Kat817

Actual hunger was not immediate, however seeing others eat, made me think I was hungry...about 7-10 days out, I truly felt hunger I would say. I added protein powder to my broth, and that seemed to help, more with my energy level, than hunger, but it made it to where when I got hungry, I felt like getting up and doing something rather than sit around worrying about the hunger! Which would be my suggestion, stay busy, doing things that are not easily done while eating...crafts, give yourself a manicure, etc. I walked aroudn shopping with my DH & DD, and when they just HAD to eat, I would shower, or get on the computer, just dissassociate myself with the eating thing for awhile! Good Luck to you, this shall pass, and when you can eat again, making wise choices will be easier! Kat

My one and only (thus far...I know myself well)...was on Church's Fried Chicken on the 4th of July! Lucky for me, it was nothing severe. like Donna had...in fact it was fairly simple, as soon as I decided Ok it's gotta come back up!!! I didn't eat anything else, I just drank, and then ate simple the next day, but I didn't fight it for long, and hadn't ate much, so I didn't irritate things too much I guess. Glad yours wasn't serious like poor Donna's either. Reading that reminds me to be very cautious! Good Luck! Kat

Before I was banded, I began the switch to tea, I have always drank tea, but also drank Diet Dr. Pepper in excess too! I now drink the tea and Fuze fruit drinks, I especially like the Mango/Peach, or the white tea, and they have diet ones too, the tropical punch is really good as is the cranberry/raspberry. They are high in antioxidents, and vitamins. But I brew decaffeinated iced tea by the pitcher and drink it all day. I try to get about 40 ounces of plain old water in as well. But the tea I drink is unsweetened, and decaf, so figure it isn't too bad for me!! DH refers to it as my colored water! Kat

My experience has nothing to do with washing food from teh pouch, but drinking while I am eating is not something I can do. I instantly get a golfball feeling, and have to STOP eating, drinking everything or it is a PB on it's way! I guess it kinda floats the food in my pouch making it back up into the esophogus, according to the Dr. It is not something I want to happen, so I drink, only until I am ready to eat, then nothing until I am finished eating, and wait a little while, then I can drink again just fine. I kind of thought maybe the drinking encouraged me to swallow the food before I would without the fluid, so maybe the bites ere not chewed as well, like in my pre band days...I dunno, but it hurts, so I don't do it! I hope you have no problems! Good Luck! Kat

I too think our beloved pets know when we do what we do out of love. My dalmation/springer spaniel cross "Chelsea" had been with me for 16 years. She was with me through a very abusive marriage, she would get between us and try to "save" me. Knowing she put her life on the line for me, and I was ending hers so to speak, was harder than I can say. Just like Charlif said, Chelsea hated her kennel, she knew that meant she was going to the vet. She would hide under the bed, or take off outside where she was impossible to catch! She went downhill rapidly the last month, and eventually had episodes where she lost control of her hind quarters, and would lose control of her kidneys at the time. So I knew it was time to make that call. Knowing I was going to have to I brought the kennel in to clean it up and get it ready. She was too ill to run away I knew, but amazingly the sweet baby walked over and calmly walked into the kennel and just sighed and lay down. Her way of asking me to help I thought. She knew, I just needed convincing. Now our vet is in the next town over, but that is a 20 minute drive, I knew if I took that 20 minutes, I would turn around and come home without doing it. so I called a local vet, and took her right in, he let me sit on the table and just hold her. He gave her the shots and he walked me across to his office, where he sat me, still holding her in his big office chair, and told me to take all the time I needed. I sat and held her and cried for who knows how long. When I saw an aide walk by she come in, and they had a box fixed for me to take her home in, I had requested to do so, so I could bury her here. I brought her home, and put her afghan blanket in with her, and my Dad and brother helped me bury her. It was harder than I can say. But I also know in my heart it was the right thing to do. My heart goes out to your Mom, it is not easy. You know her best I am sure, if she needs you-- be there, if she needs some alone time, allow her that. So many people think it is just an animal...but it isn't, it is your family, your friend, they love you and you love them. If you can do this without hurting, you don't need a pet. I will lift your Mom in my prayers, that she can do this with love in her heart, and soon be able to smile at the memories of Peaches. Big hug for Mom--- Kat

Hey Kat, I didn't have any burning, but I have been having to give my DH some blood thinning injections,and if I swab him, and don't wait for the alcohol to dry, it burns like crazy. Now I didn't realize that was why, until another LBT-er was asking about blood thinning injections, and another told her to let it dry or it would burn...I tried it with DH that night--she was right!! It didn't burn when I let the alcohol dry. Maybe that's what happen. We are told clear liquid the remainder of the fill day, full liquids the next day, then mushies, then back to regualr diet. If you have another fill in a month, you will only be eating 1/2 the time....poor you! But I bet you knock our socks off with weight lost! Good Luck...keep us posted. BTW is it still painful at all? Good Luck Heather! Kat

I have had 2 experiences with hair loss. The first being caused by weight loss on Atkins. I dropped about 60 pounds, in about 10 weeks...I think probably 2-3 of that was my hair!!! Well in my typical pre banding diet days, 8 weeks was about my limit anyway, and I began eating things not "allowed" carbs, mostly. The hair began growing back about 6 weeks after I began eating something besides just protein. Which is why I can't follow along with people saying the hair loss is due to lack of protein. I basically stayed on the induction phase for the full time. I was putting away the protein, nothing much besides meat, cheese,& eggs. So whether the hair loss had run its course or whether it had to do with the change in diet I have no idea. This time around, the weight is coming off slower, and I am eating a bit of everything, I have not eliminated anything, I just have control of how much I eat now...I love it!! Anyway, when my hair grew back it was basically the same as before, I didn't notice it being thinner, or finer or anything. A different story the other time. I lost it then due to chemotherapy, and when it come back that time, my straight, heavy hair, is now curly, and much finer strands...I have no idea what to do with curls!!! The color is darker....I guess since mine was gone, I just ended up with someone elses alltogether!!! I t has a tendency to frizz...I am scared to death this time it will come back white and looking like I stuck my finger in a light socket!!! Good Luck to all of you dealing with this...I know you will be here when mine starts....thanks in advance! Kat

Congrats on the awesome NSV!!! But don't we all know someone just like the little wench who sat in the chair all the while knowing??? I can just picture her...I'm in....let's go get her!!! I LOVE that you fit, and spoiled her trying to embarass you...priceless!! Kat

Just finished Jonathon Kellerman's Rage, and Nora Robert's Blue Smoke. I read all of Kellermans, although I prefer the Alex Delaware series. Some of Nora Roberts I really like, others, I cannot ever get into. This one I liked. Today I started a book my Mom gave me. Actually she gave me 7 books by the same woman, Susan Wiggs, the one I started today is called Table for Five. I was planning to buy the new Janet Evanovich, but will read these first since I have started now. I love the Stephanie Plum series. There is a similar series, by another author with the last name of Strohmeyer...with a hairdresser/crime fighter/journalist named Bubbles. I also read all of Stephen White's. Too many books, and too little time,however if I would get off the computer......Enjoy your books! Kat

Hi all, just got home a little while ago, DH took me out to dinner, now I am ready to sleep!!! My Dad got a good report, we don't have to go back for 6 months. Well actually I go back in 3 weeks, DH will have his heart surgery 3 weeks from today...soon it will be behind us! My Dad is having some issues with his carotid arteries, so they do a doplar on them every 6 months watching closely to make sure he does not block up, but so far so good. He is such a good patient tho, he walks 6 miles a day, watches his diet, when the Dr. says lose 10 pounds, he suffers until they are gone. I think my brother got all that determination, I got none!! Dianne, you poor thing. Document EVERYTHING!!!! If you hire an attorney, have him get the witness' statement asap. You never know when the witness may move or change a phone #. I had 2 witnesses we were never able to contact again. Keep record of any phone calls, time off for appointments, if you have to buy a new ice bag...keep the receipt! I was seen by the paramedics at the time of my wreck, and was in the ER the next day when my knee was 3 times normal sized....and insurance was a pain. But when they kept trying to "forget" certain expenses, I had them! In the end, after my surgery and all,they finally settled on me, to pay my expenses, and made an offer for pain & suffering. I used that settlement, to pay for my band!!! I hope you are not hurting too bad, I will keep you in my prayers too! Betty--hope the foot doc does you some good!!! Anne--welcome back!!! Gee $237 grand....can I borrow some???? Cindy--are you excited yet??? I love the anticipation of a trip!! Donna--if you check in before leaving for San Antonio, big hugs to DS, and ENJOY!!! Eileen--I am not quite as serious as you seem about my purses, but I have an thing that they need to match....I have wallets, and checkbook covers in every color imaginable, to match whatever purse I choose!! I mean, not just brown & black, but red, pink, lime green...I love JCPenney's for them! Beannie--I made my nephew a big bowl of Death by Chocolate for him to take to his fiance's families picnic tonight...so finally the brownies are out of my house!!! Mary--Pat--Sherry---Ollie Ollie In Free---Come play!!! Kat

When we had our trampoline, several years back, I was doing day care in my home. I typed up a release form, and no one was allowed on, unless I had the release signed. It also stated I would be present during any jumping, and that they were only allowed to go one at a time. Now after the day care kids left, we had our own rules, for kids and friends. But I thought it better safe than sorry...I had it looked over by an attorney friend, he recommended a couple of wording changes, but thought it would cover me. This was back when trampolines were just making the comeback, so my insurance didn't have a thing about them. I wouldn't be surprised if it doesn't now. Other than that, I absolutely LOVED it!!! Might be time to look into a new one!!! Kat

Well I am off to Albuquerque tomorrow to take my Dad to see his cardiologist, he has had 2 rounds of bypass surgery. I usually take him twice a year, this time I am looking forward to it! I want his opinion on the Dr. they had DH scheduled with! It is not a terribly long trip, just monotonous, not a lot to look at between here and there, 186 miles, a lot of reservation. DH won a raffle over the weekend. We went to a fund raiser at a company similar to where he works, one of the employees sons has been diagnosed with cancer, so they held a big fundraiser. He won a gas card to a local station for $250.00. He donated it to the family. Was cool that he won! I cannot believe they take 15 viles of blood!! Eileen, don't you lose like 5 pounds that day!!! My Gosh! I whine over 3-4!! Back the other day someone ask me how my DD was doing living on her own..sorry I should scroll back, but I am just too dang lazy!! She is doing good, she is mad at me right now, but that's ok, I was not real happy with her either!!! She moved into her new house just fine, I just can't get her to move OUT of mine!!! The bedroom is still full of her things, she could stay for days and need nothing! And I on the other hand with the son and his family here, need the space! So I nagged her until she finally come and got...a dresser! That was all...and I was supposed to be thrilled I guess! She had the entire day off, the Dr. she works for was out of town, but all she moved was one darn dresser...aarrgghhh! Other than that...her place looks wonderful, she is having a blast decorating HER way! Her Ex was into the modern look, he wanted black furniture, chrome everywhere. She has a red corduroy sofa!!! It is nice, I am impressed with her eye for things! Son is helping the older couple they are buying from move some things Thursday, and then they are having new carpet laid before moving their things in. The couple said he could have the carpet installers come and get the measurements so they could be ready. I tell ya he has spent so much time on the phone with this couple...I feel so sorry for them, I am glad he is being considerate. He is afterall a 26 yr old---he could have been just about anyway!!! Patty--when do you find out about sons, scoliosis issues? They thought my oldest DD had scoliosis, but in the end, it was a growth plate on her hip trying to slip, and causing the issues around it to swell, and pushing her leg out to be longer than the other. But like you mentioned, since this was discovered in school, there was a group from the local Carrie Tingley Hospital, and they covered all of her costs ( I was a single Mom at the time) and followed up on her for years. Will be hoping all goes well for him! Enjoy your pampering at the salon! Betty---did you call the foot doc? Dianne--my oldest DD has had so many car bumps and bangs it is unreal!! She was rear ended and shoved into the car ahead of her and totaled her car the 2nd day she had her license! She was driving from home to track practice, she had refused to drive to school, because too much traffic, so rode the bus home and got her car to go to practice...and boom!! She has merged into a center lane at the same time a guy in the other lane did too, he merged left, she merged right...boom! She wa sitting at a red light, and a tow truck turned the corner, his hand slipped, and side swiped her in a rental car, while hers was in the shop....she has such bad luck!!! But she has never been ticketed, and has never been at fault! She too is somewhat of a drama Queen tho.... Cindy I think that is good, something nice to be on the same day, Ibetyour Mom was smiling down. Well, I have got to get some things done since I will be gone all day...and dinner is still waiting to be put away. Will try to catch the rest of you later...Know I am thinking of all of you even when I don't get to you!!! Take care all!!! Kat

My dr. has me do liquids only the day of my fill, and then for 24 hrs. following it, then another 24 of mushies, and back to regular diet. As for the needle, sad to say, yes mine was big....so I would just say, don't look. I know that sounds like I am being a smart a$$ but I'm not trying to, just realistic. It did not hurt like I expected a needle that size would...so if you just close your eyes, it should be fine. Good Luck to you! As for the diet, he will tell you following what to do, nd just follow his orders, but prior I would do liquid only. It is just easier on your tummy after the fill. You will be fine!!! All of us before you have survived it!! Kat

For me drinking while I am eating is a personal invitation to a guaranteed golfball feeling...and a PB if I push it! I am guessing it maybe floats the food I have already eaten up to the top of my pouch and into the esophogus (like I say just guessing!), and ewwwww not a good feeling!! Made it very easy for me not to drink and eat together!! Kat

In regards to hating the taste, or texture in your mouth...try to have him as far back into your mouth as possible at the time he cums. There are less taste buds back there, so that is less of an issue. Before he moves too much, make a couple of quick swallows and it is mostly gone, and you never have to "feel" it in your mouth, or taste it. No muss, No fuss...and one happy man!!! Kat

As far as how people took the news I was having the band, I didn't have any negativity. I do have one friend, we have been friends forever, and she is in general a negative person, the rest of us just go on, let her bah- humbug everything! I didn't tell her until after and as suspected, she knew it was dangerous, blah blah blah. Needless to say this gal would not weigh 120 pounds soaking wet, never has! Otherwise, everyone was supportive of it, going into the surgery. Since surgery my grouchy Aunt ask me "Are you ever going to lose any weight after spending all that money for surgery?" I told her nope, and went on!!! She on the other hand is bigger than I am...or was! And when she ask me I was already down 30 pounds, and wearing the next size down in clothes, but it wouldn't have mattered, she just wanted to grump!!! As a general rule, people are supportive, when they learn it is not bypass. You say the words, "it's reversible if I have any problems" and they all breath easier! My DH and kids, parents, brother, and inlaws were awesome. They still are, they comment positively on a regular basis. Good Luck to All in this journey! Kat

My SIL does the same thing to me with Mannatech. She says it is not vitamins, but food supplements. It has apparently helped her health and that of her family. However the company also has a weight loss supplement, that obviously is not the cure all it is supposed to be or she would not have needed banding when we had it done. I hope the product is doing for them all they believe it to be doing. I personally do not want to sell ANYTHING, it is nothing against this product or any other, it is just not something I want to do. I do hate that I cannot mention anything without her having some product that would help me! Just feels like she wants to sell me something. In her defense, I will say when she really thinks something will help us, she has brought over a few for us to try. It seems to be the same way, they all take tons of pills. That is something else I just don't want to do! I guess I am just a born skeptic!! Will just chew my Flintstones, and Viactivs, and be happy! Kat

Welcome! Back when I thought I would croak if I couldn't chew something, another bandster suggested I just chew gum. I called my patient advocate, who ask my Dr. he said, sugar free, and don't swallow it (I am not 5 yrs old!). I still find it helps on the days I feel like munching! Or if I am somewhere there is too much food tempting me, like at a baby shower last week. It is hard to munch if you have a piece of gum in your mouth! Some people have problems with some artificial sweetners causing them gas...so be aware! Good Luck to you! Kat

Hon, sounds like you need an industrial size box of Calgon....:confused: Maybe sleeping on it and getting a fresh start looking for it will halp you find the paper tomorrow, I hope so! As for sister/obnoxious bf, maybe use the audit and explain you were stressed, then forget it. If he continues to bring it up, after it is "over" then he will be the one looking bad!!! Nothing much to say about the tires, we had one slashed not long ago, really ticked me off, I suspect the soon to be ex of my DD...but have no way to prove it. Cost us a pretty penny too, it was on a big 4WD P/U. Sorry! As for the band....I love mine. If you stress about your weight or your health, then I think it is the right thing. It will give you control that I know I never had otherwise. I only wish I had done it years ago! In my opinion it is not something you have to "work" every second of every day. I am not always hungry so I am not always making bad food choices. Plus with being able to eat less, if I do make a bad choice, then I eat a couple of cookies or chips, and am full. Prior to banding I would have ate whole bag! This way now, I just stop, and I don't have to think about it or worry about being hungry and where is my next food coming from. Only you can make a decision like this, but like I said, I love this band...and I hope your life settles down a bit so you can make a careful decision about getting it. It deserves to be thought out, not taken lightly. I wish you lots of luck in settling the other issues in your life, so you have the freedom from worry to make that decision! May all things look up from here!!! Kat

I discussed this with my aftercare Dr, just last month, even though I am a looong way from worrying about it!! He said that there are a couple of places referred to as "sweet spots". The first being an amount of fill that allows you to eat to satisfaction while still losing 1-2 pounds a week, and that is usually attained about the 3rd fill. The other "sweet spot" is a maintenance level, it is usually the bodies response to stopping weight loss. He said at goal weight, some people simply keep the balance, by being aware of their eating habits, others may prefer a slight fill or unfill to attain the steady weight. But most people he said will not be the exact weight they choose...they will naturally stop at an optimal weight for their body and their activity level. He said why this happens is under study. He did go on to say, that he has never had anyone who could not stop losing, such as many have referred to with RNY. Hopefully someday soon we will be seeing how our bodies do when we get to goal weight!!! Good Luck to you! Kat

I begged, I pleaded, I threatened, I bribed, I chastised, and mostly I yelled. But the clothes remained on the floor...clean clothes, I had just washed, and she tried on and discarded. Made me FURIOUS!!! Eventually I took a lundry basket to her room, and collected everything that had been tossed on the floor or left wadded on the bed, or dresser, or desk. When she come home she thought I had as usual broke down and put it away myself, until she wanted a certain item and it was not to be found. The deal was, if she wanted something out of the basket, she could only have it IF she put the rest of the items in the basket away. It became part of my routine, I would walk through her room, and if it was on the floor,or had not been put away, it was mine. She had to work the basket to get what she wanted. It was not a perfect solution, but it worked for us. She learned eventually, she is on her own now, and has her own daughter...I LOVE IT!!!!! Kat

:happybday2: HAPPY BIRTHDAY DARCY!!! :happybday2: :happybday: Girl if I was there, we would go celebrate!!! I hope you have a wonderful day, spend some time spoiling yourself, read a book, soak in a bubble bath, watch what YOU want on TV! NO housework allowed today!! Big hugs and lotsa love!! Kat

Welcome Dorty, your sister is right, this is one of the best things to have happened to me, finding this site. I do not have a support group available. I live in a rural area, in fact there is not even a Dr. in my state that does the surgery...so this site has been a Godsend. Any question I have or concerns...if I just want to whine...or am bored and want to visit...there are always wonderful people here! I would suggest you read, anything and everything you can get your hands on regarding the surgery, and the Dr. you choose, as well as the hospital. Make very informed decisions. Some advice given to me, that brought home how serious of a decision it is, was to imagine that you are making this decision for your mother, sister, or daughter. You would only want the best for them, and you too deserve only the best. Personally the band has been wonderful, I feel in control finally...what a unique and wonderful feeling this is!! I wish for you the smooth uneventful surgery I had, and great success!!! Good Luck! Kat

I never had any issues with continued dizziness or anything. I could tell when I was not getting enough fluids in, and was dehydrated, I would get very lethargic, and grouchy!! I used Zero carb Isopure drinks 40g. protein in each bottle, I would try to drink half in the morning and half in the afternoon. I bought them at GNC, they are good for while you need clear liquids the first while following surgery, before you can do the shakes. I also ordered the unflavored unjury powder, 20 g. per scoop, and used it in broth, even mixed it up in my jello...you can use it in anything to boost your protein.(www.unjury.com) I also take a chewable vitamin, and the viactiv calcium chews. As for the new job...it sounds to me like perfect timing! It will keep your mind occupied, giving you less time to think of food!! Plus you mentioned worrying about not eating in the cafeteria...from the begining, you can be eating healthy around these new people, and then as you lose weight, they will attribute it to that...nothing else. They have not seen you go up and down in weight...they will see you eating your container of yogurt, or a salad, and as your weight drops...it won't raise questions. Or at least it wouldn't in my mind. Sounds ideal...Good Luck on the surgery, I am thrilled with mine, wish I had done it years ago!!! And good luck in the new job...sounds like you have a whole new life to look forward to!!! Kat

I know it isn't as disgusting looking, but have you gone to the store and lifted a big bag of potatoes, or dog food equivalent to what you used to carry around every single day??? It is amazing to think of!! Kat