty common. It is like you bought a new car....and now cannot go anywhere because you have no gas. When you can begin the fill process, to attain some restriction, you will actually get the full effect of a working band. Til then---there is not much change going on in your body. Take your time with the fills, go slowly to avoid problems, do your best to make good food choices, and don't get discouraged, when you get restriction it will make a HUGE difference. Some---like me----the band was somewhat tight in itself---causing restriction from the beginning. I joke that even my internal organs were fat! You are on the right track----keep moving, follow up with your Dr. and you will find the difference with getting your band filled. You are NOT a failure!!! Dieting before the band was difficult if not impossible, or you would not have gotten the band. And right now it is as if you had not! Hang in there, you are not alone. Your body has been healing, and is going to be ready to get some restriction soon. PLUS----you did not start out at a really high weight, so sometimes lower weighted people do lose slower, it takes less to keep the body functioning so to speak. But hang in there it WILL happen!!! Welcome! Kat

When you are eating smaller bites, and chewing them well, it takes you about the same length of time to eat a meal as those you are eating with take to down their entire meal. Then when you are all finished, you will simply notice that your plate still holds 3/4 of the meal you were served! Right now, going into this it seems like we over think every little thing. Where as once you develop your new eating habits, and eat that way out of habit, you will not pay any more attention to how you eat than you did 6 months ago. When you eat out now, do you seriously concentrate on the other diners? I don't I enjoy our dinner conversation, and just eat, in my new way. The biggest differences I have found in going out are these... I now order differently, I concentrate on quality as opposed to quantity. I will order a smaller steak, knowing it will be much tastier, there is never a question of whether it will be enough or not! And secondly, I go out, and eat without feeling self concious. I used to think everyone was looking at me and wondering why I was eating again---I no longer worry about that. When you realize you only have space to fit in a small amount of food, you find yourself focusing on food differently. I know I need to pack nutritional food in---not junk. But somehow your tastes change, and you find that a few bites of fresh vegetables are far more satisfying than an entire serving of canned! And a small filet is tastier than a huge sirloin.....small differences, but they count, and the taste difference is amazing!!! My portion sizes changed dramatically, but my before sizes were massive!!! I read of people only eating 3 bites, and I laugh--I eat a normal diet, and small portions, but not ridiculously so! I would prefer to get my nutrients through my food as opposed to Protein shakes, or pills. I know the band has taught me wonderful lessons in how to eat better for my body. But miss food? Nope I still eat it! Pretty much anything I want....in reasonable quantities. Something I never learned pre band. Kat

I have heard of it, but know no one personally. I just stopped in to bump up the question, you might try bumping it again in the morning, when more people are around--it will get buried by morning, and a lot of members won't see it. Good Luck, I hope you find out good news!!! Kat

Not sure I have much to suggest as far as making the liquid taste good!!! There is not much to say about it!!! I used Zero Carb Isopure for Protein during the clear liquid stage, and it helped with the fatigue I was feeling. As for taste---if you put it up against my tea, or my former Dr. Pepper, no I would not have chosen it, but...it did the job, and I wanted the band to be a success! I bought it at GNC...I would drink half the bottle in the morning and half in the afternoon, and in between I had Water, tea, broth, some juices.... My Dr. was much stricter---I had 2 weeks of Clear Liquids, followed by 2 more weeks of full liquids, where I could have pureed cream Soups, anything that would fit through a straw. Then 2 more weeks of mushies, and then I could begin adding regular foods. I used a lot of the Da Vinci syrups for making Protein Shakes the first couple of months. That way I could vary the flavor simply...as they make tons of flavors in sugar free. How lucky are you to have your surgeon as a best friend! You will always be able to get any questions answered!!! Although I have never had issue with that, mine gave me a cell # and I have always been able to reach him---never had much need. But what an awesome support your friend will be! Hang out, read around, you will find lots of ideas of food as you progress, and always will find someone in the same time range as you to share info with. Good Luck on Monday, check in and let us know how it all went!!! Glad to have you at LBT--welcome!! Kat

Underwriter, you are experiencing, as Deniecy did, as most of us did, that liquid in = liquid out! When there is nothing else in your system, that is what happens. However it does show that you are doing the right thing---and not eating. If it goes in liquid and comes back out liquid, then your stomach is not working to digest anything, and that is the goal! You are allowing it time to heal. It is inconvenient, and sometimes you get a little sore from it, I found the TUCKS pads helped (store brand is the same)---and as soon as you can begin adding things to your diet, it improves. You might also find certain things you are eating on your all liquid diet exacerbate the problem, especially the gas involved. Anything made sugar free can be made with malitol, or sorbitol, and they are notorious for causing massive gas issues---and when you combine that with the liquid problems---it can be bad! I found the broth I was using, made my problems worse, quit drinking it, and mine eased a lot!!! I know it is kinda funny at times, and very unpleasant at other times, but it does indicate that you are doing all the right things. In a short time you will be past it, and on your way!!! Welcome to bandland, and welcome to LBT!!! Kat

I used Dr. Alberto Aceves, in Mexicali MX. I cannot say enough good things about my experience. My cost was $7740.00 which included 1/2 of my airfare, and covered everything else. They picked us up at the airport, and took us to Mexicali, and other than my DH eating in the cafeteria, and us doing some shopping the night before surgery, we did not spend another dime. Kat

3/4 of a container of yogurt (today's flavor was Apple Turnover)with granola stirred in. This is my usual Breakfast....I normally eat about half, as my granddaughter and I share, but I was alone this morning, so had more!!! Kat

I think there is a story here we need to hear..... Kat