Kat817

Hi everyone! Betty I am so glad your son is home!!! He & my DH can heal together!!! They rebroke Rick's sternum when he had the GI bleed. They were doing CPR keeping him alive, I guess the re-break is minor!!! He is improving daily he says, might be just to keep me from making yet another Dr. appt. tho! WTG Boo....you and Julie are really pushing the exercise...good for you!! I need to get more aggressive, but just haven't found it yet!!! I am going to a beginners Tai Chi class this week, so that should be fun, but I have also been told it will kick my butt!!! Thanksgiving...not something I am looking forward to! Nothing to do with the food--that is not something I intend to worry about! My issues are all with having to DO it all. My DH's sister's grandkids are wild ones!!! We used to go back and forth between our house and his sisters, for holidays. Both Mom's get so flustered with the chaos, it worked best. But for some reason his sister has just decided I can have them all. Her reasoning is that my parents come too. But so does her MIL. I have to shampoo carpet every time, because her 9 yr old granddaughter does not listen, and spills every single time!!! Oh well, thats why I bought the shampooer I guess!!! As for the food...I will make the usual dinner, and eat what sounds yummiest to me!!! That was one of my biggest reasons for having this particular surgery, to maintain as normal of a life as possible. I wanted to celebrate holidays with my family, and eat birthday cake on my grandbabies birthdays. The band will make sure I don't OVER do it as I used to!!! And it will be there the next day ready to work as usual...but thanksgiving day...if I want to snack all day I plan on it! Any body have any good recipes to share?? I need some new things!!! I didn't exercise yesterday, but got my water in. Saturday I climbed in and out of a friends monster 4X4 truck no less than 30 times!!! We went yard sale-ing looking for her D a washer and dryer!!! Then I come home and mowed/mulched the leaves in the yard, and then walked on my treadmill 1 1/2 miles, before my neighbor showed up at the door. I got my water in Sat. too. So far so good!! Keep it up guys. Betty Happy Healing for DS...and you runners, be careful!!! Kat

Well, I no longer ride myself...2 years ago I laid down a '94 Yamaha...and have only rode bi#*h since, for the most part. As for DH & I together, we have several bikes. He has several of his original bikes from years ago from his young days with a Suzuki 250, to 2 '81 Yamaha's a Midnight Maxim 650 and an 1100 Special. A 97 Heritage Springer HD, and a 98 Honda Goldwing 1500. He alo has an antique Triumph he is restoring...ugly bike!!! He is talking a new shop to store more in...go figure!!! I have begun riding the 650 on occasion, but only on side roads etc. As for riding more...not sure whether it is something I will do again or not. It just depends on which day you ask me!! I am finding myself more comfortable on it with the weight loss...so maybe!! Enjoy...you will love Sturgis!! Kat

Hi Theresa, I am not in AZ, I am in NM. I can't help you with the Dr. question, I just wanted you to know there are people out here listening to your question!!! Sometimes it takes longer with a specific question and area, so give it a few days and I hope you get some answers. Good Luck and welcome to Bandland!! Kat

My arms are going to be a bit saggy, but my main issue is going to be my belly. I will likely have it done, for comfort purposes, as well as vanity. I have lost several inches through my bust, but it must be mostly back fat, my cup size has yet to change. However I think by that time I will have gone from a DD to a 38 Long..... I began at 289 pounds with a BMI of 48.09. I am now at 217 and my BMI is 32.04. I did very little exercise, prior to banding, and began doing a steady program 3 months ago. I work out at Curves 3 X a week, and I walk daily. On my days off from Curves, I sometimes work out with videos at home, or look to find something to DO. This time of year, I rake a lot of leaves!!! A group of us who were all banded the same month, do a monthly challenge, and we work to exercise in some way a certain number of times a month, it keeps me motivated. Kat

I'm a size 16 now, down from a 22/24. I would love to get down to a 12. I am tall, and top heavy, anything smaller, and I would look very out of proportion. It amazes me that it is as close as it is...I know the hardest part lies ahead of me...but I can see it! Shopping for pants in the regular sizes is great fun already!!! Like Puddinpie, I could easily go down a size or more with a tummy tuck, but gotta rid myself of some more of the fat under it first!!!! Kat

I too found the Unjury unflavored the best for me. I used it with DaVinci's SF syrup, in all kinds of flavors!! My favorite since you ask favorites was Caramel...still is!!! I also used SF, FF pudding (about a TBSP) in with the milk and unjury protein powder, to flavor shakes. I could vary what taste I had with less expense than all the different shakes, that sometimes went to waste due to the after taste. The unflavored powder I still use now, even tho I can eat regular food again. If I am low on protein, I add some of the unflavored to anything...as long as it is not cooked the protein is there, I have used it added to salad dressing, spaghetti sauce (after it is cooked before I use it on my plate), all kinds of things. Same with all the SF syrup I bought, I use it in SF hot chocolate, or hot tea or coffee. It is handy to use, does not take up much space to store...and the company delivers it FAST!!! It seems very difficult to stick with the required liquids, full liquids, then mushies, but it will pass soon, and you will be well healed, it is so important to allow your body to recover! Soon it will be a distant memory, and you will be advising other newbies!!! Good Luck!! Kat

My DH and I have a restaurant we have went to regularly for many years. There is one waitress there, who is super hyper...she is at your table every few minutes, she is very nice, and will do anything to make your meal pleasant, but we refer to her (no offense intended to anyone--especially her!!!) the "Jehovah Waitress"...she is hard to get to take no for an answer!!! tutuclvr----your plan is indeed too too clever!!! I explained to the girls in "our" place I had surgery, and they have been awesome!! They will sub things for me, omit the bread...all kinds of perks! I will definitely remember your statement for going to other restaurants, it is a winner!! Sometimes I think people may be looking at me, but not often, I don't ever remember just watching someone else at another table eat!!! I have always, and continue to be, busy eating my own meal, or talking to my DH or whoever I am eating with. I would find that close of scrutiny uncomfortable! In fact I would go so far as to trade places with someone at my table or move out of their line of sight, so maybe the would realize they had been rude...and if my server ask if all was ok due to the move, I would tell her, being stared at made me uncomfortable. People need to remember their manners!!! I too would continue to eat slowly, and always doing the healthiest of your meal first, and at the end of 30 minutes or so, I would quit eating. If you are hungry again later, you can always have it then. No need to associate eating as a long time consuming unpleasant activity. Continued good luck to all of you!!! Kat

Welcome to Bandland Denise!!! Let the fun begin!! Getting back to a "normal" life is a bit of a challenge, with the dietary restrictions to adhere to as you heal---but doing it is very important!!! Once you are back to regular food, and moving as before, you will be thrilled with the changes! If you have any questions, or concerns, ask away, there are many VERY educated bandsters here, and they are all very helpful!!! Rest, drink, and heal!!! Kat

Beware of this new Sexually transmitted disease! The Center for Disease Control has issued a warning about a new virulent strain of Sexually Transmitted Disease. It's contracted through dangerous and high-risk behavior. The disease is called Gonorrhea Lectim and pronounced "gonna re-elect him." Many victims contracted it in 2004, after having been screwed for the past four years. Naturalists and epidemiologists are amazed at how this destructive disease originated only a few years ago from a bush found in Texas. Made me laugh--thought I'd share it! Kat

I got my coat out to wear the other morning when we went to cut firewood, and it is huge!!! I had on old clothes, wood cutting is dirty work. My loving DH told me, that with my baggy jeans and coat I looked homeless. I guess that means he wants me to go shopping!!! Congrats on a size 12---great work---good for you!!! Kat

Happy Sunday everyone! Hope yor weekend is going well. Has been uneventful here...just what I ordered!!! Spent yesterday yard sale-ing with my friend Becky. Her son just moved out and was wanting a washer and dryer, which we found a set for $65 bucks--a nice set, he said he ran bleach through them last night, and they worked fine. I am sore this morning, I must have climbed (a huge 4X4) in and out of her truck no less than 30 times!!! I actually come home, and felt like I needed to get my exercise in for my challenge on the April Bandsters thread, so I mowed/mulched the leaves in the front yard. About 3 swipes to go the wind began blowing, and you could not tell I had done anything!!! So I quit, come in and walked on the treadmill!!! This morning I am roasting peanuts, and doing laundry....and keeping my computer company! My neighbor says she found me a dog. It needs a home, she says the poor thing is pretty homely. It is a puppy, they thought they had found her a home, but the people backed out saying she wasn't what they wanted, so the kept looking, now she has lost the "puppy" look and is just a long legged, not so pretty girl. The people my neighbor knows own the mama dog, she is a Springer Spaniel, they use to duck hunt with. The neighbors Labra-doodle got to her. She is multi colored mostly brown, and has a rather uneven coat. They say she is house broke, and does not seem to shed. I am afraid to go see her. I can't handle the shedding fur (asthma), so if she truly doesn't shed I would be fine, but if she is really ugly and needs me I would take her anyway, and then be miserable. I don't even know if I am ready for this!!! I think I will be a last resort! I got a sale on Country Style Pork ribs the other day, so I made them the other night, and have slow cooked the remainder of them today, so I can shred them and make BBQ sandwiches for today. DH loves them, especially when he has guys coming over for football...which is not at all uncommon. So now I need to figure out something to make to go with them. I am going to a beginners Tai Chi class tomorrow night. My oldest DD took lessons (Aikido/karate) from this guy, and he has remained a family friend, he offered the class, and I thought it might be a fun new exercise to try...will let ya know!!! Not going to try to add personals on here---everyone knows I am thinking good things for them!!! Will catch up with ya later!! Kat

My only tattoo is a small dot...used to position me for treatment years ago!! Darcey, I had to hijack the tattoo element of the thread for a minute to comment on your chaps. My DH insisted I have chaps...for safety he said! I resisted saying I did not want to look like I was wearing the whole damn cow! I did end up with them, and now have them overlapped in the bag lace up area, and in the last buckle hole. The legs just hang there! When I get to goal, I am buying new ones....as well as a new jacket, maybe the ones I wanted originally!!! And if I keep working, maybe that will be this coming summer!!! First rally we attend is Memorial Day!!! OK continue on Tattoo'd ones!!! Sorry for the hijack!!! Kat

Welcome NuMe--several of you are within reasonable distance there...Trish and I are actually in New Mexico, but use Colorado Dr.'s. I had family in Lakewood for years, they have since moved to Niwot. It is kinda nice to actually chat with people who "know" where you live, what it is like. Everyone has been so nice on the site, but there really are a lot of differences in how we all live!!! Good Luck getting your date!! I don't know your Dr. I use Timothy Brown he isout of Pueblo/Canon City. Kat

I have a different Dr, doing my fills than did my surgery. He does them blind by feel. The first one, was not a great experience!!! He poked me bunches of times, and could not locate my low profile port. He was sending me to the hospital to have it done under fluoro. My SIL and I were banded together, and he did her next and found hers immediately...so he took another shot at mine, hoping they were in the same area, and he finally found it. He made very precise notes in my chart, and got it much easier the 2nd fill. I have had great restriction with that 2nd fill, it was done in July, so I have not been back for another. I have now lost enough weight that I think I can feel it much better than before....hope so!!! I saw my band when I did the barium swallow following surgery...but that has been the only time. Kat

Let's see...now these are just MY answers to your questions...it is your own answers you need to think about tho!! Can I get the feeling of fullness from the band? Yes, in fact that is how it works. The nerves that signal fullness are at the top of the stomach, so you reach them almost immediatly when you eat once you are banded. And even if you don't get the full signal, you physically can not overeat, you will be in pain and end up sick (aka PB). Hopefully this unpleasant experience helps you learn, so that this is not common, which can be harmful to your stomach, the band can slip or erode into the stomach. How have people reacted when you told them? Most of them have been positive, and if the person has weight issues themselves, they seem very curious. The girls in my local Curves are very intrigued by me!! I do have an Aunt who is doom and gloom, and waiting for me to fail. But my success with the band has made it where she is the largest in our family now...not me! Overall the reaction has been great. How do you explain bizarre small portion eating? I have been very open about my surgery, so most everyone I eat with knows. But if they don't, very few actually pay attention, they are busy eating their own meal. I just always ask for a to-go box. As for servers etc, if they question it, some do, they think there was a problem with the food, I just tell them I have had WLS, and cannot eat that much anymore. I'm in Rochester, NY are there good doctors here? I am sure there are, I cannot help you there tho! Look down on the home page for local USA support, and go into the NY rooms and you will likely find some excellent guidance. Does insurance really not cover it? Some have it covered without problem. Others, like me have no exclusions in their policy, but the insurance company has so many hoops to jump through...it is difficult, if not impossible. Other insurance has total exclusions, and some exclusions are due to the employer adding the exclusion on. It will depend on your insurance company and your direct employer...each one seems different. Are you ashamed to admit that you got banded and aren't able to do it on your own? Not at all! If I had other medical issues I could get help for I would, and I did. It is not bad for a smoker to buy pills and Patches to get off the addiction of cigarettes. This is helping me to learn how to control my addiction to food. I am using it to get healthy. The band is a tool that I use....if I don't work with it, it will not work. You can not be banded and not change your habits or your ways, or it will not work. This is not easy, but it makes it possible! How did you come to decide to actually do it? I was already taking 2 medications for high blood pressure, and was being put on one for raised blood sugars, leading to a pre-diabetic state. I had horrible visions of myself dying from one of these serious problems, and them not being able to lift my casket!!! I also have very young grandchildren that I want to play with, like I did their parents. If I lose this weight now, the babies will never remember me as FAT! As for the surgery I found it to be an amazingly simple procedure. I had mine done in Mexico, it was a wonderful experience. One I wish I had had years ago... The best thing you can do at this point is check into your insurance issues, and continue to read anything and everything you can get your hands on regarding WLS. It is not for everyone...this band is not easy to find proper restriction with, it is something you have to be diligent in using. IF you are ready to be serious in modifying your behaviour, then the band is an awesome help! I LOVE it...I feel like it is saving my life. I am not hungry all the time, when I eat, I eat small amounts and am able to choose healthy good food, I am in control...and that is an incredible feeling! But I would never, ever say it has been the easy way out...that would be a lie of mammoth proportions! It will help you every ounce of the way...but it can only help if you are willing to work hard. Your body will not continue to lose if you do not increase your activity, so exercise is a must. It is a lifestyle change. One that will give your life back if you are willing to do the work! Good Luck in making your decision. If you have questions, there are lots of people here willing to share their experiences, and help you out..it is a great site! Kat

Females outnumber men so much on here, I would have been shocked if you had been!!! I never even thought about that!!! Wonder if it has to do with the law of averages on here....I have been married too long to think along those lines...or am I just too damn old??!!! Just wondered about the location. There are 4 of us I know of here in the Farmington/Aztec/Bloomfield area...3 are interested in going. Anyway welcome to the site! Kat

What part of NM would you be coming from Buzz?

Betty-- I am so glad to hear your son is doing better now, I have been wondering and praying for him as well as you and your family. Those blood thinners are so scary, that is what caused my DH's massive GI bleed a few weeks ago. Enjoy your grandkids, and I am so glad he is getting better. I am sure there is no age that you don't worry about them! Did Curves today, and took the granddaughter for a walk, we walked for an hour, she went to sleep eventually, and the colors were so pretty, and the weather so perfect, I just kept walking, it was very enjoyable. I have my 4 bottles of water gone, just ate, so will likely get a bit more in before bed. Betty, take care of you while you take care of your family. Don't worry about things too much, we will all be here when you get things calmed down. and your band will be ready to work when you are!! Big hugs! Kat

Hi, it is not unusual to have an adverse reaction to the combination of meds and anesthesia. If you are having a basic everyday kind of headache, rather than the type Mariquita is referring to, you can use Tylenol, and it will settle on your stomach, without being dangerous. They have the Go Tab chewables now, or you can soak the capsules in a bit of water until they become soft, then swallow them. Sometimes the headache and nausea is like a hangover from all the crap the give you. Another possible cause is suddenly giving up caffeine. I had those...they do go away! When I get sick at my stomach I always drank 7-up. I still do, I just let it go almost flat, and have had no problems and the blessing of my Dr. doing it. If you still feel bad, you may have picked up a virus, and might ought to call your Dr. Hope you feel better soon. And Mariquita, I hope you find relief as well! Kat

I am just over 6 months out, I was banded in April of this year. I waited 8 weeks for my first fill of 1.25cc, and received mild restriction with it. It mainly taught me to really eat like a bandster...small bites lots of chewing, but it didn't do much to limit my intake. 5 weeks later, the end of July I had another fill of .50cc, bringing me to a total of 1.75cc. Then I got restriction! I now eat much smaller amounts, I have lost pretty steady, not had any issues with being too tight. I feel at least for the here & now, I have my sweet spot! It has been over 3 months, and I have no desire to change how my restriction feels. I am amazed at how different not only we are, but how the Dr.'s approach the fills! Kat

Nope, I don't think either of you are crazy!!! Lap banding was the best thing I ever did just for me. The one and only regret I have is not having it done long ago. I feel better, have not a single prescription medication anymore (used to take 4). My body feels better, less achy, I can move, I feel sooooo much better! My newest blood work come back and my Dr. was smiling ear to ear, he was so pleased with my blood sugars, triglycerides, cholesterol...all of it! If ever my Mother, or my Daughter had a need for this surgery I would support them 100%. Good Luck! Kat

I dealt with migraines for years, all were hormonal related. Whenever my estrogen level would swing high or low, boom I'd get a migraine. And all of them had visual issues prior to the headache hitting. Mine would begin as a small area just out of my direct line of vision, and grow, kind of looked like a neon light flashing into a circular shape, always just on one eye. As soon as the light made the complete circle, the lights went away and wham headache from hell. I had my first one in 7th grade. No one in my family had had migraines, so since it affected my eyes, my Mom took me to the eye Dr. He kinda laughed and told me I had described a migraine...through the years, he proved to be right. Hysterectomy....no more hormone level fluctuations...no more migraines... one of the best perks of the surgery! Dark room, lie on the side it hurts...it won't make it go away quickly, but will make it more manageable, and seemed to make them go away faster. Kat

Susan--we crack me up!! How many times have we done this? Answered the same question in the same way at almost the same time!!!??? We MUST be good!!! LMAO Kat

Not sure of what kind of help I can offer...I do have some questions... maybe if you can answer those, we can go from there! 1. Do you eat a healthy diet? 2. Do you have other health issues? 3. Do you do any exercise? 4. What does your Dr. say about the lack of weight loss? 5. You say you went 8 weeks between fills, but do you have ANY restriction yet at all? 6. If you have no restriction, is it possible to get another fill, or is it not enough elapsed time between them yet? and 7. What type of pre-op diet did you do that obviously DID work for you? Maybe if you answer these, some of us can throw ideas around and see if we can help you! I hope so! Kat

One more thing!!! Shoes! Easy on and off shoes...at the airport we had to remove them of course, and bending is not always easy at first to re-tie shoes. Slide-ons would be ideal! The airport will be the biggest challenge to the trip home. Avoid excess jewelry or anything that might cause the detectors to go off! If your bag is heavy check it--make it as easy on yourself as possible. I had a 5 hour flight home, as well as 5 hours by car, I did it the 3rd day with nothing but a shot of Tylenol. I am not unusual...this is not a bad surgery. Just simplify it for yourself if you can! Kat