Kat817

Plastic surgery is as a general rule, a choice we make. Whether we choose to do away with the excess skin or not. I did. But even if I hadn't the deflated skin beat the filled out skin all to pieces!!!! Good Luck in your researching! Kat

ME!!! I wannabe with my Violets.....but I want it to be now, I am not wanting to travel back in time, that would mean this last week and a half would have to be relived.....no thanks!!! The TT has actually been easier than I anticipated, but not something I would wanna do again for fun!!!! Yeah me and my dyin' fat just wanna get together with all y'all again.....SOON! Kat

I agree there has been too much bashing of the band lately. If it is not for you, that is fine, but quit sitting around here everyday waiting to piss in my Wheaties!!!! Way back pre surgery for me, I was talking with a bandster and was expressing my fear in how many people were having problems. She reminded me that when you have a problem, no matter big or small, you come here to supportive, people in similar situations and share. When you get up and have no issues you probably don't start a new thread saying so, or there would be an abundance of threads saying "Another problem free day", "Down another pound today", those kinds of things!!!! So to always keep in mind that when life is good you don't always come here and say so.....but it is comforting to know if you DO have a problem someday you could come here for support. I have no issue with that, but people showing up who are here to "Warn" everyone about the band----just go away!!! They want to address us as if we are idiots for choosing to be banded-even though they too chose that before they had the problems!!! Kat

Dannygirl, you need to go to the main page "Forum" and as Frangipani said, go to the "Doctors and Hospitals" section, and under "Thread Tools" I believe it is, you will find an area for starting new threads. I have not heard anything about this place. This is an established thread, concerning my Tummy Tuck, so I just doubt you will get much response from asking in here. Good luck in your search for info. Well, back from the Dr. the discharge from my incision is called some big fancy word meaning FAT necrosis. Meaning dying fat. He said when he did the TT, he removed the blood supply to some of the remaining abdominal fat, and so it is dying, when that happens it basically melts----turning a yellowy/whitish color, resembling chicken fat. He said puss from infection will have a green tint and a defining heat or redness. He said with this necrosis, I do stand a chance of infection forming, but with my antibiotics and all we should be fine. He removed some of the strips, and I can see my big old owie now!!! He showed me exactly how and where to apply counter pressure to my belly button to cough or sneeze. Said it looks like it made it through yesterday ok. He listened to my lungs and said it sounded clear. I stopped at the store for a few things and I am exhausted!!!!! Kat

Home again------can't say as I am dancing a jig, I am beat!!! I stopped at the grocery store----kicked my butt!! Dr. took a new culture, said we might have some infection but the biggest part of my drainage is from some big fancy word meaning FAT necrosis----yep dying fat! He said during the TT he cut the blood supply to even some residual fat in my abdominal area, so now it is dying off from lack of blood supply. He said it basically melts....ends up looking a bit like chicken fat. Which is what I have going on---I was worried when I saw the yellowy white gunk --but he said puss from infection will have a definitive yellow/green color, and is usually accompanied by some sort of indicator--heat or redness. I have none, but he said an incision this size it is quite common to end up with a minor infection, but it is looking good he said, he removed some more of the strips, so now the incision shows----so I will for sure take some pics-----scary CHIT!!!! He said belly button looked fine, no worse for the wear from my coughing. He showed me exactly how to push back against it when I get that way, or when I eventually sneeze. It will help assure that it does not herniate he said. I used to have kids that would freak out over being able to pick their own snack.....their eyes would get so big, like they were doing such a big NO NO!! I kept a huge yellow tupperware bowl full of a variety of things from cheese and crackers to fruit to some Little Debbie snacks, little toy popsicle things they could trade me for a popsicle--anything I could think of. I always let them choose from the bowl, figuring what sounded good to me or to another kid might not to everyone. I had one little girl that no matter what, everyday for I would guess 6 years she ate a Honeybun---never wavering in her choice---she says she still eats them!!! Little kids are so much fun! Kat

For many years I dealt with reflux problems due to a hiatal hernia. Both of my parents have the problem as well, and my Grandma for years before that! The surgeon fixed the hernia during my banding surgery, and I was good for a few months, then it returned. We did the swallow study and all to assure ourselves the band was ok---and determined it had simply herniated again. So I take Prilosec OTC and have the head of my bed raised and have no issues, as long as I do not sleep on my back. That has ALWAYS been the problem. Before banding to now, I could not sleep for long periods on my back without refluxing. Well with the TT--laying in the bed was an issue so I was in the recliner----on my back night after night. Slowly stretching out more--until it was just too much! Last night I moved back to my bed, and onto my side, was touchy as far as comfort, but with DH's help, lots of pillows and allowing myself a few minutes to relax, and it ended up being fine, and I went all night with no issues. I slept like a log!!! My Dad had surgery to correct his hiatal hernia several years ago, and it was a big surgery---only for his to re herniate within a year as well. We must have weak diaphragms!!! I think as long as I go back to what I know works I will be fine....was just a lesson learned the hard way! I was unfilled a week or so before surgery, and have not even contemplated refilling at this point. My fill was not tight, and has never been relative to my reflux. I ate the night of my surgery----I never even thought of going onto liquids. Actually they had me eating saltine crackers in the surgery center to take my pain meds with. I have made a concentrated effort to eat healthy, trying to regain my strength quickly. I take my Vitamins and all----but eat normally. Might be something to discuss with your Dr. Kat

Well I will try to go stand in the playroom mirror and snap some to go with the before pics and get them to you guys. I am seeing my PS this morning at 10:45. The seepage from the incision is just getting worse. There is no odor, no redness, no heat, no pain---it just leaks. Don't know if it is an indication my drains should have remained in longer or what----but it is kinda scary. The one spot it is draining so bad, the steristrips are off, and the incision is just a fine line, looks like if it ever heals it will be a minor scar---compared to some. I think I am a little paranoid, but my neighbor come to see me the other day, and now she is back in the hospital with her MRSA infection. She did not touch me, let alone my incision--but as I say I am paranoid!!! I am still coughing, but not badly, and am able to breath deep this morning. YAY I may have to send Jane a package too-------anyone know what size of batteries she needs???!!! Don't think I won't roomie!! I picture her post in a new font, full of curly cues!!! That is terrrible that they cancelled Josh's surgery with so little notice. I realize it happens, Dr.'s are just people, but the poor kid has stressed so much and then will have to do it all over again....any idea when? Before banding, my ring size had gone up to a 10! Now it is a 7. I thought that is where it would stay and was ready to get my real wedding rings sized. But now my 7's are spinning on my hand----so guess I will continue to wait a bit longer---aarrgghh!! The sides of my band are lattice----so sizing it one time is it, or it will mess with the design he said, especially taking so much off, my lattice might end up the underneath side of my ring. It might prove to not work at all---which would make me sad.....NOT sad enough to want to fit it at a size 10 again!! Terry.....for several months I know Manda had kept a separate bedroom. But in the last few times they were around, I notice him touching her-he walked up behind her during the Mothers Day cook out, and was rubbing her shoulders, and he held his hand at her waist as she went through the back door. And for some reason she had Kinsey in her arms when the guys come off the back property from pitching horseshoes and he come up and put his arms around both of them. I watched Manda closely, she did not recoil! She smiled a lot at him. She is happy, whatever is going on. We had a looong talk about it when she moved back in. The kids were together from their Sophmore year of high school. They were one anothers best friends, and only go-to person the years they were in Hawaii. Together they went to planned parenthood when they were ready to make that move back many years ago, and were each others first. I honestly think Jason decided he had missed out on all the single fun he should have had. And when he began fooling around online----Manda left and never looked back. I kind of think she too had those feelings of "what else is out there?" When Jason had the "talk" with Rick---since they work together and all---he told Rick, that he compared everyone out there to Manda and no one come close, and he wanted his family back, and hoped to try to make it work. So Rick talked to Manda, and she said she was not making any rash decisions, but she had never really stopped loving him, he was Kinsey's Dad. Then we backed out of it, and have tried to stay that way. She is our DD and if she finds herself in a bad place we will be there as always.....but I seriously hope she is happy. Life is too short to live it by everyone elses rules if you can find a way to be happy. Tonight they are coming over and Kinsey is taking 2 of the dogs in the pet parade. Our little town is having Fiesta Days---a carnival is in town, we have a big parade tomorrow morning, lots of vendors around, kind of like the Gruene square thing--and tonight they have a Pet Parade, kids with their animals, and they will crown the Prince and Princess---little kids compete a penny a vote for the title, money is donated to the Boys & Girls Club. Kinsey has her pink cowboy boots, and some Daisy Duke shorts with a pink & white gingham shirt, and her pink cowboy hat. Dozer the Chihuahua has a suede fringed shirt with a sherriffs badge, and Potter the Pug, has a cowboy hat ( I bet he does NOT keep on!) and a denim shirt. Manda will walk with them all down the parade. Kids come with goats, chickens, snakes, and tons of kittens and dogs. My kids through the years took everything from ponies to guinie pigs!!! I hope I feel up to being able to be there for it all!!! Better go get myself ready. I think Sofi is coming down today too---we might do lunch. Let ya know what the Dr, says! Kat I miss our being together too---------more than I can say!

I have avoided sneezing so far---barely, but have done it!!!! I am still coughing some this morning, but I can breath deep without choking, and without pain----none of the wheezing of yesterday. I have mild asthma---only presents itself when I have respiratory infection or something---and I was wheezing yesterday. My PCP had me use my inhaler, and told me to keep trying to deepen the breathing. By last night I was doing the yoga breathing of in through the nose to a count of 4, hold the breath for a count of 7 and slowly out through the mouth to a count of 8. It was controlled enough that it did not immediatley make me choke. I see my PS this morning at 10:45. My incision is seeping more than it was---but man where the steristrips are off, it is a fine line, will make a smooth scar if this is not serious infection or something. There is no odor, no heat, no redness, and no pain. I have the smaller band--mine is 9.75ml, and will hold 5cc's. When he did my unfill, I thought I had 1.75cc's. He pulled 1.6--and said that was good since I had not had a fill in over a year and a half. My ability to eat more changed. If I pay attention, though, I have not had hunger, or any changes that way. If I serve myself small portions, I am fine with them. I will stay this way as long as possible, and fill when my weight changes or hunger returns. Til then will give my belly a break. My weight has remained pretty steady for a few days. I was 184.5 the morning of surgery. Then popped up to 198 the day after!!! It has dropped and I have been at 177 for a few days now. Without the belly, I can see myself being able to do so many things without embarassment, that I think I could drop the last 10 or so with increased mobility----WHEN I get mobile again, I am still somewhat stooped over and not moving very fast!! Anxious to see him today..... Kat

The morning of surgery I weighed in at the center at 184.5, the next day when I weighed, I weighed 198!! Today 177 still. Manda is still with her ex, and seems to be very happy. Kinsey is staying with my Mom while I cannot do for her. I worried if there were to be an emergency, I could not pick her up. I miss her like crazy---make Mom bring her by often!! Manda's RA is quiet now, the swelling gone, and her last monitor (heart) was without episodes. She has another echo done the end of June. Very sweet of you to ask! Thank you! Kat

Yes I have the spirometer, and used it faithfully til this! But now if I breath deep, and I keep trying, it sends me into coughing jags. I am seeing my PS tomorrow-----so I can find out which I need to do more, protect my new muscles he repaired, and my belly button, or to cough it on up-----which is ungodly painful! Meanwhile I am on antibiotics----I think they were the cause of the reflux to be honest, they taste beyond nasty, and that is what the reflux was. I know I have to keep my lungs working----I am trying...EVIL reflux!!! Kat

It be big, but they be cute!!! When they grow they will be beautiful, the bright color against the fence!!! I have behaved with my eating today for the most part, trying to make sure I do not eat anything that could make a reflux issue---I truly think it is the antibiotics and the compression! My incision is still weeping------but I am seeing my Dr. tomorrow anyway so he can check it. He called concerning my reflux, and wants to look at me tomorrow.....of course! Tracy, hope Josh's surgery goes well, will be thinking of you all. I actually managed to do some laundry today.....I need to go shopping, and cannot wait til I really feel up to doing it!!! Will try to check in later~~ Kat

Sorry I have not been around girls---with my drains in, sitting upright was not a good feeling! They come out yesterday morning, and Pat you are so right, I felt wonderful!!!! Then come last night. I am on antibiotics for preventative measures, and them combined with my tight compression led to a bout of reflux. Right into my lungs--I woke up in a full blow panic, choking for air, and coughing is to say the very least extremely painful, let alone coughing for hours on end. I spent the night choking, coughing, crying and repeat---------absolute misery! When I saw the Dr. yesterday he was telling me about a surgery he was doing today in Albq. so he is unavailable------I have been in touch with my PCP-------but nothing is helping much. My belly button is aching like no other! I will be back to share some pics and hopefully an improving scenario soon.......for now I am going to go try to get warm, and relax, to avoid coughing. Hugs--and thanks for the continued good wishes my friends!! Kat

Well maybe I should be the token Farmer Denny's waitress. I could wear a hat and boots with my uniform, and could even fake a mouthful of chew!!!! Although really us farm girls aren't like that!! Kat

Well--------life jumped up and put me in my place last night. I believe the combination of the antibiotics, and the tight compression, I refluxed SERIOUSLY about midnight, into my lungs----which automatically send you into coughing spasms. But with all these stitches and surgery, I thought I was dying. I am mostly worried about my belly button, the pain is centered there now as I am STILL coughing. I cannot begin to share the total misery. I choke, cough, cry and repeat all night long. Waiting to hear from my surgeon who is out of town doing a surgery he told me about yesterday. I have been in contact with my PCP since he is available, and he has offered minor helps. It is better, I can breath----shallowly----without coughing. But deep breathing is still not an option. I am contemplating taking one of my pain pills and seeing if it relieves it at all. I am hoping this is a minor set back--but it feels anything but minor at this point---it just hurts like hell. Will update as things hopefully improve..... Kat

Laura-------girl, I feel your pain--seriously. I had THE most miserable night.......I think the anitbiotics, combined with this tight compression garment----hit me with serious reflux about midnight. I woke up choking as best I could----it is in my lungs------and coughing is serious business, it feels like I ruptured my belly button. I called my PS this morning, but he is not in town, he is in Albq. doing a special hand surgery thing. She says he will call me as soon as he gets the message. I still can barely breath----very shallowly, I cannot take a deep breath without choking, and hurting like a bitch (sorry). I breath, choke, cough, cry and repeat-----------all night long. Now I am sitting here so tired, and sore, and freezing to death( it is 70+ in the house as well as outside), but I cannot warm up. Rick stayed home until I called the Dr. When he realized he wasn't taking me anywhere I convinced him to just go to work, let me waller in my own misery! I hurt SOOOOOO bad! I went ahead and continued taking the antibiotics, figuring that is one of my best defenses with my lungs. But I am burping them something awful!!! I have taken these before, and I have no fill, so it shouldn't be an issue. The compression is just like trying to sleep in a semi upright position in tight jeans------which is really difficult for a comfort first gal like myself. I am changed into jammies early---everyday!!! So this is so bizarre! I did talk to my PCP--------he suggested avoiding my back----which is easier said than done with this incision, but will try it. He had me use my old asthma inhaler to try to open the lungs up and allow them to clear. Heck---I am so upset, I was sailing right ahead til last night! Michelle that is so cool!!! Will you be ready for another fill, or will it be kinda a fake fill???? Laura, you will quit when you are ready---trying to do it any other time is a waste of time and $$$!!!! Like I say, I wish sometimes I still could----but am thankful I have the quit so far behind me so as not to truly tempt me!!! Every now and then when Becky was still smoking, and we would go out to a club or something, I come so close to taking one of hers!!! But now she has quit too-------and we seldom go out since our favorite club shut down, so I might be safe!! One of the missing Albq. boys was found in a creek in Vermont. There are still 2 missing up around a ski area in Colorado. Pamela, I need to go outside and check the tomatoes and flowers and water them before they all die, but I just refuse right now----although I might just to see if I can warm up some. Rick's secretary is sick, and he is scared I have the same bug----I hope not! And Haydee-------I actually unpacked my suitcase and I DO have my waterproof camera---so not too sure who the one in your car belongs to. Speaking of things like that---Tracy did you ever find your special tshirt you wore in Gruene??? If not maybe you should call the place and see if it got left behind. Well I am going to go walk a bit, and see if I can make a difference in how crappy I feel....... Hugs~ Kat

I have a couple that I am close friends with that were banded in Monterrey. They had a very good experience. I was banded in Mexicali, also with a wonderful experience and great results. My loss was not overnight, it took 2 years to achieve what I had only hoped for before. I will readily admit, when my friend first mentioned what she was doing and where, I thought she had lost her ever loving mind!!! But she went on to tell me about her research, and invited me to look into what and where she was going. She was my first knowledge of both the band as a well as Mexico as a locale for surgical procedures. I knew her to be meticulous in her handling of things, so I tried to keep an open mind----and I began researching and learning of banding on my own. I had insurance coverage, and planned a surgery in the US----but when 10 1/2 months into a 12 month supervised weight loss program, I was in an accident, requiring surgery----they told me I would have to begin the 12 months all over!! I received a settlement from the accident, and with it, I chose to go to MX. I could have afforded surgery in the US at that point, but could not justify the cost difference----while knowing what I could do with the money otherwise! I researched, and made my choice, and have never been sorry. I would take a wild guess, that your choices have put you in somewhat of a no win situation with your friend. You chose something she cannot agree with, and now many things you choose to do will be colored due to the choice she does not agree with. If she was already irritated with you, maybe she thought you left too early, you should have stayed and helped clean up, or maybe she thought you felt like you had better places to go, so you left early. No one likely knows what REALLY ticked her off----and the only one who can let go of it is her. She will hear how you are doing through the DD's. Always be pleasant when asking about her, and let your success tell your story....... Sad to say, your situation is not unique. Not defending her attitude, but it is HARD to watch others succeed regardless of how, when you want so badly to do the same...... Maybe in time she will come around, when she sees you felt strong enough in your choice to go through with it even without her! Good Luck on your upcoming surgery!!! Kat

Tracy I think you are being way to hard on yourself. Giving up cigarettes is a MAJOR accomplishment! And not one you have done just for you----Macy benefits from it every single day as well. Smoking gives you something to do in so many situations, anytime you want to eat, feel a bit nervous, or anxious, or angry----it would sedate you just enough to get through the moment!!! I know that was my hardest----not knowing what to do with just me---without the cigarette between my fingers. It was just like the food, they were always there to help me cope at any given time. And I LIKED smoking! My brother smokes a little. He has actually bought a fresh pack, because the ones he had were stale!!! He would never make a trip to the store just to buy smokes. IF I could have smoked like that, I might still be doing it----but I couldn't!!! I smoked like a freight train!!! When I quit I was up to almost 2 full packs a day-----when I see the cost of them now, it is a good thing I did quit, I would have bankrupted myself!!!! Give yourself some time, you will find your way back to where you were. You look amazing---I remember in the river, I looked at you and thought HAH I am not the only one with scrawny ankles and legs!!! Your bone structure shows so well----I understand not accepting where you are, and wanting to be back where you were, but you also need to realize the only one who is put off by the regain is YOU!!!! You have done an amazing job, you look like a totally different person than the woman in the old drivers license!!! And as Macy has aged, you have went back in years from that family photo!!! You WILL figure out what it is going to take ( besides the obvious avoiding of the Sonic!!!!) to get there, take it a step at a time----and when you think about starting up again---think of putting a lit ciggy in little Macy's hand.....you don't wanna do that, you have done the hard part!! You may not cheer yourself on----but we are just gonna do it for you! Hugs~ Sitting here trying to do my best to avoid a sneeze that has plagued me for the last 2 hours. Coughing hurts soooooo bad, I am scared spitless of a sneeze........If I can make it til I get sleepy----I might avoid it awhile longer. Wish me luck!!! Kat

Laura----the material it is printed onto is sold as "corrugated metal sheeting". Try maybe corrugated metal art??? We use it for barn roofing. There are places here that sell the same type of thing--if you cannot find any let me know and I will go to the Dusty Attic and check for the horses---or a link for you. Kat

LOL------no! This was acheived from another email, using the 3rd letter of your first name---which meant something, then the 2nd letter of your last name or some such thing. Mine was one of those that would not work with dog name and street. My first pet was a dog named Sleepy...... and remember we are rural.....my address was #23 Rd. 3640!! Try to make a stripper out of that!!! After that we had a stray cat, pregnant of course, wander up and adopt us, so we named her....Mama!! So add that with my new addy and we have Mama Church!! LOL Thus I resorted to the old email that dubbed me Raquel Glitterkiss!!! Kat

Yes the mons lift was lipo'd and lifted----tender-----but not terribly painful, he said lack of underlying muscle leads it to be less painful, it is also why we cannot regain any tone. At least piece by piece a bit of my girlish figure is reappearring, of course this is one only DH, the PS and I can appreciate!!!!! Kat

LOL Terry, give me your high payin' job huh? Would be all good, but I have no idea how or what to do as a mod.......me is a dummy!!!! I am off to go see my Kinsey--Mom is keeping her, and I am having withdrawals, then we are taking her to see Connor and see how he is today, she said they were beginning to see color in all their bruises. So I am off to be Granny!! My favorite--bestest job!!! Kat

Wow---what great results you have had dlsparks!!! We all make mistakes and learn along the way---but I have found that to be the good thing---the learning! I have had a 2 year journey with my band, it has been very successful. I was completely unfilled a few weeks ago in preparation for my tummy tuck. The lessons I learned along the way have allowed me to continue on, with no fill, and no weight regain! Would be nice to hav a miracle cure, but this way has taught me some really valuable lessons!!! Keep up the great work! And good luck as you begin ironbutterfly!!! You can do it! Kat

I just got my Haydee package!!! Thank you so much!!!!!!!!! I got my drainage tubes out, and feel wonderful!!! I actually began bleeding some yesterday afternoon from my incision. He was worried about possible infection so had me come in, he had me go back this morning. He put me on preventative antibiotics---but cultured the seepage, and nothing grew overnight at all---it is not infection, he thinks I am reacting to the dissolving stitches. I can wear real clothes, without the horrid tubes. Tracy fingers crossed for DH!! 17.5 pounds for ditching the smokes is not bad at all!! I feel like Pamela is the same way--her weight loss--while quitting is impressive! I totally gained weight----held onto it for years, I must have liked it A LOT!!!! I have not been in the 170's since back when I did smoke---this is all new territory for me! I am a lovin' it though. Saw a friend in the store when I stopped on the way home today, she tells me, everytime I see you, you have lost more weight, I cannot believe it! I told her it took 2 years to take off what I did, and while I would like to lose some more, I am not going to stress a lot over it. She is a beautiful woman, has this perfect figure. She told me, that for years she fought to keep the scale at 125 pounds. She said she worked out, did without treats, watched every bite. Then she remarried, and he did not like the way she treated herself, so she relented a little bit, she said the scale went up to 136, and stopped, she said she now does not stress over it, doesn't have to fight every day, and no one but her has ever even noticed!! So.....all these years I just though that Twila was one of the "lucky ones" and she too had been fighting. I hope my body finds a weight it likes that I can agree with!!!!!! The only one it ever found it liked and seemed to hang at no matter what was 286!!! Not one I wanted!! Haydee, you do have a difficult decision to make. That is a lot of time to give up for getting to and from work! As for the working for Moms friend-----often times those jobs have many ways of transferring within---so over time if you wanted to go into a different area I bet you could. TracyKS-I cannot believe he broke his toe in 2 places and is goin' and a blowin'!! I broke my toe once and whined for weeks!!!!! OMG girls---I just had the nicest visit from one of "my girls". When I began doing daycare years ago, I took in the neighbors newborn, and 2 older kids. When this little girl was just over 8 months old, I got a call from her Dad, that her Mom had been feeling real bad all morning, and when she went to the Dr. They found her in premature labor!!! She is a nurse! Had no idea she was pregnant again! They flew her out to Albq. to try to stop the labor, and couldn't so the baby was born at 26 weeks weighing 1 lb 7 ounces. She was one of the first babies they ever used surfactant in her lungs to help them develop. So while Mom, Dad and new baby were in Albq. the other 3 kids stayed with me. 4 months later, they brought the baby home, and we all took classes to learn how to attach her to her monitors etc. And I kept the kids until one by one they became old enough to work in Dads business instead of requiring daycare. But these were neighbors, and when they divorced Dad retained custody---and I watched them grow up. The girls are 8 1/2 months apart. Tyne, the teeny baby, grew up without any issues at all, and will be a Senior this coming year!! Anyway, Canyon, the oldest of the 2 girls, graduated the evening I had surgery, so I missed it! She just come to the door and brought me roses!!! Her grandparents sent her roses, and she is leaving tomorrow to go on a graduation trip with her Mom---so she knew her flowers would be gone---so she was taking them around to all the people who helped her get through school. She is such a sweetie!!! These are younger sisters to the girl who got lost snow mobiling with her family last winter. My nephew also graduated night before last. His parents are divorced, he has always seen and spent time with his Dad though. Sunday, in church his Dad had a seizure (the believe to be caused by him being an alcoholic in withdrawal), and he hit his head on the pew in front of him, and bit the artery in his tongue. He has been in ICU without much hope ever since. The Navajo way of things has my poor nephew who is barely 18, having to make all of the decisions now as man of the house. His grandmother is living, and his Dad was one of 7 kids---but they are putting all decisions off on the poor kid. Really ruined his celebration of graduation. Please tell your son Congrats for us Terry----I too was sooooooo glad to leave school behind when we finally got Abbey through! I celebrated!!! Both girls continued school--but from then on it was their choice, and their decisions--I was DONE!! I grajidaded!!!!!!! Hey Terry......or Pam.....or whoever else is moderating. All of a sudden I am receiving notices of reported posts......any idea why? It says they will be sent to all moderators, but I was not one. Hmmmmmmm any ideas? Kat

You look great Steph!!! Today at the Dr. I was looking at a magazine, and looked down where I am usually pulling and tugging at my tshirt--and there was a flat belly---I about cried!!! Kat

Hi everyone---sorry I went MIA---had a rough yet busy couple of days. Pain is managable---nothing much at all unless I cough or something now. I saw the Dr. this morning again, and got my drains removed----I feel HUMAN!!! The drains were painful---everything rubbed on them, the stitches holding them in place kept catching on my clothing. But they are gone!!! I am reacting somehow to the dissolving inside sutures, there is no infection present, they even tried to see if it would grow a culture, but it is causing my incision to bleed as it tries to expel the stitches. So he gave me a round of antibiotics to be preventative, and has me putting some ointment on the incision itself. It isn't painful though. Belly is flat, upper ab swelling is going down much better now. I was 184.5 the morning of surgery. The day after surgery I was 198!!!!!!!!! Today in the Dr.'s office I used his scale, and I was 177. So it is coming down steadily. He removed 12 pounds he said so I have a ways to go. Let's see-------this pain ball. It is referred to as a pain bolus at times. It is EXTERNAL. Mine was by a company called ON Q. It was about the size of a baseball, maybe a bit smaller, had a solid core, but liquid pain medication inside a soft plastic--like a small round IV bag. Mine had 2 very thin tubes running from it, that went directly into my incision, about midway in, where the incision angles up to the hip bones. It slowly seeped the pain meds directly into the incision....and was made to naturally empty itself in 48 hours. Which it did, and he slid the tubes out and just disposed of it. I carried it in a little fanny pack type bag they put on me to hold my drainage tube bulbs. My drainage tubes (I had 2) were put in the pubic mound, one on either side, and held in place by a couple of stitches. IT was 1/4 inch rubber tubing it looked like---standard, I am sure. They were each about 30" long and on the end of each tube was a bulb, similar to the pumping bulb for taking blood pressure. They had open/close valves in them like in a childs blow up toy. You open the valve, Squeeze the bulb, and while holding it in the squeezed position you close it....which creates the suction as the bulb tries to reexpand itself. For the last 3 days I was getting less than 25cc's a day from the 2 combined. So they removed them today. That hurt some, but was SOOOOO worth it!! Now I can much better dress and see the awesome results!! I feel like a whole new person----this is incredible! I have noticed feeling clothing rub against my upper thighs and pubic area -------my stomach had barracaded that for so long it feels strange to have anything touch me. The mons lift, is very noticable as well, the fat pad is gone. Haven't found anything not to like yet.....100% worth it!! Kat