Kat817

H i Trudie, Welcome to LBT! It sounds like you are as prepared as you can get at this point in time with insurance. Did you call prior to find out what their requirements were? A day in the life of a bandster....after you go through your healing, it is surprisingly similar to life before banding!!! I am 11 months out from surgery this month. I have had 2 fills/adjustments, and feel like I am at a good place in regards to restriction. I eat most foods without issue, and am not hungry, so it is working for me where I am at. Today, for breakfast I ate about 1/2 a container of Dannon Low Fat yogurt with about 1/3 of a cup of granola stirred in. I helped my DD box some things up in her house, and we each had a cappucino, since it was chilly in the house. For lunch, I had a chicken strip, and a strip of fried zucchini, with ranch dressing. Not a real healthy day for me by any stretch of the imagination---we are waiting for pizza for dinner!!! I will actually eat part of a salad, and maybe a piece of pizza, but probably only 1/2 of one. If I had been home at lunch I usually eat some tuna salad, or some deli meat and cheese rolls. For dinner I try to eat some sort of protein, and veggies. But the fact is, we have all been working on the house today, so we are being too lazy to cook!! Same as I would have done preband. EXCEPT at lunch, I would have ordered an entire meal, and eaten it as well as the 2 items I ate off of the appetizer tray---and tonight, I would have eaten several slices of pizza, and breadsticks! And would have spent the day washing everything down with Diet Dr Pepper! I can no longer eat anywhere near the proportions I did!!!! I now eat in the neighborhood of a cup of food, and I am full. I don't feel real hunger anymore....it went away with my 2nd fill. I get kind of an empty feeling, but nothing like the gnawing "I need food and I need it NOW" kind of hunger I used to have. As for how I eat---I eat slowly, small bites, that I chew into oblivian!!! But that becomes habit for the most part over time. I still have flashbacks where I think I can pop a piece of popcorn chicken in my mouth, chew twice and swallow---and then I hurt!!! It does not want to pass through the band if it isn't chewed well! I can dine out with my DH or with friends and we all eat and chat, and when we are all done, we finish at about the same time, but I have taken small bites, chewed well, set my fork down, visited, laughed, taken another small bite....and come the end of the meal we are all done about the same time, the only difference is I need a doggy bag, because I have about 3/4 of my meal left. No one pays me any more attention to how I eat, than I pay to them! I love my band, it has given me a control over the raging, starving food monster who lived within me! Most days I do not eat as I am today---but the fact that I can eat this way today, and get right back on track tomorrow, without feeling the loss of control is wonderful! I chose the band so I could live as normal of a life as possible. I told my Dr. I wanted to be able to eat a piece of cake with my grandbabies on their birthdays, I just no longer wanted to inhale 2-3 pieces! I do that now---I could likely lose faster if I followed a good diet plan---but this is how I plan to live the remainder of my life, and I did not want to give up todays fun, and family for tomorrows....we never know if we will get a tomorrow. I had had enough of diets---and this has been the perfect answer for me! I wish you luck on your insurance submission! If you have any other questions or concerns please let us know---maybe we can help! Please look around---get to know us---we look forward to getting to know you! Kat

I flew for 5 hours, and was in a car for another 5 just to get home on the 3rd day after surgery. I did it just fine. I was exhausted by the time we got home. I did it because I had to to get home! Would I have done it that soon if it were an option---I doubt it! I would have babied ME!!!! I would have laid around, taken it easy, and enjoyed some down time. I was banded during a very busy time in our life, we were remodeling a home for my DD---so a little relaxing time would have been nice---not so much because it was needed---would have just been enjoyed. Think it over, it is a looooong day so soon after major surgery. IF you do go---stop the car, get out and walk around every hour. Keep your feel moving in the car--- DO NOT wear knee high socks, or hose--- Consider wearing support hosiery for the trip-- Blood clots are something to take very seriously!!! Kat

Hi marys----owwwww, I am so sorry!!! I am with Betty (Iluvharleys), the apple itself is very slow to process, and leaves my stomach just feeling sore. I have taken a bite or 2 and learned that is enough. I have like Mark said put them in the food processor---and I can also eat them cooked without issue. I core them, stuff them with all the things we are trying to avoid---brown sugar, butter, etc. and bake them then split them, and I can eat about a half an apple and I am full--but I don't hurt eating them that way. I still avoid the skin---but I always did anyway, I have had a lot of dental work, and they were always hard to chew. If it still feels like it is sitting there, sip on some pineapple juice, and see if it will help break it down, and let it pass. If not, get some papaya enzyme. Don't feel like the lone "stranger", another friend and I have been discussing her feeling the same way over an errant cashew!!! Hang in there---and feel better!! Kat

Oh Blue I am soooo glad to hear you are doing that well!!! I bet you are so excited to get into your own home, and your own bed!!! I am so spoiled to our bed, it is hard for me to sleep elsewhere! Yes by all means take it slow----we are just glad you are recovering! Got things straightened out with my DD and I feel much better for it! I love my kids---but sometimes they make me wanna scream---so I did! She did not appreciate me telling her what needed to be done---but she come around, and did it! My son and DIL are bringing the baby over tonight---I guess the guys (DH & DS) decided we needed to order pizza in, so guess I won't be cooking. Can't say as it hurts my feelings!! They always order me a salad, I eat some of it, and part of a piece of pizza, and I'm good! Feeling kinda crummy---my laryngitis, is migrating up, my head feels like it is in a daze, if that makes any sense. Just breathing feels like it takes more energy than I have. LOL---I just realized I sit here sighing, I sound like the Eeyore (Winnie the Pooh) book I read Kinsey!!! Who btw is with her Dad part of this week---I really hate that, I miss the little munchkin! Once again---Blue I am so happy you are doing this well!!!! Kat

I've been wondering about how you were feeling. Glad you are able to eat some. Maybe it is just swelling, and will ease with time. Old habits are SOOOO hard to break. I do that, grab something, pop it in my mouth chew a couple times, and about mid swallow I realize just what in the hell I just did! Keep me posted. I was told the papaya enzyme is not bad to taste---so you might keep it in mind. I hiccup when I am FULL---it is a big signal to me, but it is not once, nor is it quiet---it takes a while for them to stop. So I really try to pay attention to the sniffly feeling I get, and stop instantly! TTYL, Kat

Hey Rosi, are you going to User CP, to get to EDIT SIGNATURE and clicking on the ticker in the TOP signature showing? Kat

Hello everyone!!! My gosh, I hate when our group is unhappy! It is one of the frustrations of our online friendship (maybe the only one?) when one of you has a problem, needs help, whatever, I cannot just hop in the car and run over to your place to help. I truly wish I could. Betty--I am so glad Alan's tests went well, and hope he is healing well from the angiogram. It is a relief to actually SEE the rest of everything is working, and know they consider it nothing major! I hope the schedule works so he can get it done soon, and have the Spring and Summer to begin walking again, and building up his strength. Rick had his in August, and it was too doggone hot to walk outside some days, and then before we knew it, fall was upon us! I loved being banded in the Spring, it was the perfect time. I think it would be for him as well. I hope your stress levels ease some---I can so remember the fear. ((((Big giant hugs)))) Eficka--The very last thing I said to my former friend was "Friendship requires trust, we have none, so we have no friendship." I see her around, she avoids meeting my eyes. She looks like what she is---an alcoholic. She has several years on your friend--we are 46, but time will do it to her as well. It is a hard life, and one I would think is hard to live as well. My brother had alcohol issues for awhile, and he was horrid to be around. I chose not to be around him often, so why would I choose someone knowing that about them. I am not anti-alcohol. I am anti-abuse. When it causes problems---it IS a problem. You will mourn the friendship---or at least what you thought the friendship was. It is normal for you to be able to think of little else. It IS a major issue in your life right now. While the inside you is not changing as drastically as the outside, it IS changing. You are gaining in self confidence, as you lose in size. It is good. Just as Fiona deserves better, so do you. And here is your ((((big, giant hug)))). Yep Amourette---you deserve better. You could have had much worse, but you deserve better! Your job, makes it such a different possibility! I mean for myself, if I were single, in the rural area I live in, I could go to the next town over, go to bars, or to events, like local rodeos etc. but I would have definite limitations. You have the world at your feet--literally!!!!! You could meet a man in the USA, or one in Italy......oh the possibilities!!! And you like Eficka are changing, your self confidence, although it took a beating this week, Is going to soar! Self confidence attracts people---even male people!!! I am so sorry you are hurting....but better to know now, it is for the best. I send you ((((big, giant hugs ))))too! Julie---I have no doubt Onederland is sitting there waiting for you with open arms! I cannot get there!!! I think my GPS is broken! I think I would have made it, but I am in a place where I am building muscle now. I have dropped from a 16 to a 14 in pants, and my body fat percentage has dropped by over 10 points. Measured on the same machine, at the same time of day. I have gone from being able to do 5 sit ups to doing 2 sets of 20...underneath that layer (and it is a pretty good layer still!!!) of fat, I can feel muscle. I also have a bicep to be proud of!!! Triceps are still hiding under the wing of fat, but I feel them there!!! The biggest change is one only I notice---it is in my lats. I used to have a roll over my bra on the side/back---it is gone. My bra band has dropped another size as well. BUT the scale sits tight, it jumps from 202.5-205---not over, not under!!! I hate to go for another fill, I am in a good place eating wise. I can eat most things, I can likely eat more than is ideal, but it is less than I did by far. I do not want to worry about food. When I am tight, I stress over what will work and what won't. So I want to do this without another fill at this point. I know Spring will help, lots to DO!!! Boo---WOW!!!! 110/51!!!! I thought I was doing good---mine closked in at 118/72. I see I have more work to do!!! You have done such an awesome job!!! Bluehill---how you doing? Hanging in there? How much longer til they think you can get home? Roberta---where ya at? Ok I need to get some things done. My Mom is having knee surgery tomorrow, I am battling with my oldest DD---and feeling like hell for it. It is not starting out a great day.....hope it improves! TTYL, Kat

EXCELLENT point about the blood clots. I got my head focused on the fill issue, and didn't even think about the blood clots! My Dr. told me to do as she pointed out, and walk at LEAST every hour. In the meantime, to sit in my seat and rotate my ankles, and lift my legs up 1-2 inches off the ground, bend at the knee---basically just act like you have ants in your pants! I had a 5 hour flight home on the 3rd day following surgery, so I was given blood thinner, and still told to do all of the above. He also said NO tight socks, or nothing at all knee high (like knee high hose). He said he normally would recommend support stockings, but with fresh incisions they were hard to get on! But since you are out from surgery a ways, you might consider getting some support hose (they do not have to be the ugly white ones!!!). Everyday hoseiry makers, make a support hose---which would help. Mainly just keep your feet, and legs wiggling....and walk every chance you get. A PB would be an inconvenience, a blood clot can be deadly! I am SOOOOO glad lapband4meNOW was on the ball and remembered this!!!! Kat

Hi Rosi---go to User CP, Edit Sgnature, then click on your ticker in the top window--it will open up ticker factory. Click on edit this ticker, enter your password. Put in your new numbers, click next. It should take you to the page that you used to copy & paste for your original ticker. Using the bbccode, copy it. Go back to your signature page on LBT, click on the ticker in the bottom signature window, then delete. Put your cursor where you want the updated one and click paste. It will take about 1/4 of the time it did for me to tell you, or for you to read it!!! It sounds like a lot, but it isn't!!! If you need more help let me know! Kat

I truly wish we could all just take turns coming by to lend a helping hand. That is the one thing that makes this frustrating for me, to feel so close to all of you, and yet not be able to really DO anything to help you! I agree with all of Mandy's suggestions, and if the meal delivery is not an option, buy frozen dinners. They may not be your #1 choice, but they will not have to eat them forever---just for a few days, to give you a little break. Vacuum your floor, change the sheets on your bed, stock up a few necessities, and call your house good. Maybe the recovery time would be a good time to try one of those collars on the dog. You would be home with her, so you would know if it malfunctioned in some manner---or if she wigged out from it. I think a sit down honest talk with DH is in order as well. I am sure heis like Darcy's husband, doing anything and everything to keep busy, to avoid looking at the inevitable. I can only imagine how hard it must be for them. While you are sitting having the cup of coffee, make your list of jobs needing to be done, decide what can just wait....because some of it, even though you want to do it, really can be put off! Don't forget to call and make yourself an appointment to get your hair done the week after surgery. You can shower and let it go if it has a fresh cut. And not needing to lift your arms to do it would be much easier! Does the staff where your MIL is know you are headed for surgery? And work do they? If you don't want everyone to know what kind of surgery don't say---just tell them you will NOT be available for work--in person or by phone for X amount of days. After the break, I bet you are ready to get back to it. Is there a neighborhood kid you could give a couple bucks to, to walk the ditzy dog? Here we have a group that offers respite care. Have you checked to see if anything like that is available. They run simple errands, or sit with your loved one while you run them. It is a part of the home health care. We used it with my Grandma. In fact one of the girls took on the task of driving her to her chemo treatment each day. With all of us working it was hard, and they were a blessing, they feel like family to this day! There is nothing wrong with asking for help from strangers, and DEMANDING help from family! You are an amazing woman---but you simply cannot do it all without help. When you need to say mean things about the dog, the family, whatever or whoever---come to us---we know the real you, and we know you need to vent. And remember...Thou Shalt Not Drop Kick Stupid Dogs....I know it is a commandment somewhere!!! (((HUGS))) For ALL of you!!!! Kat

Wonder if they will give us a buy one get one free discount on wigs Miper? Kat

Yep TOM there are those, then the other side of the coin, the ones who STOP at the end of the on ramp, like there is no acceleration/merge lane!!! Just sit there waiting, like traffic is going to stop for them on an interstate!!! Makes me crazy!!! Kat

I wasn't a big fan of my "dreadmill" either!!! I joined Curves, and I really like that a lot. But I feel like I have to get ready to "go". My DH and I began a light free weight lifting program every other night here at home, and I love that. It kills me sometimes---but I like it anyway! Then we decided to buy an eliptical. When I first got it, 6 minutes was my max---and I would have to slow down to keep my heart rate in the right range...but now I am up to 35 minutes, and I can complete 2 of the preprogrammed workouts---I have 4 more to master. It also has 2 pre set heart rate workouts, you enter your target rate and it increases or decreases the resistance to keep you in the zone. You can purchase iFit programs for it, but I haven't really read up on what they offer. I watch Tv, or listen to my music---depends on what time of day it is---I do best if I am involved in something that takes my mind away from the fact that my thighs are screaming for mercy........ I will say knowing my DH is headed for the eliptical when I get off, and us lifting weights together, has made a big difference. Maybe it is having someone to do it with...could be part of the Curves appeal for me too. Maybe when you can get outside and walk, you could find a walking buddy? Kinda wierd how that happens, respond to someone elses thread, and gain insight into your own situation in the process!!! Thanks! Kat

Hi Felicia-Welcome to LBT! Your day is coming up very soon!! Are you ready? Have you done all your shopping? I was soooo excited, I had things ready for 2 weeks! This really is an awesome site---if you have any last minute questions or nerves, just pop in and we will see if we can help! I definitely DO wish you luck!!! Kat

Pineapple juice is acidic enough to sometimes help flush a blockage on through. Papaya enzyme is a tablet you chew that does the same thing---in a more thorough manner I am told. I have never had to use the ones I have. I have also heard of people drinking liquid meat tenderizer to dissolve a stuck item---the man who told me about it was stuck on a grape peel, it had just plopped over the opening, and he was backing up with even saliva. So the Dr. told him to drink the tenderizer and he said within 15 minutes he FELT it pass! Of the 3, pineapple juice at least tastes good! Have no idea about the papaya enzyme (I bought it at GNC). And pray I NEVER have to go the tenderizer route!!! Kat

Pineapple juice has helped me before too---hope it helps you tonight. It is a shame you have to give up nuts---they are good for you. Did you chew it well? That is my problem with them---I have to package them into small amounts or I snack with abandon, and lapse into old habits, eat them fast and not chew well---and then I hurt! But never like you are talking in one spot.... Do you have tight restriction normally? Hope your juice helped! Kat

Have you tried papaya enzyme? Sometimes it helps. I have heard of things getting stuck....but you are right it could also be residual swelling from the nut being a difficult thing to pass. I would go back tp strictly liquids for a day or so and see how you feel. Also if you have any pineapple juice, it sometimes helps. Hope you feel better VERY soon! Kat oh.....poor baby...I am so sorry you hurt....I really do, I am not being a smart a$$!

My guess would be just basic gas pain from suddenly having food following a day of liquids. Plus some of the SF or diet foods have artificial sweeteners in them that REALLY cause gas. If it continues I would check with the Dr. Sorry I can't be more helpful! Kat

The soreness ranges for different people. It may be bad tomorrow as well, be ready and have sme pain meds on hand. My Dr. told me the 3rd day would likely be the worst. Then you should start feeling much better quickly. Coughing is going to hurt, it is moving all the things they poked through, and rearranged. Hold a pillow over your tummy tight against the incisions when you cough---and as much as it hurts, don't try to avoid coughing, it will help your lungs clear out. Did they give you an incentive spirometer, to help you breath deep? If so be sure to use it!!! Especially if you are not coughing deep. Getting in and out of the bed was the hardest thing for me, that uses a LOT of stomach muscles. I started doing some crunches the other day, and spent another couple of days having a hard time getting up!!! It will pass hon, and soon you will be up and going! Take your meds, or if you have none, hit the Tylenol. Hugs, Kat

Wow that was fast!!! Most surgeons will not do a fill until you are minimally 6 weeks out, most suggest 8-10 weeks. Following that, I was told when I can eat hard protein, and eat more than 3-4 of a cup, and feel hungry again within 2 hours it is time for a fill again. Do you feel ok following the fill? Did he put you back on liquids following the fill? Kat

I went to lunch with an old friend I had not socialized with in years last week. Actually 3 of us old friends got together. One of them proceeded to tell us that she hears dead people talking to her! Later in the conversation she is telling us about this friend of hers who died... she is saying "He was a crass old guy but a softie on the inside" at which time she whips her head sideways and say "You were too!". The other friend and I locked eyes and didn't need voices to tell us it was time to call lunch over!!!! Would LOVE to read her psych exam!! Kat

Thank you for giving them an answer hlayne!!! Mae, Marissa---I was not ignoring you, I had quit getting reminders on this thread, and missed the question! I hadn't thought of making them in the microwave! Wheetsin shared this with me---freshly grated parmesan ---about a tablespoon full on parchment paper in a low oven, 250 degrees, till lightly brown and crisp. Very addictive!!!! Better go see what else I missed!!! Kat

I remember a couple of nurses and the anesthesiologist telling me it was time to wake up. They had accents, so they sounded so strange in that half awake half asleep place I was!!! They kept saying "eeet's over, you deeed guuuud, eeeet's time to wake up now!!!" I don't remember pain, I remember when I tried to talk the first time, it was all garbled! I kept asking for a drink, I was SOOOOO thirsty. I was eventually in and out but awake enough to realize I had the surgery, it was over, and my belly was very sore, but not enough to keep me awake. Then they told me...if you wake up and talk to us, we will give you some medicine to help your pain and make you sleep! Even in my drugged state I saw the humor in the wake up so we can give you meds to go to sleep!!! I felt nothing "on the inside". I had incision pain, nothing serious---one dose of pain meds in my IV, then nothing but Tylenol from then on. Within an hour I was up and walking. Easiest surgery I ever had! Kat

Too true TOM!! My first marriage, we did the big church wedding---I say big, but it was still done on a small tight budget, my family could not afford more! As I walked back down the aisle following the ceremony there sat this little old man in coveralls, and a bright orange hard hat, with his lunch box, a HUGE smile, and the most beautiful blue eyes---I had no idea who he was. As soon as she hit the reception my new MIL was apologizing, saying she had no idea how "he" knew. "He" ended up being my FIL's mentally challenged brother, one of the gentlest (sp?), sweetest people I have ever met. I knew then and there that either these people had a problem, or they thought I had one! pssssst---it ended up being THEM!!!! I would have kept the uncle! The marriage was more of the same---hide what wasn't good enough! My husband now, we did a quickie with a judge, and went on vacation with kids in tow!!! No hidden relatives---lots of loving ones-- The wedding is causing family problems---and that should not be happening, it should be cause for happiness! Try to sit down with the Auntie, and the girls, and your DD, and see what can be done to keep peace. I do not mean to step on any toes here---but with the kids living with the Auntie at one time, and you having custody of one and not the others....I hate to see THIS of all that must have gone on in their lives to be the cause for uproar! Kat

No wait just a minute here Eileen----are you trying to tell me ( I find this so hard to imagine!) that we are only supposed to eat food we NEED????? Oh the horrors! Keep up the good job! Darcy---be extra understanding of all that your DH is headed for, I know you will be---you are so sensitive. It seems like that is often the case, the kids want so much for things to change. Makes you wonder exactly how the boys turned out so well! hugs to you all. Betty---I bet my dyslexia of the fingers is contagious is why you are having trouble typing too!! I hit 2 letters at once, or invert letters---my typing consists of 2 letters forward, one delete back!! Dianne--how go things in your busy house? Getting ready for your surgery???? Deb--everyone feeling ok after the accident? Sometimes the aches take awhile to show up. Sherry---from now on there is chicken a'la King, and Chicken a'la Queen Sherry!!! sounds yummy. Chris---you been busy? You haven't popped in! Mandy--feeling any better yet? I hope so! I have the crud. It is more of a laryngitis than anything, my lower throat is kinda scratchy and makes me cough, but mostly it is just affecting my voice! I don't have one! DH must be in hubby heaven! Cindy---I wore a pedometer for several days, but like Betty, it didn't register right. One day it said I took over 3000 steps---I thought it was still short, but the next day, I took it off, after a busy day, and it only logged 175 steps! I gave up. Then someone recommended putting it on the laces of my tenny shoes, that it moves, and logs them better than at the waist---how do you do yours??? Hope Beannie is off having a wonderful visit, and great vacation!!! Anyone have any new ideas for dinner tonight---would try Chicken a'la Queen Sherry, but we just had chicken!!!! Well guys---I am off to change laundry. Get this---I am hanging bedding out on the clothesline to dry and to air---it is 65 degrees out--sunny...I am loving it!!!!!! TTYL, Kat