Kat817

I would imagine most of us had some serious second thoughts!!! It is after all a serious decision! As for being able to follow the diet, the liquids ARE hard! Both before and after surgery. And there IS some pain involved. But it IS SO WORTH it ALL!!!!! It was not terribly painful for me. And once the liquid phases go by, the band helps you behave with the "diet". I have not cut anything from my diet, I eat everything, not just diet food---I just eat dramatically less! I eat the same old food in a whole new way!!! And where I used to have a love/hate relationship with food----loving the taste, the texture the smell, but hated the guilt that accompanied eating the vast quantities I used too. Now I just have a love of good food. I don't feel like I failed yet again----the band helps me stop. I have no problems chasing my grandbabies now---they were the straw that broke the camels back---I wanted to be in the floor playing with them---I couldn't a year ago...I already have been today! Log on, and share with us when your nerves get to jangling---we understand, and can empathize, we have been there---and have little scars to show for it instead of a Tshirt!!! And the Tshirts keep getting smaller!!!! Relax if you can---it will be ok!!! Kat

Back when I was trying to get BCBS of TX to cover mine, they would only do so if there was a 2 night hospital stay and some plans DID have a % Pay on top of the met deductable. Also keep in mind some hospitals even if they are in the network, do not accept assignment I was told. The example they gave me was this. If my deductable is $500.00 that has to be paid by me. If I have a 30% co pay on a 10,000.00 surgery, I am going to be responsible for another $3000.00. And if the insurance only recognizes and pays say $7000.00 of that procedure, and the hospital does not accept the assignment of the payment benefit, then you will also be responsible for the other $3000.00 It sounds crazy---but they get you coming and going! I am fighting BCBS right now---my DH was in ICU for an extended period of time, and the hospital (he was critical, moving him was not an option) while in network does not accept assignment. Now we have over $18,000.00 difference in what they billed, and BCBS paid, and they are telling me that this is not part of the maximum out of pocket clause. I finally turned it all over to an attorney----26 pages of emails, and contradicting info from the insurance. Thank God for my lap band, my high blood pressure of days gone by would have blown the top off my head by now!!!! Good Luck!!! Kat

Good for you----now take it a step further, and print them out, so if you need it for the insurance to step in and help at any point you have her!!! Keep after it!!!!! If you have been communicating with her civilly you probably are doing better than I would have been!!! Kat

Now is when I would be glad I am so compulsive when it comes to documentation of things like this! I'd email her back a time and date she was given the information---and I'd make sure the surgeon, as well as insurance knew she was as unprofessional as she is seeming to be. This is not the first time she has done this to you is it? I thought I read where she had misplaced all this before.....or am I confusing threads (highly possible!!) Copy and document everything----no one cares about this as much as you do!!!! Hang in there---and good luck! Kat

I told my DD of your experiences with the Pasta Maker....and was hit with the usual "Awwww Man........" Thanks for saving this spoiling Mama a few bucks!!! Kat

They are still working on the upgrade of the site Patty--I am sure the edit ability will be back---it just has a glitch!!! I was also told the top 5 will be coming back to the top of the home page, it just had to be re vamped too. Thank you for all the sweet things you said---made my day---started it out feeling on top of the world!!! I have no doubt you will rock this band!!!! You worked too hard to get it, not to! The amazing women here are what keeps me coming back too---and YOU are one of them---my we really are a mutual admiration society here aren't we!!!! I have a question for you---I have wondered about before, but always forget to ask. On your signature (that is one of the new changes I am iffy about on the site!!!), with Lewis' name, following his age, and before the Open hear....what is the ToF????? Curiosity!!! Ok, I am off to see whether my rogue cows are still at home this morning. The ditch company is making some repairs, so they let the ditch go dry without warning, so they just walked out UNDER the cattle guard! We ran an electric wire (part of an electric fence line we use) across the area, hope it helped. Have I mentioned lately ----I HATE COWS!!!!!! I really like hamburgers and ribeye though!!! Kat

Hang in there Jennifur, I am a firm believer that the better you let that band settle, the better you will do. Hang tough!!! Michelle---now I am gonna have to dig up the Boss' CD, and sing!!! I only hope Tracy knows how she has worked her way into all of our hearts. I too woke up this morning thinking of her---knowing she was on her way!!! I wish I would have thought to get up and check my computer, looks like she was on, dealing with excitement and nerves I'm sure. She will be here in bandland soon now!!! The slowing down of weight loss is VERY NORMAL!!!! I at one point was reduced to tears! I thought OMG I had this surgery to lose 26 pounds??? But amazingly when I was able to finally eat actual healthy food, I began losing again! If you are able, try taking in a higher calorie something first thing in the morning---it is said to boost your metabolism, and that it will stay revved for the day. I know it is disheartening, knowing you are limited to certain foods, and are working your Dr.'s program, and the results have slowed or stopped---but don't freak out, it will start up again! You guys all sound like you are doing SO good!!! You are developing good band habits, and when you can move on to the next stages safely, your bodies will respond. Right now while you are not losing so much pound wise, check your measurements---I will bet they will shock you as much as the scales!! In the last year, I have lost almost 60 inches of me! I bought a bag of birdseed for my Dad yesterday in Walmart---40 pounds. It was heavy, and I walked 3 feet with it, I could not believe I used to walk around every day with more than 2 of those strapped to my body! HOW????? How did my knees take it? So look at how much you have lost, and when in the store next pick up a 10-15-20 pound bag of potatoes, or dog food---or whatever, and walk down the aisle carrying it---it will shock you! Sara--you maintained while away at your class----you rock!!! Terry----My DH walked behind me when one of your posts was up, and he ask me "you really talk to that person?" He is usually not judgemental, so I immediately get defensive! I am saying of course I do, she is a really nice person, always upbeat, and supportive----he is laughing---he was referring to your cow avatar!!! We had some cows get out, and I spent hours trying to get them, and get them loaded and home again, and every 10 minutes or so I had to grumble about hating cows!!! We had a good laugh about it! I told him this thread is all the new April 07 banders, and that you are all my 'band babies'---I want you all to be as happy with your band, and feel all the wonderful changes I have! And I realized---you are already there----you are probably in Onederland now too!!!! YEA!!! Well gotta go get dressed so I can go check on the rogue cows....... TTYL Kat

I too love your floor cleaner Carlene. I have to admit, I never fully realized how messy babies and small children really are, until now. I always had a dog in the house---and now I find myself with grandbabies, and no dog----and THIS generation is MESSY!!!!! Kat

I will think on the questions---and let you know if I remember something..... as for nausea----I never got sick! ride home----mine was an hour and a half by car to the airport, followed by a 5 hour flight, followed by another 3 hours in the car---and I did it with a dose of Tylenol---a ride home---will be cake!!! I would ask for my pain med Rx early, so you can have it filled and waiting, rather than getting the scrip when you leave the hospital. Let us know how the visit goes---I am sooooo excited for you!!! Kat

It took me 2 fills to hit my current level of restriction. I had my first fill (1.25cc's)6 weeks after banding, and the second (.50cc's) a month after that. That was last July---and been going good with it ever since. Hope yours lasts as well---so glad it was a good experience for you!!! Kat

Wow----quiet thread today----hope everyone is ok. All is well here, had a busy day, we had 2 young bulls and a heifer decide to go AWOL. Spent several hours dealing with that. Spent the rest of the day getting estimates on my car, and getting all that taken care of. I don't know if I told you or not, but I was backing out of a parking spot in Target last week, and 2 boys (employees) were gathering shopping carts, and playing with them, one was at one end, the other at the other end, shoving them to him....unknown to me, until it slammed my car as I backed out! It hit hard enough to dent the rear passenger quarter panel, and then the basket ounced around, and the handle part smacked the back door, scraping the paint off and denting it as well. My esitmates both come in at over $800.00. Target is accepting blame at this point---we'll see when they see what the cost is going to be. I took copies to my insurance as well---so will see. Hope everyone is all right----check in!!! Kat

I just come across this thread--and had to respond!!! I am not on either end of the spectrum, I fall somewhere in the middle. I have WAY too much junk! But most of that junk is organized, and the house clean enough, that I am not embarrassed if company shows up unannounced. But I hate cleaning! It feels overwhelming to me sometimes. So I have no choice but to make deals with myself!!! I am not allowed to log on to the computer in the morning, until the bed is made, and the dishwasher unloaded!! I can buy whatever I choose, but for everything I buy, I have to get rid of something. I found myself with no less than 20 bottles of lotion, of different kinds---totally ridiculous. I hate wasting things, money included, so now if I am out of something---I can replace it---using the same lotion as an example, if I run out, I can buy new, without issue, but if I just want to try out something new, I have to throw out the other---and since I hate being wasteful, I usually finish using up what I had. It has cut way down on the number of bottles in the shower, and in the linen closet! But I use it with EVERYTHING! If I want new placemats for the dining table, I have to get rid of the old ones, not store them away---get rid of them! When I buy something new clothing wise, I have to get rid of something. Which used to be much harder, but these day there is always something that I have undergrown!!! It seems silly---but it has really cut down on the clutter. I too do the 15 minute thing---or if I am watching live TV ( TIVO has about done this trick in though!) I try to get something done on each commercial. Dust all the end tables----put away the folded towels---whatever, just rush to get the job done during the commercial, or I miss what I want to see! It is terrible having to trick and bribe yourself!!! Kat

My #1 would be my computer! There are several other things I would really hate to give up----the crushed ice out the door of my fridge---like Betty, my microwave (!)how would I make popcorn??---so, oh yeah microwave popcorn!! My cell phone---remote controls---push button car lock---programmable coffee maker---Wow is there a theme here??? LAZY!!!!!! Ok in the not so lazy zone---at this point my favorite thing is the squeeze chute----it is branding time! That chute makes life so much simpler!!! Product wise, I love my Olay Body Ribbons bath wash (or some similar name), my Ciara cologne, Moondance Body Butter Cream by Willow Wicks (it is a perfect massage lotion--light scent, very rich, long lasting oil content for massage), and our Queen Anne Down pillows. Sorry Carlene---I know nothing about espresso machines. I have DD who worked at Starbucks while attending college---I can ask her if they had any issues with them she knows about---if there were lots of returns, or anything. Now....how about those "instant" pasta cookers---my oldest DD wants one. The kind you pour boiling water in, and it just sits and cooks. You know.....AS SEEN ON TV!!!! Kat

Jennifur, just don't try that popsicle until you are sure the previous liquid has worked its way through, or you will find yourself over full again. Once you are sure it is passed through, the popsicle sounds like a great idea---nice cool soothing---good thinking!!! Kat

Jennifur, when you fill your pouch, the only place for excess to go is up into the esophagus----which is where your water is! It will trickle down-----walk, deep breaths might help. Yep----I answer with a voice of experience, not guzzling tea was my hard thing to learn!!! Kat

Hi y'all!! Whats new? Today is my bandiversary! And I finally woke up for the 3rd day in a row with a new weight, so I posted it today---so I made an even 90 pounds in the first year, and by the skin of my teeth dropped into Onederland!!! WoooHooo!!!!! I want to take just a few minutes and let you all know how much your always being here, and always supporting me, has helped me make this last year a successful one. As I struggled through the fears when Rick was so sick, I knew I could come here and unload, and have many prayers said for me in a matter of minutes. When I was celebrating losses of weight, you were there to congratulate, and when I moaned at not losing, you were there to sympathize, and support, and encourage. I am so looking forward to meeting with the Texans soon, but you all seem like people I already know, I talk about you in daily life, heck my DH even asks about y'all!!! I feel like my band has been a tremendous success this year, but "meeting" you guys, and feeling the friendship we share has made this experience to much better. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, for always being there for me. (((hugs))) Sherry, I ran into the same problem when I updated my ticker. I had to eliminate several things from my signature too. I know they have to put a limit on it, or people would have a page long signature---but some of the info I really hated eliminating. I felt it gave newbies info. But I cut it down, put multiple things on one line----and will live with it! Slowly but surely they are getting things back up and running. I cannot imagine the work involved in running this board on a daily basis---let alone keeping up with the times. I just read a post on how Alex plans on stopping most of the inappropriate posts---impressive, that people have that kind of computer knowledge, it sure isn't me!!! Sherry---I am so glad your son is recovering. It might be something to ask about if he has a UTI---or bladder infection. Could be he tore something. Poor kid. I am telling you I sometimes felt like the school system here was out to sabotage the kids. My oldest DD was in weighted classes, gifted classes, advanced courses etc. from junior high on. She spent half a day at the college begining her sophmore year, taking credited courses. She applied to the school board, for early graduation. She had plenty of credits and wanted to graduate the end of her junior year. She needed the Dean of Students to sign the paper, so she was waiting in the office to meet with her, and she come out, in a bad mood, demanding to know what she wanted. Manda told her, and she went off on her telling her she would be lucky to graduate, let alone graduate early! Yelling this in front of 20 or so people in and around the office, she snatched the paper signed it, and stormed out of the room! Manda come home embarrassed about it, and I lost it. I went to the school, I told her this is a kid who has perfect attendance 8 out of 12 years, she has never had a days detention, never given a bus slip, never sent to the office---she is an honor student, she is a member of the National Honor Society, was named to Who's Who Among American High School Students, has represented her class in Student Council her entire HS time, is a mentor and a tutor---now why in the hell would you tell her she will be lucky to graduate? She said she was just having a bad day! Wanted to apologize to her---one on one of course, not in front of all the people she yelled in front of! The school board ok'd her graduating. The Dean refused to allow her picture in the yearbook---added her name at the bottom of the graduation program, not in the alphabetical listings. She was not allowed to wear the honors sash----she was punished! When Manda received her diploma she shook hands with all of the dignitaries on the stage, except her, she walked right past her! I don't get punishing him for being injured, anymore than doing it to her for being a good student. We need more Cindy's and Beannies in the systems!!! OK laugh if you must----I hit Onederland, so we are celebrating---with ice cream!!! I think it is Rick's way of getting ice cream, but WTH!!!! Have a great night guys---thanks for a great year!!!!! Kat

Wow---talk about making someones day---y'all made mine!!! So many sweet things from you guys---thank you from the bottom of my heart!!! Laura, I was going to tell you exactly what Tracy did, do not wait to try those jeans on, sit them somewhere handy, and pull them on every few days, you will be shocked how quickly they fit, and then just as quickly become too big!!! Hope your pain is easing some. Tracy, you and Doriso must be so excited!!!!! I know you will do fine, and then you will be on the other side---no longer waiting. I will say a prayer for you for a smooth simple surgery and recovery. Please know you will be in my heart and prayers! Isn't it a relief to know there really is a working band inside there!!! I still get reminders when I forget for a few minutes who is boss!!! There was a thread on here once asking if you had named your band. There was a response from someone who said they named their band Tink---because in her mind she saw this little fairy in there, with a Tinkerbell temperment, squeezing it tight if she got angry! The visual has stayed with me!!! Mine is called Billy. My DH calls the boys Billy Bad Ass when they get a little full of themselves, and as a joke he was calling me Billy Band Ass---it stuck! Well I will check in with you later, see how the nerves are holding up for Tracy and those going in tomorrow----til then thanks again for all the sweet things y'all said!! (((hugs))) Kat

An unfill, rest and refill is what I was going to suggest!!! Plus, I have heard of many who when they go for a fill, and the current fill is extracted, they find there is less than they thought. I understand there re many thoughts on why....but maybe if they checked that, you would actually have less in there than your Dr. believed, especially after that length of time. I think the Dr. would just be thrilled to see you and that you are healthy, with an 8 year old band! He should work with you to find a solution. Until then, hang out with us, we will try to provide some support for the interim!!! Good Luck, and welcome to LBT!!! Kat

Morning all! As soon as I posted how to give rep power---they moved all the icons!! But it still works the same. Try it out! Well today is my 1 year bandiversary! In fact one year ago this time, I was being wheeled in to surgery, and was a nervous wreck!! A year later--life is so different! 90 pounds---not a record by any means, but one helluva record for me! I cannot begin to convey the changes, it has brought about. I hang out here, excited to see all of you go through it, your enthusiasm keeps me motivated! The only pictures I have availabel right now are my before and my 50 pound loss pictures. I took a 75 pounds lost, but it was at Christmas, and the decorations on the door behind me, made it difficult to see. I intend on having Rick (DH) take my 1 year photos tonight. I will attach the 50 pound loss pics, just imagine, it is almost that much again---that just blows me away! I had several little things I put on a list on a thread a year ago that I wanted to accomplish with my band---I have almost met them all in a year! * I can cross my legs--squat-- sit on the floor and get up with ease * I rode rides at a local carnival, so know I'll fit roller coasters this summer * I buy clothes in Misses, no more Plus sizes! * I no longer feel like people stare at me due to my weight * I actually liked the family pictures we had made---I ALWAYS hated them before! * I wanted to be able to share clothes with my DD---and while that has been accomplished, so far it is a one way street, she borrows mine, hers a still a bit small!! But the knowledge that she can wear mine, thrills us both! * I take NO high blood pressure meds, NO diabetes meds---NOTHING! * My cholesterol numbers are so good they make my Dr smile! * I am able to ride my horses again, without feeling like the ASPCA is going to come after me for animal cruelty. * I hike the farm with my husband, I no longer sit on the edge of a pool, or make excuses to avoid physical outings. This list could go on, I no longer remember what all was on the first one. There are things I could not have foreseen a year ago, that I find to be awesome success. First of all the friends I have made on this board, have taken on such importance to me. I discuss you in real life, my husband asks about you! I thank each and every one of you for the support and friendship given me this last year--and look forward to the continuation of it! Another amazing aspect of this, was the ability to continue weight loss, or at least maintain during times of HUGE stress. I went through a time back before most of you on the Head Start on Spring board were around, that my stress levels were off the chart! Within a month of my banding, we found out my DH's mitral valve in his heart was failing, and he required open heart surgery. Before he could get it done, he got a blood clot, which took awhile to clear, and his heart kept getting worse. Finally in August he had surgery, successfully---and we thought all was well. But in Oct. He got sick and simply threw up---and due to al the blood thinners, he tore his esophagus, where it attaches to the stomach, and began bleeding profusely--I have never seen so much blood. The Dr. took me to a small room in the hospital, and told me due to the blood thinners, they could not stop the bleeding, that he would likely expire within the next 15 minutes. They were trying an experiment on him, but would I like to be with him as he passed? To tell you this months later makes me cry---I have NEVER been so scared in my life--this man is the love of my life! He was dying! Through some smart Dr.'s and a well timed experiment, they saved him! He ended up with almost 30 units of blood, and half again that of platelets--for the clotting factor. And he has no serious side efects from all of that. Now before my band, I would have been up a minimum of 30 pounds, I would have eaten everything in sight, I am a stress eater! I eat, I cannot sleep---I would have been out of control. The band was a such a blessing, it sat in there and did its job even when I couldn't! And I could sit in the ICU waiting room, waiting to see him without stuffing my face---thinking only of him. It got me through huge stresses---I love this band! I tell you this long story, so you know that as you head into this next year, you are no longer alone in the weight battle. That little silicon fist is in there wrapped tight around your belly helping every day! And the friends you make here will be there praying for you and for anything that comes your way. I fully believe the prayers that went up from all corners of the USA and 3 different countries for my DH made a difference. The first month is not always easy---but neither was walking around with the weight---and as you heal it gets so much better!!!! 90 pounds better for me! The big deal for me today is a 3 way combo----#1 it is my bandiversary, #2. I am down 90 pounds, and #3 that puts me into Onederland!!!!! At least for today!!! Thanks for listening guys!!! Kat

Hey Jill, and any one else who is interested---there is now a way to give Tracy (or anyone you see fit) a public nod in another way. One of the new features of LBT. Up in the right hand corner we now each have a rep power---the more posts you have or the more kudos you are given by other posters the higher your rep power number goes, is my understanding. In order to do this, you click on one of the posts by the person, and in the upper right corner in the middle is now a scale icon (to the left of the exclamation point---to me it looks like a set of scales). It will allow you to give good or not so good feedback, and leave a message, that I understood the poster could see on her User CP page. I am sure as this feature is finalized, we will hear more about it. But thought you might want to try it for our Tracy girl!!! Kat

Unfortunately my attitude carries over to food---if I am dieting and something is off limits, that is what I fixate on...and if I continue to deny myself, I too will binge! But the band is an awesome help in my case!!! Kat

See you have strong reserves of will hidden away!!! It was that PMS blocking the view!!! Seriously tho, I think you are right on the money with the thought of the binge being caused by the severe dieting. I am just the same. Tell me I cannot have something and I fixate on it! It is not just my eating---everything strikes me that way!! I am fine staying home, until my car is in the shop---then by golly I NEED to GO!!!!! I know you have issues with the losing weight. I truly think the endocrinologist is going to be the big help---I hope your insurance picks it up so you can find out what is standing in your way. I know you are abiding by bandster rules way more often than not, and you exercise religiously. I am glad you have found a way to pull yourself together from this meltdown. I don't have nearly the challenge you do with being banded and still find myself jumping off the bandwagon on occasion. Hang in there---we are here pulling for you to find out what is going on. We will be here to help you through the emotional upheaval all this is bringing on you. You are always there for everyone else! Give yourself some of the understanding you always give to us!!! (((hugs))) Kat

It seems that just as each Dr. has his own pre/post op diets, each has their own theory on hair loss. Some will blame it on a lack of protein, or overall deficiencies, others on the after effects of anesthesia, or a shock from surgery. They also often blame stress. One will recommend biotin, another zinc, yet another nioxin. It is a guessing game!!! It may be one of those issues, or a combination of all of them! I began losing hair, and I lost the whole hair, including the little bulb where it come out of the scalp, mine was not breaking off, it was falling out. This started about 4-5 months out from surgery. It grew worse, until my part was VERY wide, you could see the shape of my scalp! I changed hairstyles, and used tons of product. I lept my protein up from the begining, so that was not my issue. I took the biotin from about 6 weeks out, began taking the zinc. Nothing seemed to be helping. I used special shampoo all along. The one I got from Sally's Beauty supply suggested to me, just seemed to make it worse, it kept my hair sooooo dry! I eventually went back to a strengthening shampoo, that made what hair I had feel best. I treated my hair very gently, went to washing it only every other day. I would say I lost easily half my hair. In the last month it has stopped falling out so badly, I am back to normal hair loss. I cannot see my scalp so clearly now, so I am thinking I may be starting to regrow, and it is shadowing the scalp. I am hoping that is the case! I used to have to buy clips etc. for heavy hair. Now if I put my hair in a ponytail, it would be about as big around as a dime! I may have lost more excessively than others will, because I have lost ALL my hair before due to chemo. Maybe that made me more succeptable to the loss of hair, I don't know. It was traumatic. I actually had people mention it, it was obvious! It was scary. I finally decided I could be thin and wear a wig. I could not have a full head of hair, and slip on a thin suit. About the time I wrapped my mind around accepting it---it quit! Maybe stress does play a role! In my case it lasted several months. I have never been extremely tight, I am able to eat most anything, and do maintain a healthy diet. The one thing I did change, was to add more fats into my diet, I was told that is necessary. I was also told I could expect it again when I have my TT---oh joy! Hang in there!!! It does get better. Just when I thought it never would it did..... Kat

Ok Cindy shared her possum story---so I'll share mine. Many times when we go to TX, we go at the same time my inlaws go so they can do the jobs that require more than 1 or 2 of us to do. The house is an old farm house, 2 bedrooms, one bath. Doors stick, depending on the moisture levels! It is deathly quiet out there, and dark! You cannot sniffle or roll over without it being heard----so anything else is totally out of the question as well!!! One night we had drove into Brownwood to have dinner, and some alone time, so we could just talk to one another (that's the part that kills me!). On the way home, when we had hit our land, we have about 3 miles on the dirt to get back into our place---well where the house is. We stopped on the side of the road, and had the sunroof open, looking out at the stars through the pecan and oak trees. I opened my eyes after a nice long kiss---only to see eyes looking back at me. from up in the tree! Scared the heck outta me!!! My first and only encounter with a possum!!! Huge eyes it seemed like! Well there went the thought of doing anything else out there with all the critters!!! We have issues with raccoons out at the farm house. We are there so seldom, and when we do go, they LOVE to get into the trash, and walk on the cars! I always think that we are disrupting their lives, that they live in the house like the raccoons on the lazy boy commercial!! Will be back later to check up on everyone. Kt

The up grade is not finished yet. I have full faith that all the little glitches will be worked out. If you think about it, Alex had the insight to create the LBT we loved before---and has financed the bandwidth out of his own pocket. If you were happy with how things were, hang on, you may end up happier with the way they become. Afterall he had the vision for all of this in the begining! We have all voiced concern over the aspects we miss the most, or were having problems with, and have been assured it will just take some time. There are some new features already up and running. That they can do this at all impresses me!! Kat