Kat817

We have a local newscaster, I think his name is Justin Hunt--(10 minutes ago I could have said it without thinking, now that doesn't sound right!!) who made a movie about meth. He did a short narrative type of movie for a film festival called "Meth Monster". It was so well received, he went on to do a full length documentary type of movie, called "American Meth" it is narrated by Val Kilmer. They held a local premiere to it the other night, and had to turn away people. The theater they showed it in only held 1600 people. They are now trying to get it into a local theater, before it goes to Sundance, and then onto the film circuit. I was unable to even try to get to the showing (had DH in the hospital)---but it is really opening some eyes here. I think there was so little known about it for years by parents, etc. it really got a good hold---and is one GIANT problem now. I am hoping it is less so by the time my grandbabies grow up. Got the kids raised, now to worry over the next generation! I will really try to watch this one---thanks for the heads up!! Kat

There isn't a group available where I am, I know several bandsters, but none seem interested---so it hasn't happened. The closest one to me is 285 miles away---and it meets once a month. IF I happen to be in the city they have it on the day they have the meeting, I would go---mainly to put faces to names on here!!! But I feel great about the support I get here. I have made many friends close enough we now support by phone as well. If you make an effort to attend at least one meeting, then you would have a better idea of whether it is for you or not. You might be pleasantly surprised---if not you can say you tried it and it didn't fit! Looks and sounds like you are doing really well---congrats!!! Kat

Those are all good ideas of things to take to the hospital with you---keep in mind if you are flying to pack light! You will have to lug the suitcase home, post surgery---not any fun!!! Have to tell you guys, on another forum, they had a thread devoted to us "scale whores" no offense intended!!! It was what they called us that had rituals to weigh in each day. Mine was similar to Terri's!!! But hey girl---don't forget to blow your nose first!!! It is such an addiction, that scale!!! I finally got rid of mine, well avoided it for 2 weeks---just to see if I could. I did it, but prefer the comfort, and accountability it gives me. I do weigh each morning, nekkid as the day I was born!!! Kat

I agree--I think getting my band was by far one of the best things I ever did for just me---I only wish I had done it years ago! Better late than never tho!!! Kat

HI girls! Well--it has been one of those days---yech! Went to have the oil changed on the car---and it took them forever! They drove my car off, and I went to the waiting room, there were a couple of women there already, onehad been there since 7:30 the other 9:30! It was almost noon!!! One went to check on her car, and found out the crew had all went to lunch! Lucky for me I was just getting service done, but it still took dang near an hour. From there I went to have the tires rotated---another 45 minutes. I was going to go have it cleaned, but looked at the line, and thought....It'll rain anyway! So I come home. On the way home my DH calls me and said they called him saying my car payment had not been made! I come home and called them, gave them my reference #. I had made it too early---by one day! It credited to last month, so now my this month payment is 10 days late! Made me want to scream! So now I am a payment ahead, but it won't help me a bit until payoff. She was a SNOT on the phone too. So I refused to pay it through her, I did it online. Going to try to cook some chicken tonight, and hope Rick continues to chew well. We did steak last night, and made a joke of it, tiny bites.....so he cuts it up just fine, then tries to stab 3-4 of them on his fork at once!!! NO!!! He started being more careful and ate it fine. Next step is feeding him like a baby bird I told him---which grossed him out!!! Love it! Mandy---I am glad Abi settled in to the center so well, I wish since she liked it so well she could continue---but maybe it taught her how much better she feels talking about how she feels. Sounds like the positive is there, for some control mechanisms. Like Cindy said, take detailed notes!!! Let them know you will NOT be swept under the rug! Betty--Beannie---I will be in the Abilene area---unfortunately---not very close. Will have to see what I can work out!!! Sherry---somewhere I have a small phonebook thing with several addresses I need---I cannot find it to save my life!!! Like you I have several "go to" places. Not there, so I wander around like the damn thing is going to jump out at me---not happening! Pat---I love that you had Dora the Explorer Ice Cream---isn't that required with tiramisu???? Eileen---I am sorry they are yanking your chain---wish there was some way of NOT doing both jobs for you---you are in a bad place for you, and a lucky one for them. Well I need to get busy, or nothing will get done today. My DW is still not fixed, and it is making me crazy!!!! They said the parts would be about 2 weeks, so I have another week of hand washing to go---grrrrrrr. It wouldn't have taken so long, but Maytag has a massive recall out on dishwashers, getting water into the electrical junk....and Maytag bought out Whirlpool----so now I have to wait for the VERY BUSY maytag man! So anyway off I go to manicure my hands! Talk to you all laters!!! Kat

Not so much knowledge as "been there done that!"----we ALL go through it!!! It is hard never knowing if what you are feeling is normal, or something to worry over. A couple of weeks ago, I was sure I had slipped my band, I had super tight restriction, and my stomach was upset. I drove my husband nuts worrying about it---2 days later, he come home with the same stomach virus!!! It is hard not to blame or expect EVERYTHING to be band related!!! Once the bug we had went away, my restriction is right back to normal! Thank goodness!!! Hang in there---it really does get easier! Kat

As long as it is blended to a liquid, it should be fine---just nothing solid sitting in the stomach yet. If it feels something solid in there, it will try to digest and pass it on, by moving in a kneading type fashion, and you risk popping the stitches holding the band in place, if your stomach works to digest. But the liquid, if it can be sucked through a straw, you should be fine and dandy! Kat

If it melts to a liquid form when left out, I was told I could use it. You might look for some powder protein supplements, and really bump your shake up some! When you get past the full liquid diet, you can add a tablespoon or so of peanut butter to the chocolate shakes---it tastes good and is good for you! But hang on for that for a few days. You can also use a spoon full of SF pudding mix to flavor things up differently. Kat

Well sweetie, right now you probably aren't getting enough nourishment. Try to up the protein, with the liquid diet you are on--and it really will start to feel better when you can add food to your diet. The time off of eating is SO important to healing---it is hard as hell, but necessary. You are almost through it tho! When I felt like I couldn't put one foot in front of the other, I swapped out my SF popsicle, for one of my granddaughters regular sugar ones---and it perked me up a bit. Are you taking any vitamins? Childrens chewables they let me have right off the bat. And I can tell when I space mine out for a couple of days. When the kiddo isn't here to ask for hers, I tend to forget mine!! I would continue to try to walk around the house, even tho you feel so exhausted, then drink something, and walk some more, the more you use the muscles in your body, the more they will respond. Hang in there--- the worst of it is ALMOST behind you!!!! Kat

I was driving within just a few days...I drive an automatic, fully loaded car, nothing strenuous! I also provide day care for my now 2 year old granddaughter, she was 16 months when I had surgery. I tried not to dead lift her for a couple of weeks. I would sit down, and hold her hand while she crawled into my lap. I held her hand and let her climb up in the hgh chair. With the week off with your DH that should get you through the worst of it. Wprk with the 2 yr old now climbing in and out---so you can help while you can---then in a couple of days he will have it down. My Dr. showed me how to lift the baby, when it was necessary. He had me sit down, and have her as close as possible to my body. Like in a bear hug, and stand up using my legs---not my ab muscles. Now the puppy---bending over is not usually pleasant! I would let the pup spend as much outdoor time as possible when you are home alone! You can bend--juts try to bend your knees and kind of squat which is fun!!! Just try not to bend at the waist for a week or so. Ideally we would all be able to rest and relax until healed---but real life just doesn't work that way!!! good Luck!!! Your day is fast approaching! What a wonderful group you have all formed!!! Kat

I don't know where exactly you are located---but it is looking Springlike here too!!! Fruit trees are blooming, and flowers coming up. And it is even daylight still when DH gets home---I LOVE this time of year!!! Congrats on the smoking---or lack there of!!! I quit 16 years ago!! Oh I see now Wisconsin---note to self---learn to READ!!!! Yep by next year your band will have you looking around in a whole new way!!! This year I am excited to get out and do yard work---who would have ever thought that would happen??? Good luck in getting your band date set!!! Happy Spring!!! Kat

Are you getting in plenty of protein? It really does help with the lackluster feelings. Kat

Let the fun begin!!! Congrats!!! Welcome to bandland, and welcome to LBT!! Kat

For breakfast this morning I had about 1/2 cup of Honey bunches of Oats cereal with about the same 1/2 cup of milk. For lunch I had about 5 townhouse crackers with tuna salad. Also ate a Tillimook square of cheese. Snacked on some mixed nuts while surfing the net. Dinner, was some T-bone Steak (a piece about 2" X 2"), a couple of bites of potatoes, and about 1/4 c. creamed corn. I drank 3 bottles of water today, and had several glasses of decaf ice tea. Should have worked some more protein in, but was gone shopping for quite awhile today---will work on it tomorrow!! Kat

I was given an injection of Lovenox in the belly just before and the day after surgery---it is a blood thinner. It is pretty common for any type of surgery. Smoking inhibits healing by causing a shortage of oxygen---is what they told a friend who was banded...and smoked. They told another friend that her back surgery would have a 70% better outcome if she would quit smoking. Saying it inhibits the healing. Not sure if it mattered, she had the disc surgery, did not quit smoking, surgery was no help. But I have no "facts" for you on the why. I cannot say enough good things about my band---it has been an answer to many a prayer! I have had very good results, and very few issues with it. I chose banding, because of the ability to reverse it if necessary. Now I shiver at the thought of losing it!! Good Luck to you in your research. If you have other questions, ask away---everyone here is very helpful!!! Welcome to LBT! Kat

Wow! I had not heard that RNY was reversable! I am not sure how they would do it---but that is amazing!!! I chose the band, because I did not want my parts re-routed. I wanted the ability to reverse if need be. I have heard many choose it for future pregnancy, and the ability to nurture a pregnancy normally---but that was not an issue for me!!! I am however a cancer survivor, and wanted to know I could get extra nutrition if ever I should need too. I also felt if times brought about new and improved WLS, or other WL advances, with the band, I would still be eligible to work with them too. Most bypass patients, require supplemental nutrition forever. The bypass causes you to lose weight in 2 ways, by restriction, and by malabsorption. So you may eat a healthy diet, but because you have lost the majority of your intestines, your body gets very little nutrition from what you eat. With the band, you lose simply by restriction. Restricting how much you can eat. when you eat a healthy diet, you get full benefit from the vitamins and nutrients in the food you eat. The choice is a very personal one. Often times, one group will bad mouth the other. Which is sad, when in the end we all just want the same thing---to lose this weight, and feel good about ourselves. Good Luck in your decision. Kat

Hi Jane, there is a strong and active April 2007 group going!! I think the thread is April 2007 Head into Spring---or something along those lines. If you search April you should be able to find it! They are an amazing group---and have already got one of the best support teams around!!! I am part of a similar thread from April of 06. We are doing our best to mentor them a bit and get them off to a wonderful band life begining!!! Hang out, if you have trouble finding the thread---just let me know. I know they would be thrilled to have you join them. It is a great comfort having a group who are all about the same point you are, in diets, and exercise abilities. I have appreciated my group more than I ever thought I would! Welcome- and good luck on your surgery, I hope it is smooth sailing!!! Kat

Hi welcome!!! LBT is a great site for researching the band, and what is has to offer. Blue Cross Blue Shield differs depending on which state it is from. I for instance live in New Mexico, but have BCBS of Texas, because my husbands company is headquartered there. It also is dependent on whether the company you work for has excluded weight loss surgery---some do, others cover it. My experience with BCBS, is that they usually require 6-12 months of medically supervised weight loss attempts. So they will want you to see your Dr. each month, and follow his directions aimed at weight loss. Then when you submit to insurance, he will have to show where you saw him steadily as required. They also usually require a BMI of 40 or 2 co morbidities---which it sounds like you have covered. They wanted 5 years of documentation of obesity, which can be obtained through any Dr. records, or hospitilizations, any documents where they weighed you. As for cost it varies, from $10K to over $20K here in the US, and in Mexico you can find it for down in the 7-8k range. Financing it might be difficult with a fresh bankruptcy---any way to do it prior? Oh sorry, I just re-read you were doing it this week. Some people have used 401K's, refi'd their houses, e-loans, family loans---all kinds of things. There are some Dr.'s in Mexico I understand who do in house loans for the surgery, but I know nothing about them. I am older than you by many years, but relate to the want for the surgery. I provide day care for my 2 year old granddaughter. And I can tell you with 90 pounds gone---it is SOOOOO much easier to do! I think about it, and realize, that if I continue this way, she will never remember Granny as being fat!!! I love it! I too was taking 2 meds for HBP, 1 for high blood sugar, and had a massive family history of heart disease. Now less than a year later, I take no meds---my blood pressure and blood sugar, are both normal. I cannot change my family history, but I know if I inherit the artery disease, or heart disease, fighting it at my weight now will be much easier than when I was morbidly obese! We look forward to getting to know you too---good luck in your lap band quest!!! Kat

OOhhhh so many of you are on the countdown now!!! How exciting! I smacked myself upside the head and said "DOH" (a la Homer Simpson) over the chair by the bedside---what a wonderful idea!!! That was my only issue, rising up out of the bed, after having been prone and still for several hours. It makes perfect sense!!! I read where many slept in recliners following surgery---but I do not sleep well when I don't have my bed, and I was thrilled to get back to it---and slept fairly easily...it took me about a week to get back to full side sleeping. But the chair---that would have really simplified things! Tracy---when you pack your socks in place of slippers---make sure they have the gripper things on the sole---or they will make you wear theirs. They take the fall risk thing realllllly serious! Well guys---hang in there---your time is a comin'!!! Kat

OMG that is just beautiful Betty---I am sooo jealous!!!! Mine is starting over---last year when DH couldn't mow, and DS was helping---it barely survived! Same with my Pampas grass!!!! Oh well me meant well, he was here helping. HAPPY- HAPPY BIRTHDAY PAT!!!! I am SOOO glad to see you back! Mandy---will get a card off of congrats to Abit this afternoon. I have been busy helping my friend re-do her house. They received a large settlement (deserved) from a disabling accident her DH had while working for Frito Lay---and they redid their kitchen, so it is more accessible to him, and we went shopping!!! It is such fun spending someone elses $$$$. Today I am off in a few minutes to go shopping again! This time for the granddaughters, they are going on vacation during Spring Break, and need some new things---so I am gonna go play Granny with the checkbook!!! Betty---We will be headed to TX next month--probably the second week in april I am guessing----maybe the 3rd, will have to look at the schedule and see when Ricks short week is. I know it is usually so pretty during our Spring visit! I don't get to enjoy it much, it is a working visit!!! We have several calves already, and several more due. We will be loading and selling off last seasons calves---and running fence. Fencing is non ending, as is shredding. I used to sit at the house, and always have the meals ready etc. But now without the extra weight, I actually WORK!!! I keep telling myself what good exercise it is!!! Anyway---I will check back with everyone when I get back this afternoon. BUT while I am here---I totally agree with Mandy and Cindy---I am truly not sure what I would do without the support I get from you girls. You have impacted my life so positively. If your friendship were all I had gotten from my band---it would have been worth it. Each of you mean the world to me! Love you all bunches!!! Kat

Lots of water, lots of decaf iced tea, occasional lemonade....it isn't as hard as I anticipated. Coffee is ok---I never think about it, as I am not a coffee drinker!!! If you were referring to alcoholic drinks....wine is ok, I drink Amaretto---and mix it with lots of things. Cranberry Juice & vodka is ok. Seemed impossible to me, now it is just normal! Kat

Yes Darcy----how dare you have a life and enjoy a cabin (without me I might add!!!) and miss doing personals??? I just don't get it!!! LOL enjoy!!! Kat

There is an April 2007 thread started and going STRONG!!!! There are lots of you April bandsters!!! I believe it is called April 2007 Head start on Spring. You will enjoy being able to have a group of people all banded about the same time you are, to compare, to share with---everything, it is a life saver!! I am part of the April 2006 group, and april is a perfect month to be banded!!! Spring allows you to be outside, and walking is the ideal early exercise!!! Some of the "07 banders are joining us '06 ers in an exercise challenge. We have enjoyed getting to know them, and mentor them a bit. I will send you some directions I have for the weight ticker if you like. 2 weeks should be fine for time off---it was an easy surgery in my case. I started walking, and then adding in other exercise as I felt up to it, not getting very serious until I was down about 40 pounds, but I started a lot heavier than you!!! sounds like you are raring to go!!! Congrats on the date, and welcome to LBT---be sure to look up the April '07 group!!! Kat

1) Fear of the process: This is what I found on another website--"The band is connected by tubing to a reservoir, which is placed well under the skin during surgery." What does that mean???? I'm going to the seminar on Tuesday. I'm sure that the seminar will clear up a lot of misconceptions that I have. The reservoir is known as a port. It is stitched into a muscle---and it is what is pentrated with the needle when saline is added to the band to increase restriction. Some people can feel their port from the outside, especially after losing significant weight. I can not feel mine, I never have been able to. 2) Fear of success: How do I live slim...or at least slimmer? No food crutches?! Food has certainly been a friend/lover/soother/source of entertainment all my life. How do I make the adjustment?? On the occassions that I have lost a noticable amount of weight, I became self-conscious and sabatoged myself. I didn't know how to deal with the attention and the expectations of going all the way and losing down to my goal. I went back to food. It was easier. This comment/question leads me to believe that Yes, you may want to seek someone to talk to about the concerns you have prior to the surgery. I say that because with the band you CAN eat around it. If you have sabotaged yourself before it IS something that could be done with the band---so it is an issue to take care of before hand. 3) What do I say to people? Do I really want their support or do I keep this to myself, perhaps just telling a core group of family members and friends? This too is a very personal decision, and on this board you will find both schools of thought. There are even some who don't tell their spouse til it is a done deal!!! In my case, I told everyone. I am not good at lying---and trying to remember who knows, and who doesn't, and all was just too much. So I tell anyone who will listen. I also feel if it helps one person regain some hope, then it is worth me telling. Being obese left me feeling hopeless...this surgery when I heard of it was like a light at the end of a tunnel. 4) Cost: I really doubt that my insurance will pay for this, so this will be out of pocket. I don't really care about the cost though. I would sacrifice and pay for it. Just need to be emotionally prepared. My insurance was difficult, and in the end I self paid. I went to Mexico. I researched the surgery, and my Dr. well before making that decision. If a foreign country is not something you are comfortable with, there are now some Dr.s in the US doing them for comparable prices, and getting very good comments here on the boards. I understand the fears---it is a big step. But in my opinion, it was one of the very best things I ever did for myself. I love my band! I neveer thought I could survive eating small amounts of food---I LIKED to eat. I enjoyed everything about it, the smell, the texture, the taste---it was pleasurable! But when I went for my 2nd fill, it took me to a good level of restriction, I am only able to eat small amounts of food, but I am never hungry. So a few bites takes care of the need for taste. I have discovered after the first couple of bites, the food just kind of becomes boring. I am able to eat most anything, I just eat so much less of it! But I eat with my family, I eat out with friends, and it has not been an issue. I am also exercising now! Something I NEVER did! I even enjoy it! I began after about the first 40 pounds or so---and it makes me feel so good. I am proud of myself for doing healthy things for my body. I have lost weight, and inches, and gained confidence, and self esteem. I believe it is a good option for WLS, but in your case, knowing you tend to sabotage yourself, I think you are very wise considering counseling prior to doing that to yourself. Knowing it is something you may do---and admitting it---seems like a good part of the battle is won already, you recognized the problem! Keep us posted with what you decide to do! Welcome to LBT---there are some very helpful, very educated people here that are so willing to help you along the way. This support group has made having my band just that much better!!! Stick around, tell us about yourself, study up, and make an educated choice!!! Kat

I hear exactly what you are saying---that was my original point, that she gives hope---she builds up as opposed to tearing down. I like that---it is becoming more and more uncommon. I was focusing on the thought of someone being "with" me 24/7---and not too sure I like that!!! But I hadn't thought about the unsaid things, although it is something I seriously try to deal with daily---I never let the kids or DH leave or hang up the phone with out saying Love you. Good Point. We agree totally that she does ease hearts and minds. And I for one can find no fault in that. Plus she isn't charging you $30 bucks to try to do it!!! Montel pays!! j/k! Kat