Kat817

Didn't have to have it for the banding, but did for my hysterectomy. I laugh now, but it was called something like "go-lightly"....OMG what a misnomer!!! Nothing lite about the hours spent in on the potty!!! Pamela---while not pleasant---it isn't the worst!!! And it is good to not be constipated following surgery---which I have done before too---it is WAY worse!!! My suggestions are...#1. Go to Walmart and buy a product called TUCKS (or the Equate equivalent). They are little round moistened pads, that keep your hiney from getting raw when it kicks in. #2. Stock up some magazines or a book, and plan on doing some reading. Taking it with a good humor, and being prepared, is half the battle. I have to say "this too shall pass".... sorry had to!!!! Hang in there--- Kat

I'd try relaxing with the heating pad, sipping something warm, and letting it settle down. You may have pulled at the stitches holding your port in place when you coughed in the prone position. It should ease, if it doesn't a quick call to your Dr. might not be a bad idea. He can tell you if there is something else you could do to ease the pain. You can take liquid Tylenol, but just don't mask the pain to the point of it being something that needs taken care of, and you not realizing it. The positioning you describe is about the same distance my port is from the actual port scar. And the port is stitched into muscle, so if you pulled the muscle, or tore a stitch---it would be painful. Seems to me since they put something in the muscle, it might be more prone to spasm, like a charlie horse, in that muscle. This is where the Dr. would very obviously have a better idea than I do!!! I hope it feels better. Relax, let it recover! Kat

Well I will cross them later, I type bad enough as it is!!! Congrats on making the first step! It all has to start with a consult with the Dr. There are usually lots of hoops to jump through if you are using an insurance to pay---but they are well worth jumping through. This has been the best year---even with its ups and downs, it has been amazing! I would never have believed a year ago today, I would have had the success I have. I cannot recommend banding enough! Welcome to LBT---feel free to hang out ask questions, and learn as much as you can! You will do so much better, if you go in informed. Tell us all about you! We look forward to getting to know you! Kat

Terri---I in NO way meant for you to give up your gung ho happy attitude---I love it!!! I just didn't want you or anyone else being surprised by the emotional upheaval this sometimes causes. And if it does hit one of you---in a depressive manner---for that person to think they are the only one, and hide it. PLEASE don't think I was chastising you---I truly did not mean it in that way. And if you find yourself in drill sgt. mode again----would you PLEASE order me away from the movie popcorn---I can see my scale sailing upwards! Kat

How serious of weight lifting? You will have a weight lift limit for at least 2 weeks following surgery, and I mean a serious limit, like 10 pounds. You have internal stitches that need to heal. Then you will want to take it a little easy on the muscle that the port is being stitched into, for awhile after that. Once the initial wait is over, I would imagine you could do curls that type of thing, that isolate other muscles....but avoid the core, or abdominals for awhile. There is another bandster out there---nd he lifts weights, I believe his name on here is Jerseyjesse----or something along that line. Look under the member list, and I think it is something with a "J". He has done awesome with his band, and in fact his last picture update was taken in the gym! He could likely give you some good, info. If I see him online, I will send him your way---otherwise, look him up--he is a nice guy! Kat

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!! Tell us all about him!!! The Granny in me needs all the vital stats!!!! I am so glad to hear you did that well on your weight gain, how impressive!! My baby days are past, so I have no clue about the wait time for a fill. I shouldn't be any longer than the wait following the banding itself, and most require 6 weeks for that. I am so happy for you and your new family!!! Welcome back! Kat

Mark gave you very good advice. This is a horrible thing to go through, and a horrible time to face it. It WILL however pass. There is no way to make it easy. If talking about it helps---we ARE here! We will listen, even if it is to the same things over and over----that's what friends do. You are very fragile emotionally now---you were heading into the surgery. You may feel like you shut down---but it sounds like depression. You will get past this, as hard as it is to believe. And you will have new relationships, and you will learn other hard lessons. But with each one of these relationships, and with each good bye you learn new things....things about yourself, and things about how to handle the next relationship. Eventually you learn how to weed out the bad relationships before involving your heart so much. It would have been impossible to sustain a healthy relationship, when you were not in a good place with yourself. You need to learn to love you, THEN learn to love someone else. YOU deserve to be first. And YOU need to learn to put your needs first---if you don't---no one will. It is not a bad thing to be crying. You have lost 2 very important things in your life---the bf, and food. And you will mourn both, as you should. Cry if you feel like it. It releases the emotion---which is a good thing. I wish I was close enough to offer a shoulder. You will get through this, you will move on. You will begin working that band, and improving your body, and as you do, your mind and emotional state will improve as well. It seems like that will never happen---but it will. If it feels like the depression is overtaking ALL aspects of your life, then see your Dr. it is not something to feel shameful of. We recognized we needed help with the weight so we were banded. Now if you need help emotionally getting through this---go get it! It is taking charge of your life. Putting what you need first...try it...get used to it...you DO deserve it! ((((hugs)))) Kat

hang on---we ARE here---just forming replies!

I have read both. I don't think for most Dr.'s that it is S.O.P., but, there are those who do. Most of the comments I read where they were used, they were inserted once you are out for the surgery, they simply woke up with them in place. Not pleasant---but it would have been worth it! I definitely wouldn't let my band hinge on a catheter! Kat

I would bet that yor problem right now is internal swelling from the surgery you just had. I hope it goes away as the swelling goes down. I keep a small zip lock baggie of saltine crackers by the bed, so if it hits, I have something to absorb some of the acids...and it has worked pretty well. Good Luck---- Kat

My cup size has also increased. The way it was explained to me, by the woman at Dillards, is that the cup size is determined by the difference in measurements, between the fullest part of the breast, and the band area just beneath them. Well that is one of the areas I have really lost a lot. So I was measured originally at a 44DD, and now am wearing a 38G....measured and fitted by the same woman, and in the same style of bra. I lost back and under arm fat, and even though I am going down some---the cup size is increasing because the overall size of say my ribcage area is so much smaller. I was worried about what to do when my boobs were no longer bigger than my belly---so far it isn't a problem. I would seriously look into a reduction, but I have keloid factor, and the PS said it would be dicey. Oh well-----rather have the big boobs than the big belly anyway!!! Kat

Tracy I am SOOOOOOO proud of you!!!! You put that food to waste rather than to your waist!!! You recognized the signs----paid attention to what your body was telling you and most importantly you listened!!! Way to go girl!!! If you have that figured out now, you will do fine with your band. I never mastered the art of listening to my body tell me to stop pre-band. I put too much effort into listening to it tell me to FEED ME!!! I have since learned, and when mentioning it to others---non banded friends, I have had a couple tell me they get signals too---and my friend Becky has lost 17 pounds, by eating like I do! She takes smaller bites, chews them well. Sits her fork down between bites, doesn't load her fork until her first bite is swallowed....and she says she to gets sniffly---and she has begun quitting eating when that happens---and it is working for her! She said if anyone has similar helps for ditching cigarettes she would be grateful for advice. You did good Tracy---your body will react positively to the actions you are already taking. Plus your body getting used to less food prior to the pre-op diet/post-op diets---will do nothing but help you! Terri---I fully understand the need to positive thoughts---it is a great idea. Keep in mind though that depression, and anger are very natural feelings to go through with this surgery, and through the pre/post-op diet times. You are parting with a long time friend. FOOD---in the context we knew it. It is not uncommon to be extremely emotional. With that in mind---you guys may need one another (and I am always available here or in PM) to vent to---moan and groan with---just commiserate together. It is a major aspect of support. And while I support the positive affirmations 100%, I hate to see anyone internalize their fears, or upset....it ends up coming out in another way----oftentimes overeating! So work hard to stay positive---but always remember we are all here---we all have gone or are going through, or will be going through similar things. And those around us, can cause us emotional hurts, that few others will understand better than your band family. We will be here with broad shoulders...and a pat on the back. Even a boot in the butt when you need it. And when it is all behind us---we laugh together. Tracy gets that pat on the back today!!!! Keep it up girly!!! Kat

I would continue on the liquids for a full 24 hours, and then slowly begin trying to add in mushies again. If you do have an obstruction, the liquids, may help move it on through, and if not, you will know it when you try to eat again. You might try sipping on some pineapple juice. Sometimes the acidity in it, can help break down some foods that back up on us. For instance---bread, which would have been on your sandwich, sometimes is too big to pass through the stoma, and as it gathers in the pouch it just rolls itself into a big ball of dough. Sometimes the pineapple juice can help break down foods of that nature. If you have beef stuck, it likely will not be enough to help. You can also buy papaya enzyme that is a bit stronger, to try to do the same thing. It might be in your best interest, both physically, and mentally to call and at least talk to your Dr. and see what he/she recommends. Some of our lessons are VERY hard learned! But you are far from the only one to ever do this!!! On the bright side---it is a lesson you will never forget! Hang in there sharon---- Kat

Sounds like you are well on your way Batty!!! I agree, having a supportive spouse simplifies this surgery in so many ways. It does change your life. The good changes so vastly outnumber the difficult ones tho---it is well worth it!!!! My DH too has been my biggest fan. Let us know if we can help answer nay last minute questions, or quell any last minute jitters!! Glad you come out of the shadows of lurking!!! Welcome! Kat

Wow!!! My instructions were not that detailed. But if you are feeling the pressure, pain in the chest type of thing, I would definitely take it slow, and sip sip sip. I do not want to disagree with your Dr. I am sure he has reasons behind the directions he gives. But to sip small amounts of fluid, as long as it isn't with meals, doesn't seem like it should be a problem. Feeling full shouldn't hurt. Being over full will. The goal is to learn to eat until we are no longer hungry, and not worrying about being full. I have a soft full signal---my nose gets runny!!! I begin sniffling, and I know to stop. One or 2 more bites, and I have horrible, painful, LOUD hiccups!!! When you can begin adding food, pay close attention to your body, it tries to help! My first meals---or my first foods? First foods were soft things, like cottage cheese, and pureed foods, then on to things like chicken salad, made very moist. I had 2 weeks of mushies, where I ate a lot of soup---and soft chicken salad, refried beans, and eggs. Then I had enchiladas as my first MEAL---I ate about 3 bites, and some refried beans---and was done! It feels different to me. I never have felt hunger like I used to. I get full fast now, and sometimes faster than others, I have to stay alert! It is different for everybody, and different for us on different days even!!! It sounds like it is a lot of work when I say that, but it really isn't, it is just life now. I don't think about it anymore, it is just normal, to eat slow. I sit my fork down, and don't put the next bite on it even until the other is swallowed....it seemed forced at first---now it is habit! You will find your way, and it may be different, but it isn't bad different!!! Especially when your weight keeps going down!!! And your energy keeps going up----you learn to love the new way---and wonder why stuffing yourself was such a big deal!!! You'll do fine---you are following very strict rules---and doing it!!! That is great in and of istself---you have great control!!! Welcome to LBT!!! Kat

We are doing enchiladas for dinner tonight!!! DH is having some issues with his esophagus, and we are limited to soft foods---so I thought this fit the bill, and would be yummy too!!! I guess I should get busy with it though or it will be midnight when we eat!! Mexican is my favorite too! Have you tried the drink of warm water before begining to eat? I am way tighter in the morning. I usually manage a half a container or so of yogurt, with some granola thrown in, but I have to push to get 1/2 in. By afternoon I can eat the entire container as snack and never have a problem! Good Luck!!! Kat

Hi my friends! We are good! Rick is back to work this afternoon. He would have gone in this morning, but he had to report to jury duty. He wasn't picked for the jury, so he is at work. The Dr. said most times with this type of esophageal damage, there is no rhyme nor reason as to when it will spasm and clamp down on something again. The meds should be helping soon, until then we are trying to keep to a fairly soft diet...which is challenging, with me wanting to keep the protein a priority!!! Oh well, this is more important right now---if I have to wander in and out of onederland, or avoid it for a few more days---won't be anything new!!! It was scary with Rick, mainly because of how horrid it went before. But he is no longer on any type of blood thinner, so the worry was much reduced. It was long and drawn out, and hard to watch him hurt for so long. The ER was packed...there had been motorcycle accidents, and kids hurt in a car wreck, and sick babies, and a drunk guy got run over----so even though he was hurting, he was breathing, and not bleeding, so he was not top priority. He was kinda funny on the versed (sp?) and the demerol they gave him for the test, he slurred his words, and tried to tell the Dr. what a "wunnerflll" woman I was!!!! The Dr. told me I should be happy, I might be shocked at some things he hears!! Mandy---it sounds like the school is the right place for Abi---you made a good call, I know it was hard, and continues to be in many ways---but you did the right thing I think. If you think she could learn a life time of coping skills at the age she is now, I would fight the system, and get her in that school! She is young enough that she hasn't developed any scary habits trying to cope---so it seems to me, like that woman told you---catching her this young is nothing but good for all of you! Cindy---my kinda sorta niece is a Tinkerbell fan. She has her everywhere!!! She is...my SIL's (Rick's sis), niece on her husbands side. So technically not related to me at all. But over 23 years ago, her Mom was murdered in the small town over from us, leaving her and her brother. The kids Dad thought he could maybe raise the boy since he was a boy and older, but he wasn't ready to take on the girl. So my SIL & BIL, took her in, and raised her with their 3 girls. So I always refer to her as my niece. She is a single Mom, and we just put her into the rental we fixed up. Hope it all works out, she is working 2 jobs, so we lowered the rent, and I am going to let her do my nails in exchange for the remainder of the rent. Great job on the shirt!!! I am doing the same, my sizes are changing---just the scale isn't. I did see 200---then it went back up to 201.5---and on up to 202 again today. I have not been eating badly---but also not drinking, and I never lose weight if I don't drink right. Some day we will get there----and the scale will move too!!!! Eileen--whats the newest on the new job? Is it official yet? Betty--hows the back? I pruned my roses today, but they are far from ready yet. The Apricot trees are bloomed, as is the forsythia, but other than that, only a few crocus are flowered out, everything is coming up green though~~~yea!!!! Deb---be really careful, if you can't eat, it can really start a horrible cycle---better to unfill a bit. I figured it was always better to err on the side of caution. Beannie---how is DH? Several years ago, I got the flu...tested and confirmed---the flu. I was so sick, fever, nausea, cough, I hurt everywhere---even my aches had pains! I began what my DH thought was hallucinating, even though some of what I said made a little sense, I was slurring, he double checked and my fever was down. It ended up, I was mildly dehydrated---but I had my electrolytes all outta whack!! They had him give me gatorade, and said if that didn't help in 6 hours, to call 911. He said within an hour of fighting to make me drink it, I was doing better. I normally drink ice tea---and that was what he had been giving me. But with the fever, and the nausea, and the diarrhea---it messed my system all up! Well I need to go find something else soft to cook for supper---no idea what it will be either! I'll try to catch up with the rest of you before bed if possible! Hugs! Kat

WooooHooo good for you!!! Sounds like you are doing a great job!!! Keep up the good work!!! Kat

Rhonda, sounds like you have a Dr. with similar guidelines as mine. I had to wait 8 weeks for the fill, he said to do it too soon, can be a big cause of problems. In order to try to hang in there with the weight you have lost this last month (your 1 month bandiversary!!! congrats!!! great results!), I would concentrate on eating my solid protein. It will keep you feeling full the longest. Also try to get in some fiber---that will help in the same way, and both are healthy ways for you to be eating right now. Snack on cheese, or almonds, well chewed jerky, hard boiled eggs---these things will help keep your weight loss on track, and also keep you feeling full the longest. There is a chance that even with your fill you will not acheive much restriction. Many times it takes more than one. In my case, I felt minor changes. I was forced to begin eating like a bandster is supposed to. During the early days, I slipped back into old habits. My first fill forced me to slow down, and chew better. My Dr. told me if I could still eat solid protein (after my 2-3 days of liquids...mushies etc from the fill), and was able to eat more than 2/3 of a cup of food, or found myself hungry again within 2 hours of eating, then I could come in for another fill in 4 weeks. So I did. My second fill brought me to a wonderful place of restriction. Now I eat maybe more than he reccomends, I can do a cup of food without a problem at dinner...but nowhere near 2/3 at breakfast, so I figure it works out!!! I am not hungry, I cannot say I have been hungry at all since that 2nd fill. If I get busy, I forget to eat! I stay full for hours. I am slowing down in my weight loss, but I am increasing in activity, and still losing inches, and my body fat % is continuing to drop. I am toning up muscles---I can SEE them!!! I feel a bit of disappointment that the scale refuses to move much---but I know it will---I am just impatient!!! So just keep up the good work, drink plenty, many times thirst is mistaken for hunger! And push the protein, it will keep you full longer, and is very good for you! Welcome to LBT---we are glad you are here! Kat

Hi girls- Quick note to let you know we once again spent the day, evening, and on into the early morning hours today in the hospital. Remember last month when I told you Rick choked at the restaraunt, and I had to heimlich him? Well it happen again. He was at his folks working on a van for them, and he took a bite of chicken, and it stuck. He knew they couldn't heimlich him---and he managed to jump up and down and move around to where he could breath, but it was still stuck. He slimed, just like we do! I got there not long after it happen, and he was still having problems. He simply could not swallow. Anything he swallowed, come right back up. So off we went to the ER. He could breath just fine, it was stuck in the esophagus. They gave him something called glucogon, to dilate the esophagus, no response, then they gave him nitroglycerin for the same---all if did was make him sick to his stomach, and his body would heave to throw up, but it couldn't get past the blockage. Finally after 10 they took him to scope him. This was VERY scary to me, last time he damn near died during the scope. But they found the offending bite of chicken ( a small bite even), about 40 cm.'s down. They tried for over 2 hours to move it, up or down, and the esophagus was spasmed---and it would not move. Finally they cut it while it was in his esophagus, and got it removed. The scope shows serious esophageal damage. Most likely caused by the balloons they used to tampenade off the blood flow during the GI bleed. They put him on new meds, along with Nexium, and in about a month they are going to try to dilate the esophagus. Another scary evening in the ER!!! I finally got him home about 3 this morning. We took it very easy today---he is on liquids. I told him welcome to bandster hell!!! He was very serious, and told me if I hurt like that when I get stuck, it is not worth it, to have the band removed! I tried to tell him, mine is short lived, and not fully in the esophagus like his. BUT....I know for a fact, he has new respect for the band and the sliming!!! I will try to get back and get some personals done---glad to see Patty post, and know her boys are ok. Hugs to everyone!!! Kat

Hi all! Glad to hear everyone is hanging in there with the exercise. Hope Alan's surgery went well....Betty if you check in, know we are praying for you and for Alan's quick recovery. We spent the afternoon and evening, on into the early morning hours in the hospital ourselves. Remember when I told you I had to give Rick the heimlich in the restaurant? Well he choked again. He took a bite of chicken, and it stuck. I wasn't there! He was with his folks and our son, working on a van for them, he tried jumping and moving, and he actually got it to where he could breath, and tried vomiting, but he kept saying it was stuck. He slimed, just like us! His mouth poured water, and he could not swallow anything! The ER Dr.'s tried something called glucogone, which is supposed to dilate the esophagus, it didn't work. The gave him nitroglycerin tabs for the same purpose, they did no good. The food stuck about 2 PM, and finally about 10:30 PM they took him to scope him (endoscopy). They found the blockage about 40 cm down. And they fought to get it out or push it down for over 2 hours! They could not get it to budge! Finally they cut it, while it was stuck in the esophagus, and managed to take it out! He was hurting so bad. The nitro, made him nauseated, and his body tried to throw up, but it could not get past the blockage....his body is so sore today. We finally got to bring him home about 3 this morning. The scope shows severe damage to his esophagus, caused most likely by the balloon they used to tampenade off the blood flow when he had the GI bleed. So he is on some new meds, and in about a month they are going to try to dilate the esophagus. Today he is on clear liquids. I told him he is in bandster hell!!!! He got all serious and tells me, if this is how I feel when I get stuck, it is not worth it!!! I told him I don't STAY stuck for 12 hours!!! And while we occasionally back up into the esophagus, that is when it hurts, and he was that way the entire time. I was so freaking scared!!! Last time they took him to scope---they come back and told em he was bleeding to death, and we had a touch and go few days. Thankfully this was much less serious, and is actually a residual effect of the bad time. Even with all the scare of the last 24 hours, I know Betty has had it even worse. I hope they are ok! Anyway.....Tracy---I'll get on the clothes thing as soon as things calm down. Everyone take care. I have avoided the scale, stress has had me doing the munchie thing.....hoping to get it under control then step on in Onederland. If not....it will be there waiting for me! Talk to y'all later! Kat

Hi---just glancing through seeing how all of you are holding up during the stressful "final moments"!!!!! Wanted to say to you Terri---do not use gall bladder surgery as a cover for your surgery. There are HUGE numbers of us who loseour gallbladders in the first 3 years following banding. They are not sure why! In past threads, something female, is usually enough info for people---claiming a D&C, or fibroid issues. Men will not ask another single question, and if you have to have anything else done, repeat issues with female problems are not uncommon. However start the story now!!! Begin having problems, before you just disappear!!! I'm sorry I spaced on the posters name---but they stated they were not going to think about life in a years time, they will begin their new life on April 16th----yes you will!!! The changes will be coming right and left, your body just morphs!!! Wierd things caught me off guard. I wanted to lose weight so badly, but the first place I truly noticed it---my wedding rings no longer fit! I miss them still. When I hit my goal, or where I decide I want to stay then I will have them resized---but I have gone from wearing a size 10 ring to an 8 being loose, so likely a 7 1/2 at this point. Once I adjusted to not having them I was just disgruntled---I want my belly gone---no one but me will realize my hands are losing weight!!! It will come---but everything changes---your feet, your bra size keeps you busy!!! It is definitely the beginning of change!!! One I look forward to each of you experiencing!! Kat

BIG difference!! Your body does things, and moves in ways it was not able. It boosts your self confidence, as well. There is also a technical side of it, that deals with the fact that fat cells hold estrogen, and as you lose weight, your hormones ARE in fact affected! I found it to be a wonderful, unexpected bonus to the weight loss!!! Kat

I had to wait 6-8 weeks after surgery. They want to be sure you have healed completely, and allowed the original swelling to go down before inflicting the pressure of the fill. I had my first fill at 7 weeks, then another 1 month later---and that got me to a good point of restriction. Welcome to LBT---we are glad to have you here! Kat

WTG Julie----mine read an even 200 this morning, but I make it stay that way for 2-3 days before I believe it---the scale has a sadistic streak!!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!! Kat