Kat817

Well my friends (that word seems so inadequate) I am a HAPPY, HAPPY, woman!!! Rick was released from the ICU night before last, and they upgraded him to a guarded condition yesterday...and I brought him home tonight! Once the ventilator came out, and he could drink, pee (without the dreaded Foley), and walked around, he improved quickly. They let him have heavier, full liquids, and he managed the requisite BM, so they let him come home. Our only issue now is to watch so he does not begin to bleed again. And that is something that simply remains to be seen...and we can monitor it from home. There is a blood clot in place, and the longer it remains in position the better, because the healing is going on behind it. The Dr. is shocked and pleased as he can be! Rick is his first patient he has ever left a balloon in for this long, and the first he has ever encountered with the problem, exacerbated by the blood thinners. He feels a bit like a bug under glass, because everyone sits and stares at him like he is going to do something...I do it because I am so unbelievably glad to still have him! But everyone watches is every breath to make sure he does not "do" something he shouldn't! Right now he simply cannot lift or strain, he is not supposed to cough if at all possible, he is taking cough syrup, if he feels like allergies are a problem we will treat that, they don't want him sneezing repeatedly, and the absolute worst no-no of the bunch is throwing up. To throw up is an almost guaranteed repeat performance without the guaranteed repeat recovery. Rick is weak as a kitten, and white as a ghost....and alive! And I am forever blessed with the most amazing of friends...both in and out of my house and life here, and on this board. No words can express my gratitude to all of you. I KNOW the prayers pulled him through. I will be back to catch up with all of you. I have not had a chance to read through all of the posts. I hope all is well with each of you. Michele brought me home to shower the other day, and I ask her to let you know, knowing there would be prayers going up coast to coast. It is a comfort knowing the support is there, 24/7...You are an amazing and wonderful group of friends...you are in my heart...you are a part of me, and I thank you with every ounce of me (and that is a LOT of ounces!!!) I will be back, I am going to go enjoy being home with my honey. Once again---thank-you so very much! Kat

Hi all-a quick note, I am home to shower and return to the hospital. My DH is in critical condition in the ICU. He tore his esophagus from part of the stomach and with the blood thinners he has been on since his heart surgery, they did not give us much hope, they had me bring in the family. He has pulled through so far. This happened on Sat. evening. He is still on a ventilator, but the balloons they used to stop the bleed have been removed, and no new bleeding has begun. He has been given over 25 units of blood and countless plasma. He is not out of the woods yet. My world is in shambles. I ask for your prayers. I love this man heart and soul...and cannot face the thoughts that crowd me in the dark. Please keep him in your prayers. I will update you when I can. Kat

Hi my friends, It is 11 PM and I am home to shower, they kick me out of Rick's room from 10-midnight each night. Our news is good. The balloons seem to have done the trick for now, the bleeding has been stopped for now. They will be re-scoping the area within the next day or so to see if they think it will hold or if they will attempt to operate. The surgeon said it would be in an area very difficult to reach as it is the back of the esophagus that tore loose from the stomach. He has developed an allergy to the preservative in the plasma they were giving him, so he has slowed down his coagulation time again. All this thickening of the blood to stop the bleed is putting pressure on his recent heart surgery....it is an evil battle. Today they did remove the balloons all together, and he has remained stable. They are weaning him from the ventilator tonight. Girls, I knew he was sick when he began throwing up blood, but he was his normal self...all attitude, and I thought they could fix him, when they had me leave to do the scope down his throat, I have not seen him concious since that time. The Dr. was shocked he lived through the first night, now he too is giving me some hope. But when he told me to get his children in to say goodbye, my world crashed around my feet. I cannot tell you. I love you all, and I am comforted knowing he is in so many prayers. I feel the hope I have been hangin on to for the last couple of days today, I am so relieved there was no more bleeding so far. He has received over 25 units of blood...but as of tonight his all important H&H numbers have remained steady rather than falling. This is the first night the Dr. has not ordered more transfusions. I have to go shower and get back. I will try to update when I can, and you can check in with Michele...I talk to her regularly. I am truly blessed with friends both here at home and here on line! I also have my cell phone with me at all times 505-486-5083. Thank you all so much! Keep praying I know it is working! Kat

Hi everyone, I am Kathy's friend Michele ( fellow Lapbander myslef) I am writing you this sunday afternoon to let you know that Kath'y husband Rick is in the hospital on life support at this time and is in need of all our prayers. To let you know a little bit what happened, he felt sick and threw up massive amounts of blood and kat took him to the hospital where they say he tore his esophagus where it attaches to his stomach. at that time last night because he has been on blood thinners for his heart they werent sure if they could stop the bleeding and if he would even make it through the night. they put a balloon in his stomach and in his esophagus to stop the bleeding by pressure and are giving him stuff to thicken his blood and hope his heart holds up through this all. they dont know at this point if they can even operate. Tomorrow or the y next they will try and remove the balloons, he may have to be air flighted to phoenix if all else fails. she has had a very rough night not knowing if he's going to pull through. she does have lots of support here with her, but she asked me to type a note so you will all add him to your prayers. thank you all. im not sure when she will be back online you can email me @ mickydooley@msn.com for any updates over the next couple of days. thanks michele

The one thing I can think of to add to mary sue's excellent list of Do's is to get a notebook, and handwrite a detailed log. Include date, time and what was said, for instance in regard to him telling you he took the title a month ago, or that he wants you and your DD out of the house...whatever. Keep it chronological. The judge who heard my DD's case stated that it being handwritten, and dated chronologically, showed her the items mentioned had not been made up to fit a certain arguement at any certain time. Another thing that her attorney advised her to do, was concerning something her soon to be ex did that was borderline illegal at his job. He had her write it down, date it, and seal it in an envelope, and mail it to herself...when it come in the mail, put it away, unopened. Now if ever this issue comes up concerning his job, she is protected, and has dated proof of when she made the claim. My DH's ex moved without telling us a new address, and we did the same with our CS checks that came in the return mail, held them still in the unopened envelopes. When she moved out of the new boyfriends house, she suddenly took us to court saying he had been neglect in paying his support. We had proof in the returned unopened envelopes, each containing a check. That the judge did NOT award her!!! She (the judge) actually held her in contempt, and fined her! Document EVERYTHING!!!! If there is ever a doubt of your safety or that of your childs, or he threatens his own life, call the police, and pick up a copy of the report! Like you have been advised, try to remain as unemotional as possible, and I know that is hard, whether the actual ending of the marriage hurts more, ot the death of the dream of what you hoped it would be hurts more is hard to say. But you have to play your cards close and keep steady, let all the emotion come from him. Save your need to comfort for your kids and yourself. Begin making a new life for yourself, whether it is going to the dollar movie night each week, or finding a new church family...anything make some changes for YOU. My Grandma used to tell me "to change anything, you have to change something. Good Luck to you. I am so sorry you have to go through this, I know it isn't easy! Been there.....but survived it and you will too!!! Kat

Is this medication regime or the severity of your endometriosis going to affect your fertility? I too had endometriosis, granted nowhere as severe as yours. I fought the idea of a hysterectomy for years. Finally uterine cancer took away my options, I had the hysterectomy....and my life improved in so many ways!!! Now looking back I wish I had done it years ago, followed by the band years ago...it's that 20/20 hindsight!!! Meanwhile, at least while you get a handle on the illness issues, the band will keep your eating in check, and stop any weight gain. Many times these type of things cause eating as a response to depression. What type of exercise are you capable of doing at this point? Can you think of any ways in which we can help you? Let us know!!! Kat

I think if you had no fear, or questions, and concerns, it would be scary. Like you were being totally unrealistic. Every one of us, whether we had a little (I know it does not seem little to you!) to lose or a lot to lose, had fears of being the one it didn't work for. I know there are extenuating circumstances that occur and that due to them the band does not work for everyone. But the fact that you are in good health otherwise, lends me to believe you would do fine with the band and achieve success. If it is not a financial concern, my question to you is...IF (and it is a BIG if) it did not work for you...would you be worse off than you are right now? My one and only regret with the band at this point is not having done it long ago. Good luck making your decision. Be sure to read, read, read....research everything you can, and make an educated decision! Kat

Hi, will check out your chat site in a few Amourette! Lets see, I have exercised, it has been a bit of different types of things lately!!! I worked for about 45 minutes with my g-niece, and I can once again hula hoop!!! Man alive my obliques were sore!!! We have walked when possible. Yesterday we attempted a walk, and got caught in a massive hail storm--took shelter in someones alcove between their house & garage! There was a HS homecoming parade, and we walked down to see it. There were kids caught in the storm. It was BAD!!! 7 people ended up injured, and like 17 accidents reported! We RUN home in 6 inches of water....not my new favorite exercise, nor one I want to continue as my "new" exercise!!! So last night we went to dinner with friends, and during dinner we decided to go bowling afterwards. We had to wait for a lane so we shot a couple of games of pool, and then bowled 2 games. I am hoping I burned more calories than I scored points!!! I am not good, but we had a blast. My DH only managed to bowl one game, and then he called it a night, it was a bit much for him, with his recent surgery. We have reserved a lane for next week. I think this will be a keeper form of activity. I have made Curves a regular 3-4 times a week. I was ok with my weight and inches lost there this month, my amount lost from the begining is staggering to me!! I think I am finally at the point of making some muscle!! I see it in the ease at which I heft a bale of hay etc. I measured myself the week before surgery, and to date with the Curves #'s I am down 41 inches!!! So far I am on track with the challenge, I like that it makes me think of ways to be active every day, knowing I have to report back to y'all!! Looks like in the next month or so, my increase in activity will include raking leaves, they are coming down fast and furious!!! The hail helped!! Keep up the good work guys!!! This is such an inspiration, and help!!! Kat

I think the only time I have had anything similar to the gurgling noise you describe, is when I have taken a drink too soon after eating, and it has made me feel too full, kind of like my food floats up to far. But it is not a common occurance, I don't gurgle like that anyway!!! I am interested to see what responses you get! Kat

I have a few minutes before getting ready to meet the family for breakfast, so thought I would check in with all of you! Thanks so much for all the support of my DD & DH. As for DD, she is having kidney problems, but it has not infected the urinary tract, or her bladder, so while she has severe lower back pain, and the general icky feeling of having infection, she does not have the burning upon urination, or the frequency urges, or the contractions all associated with the UTI. Which is good, but it also allows kidney issues to be ignored for too long. She thought she had strained her back playing with the baby (she is almost 2...wonder if she will ever quit being the baby???). Lasty night we went to dinner with friends, just went to Chilis. Ate some soup, and shared DH's meal!!! We decided to go bowling, which we hadn't done in years, not since the kids grew up! We had to wait for a league to finish so we shot some pool and then bowled a couple of games. Hopefully I burned more calories than I scored points!!! I barely broke a hundred the second game!!! The first I didn't make it!!! DH made it through the first game, and then about 5 frames into the 2nd and he said he was feeling it so he quit...I finished bowling for him then--and imagine this I beat him!!! Eileen--I sent you an email about the poodle skirt--did you get it? I began wondering afterwards if I hit the right box on my email, I also have a cousin Eileen. I picture her sitting there wondering why she would want a poodle skirt, for either Jason who is 18 and 6'6", or Eric who is 15 and 6'3"!!! LOL Good luck on the fill quandry!!! Cindy--how's the tile go? I am jealous I want a new house!!! How wierd! I swore this was it! Sherry--Congrats on the job!! Not having to have people working directly under you, or at least not being responsible if they don't do the work, sounds like a good thing! Chris--hope recovery is going smoothly!!! Patty--hope you hear soon from the lawyer. Betty--I agree...whats cookin'? Mandy--glad you are home safe, did the kiddo do ok while you were gone? Beannie--where ya off to? Allison--hope the new job makes you happy! Darcy--where ya at? Off playing with the pups??? Diane--sorry I am so long in expressing my sympathies, it is something we are never fully prepared for the finality of. I am so sorry for your loss...big big hug. Anne--Mary--where ya at???? Ok time to get dressed..will check in with y'all later!!! Kat

I agree, it would have totally made me rethink things to have been told that. On the opening LBT page, about 3/4 of the way down on the page is an area called USA Local Lap Band Support or something like that (now that I'm not looking at it, I can't remember what it is called!!!). Anyway it is something about USA & Local! When you click into there it will have the states listed alphabetically. You can then click on Arizona, and maybe find some info from others in your state...what Dr. they used...if they used the same Dr, how it went...that kind of thing. The cost, the lack of local Dr.'s doing the surgery,lack of insurance that would cover, or cover without years of jumping through hoops, and the attitude of many US Dr.'s concerning the surgery is what sent so many of us to Mexico. I wish you luck as you research--don't let one woman's crappy attitude sway you. Read everything you can get your hands on, so you can make an educated decision. Getting the band was literally a life saver for me...I hope all works out well for you! Kat

I don't know what Lupron is...why do you have to take it? Maybe with some more info we could all put our heads together and maybe find a way to help you jump start some weight loss. If it is another health issue, it may have to be taken one step at a time. When I originally looked into the band, I was unable to follow through due to a cancer diagnosis. Following treatment, and surgery, I was not interested in doing anything to be honest except live! Then as time went on, the thoughts returned...and here I am. The point being, sometimes other health issues have to take the priority slot...but that doesn't mean it is permanent! If you could let us know what else is going on, maybe we can help a little. I am sorry you feel like a loser, I don't sense that about you at all! I see someone battling more than one issue, and that is never easy!! Hang in there!!! Kat

From a 48DDD to a 42DD so far...looks like I may be headed next to a 40 long.......... Kat

THE BEST: My DD bringing the Dr. she works for (who happens to be my PCP) out to "look" at me! They both had huge smiles, and were so happy for me! He told me that my DD had been telling him how wonderful I was doing and he said it didn't look like I was going to need him anymore with my blood pressure and sugars being normal! His reaction was great...but the best? That even without me knowing, my DD was bragging on Mom!!! THE WORST: I was banded at the same time as my SIL, and she has had complications. Now my MIL "blames" me, and tries to make me feel guilty for mine being trouble free. She says things like "Well you got her into this", and "I wish you had never mentioned this to her". I have to be careful about being too happy around that part of the family.... Kat

Hi everyone! Just got DH back from the Dr. He will be able to return to work on the 16th, light duty for another 6-8 weeks, then back to normal. Looks like he might be changing jobs before that time line is up tho. Part of him wants to stay on until the first of the year to get his next years vacation pay, and at the end of the year they pump another 4% into his 401K....but if the opportunity he has been waiting on won't hold, he'll just go now. Anyway, the Dr. was pleased with his progress, which is good to know. I can't help but worry, he worked harder than I thought he should in Texas, but there is no calm, easy way to build fences!!! My DD....the nephrologist has discovered that her kidney is harboring 2 different infections types. She actually right now has e-coli and strep both in the kidney. They only found strep last time. But these are the same type of infection. So what he says is happening, is that when they bombard her with antibiotics, then a yeast type of infection (the 2nd form)takes up residence in the kidney, due to the abundance of antibiotics....making it a perfect breeding ground for other infections such as the e-coli one to grow very quickly as soon as the antibiotics are ended. There is a one time dose pill they give for yeast infections caused by antibiotics, called Diflucan or something like that. They are giving it to her every 36 hours during this round of antibiotics, trying to eliminate ALL infection rather than just bouncing from one to another. He said they will check her every day during this next 14 days, and if her numbers ever jump, or even rise as opposed to being controlled, then she is in the hospital with IV antibiotics. But he said she had held her own with all of these raging infections really well, she is just now starting to get down with it, she has a throat infection, and an ear infection, and even a place she had cut her ankle is infected. None of this is unusual they said, it still makes Mama nervous. DH said they have this round to get it cleared up, and if they can't then we will make arrangements for her to go to my SIL's in Denver and see a different group of Dr.'s regardless of what ins. says. Thanks everyone for asking and being concerned over both DH & DD, it means so much... Kat

Now that I am fitting into smaller clothes, that I can buy at the cheaper stores, I have a hard time not buying too much. I have not been able to buy outside the Plus size in years, and now that I can, I wanna!!! But I still have a long way to go, and see no sense in spending a fortune on clothes that with any luck will not fit in a couple of months...BUT...I am thrilled to have this dilemma!!! A year ago, I thought I would die being at least as fat as I was or worse...I had lost hope. Now I found a way (love my band!!) and shopping is FUN again!!! Kat

I can so relate to your fear...and next year I will be going and making the same right of passage!!! I don't think there will be any problem with you fitting on the rides...you have done a great job. Now get out there and enjoy one of the rewards for a job well done!!! Throw those hands in the air for ALL of us!!! Kat

I say leather...and now that we have established that..... Leather or Lace? Kat

I second that FAQ suggestion Jo Ann! I am going to use Wheetsin's so very helpful post to explain mine to my Mom....she has been very supportive, but I still don't think she "gets" it!!! I knew everything she posted...but it was so well organized, and supported with the visuals...it was perfect. Thank You Wheetsin for taking the time to answer so thoroughly, and giving all of us the ability to use your post!!! Lisah -- your answer was something I would have posted!!! I get in a hurry wanting to help someone understand too!! Kat

While I agree that the first week is not a good indication of future loss, and is likely mostly water weight, and can easily be regained...I also remember the huge relief I felt as that scale inched downward! It gave me such hope! It comforted me in my decision, and gave incentive to continue following my Dr.'s orders, and make this work. Don't let the possible regain of that initial loss distract you too much, it may be slower following the first sudden weight loss burst, but it will continue, this band works if you do!!! Try to hold onto that enthusiasm---even when you get to a point that you are winning YOUR battle, you can encourage those who are following you! Good Luck!! Kat

Keep in mind, I live in a rural area...Above the cabinets in my kitchen and down one entire wall, I have tractor seats! Not the new padded kind, the old ventilated metal saddle seats. I love them, they are all different, and unique. Now from that many have assumed I want tons of John Deere "stuff". That is not the actual case! I have antique saws on one wall of our family room, and antique hand tools on another wall. Most of our pictures have a barn theme, one is actually painted on old barn wood, and another is painted on an old windmill blade. So while I don't collect one particular item, the old farm thing is it in general...old milk cans, crocks, washboards etc. Most of them have found other uses in my house. My milk cans house plants, and the crocks hold everything from towels to trash! It all feels pretty cozy, and can take a beating with kids & grandkids!!! Kat

Willie....Kenny....who the heck knew, back then I was into Rock & Roll...and had a DD who at age 3 would tune in C&W......kids!!! Anyway thanks for fixing it for me, and those 400 children!!! Kat

Years ago a Willie Nelson song "Lucille" was on, when my then young daughter says to me "That's just a stupid song--no one has 400 children!" When I ask & then listened to her sing along she sang "With 400 children and a crop in the field, you picked a fine time to leave me Lucille". When I could do so without laughing I explained he actually sang "With 4 hungry children......" Still think of it to this day whenever the oldie comes on!! Kat

oops hit send forgot my letters!!! how about......one for me~! DUMMY

BOSSY Better Off Simply Saying Yes