Kat817

Hi all, Well Betty, I am sorry it has worsened, but it sounds like you were given the exact same info we were. The PCP when he listened to Rick, originally told us we would have time to schedule it to our convenience he would imagine. But Rick went from a 1 straight to a 4 with an 86% backflow rate---which was causing his heart to enlarge drastically---so it was a do it now case. I don't normally try to give anyone advice medically because I am not a Dr. but when it comes to this I do it....for what it is worth, if they make him decide between an artificial valve, and a tissue valve....please make him research the heck out of it!!! I know they will shoot to repair his, and hopefully they can. On the off chance they can't...I STRONGLY suggest tissue. With an artificial man made valve, he would have to remain on coumadin for the rest of his life, and that is what almost took Rick, was a side effect of the coumadin. So I am scared of it! I will not push my opinion on you again....but had to say it! As for Rick, he got an excellent report. The Dr. heard no signs of any remaining murmur!!! They did not do another echo at this time---as I said our cardiologist is leaving, and we did get another DR. So when he comes on the case in 3 months, we will go in and let him be the one doing the testing, so he has his own background on Rick. For now, he is off of all meds----he is doing great. I spent the day with my DIL, and grandson--he started walking 2 days ago, and is in love with my house now, he can make a loop through the den, into the dining room, into the kitchen, and back to the den....he is hilarious!!! He has a little bobble head action going on...and when he sees you---you have to clap, or he tries to clap for himself, and down he goes, he cannot multitask yet! I am off to vaccuum up fireplace mess---will check in later. Kat

Not ready to dance just yet....but if this 1/2 pound stays off...I am officially NOT obese anymore!!! Then....I will celebrate being overweight! Who woulda thought that would be reason to celebrate?? Then a few pounds to Onederland...although if I don't get my act together it could take awhile!! The "Up With People" concert was ok. We went every time they come around when my DD was small, and then after I inherited the other kids---and we were all kinda disappointed with this. They always had a storyline before, with song and dance...lively and colorful. This was done with 60% of it in dark, with lights for highlight---like purple lights, shadowing them, the songs were sung in native languages, and most were slow tempo songs. Our 2 year old, and both the guys were bored. They didn't even sing "Up With People"!!! Not impressed. Felt sad for the girls, they were so excited, they kept saying things like "you can't go back I guess". I don't agree with them, but they will figure it out when they are not 20 something anymore!! In years past the show was a 2-3 hour show, this was less than an hour. Of course ticket prices were not less! All of the $$$ goes to local charity tho, so we figured, at least we had a nice dinner, and some time together. Rick said he didn't feel so bad not getting to go! On a brighter note, Rick hired 5 guys yesterday---so maybe he will have an easier time for awhile, less hours! We go see his cardiologist for his 6 month check following the valve surgery, this morning...hope it goes well. They are finally having my friends funeral tomorrow. It is in the next town over, then burial is in Colorado, then they want us to come to the dinner, which is back here in town......sounds like an all day ordeal...I'd rather stick my head in the sand. Hope everyone and their kiddo's are on the way to being healthy again. Anyone have anything fun planned for the weekend??? BBL Kat

I would be at least a little concerned, because lap band is not a cure all for GERD! I neverhad any type of reflux until after banding. I was worried I was too tight...in the end it seems I am my Mother's child, she too has it, and is not banded. There is a thread out there with a poll about reflux and banding, and I would say the numbers were equally high for those developing reflux after being banded as those it helped. I would do LOTS and LOTS of research! Good Luck Kat

Way back in the olden days when I was pregnant with my DD, my OB/GYN's office had a very ornate wooden box right inside the entry way ---there were 2 sets of doors, and it was inside the first set, just before entering the office. Painted onto the side was "Modesty"...the sign above said something about dropping your modesty off here on your way in and picking it up on your way out!!! I have always taken that attitude with me since then when seeing a Dr. or going to a hospital. I figure if I have something different than everyone else then we both (the Dr. and I) need to know!!! I had no panties on for surgery, only a gown, and it was untied, ready to be removed....and like was said before, the operating table was so narrow, there is no way in hell anything got between my legs----besides it was so friggin' cold I'm sure I was stuck in position anyway. Someone on here has a line in their signature that says: "Don't sweat the petty stuff, and don't pet the sweaty stuff" Maybe if you don't----he won't!!! Kat

Betty my DH has his 6 month follow up with his cardiologist in the morning at 10:15....I will be thinking of you and your DH while we are there. Rick's pre- appointment EKG was abnormal, but they said with the valve it is likely always going to read abnormal....hoping it is all ok. We also found out our cardiologist is leaving, the receptionist mentioned it when confirming our appointment, and said they would likely start him with the new NP...now I know she is likely a very competent Nurse Practitioner....but our insurance pays for us to see a fully educated, practicing CARDIOLOGIST.....I do not want anything less! Am I being elitest or something? I keep thinking, he has had to have surgery once, he needs a Dr. who can admit him, work on him, whatever it takes, and I am not sure what limitations a NP has! Guess we will discuss that tomorrow with the Dr. Will let you know. Hope all of tomorrows Dr's go well, Betty & Alan, Blue.....big hugs to all..... Kat

I paid $7,740.00 for the surgery, and everything related to it, including my motel while there, the only additional thing I had to pay was $272.00 for airfare. So far about $94.00 a pound...and dropping, and worth every penny!!! Kat

You might try things like cottage cheese, and very soft salads (chicken salad, egg salad etc.) and maybe push your protein for a couple of days with some shakes or something. I don't think it could hurt to try, and just see if it settles down, no sense in unfilling if you can adjust. Hope it hurries up and feels better! Kat

I would take it very easy with food, and stick to mushies for a few days, let your stomach fully calm down. If you don't allow it to settle you take a risk of starting an evil cycle of eating, and causing swelling to make you PB, then it happens each time you eat. Better to take it slow a few days longer, let it relax, and adjust to the new fill, and then start in with solids slowly again and see if it helps. Never a good idea to court a PB!!! Good Luck!! Kat

Sounds like time for another fill to me!! No offense intended but it might also be time to clean out the kitchen of the pop tarts, and pizza, and things that tempt you so much right now---I know I had to...it seemed such a waste...but as someone pointed out to me I could eat it and it could go to waist, or toss it and it could go to waste-----! A good level of restriction will help you control your intake, schedule another fill!! Good Luck!! Kat

If her Dr. won't see her, then I would advise her to go to an Urgent Care Center, and be seen today. They can run some blood work and see if she is septic. If they feel what she is going through is normal, then she will have peace of mind---if they don't they can prescribe appropriate antibiotics, and hospitalization if need be. Now is not a time to concern herself with whether she pisses off the Dr. or not, or worry about $$$---her health, her very life could be in danger if not treated properly! If it was my friend----I would personally drive her to an Urgent Care or and ER. Good Luck! Kat

I have a friend who was banded about 18 months ago, he was 6'7", and started at 380 lbs. He has lost down to 265, and looks a good 15 years younger!! His wife said she never had any issues with women looking at him before, but she says they are all over him now!!! I personally went to Mexico for surgery, but had several avenues of aftercare set up here in the states, and I fully believe finding a Dr. who respects what YOU want out of surgery, and who is willing to work with you to accomplish that is a necessity. If that means changing from your original plan---then so be it! YOUR body, YOUR money, YOUR opinions matter!!! Good Luck to you! Welcome to LBT! Kat

I'm so sorry you are having to deal with that again Blue---take good care and followDr.s orders. That is nothing to mess with. DH had it a few years back in his elbow, and ended up as you did in the hospital with staph infection in it. We didn't have any idea of the original injury either! I understand that you are sidelined with exercise, but there are still things you can do---you can be sure to keep your water intake high, so to flush out all the toxins in your body right now. Get some time in spoiling yourself...find a good book! Talk with us here on LBT!!! I will add you to my prayer list too----and I do hope you heal fast and that your trip is not affected. Maybe look into a Dr. there, so that you will already be armed with a name and number, in case you do need some follow up care while away from home. Take care of you!!! ((((hugs)))) Kat

Last week when I was in Denver, I heard their news coverage saying the same thing was being done there Cindy. However they did say since there are no long term studies, there is a clause that will allow a parent to opt out of the shot on those grounds. My question--then why bother???? My DD is a nurse, and she is barely in the age range, but she is not taking it, because it is too new she thinks. She is also holding out on getting Kinsey her MMR until she reaches 35 pounds. That was the recommendation due to huge increases in Autism following the MMR immunization. She will have it before school, but she is still barely 20 pounds--she wants her body to be better able to handle the shot, and her pediatrician supports it! Keep us posted on what TX does! Kat

Since I can only eat a small portion compared to what I used to be able to eat, I can afford the more expensive, healthier snacks. I do graze....but I do my best to keep only healthy options available to myself! I take one day a week or so, and make small bags of snack goods. I dice up cheese, and make S/F puddings in individual cups, I cut up vegetables, hard boil some eggs, I keep small fruits on hand---a tangerine now is filling as opposed to a big orange. I can easily grab something, and it is ready, if I have to work on fixing it, it is too easy to grab something less healthy. I know fruits are high in sugar---but I am trying to do all things in moderation!!! My DH also works some nights, so when I have left overs, I put them in a sectioned disposable plate, and use the food saver on them, so when he works I have my own ready to heat frozen dinner. In just my size! Those are the nights, I used to run out for huge amounts of fast food!!! I hate cooking a big meal, for just myself--this way I have things I know I like, and it is ready in 2 minutes! It takes some prep---but if you keep the right things around, you can work with a grazing situation!!! Kat

Yeah Julie I am looking forward to Onederland, but first I just want that simple 1/2 pound gone!!! As soon as it goes away (and it must love me because it insists on hanging around) I will drop out of the Obese category---and will be overweight. Then a few more to Onederland, then several more to make my 100 lost. I need to get busy, but have been caught up in some things here, and I have been having lots of fun, so just enjoying it, and not worrying about it a lot. I have a tendency to do that, focus on something, and forget to enjoy the trip---trying to change that. Yes I anticipate that life at 165 pounds will be good---but in reality life right now is pretty great too---so, with that in mind, I am doing my best to make the best of each day! Hope you are feeling ok after your fall! Kat

Boy I am glad Mandy had answers for you Mary!!! I had no idea. Back many years ago I had a school nurse send home a note with Manda threatening to turn me in if I did not have her scoliosis addressed. She did not have scoliosis!!! She had a growth plate on her hip, slipping, and it was causing one leg to seem to be longer than the other due to swelling. I would have gladly discussed this with her, but she never did anything until she sent home the note threatening me! So in order to comply with the school, she was seen at the next Carrie Tingley clinic (not sure if this is local or what---but it is a free clinic that came to town once a month ). Even though she was being treated by an orthopedist, she was still subjected to more Xrays for them to concur with our Dr....that no scoliosis was present. I was a poor single mom, who had no idea how to fight it! I needed y'all then!!! Oh yeah, most of you were just small children!!! Glad Mandy could help you---keep us posted!!! We DEMAND to know his condition!!!! j/k---couldn't resist! Kat

You were steered in the right direction without a doubt!! LBT is one of the best things about my WLS. Losing weight, and getting healthy are great---but equally so are the friendships I have made, and the peace of mind I have knowing there are so many out there, in the same boat I am, willing to share, and support in any way they can. We will all be here, waiting to hear how the surgery went!!! Personally I found the surgery to be a very easy one, with minimal discomfort, I would say I was never in actual pain. The recovery was quick. I know everyone has a different experience---but I was a lucky one! I have had 2 adjustments/fills---and have good restriction. I am just now begining to lose again, after hitting a plateau for 6 weeks or so. Banding was without a doubt one of the best decisions I have EVER made!!! Good Luck to you---we look forward to having you in Bandland! Kat

Good Morning Everyone!! It is supposed to warm up some and be sunny today--I am soooo excited! I want to go outside and soak up some sun, I feel like I am in withdrawal! Today I meet with an attorney--who happens to go to church with us, and agreed to send off the paperwork, file for attorney fees, and accept what if anything she gets. I did get all the supporting paperwork, and he was served with a restraining order yesterday at 2:12 PM, he is not allowed to contact or knowingly come within 500 feet of us. He is not even allowed to drive down the road he was on when he went through the fence, which would put him knowingly closer to their property. She is asking for the fence to be professionally repaired, we went with the lower of the 2 bids which were only $47.00 different. Showing we were not out to financially benefit. But she is asking for $1600.00 in personal time and expenses, which will raise the longer it takes to get fixed, because as it sits right now, the cattle are not able to graze that 13 acre field. She used some sort of agricultural feed per acre, to figure how much we are costing ourselves in grazing land. Plus the time and expense of tracking him down, meeting with him, getting civil stand bys...etc. She is putting a lien on the business until the matter is settled, since it was a business owned truck that went through the fence. She did say she would put something in about having his attorney contact her if he would like to try to settle this sooner than it can get onto the docket, to avoid feed costs raising. We'll see. Rick worked late again last night, and went in early again today, he said this should finish it...I hope so! Of course if he gets home on time tonight---I won't be here!!! My DD and her b/f, and the 2 girls are taking me to "Up With People" tonight. DD and I went every time they were here as she grew up---she so wanted to join the cast--it was just very expensive! So when they come to town I told her, and she insists it will not be the same if I don't go! I am anxious to see how the girls respond--Lindzie is 6, and Kinsey is 2. She couldn't find a b/f with a daughter named with something besides this tongue twister!!! Rhyming names, confuse my old tongue! It should be a fun night. I am putting a roast in the crock pot, so he can have a nice meal when he gets in, and then go to sleep. It might be a good thing I won't be here, he won't feel like he has to stay awake and visit with me, he can catch a couple of extra hours maybe. Hope so! Has anybody heard from Patty? Hope she and the boys are ok! Will try to get back and catch some personals---but know I am thinking of you all!!! Kat

Kara, I think I would explain to your insurance carrier, that YOU pay the premiums, not your Dr. and that YOU want a copy of the requirements concerning WLS. That seems like the royal run around to me. It may not be necessary to get that way, the next rep you talk to may be more than willing to share info...some are rude, some are not, it seemed like it was always luck of the draw. Good Luck! Kat

I didn't have gas issues with the banding, but I did with my hysterectomy...it seemed to help if I changed positions frequently. It seemed like the gas worked it's way up...and my chest and shoulders would hurt. I know it sounds silly, but many swear by this....stand next to the bed, lay your head, shoulders, and torso on the bed, keeping your bum in the air.....they say it helps work the gas to a less painful position. Can't hurt to try it! Hang in there!!! Kat

Betty--as you know I have been in your exact shoes---and understand where you are at right now. Please know I will say an extra special prayer for both of you. And remember, as scary as him possibly having to have surgery is--at least they found it. Not knowing, and not fixing it could have had much more devastating results. I have Rick by my side, because they were able to operate on his mitral valve. And you have your son, so you know what the Dr.'s are capable of...hang on to your faith. ((((big giant hugs)))) Kat

Welcome to Bandland!!! And also to LBT!!! Sounds like you have it down, sip slowly!!! And don't forget to walk, walk, walk!!! Soon all this will be behind you, as well as lots of lost weight! We are glad to have you here!! Kat

I really was just teasing about you two speaking French---it was not my peeve!! I can totally relate to the peeves regarding poor parenting. I owned and operated a day care for 20+ years. It sickened me, to see how far down some children came on their parents list of priorities. Sad. And then they wonder why they do the things they do to get attention. I also have a new Peeve!!! I buy DH a razor, and when I go back to buy refill blades, it is no longer being made....one month later??? No, now they have all the NEW and IMPROVED ones with a gazillion blades!!! Guess we will stick to disposable!!! I am getting such a kick out of this thread----it never fails to make me laugh!! Kat

I realize this is your surgeons policy, but many were not given any sort of pre-op diet at all, and most surgeries simply require nothing by mouth after midnight. Will it ruin your ability to have surgery, I wouldn't think so. However, you cannot eat the last while before surgery, nor following surgery! It is dangerous to do so then, you can rip the stitches holding the band in place. So while we all understand the hunger and the feelings of being out of control with food, you are going to have to dig deep and hang in there for the time remaining before surgery, and then following it! I wish I had good easy answers, but if you can find the strength to get through those times, it does get much easier!!! Hang in there---good luck on your surgery---I hope it is smooth and uneventful! Kat

Relax---eating out is not only possible, but I have found it to be easy! One of my first mushy foods was Taco Bell refried beans! And Wendy's chili---still one of my favorites!!! I still eat Taco Bell on a regular basis. We meet my DH for lunch several times a week...so we eat fast food a lot! Has it slowed my weight loss....maybe, but this is my life, this is how we live. I needed a weight loss plan for life, not something I could do for a few weeks. My numbers (triglycerides, HDL, LDL, Blood Pressure) have all returned to normal ranges, so I know that eating less of it, is having a good result. Taco's, nachos, most mexican food is easy for me to eat. I eat chicken strips, with dipping sauce, tender steak, most places have soups, I also love fajitas, I just don't use the tortilla---eat it with a fork! I love salads at Chili's. I have been able to find something to eat anywhere we have gone. I have had one meal that I got stuck on early on---shrimp at Red Lobster---and ended up in the bathroom, sliming. Yuck!! I have since eaten shrimp without issue, I don't think I realized how hard it is to chew thoroughly! One thing you will have is lots and lots of leftovers!!! Our fridge is full of take out containers of leftovers! Ask for a box, and do not even think you will be able to eat nearly all of it! BUT!!!! You will not be sitting there watching them eat! You will be eating too---just small bites, chewed very, very well. You will be eating slower than they are, but in the end you will finish your small amount at about the same time they inhale the entire plate of food! I have found that as you sit and visit and eat, and laugh and talk, no one notices what the other is eating, or how they are eating it. I don't sit and watch my dining companions eating habits (unless they insist on talking with their mouth full----yuck!!!)...and no one really watches mine! When I am eating dinner with my DH, we often just share a meal, or order an appetizer and one meal....it is very easily adaptable---and not anything to stress over!!! Go----and enjoy the new you---eating out is not only possible, it is enjoyable!!! Kat