Kat817

That was the biggest reason my surgeon refused me a bypass and insisted on banding. The fill can be removed if more nutrition needs to be taken in. September will be my 5 year mark from Uterine cancer of the endometrial lining. I understand your fears....I hope you have as good of luck with banding and remission (until the 5 year mark) as I have had. The only possible negative I did have, was in hair loss. With my chemo I lost it ALL. With banding, many find thinning hair a problem a few months out, it lasts a few months and then begins to regrow. I lost a lot of hair! I would say 40-50%. I don't know whether I was predisposed to loss following the former loss or not. Now however it is back to normal, and even thicker than pre band---I eat a LOT healthier!!! Good Luck!!! Kat

The other question I was going to ask of those who have been posting with the working knowledge of these things is this---------do those people who seem more prone to depression have addictive behaviours due to the depression, or do they seem to get depressed due to the forms of addiction--one of which could be the constant drama I suppose....? Now how is that for a run on sentence??!! Kat

Heck Michelle it took me months to figure out and remember what all of us do----let alone the extended family or friends!!! I do good to know what my own friends do!!! It is sad, ironic and for her I bet a little scary for her to have a masters (or working on it) in an area hitting so close to home, and be unable to really help or do much about it. It is a difficult thing when you know less than I am sure she does. Our only thought getting us through some of DS's issues, was Rick kept saying, "I did this when I was young!" I kept telling him though that the things he experimented with and the things Lenny experimented with were worlds apart! And laws and all had changed.....I am just thankful we all got through it with everything in tact and no records! LOL---well not really!! Kat

The Dr. told my DIL who was having the problem following a C section, that if she was at the point of impaction--as it sounds like you are, already knowing they are rock hard, to use glycerin suppositories to help with the movement, then to begin to up her Water intake, Fiber intake, and move more. Once you get the immediate problem dealt with, I read a lot of posts of Dr.'s recommending Miralax lately. I personally have the problem if I do not drink enough water. So I glug, glug, glug all the time!!! Good Luck----you might also try the juice warm, when my DD was in infant we had to use it warm to get her to go! Kat

It (Grehlin--SP?) is often referred to as the hunger hormone....according to my band surgeon, he went into great detail about band placement, and how it affects the hunger aspect following surgery. He said precise placement is the future ideal---that losing the production of the hormone could eliminate hunger. With pressure on the nerve that controls the release of the hormone, it does not send the hunger signals. In bypass it is usually cut. If your band puts pressure on the nerves, your hunger is reduced to eliminated. Which explains why one bandster will say they are never hungry, and the next even 7 fills has not affected their hunger, only their ability to eat. My SIL and I were banded the same day by the same Dr. I have never really felt hunger since, and she is physically hungry all the time she said.......be interesting to watch the developements over the next few years, on that as well as the relationship to diabetes. What I have noticed in my own life, is that some people are more prone to depression than others. One friend was sexually abused by her father for most of her childhood, til she went to live with an older brother, who was killed shortly after she arrived. She went on to marry, have kids, her house burned to the ground several years ago. And most recently she has found out her 27 year old DD-a mother of 3 herself is shooting crystal meth. Through the years her depressions have become worse and worse. She battles her weight, gets a grip on it and the dark cloud over her head, and something else slams into her---the weight comes back and she begins all over again fighting to find the light again. Through it all, she remains a supportive person to others, she just cannot find it to support herself it seems. She has been in therapy through the years, and is now actually paying for it for one of her grandsons and cannot afford her own, she has regained 45 of the 60 pounds she most recently lost, and is having a hard time coming to grips with her DD's addiction. And the DD told her she began using so she would not be fat like her! That had to help! Through all of this, I could not have ask for anyone to be more supportive of my surgery choice, and results. I have and continue to try to be the best friend I can to her---I just do not know how to break through the depression sometimes. Then I have another friend I hardly see anymore due to her constant depression. She has none of my other friends background issues, that I am aware of---and has what seems like everything going her way----a loving DH, self supporting children, and beautiful home, no weight issues. Only said as a point of comparison. Yet refuses therapy, and does not seem to want to do anything about the depression. So many of you have education in this.....my point was that some people seem more prone to depression despite their backgrounds----is this true? And do they know why? Kat

That seems so inconsistant with the graduation pictures of your son Terry! However, I do know how it is, our son went through, and drug us along on some pretty yucky times----and to look at him now he is so totally different! Now he is a young husband and Dad, and into his job----nothing like the young man he once was. Michelle---I agree the younger DD needs some diversion right now, but are they getting her any kind of counseling so she has a way of dealing with what is happening in her home, and her sister going to be gone. If the sister leaves, the entire dynamics of that house will change----and it sure seems like she could benefit from some outside encouragement. I am like Terry, it is heartbreaking---I truly cannot imagine being a kid these days. Hell I have the utmost respect for those of you raising kids these days! I would have had things so much more difficult with this rate of inflation (whether they want to call it that or not!), with kids all having cell phones, and laptops....I was lucky to afford to keep her clothed when she was really young! Then when it went to 3 of them only a year apart each----it would have broke us in a hurry!!! Suzie, how is the foot feeling today??? Laura, the picture is beautiful! Back a long time ago----when we had our first anniversary---we made an agreement to not spend a bunch of money, and to stick to the paper thing--our agreement was something along the line of buying a card and that being that. Instead we cracked up, we had both gone to the same novelty shop and bought the same coupon book with naughty coupons for one another. Was a Win/Win anniversary!!! Haydee, I think you are handling yourself wonderfully. Allowing yourself time to really think things through, and deal with them as the issues come. Did you opt not to tell your parents yet? I am so glad to hear your Dads surgery went well. I cannot even begin to tell you how thrilled I am with mine---I feel so incredibly normal...which is wonderful! Not everyone will understand that---but my belly was soooooo horrible, and for it to just suddenly be gone, is a dream come true! I know horror stories about about surgery in Mexico, but I could not have ask for a better banding surgery! I loved my surgeon, and the people in the hospital were great, the care I received was outstanding. I would not have any qualms about going back again. There is a lot of screw ups, and they happen right here as well.....you just have to look around! Laura ask you about speaking Spanish to people.....my DD's Manda has a best friend Amanda who is Hispanic, and she is teaching Kinsey.....she makes her say the words right, and at 3 years old she can roll that rr......and is soooo cute doing it! She counts to 15, knows most of her colors, and most animals, and relations (Tia, Abuela that kind of thing), the Por Favor, Gracias, De Nada....And now she is doing the quick sentences and question, asking how you are or telling you good night---it cracks me up! My mother has no accent ability at all, and it makes Kinsey crazy! She tries with Dora The Explorer to teach my Mom things---to no avail. Instead here is this little blonde haired blue eyed little girl rattling it off. I love it! I hope she continues until she is fluent! When she hits 8 we can let her do the kiddie kollege and they offer it. Well I am off to get a few things done while she naps. We went riding, and no matter how late she sleeps, it wears her out!! BBL~ Kat

Good Morning girls! I just got a text message from Judy---says she is having a great time! I am so glad--what a way to spend a birthday huh? Thanks for all the nice words over my picture. We had a really nice lunch, my DD and Sofi hit it off, as I knew they would, they have similar tastes and weaknesses!! Kinsey and I would get bored and go check other things out, while they drooled over handbags/purses/bags....whatever you want to call them! And big bold --just shy of gaudy--jewelry. And yet when they carry them or wear it, they pull it off without a problem----I would look like a 5 year old playing dress up!! TracyK--hope Macy is better this morning. Maybe the new move will make a difference, and your job coming to an end. With the stress eased, then you will have more energy to devote to yourself. You as well as soooooo many other of my Violet sisters, worry me sometimes, you are so hard on yourselves!!! You just made a huge life altering decision with your job. Terry is dealing with some serious and sad family issues. Pamela is facing the music with her dissertation. Jane is dealing with serious medical concerns herself--along with the fear of the unknown in her results. Suzie is injured. Haydee is making life changes, and trying to heal her heart. TracyKS has big decisions awaiting her...be famous or not???? Laura has a mystery illness! The list could go on.....like Jenn facing what she is, with her friends child. I know we cannot just stop concerning ourselves with our diets and weight when things happen in our lives....but I hate seeing you all down on yourselves BECAUSE of it! We have enough negativity in life, it just makes me sad to see you down on yourselves! You are all such wonderful, STRONG women----I wish you would support yourselves as much as you support the rest of us! I was banded in April of 06, Rick was diagnosed with valve failure, followed by a blood clot in May of 06. Had open heart surgery in August 06, then a massive GI bleed in October of 06---followed by several weeks in the hospital, and then more heart procedures to fix what they messed up saving his life! I cannot tell you the amount of stress! I was so down on myself for living off of vending machine food! I finally realized part of what got me to a point of morbid obesity was emotional eating, and if ever I was emotional that was it! As wierd as it sounds, as soon as I quit beating myself up over it, I quit doing it so much, it was like I let my mind release it, so it wasn't something I constantly thought about anymore. I quit gaining, and hovered for awhile....and managed to get back on track, when my life got a little more on track. I know you cannot just give up....but accepting that things are a bit out of control right now, and allowing yourself to deal with that first, might just let your mind release it enough it won't be such a big deal. I wish I could put it into words better---I just know tht personally when I over focus on my "diet" then that is all I think about-------which ends in a binge. When I allowed myself to quit worrying about it for that period of time, then I had other things to concentrate on, and I quit hitting the vending machines every 15 minutes! I think the amount of change I put in them was probably equal to his hospital bill!!! Not sure what Kinsey and I are up to today......she is still snoozing. Thinking we may go for a morning ride, it is beautiful outside! Will check in later with all of you.....hang in there!!! Kat

Thanks Terry----I will do a before and after picture, for public viewing, but when the PS sends me the ones from his office---they are barely clothed --- I will email them to those who are seriously curious about the before and after. He is not doing my official office after shots though till my next appointment which is not until August---I graduated to a 6 week appt.!! Well rode out to Rick's folks house, his brother is passing through town heading to Albq. to take care of some stores there---so we went and spent some time with them. His sister was actually pretty decent. I was shocked by that, as well as how much weight she has regained. She actually looks healthy again! I know that would infuriate some board members, but she looked skeletal before, she looks nice now. I bought a pair of pants at Walmart today, they are just simple capri's, but I had to buy a small!!! LOL I know better, I am in fact much smaller than I was, but there are small people in this world---I am just not one of them. That means my younger DD Abbey, could not have bought that style, because she IS small, she is a size 5 or so. I bought Juniors yesterday in a size 11, and Misses in a size 10----so I know things have not shrunk to a small!! But it felt kinda cool to get them on! LOL I am off to bed, did not sleep well at all last night! Will check with you all in the morning! Hugs! Kat

I sent a couple of pics of Sofi and I to Terry to resize for me....so when that happens, one of us will get them up. Nothing much, just a picture my DD took--------I didn't like flash the belly------but it is NOT hanging out in front of me in all the pics! Glad you enjoyed your card Pamela, I could not let being apart from Manuel go.....since I knew it saddened you so!! TracyK---I am so sorry Miss Macy is sick, lots of purple power to her!!! Didn't you have some sort of illness going on or something during your last move? At least you have not been in place so long that it is going to require serious digging or cleaning to do this move. I have a friend (one of a set of twins that are drop dead gorgeous men....deep, deep sigh) who owns a construction company and he said that is where he made his big money last year, was quality, higher end style wise, but small homes, not the monstrosities he used to build, he said they just are not moving, but small starter or ending homes are hot on the market. Maybe now is when I need to sell--I fall in that group! Denise, so glad to hear good news about Dimitri, Is your DD coping alright? Michelle-tell me what ever come of your fill on stage----did I miss it??? I need to get busy---dinner is cooking, and I should go move some water. Gonna try to keep the record going and take an evening ride tonight!! Hope to sleep better than last night! TTYL~~ Kat

I am off to Colorado to do lunch with Sofi. Actually my DD, Manda and Kinsey are joining us, so without fail, I will have pictures this afternoon.......and per Terry, I won't post til I do----they will be clothed afters!! When I get in and get them downloaded, maybe someone will resize them and I can then post them. I cheated last night, and basically only cheated myself!!! I fell asleep without my binder/compression on. I woke up and realized it, and made a conscious decision to leave it off....and woke up swollen twice my usual size!! So will continue to sleep in it another week as directed. Well I wear it 24/7 unless I am showering or changing it! Well since I could not say it better myself....I will cut and paste the Birthdays!!! Today is also my friend Sharon's birthday, we have been friends since I was 9 years old---damn near 40 years. Unbelievable!!! June has always been a crazy month for us, My Moms birthday, Becky's, Sharon's, both Grandma's, my folks and both sets of Grandparents Anniversaries, I even had an anniversary in June once upon a time!! Add in Father's Day---and there is always something going on. It has calmed a lot with my grandparents all being gone.....but I preferred the chaos! Hugs everyone. You birthday girls have fun today---Lots of Love headed your way!!! Kat Happy Birthday to You. Happy Birthday to You. Happy Birthday, Dear JUDY and SUZIE.......:thumbup: Happy Birthday to You. And Many More........

I dare ya!!! Are they cheaper in bulk?? I just had to sit here and explain it to Rick!!! All the way back to the WWJudyDo.....he just says---doesn't sound very nice to Judy to me! He doesn't get it sometimes. He does however want to buy one for his brother!!! Go figure! We took a fast ride as the rain started--we have gone for 2 weeks straight, so we didn't want to mess up our record!!! Catch all of you in the morning. Sure is quiet in here tonight---are y'all having a party without me??? Kat

Oh Suzie you poor thing!!! Broken toes do NOT get the attention they deserve! I cannot believe you had to go to work, I think the boss herself could have sat behind the desk for a day, you had not been off of narcotics for 24 hours you should not have been driving!!!! When we Violets all get together, we will show you how to have a good time!!! Jenn and I both did our "Klutz" act while on the trip, so now we can just be the 3 Amigos!!! She fell at the pool, I fell running across the yard---foot in hole and down I went!!! BUT we did not get hurt! I am so sorry you did!!! Laura did you read Suzannes new signature line???? FERTILITY!!! LOL Terry, I did not figure you would mention it to your sister, but ya never know, get you on a roll, and you might have told the entire hospital....I could have!!! It is clouding up outside, looking like it might rain. We REALLY need it, but I was looking forward to a bike ride tonight. I have been running all day moving Water......so better go do it again!! Kat

Talk about skimming posts.....TracyKS!!! Denise posted that here too, and let us see the little sweetheart----just was hoping all was still going well!!! Silly girl! Your head has been on a cruise ship!!! Kat

I think Tommaney might have the answer, a one on one--or even a small group discussion on problems and solutions. No accusations, no one deciding if someone else is motivated enough for this or not. The band IS without a doubt fickle! I have gone through times of doing nothing, no exercise, eating as I pleased (although I have to eat like a bandster, small bites chewed well)---and the weight come off anyway. Then other times, I have exercised faithfully, and watched my diet closely only to be plateaued for months on end! I have had better success than some, and not as much as others. It has taken me 2 years to get to this point. BUT....I am very thrilled with my progress, without the band I would have topped 300 pounds by now, and be feeling more hopeless than ever. Even without the band, life was not hopeless. There are healthy diets out there---my Dr. harped on it continually. But I felt hopeless----so did not do much to try. I was the one in charge, and I could not get the gumption up to try another diet. I have to admit, had the band not been something that worked for me extremely well in the beginning especially, I too probably would have fallen back into the hopeless routine. It doesn't "feel" like excuses, it is how you view your life. With all that being said, I was not depressed----just had totally lost hope in ever regaining control of my weight. So I made up for it! I am extremely organized, you ask me for any particular paper or electrical cord---and I can get it for you. I made elaborate meals for the family (which REALLY helped my problem!!) I felt out of control in one area so I made up for it in others. Now that I do not have the serious out of control feelings, I am letting go of some of the other obssessive qualities too. Maybe in a smaller setting without the negativity, BrandyII can find her way to do some small things to help her band along----and make it back to a point of it working with her again. There is a new thread totally about mentoring. Sometimes it is the little steps. Chewing food well was mentioned. Well maybe right now she is not ready to jump on the treadmill, but maybe she can commit to eating her food like a bandster and learning to chew it well again. Then maybe next adjust the diet a bit, drop a food you know to be bad for you. Baby steps. This whole mentoring thing is not for the tough love crowd. That is ok. It doesn't have to be. As has been pointed out, the tough love is not what is going to work with her....but that does not mean she should be given up on by everybody---maybe just those that, that rubs the wrong way. We can all move forward at our own pace.....and sometimes it feels like the runners of the world just run right over those of us who cannot or do not run! Good for you Tommaney---you might be the one to help BrandyII with her break thru!! Kat

Well I saw my surgeon today, and he said it looks great! I also asked him about getting copies of my pics he took to send to insurance, since mine did not turn out well, in the dirty mirror with a flash at 2 AM!!! He said sure he would email them to me, and at my next appt. in 6 weeks then we will do my afters. He said he is already pleased, and in 6 weeks he knows we will all be thrilled, he might discuss with me then using them (my before and afters) in his album. They are body shots, no head showing. I weighed 176 fully dressed in his office today. The infection seems cleared, I still have some necrosis leakage, but very minor, and only on occasion. A PITA, I have to wear a bandage, because I never know when it is going to decide to drain. Anyway, all is well. I got permission to ride again, and I only have to wear the compression 24/7 for another week and then only when I am doing something such as riding, or on the bike, or working out. I can begin that again in a week too. Rick blurted out my blood issues right off the bat, like he thought I wouldn't. He said that it is very likely, and that he blames himself---that the antibiotic I was taking -Keflex- is related to Pennicillen, and I am allergic to pennicillen, so he said 2 back to back rounds of it, was probably too much for my system to tolerate--and bleeding is usually related to a reaction of that sort. I did the spit test to test for an ulcer, but like I told him, I feel fine now, have ever since I quit the drugs. Haydee----please read this with all the love it is said with. I agree with everything the girls have told you. Do not let Juan or anyone force you into a relationship that is not right. But just as Tracy pointed out, you keep saying you were not innocent. Well none of us are totally!!! I mean I knew when I opened my mouth sometimes when I was married the second time I was asking for it, but I still did it! Anyway my point is----you recognized an issue within yourself of wanting to control everything and you are working to change that in yourself. But if you have not got the faith in yourself to be confident that you can do that, you can not expect him to have the faith either. So going at your life with the new approach is going to garner different reactions out of him. The old saying that to change anything, you have to change something----well you did, and things WILL change. Whether it be him or you or both. You may find he wants to get married and you don't! But making the decision to work on YOU is perfect. No matter about Juan, you will definitely be living with you the rest of your life! We love you as you are, but it is time for you to learn to love you....you deserve it! TracyK---sorry about Macy being sick, and you having "issues" too. If listening would help, you are free to call me anytime. I hesitate to call you, with today a sick little one, and usually work......plus you know when you can talk about "issues" and when you can't!! Manda's sister on her Dads side---such a sweetie----spent the night with her, and is keeping Kinsey today, I feel kinda lost! I did have Rick take a picture one morning this weekend----as I stood in front of the door in bra and panties, he took the picture, and it looks like I am way across the room, so I told him to zoom it a little and try it again, about that time the doorbell not 12 inches behind me rang!!! The neighbor, bringing some bike parts!! Anyway we never got more taken. If you want me to email you that one, I will.....not so sure it is something I want up as a permanent pic. Tomorrow I am going to Durango to have lunch with Sofi. I thought I would try to get someone to take a pic of us together to post too....since she is a bandster! Terry, is your Mom improving at all? I can only imagine how stressed you are right now with everything going on. Did you ever hear back from your cousins or Aunt? Did you ever say anything to your sister about telling them that? TracyKS---how's the boys? Enjoy your time with Charles. It sounds like you might need some together one on one time.....no ON was NOT the keyword in that sentence!!! Jane----spoil yourself! If you want the floors, get them! You have saved a long time for them! Make payments to the Dr. if you have to. Michelle--how was your aquasize class? Pamela---so glad you loved your concert!!! Did ya manage to get the bag out safely??? Laura---Your pictures are wonderful! And I find it refreshing to find someone who loved themselves in spite of their size. I know when you saw the pics you hated them, but you still loved you!! I like that! Suzanne---where ya at? Who you taking care of today?? Denise---we need an update on Mom and baby! Jenn---hope you are holding up under all the stress you must be under. Hugs girlfriend! Gina---we miss you girl!! Judy--hope you are having a blast cruising!!! Hope I didn't forget anyone.....tried to keep my head straight!!! I always worry I will have a brain fart and miss someone without ever meaning to! Kat

You are right, this is a great place for friends. If you don't move before November....I'll PM you and maybe we can meet up. I go through Abilene to get to our place in TX. A small town about an hour out of Abilene called Comanche. I love meeting up with fellow bandsters!!! Kat

Hey y'all! Pat, I too swear by the bar of soap under the sheets for nightime leg cramps or RLS (Restless Leg Syndrome). IN fact when we take the first rides of the year, Rick gets cramps in his groin muscle---always has. He will break one of the little hotel bars of soap in half, and drop half in each pocket....no cramps! Do not use Dove or Dial. Dove is too much cream, and Dial for some reason is not working. As for Kinsey dragging things out--that is different. I have her here almost everyday--so Granny has rules!!! She has a playroom here, and she has some toys that are not allowed out of the playroom, her doll house etc. If she brings others out--she has to take them back before dragging something else. Now there are always things around--her waterbottle (she mimics me---always has a bottle of water with her!!!) and we read lots of books, so there may be a stack of books, and usually a baby doll---one we take everywhere. But she knows as does her Mom, they do not leave in the evening without putting it all away, and checking the playroom, and picking it up. I babysit for my daughter, but she can do the pick up!!! LOL, my DIL and DS do not ask me to babysit often, they think I am too hard on the kids. Difference is, I can take Kinsey anywhere, and she is polite and minds. I cannot handle Connor to take him anywhere, he is an absolutely adorable, yet wild child. He is unfortunately the child everyone cringes when they see him coming. He is turning into a bully, using his size to push through and get his way. He is 2, they do not even try to make him talk, not even please and thank you----I push for it! I am a mean Granny. Sherry, try to find Walmarts generic Prilosec OTC--Omipro something....it is smaller than the Prilosec. My DH's internist has had DH on it steady ever since his bleed, he is not concerned with him taking it without a break. He said Tums on top of it for acid breakthrough will not hurt. You and Trish sound like the party Queens!!! Will call on y'all for my next bash! Last year we did the huge Luau for my folks 50th, followed by the vow renewal and church party. This year I did nothing!! Jessica---I could not be gone 3 weeks! I would be home sick! We go to our own place in TX occasionally for 2 weeks and I wanna go home after a week max!! I used to go to Hawaii for 2 weeks to see my DD, but even that was pushing it! Well Betty, I have been riding every day for a couple of weeks, but I want the pool!!!! I will catch the rest of you, but I have to get my butt in gear, I have an appointment with my PS this morning. Will let ya know what he says. I had issue with the antibiotics he give me.......so not sure how this is going to go. Wish me luck! Kat

For more than 2 decades, I had left mine saying 195 even though I got up to 289! So back in August when I renewed it, the girl ask if everything was the same, I told her nope the weight is down. She looked at my old license on her computer where she was using it to type in info---and looked up at me and said something along the lines of "You sure have lost weight!" I told her well when I renewed last time I didn't change it so it is less drastic in numbers than it feels. My honest current weight at the time was 184, so I claimed it, I was PROUD to claim it!!! She was a woman with extra weight too, so she was talking about weight loss, and all with me, she did my picture, and then compared the 2----it was amazing! Now less than a year later, I actually weigh less than my license says! I am close to goal, so I intend on just waiting it out, and when I get to where I want, then I will decide if I want to go through the hassle of getting a new one. New Mexico has begun using a new program, where each time you have to supply several forms of ID, and then you get a paper license, and after they do a full check to make sure it is all ok, and there are no holds or anything, the license is made and mailed to you. A total PITA!!! Til then it is wonderful not seeing all those chins everytime I take my license out!!! Kat

I went to Mexicali, MX and did not pay nearly as much as some have mentioned, but it was totally self paid. It is impossible to put a monetary amount on the things that being banded have allowed me to do again! I am riding my horse again, and could not count the number of miles under me on the motorcycle, I can swim with my grandkids, in a public pool without embarassment, I can chase them in the yard, I can walk in any room or restaurant without feeling like everyone is staring at me, or wondering if I am again, the biggest person in the room. I am not embarrassed to be introduced to my normal sized DH's co workers. I can shop in most any store around, and find clothes that fit with ease. My knees do not ache with every step. I no longer take a single prescription medication, no more high blood pressure, or high blood sugar, or painful joints, or high cholesterol.... The cost is high yes, but the cost of obesity is too. I would do it again in a heart beat, it was worth every single cent!! Kat

Yes the rate of people dying within 30 days following GB is higher than that of the band. #1 it is a bigger surgery, they are cutting things, that does not happen with being banded----besides the abdominal cuts for access I mean. #2 by far the biggest reason for the discrepency in numbers is the beginning size and health issue. MANY gastric bypass patients are unable to get out of bed and are Super Morbidly Obese. Many of the deaths following the GB are not directly linked to the surgery, they are linked to the obesity--blood clots, being the biggie. Lap band surgeons have limits usually on the size of patients they band. Gastric Bypass works quicker, and that is of utmost importance in some of those patients. In order for a band to work, the patient has to get themself to the Dr. on a regular basis for fills, not so with the bypass. Even though the death is not caused by the bypass surgery or even the band surgery in those cases, they have to be reported since they follow surgical intervention. I am sure most of us have seen the Lifetime shows, depicting 600 lb.+ people in the hospital awaiting surgery---some make it that far, others die waiting. And of those who make it, some die anyway due to complications from the obesity, and inability to manuever themselves around. It is sad but true. Banding patients are generally smaller---being under 400 pounds---although there are always exceptions---and mobile---so they have better outcomes. I think each of us have reasons we chose the surgery we did. I never even considered bypass, because as a cancer survivor, I know if I ever have a recurrance, I want to get my nutritional needs met as easily as possible. And even without health issues, many bypass patients suffer from nutritional deficits, and require supplements on a daily basis. I also find it encouraging that they are making the strides they are with new WLS methods, such as the sleeve....and the scientific discoveries, that may someday lead to a "cure" for all of us. With the band, I am as eligible for that or any other new surgery as someone who never had WLS. I wanted my future options left open. I want the weight gone forever, but not part of my stomach and intestines. Do your research, and if something seems "wrong" such as the numbers being so high, research and find out why. My fill Dr. brought up the number issues during the informational seminar. He seldom does bypass anymore, but he thought it was getting an unfair shake in the numbers comparisons being done, so he attempted to share why with us. Banding was the way to go for me, I am thrilled with my results! Kat

I posted this on another thread----but it made such good sense to me, I wanted to share it with you girls too----gotta love cut & paste!!!! I read this recently in a Ladies Home Journal article---it is a story about a Cherokee elder talking with his grandson. He is telling him about the battle that goes on inside people's heads. He said the battle is between two 'wolves' that live inside us all. One is Unhappiness. It is fear, worry, anger, jealousy, sorrow, self pity, resentment, and inferiority. The other is Happiness. It is joy, love, hope, serenity, kindness, generosity, truth and compassion. The grandson thought about it for a minute and then ask his grandfather---"which wolf wins?" The old Cherokee simply answered......The one you feed. Kat

Definitely not in the books for me either! It would be a chore to get him to agree to one with all you guys---one full of low carbers he would imagine the whole ship to be bread free!!! LOL Had a pretty good dinner, really expensive though, we will probably not go back often. Took a nice ride home, and then blew my good day by stopping at my friends ice cream shop. Where she blew us away telling us she and her husband are divorcing! She is several years older than he is, but she said it is just different lifestyles, she works all the time, he wants to take life easy, and they are making each other miserable....so they chose to go separate ways and look for happy. Rick and I did not know what to say. She had a TT following bypass surgery several years ago, so she was ecstatic to see mine, we popped into the back and compared scars!!! My Belly button looks a lot better, and she did not get the mons lift she said--and hates the way it looks. Mine is still scarred much worse of course, and still draining in one spot....don't think it will EVER quit! Well I am half way through a new book, so I am off to read for awhile, if I can concentrate beyond the blaring TV with Blood Diamond on it. My DH is deaf I swear!!! Talk to y'all later! Kat

I don't know, but I think it is possible to be happy with oneself, and still acknowledge that losing weight is what would be best for your own health. My sense of self before surgery, was not wonderful---I was ashamed of how I looked---but I liked the PERSON I was before losing weight. I was kind to others, I was an honest person, a loving wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister and friend. I still strive to be the same---those qualities do not hinge on size. There were days my weight depressed me, mostly when I realized something else I was unable to do (ride my bike or horse, or play on the floor with the kids kind of things). But as a general rule, I was a happy person. It is the old glass half full vs. glass half empty. I had "full" days way more often than "empty" days. I still do, but even at an almost normal weight, I do still have the occasional empty day. You have to choose to be happy....regardless of size, and if you cannot make that decision, regardless of size, then maybe it is time to evaluate and decide how you can make yourself able to choose to be happy, or seek professional help to do so..... providing that is what you strive to be. I read this recently in a Ladies Home Journal article---it is a story about a Cherokee elder talking with his grandson. He is telling him about the battle that goes on inside people's heads. He said the battle is between two 'wolves' that live inside us all. One is Unhappiness. It is fear, worry, anger, jealousy, sorrow, self pity, resentment, and inferiority. The other is Happiness. It is joy, love, hope, serenity, kindness, generosity, truth and compassion. The grandson thought about it for a minute and then ask his grandfather---"which wolf wins?" The old Cherokee simply answered......The one you feed. Too often we ourselves are the ones feeding the wrong wolf. We have to feed the wolf regardless of our size.....we just need to make a concious choice of which one to feed I believe. Kat

I did not have this issue in the hospital, but by the 4th or 5th day, it was horrid. I suffered from the "liquid in=liquid out" the entire time I was on the liquid only diet. I never strayed far from the bathroom......it DOES go away when you can have food again!!! Your honesty, and humor along with your willingness to share your experience will help many more than you know I bet!!! Welcome to bandland! Kat

Whether or not your band is filled at all during surgery will depend on the size of your band, and your surgeon. The small bands I have never heard of them being filled, until 4-8 weeks out from surgery. Everyone is somewhat different on the inside as we are on the outside. I mean just as we all have 2 eyes, they are not EXACTLY the same, some are big, some small, some close set....you get the idea, well we are the same inside. And even though the surgeon is inside placing the band and looking at what he is doing to the outside of the stomach, even he is not seeing the inside of the stomach to assure that similar placement of the band yields similar results. The nerves that signal fullness are at the top of the stomach-which is why the old diet idea of drinking a full glass of Water before eating, worked....if only for a few minutes, until the water travelled through! Sometimes the band is placed where it actually puts pressure on these nerves, and hunger is diminished, or your full signal is hit VERY quickly when you do eat. For others, the placement does not connect with the nerve, and it will take a fill to squeeze the stomach down to be able to get that feeling. Yet others----which is actually most bandsters, will require 2 or more fills to get this sensation. While it sounds ideal to have the band placed where hunger is eliminated or lessened, it does not have any effect at all on head hunger. Where you eat from boredom, habit....or a craving you get from a commercial on TV. That has to be done with willpower alone. As you go on and you do feel restriction, oftentimes your tastes change. Some from having to chew things so well....highly processed foods, do not chew down well! And also some aversion therapy often takes place....when something causes a PB or discomfort, you just learn not to care so much for it! Sounds worse than it is, you just learn not to want it any more. As has been mentioned, this time between healing and filling for restriction is often referred to around here as Bandster Hell. I often liken it to finally getting the new car you have been wanting after all this time.....and now there it sits, and you have no gas to go anywhere!! Some of you will feel hungry, others will not. Some will lose weight before their first fill, others will not. In the end though, when you can begin working with the band instead of working by yourself, it will be easier. Good Luck to all of you....hang in there! Kat