Kat817

Hi ladies, I spent the afternoon relaxing in the backyard, visiting with my friend Marie. We kicked back, and yacked about anything and everything! I feel very relaxed! I had no less than 5 bottles of water, and 2 bottles of Fuze today. Also had a bowl of vegetable soup, pureed. Was yummy!!! That is what Marie brought me, was the soup, so we put it in the blender and I had it, it was so tasty----food.....real food!!! LOL We have a game tonight. Thinking I might let Rick take me a lawn chair and sit and watch them play.....we'll see when 6 rolls around how tired I am!! I did not nap today---so I may be ready for bed by then! My Mom bought me 4 tubs of shredded parmesan cheese clearanced at the store today---so I am going to freeze them until I can make me some cheese crisps and eat them!! They used to keep me from missing chips too bad. TracyK---eat the spaghetti sauce----make you some extra meaty sauce and eat it up! It is the tasty part anyway, and it is not bad for you! Pamela always talks about her sauce and makes me hungry for the sauce!!! Actually, I'd prefer to just go eat hers, so I don't have to work to make it or clean up the mess I always make!!! Rick loves italian sausage, so I always use a combo of bulk italian sausage and ground beef in the sauce, as well as lots of garlic, and mushrooms....then I cook sliced link italian sausage, kind of like meatballs, and he adds that to it as well---I would say he has a little spaghetti with his sauce, but that would be a lie, he eats lots of all of it!!! But I can eat a VERY small amount of pasta and it fills me up instantly!!! So I do lots of sauce and little bits of noodles. Making myself hungry----just a few more days and I can transition into real food again!! Laura did you talk to your Dr. about more meds, or any other options yet?? The stuff they sprayed my mouth with to numb it for the scope---they tried to tell me tasted like bananas----caused me some serious blisters in my mouth, towards the back of my throat where she concentrated the spray. It has been super easy to get my water in, just feeling the cool wash over them feels sooooo good. Also messed up the taste buds on my tongue. TracyKS---if you are going to eat the TV dinner things, really watch the sodium content, or you will retain fluid----at least that is what my DD and I found when we ate them. We REALLY had to keep our fluid intake up or weight loss stopped, and it finally dawned on us it was the sodium. Which is also high is some soft drinks and sports drinks. IT is one of my big enemies!!! Jane, so sorry to hear of your friend. That is such a hard thing when it is unexpected like that, yet afterwards you see there were warning signs.....so sorry. And thank you so much for my card!! Made my day---mailman brought me happy thoughts and no bills!!! LOL Well I am going to go get Ricks baseball shirt and all together----and refill my water bottle. I will be up all night again. My biggest incision is clear on the right side and is several inches long, and bruised around it about the size of a saucer----it is where they manipulated the intestine, it hurts sooooooo bad. Nothing else hurts---just that one cut. And it looks ugly, the pores on my belly bruised darker than the rest of the bruise so it looks speckled!!! Looks like someone really man handled me! Will check on everyone either later or in the morning. Hugs!!! Kat

YAY Haydee is back!!!!! I am SOOOOOOO glad!!! Hope Princess is still doing better, poor baby!!! I hate it when babies and animals hurt and cannot tell you what hurts........then again when they (kids....men....) CAN tell you they do so repeatedly until you wish they could not!!! Guess I am hard to please!!!! Welcome back Haydee, missed you girlfriend!!! Kat

Good Morning Vi's! Feeling good this morning! Manda got a "no change" report! The ascending aorta has not dilated anymore. She is still in a high risk category and must have a CT scan done on it every 6 months and a full cardio study yearly, but for now, there has been no change! Rick went to the Dr. with her since I cannot drive, and it was going to be a pain to come and get me and then go back to town. So he went instead. YAY!!! Now if Rick gets a good report tomorrow at his cardiologist, the hearts are all secure for awhile!!! I see all of us doing this thing where it is like we tire of the season, and become complacent. We were all psyched for summer and being able to be outside and do this and that....which we did really well for awhile, then the heat of summer gave way to the ice cream cravings!!! Now the season is starting to change again, and we are all getting back into the groove ready to get it in gear again......trade our outdoor exercises for indoor again, the grilling for the crockpot, we are all feeling the need for change!!! (Sounds a bit political!!!) Any ideas besides our pie hole report for keeping us all on track??? I have tried posting this for over an hour, and my phone keeps ringing--gonna post it and keep reading!!! Kat

To actually "look" at things in general, probably no one would ever know anything had been done as far as mine is concerned. There was no DRASTIC change. There is less fullness....I can feel the pubic bone without nearly the padding it had before. And it lifted things slightly so that contact is easier. The look is nothing to be concerned with if you have not got a serious problem in the beginning I wouldn't think. I mean my gosh I didn't have a foot of extra skin or anything!!! The benefits of the surgery are wonderful------I would ask to see B&A pics of ANY surgery you are considering, and many will have patients you can speak to. Because this just like any other PS can be screwed up beyond repair I am sure! Research, but don't discount it if you find a competent surgeon, it truly is worth looking into. If not just for the physical rejuvenation--the appearance can be just as off putting if you do not have it done. I have seen pics of TT's done without the mons lift, and they had these nice smooth stomachs and then looked like they had a package hidden below! Key is to find a surgeon who is not afraid to show his work to you, and to work at finding a happy place for you---with enough work to look your best, and yet not forcing things on you that you are not interested in. Kat

Yes Terry.....I am heading off for a nap right now.....promise. Glad to see you here....I was wonderin! Kat

Susan---so glad to hear your slip repaired itself!!! Mine was not so easy----took some surgical intervention. My biggest issue was not the band but I had a twisted/kinked intestine. Then due to that when I got sick, I ended up with what he referred to as a very mild prolapse, but no sign of slippage. He said my band was seated in excellent placement. So, now liquids while the intestinal issue heals, and then I am good to go again. I still of course have no fill. BUT.....I DO have a band and I was worried about that!!! Glad yours is good too!!! Kat

When my DD informed me she was pregnant after several years dealing with infertility, I too was over the moon with excitement, for me as well as for her. I have a close group of friends that I get together with quite often, and 2 of them were going together to give my DD a baby shower. So when they ask me to come by and look at some things for the shower the week before I did not hesitate! When I got there, our little group was there, as well as other friends, and family----and they had a Grandma shower for me. They had ask for no gifts, but I got lots of special things anyway! The group of "my" girls had all gone together and bought me a new rocking chair, and one had crocheted me a special blanket to lay over the back of the chair. I did get one of the little Going to Grandmas suitcases, several picture frames saying Grandma and Me and Grandpa and Me----which are all filled with grandbaby pics now! I got a digital camera from my other kids. And the best gift of all my DD made me---on the idea of the Golden Ticket from the Willy Wonka movie, she made me a ticket that said "Admit One---to the birth of "babies name"....." And I used it!! I watched her be born.....and was one of the very first people to hold her!! She also wrote me a letter that she read at the shower, telling me how much she loved having me as a Mom and how she hoped she could be as good of a Mom to her baby on the way. Had all of us there crying! That my friends understood the depth of emotion that her finally being pregnant held, and honoring us in such a manner---will be forever in my heart! We did not play games, we just visited, and laughed, and cried!! I have gone to one Grandma shower since and the only game they played, was when we went in, if we had grandchildren they ask if we had pictures, then everyone tried to match up which kids belonged to which Granny! Honoring your Mom or your DH in any way is a great way to share the joy, especially if it is something they would enjoy. My son always goes to Hot Topic and buys TACKY onesies for all of his buddies when they have babies. I think the idea is spreading for it to be celebrated by more than just Moms! Congrats again Wheets! Kat

Is Terry gone somewhere??? I miss her check ins........ I am sitting dining on my luxurious meal of broth!!! But hey tomorrow I get soup---and all of it is staying down, so I am not complaining!!! I don't know whether Rick is just really good at knowing when not to bother me -- or whether after all these years he has finally figured out what the 'eye roll....huff' means and backs the hell off!!!! It was a little harder with Kinsey, now she has figured out that she has computer toys.....meaning there are some things she is only able to play with if Granny is on the computer! Like her Play Doh---she sits here at the table next to my desk and will play forever with it----but it is only able to be played with if Granny is on the computer! Otherwise she wants us to be on HER websites playing kiddie games!!! Made it to the bank and to the grocery store-wiped me out!!! My lips feel tingly....so between bites I am doing my breathing thingie--deep breaths!! LOL I must look like an idiot!! TracyK----you look in your area and I will look here and see if we can find a walk like that. I have done the Alzheimers walk for 10+ years since that is what my Grandmother died from, and for the last several I have done the MS walk in honor of my SIL----but I missed the Alz. walk last Sat. because I was so sick, and doing my MIL's party. I never would have made it party or not. When I was in HS we did a 20 mile walk for Muscular Dystrophy each summer---I cannot believe I ever did that---and all we worried about was looking cute while we walked and how not to just sunburn on one side. Heck now I would research comfy shoes for a month ahead of time!!! LOL Well I am going to go attempt to get a load of laundry in the washer. BBL Kat

TracyKS send your Mom over here and I will give her a snort of my pain meds before she goes.... Feeling much better this morning. Was doing GREAT, then had a meltdown, when my wallet was missing. I was going to have my Mom take me to the bank, got the check ready, went to get my ID, and no wallet, I tore things up! Called Rick, called the hospital, no wallet. Then something kinda wiggled into my mind and I remembered at one point in the moving from Dr. to hospital I grabbed a pillow out of the backseat, and dumped my purse upside down in the back floorboard, and yep, there she was. I was in a panic, all my ID, debit card, credit card, band cards.......even OMG my grocery store discount card!!! I am just giddy with relief at finding it! I think I moved a little frantically looking for it, but the soreness is much less than yesterday----my body is releasing all the IV fluids finally, I peed all night long!!!! So I am seriously working on keeping my water intake up, so the dehydration remains at bay. The bloating is easing, which is reallllllllly good! I felt like the Goodyear Tire guy!!! Tomorrow I had planned on going to the cardiologist with Manda, hoping to still be able to. I want to hear first hand what is going on. Then Wed. Rick is due in Albq. for his yearly check up--hoping I can manage the trip. Sure would be nice to schedule when this junk happens--------ya know??!! Blonde brownies.....mmmmmm I used to make some that were soooooo good! I had not thought of them in a long time. Good thing you made me think of them when I cannot eat, or I might have! TracyK---is Macy feeling better? If she is part of the BW&C she must be feeling some better. I always knew when the kids were getting better they got so danged whiny it was ridiculous!! Laura, how you feeling? Hope it is improving each day!!! Terry had a good point with acupuncture---and there are massage therapists who specialize in pregnancy massage. Manda lived for her massage, and she got them through her physical therapist, which was ordered by her OB/GYN----so insurance covered them! Check into it! Pamela---I hate that you are stressing over all you have going on-------but have to say the emotion you feel for it all is what makes you such an awesome teacher! Well I am going to go delete a few hundred email!!! Will check in after my excursion to the bank and grocery store. Kat

Look at teh bottom of the home page under Mexicali Bariatrics I believe it is, and you should find his site. Good Luck in your research. Kat

Tracy, I really think the new way of thinking is key. I am not saying I did it all the right way--because of course we both know I did not!!! But I truly tried to live each day of being banded in the way I want to live the rest of my life. Not being deprived, but also not wanting to be down on myself for what or how I ate. I allow myself evening snacks, or daytime snacks, I just really try to concentrate on the health value of the snack as opposed to just the calorie content. Like there might be more calories in a wedge of cheese and a couple of crackers, than there is an a 100 calorie pack of cookies-----but my body gets nutrition from the cheese that it doesn't from the cookies, and the cheese keeps the munchies at bay far longer than the cookies do. You CAN do this--------the quitting smoking is the biggie-----you have done such a wonderful thing for both your health and that of your little one. And while you did gain weight back, you are not back where you started with the additional quit smoking weight! That is one BIG accomplishment!!!! Think health----and as you restock the fridge and cupboard----keep easy snacking in mind, stock some almonds, and jerky, things you can snack on without guilt, and also get nutrition from. Then let go of the guilt related to snacking! That my friend is my opinion!!! Kat

I know what you mean Tracy---I had 3 different people in the last few days ask me how much more weight I wanted to lose. I am in a normal BMI now, and don't really care to lose more, but the way they ask, I feel like I must look like I need to lose more----is anyone EVER satisfied???? Yep Pamela, Rick said I was having issues with getting cigars in the box, is what I kept talking about!! Go figure! I am avoiding pain meds! Kat

Hi girls, Thanks for all the well wishes. It has been a time let me tell you! I was literally on my way out, I have no doubt in my mind! We left at 3 AM on Thursday to go to my band Dr., in Colorado. He had me go straight to the hospital for some Xrays (done by his wife!). Then to his office, where I got the first bit of news that yes my band had prolapsed---although he could not tell about a slip without further looking. Your band is supposed to sit pretty horizontally on the stomach, and when it slips, one side becomes loose, and slides up or down resulting in the band sitting in a more vertical direction, and blocking off the flow through it. Prolapse happens when the stomach tries to work back up through the band itself. So he did an EGD in his office/surgical center, and my band placement looked perfect he said, but it had become loose. When they originally banded me, they stitched the lower stomach up and over the band, he said the adhesions were smooth and taut, looked great. Then they also suture the base of the stomach down. Well when they did that I had over 100 pounds holding it in place snuggly. Now I have lost the stomach, and he said I have very little fat on my stomach inside or my liver inside--so those stitches had become very loose, and allowed my stomach to kind of flop around freely. The biggest problem I had though was not band related at all----I had a kinked intestine. In the upper part of the large intestine it had kinked and twisted, just like a garden hose----so when I vomitted with the twist there, the pressure pulled the stitches on my stomach loose. I had surgery Thursday afternoon, and they managed to unkink the intestine without resecting it ---- and they re-sutured the stomach down snuggly again. It was an emergency surgery, as they did not know if the intestine was leaking or not----they were worried about me becoming septic. But in the end all was good. I am drinking again without issue, and without any reflux, or nausea or anything. I am on liquids for 10 days. Then I can begin adding in easily digested foods. Was pretty scary!!! I am super sore, and swollen like an overfilled tire at this point-but even though I am recovering from more surgery----I feel better than I did going into it---I was failing fast, and knew it! I have no fill, and he said I have no restriction, that there is lots of room in there. The TT did not cause this to happen, but it removed the pad of fat that was possibly holding the lower stomach in place in a tighter position. But he said with the little amount of interior residual fat, that something as strong as the vomitting with the intestinal kink could have caused it anyway.....there is just no way to know. Thanks so much for all the good thoughts and prayers. Sherry----I have to tell you, my DH is somewhat of a skeptic of things anyway, but I told him what I needed to do while getting my IV---sit quietly with my feet on the floor and imagine the light.....he never blinked an eye. So I go in to get the IV, and my blood pressure was so low, she kicked my recliner back so my feet were in the air. I was going to sneak them down---but Rick said he would help me, so he held my hands and kept his feet flat on the ground! When I opened my eyes, and saw him so intent on it--despite his usual skepticism----I felt so lucky to have him and friends who were trying so hard to help me! Thank you more than I can say!!! I will be in and out as my energy allows----kind of wiped out today-----thanks again everyone!!! You are such wonderful friends!!! Kat

Good Morning girls, thanks for the great welcome back! Feeling pretty rough this morning, swollen HUGE! My belly feels like an overfilled tire, like if you poked me I'd go pfffffffffff and fly all around the room! I slept well though, and know I am getting better---think maybe I just feel like complaining!!!! Jane, Suzanne & Tracy---you looked like you had a great time!!! Wish I was closer to y'all! Pamela, wedding looked beautiful. Maybe Rick and I need to renew our vows...... Terry......never worry about being nosy! Insurance is being very particular. They would not cover any part of my EGD--because it was done in the surgical center not the hospital----but he needed the info immediately and could not get an open lab at the hospital within what he felt was a safe time frame. So it is all out of pocket. They hospitalization will be covered under an out of network charge-----so while I will not have to pay the entire thing it is going to likely be one big chunk of change to pay it. The fact that the intestinal problem was an emergency surgery might save me financially, but I just don't know yet. They charged me my $500.00 co pay for hospitalization, and will bill and work out the rest with insurance. So when I see how bad they hurt me I'll let you know. They DO cover band repair and revision.....as well as removal. And if I were to come to TX the cost would be minimal----as the hospitals there would be in network. Rick's company was based in TX so the entire company has BCBS of TX, regardless where you are located with the company! We actually had an international plan when we lived out of the country, but always in the states it has been TX based so we are always out of network. They gave me some really wierd meds this time. My pain medication is a nasal spray----a highly addictive opiate narcotic ! He had me use it once in the hospital before I left so he could be assured I knew how to use it without OD'ing. I slept the entire way home! And they also give me something new for nausea (which is not an issue now) and it is sublingual, it dissolves under your tongue and he says it works wonders. Other than that I got the stupid pink medicine they always give the kids for ear infections or whatever--------I feel so silly taking kiddy meds!!! But let me assure you the pain stuff is no kiddy med---I am scared to take it and be alone here! Which is an issue with Rick, he had to go in to work this morning---his boss who was supposed to be in charge while he was gone, just didn't show up. So he had hands ready to go in to work, and they could not get in to work at all. So he went over to unlock, and has still not heard from his boss. But he has already called the big boss and lodged a complaint, and he said he would be in so Rick could come home.....but I am really fine by myself----I plan on sleeping a lot!! I'll check in later----hugs to all of you!! Kat

Hi my friends~~ I am home now, and recovering--what an ordeal! I did have a mild prolapse, but I had not slipped the band--the band was actually in an excellent position he said. Where they put in a couple of sutures in the lower stomach to hold it in place after bringing it up over the band---I had lost enough weight inside as well as out to make it loose. The biggest issue I had, and what caused the most concern was a kink in the large intestine. He said he really believes the kink caused the vomitting so seriously that I pretty much tried to throw my lower stomach up through the band. He said the band was in great shape, no signs of erosion or anything, he just tightened it back down. But getting the kink out of the intestines was I guess quite a job since I was totally empty. But the swallow test showed it was passing albeit slowly---so I had to wait to see if the swelling would close me off or if it might kink again---but it looked ok, still passing slowly, but they let me come home today. Was a great group of people at the hospital, they treated Rick and I wonderfully. I see my PCP Monday, and he would like to see me back in Colorado in 2 weeks, but he knows the drive is not an easy one. I have 5 new incisions on my fresh new flat belly~~ 2 for suturing the stomach back in place, and 3 for manipulation of the intestine. I am on clear liquids for several days, then on to full liquids----nothing difficult to digest for up to the 2 weeks he said. I am not hungry, so it is not an issue. They filled me so full of IV fluids---I actually gained weight! Other than that, I look a bit like a junkie, my arms are nothing but masses of bruises. I eventually ended up with an IV in my neck, and at one time had one in my foot! Thank you Judy for spreading the word for me....you all have no idea how comforting I found it knowing you were all out there pulling for me and praying for me! He left my band for 2 reasons, he said it was very healthy, and he wanted that decision made with a clear head, and also there was no way to know if the intestine might "leak" following the manipulation, so he did not want an open area for possible infection. He said there is not a bit of fluid left in my band and it is extremely loose, so I can see how it goes and decide how I want to proceed from here. I just assumed it would be automatically removed, and he said if there had been so much as a small ulcer from it, he would have pulled it, but he said it is very healthy, and that there is little to no fat on my stomach or on my liver. When I woke up from surgery I was quite glad to find I still had it! Laura I am glad you are feeling a bit better---I know you must have been in lots of pain, and feeling like you were between a rock and a hard place.....no meds for the bebe!! Glad it is easing. I would love to touch base with all of you, I thank you so much for your concern---but my energy is gone.....so I am going back to my recliner, I just wanted to check in with you all, and assure you I am OK!!! And tell you all thank you and I love you bunches! Kat

I have no knowledge of the WiFi options where I am going. I will PM you each a list with both our cell #'s on it. He will have control of them so I will try to get him to call one of you with mine----where all your #'s are programmed. Otherwise, he will answer either one. I am soooooo anxious now to go and get done and back to normal I cannot tell you! Laura, I am sorry you are having such a hard time. You need a grabber like I see in the drug stores, to reach things. I always play with them and grab Rick obscenely with them to be honest!!!! So buy one in a box!!! LOL So TracyK--are you near a Walmart Superstore or a Target Super Center? Where do you do your food shopping usually?? My neighbor means well, but she is driving me nuts. She calls 10 X a day to see if I need her to come over and help me out. Nope, I can rest all alone.......I feel mean even typing it, she means well. Well I am off again to try to rest before my long session this afternoon. DIL took grandson to Durango to the pediatrician, he has a bad cold. Then they want to do dinner.......Rick finally woke up and said NO, we can't have Kat around the cold, she is headed to surgery!. I thought I was going to have to say something myself, I am so glad he finally got with it! BBL~~ Kat

Pat right now none of it does me any good......whatever I take in....from free tap Water to high dollar juice drinks, stays down about 10 minutes and up it comes again. The only thing keeping me alive at this point is the twice daily IV fluids. Nothing at all passes. BUT I do want to know what it is for recovery. I may be on my own, and seriously need some help ahead of me! Darcy, it is good to have you back. Update us on your life. Lets see, with me----kids are hanging in there. Son turns 29 today!! He is good, just had hernia surgery, and is recovered well. His little boy Connor is a wild child of 2 and Granny loves the heck out of him!! Oldest DD Manda is experiencing some heart issues with her RA. We find out on the 23rd whether she is headed for heart surgery. Her DD Kinsey, stays with me most days, she is 3 1/2 and the light of my life! Younger DD Abey is pregnant due in December, had a rough start with a bleeding tear on the placenta. I really thought she would lose the baby....but they pulled HIM through, and he is due New Years Eve!!! Rick (DH) is good. He is taking good care of me through this----so making me a bit crazy----but he is good! Other than that, you may have been gone, but I do a lot of the SSDD stuff!!!! Going to go stand by the stove, I am freezing....I am soooooo ready to be well again! Kat

Well I am home from my morning routine. Have to go in early for my afternoon liquids, because I am getting an extra bag since I won't be getting any in the morning. We will be leaving to drive up about 5:30 AM.......not sure from there what will happen. I go straight to the hospital....for a swallow study and Xray work up I understand. Then straight to the Dr.'s office and he will see me when I get there, there is no appointment time. Figure I am likely headed to a motel for the night, and have whatever done the next day hopefully------but I might get put off to Wed. if there is no sign of infection or anything dangerous. I do not want it to be dangerous, but I want it fixed quickly. But of course we must do it as insurance allows.......I hate insurance issues! Michelle sorry the depression is hanging around. I am bumming over this turn of events-----but mostly I am scared! I just want fixed whatever it takes. I want to eat, whether it be small bandster amounts or what--I need to feel like the foods I choose matter----not just hunt up a liquid-----and my taste buds have dried out so much NOTHING tastes right----drink it only to puke it back up! I found some FUZE drinks that are really tasty to me in this state (I gag at the thought of my beloved tea or Dr. Pepper!) but the drinks are only available now at one of the Quick stop places and are $1.79 each-----and they stay down maybe 10 minutes. I might as well just torch the money! Root Beer is going down ok taste wise-----so when Mom ask if I needed anything at the store I said Root Beer----A & W root beer. She brings me Dr Pepper, she said she just knew she mis understood me, she remembered me always drinking DP........yeah but that was when I was like NORMAL! I feel all out of whack with my liquids. My fridge looks like a mini mart cooler!!! Some of this some of that------none of it tasting right. I ought to send it all to TracyK!!! I tried eating jello----it tasted like a rubber ball!!! I also tried eating some mandarin oranges, I love them....they were ok, but before I could eat half a dozen bites, they were ready to come back up. I just want to eat something that tastes good and normal! Water used to have a sweet cool taste.....now it is bitter....and it is the worst coming up! Sorry to come here and do nothing but complain!!! My world has shrunk so that this is my main concerns!!! Today my son turned 29!!! My DIL calls me about doing dinner. I told her I am not cooking. I am not going to a big family dinner with his Mom and her DH and all those people. IF she wants to go with just them and just us.....then fine I will go, sit and drink. Her response......Oh you still can't eat? Does she never listen to anyone???? They moved my IV to my elbow, and I cannot bend it---on my right side of course! Now to be fair, they tried 4 other places this time before opting to go there for lack of veins....due to the dehydration, but man this one sucks!!! I am going to go stand by the stove for a bit----I lit it because I am so cold!!! LOL BBL~~ Kat

Darcy----SOOOOOOO good to see you! My band has been successful, but I fully expect to lose it this week. I am feeling so bad right now, I almost don't care! My Dr. joined me at the hospital today while I rec'd my IV's and shared my bloodwork with me. He said bloodwork done 2 months ago could have been used as a guideline for others, but after I let myself get so dehydrated....I was lucky I finally come in when I did, I would not have lived another 48 hours! Scared me pretty good, he showed me my kidney stuff----of course none of the names are anything I can remember.....also an issue of dehydration! I don't feel like I failed the band, nor that the band failed me.....I did not plan on getting the stomach virus.....it happen and it was like flipping a light switch. I have not eaten food in 6 days now----every single bite that goes in my mouth or every single sip----I throw right back up. A person cannot live with going to the hospital night and day for IV's. I want to be well again! I know my friends here will not treat me like I am less if I lose my band. And we won't treat you any differently regardless of how you are doing with your band, or what has gone on in your life. We care about you and have worried about you!!! I have wondered how things are with your DD. If you enjoyed the cabin you moved to.....we truly missed YOU-----not just you of a certain size! Well I am sipping away on assorted fruit juices, and anything else I can find and drink that tastes decent. Soft drinks just burn my tongue! Not sure why. It really doesn't matter----I do a LOT of water---it is all coming back up anyway!! I cannot wait to see my Dr, on Thursday, I am ready right now! Sherry, this has been such a scary ordeal, and such a hard call to make, knowing it might end my band....but I cannot deal with worrying about it happening again! I feal weak, like I am giving up. But I am melting away! I have lost so much weight it is ridiculous! By the time I get anything done I will be good to weigh in somewhere around 140. I have not updated my ticker, because the weight loss is not something I have worked for, I have worked to try to eat! But I will hit the 140's tomorrow at the rate I am losing. At 5'9" and my build, I look as sick as I feel. Now I know there are LBT-ers out there who will blast me for that statement, but I am talking about me, not anyone else. I really right now don't care whether they think these bones poking out are attractive----I don't! I want to be well......whatever that entails. I am not ready to give up my life yet! I am supposed to get my 5 year cancer free goal this month and I am not even well enough to do the testing! Don't run away from us for not being the perfect bandster-----I don't think any of us are! And I may not even be a bandster next week-----but I am still gonna come here to see my friends! Kat

Home from the fuel station. Spoke with my band Dr. again, he got the reports from my PCP and was extremely unhappy that I did not contact him over the weekend, he told me another 24 hours and it would have been moot point, I would have keeled over and it would have been iffy if they could have saved me! He is such a pompous guy, and he is very to the point....so I am behaving. Drinking FUZE, and making ice chips to melt of it, he recommended a couple of drinks, this one I like!!! Eyes are some better, skin is a lot better, I am still having issues with sleep....2 hours a night is not doing it. I tried to nap today and between people coming and calling, I got no nap. Laura I am so sorry you are hurting, Manda had sciatic nerve issues the entire time she carried Kinsey---there were several days she would call me from bed, needing help out, since she had slept in after Jase had left for work, she needed help. She too has kidney issues, she has only got one functioning kidney and it has a double pelvic wall.....so swelling from any number of things affects her body and nerve structure different than the normal human frame-----sounds as though you are the same. Pamela, I love hearing you happier about your class!!! You deserve a good one this year! By this time last year you were already down and knew it was not going to be a banner year. Yay for you!!! Well.....I need to find some juice......I will check back. Loves ya! Kat

Tracy, I am drinking enough water and everything else for ALL of us.....of course it all comes right back up!!! Manda and I just had this conversation again in regards to their close friend Justin getting dumped. We, meaning Manda and I have always been on different levels of "needy". She can go days without contact, and be confident and sure of herself and me, or whoever. She is not distant, but does not require hourly calls just to check in, or constant reminders of the fact that you love her! How I managed to raise her that way I have no idea, I am much more needy than that! I like the calls and the reminders, they do not make me feel boxed in or controlled.....and her they do! The ex boyfriend Ryan was super needy, he called her many times every day, he wanted to know about everything she did----and it was not distrust on his part, it was like a dog begging for admission into her life. She resented it, and he felt shrugged off----I know, my own DD has made me feel the same way before!!! They were on both ends of the spectrum....Rick and I fall somewhere between, and are closely matched in our needs. Although there are definitely times that one of us has a needy attack!!! I think it is really hard when spouses, or family members are so far apart on the issue without realizing it. I finally figured it out when Manda was in junior high.....and we have been able to discuss our own needs. She might know she is fine, but I NEED her to call and check in. In HS of course it was a battle of the wills. Now she has a DD who is as needy as Granny, and she recognizes if Kinsey just didn't talk to her----it would be heart breaking!! So she works on it. Jace and her are similarly matched, they are pretty good at the autonomy thing........ Anyway Tracy----sounds like you and Charles may have some differences in your own needy selves!!! And I do love you all......but an affair???? Nah!!! Back to my recliner----I am so tired! Kat

Home from my fluid fill up-------going to try to nap....see ya in awhile! Kat

Good morning! I am up after an up and down night.....I am almost getting used to them! With my band closed off, I have 2 choices----if I do not drink anything, then my mouth is so dry it chokes me almost as soon as I fall asleep. On the other hand if I do drink, I reflux the instant I relax enough as I fall asleep.......hoping todays influx of fluids will relieve the dry mouth issues and I can sleep!!! To look at my arms this morning, one would think I was still married to my ex husband!!! Lots of bruises!!! But yes I am truly being a good patient. I move around the house, nothing more---I continue to sip and try to absorb things into my mouth----lots of fruit juices and ice chips. I figure anything of nutrient base I can absorb is helpful. Laying in bed last night Rick ask me in all seriousness if my concern over losing my band was band related or Violet related! I was able to comfortably and honestly answer him that it was strictly band......that my friends have gone so far from simply being held together by bands that it was not a concern. I told him I would never let one of you not be a Violet if this happen to you and assured him you would not dump me because of it either. I had this visual in my head.......him seeing us in the big house next summer holding a vote, and me being black balled!!!! LOL So what can we do to help out in what way Tracyk? I have no generator to send.......how about other things that I understand are in short supply---snacks, batteries......room fans? I can get a box in the mail......for you or Haydee....or both! Sounds like Terry is lucking out, and has what she needs. How about an entertainment box for Macy? Let us help you---do not be shy about ASKING!!! I mean heck I am asking y'all not to get me to Alabama and not black ball me!!! LOL Well I have to get ready I have to go to the next town over and all the way across that town to the seedy side to get to the hospital. Which I could do in 35 minutes or so. But Rick will be here to take me and he will want to have an hour, he is always EARLY!!! LOL But he insists he needs to sit with me as my revival juice goes in!!! Actually he has an aversion to me driving with my eyes the way they are, but I think they are already some better! YAY!! Will check in in awhile...... PURPLE POWER to us all!!! Kat

Judy, I might should be in.....but our insurance sucks soooooo bad! Rick's work is based out of TX so our insurance is company ins. and is BCBS of TX. But I am in NM, so everywhere I go or anything is out of network. Makes my max out of pocket annually go from $2750.00 to $15,000.00!!! I cannot afford any more time than I have to in this place! So I am being Dr.d by Dr. Rick instead!!! Thanks for the concern----if it gets worse I will suck it up and just go, but going to try it this way first. Back to my recliner, I need to call my Mom and see if she is going to be ok with Kinsey all week. Kat

Susan I am so sorry to hear of your slip. I began my testing today, and will travel to see my band doc on Thursday. Right now they think I am dealing with a prolapse as opposed to a slip in and of itself, although the 2 often go hand in hand. Last week I got a horrible stomach virus, and vomitted and dry heaved for hours before meds kicked in. Since Thursday of last week, I have not eaten nor drank anything that stayed down. I go to the hospital twice a day for 2 liters of fluid each time.....trying to get me back on my feet for the trip to the Dr. and for whatever I face then. I feel your pain! I weighed in this morning at the hospital at 153-----I will be in the 140's before I see my Dr. for my 5'9" that is low enough for me, I do not want to lose anymore weight....... We will make it through this Susan!!! Green, glad your crap....aka cancer, is BEHIND you......what a concept....trying to fatten back up, who woulda ever thunk that????? Kat