Band_Groupie

Amy-You poor thing! 2 months of pain is no way to live, and you're right isn't healthy at all. I hope the unfill works after things settle down a bit. Keep us posted and keep your chin up! -BG

Yeah, I guess after I heard all the docs describe all the bad statistics and how steeply they go up with each additional child you carry (death, lifelong medical problems) it just made me feel the doc that did this was totally irresponsible (the docs I heard only implant 3-4 max) and I couldn't believe they aren't self-regulating this.

It’s officially Steeler Fever here in Pittsburgh (although it’s a year round fanfest here), but more about that tomorrow. Today I’m going to give yunz a little lesson on Pittsburghese 101. This might come in handy if you’re watching TV on Sunday night (Have you heard yet? There’s a big game!). Who knows, they might interview one of those many Pittsburgh natives and after yunz lesson here you’ll actually know what they’re saying. I’m not poking fun, as I’m officially a Pittsburgher now. Their very friendly and inclusive here…after a mere 8 years living here, I’m now an official Pittsburgher. Yeah, each city I’ve lived in has their own slang, but it’s very pronounced here and this is not a very transient town, it’s mostly natives, so you hear it a lot. Pittsburghese is mostly VERY fast talking and they just smash all the words together. My very first week here, I kid you not, we were talking to a carpenter who works for our builder and then I told him we needed to get somewhere, and as fast as you can say it he asks us “Da-boat-a-yunzes-g’n-dahntahn?” Now say THAT three times fast (if you can, you’re a Pittsburgher). We had no clue what he said, so DH-Mr.SA politely asks him “Please?” Dear Lord! This is the Cincinnati word for (DH grew up there and we lived there for a year) “HUH? or “What?” (very polite people, those Cincinnatians…Please?...they use it for EVERYTHING. Just sayin’….you might need to know this if the Bengals ever make it back to the Super Bowl.) So I’m standing there in the long pause between these two dialects, with neither one knowing what the other one just said. So I politely as our carpenter “What did you ask?” He repeats at a more normal pace, which must have seemed like super-slow-mo to him “Da…boat..a..yunzes…g’n…dahntahn?”….pause…we smiled and without a response we waved goodbye as “The both of us (you) were going downtown.” I won’t bore you with the million or so slang abbreviations they have for locations in Pittsburgh, as you probably don’t know them (the Mon *wink*), but you need to know they (oops we) call our city The Burgh. Here’s the ones I’ve personally heard. Study up…you only have a few days left… *Anat-A combination of two words that means and that. *Anymore-A rather confusing construction which doesn't mean any, or more, or even anymore. Instead, it means nowadays, or currently, or these days. It almost always occurs as the first word of a sentence, as in this example: "Anymore, the traffic on Liberty Avenue moves so slow, it's quicker to walk." *Crick-The way a Pittsburgher says creek. *Comere-A Pittsburgh "quickie". Come here, said quickly, is comere. See also: Gahed. *D-Pittsburghers have a lot of strange likes and dislikes. One dislike is the letter D, especially when it is in the middle of a word, next to another consonant. Being non-violent, for the most part, Pittsburghers do not rely on force to eliminate those offensive D's; instead they simply invoke one of the laws of English pronunciation and make the D's silent. Hence, couldn't becomes cooun't, wouldn't becomes wooun't, and everyone's all time favorite, didn't becomes din't. *Da-boat-a- The both of. As in “Da-boat-a-yunz g’n dahntahn.” (my personal fav now) *Dahntahn-The way a Pittsburgher says downtown. *Djeatyet? Nodju?-Polish? Ukrainian? No, it's those Pittsburghers again, spitting out syllables as fast as they can and losing half of them in the process. It really means "Did you eat yet" "No. Did you?" *Drug-It's not something we should "just say no" too. It's simply the past tense of the word drag *Gahed-Say it quick in Pittsburgh and it's not go ahead, but rather gahed. See also: Comere *Gumban-A word which, if said slowly, would be heard as gum band, which is what everyone else in the world calls a rubber band. *Hafta- Have to. I haftago to the baffroom! *Ink pen-Although there's really no reason to announce what's inside a pen, Pittsburghers do anyway. Instead of asking for just a pen, they ask for an ink pen. *Ketch-What the Steelers offense should be doing. *You might need to know this one! *Redd up-To clean up, or tidy up. *Tubes-Pittsburgh slang for tunnels. *Worsh-As a noun, it's the stuff that goes into the washing machine when it gets dirty. As a verb, it's what you do to the stuff once it gets into the washing machine. *Yunz-The word that sets Pittsburghers apart from everyone else in the world. It means the same as all of you and is sort of a northern y'all. Yunz is singular, with yunzes usually reserved for the plural.

It’s officially Steeler Fever here in Pittsburgh (although it’s a year round fanfest here), but more about that tomorrow. Today I’m going to give yunz a little lesson on Pittsburghese 101. This might come in handy if you’re watching TV on Sunday night (Have you heard yet? There’s a big game!). Who knows, they might interview one of those many Pittsburgh natives and after yunz lesson here you’ll actually know what they’re saying. I’m not poking fun, as I’m officially a Pittsburgher now. Their very friendly and inclusive here…after a mere 8 years living here, I’m now an official Pittsburgher. Yeah, each city I’ve lived in has their own slang, but it’s very pronounced here and this is not a very transient town, it’s mostly natives, so you hear it a lot. Pittsburghese is mostly VERY fast talking and they just smash all the words together. My very first week here, I kid you not, we were talking to a carpenter who works for our builder and then I told him we needed to get somewhere, and as fast as you can say it he asks us “Da-boat-a-yunzes-g’n-dahntahn?” Now say THAT three times fast (if you can, you’re a Pittsburgher). We had no clue what he said, so DH-Mr.SA politely asks him “Please?” Dear Lord! This is the Cincinnati word for (DH grew up there and we lived there for a year) “HUH? or “What?” (very polite people, those Cincinnatians…Please?...they use it for EVERYTHING. Just sayin’….you might need to know this if the Bengals ever make it back to the Super Bowl.) So I’m standing there in the long pause between these two dialects, with neither one knowing what the other one just said. So I politely as our carpenter “What did you ask?” He repeats at a more normal pace, which must have seemed like super-slow-mo to him “Da…boat..a..yunzes…g’n…dahntahn?”….pause…we smiled and without a response we waved goodbye as “The both of us (you) were going downtown.” I won’t bore you with the million or so slang abbreviations they have for locations in Pittsburgh, as you probably don’t know them (the Mon *wink*), but you need to know they (oops we) call our city The Burgh. Here’s the ones I’ve personally heard. Study up…you only have a few days left… *Anat-A combination of two words that means and that. *Anymore-A rather confusing construction which doesn't mean any, or more, or even anymore. Instead, it means nowadays, or currently, or these days. It almost always occurs as the first word of a sentence, as in this example: "Anymore, the traffic on Liberty Avenue moves so slow, it's quicker to walk." *Crick-The way a Pittsburgher says creek. *Comere-A Pittsburgh "quickie". Come here, said quickly, is comere. See also: Gahed. *D-Pittsburghers have a lot of strange likes and dislikes. One dislike is the letter D, especially when it is in the middle of a word, next to another consonant. Being non-violent, for the most part, Pittsburghers do not rely on force to eliminate those offensive D's; instead they simply invoke one of the laws of English pronunciation and make the D's silent. Hence, couldn't becomes cooun't, wouldn't becomes wooun't, and everyone's all time favorite, didn't becomes din't. *Da-boat-a- The both of. As in “Da-boat-a-yunz g’n dahntahn.” (my personal fav now) *Dahntahn-The way a Pittsburgher says downtown. *Djeatyet? Nodju?-Polish? Ukrainian? No, it's those Pittsburghers again, spitting out syllables as fast as they can and losing half of them in the process. It really means "Did you eat yet" "No. Did you?" *Drug-It's not something we should "just say no" too. It's simply the past tense of the word drag *Gahed-Say it quick in Pittsburgh and it's not go ahead, but rather gahed. See also: Comere *Gumban-A word which, if said slowly, would be heard as gum band, which is what everyone else in the world calls a rubber band. *Hafta- Have to. I haftago to the baffroom! *Ink pen-Although there's really no reason to announce what's inside a pen, Pittsburghers do anyway. Instead of asking for just a pen, they ask for an ink pen. *Ketch-What the Steelers offense should be doing. *You might need to know this one! *Redd up-To clean up, or tidy up. *Tubes-Pittsburgh slang for tunnels. *Worsh-As a noun, it's the stuff that goes into the washing machine when it gets dirty. As a verb, it's what you do to the stuff once it gets into the washing machine. *Yunz-The word that sets Pittsburghers apart from everyone else in the world. It means the same as all of you and is sort of a northern y'all. Yunz is singular, with yunzes usually reserved for the plural.

Yep...get some eye candy to attend with (even if it's just a friend). You sound so happy now! Great attitude!! -BG

Life does give us those ups and downs with our kids. I'm just learning, like you, from my parents (they have 5 of us) that the parenting never ends, but we need to put ourselves on 'the list'. You can't be a strong role model if you're not there for him as a healthy happy mom. Remember the 'outside' isn't what's most important, it's what kind of person he becomes as an adult...he's just not there yet. I remind myself of that daily as I have 2 teens and a 21yo. My DS 18yo is constantly reminding me that he's now an adult and can do what he wants...yeah right. My DD 21yo is just turning the corner now, so hang in there, change is inevitable. I know I always hope a tenth of my values and what I've tried to teach them sticks...my mantra I've ingrained in them is "Life is about choices and the results, or consequences" (they hate it, but I hope it's a 'sticker'). They'll sometimes get consequences...we all do (it's just so hard to watch those as a parent). ((HUGS))

Way to go Pete! 40# WOW..Why can guys lose so fast...sigh (jealous). Time for a new pic here! -BG

AS, if you're doing your first weigh in next week then read HERE (you'll have a good laugh at me). I never thought it would be so stressful not to lose much weight over the 6 mo. It's the only time in my life I really WANT to be on a diet and getting into those new habits I'll need. There are lots of people here who needed the 40 BMI (it's the golden number as most insurances don't require comorbidities if you're over that). *Lightbulb* I didn't think to ask you if you meet the requirements for your insurance coverage if you are in the 35-40 range!? If you have the additional requirements then it wouldn't matter if you go below the 40 (ie. comorbiditie(s) needed, and remember only the big 5 really count with most insurance and you need to show treatment for them/meds; the 5-cholesterol, hypertension, sleep apnea, diabetes, heart). Get a copy of your policy (it's a simple phone call to your ins. and they'll tell you how to print it out online probably).

It's different for each person's insurance. I'm on my 4th month and I've lost 2 pounds. I'm now only a few pounds above the 35 BMI minimum. I asked my surgeon's ins. expert if I could go the 35 BMI and her answer was "If you are below the 35 BMI then you wouldn't need the insurance, would you." Translation-no. They can't tell you directly, but she told you. All my info. goes to the insurance co., yes, the starting weight, but also my 6 mo. of documented weight, they get it all.

Sure, we’ve all heard people here who, through the course of their pre-op testing, have gotten new diagnosis’ for ailments they didn’t even know they had. Sometimes it’s even helpful with insurance approval :thumbup:(yep, me). I’ve even counseled others to have their doctor order at least basic blood test as they might have high cholesterol, or indicators of diabetes. Remember I got a new diagnosis of hypertension at the beginning of my journey. At my last PCP monthly check we discussed my comorbidities (that word sounds like we’re all dying doesn’t it...OK so maybe it's appropriate:huh2:). One of my minor ones that has gotten worse with weight is my osteoarthritis in my lower back. Adding to that is the fact that I was put on preventative medication last fall for my migraines. Suddenly I was no longer needing to take the usually daily pain medications, often strong migraine ones. So although my migraines have virtually disappeared my back pain is worse without the pain relievers. The PCP suggested I try Physical Therapy, which I’ve never done before. She ordered a new set of x-rays of my lower back/lumbar to be sure I didn’t have any disc problems and because my last set was 10 years ago, in another state. I got a call from the nurse at the PCP’s office… “We have your x-ray results. They did find the osteoarthritis in several places, but no disc problems.” Pause “And I’m sure you already know about the scoliosis.” Pause…….:eek: me trying to process this…thinking…isn’t that the thing we always got tested for as kids…yep, the thing where your spine bends to one side….pause….(me) “No, I didn’t know. What is scoliosis?” (nurse) “It’s where your spine is curved.”…still trying to process… (me) “So is this obesity related or age?”…now grasping at straws… “And is there something I need to do about it?” (nurse) “Yeah you can get this as you age and you just need to do more of those weight bearing exercises.”:heart: (she said like it was no big deal) …I’ve got nothing:out:…(me) “OK.” So I somehow decided in my mind that I probably just have swayback from my weight and huge ass (Sounds plausible, right? I don’t need a diagnosis to tell me I could serve cocktails on my bum). Well, with all the stuff going on with the kids and doctors this month I’ve put off scheduling the Physical Therapy. So today, after the snow delay I took some time ask some questions online and start researching this.:thumbup: Apparently I do not have swayback, which is called lordosis, or even a hunchback, well it wasn’t my upper back anyway, which is called kyphosis (although it was Notre Dame where I had my 'moment' that brought me to the LB, but that's another story). Nope, and I’m sure it’s no biggie, but I now have a curve to the side, which is called scoliosis. Yep, I’ve got curves! Tell a fat girl something she didn’t already know!:blushing:

My daughter was told to use the cranberry pills by our Urologist specialist a few weeks ago (I'd never heard of them). He said it gives the same benefits as the cranberry juice. Feel better! -BG

Hang in there sunny. From what I know if you can still eat as much as you want, then there's NO way you have enough restriction yet. I think this period (between getting the band and getting to the elusive 'sweet spot') is going to be so frustrating. You've finally got your band, but it's not really helping you yet (many people here gain weight during this period, so you're not a failure). I'm sure another fill or two will help! Just take this time to keep practicing all those good habits so you're ready when true restriction is there. I'm getting banded by early May and I don't expect true restriction until the holidays (but I'm sure I'll be impatient too...I can hear my 'whinefest' now, just remind me of this then). -BG

So sorry fit & peach, I forgot to come back here (PM me if you have more questions). The LB low profile is not out yet. (wish you could subscribe to individual posts on blogs) TMI, but in case you're interested: The new Realize band is in trials now but won't be widespread for awhile (port is the same). They fixed the problems with the shape by making it precurved like the LB and the increased the volume (9 to 11cc) so it's like the LB- a bigger range so they can tweak your sweet spot more accurately. But they kept the single balloon (I like the multiple ones the LB offers). I chose the LB (my doc offers both LB/Realize) and the doc will decide which size of LB when he does the surgery (APS or APL). I did a lot of research and prefer the LB. He also let me pick the placement of the port (he said it can go almost anywhere as long as it's not too far from the band. I chose a little L of center between my ribs and belly button line, his default is on the right). -BG

Chriss- this is my biggest worry also...the dreaded head hunger, but in reading your blog it confirms that the band is a great tool because it really forces you to face this dragon. I may need a lobotomy...wonder if insurance covers that LOL. Oh, and thanks for the gum tip, I'm not a chewer now so I wouldn't have thought of that! -BG ...and I get the 'watching/waiting' thing as I've been thin several times...we have enough 'watching/waiting' before the surgery, time to get out there and build the life you've wanted...this is a great time to start making small changes to your personal life as well...I may have to find more hobbies to fill my hands when they're not holding my constant companions anymore (fork/spoon).

Welcome krey and happy blogging! Here's the tutorial for the ticker (below)...it looks like you did it except you need to copy and paste it under 'Edit your signature'. -BG http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f5/ticker...ictures-41782/

Good lord:rolleyes:…a school holiday Monday, another snow day today and they’ve already called a 2 hr. delay for tomorrow (good thing I had a day to myself yesterday…yeah, remember that naked running thing?). It sleeted on top of all the snow and the trees are all bending with ½” or more of ice coating. It’s rather pretty actually…DS2 said our Dawn Redwood tree looks like a giant crystal (no needles this time of year). You know,:cheatfree: it does! I called DH because he was so late getting home that I was getting worried. He was stuck at the bottom of our street (long street with two steep hills and we’re at the top) and was on his third attempt to try and get up it…let’s just say there was a few choice curse words at this point.:cheatfree: It had taken him 2 hours to get this far and it’s normally about a 20 min. ride. He decided to give up and park at the local grocery store for the night…that’ll never do…he’s got an early flight out tomorrow morning and has to be up at 3am…what if the car gets towed, or is covered in ice, or won’t start?...:glare:hmmm…not sure what he was planning to do, walk the mile back to our house through the sleet and ice?:Banane37: I suggested we put some weight or people in his car and try again, so I grabbed my 18 year old and a couple of snow shovels and took my minivan carefully down the hills, sliding every now and then. We met at the grocery store and after transferring DS1 to his car we inched back to our street. Voila! They were at a crawl near the top, sliding sideways:eek: and with the tires spinning wildly, but they made it up…barely (my van fared a little better, but not much). Now I’m left wondering how he’s going to make it to the airport so early (usually a 45 min. drive…what will that be…4 hours? Here's wishing the flight is cancelled). I’m making him take my van…we really do need at least one four-wheel drive car now that we’re living in hilly, snowy Pittsburgh...ya think?! I need a vacation somewhere warm!:Banane37:

Good lord:rolleyes:…a school holiday Monday, another snow day today and they’ve already called a 2 hr. delay for tomorrow (good thing I had a day to myself yesterday…yeah, remember that naked running thing?). It sleeted on top of all the snow and the trees are all bending with ½” or more of ice coating. It’s rather pretty actually…DS2 said our Dawn Redwood tree looks like a giant crystal (no needles this time of year). You know,:thumbup: it does! I called DH because he was so late getting home that I was getting worried. He was stuck at the bottom of our street (long street with two steep hills and we’re at the top) and was on his third attempt to try and get up it…let’s just say there was a few choice curse words at this point.:blushing: It had taken him 2 hours to get this far and it’s normally about a 20 min. ride. He decided to give up and park at the local grocery store for the night…that’ll never do…he’s got an early flight out tomorrow morning and has to be up at 3am…what if the car gets towed, or is covered in ice, or won’t start?...:glare:hmmm…not sure what he was planning to do, walk the mile back to our house through the sleet and ice?:eek: I suggested we put some weight or people in his car and try again, so I grabbed my 18 year old and a couple of snow shovels and took my minivan carefully down the hills, sliding every now and then. We met at the grocery store and after transferring DS1 to his car we inched back to our street. Voila! They were at a crawl near the top, sliding sideways:eek: and with the tires spinning wildly, but they made it up…barely (my van fared a little better, but not much). Now I’m left wondering how he’s going to make it to the airport so early (usually a 45 min. drive…what will that be…4 hours? Here's wishing the flight is cancelled). I’m making him take my van…we really do need at least one four-wheel drive car now that we’re living in hilly, snowy Pittsburgh...ya think?! I need a vacation somewhere warm!:thumbup:

Congratulations!!! Hope you feel better soon...sip, sip, sip!

Wow! I've taken more from your story than any other I've read...HOPE! I too have been thin and fat many times, most recently down 90# from where I am now 8 years ago and 60# 4 years ago and 40# just last year...and yes, I've been doing this yo-you and more for about 30 years, and was never a fat kid. I just barely made the minimum 35 BMI (READ if you need a laugh) and I'm at my heaviest now. Although it gets harder and harder to lose the weight the real thing I'm looking forward to is being able to KEEP it off and get my health back (I'm looking forward to those pics at my kids weddings someday too--my oldest-DD is 21)!! I sooo look forward to getting off this roller coaster and having food/dieting play a normal role in my life. I know not everyone gets this as they think 'You've lost it before, why can't you do that again instead of something as extreme as WLS?' Thank you for your post as it was very personal for me!

Wow, you poor thing! I haven't noticed anyone here having it replaced twice in less than a year!!! Does your surgeon's office have other surgeon's in it that you could see (I'm assuming not)? I'm sure everyone here will want to know who your surgeon is as this sounds like his fault to me! Maybe you could contact your insurance to see if they will approve a "fix"...then you could approach other Drs. with pre-approval. I know my docs take on all the hard cases/revisions in Pittsburgh (and they're the best) that none of the other hospitals will touch; be aware that can make their 'stats' a little worse which is why most won't want you, but I'm sure even if you have to drive farther you'll be able to find someone. Good luck!

Just want to say that I've seen many here who had to work through the initial problems (I know many say their port site hurt for more than a month) and eventually ended up loving their band. I'm so sorry you're going through this. I also wonder about the doc "taking everything out"...did you have your first fill sometime during this? I'm wondering how much was in your band initially/with the fill as normally you shouldn't have any restriction at this point even with a small first fill? Hang in there, it's got to get better soon!

It's for the best, as you know. I'll be doing my NUT and Pulmonary pre-ops that day...so I'm jealous of you! Get better soon!

Compliments are hard to get used to about your appearance when you're used to the other kind of attention. I know how you feel as I've been thinner a few times now. Now, aren't you glad you chose not tell about the LB...more opinions/attention!