Kat817

Oh my goodness, I would be doing the same then---I would do it myself, as I said. I am a cancer survivor, mine was discovered fairly early, and with treatment along with hysterectomy, I have shown no new signs in 4 years now.....one more year, and I can say I beat it!! Mine was uterine, not cervical---but either way---it is scary as hell, and all that poking around is horrid!!! I applaud your decision! Kat

My DD is a nurse for a local GP, and she said they have received numerous calls asking if it was available yet. She also said that they have made such a PR campaign of it, stating that it is responsible for most cervical cancer cases, that they have a young girl in her Senior year of HS who has cervical cancer, and of all things her classmates are shunning her and calling her a slut among other things---and my DD as the attending nurse, says it could not be more untrue...the girl is a virgin...or at any rate still has an intact hymen, and claims zero partners. She is now taking antidepressants along with being sent to a GYN.....for monitoring and treatment. If I was within the age, and sexually active, I would probably do it. My DD who is in the age group but in a monogamous relationship, said no she would not get it. She said she would prefer to see some long term studies. Interesting question....will you opt for the vaccine for your granddaughter? It seems so easy...until it is our loved ones we are making decisions for doesn't it!!! Kat

:clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: YEEE-HAWWW!!!!:clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: My thoughts have been on you off and on all day wondering if you had heard anything, or pulled your own hair out yet! I am SOOOOO glad you got good news!!! I hope your surgery and recovery are smooth and uneventful---keep us posted. I am so happy for you! Kat

I do the same, and like I said before it had always worked for me to up my caloric intake a bit, and I would bounce right off the plateau, until this time!!! Now however, that the scale has started to move again, it is continuing to go down. It is now in half pound increments---but I refuse to complain! I think your post points out what upsets me most with the direction this original post took, and that is that we (especially women) tend to beat up on one another...when all any of us want is support. Now I totally agree on honesty and calling a spade a spade, but find no sense in putting someone down to do it. I loved getting this post from you---it made my day---it feels like regardless of what else I do today,at least I did something right!!! This thread didn't get bad, but boy some of them just bash away at one another---the drama!! Maybe it is my age, I just click a button and go read another. I raised 2 teenage girls, I have had enough drama! Kat

Try a sip or 2 of a warm drink first...is what I have read. Kat

Since it "just came up" I wouldn't think it was too violent on the stomach. A couple that I am friends with, flew to Mexico for their surgeries--they were both banded--and he got air sick coming home, and heaved violently repeatedly. He called as soon as they landed, and the Dr. told him to go clear liquids, some gatorade, and flat 7-up. And to sip non stop---never fill the stomach, but never let it fully empty. He has lost over 120 pounds now, and is maintaining, and doing great..... Sounds like you just had too much swelling following the shock of something in your stomach---go back to liquids, and try to slowly introduce thicker liquids....then a little thicker...you may just have to go VERY slowly back to a normal diet. And keep this in mind when you begin to get fills---it will likely react the same way! Good Luck! Kat

Yeah, the fear of surgery was a biggie!!! I must say tho, that my MIL woke up during her double knee replacement, and even though she was awake enough to actually tell them later what she remembered, she said there was no pain, no fear, and she didn't even realize she was intubated. If she had not been able to tell the Dr. that the nurse was talking about a dog bite, no one would have believed her---including herself she said!!! She said it was surreal, and nothing to make her leery of any future surgeries, in fact it calmed her down, knowing it wasn't like suddenly being wide awake and aware. She has had surgery since without issue. I was out right through it, in fact I resented the hell out of the nurse wanting me to wake up....I was sleeping good!!! You'll be fine.....nerves are normal. Your dream makes me think of the commercials with Abe Lincoln and the groundhog (or whatever it is) dreams sometimes seem so real!!! Kat

Count me in for the mentor plan. As well as whatever is in the works for our Feb challenge, I will do my best. Congrats on the 4th place finish Betty---looks life 4 is your number this week---4th place, 4 pounds.....Wow!!! You will be there before you know it. Dawn, I am glad the knee is feeling better. I think mine is as well, not enough to be sure of it, but....I am going to continue as I am doing, and hope it heals. We are leaving Thursday, and will be in Denver for a couple of days. Rick's sister is having knee replacement surgery....speaking of knees!!! So we are going to go up and make sure she is ok. We are going to take my MIL with us--my FIL is getting to a point he refuses to leave home, and she is unable to drive herself, so we will all go together. Amourette--you better not cut us off from your dating drama!!! We all follow it like a good book!!! I am really proud of you for having the pride in yourself to go swimming with the new boyfriend. As attracted as he will be to the new shape you have, the confidence has to be just as attractive to him! Way to go Girlie!! Boo--that is a wonderful achievement for your brother--please congratulate him for me! I love the fact that suddenly you are competition for him again!!! Surprise Bro---here she is!!! Julie--I am so glad MO is in your past, another pound or so, and I will simply be overweight---who would have ever thought I would celebrate being overweight---but I will!!! Will have to celebrate with something other than food!!! oh crud---gotta go----neightbor is here Kat

Hi--take a deep breath!! It is all going to be ok, even if you do decide to change directions, the point is you have decided to do something! There are definite pros and cons to each surgery, and your own lifestyle and your current health for instance will help you decide what is right for you. I can give you the reasons I chose banding---but it is a very personal decision. I have had 2 fills, and while I don't have to force myself to eat, I often forget to eat, if I am busy. The emotional eating out of boredom etc, can still be an issue with me, but it would have been the same with bypass...it is referred to around here as "head hunger"---for good reason, my belly is not hungry, I want the physical act of eating...and food has been my "best friend" for many years. It was always there, good times, bad times, adn everything between. Yes there will likely be a time where you are hungry as you heal. In order not to alter your body permanently as in bypass, when they put the band on, they will pull up a portion of the lower (larger) stomach and stitch it over the band to hold it in place securely. You must stay on liquids during this time to assure it will heal properly...not digesting food gives the stomach time to be still. Most Dr.s wait from 6-8 weeks before the first fill. The stomach is swollen from surgery for awhile, so there is not hunger, but as the swelling goes down, yes you will feel some hunger. As you heal, you can eat to assuage that....and then you can begin the fill process. With my first fill I did not get much restriction, but I could not eat anything like I used to the amount was lessened, and I was forced to eat slower and chew well to assure it was pain free! Then I got good restriction with my second fill and have not been hungry since then. That was back in July. I will say although I felt hunger, I lost weight at a steady pace, even then...the amount I was eating at each sitting, was reduced significantly. I have no plans at this point in time for another fill...when I can eat much more, or I am no longer full for several hours following eating, then I will. Fills are not a big deal! Each Dr. seems to have his own schedule for fill amounts. I was given 1.25cc. the first fill, and just another .50 the second was all it took to achieve the restriction I was wanting. There are full threads comparing what each Dr. has used as a fill schedule. You will lose weight at a slower pace than your friend with RNY, but studies show at 2 years out we are all in the same weight loss range, and the need for follow up plastic surgery is lessened with the slower, steadier loss. You will also be able to get your nutrients through food as opposed to expensive supplements--food alone will keep you from being malnourished. Most RNY patients cannot tolerate sweets, they lead to "dumping", sudden uncontrollable, diarrhea. I personally wanted to lead as normal of a life as possible. I wanted to eat cake at my grandkids birthdays---I just wanted to be satisfied with a small piece, and not half the cake! I can do that now. I eat small, healthy meals. When you are not hungry you can make much wiser choices in your food intake. When you come in starving you just grab the closest thing at hand---and it is usually a bag of chips or cookies. Now, I can take time to get me something filling and healthy, because I am not dying to eat. Now my personal reasons for opting with the band. First of all, it is reversible if need be. Not knowing how I would react to any WLS, this seemed less dangerous. Added to that, I am a cancer survivor--that increases my odds of recurrence. With the band, if I should have a recurrence, I can have my fill removed, in order to get the needed nutrition or treatment during an illness. I also keep hearing on the news about them isolating the gene that causes obesity etc. I figured with the band being reversible, if they find a "cure", I will still be able to take advantage of the discovery. As it is right now, they have developed a new band. It will be adjusted by remote control. No port, no tubing, no needles. The Dr. will calibrate and adjust by remote. With the band, if we were to choose to change ours out---we can. Once they cut away the majority of your stomach--it is GONE!!! And lastly---sorry this has been so long---you do read on here about a lot of hunger, and complications. But if you will go to the home page, and find the number of members on LBT--the number is high!!! But there are nowhere near that many posting. Once the majority are banded, and trouble free, they are not here posting...the ones here, are the newbies, and those with problems. There are some like me (and I am still new to this really) who just hang out due to friendships made, and just to yack!! But we don't get daily posts from the ones doing just fine, and sailing along...the board would be full of threads "Another Great Day" , " Still Going Strong", You get the idea----I think it would be awesome to see the numbers tho!!! I would also look into the numbers of people regaining weight following RNY---as there is not any way to adjust it. So yes, you may get hungry, but we have all dieted in the past and survived it. In my opinion a few days of hunger for a lifetime of an intact, healthier body---was an easy decision. I hope your nerves calm down, and that you make a decision that will allow you to have a healthy happy surgery and life!! Kat

I don't know, I was banded back in April, and did pretty good until a couple of months ago (would have been 7 months out). Now the group of April Bandsters I fall right about middle of the road, some have lost less, some a lot more---a couple of our April Bandsters have lost over 140 pounds already!!! I do think you get to a point that you have to add in some exercise if you aren't already---it keeps your metabolism up or something. Jane, I wish I had the answer---everyone here would love me!!! I was told early on that the question was not IF you would hit plateaus, it was WHEN would you hit them!!! Same as the hair issue--they told me, it was hit or miss, some lost it regardless of what they did, others were not affected. Of course with my luck, I hit the plateau, and my hair is falling like crazy----figures!!! The only thing I can say, is there is 84 pounds less of me to worry with! Hang in there, the plateau will pass....don't get discouraged! Kat

I can eat most anything, and have eaten a variety when eating out. Mexican is by far the easiest---and also happens to be my favorite, so we do lots of it! I eat enchiladas, chimichangas, tacos---you name it. I do avoid the sopapillas---figure they are too much bread. We go to Outback, I eat steak and baked potatoes, soup--I do have to be very careful with french fries, they seem to go very slowly if I eat them---so usually just avoid them all together. A friend and I do lunch at Chilis every week or so, and I love their Crispy Chicken Salad----I order extra dressing to go, and tell them I need a box early on.....because I can eat on that salad for 3 meals, and then still have some to throw away!!! Huevos Ranchero is my favorite breakfast out, but the other day I had chicken fried steak, and eggs....the gravy makes the meat an easy do. I don't do pancakes at all---just have never tried them. I don't do a lot of bread products, just because they fill me up so fast, and the full does not last. And we have such small pouches to fill up--I usually try to do it with better foods. The other night in Red Lobster, I had ordered a salad, and ask the waitress if I could just order a single piece of fish...nothing else. I explained to her I had had WLS and fish just didn't reheat well. She said she was sorry, but no, they had no way to just order a single piece as a side....she paused for effect, and then said, but don't worry, I'll get you one anyway. And she did, when their meals come out she brought me a plate, and it had 2 small pieces of fish, some tarter sauce, and some rice pilaf! When the ticket was brought to us, there was nothing on it concerning my meal...she got a GREAT tip!!! We ask for her name, and will request her from here on, and she will continue to get great tips with that service! We eat out regularly---and I have yet to be anywhere that I can't find something to eat....it is nice, like Mandy said, not to worry about what you order not being the biggest plate they sell---you know whatever you get, it will be plenty! Don't be afraid to go out---get out there and start enjoying this new life!! Kat

Well if they didn't think it was necessary then, maybe they will still think that. Don't borrow worries....I think you have enough...poor you. I will be watching tomorrow to see what you find out----hang in there---we are ALL pulling for you! Kat

Ooooh ---sounds like we have a 208 conspiracy or something going on!!! I wish I had a magic answer for you---but I don't! I tried everything I could think of to break the plateau. I usually can bust one by upping my caloric intake for a few days, and then I start burning off the weight again---not this time! I lowered my calories---nothing. I upped my exercise----nothing. I have no idea hwy it finally started again, but very glad it did! I was stuck for over 2 months--I did however lose several inches during that time---not quite sure how that works---but it did! I had originally hoped to be in Onederland by the first of the year, and then I hit 208.5, and it stopped! Now I only have 2 pounds to go, and I will not be obese any longer---merely overweight!!! Who would have ever thought I would celebrate being overweight??? Then a few more to Onederland, then another 10 after that, and I will be at my 100 pounds lost point. I had/have all these little goals, and it all came to a screeching halt! Finally it is moving again, and even if I cannot tell you why---I am just thankful it is! So I guess my only advice would be to relax, when your body "catches up" or whatever, it will start again. It did relax me in regards to the maintenance...I know for a fact, I can eat, normally and comfortably, and maintain a weight....when I get to goal, it will be easier to maintain than I was afraid it would be. If I figure out why I finally started losing I will let you know. The only thing I changed and I do mean ONLY thing, is I began drinking a small glass of pineapple juice in the evening---I was told it helps cleanse the pouch. Buy a carton---couldn't hurt!!! Good Luck---I will let you know how it goes! Kat

Oh you poor thing! I am so sorry! I wish there was something I could do to help. If things have to be postponed, is there a way to reschedule your week off? I mean the "things" can hang in there---but sometimes work is not so easy. At least you know what the hang up is, and who is working to resolve it---I would stay in close contact tomorrow.... I will send up a quick prayer for you---and I DO hope it all works out for you. ((((biggggg huggggs)))) Kat

Trish, from what I see, when people make goal, without issue, they no longer hang around, they are out there...but not in here frequently anymore. I did talk to one woman several years out, she had actually been banded 5 years ago when they were stationed in Italy---but she is never here anymore.....so good luck!!! Seems like we have put off really "living" for so long, that when we get there, we go for it!!! Not much time for the boards then....but can you blame them!!?? Kat

I hear ya on street names Mookie----I had ordered some items from an adult store (nothing tooooooo bad!!!) and you should have heard the pause on the other end of the line when I gave my address as Church Street!!!! Somewhere...sometime...there must have been a church somewhere!!! Kat

Thank you silry---I have never tried to be mean to anyone on this board--and feel bad if it was taken that way. Hotpink--hang in there---give us a break, as we ALL need it from time to time!!! This is off topic---but I have FINALLY broke my plateau---I had stalled at 208.5 for months!!! And in the last 2 days I finally have been dropping again!!! Now there is a stinking piece of leftover birthday cake screaming my name---so I think I will hit the treadmill and see if I can shut the cake up!!! Wish me luck! Kat

We end up at Casa Bonita every few months when we go to Denver. We go as a HUGE family group, then us adults can sit after "dinner" and talk, and the kids are entertained!! We had our own South park moment concerning Casa Bonita a couple of years ago. We went and did our usual dinner, and there were 5 vehicles full of us cars/SUV/van. We got back to my sister in laws---all the way out in Golden---and one of our group was missing. Come to find out we had left a nephew behind!!! Luckily he was 15, old enough to realize it, and called his Grandma's cell phone, and they went back and got him. We give him so much grief about it still....being so bad everyone just left him!!! My youngest DD is STILL afraid of gorillas, because of the "gorilla" they have running around scaring her underneath the table when she was 4----she is 24 now!! The food is pretty lame--but has been bandster ok for me---it is always a good time. Well if I stay out of the damned cave!! Claustrophobia hits hard---all those little kids breathing MY air!!! Try to catch it next time, they did a pretty good job of capturing it on South Park, it is worth the trip....and the line! Kat

Cake sounds much better than my fish for dinner.....bummer!!! Kat

I really don't believe anyone was trying to further hurt your feelings. You came here as an adult, and are among adults. We will be here to support you 100% as you travel through the band process. The lesson here, is not necessarily a band lesson, but a life lesson and that as I see it is.... You will NEVER be able to change the life guard, nor the manager's actions...the only person you have the full ability to change is yourself. Planning this surgery is a HUGE step---one in the right direction as far as I am concerned. Learning to care more about what you think than others, is another lesson---one I am still trying to master. We may not always say what you want to hear---like I say you are here as an adult, with adults...but we will always try to be honest, and helpful in our comments. Yes, the lifeguard handled it wrong---he should have assured you all was well, and went on, but the sad fact is he didn't. But you let him win....even with contacting the manager...by letting him know he "got to you" you let him win. You have to toughen up that shell, as hard as it is to do...allowing him to run you from the pool was bad, but to ruin your entire weekend was giving him way too much power!!! You are worth way more than his piddly ass comments---his or anyone elses. Kat

I recieved 1.25cc. with my first fill, and all I had to do was eat a little slower, and I could still eat all I wanted, with no restriction. So a month later I had my second fill, he only added .50, so I expected it to be a total waste of time and money---but, make that a big BUT...I got restriction with that little difference!! That was done last July, and I am still riding it along with good restriction. First fills are seldom enough---I was shocked and surprised that 2 did it for me, I expected 3-4. Hang in there---depression, even anger are perfectly normal. It is all part of a grieving process---and we truly ARE grieving the loss of our comfort in food as we knew it. Food took us through many things, happy, sad, painful, food was always there. Now we made a decision and lost that friend (who also made us obese!!). Going through all the emotions is normal---don't stress, you are not a failure, you just have a tool that is not working yet....you know a cordless drill with a dead battery---is still a cordless drill whether it works or not is another story---your fills will "charge your battery" and you will get going just like everyone else. Until then, hang out...vent....we have all been through it...we do feel your upset!!! Kat

I am sorry it hurt your felings so badly. Trying to make a decision concerning WLS, is likely what had your emotions so close to the surface. It is hard to be the butt of other people's jokes. As you age some and are around more adults, it does lessen---lucky for you, you will have had this surgery done, and it will not be a problem for long. Now...in my opinion, maybe you just kinda scared the lifeguard into not knowing WHAT to say. I understand that we joke about things like that, in an effort to cover up our feelings, and hoping if we say it first--maybe they won't say anything. It is kind of like asking a guy if an outfit makes our butt look big....well for most of us it already IS big---and he has no right answer, and then being mad because he said the wrong thing. I am not blaming you for it, but it just sounds like one thing leading to another, and the outcome was not pleasant. Now I know you didn't ask for it, but the Mama in me must point out, that in an effort to get the manager, or the people in charge to take your complaint seriously, you must present the problems in a serious, adult manner---cursing and doing it in an emotional way, will likely get you nowhere. They will assume your bad attitude led to the problem, and dismiss you as opposed to the employee. Next time, hold your tongue, rehearse in your head a level, calm way of explaining the problem...find the manager,detail your complaints to them, and also what you EXPECT them to do to fix the problem. I have never heard of that motel chain---I am sorry you had such an unpleasant experience, it sounded like it could have been lot's of fun! Maybe you will have to do a re-visit when you are thinner and see if any of the same people are working there, and do a Pretty Woman thing....mistake, BIG mistake!!! Have you made a decision on a Dr., or a time for surgery? I fully believe getting control of the problem at your age will be a wonderful thing---I wish I had the last 20+ years back....without the obesity. I wish you luck.....I hope your surgery goes smoothly, as well as your recovery. Come back and let us know! There is excellent support available here 24/7. Hang in there---we feel your pain!!! Welcome to LBT by the way! Kat

Not a big deal guys---I will do my best to answer anything---can't guarantee I know anything tho!!! Kat

Sorry Dawn I have no advice, but I sure can empathize. Ever since my fall on the ice on the porch, my knee is in serious pain. Straight or bent, it is fine, it is the act of bending that has me gasping. Same pain I had with the accident, and the torn meniscus. Same knee too, I had it operated on just over a year ago, and it feels like I ruined what I had done. The bruising is still worse on the other knee--which has been operated on as well---but there is no pain in it. It has sidelined me. I can walk with minimal pain, not enough to make me even think about it, but steps---ouch. Has kept me from Curves, has kept me from my exercise ball routine, all kinds of things--DH wanted to make a quick motorcycle run (to keep the battery charged up etc.), and I always go---I love it, but the angle of the bend to ride----I got back off and stayed home. It is depressing me big time. I am also contemplating going back to work. I was offered a job, and am just at the point of weighing my options. Will make a decision within the next week or so. For now I am doing my best to watch my food intake, and to move as much as I can without bending! We are still lifting weights every other night, and I did some extra last night, plus did some crunches...all kinds of silly movements to keep my heart rate up for awhile. Will do some walking today---trying to wait out the pain, and hope it eases up----thinking positive! Will check back later---hope everyones week is off to a great start! Kat

Oh yeah Sherilynn---the too much perfume people---my husband calls them marinators!!! Kat