Kat817

Hi all--well we made it up and back for my SIL's fill with no problems. We saw a HUGE herd of Rocky Mountain Big Horn Sheep! Dianne--your Mommom sounds like a sweetie, I miss my Grandma something awful!!! And that winking Lucy, just irritates my "dog fever"!!! Beannie--- WTG!!!! WOOOHOOOO!!!! Time to set a new goal for yourself....I bet you are walking on air today!!! Eileen--yep been looking over the black Friday ads (cheating and looking at them now online!!!) to see where I want to go and what we want to buy. DH is so good, he goes with me, he is much more patient than I am!!! We go different directions, get what we want, and go have breakfast!!! We usually end up with lists from the parents, of what they want us to pick up for them "while we are there", like it is a walk in the park as opposed to wall to wall shoppers!!! But it is always fun, people are usually in great moods! Glad your little one is feeling better!!! Jules--welcome--you are right we are a funny bunch----in oh so many ways!!! Seriously tho, these women have been an amazing support to me through the banding and highs and lows of life. For people I have never met face to face, I have no problem whatsoever, calling them my friends....which is not something I do lightly. Find time for us between work and school...come here to unload! Mary--glad you got your car back...you get 'em girl!!! Sounds like a fun time with the boys. There are times, that doing those things with them is much more important than a few hours on the paycheck. They will never remember how much that check was for, but they will remember the day. Good move!!! Cindy--good luck with the new 'puter! Cassie---hope you are home and in healing mode now...we are here waiting! Patty-glad the flu is on it's way out. Poor you!!! Betty---I just picture you each morning, having your coffee...the whole morning, you just have a way of telling us what's going on so that I feel like I am there!! Darcy--let's see some more of your work! The quilt really is awesome....be proud. Cindy, Sherry, Chris, Pat, and anyone else my tired brain missed!!!....I would love to hang out, but it has been a long day, and the pistachios I snacked on (maybe 3 or 4) are killing me...making my belly just feel sore, dummy me!!! I am going to go lie down....will catch all of you tomorrow!!! Kat

Amy--having been through both, let me know if you need to talk--shoot me a PM. Hang in there. ((((Big hugs))) Kat

I'm with Leatha, I turn on the DMX, and my granddaughter and I dance ourselves silly!!! She also loves it when we "play" on the balance ball. I know you are seriously looking for some hard core workouts....not trying to make light of that. Keep up the good work! Kat

Stress can definitely make us react with the band. But you are likely also dealing with residual gas pain. Use your little breathing device they should have given you after surgery --the incentive spirometer. If you didn't get one, try to take several deep, steady (not sudden fast inhales) breaths every hour. Slowly try to increase the depth of the breath. If it does not get any easier, or if you begin to cough, or run a fever, contact your Dr. ASAP. It could also be too soon for you to be eating mushies, you may want to try at least a few more days of liquids, it may be too much weight on your stomach this early. Good Luck, I hope you feel better soon, and I hope your Dad gets good news concerning his cancer....it CAN be beat...I am living proof! Kat

Even on Atkins, where I literally ate nothing but protein, and now getting an average of 65-70 grams a day for months on end...and I am losing it... I do know thanks to the Atkins experience, it will stop, and it will grow back. It is not enough to make me wanna stop the weight loss!!! Kat

Well Bobby, I can tell you that it is the problem of overfilling the small pouch created by being banded. It eventually causes the pouch to be enough bigger than the band that it droops over the band and is therefore difficult to empty out. I know this is not a very technical answer, but it is how it was explained to me!!! If you go to the search tab, and type it in, you may find more information on how to tell if that is a problem you may be experiencing...or some stats on how common it is...that kind of thing. In fact, I may go look it up myself, I am sure it is something we should all know about and be aware of the warning signs...since we all have shown we DO know about overeating!!! Good Luck in your research!! Kat

Hi Jan--glad things are improving for you! Mandy--girl you look like you could be Abi's big sister!!!! She has beautiful eyes...what a little sweetie. At least her Chicken Nuggets aren't too bad. My oldest DD had them horribly, in her eyes, ears, nose, all over her, between her little toes...she was only 16 months old, had not learned to scratch yet...and only ended up with one scar, the bump on her face I washed off before knowing she was breaking out with chicken pox--we were on our way to get pictures made, and I just scrubbed her little face!!! Mean ol' Mama!!! Kat

He did not elaborate on the laxative issue, he did say the fiber pills or a metamucil type of product can swell in the pouch and not pass through easily, because you cannot get enough water at one time to liquify it enough. I was convinced I didn't want to try that!!! Kat

Looks like I am just following you around the site tonight!!! My Dr, recommended an OTC stool softener, taken 2 times a week. I try to remember it, and usually get it close to twice weekly, and have had no problems. He did say to watch and make sure the one I got did not have additional laxative, and to stay away from the fiber pills, that they could prove to be VERY problematic with the band. I like cookies---so I like the solution!!! Kat

I currently have good restriction, and have no plans of changing that. I have 1.75 cc.'s in now, my band holds a max of 4cc.'s. I can eat pretty much anything except dry meats. And since I have no intention of cooking a dry turkey, I guess I will be fine!!! I intend through the upcoming holidays to continue my exercise, and to continue t drink at least 60 oz. of water a day--but I am not going to worry too much about my food choices. My band will keep me in check. I may slow my losing down, but I intend on enjoying the holidays to the fullest! We usually have a HUGE family get together. We will have Turkey, dressing (also not stuffed in the bird), mashed potatoes, gravy--2 kinds, my MIL make giblet gravy (gag me!!!) I make plain old smooth Turkey gravy(!!!),sweet potatoes (with brown sugar and marshmallows), dinner rolls, several vegetable dishes, a relish tray, stuffed celery sticks, usually someone brings a fruit salad, as well as the one with the coolwhip and fruit. It usually takes an entire table to hold dessert as well, there are all kinds of pies, and several sugar free, as both my MIL & FIL are diabetic. Lots of cool whip. Gallons of iced tea, choice of soda pop.....it is a feast of massive proportions. And I used to eat my massive share of those massive proportions!!! This year, I will eat what I can, of what I want, and if I want more later, I can always go back and get it! I opted to get the band as opposed to other options, so that I could live as normal of a life as possible---and for now I choose to celebrate the holidays with my family....my band will be helping keep me in check, and will be waiting for me the day after, to start working it again. Life with this band is good...I am soooo thankful!!! Kat ps--what's 5 cup salad?

Hi everyone--between finishing up the last of the leaves, my walks, Curves, and an additional walk to and from Church this morning, I made my weekend count!! Actually I should get extra credit---like an attagirl--for walking to church this morning, I had my granddaughter--and heels!!! It was an NSV for sure!!! I truly would like to be in Onederland by the first of the year, but to be very honest, I am not sweating it. Part of the reason I chose the band over other options, was so that I could live a normal life. One of the reasons all my previous diets failed, was a feeling of deprivation. My warped mind goes berserk as soon as I tell it I cannot have something! I want to be able to eat Thanksgiving dinner, and have pie afterwards, and not feel like a failure for doing so. This next 6 weeks IS going to be a challenge, in many ways. We have family obligations, Christmas to buy following several months of my DH being off of work, traditions we really want to uphold, goodness the list goes on....I will truly be trying to continue my exercise. I want to get to Curves 3-4 times a week, and try to walk on a daily basis. I will also make a serious attempt to keep my water intake high. But I am being totally honest here---with you guys, and with myself...I am not going to worry too much with the food I eat. I intend on enjoying the family dinners, and the treats of the season. Thank heavens I have my little band buddy---it WILL keep me in check...I mean 3 bites of a piece of pecan pie is nothing like the 3 different desserts (full portion) I would eat prior to banding! I am sure my numbers as far as weight loss will slow down, but I can do without the added stress of worrying about that! I want to celebrate. I feel like my DH and I were given another chance! The week after Christmas, as all settles back down, and the family and friend get togethers slow down---I will too, and will get myself back on track, and make the best choices I can. I have no intention of ignoring the turkey, and making my meal on sweets....I just do not want to think about it for now. Some of these habits are now ingrained enough I know I will do it automatically--and I will be thrilled with that!!! I have my husband back healthy, my kids are well and happy, I have regained my own health....I want to party with the entire world!!! Susan--you say you upped your work out...WTG!!! But that alone could be the reason you have not seen a change in the scale right now. If you stressed the muscles more than usual, they will retain extra fluid. Plus if you are working harder and building muscle...it will weigh more. I know it matters to all of us, what the scale says--but in reality, no one but you and your Dr. are likely to ever know what that scale says...are your clothes feeling different? I would bet if you checked your measurements, you would find you have lost inches. I have been stuck at 217 for days on end---but I did my measurements this morning, and while I have only lost 1 1/2 pounds since I did them last which was about 3 weeks ago---I have lost 4 inches over all. How without losing weight? Who the heck knows??? But it's gone! My size 16 jeans I can slide off without unbuttonning or unzipping!! You are doing all the right things---all you ladies impress and inspire me soooo much!!! It will do just like Julie said--and next week several pounds will be gone!!! Betty & Julie--hope you have a safe and happy trip! Boo--Hope you are resting and recovering. Take care of yourself--we will all be here waiting for you when you get better and are raring to go again!!! Roberta--what's your Thanksgiving plan?? Heather --where ya hiding?? Talk to you all soon...off to the shower (aka the great hair pit---it is falling out soooo bad!!!). Kat

I'm not far ahead of you, only a couple of months...but I did find a difference with my last fill. I had one fill at about 7 weeks out, and it made some difference, tho not a lot. Then 5 weeks later I had another fill, bringing my total fill at this time to 1.75cc.'s. I had very good restriction at that time. It has all but eliminated my hunger, I cannot remember really being hungry since the last fill. I fill up very quickly. I have had a few problems when I have not chewed properly, but that's about it. Once I wasn't hungry, I quit thinking about food the same way. Then I could make wise choices, and make them on MY time, not my stomachs time. Before, I was always hungry so always thinking about food...and would get so hungry I just started eating anything and everything in sight. I don't ever do that anymore...I know when I need to eat, so I do, but I choose better foods, because I know that is what I should do!!! Now I still get head hunger, and cravings for things, even tho I am not actually hungry. And I eat the things I want. I know better---but Istill do it!! I am getting better, but I want this to be a way of life, and I do not want to be on a diet the rest of my life...so I try to keep the "all things in moderation" in mind. Maybe when you do go for a refill, if you can gt to a good restriction without it being over full---then you can quit stressing or obssessing over food. It is VERY easy to do!!! I did too, prior to the last fill. Good Luck!!! Kat

My first suggestion would be to just keep reading, there is a lot to be learned about the band! It is an awesome tool, but it like any other surgery is best gone into with a full understanding of what is being done and why. I will do my best to answer the questions you have ask here today. But I am not a good replacement for asking your Dr. these things. As for time off, I could not imagine needing 6 weeks. I was back up to normal in days. I was driving within a week I would guess, I might have waited the 10 days til my stitches were out. Most Dr.'s/surgeons, will begin to fill the band within 8 weeks of surgery if you are showing signs of needing a fill. Those signs include hunger, and an ability to eat large amounts of food. There is a wide range of how much and how often Dr.'s do fills. There is nothing preventing a fill after 2 years out, but usually by that time, you will have had a few fills. The fact that is IS adjustable is one of the biggest advantages of this surgery as opposed to rny, in my opinion. I am a cancer survivor, if I were to relapse, and need more nourishment than I am taking in with my band, it could be unfilled. With lap band we do not automtically suffer from malnourishment. The band, tubing and port are all ideally to remain prermanently in the body, able to be adjusted at any time. Even when one reaches goal weight there is no reason to remove any of the 3 parts. Good Luck on your continued research. Ask any questions you have...it is the best way to learn! Kat

Darcy--that's beautiful!!! I love quilts, especially the country looking ones. I love it!!! Betty--glad the finger is not bad, and also glad I wasn't there, thanks to DH I have seen enought blood!!! Eileen--hows the kiddo today? My oldest DD had febrile seizures when she was a baby/small child. I know first hand how scary the high fevers can be. Mary--when do you expect to hear on the car? Hope they are nice to you and your wallet! Cindy--you must be busy still putting things in their proper place, wish someone would come do that for me! Cassie--prayers are being said, and we can't wait to get you banded, and healed, and back to share with us!! Mandy--I too was very sentimental with the passing of the stages with the kids. I thought I would always remember every little thing--I didn't!! But, now I am experiencing them again with their kids. My little granddaughter will do something and it hits me in the heart, I remember her Mama doing the exact same thing. She says "I yuv you Gannie" and her I yuv you is her Mama over and over... Pat--whats the tree decision? I went to the shed to put away a box of clothes (if anyone is interested let me know), and while I was there I made sure I can get to all of my Christmas boxes, and totes. Will have to pick a day without grandbabies and start decorating! Patty--where ya hiding? Sherry--I see you are here, we are probably missing what each other is saying!!! Dianne--I hope all is well---I saw you on another thread last night, but missed saying hi! Beannie--where you off to next? Well I will send out the Christmas Card addresses this next week. I think I probably have all the ones who are interested in exchanging. Now, if you want a copy of the addresses, or want yours included so that you have them let me know. You do not have to send cards to share the info. But everyone would like that the info stay within our little group. I had a very good time at the craft show, bought a few goodies. Found some things for my secret Santa gift (on another support site). Michele and I had a good visit, and lunch together. It was a great time. After that I spent awhile cutting both my Dads, and my FIL's hair. They were both pretty shaggy!!! My Dad actually ask me if I thought I could get his cut before Thanksgiving, but in the background I hear my Mom saying "how about before Church tomorrow!!!" so we got him all cleaned up!!! Today my granddaughter and I walked to church, and home, it is a little cool, but bright and sunny and nice outside. My DD was at the hospital with her sister (actually 1/2 sister on her real Dad's side). The sister had a baby boy last night. So the grandbaby stayed the night here. I enjoyed it a lot!! She learned in church today to say "mamen" (amen). There is a woman in the congregation who insists on saying it multiple times. She did as well during the pot luck following today, so our little one, mimic that she is, is full of "Mamen's" this afternoon!!! Speaking of her--she is now up from her nap so I better tend to her...hope everyone has had an enjoyable weekend. Cassie, we will see you when you get back---all will be fine!!! Kat

Ideally you don't drink with your meals. But some bands really tighten down, especially over night, and warm liquid seems to relax them. Personally, I don't need to drink anything, but until I get up and moving, eating or drinking is not the best. I usually get up, and go for a morning walk, and by the time I get back, I am opened up more. My DH has a theory that the saline settles into the lower area being the band over night, and that until we open it up or move around and get the fluid redistributed along the tubing etc. we remain tight. Now this I repeat is his theory...not something anyone medical told me!!! Whatever--it keeps him from hounding me about eating breakfast!!! Kat

I would avoid the Alka Seltzer, it would be like soda...very fizzy!!! I have not had the issue since being banded, but prior, when nauseated, I could take Dramamine...and it tranquilized my stomach long enough for the cycle of nausea passed, and it can be bought OTC...and even in chewable form I think. If it gets worse, I would find an Urgent Care Center...they can give you Phenergren in shot, pill or suppository form, to get you settled down. Most insurances will reimburse emergency care like that without issue. Most gumbo has rice, and many cannot tolerate rice....hope you feel better very soon. Speaking of rice, do you think you have some stuck? Is that what is making you sick? Keep us posted! Kat

I think if it were me, I would go very slowly, and work on getting protein in another method for a few days...shakes, beans etc. And then begin with some soft fish, and see how it goes, and work on to other meats. If they are still a problem, I would ask my Dr. what he felt would be the best thing to do. he may suggest just the slightest unfill---and it may help you feel a lot better. Make sure whatever meat you are trying to eat is VERY moist, and that you chew til it is all but liquid before swallowing it. Good Luck, hope you get better quickly! Kat

Welcome to LBT Keith!! Look around, and maybe bump your thread in the morning, when more people are up and about!!! I love my band, and feel it is by far the best thing I ever did for myself. Is your wife happy with her bypass surgery? Why did you opt for banding instead? Not that it matters, just my natural nosiness!!! Anyway---look around, ask any questions you may be having. Everyone here has been very helpful....it's a great site! Once again...welcome!! Kat

1. DH...always wakes up in a good mood...guess it is contagious 2. My daily walk--although it is getting pretty cold...makes me want to stay home some days. 3. My granddaughter ( I babysit for her 5 days a week...she's my little buddy) 4. Other Family & Friends 5. My computer & LBT

I'm not sure what your Dr.'s recommendations are, and that is what I would go by. since he placed the band, he is best to know how long of a healing process he expects. I went from liquids, to heavy liquids & pureed foods, then on to mushies, actual very soft food, then eventually on to regular food as tolerated. You likely don't have and won't have much restriction until you get healed enough for a fill. You may feel like you are taking in more than necessary. I can't give you an exact amount to eat. What I did, was rather than eating until I was full, is that I would only eat until I no longer was hungry. I figured if I needed more, I could always get it later. Some times I did, sometimes I didn't. Eating until you are full is a bad habit, because once you get restriction, you will likely end up too full with the last bite or 2 between realizing you are full, and swallowing the last, and that is pretty painful! Just eat a bit and quit, if you need more later you can have it. Concentrate on healing now, when you get your fill, you can begin working the band and losing regularly. Welcome to bandland and LBT!!! Kat

I cannot answer your questions about Dr's in your area, I am not anywhere near you...I just wanted to tell you, that you might come back here in a little while, and bump your question, so it pops back up to the top. Being place specific, it might catch someones attention then that it didn't the first time around. I would be glad to answer the ones I can, that are universal in nature. #3. I had very very little pain. I was given something for pain into my IV shortly after comingout of surgery, then refused anymore (it gives me killer headaches). I never took anything else until our flight home (5 hours) and I took a dose of liquid Tylenol. I personally did not have any gas pain, and only minor incision pain. #4. worst part??? I would say learning how to overcome the head hunger, where you really aren't hungry, but you have developed snacking ond overeating habits, and you sometimes still want to eat that way---but you can't. #5. best part? so so many!!! I am off of all prescription meds. I had taken 2 for high blood pressure and one for a pre diabetes issue,and take none now. I have gone from a size 22/24 to a loose 16, and can shop pretty much anywhere now. I can play with my grandbabies on the floor, and outside. I am more comfortable in my skin, has made me a happier person. My husband loves my new confidence. Our love life has improved! I am no longer the biggest person in the room when we go places. I don't snore anymore. I am telling you, this list could go on for days...I LOVE my band!!! #6. I am 6 1/2 months out, and by months end, I will be down 75 pounds! I have lost over 43" now...I saw results within the first month. Others may not have noticed that early, but I did. Within a few weeks, my rings were too big, and my bra was too big around. Now even my size 16's can be slid off without unbuttoning or unzipping them!!! And I try to eat healthy for the most part, but I am living a normal life, I eat sweets occasionally (quite often if the truth be told!!!) I eat what I fix for my DH, I just eat a lot less. I do not feel deprived. If we have potatoes, I eat a few bites, but I try to eat healthier, because I need good nutrition, and since my pouch now only holds a small amount, I need it to count. I have had 2 fills since surgery, and have 1.75cc.'s in a band designed to hold up to 4cc.'s. I feel very good restriction where I am at, and have no plans for any further fills at this time. Good luck finding answers to your other questions. I just didn't want you to think we were all ignoring you. Weekends are either really busy here or really slow....so if you don;t get responses, just bump the question and it brings it to light again. Good Luck and welcome to LBT!! Kat

Wow--I just saw your pic Cassie--you are beautiful!!! Watch out world here she comes!!! Kat

Good Morning All--- Not a lot of time, I am off to a craft show this morning...just not too early!!! I actually helped set it up yesterday, which is what I agreed to do. If I show up early today they will find something for me to do...and I was not real thrilled with some of the attitudes yesterday, so going to lay low, and take my Mom and go shopping a little later. Cassie--words of wisdom???? me??? surely you jest!!! Nerves are normal, I researched til my head was spinning and still wondered if it was the right decision. WHY could other people do it without drastic WLS and not me? I do not know the answer to that. I do know that more people are like us...if most people could do it themselves, I am sure the vast majority would. But walk in any store and look around, we can't do it!!! I have never regretted doing it. Well there were a couple of times during the post op diet, that I felt deprived as hell!! But then the scale began moving, and excitement set in, and it has been one heck of a ride ever since!!! I now feel empowered, and hopeful in ways I never did before. This has not impacted my life in ways I worried about, like how will I eat out in restaurants, what if I PB...those things, not a big deal at all. It has impacted my life in good ways! I can eat a cookie, and not finish off the bag. I can eat at a restaurant, and not feel like everyone is looking at me like "why is she eating all that!", I can move...I am working out daily!!! That for me is a HUGE thing. I have gone from a size 22/24 to a very loose 16. I can shop in most stores now. It is such a feeling of freedom to not be trapped by my own body, and the things I did to it over and over and over. The band helps me not to do those things. I knew about good nutrition, and I knew good dieting plans. But when I always felt hungry, I would just lose it and eat everything in sight. I ate huge portions, and not of good for me food. Now, the band has curbed the hunger, and when I need to eat, I can make a clam rational decision about what I want to eat, or what I should eat. I still enjoy food, but it has lost the control over me--I now control it. Now words of wisdom those are not, but I hope you have the same feelings of freedom that this band has helped me attain. I would suggest going to the Before and After Forum, and looking through the pages of hope. And as you look through them, envision yourself there...because you will be. With that in mind, before you go, take some pictures. Find a wall or door, and take full body shots. You will HATE them!!! But as that weight drops you will see it with a clarity you would not have otherwise. Know as you go off to surgery, we are all here, waiting to hear how you are doing...and here to offer support as you heal. When you need to vent, we're here. When you need food ideas, we're here. When you hop on the scale and want to share your success, we're here. Oh and while we are at it...if you should win the lottery....don't forget, we're here!!! You will be fine hon---go look at the Before and After pics and remind yourself why you are doing this!!! ((((BIG BIG HUGS)))) Kat Will catch up with the rest of you after my daily hair shedding experience(aka...shower) or after I get back from the craft show.

I agree that it is a very personal decision, and I would never try to tell anyone what they did or did not have to disclose. One of my defining moments of being so open about it with total strangers happen a couple of months ago, when I had lost about 50 pounds. I had taken my granddaughter out to one of the Dollar Stores, for a treat (love to spoil them for a buck!!!). There were 2 cashiers standing in the station when I went to check out, one the thin one, was someone I knew (our DH's used towork together). The other was quite heavy. The one I knew exclaimed to me "My Gosh you have lost a lot of weight, I always see you out walking!" I smiled and was just going to say thanks and go on, but you could see, as well as feel the other cashier just deflate, and I knew I had been in her shoes. Wondering how can these other people do this and I can't. It always just added to my feelings of defeat. I felt like I could not just walk out of there, and leave her feeling like she was lesser because she couldn't lose weight. So I told her that yes I walk everyday, but that I had also had lap band surgery and that was really helping with my hunger issues. They both ask a lot of questions, and we talked for awhile about it. I left feeling much better about myself than I would have otherwise. I don't know why the girl I did not know made such an impression on me, but I truly felt like I could feel her pain and embarassment. I have a feeling the other gal, the one I knew, is likely one of those who put her down anytime the opportunity presented itself. And I have no doubt she made disparaging comments about me and me taking the easy way out after I left. But she didn't need to hear my story, and she would have just found something else mean to say about me. The other cashier needed to hear it, needed to know, that options are out there. I really feel like I would have been compelled to tell her, even if I had been keeping it hush hush. And you are right, once I would have said anything in front of the one I knew..the entire town would have known. As it is, I simply took the wind out of her sails, by not making it gossip she can share---I am doing it myself!!! I would support everyones right to disclosure or not, as a very personal decision. Kat

Been keeping busy--made it to Curves yesterday, and I was tired before I ever got there!!! Anyway between it and my day I got my time in, and may have squeaked by on the water. Everywhere I went I forgot my water bottle so bought a new one, and I ended up with 4 half full bottles in the car, as well as what I drank here!! Today i spent 3 hours lugging 6 foot tables all around the High School preparing for a Craft show tomorrow. My back and feet are killing me---I got in my exercise today without a doubt. I saw lots of really cool things, I have a feeling I am going to be broke after tomorrow!! I managed to drink 2 Sonic Route 44 Iced teas today, and a bottle of water. I just drank what they brought me... I will update my signature to show my new numbers, I just haven't got around to it. Have a safe trip Betty!!! Sounds like everyone is doing pretty well--Boo--I hope you are feeling better, check in with us so we know you are alright! See ya soon everyone! Kat