Kat817

My experience too was very smooth, little pain, nothing like what I had worried about!! The 2nd day after surgery, I flew home, 5 hours in the air, followed by another 5 hours by car. I managed all that with one dose of liquid tylenol. The next day I was shopping in Home Depot with DH. I was very careful getting up and down, in and out of bed, that was when I could feel the pull of the stitches. My biggest issue was one that you will not face Kris, and that was dealing with my bra, and the weight on my new incisions. That was minor, and passed in days. I didn't have much gas pain. I fully realize I had an easy recovery, but I read about many having it this way. I was advised to eat light the night before, rather than having the proverbial last meal.....so maybe that helped with gas. Good Luck to all of you...you have made a great decision. The band has been a blessing to me. I hope you all have smooth surgeries and easy recoveries. Soon you will be the ones giving advice, and welcoming the yet to be banded!!! Kat

Susan must have been spying on me!!! I have been really bad about drinking enough as well....I just this morning filled my water bottles,and put them in the fridge, so I can work my way through them today, it always makes me more aware of what I am or am NOT getting in!!! Thanks for the extra workout Boo!! I am managing to keep going. I have my hula hoop contest with my great niece tomorrow...should be fun, I will likely laugh off more calories than I hula hoop off!! Today I will be hitting Curves again, and a friend and I are walking through a Parade of Homes today and tomorrow. She has been banded as well, so we are actively trying to find new activities to do together that don't revolve around eating! The big advantage to that is sharing a meal is a given!!! But she and her DH were both banded, he has done really well too, he is down over 100 pounds already! I am excited as can be at pushing the 70 pound mark. Julie--I seriously plan on continuing to chop that wood, it may sound funny, but those bat wings I have on my upper arms, the muscles there are so sore--so I know it is actually working those! I need that! So it is something we need done, and it is helping me reach my goal...so it is a keeper. When we go to the Dr. today, we will find out if DH can bowl again soon or not, and if he can we are going to go, and will go weekly. I am finally excited about finding things to DO...that are fun, and will help us stay in shape. We have a ride planned for Sunday, DH has not been on a horse in years, so it likely won't be as long as I would have liked!!! He prefers his iron horse!!! Well time to get the Granddaughter dressed....the day is half over, but since we are going to the Dr. I wanted her clean, so she stayed in jammies this morning!!! Lazy Granny strikes again!!! Kat

I didn't use the Dr.'s you mentioned, but did have a surgeon in Mexico. I feel like I could have easily managed it alone, the surgeon I chose, took very good care of me, and picked me up at the airport, then drove me to the hospital, to the motel, picked me up for surgery, and after a couple of days drove us back to the airport. The worst part was getting to my car AT the airport!!! I think it is very possible! Would be glad to answer any ???? Good Luck! Kat

When I hit the "starvin Marvin" stage, I picked a morning (when I was least hungry) that I felt strong--and went shopping. I bought all kinds of handy S/F pudding cups, as well as S/F jello and popsicles, applesauce, fresh fruit, cheeses, anything and EVERYTHING I could think of that would be at least semi healthy and safe for my banded stage. Then when I felt the binge I had a choice of foods, and felt I could indulge without saboutaging myself. The other half of this method is to eliminate all the junk you shouldn't eat, so it is unavailable. Sounds wasteful yes...but as someone on the board here pointed out.......it can go to waste or to waist. Good Luck!! As soon as you get filled and find restriction it will be much easier! Kat

Eileen I am so sorry you are hurting so bad! I wish we were all close enough so we could fix dinner and bring in, or something...anything to try to help you feel better. Have you tried the heat patches for when you have to go out, like to work? I used some from Walgreens called SalonPas...they were like the BenGay patches only had no odor. It was no miracle cure, but it did seem like it helped some. Is this a re-injury? Or something new? Do you have leg numbness? Poor you...big big hugs. If y'all find that "junk fairy" send her my way. My house is going to implode! I guess I could clear out all the excess mouthwash, and toothpaste and send it all to Chris....just kidding Chris,laughing with you--not AT you! Been there....felt like something climbed in my mouth at night and died in there!!! Yeah I underdstand the vacation from dating at this time. Will be easier when you are not on all liquids anyway I would guess. But be careful, you know when you aren't expecting or looking is when it hits ya!!! Talk to all of you later. I need to go walking. I ate a handful of potato chips that grew in my belly to the size of the whole bag...WHEN will I ever learn???? Kat

Congrats on getting your date Nanette!!! The 26th is just around the corner!!! Where in NM are you at? I have found an awesome group of people on here I chat with, but as for a face to face support group I have not heard of any yet. If there is ANYTHING I can do to help you along with your surgery or recovery--just let me know!!! Kat

This is simply my opinion, and while it is not necessarily a good plan, it may ease your mind of some of your financial worries. If right now you were able to get financed for the $500.00 a month repayment, then go for it. If there comes a time down the road, where that needs to be changed, you can likely refinance the remaining balance, whether it involves changing credit cards, or a refi through the bank. The longer you pay on it as it is originally set up, the easier the refi would be. If you see no future of insurance, or any immediate changes in your financial future, then it seems to me the price of the surgery and the interest rates available are only going up. You may be able to pay a larger lump sum on your loan at say income tax return time, and get the payment reduced quicker. Even adding an additional $10.00-$20.00 a month to the payment would make it go down much faster. I remember years ago we financed a car, and our payments were like $204.38 or some such number, and I automatically made payments of $210.. or $220.00 each month, and it paid it off 3 or 4 months ahead of schedule. So any extra you can add will help you. Keep in mind if you have to travel far for your fills etc. to factor that in. I hope you find a way to make things happen for yourself----will keep all good thoughts coming your way!!! Kat

This is a basic day for me--we will use yesterday for the example breakfast--1/2 to 3/4 of a container of yogurt with granola mixed in (I am tighter in the morning, and am not hungry again for hours usually) lunch--1/2 sandwich grilled til the bread is crispy, of smoked turkey and provolone cheese,on sourdough bread. (the bread matters, I can use sourdough or italian bread, and cook it til crisp and it works, plain white bread hurts me...) snack--a piece of left over cold sausage from breakfast the day before! dinner--1/2 c. chili, & sm. piece of cornbread I also tried to eat a small piece of low sugar pineapple cream pie, but couldn't fit it in. Think it will be my snack today!!! Now today I will likely have dinner leftovers for my lunch. I feel very boring when I read some of the fancy foods people eat...but I eat pretty much anything just much less of it! I am not hungry, so I have to remind myself to eat, and eat good food, not graze on junk out of habit. I have chicken in the crockpot, and will be making either rice or dumplings to go with it for our dinner. My DH is on a soft diet due to some serious health issues he just went through, so maybe I can be more creative after he heals!!! Kat

Roberta, hope DH feels better soon. I know the colonoscopy thing is not too far away for me, and I am not looking forward to it at all!!! I keep hoping they will come out with a new less invasive way of doing them, or eliminate the pre test clean out before my time comes!!! My BIL had one done not too long ago, and it took my SIL a month but finally found someone with some photo-shop experience, and she took the picture they gave him of his insides, and had a picture of him ( head shot) imposed into the picture and tole him "see I told you where your head was!". It was such a fitting thing to do to him, he is always slamming everyone!!! My DH is doing really well, has aches and pains that no one can explain, but all in all is feeling pretty good. He saw his cardiac surgeon and he released him, now we just have to see the GI Dr. and the PCP, and he is wanting to go back to work Monday. But he will be in the office, and on the computer, so it won't be physical. Trying to keep him slowed down is all but impossible. Read on...... I have had a new type of exercise the last 2 days....it has begun freezing here, in fact spit a bit of snow yesterday. So I have been chopping wood. We hauled it in, and will use a hydrolic log splitter on the big stuff, but we needed kindling to build a fire with, and DH picked up the Ax...I don't think so I told him, so that left me! I can now swing an ax, a full roundhouse swing!!! And use a wedge and sledge hammer the same way! I am slow...and don't always hit it exact...but I can do it! And I have some muscles in the upper arms and high back area, I never even knew existed!! I am sore! Also hit Curves yesterday, and we continue our shorter walks. Running is something I know I am not ready for...I have never been a runner. Right now unless I found a really good bra, or got fancy with the duct tape, I'd knock myself out if I tried to run!!! Occasionally will turn the treadmill up to a slow jog...maybe something to work towards. Will ask my Dr. how hard that would be on my repaired knees. Way to go Boo!! Ok, I am going to go see what all is happening on the boards....you guys are all doing so great! Eficka hope you are feeling better. Julie, does Dad wanna do a group TT???!!!! There is definitely one in my future...But my Dad is an electrician, and retired, so don't think I'll have him rewire me!!! Prayers still coming your way Betty! Have a good day everyone!!! Kat

Like Lila said, I would hate to change anything profound because it would change the eventual outcome...if I said I wish I had never married my horrid ex, then I would not have the exact loving DD I have. so since I am happy where I am now, and my past got me here, guess I will have to keep it! One of the things I wish I had done though, is I wish I had listened to my Grandparents better. At the time it seemed as though I had heard the stories before, or that those people they talked about didn't concern me. Now I wish I remember exactly who they said it was that did certain things, or about jobs they did...so many things. They led amazing lives, and I wish I had honored that....rather than thinking it didn't matter! Oh and here's one!!! I wish I had taken better care of my teeth!!! I have a damn toothache!!! It has had 3 root canals done on it, each time thinking it will go deeper, or clean it out better, and it just keeps hurting again. I am about ready to give up on it!!!! Kat

Hope you are feeling much better now... Just wanted to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!! Kat

Glad to hear it is doing better--that worried me a little--but I am known as somewhat of a worrywart!!! Try doing a search on ketosis---I do think that is what you are dealing with, and I think the spelling is right. It may change as you progress to mushies, I think it has to do with calorie intake...as well as what type of foods you are eating. Watch the S/F breath mints and such---they may lead to another problem--they cause massive gas!!! Heck we may have to lock you in your own little room!!!! Kat

Hi Geoffrey--sounds very familiar...many of us chose the same route! Glad to hear you are doing so well. You have found a great support site. Any questions you have you will find someone here to help you...I cannot tell you how fortunate I feel to have this bunch to turn to!!! Take some time to cruise around the site, you will find all kinds of forums...lot's of great advice, and lot's of laughs as well! Continued good luck to you, and welcome to LBT!!! Kat

I remember having this, both with the band surgery and before when I lost quickly with Atkins. I read back during the Atkins diet, that it was caused by ketosis or something like that. If I rememebr right it is a biochemical reaction to weight loss. You are burning fat as opposed to glucose. And that is one of the reactions, is the bad breath. It will pass!! I will look and see if I can find my book, and get you a better answer, if someone doesn't have a better response for you. Until then, relax, and breath through your nose if someone is around---you are normal!!! How's the port doing??? Kat

My DH and I watch Ghost Whisperer...can't wait to see your episode!! How exciting! Your house sounds amazing! Post some pics....let us all drool!!! Kat

Evening ladies! DH is doing well, we got some new homeopathic cough syrup, had the Dr. approve its use, and voila....12 hours sleep! There is no alcohol in it, so it was just exhaustion that put him out that way, and without the cough, he just kept snoozing!!! Today has been a better day for him. They moved our appointment in Albuquerque with his cardiac surgeon up to tomorrow. Then we see the PCP on Friday, and he hopes to go back to light duty next Monday. Seems rushed to me, but he will not be alone, and will be doing computer work, so I know it will be ok. DD is hanging in there too...the infection seems to be at bay right now, so hoping it stays that way! I didn't make it back to curves today, I ate one jalapeno appetizer, and made myself sick, not a real PB, and not excessive slime, just upset stomach, and felt like it was sitting right in my throat....so opted to sit and read to the baby instead. I need to get back in the groove of exercise, my weight is dropping well, but I know I need the muscle work out....Beannie maybe you should get the boot... Glad to hear your port is looking better Chrispy...scary stuff! Got my homeowners insurance bill in the mail today...anyone wanna pay it for me??? I hate when I space out something like that and it catches me unaware...big bills suck!!! Seems like it is too early, will have to look into it. I remember paying it and my property taxes about the same time, and the taxes are due by 12-10....so this seems early. Of course they want the money so I am sure they are right!!! Well I am rambling...so will go and soak in the tub for awhile maybe! Better wait a bit, or I will be in bed too early, and awake at dawn!!! See y'all later! Kat

My car, a Dodge Intrepid R/T, does really well considering it is a fair size car, and has all the get up & go I could ever want, and I get between 25 city and 33 hwy mpg. I think it does so well because it is so aerodynamic, it does not slow down if you remove your foot from the gas, you have to brake. We also have a Ford Explorer, and it gets about 20-23 depending on city vs. hwy miles. It is nice to have in the winter, or when it is muddy around here. And lastly we have a huge Ford F250 diesel--and it gets a whopping 11-14 mpg. Needless to say it is not driven unless a truck is needed!!! Diesel prices have not come down.... We also have several motorcycles, but with the price of gas even they are not cheap to fill up anymore!!! Wheetsin--my Dad wants to order one of the Tornado things, I will pass on the stats from your Dad! Thanks! Kat

I have the occasional margarita when we go out to eat mexican food. We order drinks, and then wait a bit to order dinner, I cannot eat and drink at the same time...so I have a drink, or at least part of it, then order my food, and have had no problem with it. Now that being said, this restaurant we go to is not known for mixing strong drinks, so that may help!! I have also sipped at a Fuzzy Navel, and had no problem...I would avoid carbonation, and try something very slowly, maybe at home first in case it doesn't agree with you. Good Luck! Kat

I am approaching the 6 month mark, and don't now, nor have I ever since banding ate 1500 calories every day. I am sure at one point I was able to eat that on occasion, but never daily. Now, after 2 fills, I have good restriction, I do not know exactly how many calories I do get in a day, I just try to make good choices. I eat mostly protein, but don't consider anything off limits. I am happy with how I eat now. I eat very small meals, but a good variety, I feel I eat healthy, nutritious food. The biggest difference I have found is the lack of hunger. Since banding I just am not hungry, so I can make wise choices without the driving NEED to eat. It seems to me that you would have to really pick up the exercise to consume that much daily...at least for me it would be that way. Maybe your nutritionist could give you some sample menus to go over, and you could try it. Like you it seems they are going to have to be some really high calorie meals to pack 1500 calories a day into 3 meals of no more than 4 ounces. I'd like to see the menu....makes me wonder if the nutritionist has thought that through!!! Let us know!! ANd for now, eat as healthy as you can, keep up your fluid intake, and concentrate on getting adequate protein...and relax, and enjoy the weight coming off....this band is AWESOME!!! Kat

4-3: JenRN - 263/257/238/150 - 25 total 4-3: jenn28 - 282/265/229/165 - 53 total 4-3: Picardy3 - 298/300/257.5/150 - 42.5 total 4-3: tipper - 300/290/259/165 - 41 total 4-4: Sugar1 - 311/289/231/150 - 80 total 4-4: Dak – 255/251/205/150 – 50 total 4-4: Angels - 264/255/235/? - 29 total 4-4: Harpseal Al - 327/295/220 - 34 total 4-5: Boo - 208/203/173/132 - 35 total 4-5: siestaqh - 180+/177/136/110 - 44 total 4-6: Disneynut - 290/287/260/125 - 27 total 4-7: Guysis - 234/185/134 - 49 total 4-10: JulieNYC - 358/267/150 - 91 total 4-11: Vickie1177 - 320/297/267/137 - 53 total 4-11: tellymelly - 240/235/184/135 - 55 total 4-11: Fel0816 - 307/284/265/to get under 200 - 42 total 4-11: dsrjrr - 231/230/210/130 - 21 total 4:11: truckinmama - 262/234/160 - 28 total 4-13: Nursekathy2u - 358/356/335/175 - 23 total 4-13: NJgirl - 248/230/206/140 - 42 total 4-13: Miper70 - 217.5/196/145 - 21.5 total 4-17: Amourette - 22.5 total 4-17: Jeepergurrl - 242/207/140 - 35 total 4-17: MelAnne - 245/207/150 - 38 total 4-18: Danaclark2 - 270/260.5/245/150 - 25 total 4-18: LapBandit - 392/369/347/336/324/308/298/278 - 114 total 4-20: Omamoon - 220/211.5/188/130 - 32 total 4-20: KimInMD - 288/288/236/156 - 52 total 4-21: Yoda - 273/257/221/150 - 52 total 4-21: kristielynn - 310/302/248/150 - 62 total 4-22: alisonb - 286/270/176 - 16 total 4-24: Eficka - 125/117/104/69 - 21 kgs/46.2 lbs. total 4-24: Ceparano - 255/270.5/220/170 - 50.5 total 4-24: Kat - 289/281/224/165 - 65 total 4-24: hlj25950 - 262/257/225/160 - 37 total 4-25: momof2boys - 270/266/237/145 - 33 total 4-26: Bostongurl - 264/244/197/145 - 67 total 4-27: tinaj - 226/221/210/150 - 15 total 4-27: lookingout - 185/178/165/101 - 20 total 4-27: flowergoddesstn - 214/204/190/130 - 24 total 4-27: Dimples0323 - 284/284/241/145 - 43 total 4-28: Susan4794 - 283/267/243.5/140 - 39.5 total 4-28: bluehill - 333/258/140 - 75 total 4-28: Irish Girl - 225/214/170/135 - 55 total 4-28: MomofSixKids - 240/238/205/150 - 35 total

Right after banding I could have the hard candy (SF or reg.) with no problem, but since I have met restriction, it is not something I can do often. I must have an empty stomach, and eat only one or 2, I fill up with the saliva they stimulate!!! Who would have ever thought that I would be "full" with 2 pieces of hard candy...hope this isn't the trick in Trick or Treat!!! Kat

Hi everyone--everything here is still going well. Rick had a rough night, coughed a lot, which is supposed to be something he avoids doing, but that is easier said than done. He took the meds, and although it didn't seem to help much, he is ok. Susan made me see my excuse for what is was....an excuse!!! Yes I need to be home with DH, but yes I too have a treadmill...so I used it!!! Thank you Susan!!! This weight is not just gonna jump off of me, I have to work too...I needed the kick in the pants!!! So, I am so-so back on track, will be trying to go for a walk in the leaves this evening, because friends are coming in to watch the Bronco's game with Rick, he won't be alone, and I can take the cell, and get some air. You guys keep me in line!!! Kat

Hi everyone, We had a good day yesterday, and having a so-so day today. Rick was up coughing last night, the remnants of his bronchitis...scares the you know what outta me when he coughs so much. He did fine by it, just didn't get much sleep. I know what you mean Betty about the flu season---and the worst culprits for colds and such are our grandkids, but we can't turn them away!!! Going to have to have faith here I think. I know what you mean about the surgery on your foot, but people told me I would always regret my knee surgeries, and they were soooo wrong--one of the best decisions I ever made, I had days I was unable to function, because walking was impossible, and the weather just killed me, now I barely remember it...I know not all surgeries go well, but if it isn't improving without it, I would go for it! Eileen-poor you and Patty!!! Back pain I can relate to, I have a herniation of the L-4 & L-5. at a S-1 station. My lost weight has helped, although they said it probably wouldn't, gonna just be glad it did! Hip pain is part of a sciatic (the S-1) pain for me...around here we refer to my sciatic nerve as my psychotic nerve, because it makes me a psycho!! Hope you both are mending quickly...I hate that you hurt! Cindy-your DD's party sounds like very little girls fantasy day. How fun!! I miss those things, but have a granddaughter headed that way! We have the United Blood Services, come to our little town once a month or every 6 weeks or so...for a long time, I was ineligable to donate...I was anemic prior to my cancer DX and then of course couldn't donate with the chemo etc. I have not tried since, I do not know if I can or not, but I will tell you if I can...I will be a regular. Rick and I both are a very common, highly needed blood type, O+. I am not sure what I would have done if they had needed to tell me they had no blood for him. So it woke me back up!! My Mom has her 5 gallon pin from steady donations! My best friend told Rick she donated blood for him and he is now a Cowboys fan (he is a Bronco's guy---15 yrs. in Denver did that change!!). Will let you know what I find out about donating! Darcy-I have heard good things about the warranties on those cars, maybe they will straighten up! I hope so! How are you feeling now that you no longer glow?? Mandy--Sorry about your kitty. I had to have my dog put down, several years ago, and am just now feeling like I am ready to try it again. My dog, put her life on the line with my abusive ex many times, and it was so hard, I can understand your hurt, and send my love and prayers to you and your family. Mary-Figures the kids sit and wait for him....been there done that. Makes you want to shake some sense into the Dads. At least the kids have you, and they are getting to an age where they see it all, whether they acknowledge it yet or not, they know. Poor things! Good luck on the dog issue! Chris- how's the port feeling...keep us posted! Pat--thanks for the message, it all gives me such hope...you are all so special to me! Sherry--got your house back to normal yet? Enjoy some down time with DH... Dianne--someone said get well---what did I miss?? Hope you are ok!! Beannie--where ya at??? Gotta tell you guys looking at my DH is so weird, he usually wears a mustache and goatee, has for years, and they shaved pieces off to tape his tubes...so we shaved him after they come off....he looks so strange to me!!! My folks say he looks lots younger....I know I will adjust, it is just so strange!!! Oops--if I missed anyone will catch ya later, some of the guys are here to check on DH....bbl Kat

Is it anything like the pain you get when you run too far? It might be residual gas. Do you have a # to check with your Dr.? It can't hurt to ask! Since you can only drink right now, and are not having problems doing that, it sounds like you aren't in serious trouble with it. I would ask my Dr., but if I had to guess, I would bet on gas being your problem...many people have trouble with it following surgery, some for several months afterwards. I hope it eases for you soon! Good Luck, and welcome to Bandland!!! Kat

Hello friends--and I do not use that word lightly! I am happy to report that at this time, our immediate crisis has passed. They took Rick off of the ventilator late Wed. night,he was moved to the regular medical ward on Thursday, and he has improved by leaps and bounds since, and is in fact now home! We are not fully out of the woods, he has to be extremely careful not to strain or do anything that could cause the bleed to start, and it could also start without cause or warning. BUT for now he is alive, and by my side, and I am one VERY HAPPY woman!!! I want to thank everyone for their prayers, I just knew I needed as many going up as I could get, and I do appreciate them all, more than I can find words to convey. Betty, I will add your son to mine, and I will pray for his health and for strength for you and his family. I cannot recall being this scared, ever. I have also never ever seen so much blood in my life, and do not care to see it ever again! We are back to mini walks, just down the block today, so my logged time will not add up, but I cannot leave him alone right now, and this takes precedence right now, will have to power up in the coming days to make the challenge!! I am heading back to Curves on Monday...I may make it by the end of the month. I have the hula hoop thing with my niece coming up...so between that and bowling I have stepped out of my comfort zone! Well I am going to look around and see what all I missed in everyones lives, once again, thank you for your prayers, and concern...I am very glad to count you among my friends!!! Special people without a doubt!! Kat