Kat817

Wish I could reach out and give you a hug, I know how traumatic it is....I can only say, it will....eventually stop. My blood work up showed nothing that would result in hair loss, but I am really glad I did it, it was already showing me my drop in triglycerides, among other things, it showed me my band was working for my health. Keep in mind, if you get super thin, and have no hair, you can always buy a cool wig. On the other hand, back when you had a full head of hair, you could not go buy a thin suit to slide on....keep it in perspective, and it WILL quit!!! So sorry you too had this happen! Kat

Hi Kel ( wore my bracelet yesterday btw---still love it!)- I think I agree with your post, as far as dealing with the problem while she is young. But I think the lack of follow through on the lipo for instance sets the stage for lack of follow through on this. They were so sure that was the answer then, and no follow up care was pursued. She even made comments before that the girl was able to lose another 20 pounds on her own following the lipo. It is the start of her yo-yo dieting for life, but she started with the BIG cures, not even attempting the common sense answers for a child who still has much maturing to do. IF she were able to make all her own choices she might even have a better chance, but at only 13, she is unable to make and attend nutritionist appointments, therapy appointments, and things like that. And if the parents had maybe done that following lipo, and the lost weight before, possibly the band would have not been needed. I have no doubt in my mind that this was ALL done out of love for their child, and hope that she not be tormented in school, and in life in general. BUT to make the serious decision she did, for a 13 year old child, who has shown an inability to control her own eating, and to think that a band is as simple as "if she eats to much it comes back up" is foolish! It is also dangerous to her health to think that you can treat a band that way, without possible damage to your stomach, or esophagus. Which can lead to permanent damage---a band has to be treated with care!!! To hear her talk, no one did much research into what being banded involves. She is a young teen---as a teen she will be out doing all kinds of things, and experimenting with all kinds of things. That is what your teen years are for. But imagine being 13, and unable to swallow a Tylenol, or have a soda with your friends---even a diet soda. I know that those things helped her become overweight, but in order to try to gain a "normal" life with her weight, she is giving up a "normal" life as a teen. The saddest thing I feel she gave up is the feeling of being accepted unconditionally by her family. We have all encountered people who think we took the easy way out with WLS. It sounded to me, like they thought the band to be the easy way as well....and most of us know differently. The Dr. they chose, let them down in my opinion. I would hate for the child to be hurt reading posts about it as well, but I also hope for her sake they DO find this and other forums that might help them navigate the banded world. It has its difficulties as an adult. I would not have made that choice for my child, but this is a done deed, and I fully believe most everyone here would do whatever they could to encourage and support a child who needs it. And I do hope right along with you that this does work for her, and her weight is not an issue through her life. Kat

Hi Kel ( wore my bracelet yesterday btw---still love it!)- I think I agree with your post, as far as dealing with the problem while she is young. But I think the lack of follow through on the lipo for instance sets the stage for lack of follow through on this. They were so sure that was the answer then, and no follow up care was pursued. She even made comments before that the girl was able to lose another 20 pounds on her own following the lipo. It is the start of her yo-yo dieting for life, but she started with the BIG cures, not even attempting the common sense answers for a child who still has much maturing to do. IF she were able to make all her own choices she might even have a better chance, but at only 13, she is unable to make and attend nutritionist appointments, therapy appointments, and things like that. And if the parents had maybe done that following lipo, and the lost weight before, possibly the band would have not been needed. I have no doubt in my mind that this was ALL done out of love for their child, and hope that she not be tormented in school, and in life in general. BUT to make the serious decision she did, for a 13 year old child, who has shown an inability to control her own eating, and to think that a band is as simple as "if she eats to much it comes back up" is foolish! It is also dangerous to her health to think that you can treat a band that way, without possible damage to your stomach, or esophagus. Which can lead to permanent damage---a band has to be treated with care!!! To hear her talk, no one did much research into what being banded involves. She is a young teen---as a teen she will be out doing all kinds of things, and experimenting with all kinds of things. That is what your teen years are for. But imagine being 13, and unable to swallow a Tylenol, or have a soda with your friends---even a diet soda. I know that those things helped her become overweight, but in order to try to gain a "normal" life with her weight, she is giving up a "normal" life as a teen. The saddest thing I feel she gave up is the feeling of being accepted unconditionally by her family. We have all encountered people who think we took the easy way out with WLS. It sounded to me, like they thought the band to be the easy way as well....and most of us know differently. The Dr. they chose, let them down in my opinion. I would hate for the child to be hurt reading posts about it as well, but I also hope for her sake they DO find this and other forums that might help them navigate the banded world. It has its difficulties as an adult. I would not have made that choice for my child, but this is a done deed, and I fully believe most everyone here would do whatever they could to encourage and support a child who needs it. And I do hope right along with you that this does work for her, and her weight is not an issue through her life. Kat

Good Morning! It is so good to see you Darcy!!!! I was just thinking a couple of days ago, that I missed Annes posts! I know in her Christmas letter, she had went back to work, and with 2 young kids, life is probably very full for her. Hope all is ok with her! Betty, I too would love to be able to be a pest at your pool! We have discussed one several times, but we keep thinking if we move, we will think about it when we have so much more space. The move will not be for several years. Especially now, I cannot and will not live that close to my inlaws---with her acting the way she is and allowing the things she is, I have no desire to be around her! Hope your birthday was celebrated in style Eileen!!! Patty how was your Fiesta? Someone ask about the eggs---they are real eggs. You puncture a small hole in one end and a bit larger in the other end, and we use a wire to pierce the egg yolk, and empty out the shell. Rinse them and allow them to dry---I try to do this a week or so in advance---and just let them sit in the egg carton. Then when they are dry we use the fine confetti and glitter and tape off one end, and fill from the other. We use the paper tape to cover the end, and I let the kids use markers on them and decorate them. Then during the celebration they get cracked over peoples heads---confetti and glitter everywhere! Rick's SIL started this with the kids. She is Hispanic, and it was a tradition in her family. My kids loved it---so we kept it up---which thrilled my SIL. Time consuming? Yes Messy? Yes.....but worth it for all the giggles! Cindy---you look great girl! I am glad you enjoyed your concert! We have seen them all, but not together! I love the Eagles music, we have the boxed set with the music broke down into ballads, etc. I enjoy it a lot. BUT....as for concert fun, I'm with your DD Stray Cats was a blast!!! Not sure who we will see in concert for this years fair. But we always catch a concert or 2. We have begun sending our kids to concerts for their birthdays. I figure in 20 years they won't remember a shirt or whatever doodad is the fad of the moment, but they will remember the concert! We buy them tickets, and provide babysitting service for the DS and the oldest DD. DD went to Dave Matthews Band last year...wants to see Daughtry this year, but he is not coming near us....will have to see. DS's music interests are a bit harder, and we just ordered his tickets to Alice In Chains, and someone, I don't remember who---he will LOVE it! He & Rick had planned to go see Megadeath--and Rick ended up in the hospital. He so loved the concert thing, he bought those so he & Rick could go together---not realizing Rick's tastes had tamed some!!! He would have gone anyway! DD and her bf went in their place. I too got a note from Beannie---hope everything falls in place for her soon. She should be getting ready to take some more classes I would guess. Dianne--how's the legs---and the new job???? Sherry--Did they finish the tattoo?? Mandy---feeling better yet hon? I am betting you are walking lots already, the other day you were raring to go! Chris---how's the new feller?? Well---I know I am missing some of you---but my brain does not go any further back this morning that what I can scroll!!!! I am hopeless!!! Oldtimers has set in with a vengeance!!! Everyone have a great day!!!! Kat

Howdy y'all! Sorry, I think I am so tired I am a bit goofy!!! I did work out today. I hit Curves, and then did another 15 minutes on the elliptical here at home, and did some weights with DH. He got released to work out again, so guess who is gonna do it right along with him!! I cannot let him lose down below me! He really won't---that would be too low for him, he looks best right at 200...and he fluctuates within 5-6 pounds of that usually. Lucky guy. He can eat ice cream like no one I know----he could probably sit and eat a half gallon at a time if he let himself---and it would not change his weight! Of course he works pretty hard sometimes, he is up and down, and walks a lot in the yard, and checking on his hands---so I guess he works it off. Things went minimally better with Lindzie today---she is balking at doing her school work, so we are taking a play day tomorrow, and going to the park, and swimming----as long as she behaves, if she acts up, I intend on bringing her home, and seeing about my Mom keeping Kinsey and letting Lindzie think she is off still playing. Let HER actions set the tone....see how it goes. Down south in NM there was a 15 month old toddler who was having seizures, so they were life flighting her to Albq. to a bigger hospital, but the plane crashed, and killed all aboard. The pilots, the nurses, and the mother and child. They are interviewing the families on TV it is so sad. One of the paramedics was a volunteer referee for Special Olympics, and the Mom of the little girl taught disabled children to ski. My MIL is sooooooooooo pissed off at us for interfering in her business!!! Telling her who she can rent to. Which is one thing, but the home she is on such a tear over is OURS!!!! When we went to Albq. the other day we went to a tool store my DH likes, and she said to let him pick something out for his birthday, so we did. We come back, he showed her his new chop saw, thanked them---and then we interfered!!! Today I got a postage due envelope in the mail, it was a check from her to cover the money I spent!!! She is mad at our son, because he was disrespectful, and she does not need to be treated like an old lady...she is almost 80! It worries me---she is acting so strangely, but at the same time, it makes me feel spiteful in a way! One minute I worry about her, the next I want son to move, and let them handle it on their own, knowing that will last a week tops! We have hay to buck, I see her deciding to either cut loose with some money to pay someone else, or deciding we can interfere in the work aspect! I REALLY want to say bad things about her----BUT I know she can be just as sweet and loving as she is ignorant right now! So I am trying to behave---cuz that's what Judy would do.....deep, deep sigh! Terry it is a good thing you made up that exercise session I was gonna have to plant a size 8 to your hind end!!! You will NOT slide! See I can be mean!!! All ya gotta do is ask Lindzie!!! Ok, I really am feeling too goofy---guess I'll hit the shower and call it a night! See y'all in the morning!!! Kat

You have now entered what is referred to around here as "bandster hell"....the only comforting thing I can say about it is that enough people have gone through it before you for it to be named!!! You are normal! As you begin the fill process, it will improve---maybe not immediately but eventually it will!!! Just hang tight, and do your best....and let us help you anyway we can! Kat

Part of my problem is I am in a rural area, and the only place in say 200 miles to get a bra fitting is in Dillards, and even then it is not made for you---they find the best fit in ready mades for you. It DID make a difference even then, but nothing as individualized as y'all are getting. In the meantime, even though they are not as supportive, or anything, I CAN walk in any store, and buy bra & panty sets now! I love that! On a good note, I read about an advantage to being overly endowed. They said if you are taking an up close face shot picture, if you go braless it will pull the wrinkles out of your face!!! I see myself looking like a teenager in my next drivers license picture!!! Now having it made, may be embarassing---possible illegal! Kat

Try to find some Protein Powder you like, and add some to your Soups etc. It gives you more energy, and it helps some with the hunger. The best advice I can give you is to just stay away from the eating of "family meals" as much as possible right now. Stay away from the temptation. Your pre op diet held an important place, in preparing you for this, but the post op diet is without a doubt the most important time for being banded! You must allow they inner stitches to heal, and the scar tissue to begin forming, without the stomach moving in a digestion mode. To do so could cause you serious problems with the band. When the hunger strikes, or you think you cannot take another minute without food, take a walk, or log on here, and re-read WHY you must not give in to these cravings. Soon you will be past the post op diet, and be able to sit at the table and have a normal meal with your family....but it takes a little, no, make that a LOT of willpower---and won't power to get there. But hey if I can do it....anyone can!!! Log on and talk to us when you need to---we will do our best to help! Kat

Yes I was on a much more stringent diet than that! I was 2 weeks of Clear Liquids, 2 weeks of full liquids, and 2 weeks of mushies. Then I could see about tolerating food in general. IF I had no issues after 2 weeks of eating normally, and if my losing had slowed down, and I was experiencing hunger, then I could have a fill. I followed it VERY closely, I admit to jumping the gun by 2 days into eating a fuller diet, but I have not had any complications, and can eat almost any food now. Not sure, and actually doubtful that there is any connection, but it is one of those "if it ain't broke---don't fix it" things, I plan on following what my Dr. says!!! I am 15 1/2 months out from surgery and have had 2 fills, and see the light at the end of the tunnel signaling my goal!!!! Good Luck to you, and welcome to LBT!!! Kat

Awwww Hip you should have warned us that 'food porn' was coming up!!!!! Great attitude, and that is what will keep your gf supportive when you need her to be!!! Good Job!!! Kat

In no way did I mean anything derogatory about the girl, she is the way she is, because of the way she was raised. My questions about this are ALL directed to the parents and the surgeons.... When I last saw them on TV following the lipo, they said she had dieted off another 20 pounds etc. Where is her guidance in eating? She is 12-13 years old, she does not do the family grocery shopping. Why isn't this concerned Mom buying bikes and riding with her daily instead of ignoring insurance recommendations and taking her to Mexico. I am not slamming the Mexico/surgery thing---hell I did it myself, but I did it FULLY informed, and only after working within my insurance guidelines, and still being denied. And I did it as an adult. Even if they had waited til she was 16 and had the ability to understand what SHE was going to have to do...but if her Mom cannot help her to maintain and eat healthy following the loss and surgical intervention she has already had, what hope do they have of following the necessary diet of a bandster, especially when that changes sometimes on a day to day or hour to hour basis! I see much more invasive surgery in her future.....I hope it waits until SHE is old enough to decide. I think Mom needs help! Not letting Dad off the hook either---where is he? Kat

Sometimes, in fact most times it takes more than one fill to reach your sweet spot. For the safety and health of your band and stomach, it is best to slowly proceed to finding that point. Often it takes several days for a fill to properly show itself, and how it is going to help you. Noone knows why! But in some people, they feel nothing, then wake up 4 days later with restriction....it is a different reaction with each patient. Following the rules, and eating healthy, is teaching you new habits, that as you go on with more fills or adjustments, you will be able to use, to continue your weight loss. Hang in there-----you will find restriction....!! Welcome to bandland, and welcome to LBT we are glad to have you here!!! Kat

My gut instinct on it was that Mom did not want to live vicariously through a fat child! She is wanting the DD to have the perfect adolescense that she did not. Maybe some wierd form of Munchausers (sp?) Syndrome....where they make the child (or sometimes spouse) sick so they get the attention as the loving care taker...... I too understand life cannot be easy as an overweight teen---but we are not talking a kid who has HUGE issues. She has obviously not been taught nor helped with proper nutrition. When she was allowed to do the drastic move of lipo---it was all out in the open, she should have been helped to have a decent diet. She wanted it, she got it....and it sounds like she always will. Kat

Thanks for the words of encouragement, and the hope that we are not alone in this problem. I intend on letting Manda read that too, she is heart broke. When she broke down talking to me about it, she kept saying she loved Ryan and Lindzie so much, but how can she take her happiness and ignore a child--and as wierd as it is, Lindzie idolizes her! They spent a couple of hours with my Mom & Dad this morning, and she recited her complaint list, that no one treats her fair, that they only love Kinsey, because they never make Kinsey make her bed, and they always cut up her food for her!! Girls these are some serious complaints here!!! It would be humorous if it was not so constant, and the whining so damn annoying!!!! Terry-----you have done a wonderful job! I am waiting out my ticker, my scale is doing the bounce, down 2 pounds, up a pound, down a pound...back up another....so I am ignoring it for awhile! I hope the 180's are a quicker pass through for you than they are being for me!!! Tracy--back to the kids thing. Her Daddy is very strict, but has recently had issues with his parents and their divorce, and making THEM follow his rules, which they are not. I honestly feel that is where the problem lies. She is old enough to see marriages break up. Her parents were never married. She was born when her Mom was a senior in HS. Dad was in his first year of college. They had already broke up when she found out she was pregnant. He quit school, got a job, paid for the baby, was there for the birth, went to see her every day when she went home. Not long into it, he went by one night, and she wasn't there, so he went home to find her at his place (he lived back with his parents..well MOm & step Dad), and she told him she just couldn't do it, she was not ready to be a Mom. She left the baby. She come and saw her sporadically, for a couple of years, then when Lindzie got to be 3-4 years old she got pregnant again, and had a son. Then she decided she wanted Lindzie back. They went to court, and full custody was awarded to Dad. He was even awarded child support, but she does not work. Anyway, for 2 years they lived with the parents, and she is extremely close to them, same as I am with Kinsey. Now she sees them going separate ways---and is in a panic that something like that can happen! I think she is being as rotten as she can just to see if anyone leaves her. I don't know it is just a "psychiatrist Lucy" thing. Probably worth about the nickel she charges in the comic strip! I am glad to know that she is not the only one who acts out like that---and is in a loving environment! I have never encountered this before! Sorry you too have it to deal with....but you aren't alone either!!!! TracyK---lotsa compliments heading your way---go you! Haydee--vacation sounds awesome, I want a beach with fruity drinks.....Where IS that box of Calgon???? Thanks for the informative link! Laura---I love the cinnamon roll oatmeal, it is high in sugar---but I use it as a treat on occasion!!! I really like it sprinkled over fresh peaches and baked---it makes like a crispy crust......mmmm I can only eat a few bites, but it is yummy! Sara---I love that your Dr. checked on you! You hear of so many who just blow off patients, that is way cool! Jennifer-- I thought the same thing about the book from the article---wonder if the library has it!!! I so much prefer to preview them to see if I want to go out and buy it! Judy--how was VBS today? Gina, Michelle, Denise----everyone else---I am going to have to catch up after my laundry is put away---I better get my behind in gear~ Kat

:happybday2::happybday2::happybday2:HAPPY BIRTHDAY EILEENIE!!! HOPE YOUR DAY IS AS WONDERFUL AS YOU ARE!!!!:happybday2::happybday2::happybday2:WE LOVE YOU!!!!!!! What time is cake and ice cream??? Man I am craving sweets!!!! big giant (((hugs))) to you!!!!! Kat

Congratulations!!!! At one month out, you should be on to mushies now, and could find some things you could likely eat. As has been pointed out, your restriction will probably not be severe at this point. Stick to a soft diet. If you are worried too much, then splurge and go out for dessert---most of them go down with no issue!!! I normally would not suggest such---but 25 years deserves celebration. We went out to a place called Mimi's as one of my first dining out experiences---and they had a chicken pot pie, that was perfect for me! I think if you look at the menu this time with your band in mind as opposed to just your taste buds (harder said than done I know!!!) you will do fine. Enjoy your special time with your special lady!!! Congratulations again! And welcome to bandland too!!! Kat

Sorry I forgot to mention, locally we see Dr. Kazahn or something like that----we don't use him much since they admitted Rick and then just left him sitting in the hospital for 4 days with no cardiologist on staff----no one would take responsibility of releasing him, and yet no one felt qualified to treat him! Finally Dr. Spence, stepped in and sent him to ABQ. We need local care desperately in sooooo many areas! My niece who was just banded, works for a GP in Farmington, who is actually looking into certification to do fills---wouldn't that be awesome! Kat

Wow---the world just got smaller---I'm in Aztec!!! I actually have a SIL and 2 nieces from Bloomfield who are banded now....the nieces just got done yesterday!!! In ABQ, we saw Dr. Paul Levy as the valve surgeon and Dr. Luis Constantin as the cardiac surgeon who did the follow up procedures. This may put the walking group in a whole new light. Maybe we could even get a local group started up---I know 3 others locally who are banded. PM me, and I'll send you a phone #. Kat

I would without hesitation get a second opinion. It does not sound to me as though everything is fine, if there are lesions present. As Boo said, when that is the case, I seem to always read that it indicates a complete unfill, and time to heal. If you have residual swelling, even the small amount could be too much. You might ask your Dr, for a sterile specimin cup, and when you reflux or vomit in the night, you could collect some, to have tested. I don't even know if this is possible all you nurse/Dr types out there, I am just suggesting it might be. I had a hiatal hernia repaired during banding, but it did not stay that way, and I deal with reflux. I cannot lie on my back---I always reflux! I worried at first it was band related, and had some tests done, and realized, I am doing exactly what my parents do, and they neither one are banded!!! I do not get heartburn to where I feel it either, but it was causing problems in my esophagus, so I do take medication OTC for it. Another Dr, would go a long ways in giving you peace of mind if nothing else. I do agree though, that a Dr, knowing a patient is throwing up blood for over a month, and is not concerned...is setting himself up for a lawsuit! Please keep us updated. Kat

Well girls, I am exhausted, and have no clue why. It was a mentally challenging day, but physically I did very little compared to most days. Between the inlaws issue, and a 6 year old with some behaviour issues....it was a long day. Nothing new on the inlaw situation, she still thinks it will all be ok if the guy stays down there....I don't! As for the 6 year old....I am at my wits end! I don't know what to do with her! She is the DD of my daughters boyfriend. They live together, and are planning to marry, but even in that situation, she is causing problems. The kids are planning to go to a family counsellor. Lindzie is acting out---she always has, but nothing like she is now, screaming and arguing, and being mean to the 2 year old. Then heaven forbid you get onto her for something she goes nuts crying that you don't love her as much. She will tell you she wants all the attention. Giving her extra attention does not work---she finds something else to throw a fit over. Punishment has not worked---besides the fact it just feels wrong, to punish a child asking (although in a VERY annoying way!) for help. She seems to be MUCH worse following a visit with her Mom...so they thought maybe that was the problem, and have really been cautious with them. Then she went for a couple of days with her Grandpa---and come back worse than ever! This is a step Grandpa, he and the Grandma have been married for 23 years, and are now divorcing. He spoils her unmercifully!! She comes back saying bad things about everyone....and in a very demanding mood. So DD's boyfriend has put a stop to his visits to see if it improves any. We have all talked a bit to her about touching etc. and she doesn't get agitated or anything, which I know doesn't eliminate the possibility, but without the trauma of a check up, and no outward signs...we are kind of at a loss. They put the girls in the tub together, and she never shirks away from being naked around her Dad or my DD (who she refers to as Mom). But all day long, if you look at Kinsey, you better by golly look at her, or the waterworks start! I go out of my way to treat the girls as individuals, and yet within reasonable means the same. I spend lots of one on one time with Lindzie working on her school work, trying to get her up to speed for 1st grade...and she loves it, she shrieks at Kinsey if she interupts. But if I do anything for the 2 year old, she wants it done for her too. Seriously---anything! Kinsey is still too small to get up on the toilet by herself, so she tells us, and we take her in and lift her up---and now Lindzie wants us to go with her to the potty too. I know it is a cry for attention, I don't know how to give her more attention. It is doing the opposite of what she needs and wants, it is driving me away---all of us! We cannot and will not stand by and watch her be mean to a 2 year old. We do realize siblings are that way, and try to let them work it out if it is not physical, or verbally cruel---but it usually IS! When we try to talk to her about the advantages of being 6 and not 2, she cries that we don't love her as much. With her acting this way I have trouble! I have only kept Lindzie for this summer. I have kept Kinsey ever since my DD went back to work. Until they moved in together, they had separate sitters. In fact they kept it that way until the old sitter ask her to be taken elsewhere, she was disruptive. That was when he took her to see the Dr. and ask for a mental health referral and was told she was 5 and jealous. So he changed Dr.'s and they are starting the family therapy this Thursday evening. I feel bad. I truly do. I do feel differently towards the girls---as I am sure his Mom does. I watched my own DD bring Kinsey into the world---I touched her cheek before the rest of her was even born. I only got Lindzie in the last 18 months, and she was having anger issues before that. I do not go out and buy one something without the other. The boyfriends divorcing parents are trying to outdo one another with her---and they do nothing for Kinsey. I refuse to make her feel that way. Right now Kinsey is too little to understand...so hoping time will ease their divorce, and let things get back to normal. In the meantime, any advice, or guidance would be appreciated! I had none of these problems with my step kids. They are much closer in age, to my own DD---I don't know if that is a problem or not. Son is a year older, other DD a year younger---they were all right there together...and it was pretty easy to treat them all similarly. Where it is harder with 6 and 2. One still wants to cuddle at nap time, so now the 6 yr old does too. If I give Kinsey a sippy cup to avoid spills, I better have 2. I have tried making being 2 more unappealling, she just doesn't care..... HELP!!!!!! Thanks so much for listening......I feel like a rotten Granny....and I hate it because my DD is feeling the same way, like she is a horrid evil Step Monster Mom. It has the potential to ruin the relationship---she questions if she can make a child so unhappy. So....that was MY day! Sucky! It is blowing like crazy trying to storm. I love laying in bed, listening to it rain-----so think I will do just that. Everyone take care, see ya tomorrow! Kat

My DH was healthy his entire life, he has always been of a normal weight. Then one day he began telling me he was getting short of breath, and his heart would be pounding so hard, it would shake our King size bed at night, with me in it, at almost 300 pounds! He had a physical through work, and told them, and no one seemed concerned, made comments about him getting older etc. Finally he went to our own PCP, and was sent to a cardiologist immediately...only to find out his mitral valve had failed. He had one issue after another since then. The Dr. here who took care of him, we likely should have filed malpractice on, he caused a blood clot when doing his angiogram (to check and see if he needed any artery work while they were inside.) We had to go to Albuquerque for the surgery, it went great, and he healed really well. We began our walking etc. He was scheduled to return to work on Monday, and on the Saturday before, he had a major GI bleed. The same Dr. had mismanaged his coumadin therapy following surgery. Being on blood thinners is standard, but they had him too thin, and he almost bled to death. He got sick at his stomach, and when he vomited, he tore his esophagus loose on both sides from his stomach!!! I have never ever seen so much blood in my life! The Dr. actually told me he would likely expire (I now hate that word) in the next 10-15 minutes, and to get his kids there! With the Dr. and a surgeon doing some amazing experimental things, they saved him! But the methods they used to save him from the bleed, caused serious problems with the heart valve! Sent him into a constant state of A-fib. So about 8 weeks ago, they did another heart procedure, and it seems to be doing much better now. But it has been a loooooong year! One of the things they always tell him to do is WALK!!!!!! As for the banding---I have had no serious issues at all! I had a hiatal hernia repaired during the banding, and the repair did not hold. I began having reflux BAD! I freaked out thinking my band had slipped, so had it checked, and it ends up the hernia is an issue again. Both of my parents have the problem....guess I shouldn't be surprised! Other than that, no problems. I can eat most things, just in much smaller amounts. I have had 2 fills, my last one being over a year ago. I go to Canon City Colorado for my fills. I think I have a total of 1.75cc.'s in my band. I only wish I had been able to do this years ago! Keep me posted on the walking plan!!! Kat

Oh I am so sorry---I will keep you and your Mom in my thoughts and prayers.... Kat

LOL, I couldn't have either, I have a pretty good sized headstart on you!!! Now imagine if you will, my Dad who is 74, he walks 5-6 miles every day! Not on a smooth track or treadmill, he walks in the hills---up and down---it is a hard hike up to these radio towers, 2 -3 miles from his house, and at least 3 times a week he walks to them! He has found hidden stashes of stolen goods, burned out cars, all kinds of things! He fell one day, when a rock rolled under his foot, and broke his leg----and crawled home! I have to wonder with a Dad like that----how I ended up as fat as I did! But I am getting it off, and will walk with my Dad one of these days! I think I could handle the walk now....but he goes out by 5 every morning, he likes watching the sunrise....so I stick to walking around town. I deal with the occasional dog...he has had to deal with territorial skunks!!!!! Look forward to watching your progress. We began small last year at EXACTLY this time! The 2nd was one year to the day my DH had open heart surgery! So when we got him home, we began walking---3 times a day, less than a block at a time. Within a months time we were up to a mile, 3 times a day. Then he went back to work, and I got scaled back to once a day!!! Kat

PCracker---I don't know if it will help, but the goal for mushies, is to have heavier food, that does not require a lot of work for your healing stomach to digest. So anything soft, and not requiring further breakdown in the stomach will work! If your stomach (mind) can handle a burrito put in the blender, then it will work! What you do not want are foods that require full digestion efforts out of the stomach. So nothing fibrous yet. Mashed potatoes are one of the firsts for many, I loved Taco Bell refried beans!! And Wendy's chili....when I went to full diet, was an easy fast food while I was out and about. Many vegetables can be cooked, then pureed to make a mushie. When you are on full liquids, and mushies, you can add Peanut Butter (creamy) to your shakes, and it is added Protein, which helps keep hunger at bay. Picture in your mind, how they attached the lower stomach up to hold your band in place, and keep in mind that the stronger the scar tissue builds now, the healthier your band could be. So work and try to find good healthy mushies....even though it isn't always easy, and you might feel like you could eat something different, it is better to play it safe and fully heal, then move on to full foods. It really is worth it all!!! Kat

I am well into walking probably close to the hour each day---I love going in the early morning...going to miss it in the season change coming up! I will be glad to be part of a walking thread though!!! If you don't have a pedometer, you might consider one, it is fun and encourages me to walk more! They say 10,000 steps a day is what you should shoot for! I never have been able to get things to post over properly!!! Kat