Kat817

That was not true for me until I got proper restriction with my second fill. The first made a difference, but it was different only in the fact that I HAD to be careful of eating small bites very slowly, and chewing well. I still experienced hunger. But with the 2nd fill, I lost the hunger. So don't lose hope, it will happen, it just takes some tweaking of the band. Meanwhile practice bandster eating so you do not hurt yourself with a PB right out of the box!!! Welcome to Bandland, and to LBT!!!! We look forward to getting to know you! Kat

Well nerves are normal and to be expected. It does sound like your DH is doing his best. It seems like you need a back up plan in place. Like applying for a new credit card through your bank or something, so that IF the job does not come in on time, you would have a way of financing the surgery for the extra 30 days....then when the job comes in, pay it off, and close the account. I know there are places like citi corp or e-finance that have medical loans....and although the rates are high, you would not be paying it out over long term---but it would give you, and DH a few days breathing room, if something comes up (weather may be a factor for instance) and the job runs over. Other than that....just come back here every little bit, and we will tell you it will all be ok!!!! I think we all had to find something to obssess over!!! Let us know how you are doing and how it is going!!! Kat

AAARRRGGGHHH I just typed up a long post catching up with all of you and it just poof went away! Damn computer---could not be the operator!!! Anyway shortened version--- Betty--I am VERY happy for your brother!!! You are ALL doing so good!!! Still sick here, so is DH---he has cough syrup with codeine, which is helping him, but I am allergic to codeine---so I hack, all day. all night.....have coughed to the point of gagging and throwing up twice, I hate it and it is scary---but can't just quit. I have a prescription pill for coughing---not helping. It is something called Tessalon Pearls. Little clear yellow bead like pills. I actually think it helps some, just not enough. Worries me, so I have gone to liquids for the day.... I have finally been dropping some weight, jumped off the plateau I had been on. Maybe the liquid will help, but it is just as likely to stop it!!! For some reason when I drop below 1100 calores a day, I don't lose squat! Well I am done with the little one for the week, so I am going to hit some Nyquil or something to help me sleep rather than cough all night. Will be back to catch up with each of you...again....(secretly cussing computer still). Keep up the good work everyone! Time for a neb treatment.... Kat

That whole feeling of "she can do it. Why can't I??" is why I readily tell people. Women especially tend to beat up on one another terribly!! It is sad! Meanwhile....I have not had but one negative reaction from my "friends". She didn't do or say anything, to me, about me, she said negative things about another friend who was banded to me. Now she is distant, and when I see her she refuses to discuss it or comment on my weight loss. Which is fine. She was the only teeny tiny one of us, and I have come to the conclusion she preferred it that way. I see it as her loss....the other banded friend and I have a lot to offer, and if she cannot support it, then it is truly her loss. Besides her, no one has reacted negatively, at least to my face. If they choose to discuss it behind my back, all I can say is there is less back to discuss it behind! And my true friends, want only the best for me--and if this works as best for me, they will be happy, just as I would have been for them. Now that all being said, you are in a different situation than I am. The friend I have that is banded is the only one besides me who was severely obese. A couple of them are "natural" size 12-14-16's. But not real big. And then there are a couple who are "natural" size 4's!! But they all seem happy, but there isn't a jealousy thing going on. and I don't mean that jealousy thing negatively...I just mean, that of course if she sees you doing it, she would love to do it too. I felt a bit that way, my friend was banded 7 months before I was. 6 before I figured a way to finance it. So I had the "wish it was me" thing. But more than that I love my friend...I wanted it for her! I hope I can always be the kind of friend who would want what is best for her, regardless of whether I can have the same thing or not!! I mean I have a friend who has a home that is beautiful!!! It is 4500 sq. feet. and she has a pool, and drives cars that are paid for, and has a Christmas tree that is no less than 12 foot high!!! She will neverhave financial worries. Do I wish I had her $$$$? You betcha!!! Do I wish she didn't because I don't? Nope, I am happy for her anyway---she is a good person, she deserves all of it and more!!! Just don't shortchange your friend. She may wish she too could have the surgery....but that doesn't automatically mean she will be vindictive if you do have it. I mean you chose her for your best friend for a reason. Would you want her to tell you? How would you act if it were reversed? I love my band....I really do. I love how it has changed my life, but if I had to choose---I would have chose my friends. I would hate to see an omission of truth destroy a loving friendship. It is something to give serious thought to. But only you know the "type" of friendship you have with one another. Good Luck in your decision! Kat

Hi girls---this Granny is popping in to share a story from today. I babysit for my 2 yr old (as of the 1st) granddaughter, 5 days a week. Today we had to get some pictures redone, that they messed up the printing of. So the woman asks my DGD "how old are you" to which Kinsey replied "2". The woman looks at me, and I nod, so she goes on to ask her "Are you a good girl?" Kinsey very non chalantly says "I a beast"...to which I once again nodded!!! She and a friend "Play" they roar, etc....they say they are beasts a'la Beauty and the Beast. The woman just looked at me like I was horrid, when there are times that truer words were never spoken!!! but "Beasty" or not I love her!!! Glad you girls are getting together for support!!! Kat

Our tree is up and decorated. Not in it's usual style, it is more of a non breakable theme this year!!! I have tons of different icicles, I use each year, as well as blown glass snowflakes. But this year we went with the acrylic ones, so that there are no disasters with the grandkids. We figure the pretties have plenty of time, now we will enjoy the babies, and let the babies enjoy Christmas! As I say that I have a 2 yr. old divesting all the packages of reacheable bows. All was fine until her birthday last week---where she was allowed to pull off bows, and rip paper...now she wants to do it again!!! She will even sing Happy Birthday and go for the presents!!! We had to have her pictures reshot today, because they messed them up in the printing. I did NOT feel like doing that, but since it is part of her Mama's Christmas...we did it. The woman ask her how old she was ...she very calmly says "2" The woman looks at me for confirmation, I nod, she looks at Kinsey and asks her "Are you a good girl" to which she replied "I a beast". Once again I nodded!!! Too too true some days!!! She did ok on her pics, not as happy with them as the originals, but what can ya do? Everyone have a good evening. I will gt back to personals, as soon as I can type more than 2 words without a coughing jag....I have coughed until I gag and make myself sick at my stomach, and that scares me! Has happened twice now. I am trying some new Vicks cough syrup. DH does pretty well, he has some codeine cough syrup that kicks his pretty well, but I am allergic to codeine...dangit! See y'all in awhile! Kat

Kat817 Kat short for Kathy...short for Kathleen...and 8/17 is my birthday. One Sunday School teacher from long ago calls me Kathleen, is all.... Now that my Mom no longer hollers at me when she gets mad (I am not fooling myself that I no longer anger her!!!). In fact when she was not angry at all they usually called me "Sis" around home. If I was irritating her she would call me Kathy Ann---if and when she got around to the full Kathleen Annette---I knew I was in deep trouble!!! Now most of my friends and my DH all call me Kat. Not very imaginative here, as far as my name goes!!! Kat

:happybday2: :happybday2: HAPPY BIRTHDAY DIANNE!!!!:happybday2::happybday2:HOPE YOU HAVE A GREAT DAY!!!! Oh Eileen----I am so sorry hon----please let us know if we can help. It is a scary thing to be reminded how quickly this can happen. I know you will be comfort to the family, just by being you. Finding a more caring person in this world would be hard. Big Hugs to you, and I will pray for comfort for the family. Not going to attempt personals just yet, still cannot breath without coughing my fool head off---gives me a killer headache....DH is down with it too---so we commiserate together. Will be back and catch up with everyone tho. Kat

I would ask her to go to the seminar with me. You can explain prior that it is something you are thinking of, and since you value her opinion, you want her to go with you. Then she can either agree with the whole thing, and all is well, or she will be against it, and you will just have to tell her that while you appreciate that it isn't for her, you think it is for you. On the other hand, she may find the seminar, something that interests her too, and you would have a band buddy built in!!! One of my very best friends is banded, and it is so good to have her to share with!!! Good Luck!! Kat

Patty---I am sooooooo happy for you!!! We will be here for all the ups and downs...and natural last minute jitters. Never doubt that!!! We love ya girl....it's gonna happen!!! YEEEEHAW!!!! Kat

Betty--doncha just hate men and their hyper metabolism...my DH is the same,if she sets his mind to it, he will drop weight quickly with no problem. Lucky!! I got my time in yesterday, but I was watching the clock, it was a chore making the entire 35 minutes, I was feeling short of breath, just tired....and I woke up about 1 this morning with a cold. My chest is so tight, breathing hurts. My throat is sore, nose yucky---the usual. So I am down for a couple of days til I get the lungs opened back up. I don't have any issues with my asthma until I get sick like this, then it hits hard. I have already called to get my prescription filled so I can hit the nebulizer....it will help. You guys keep up the good work, and I will be chasing after you trying to catch up in a few days! Kat

I hear ya Beannie I must be one of Snoterella's snotty step sisters, I am coming down with it hard and fast. My chest is so tight, it is kinda scary. Thinking a Dr. might be the way to go. Sore throat, nasty nose...the usual. I will survive!!! Too damn mean not to! Be back later guys.....a nap is calling me. Kat

Hi Patsy, welcome to LBT!!! As for reflux, it is hard to say. There are many who had it prior, such as yourself, and once they have surgery, it goes away. Then there are others, like myself, who never had it prior and do now. I am going to speak with my Dr. following the holidays and have an endoscopy to check and see if all is ok, and possibly even have a slight unfill, even though I do not feel too tight in any other way. It is impossible to guess how you will do. but I would imagine if the Prilosec is working for you now, it would then as well. Once again---welcome!!! And congrats on your insurance approval---lucky you!!! Kat

Hi Deidre, Welcome to bandland and to LBT!!! Youshould have great results with the band, as you already have the exercise part figured out!!! If you come up with questions, or have milestones to share---please do so!!! LOL...sounds like the BF is a keeper, if ya can't gas him out, then guess ya better hang on to him!!! Seriously tho, it is great that you have a strong support system, I fully believe it simplifies the banded journey. I was close to the same size as you, I am 5'9" and began at 289. I am down 75 pouns now, and it has been 7 months. The difference is so HUGE and amazing, it is impossible to comprehend! From a size 22/24, to a 14/16. But I too exercise, and enjoy it!!! I've got several years on you...so if I can do it...so can you!!! This band is an awesome helper!!! It is good to have you here. I look forward to getting to know you better! Kat

Congratulations on taking the first step!!! It does lend a sense of reality to it all! Losing weight, and even plateaus take on new meaning when the weight does not come back! The reigning in of the hunger monster was the epitome of success to me. I too could get very emotional over it! I wish they had a support group where I live, but they don't the closest is held monthly and is almost 200 miles away. In the summer months I may try to attend a meeting, but with winter weather here to stay awhile, I won't even try. We are glad you are joining us here at LBT---if you have any questions, feel free to ask away. This is an awesome place for support! Kat

OMG he is precious!!!! I too would be too busy nuzzling that little sweetie to post!!! But we are glad you are back, and now you have new reasons for getting and staying healthy!!! Congratulations to you all---he is indeed as cute as can be!!! That is said through the knowing eyes of a Granny!!!! Welcome back! Kat

When lying in bed at night, where all your fears rear their ugly heads....my health was on the forefront. I would imagine dying from one of the diseases (High blood pressure, diabetes on the way, strong familial history of heart disease) I was dealing with, and no one being able to lift my casket at the funeral. I could see them rolling me out, and every person there knowing it was because I was too fat to carry. In the light of day---vanity was the most obvious. I didn't want to be looked at funny when I went out to eat. I did not want to be the biggest person in the room at DH's company Christmas party. I wanted to buy clothes and bra's off the rack, in ANY store!!! But I knew my diet history....and knew that as badly as I wanted it, it was a distant if not impossible dream, until I heard of lapbanding!!! Now 75 pounds lighter, in the daytime I do still recognize the "look" change first and foremost......I have dropped sizes, and can shop in "normal" stores!!! But true to form, at night when thinking back on things it is the fact that I no longer take a single prescription medication! And should an accident happen---my casket CAN be lifted!!! Warped yes.....still comforting to my overactive mind!! Kat

Mine does not use any numbing agent, nor does he use fluoro as a general rule. he will do either or both if requested. It was not pleasant the first time, as it took several sticks to locate the port ( a low profile, placed by a different Dr.) But once he found it, he explained how he KNEW he found it, and proved it to my DH! The second fill also took a few pokes, but all has been well, it is minor discomfort---would rather have those pokes than the 75 pounds back!!! Hope your next fill goes smoother for you---try asking for something to numb you next time, since he obviously has it and had used it for someone prior to your visit. Good luck with your new fill!!! Remember to stick to liquids for awhile, and let the irritation go down some!!! You are on your way!!WoooHooo!!!! Kat

I agree Anne, so we will just refuse to let it happen! There that's done! Betty, I would love for someone nice to come into his life, and make him a happy man. There is a part of me that wants him to be a miserable as he made my DD. BUT my DGD has to go and stay with him. So I want the woman to be nice and loving to her, and I want her to grow up well adjusted, so I want her Daddy to be a happy loving man. The only way to accomplish these things is with his happiness, so I am hoping he finds it. Right now all he is concentrating on is getting his family back, but that ship has sailed, and he is the one who pushed them out to sea....so someday soon I hope he get's it together and finds happiness. He called again, as we were leaving to go to the Polar Express Train Ride...and did his best to wangle an invite to it. Now keep in mind it was part of DH's company Christmas celebration for the kids, you had to make reservations. So DH ask him (they work for the same company---a job DH got him several years ago), he said no he wasn't gonna go, the movie was lame, and she was too young. So we made reservations for all the grandkids to go with us. He had a chance to take her for a Daddy/Daughter time and refused. No way was I going to have him horn in again! Speaking of our Train Ride, it was GREAT!!!! The older kids were able to connect what we were doing to the movie, which we watched that afternoon. The 2 yr. old knows Santa, and surprisingly was not afraid!! The 9 month old....screamed if Santa or the Mrs. or an elf came near him!!! But he was mesmerized by the lights! Our 6 yr GS Mason, kept asking us "Am I really on a real train? Is it really moving or is it a movie?" I was exhausted by the time we got home, but it was a blast. The GD who is staying with us right now, woke up early this morning when Grampa went to work, and tells us "Ianna go train" Ianna is her word....she wants to see, to touch, to smell, to taste, to go...everything !!! Dang Eileen....hate that you are chained to your desk....sorry. Ivan....just gotta say I shoulda seen the auction before I finished my Christmas shopping....coulda bought some bands!!! That is hard to believe!!! And you are right it isn't cheap at all!!! But some people (my PCP's wife) would look into it. She is about 30-40 pounds overweight, seriously diabetic, and unwilling to adjust her diet accordingly. I told her point blank, that if she was unwilling to adjust her diet for the diabetes then she would find band/diet just as difficult. That it does require you to follow an eating plan. She just told me that is not the way it was explained to her. OK...know it all busy body anyway!!! Cindy--I am getting so excited for your retirement countdown---and my life is not even going to change!!! Cassie--sorry we didn't warn you about the monthly move of chats--it keeps our pages down and manageable. Mushies are a good change from liquids, but also remind you more of what you are missing food wise. It too will pass. What did you do to cause the PB, too much too fast? I did really well with Pintos & Cheese from Taco Bell. They were heaven sent! Now my DS made us some on the outdoor wok that were awesom, but just way too much work for 4-5 bites!!! I would take justa few bites, then come back for more later. It was hard....but it passes, look how far you have come, and the weight is dropping!!! You are doing it girl!!! Congrats!!! Well the GD finally woke back up and is ready for breakfast---bbl Kat

Wow! I hope you get some answers!!! Maybe esophagitis? I have no clue!! I have heard of people having surgery and then having to go back in because they had a stone left in the duct, but it happens soon following surgery, not months. I will be watching to see what you find out!! Good Luck! Kat

Hi Susie, thankfully I have not had any issues to my current knowledge of erosion personally. If yo go to the top of the page there is a SEARCH tab, if you type in erosion there, you can get lots of information. I am sure somewhere in there you will find stats on it happening. Now that said, please keep in mind....there are a few different kind of people posting here. The majority fall into the "newbie" category---less than a year out of surgery, and still soaking up information. Then there are people seeking answers for problems. So if it seems there are a lot of complications, keep that in mind. Few people simply post to say "I'm doing great today" where as they do post if they are having a problem, because they need support. Then there are the angels...the long timers who stick around and help us!!! They answer the same questions over and over, and do it happily! The point of that being, at first it seemed to me there were a lot of threads concerning bad problems, but when I realized that they all come looking for help, whereas the ones doing well are not...it made more sense. There are some who believe being over filled, and too tight can lead to erosion. Others, including my Dr. say it is just something that happens sometimes, often without reason. Erosion is when the band works it's way into the actual stomach itself. It has to be removed then. Sometimes, after healing you can be re-banded, but not always. Most people I have read who have it say it is painless. They just notice a big change in restriction. I think if you find the actual percentages it will help you relax! Good Luck!!!! And welcome to LBT! Kat

Hi Melissa---welcome to LBT! And welcome to bandland! Sounds like you are doing great!!! The quick weight loss makes all the liquids seem worthwhile doesn't it!!! This is a really helpful and supportive site....if you have any questions or have discovered any really good protein drink recipes...just want to whine, or brag----do it here!!! Once again...welcome! Kat

Congrats on getting your date!!! Soon you will be in bandland!!! I didn't personally use that Dr. but I know I hear his name frequently! If you have any last minute questions, just pop in and ask away---we will try to help all we can!!! And welcome to LBT!!! Kat

Tree is up. Indoor decorating is done. Outside lights are up, and now lit (12/1). Cards are mailed. About 2/3 of the shopping is done, and the majority of that is wrapped and under the tree. Grandkids went to see Santa last night on a Polar Express Train....it was an awesome trip!!! I have to get mine done early because both Mom and MIL depend on me to do the biggest part of theirs. Dawn I understand your ornament situation. I have almost all icicles on my tree...and I have some beauties, blown glass ones, crystal studded ones...just some amazing works of art!!! BUT this year I have a 6 year old and 9 month old grandsons, and 5 and 2 year old granddaughters....so most of my icicles this year are acrylic, and the occasional non sentimental glass ones. The worst culprit by far is the youngest, that boy does not get "NO" even in Granny's mean voice he could care less. You can pull him away, he crawls right back. They refuse to spank his hands....so it is a constant fight to keep him away...he is stubborn personified! I do not approve of any form of abuse, but training him and teaching him what he can and cannot do is another issue, and in my opinion one they are not doing with him...but here is the only place I have shared that opinion, I have not been the busy body Mom or Mother in law, that I would like to be over this!!! I mean the Christmas tree is really inconsequential....how he acts as a child is not! Oh well...in the meantime, plain old ornaments for us!!! Sorry about the loss of yours...maybe it will impress upon your DD how special friendships are. To have seen you so upset over it. Enjoy your decorating everyone!!! Kat

I would look over my policy very closely, and if I didn't have it available, I would ask that a copy of the coverage requirements be sent to me. Otherwise, they can deny you without you knowing exactly WHY. I would think it would be better to be very prepared than having to fight for it after a denial. Do your homework now!!! Good Luck!! Welcome to LBT!!! Kat