LittleOleMeinFL

Wishing you the best of luck. I had my band removed 1 month ago due to slippage. What matters is your health. Just make a plan to stay healthy. I joined WW, started an appetite suppresant and started working out with a trainer. Let us know how you are!

Thanks for your replies. Sorry I have not responded sooner- I was out of the country for two weeks. I am thankful to say- at one month after surgery I am down 5 lbs! In that time I went on a cruise! I only ate in the dining room (no buffets) and I ordered the low calorie option 90% of the time). I am also on an appetite suppresant and I joined WW (to get weighed weekly). I think this will be an uphill battle, but I do not want to gain back 97 lbs! Young at heart, did you have your band out?

I had my Realize band for 2 years, lost close to 100 lbs and was doing great. A few months ago I started having severe issues with reflux. I had unfill after unfill and remained "tight". It progressed to one weekend I was unable to swallow anything and was vomiting continuously. After a complete UNFILL, several days of IV cortisone and nothing by mouth- the swelling still would not go down and I was forced to have an emergency removal. I NEVER thought I was lose my band. Would like to hear from others- how are you doing since removal? weight? Other surgeries? Or decided not to do surgery?

I just had to have my band out due to the same thing you did... stomach herniating up and out of band. I am only 2 weeks out.

Good morning sunshines, Finally I have a few minutes to put a proper posting. Thank you for all the sweet comments on Meredith and I's pics! Really was such a nice time. My only complaint was we weren't able to spend enough time together. : ) Her cousin lives in Charlotte (near my parents) and we are already planning a reunion there. Hey, maybe we could make it a LBT meeting?! Charlotte NC is really nice folks! Just a thought. : ) Eva~ Happy Birthday!!! Wall E LOVES Eva Janet~ Maybe Cheri's theory is correct about connection between vertigo and exercise. Since I fell off the exercise wagon I haven't had any BPV symptoms! Hmmmmmmmmmm... No exercise for me! ; ) LOL, kidding. But it is interesting. Glad to hear you are doing better. It's horrible. Cheri~ Hugs for you and Rachel. Cancer Sucks. So glad her cancer is responding well to the chemo. Sounds like they are hitting it hard and that's good. The G.I. side effects of chemo are very interesting actually. Chemo attacks rapidly dividing cells, right? Most commonly, chemotherapy acts by killing cells that divide rapidly, one of the main properties of most cancer cells. This means that it also harms cells that divide rapidly under normal circumstances: cells in the bone marrow, digestive tract and hair follicles; this results in the most common side effects of chemotherapy : myelosuppression (decreased production of blood cells, hence also immunosuppression), mucositis (inflammation of the lining of the digestive tract), and alopecia (hair loss). http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chemotherapy Many don't know WHY they get those specific side effects from chemo. It's that the chemo actually thinks the esophagus, hair and bone marrow are CANCER b/c the cells divide so fast naturally. Thanks for asking about my Dad. He is hanging in there and still fighting. He is really having a tough week. He's been very weak and having some difficulty breathing. The fear is that the met. cancer that is in his lungs is really starting to effect his breathing. My guess is he will do chemo a couple more weeks and then stop. (just my gut instinct). I was hoping they would come down for Easter, but looks like we will be going up there. It's so tough to see him suffer. Just hope he finds peace in all this. Melissa~ hugs on the back stuff. You have just been through it all lately! Good luck on the interviews. Apples~ HUGS on everything with FIL and other stuff. They say God doesn't give us more than we can handle, right? Sometimes I think he overestimates. ; ) Slow down on Apples God! Her heart runneth over! HUGS. Well, yesterday Nelson had a private baseball lesson from a retired MLB player. He was trying to get Nelson over the fear of being hit by the ball by making him catch balls in front of his face with his glove. Well, he was doing so well so he increased the intensity.... and Nelson caught one with his UPPER LIP! He looks like he was in a boxing ring for 2 hrs! His NEW front tooth was a little loose. (SIGH) It's better today but have to go to the dentist tomorrow for an xray just to keep an eye on it. He's not that excited about baseball practice tonight! Time to go do my volunteering in Nelson's class today. : ) It fills my heart. LOVE LOVE LOVE being the class mom! I wish I could make a career out of that! It's national volunteer week too ! woohoooo! peasout........ more later (didn't get to write all I wanted to) Laura

Well, update........ Had lunch with Meredith and her aunt in Marco Island, FL! Meredith is EXACTLY like she is on LBT! IMMEDIATELY we felt like old friends. We had such a great time and had to keep pinching ourselves that we really met in person! What a great day! I'll write more later! Hope everyone is ok.... peasout... Laura

Ughhh, still can't hear out of my left ear! When I was flying to NC, I knew I had Fluid in my ears but tried to clear them my nose etc before landing... but to no avail. POP, hissssssssss. I am on antibiotics, steroids and nasonex...... hoping it opens soon. Meanwhile the steroids have me feeling like I could eat a half a cow! Siiiighhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh Lori~ Hugs. Hang in there. Funerals are so tough (to me). Know that we are thinking about you. Linda~ Yes, after the Epley should try to sleep at a 45 degree angle. Doesn't necessarily have to be a recliner- can be propped up on pillows. You just don't want to be completely flat. Wishing your DB and his family comfort and peace. How terrible. Janet~ How did it go not taking meds last night? CRS either............... crap. More later.......peasout..laura

Yummmmmmmmmm, Linda! You have me craving some GREEN yogurt! LMAO! Yes, nothing like a little mold to help the digestive track! : ) Nice letter though. Dr. Oz and his family are from Turkey. My grandparents knew his extended family well. I don't agree with everything he does or says, BUT... I love his explanation of diabetes. Google DR. OZ DIABETES EXPLANATION. I actually give that info to my patients. OH........ I forgot to update you guys on the patient of mine who is morbidly obese and in his 20s. Well, he lost 4 lbs the first month. His BP (on low dose of BP meds) is normal, and he has shown up 100% of the time to his PT/OT appts! (3 times a week). He is doing stength training and 15 min of cardio. (sedentary for last 5 years). The health center at the hospital even gave him a free scholarship to the fitness center after PT ends. He is really motivated and had a better state of mind. Thanks for those of you that were wondering. Julie, hugs. Listen to your dr. Would not want to have more complications. Baby that esophagus. (includes stopping the diet soda- VERY bad for the stomach and digestive tract). Meslissa, Hugs. It is so tough. You can do it. When you are down- the only way to look is up!!! Janet, Hope the little sand in your ears settles soon. Vertigo SUX. Meredith and I are having brunch Sunday on Marco Island! DH decided it would be a nice weekend getaway- so Nels, DH and I will stay Saturday night at a beach front resort! woohoo! I have so much to do- wish I could write more but I can't. Better than none at all! xoxo peasout............... Laura

Hello everyone~ I keep waiting for time to do a proper posting, and it looks like the right time will never come. sigh. Many of you know, I've been in NC for 8 days and returned Saturday afternoon. It was wonderful seeing my parents, it was sad seeing my parents. Amazing how it can be many emotions wrapped in one. Dad just finished 3 weeks of this 2nd round of chemo. It will be 3 on, 1 off for as many months as he can handle it. His hair is falling out, his neuropathy has returned, and he is weak... but he is a fighter! My mom is physically and emotionally tired. I think a week of having a break from cooking and cleaning did her well. I don't think I cook as good as her- but by golly, I gave it my all and had few complaints. It was tough entertaining Nelson and doing all I did, plus going with him to the Dr. 3 times that week. (for meds and IV fluids). He will have "off" Easter week and hoping he can come down. Linda~ Hugs and prayers for your family. It's so tough when a loved one is sick. It sounds like he has been through the ringer the last few years. You are a tough cookie and have handled so much this year. Janet~ Been there done that- bought the t shirt on the BPV. That's my diagnosis and it SUX big time. I remember the morning I woke up and first had it- I was convinced I had a brain tumor or something! It really gives you a feeling of being out of control of your body. HUGS. Wishing you a speedy recovery. you are my other tough cookie- if anyone can whip it, you will. Missed you. Apples~ HI!~I never txted you back and feel horrible. Just so crazy here. LMAO on your april fools joke! Eva~ Tile sounds nice. You remind me of a friend of mine who lives in Canada. She was snowed in her house too many days this winter and FINISHED her basement by herself! hardwood floors, framing and drywall. She's 5 ft and tiny little Chinese girl. WOMEN ROCK! Jodi~ woohoo! Good luck with the cardiac surgeon! He sounds really nice. Dr's are great <smile> and they know anatomy! <blush> Keep us informed!!! Thursday I think you said?! wtg Julie~ So nice hearing from you! You sound like you are doing better! So proud of you! Talk about someone who has been through the ringer! Tough times never last but tough people do! Jessica~ Loved the pics from the cruise! Sounds like you had a great time! Hope that class goes well. You will get through it. What do they call the nurse who graduated last in her class? RN! Not that you will- but my point being, just get through and take your boards. There are no recognitions after school for making straight As. Just focus on learning as much as you can. You will do fine! Joyce~ Wishing you luck with the PT. Hope you feel better soon! Well, looks like Meredith and I are going to get together on Sunday! I can't wait to meet her!!! I will post pics (somehow), someway!!! I need to run, more tomorrow! If I missed you, sorry! xoxo peasout............Laura

Hi guys~ Sounds like everyone is doing good/better. Janet~ so glad the vertigo is calming down. Many times when someone gets it, who isn't a usual vertigo person, it's caused by a virus. Hope it stays away. I get it twice a year and it sucks. Now, the INSTANT it starts, I go to the neurologist and have them adjust the "sand". Julie~ So glad you are feeling a better. It sounds like you are on the road to recovery! I am so hoping that for you, you've been through a lot. Linda~ so glad the MRI was negative and we can deal with this- with PT and NO SURGERY! That's so awesome! Karen~ Enjoy your date night! Blind folding huh? You are so cute!! Do you keep the blind fold on? <wink wink> Cheri~ Enjoy your spring break!!! I hear you on the CC- I NEVER ever keep a balance. Can't stand paying interest. Eva~ hi and glad the writing is going good. So busy with all your learning! The cleaning can ALWAYS wait! The coffee thing sounds interesting! Jodi~ Don't beat yourself up on the gain. Think of all you've been through and all you've done. Now just get back on track. I've been there, done it and bought the t shirt. It's a part of this journey. hugs. Where are the BM pics? Thanks for all the concerns about my DH's family. They are in Damascus. They are in a safe area and should be ok. They said it's like a big storm is coming b/c everyone is stockpiling food and Water (after seeing what happened in Egypt) I think the people deserve a democracy. Peaceful demonstrations should be allowed. So far, even with 30+ people killed, the people demonstrating never once had a weapon- not even a stick. The sad thing is, if change doesn't occur then all the people demonstrating risk their lives and families lives- the current president will send his security to come after you. Just plain unbelievable to us. Pray for Syrian people. Nelson and I live for NC today. DH will stay behind and hold down the fort. : ) I am sure he will enjoy a little down time- just chilling after work.: ) My Dad is having a much stronger reaction to chemo this time. His white blood cell count is way down and he had to go in for treatment for this. Mom said by week 2 he had lost his hair and eyebrows and now eyelashes. Everything is magnified. I hope that just our presence will help. Will do what I can. sigh. I took Nels to the beach yesterday with one of his friends (it was the first day of spring break). We had fun. At least he has one day of "fun" for the SB. He just packed his little backpack with toys. awww. I need to go pack. TTYS. peasout..................Laura

Fly by~ Just so busy. School is out tomorrow, so today is my Friday- only busier. Work, then Nels @ bus stop, then try to find DH bday present (bday is tomorrow 25th), start packing for NC (Dad doesn't want to travel), clean house, grocery shop for DH...etc... Thanks for concern about MIL. http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/meast/03/23/syria.protests/?hpt=Sbin It's just so sad what's going on there. A doctor and medic were killed in a mosque yesterday while helping the wounded. We are so blessed to live in the US. Many of us take our freedom for granted. Imagine being arrested, beaten or killed just for having an opinion? Cheri~Your news about DD just brightened my whole day yesterday. Hallelujah. Hi to you all! peasout, Laura

Thanks! It's been slow this last year- but I haven't gained and that's all that matters to me. I still have 50 to lose. If you look for Indiogirl55, you will see the thread we are on now. It's under mentor, "I'm here to help"

Hi girls~ I am going to DITTO everything Eva and Linda said with the exception of submitting my story : ) I am exhausted today for some reason. Not sure if it's the full moon, hormones or too much on the mind- but haven't been sleeping soundly for a few days. If this is my worst problem, I will be ok. We are VERY worried about the political situation in Syria (where my MIL lives). They are having protests (like every other non democratic country in the middle east). I am so thankful I encouraged my DH to go see his family a few months ago. Unless things improve quickly, it doesn't look like we will go this summer. We will probably go to Dubai where his sister lives. Wish we could talk MIL into traveling there. I posted this on FB (sorry for the repeat) but yesterday I thought I was LOSING my mind when my car alarm kept going off without any rhyme or reason for about 10 min!!! Then I realized the spare keychain was TRYING to send SOS signals from the washing machine! DH had put the keys in his bathing suit pocket Sunday after the beach. Well, I check all pockets except for bathing suits! I took it apart and took out the battery but it looks like it's toast. We were supposed to go to NC for next week's Spring Break. (just Nels and I) But Dad said he may want to come down here for a change of scenery. He has next week off of chemo (3 on, one off) He said he won't know how he is feeling until Friday or Sat. So will have to have house "ready" just in case. : ) My house is like being home for him- but in a warmer place. He's having a really tough time with chemo this time. Cancer sucks. Cheri, I'm just so happy for your daughter! Just such positive news! Each tumor is different. It sounds like she has a great team of doctors and they knew exactly how to attack this! WTG! I need to get dressed. My day to go volunteer as class mom. peasout..................Laura

Hey guys, Joyce~ Wished you a HBD on FB but what the heck... HBD!!!!!!!!!!!! Julie~ JULIE, julie! What will we do with you??? Since you are in pain, I won't spank you. : ) Of COURSE you are always welcome here! You are one of us. It doesn't matter band, no band- we are sisters. Hang in there. It gets better. Arlene~ It's going. I'm down 4 lbs since my fill last week. I exercised for 4 days and then fell off the wagon. Need to get back to that. I need a trainer. PLAIN AND SIMPLE. I WAS telling myself I wanted to get back in some cardio shape at least before someone KILLS me........ but I think I just need to do it. It doesn't matter anymore. Just sad that I lost so much strength not being on the weights. Just gotta jump back in. Friday. Tomorrow is work and then appts all afternoon. DH didn't get back until midnight last night. We were up talking and unpacking.. I am tired today. I've been tight the last two days- but ok tight. 2 nuggets as Lori would say. I'm ok with that right now. Tight but no reflux and able to eat hard Protein for evening meal. I've been doing protein supplement or Soup for lunch. ok..... sorry sorta a flyby. Eva..lol, yeah I have the human touch. Where do I put this plumeria??? how big do they get??? I see pics of bushes and TREES.. not sure which one i have. peasout.....laura

Good morning girls! Well, I can breathe a sigh of relief... DH is home from his business trip to Wisconsin! : ) His flight was delayed in Detroit b/c some passenger went ape shit and started screaming! They had to bring him back to the gate and have police remove him. Then they had to wait for his bag to be found in cargo. Meanwhile, I didn't know why the flight was delayed...... he didn't get home until after midnight. yawn. so tired this morning. He got Nels a got cheese t shirt..LOL, a little cow stuffed animal and a dairy farm snow globe. I didn't complain about him being gone 4 days this time- aren't you proud of me?! (no applauds necessary) Apples~ awww, I bet she is gonna be rubbing your feet from heaven! I hope insurance comes through. I remember hoping for insurance to come through with my LB and was crushed when it wouldn't pay. We refocused and said instead of a new car or a trip that year- let's get my surgery! It was the best "vacation" I ever did! So, even if it doesn't get approved, get it done! Panniculectomies aren't nearly as much as a TT. Hell, most offices have a way for you to finance them now. Have fun with your kids this week! I am sure you just eat them up! : ) Eva~ You are so busy piddling in your yard! Someone gave me a branch off their plumeria and I just stuck it in the ground near my garage and now it's blooming! I have no idea where to plant it- not sure how big they get. I don't have a green thumb at all. Wish I did. How is the writing coming? And hey, thanks for that comment about being on the train ride too. : ) Jodi~ So happy Dassi's celebration went so well! I love your description of everything. I think that is amazing how she really is growing into a young woman and how proud you must be! Congrats. Yes, now take a breath and relax. : ) Cheri~ Wishing your daughter the best of luck. Yes, many plastic surgeons don't want a potentially "dirty" surgery (anything done near poop or pee) to be done at the same time as their case. The risk of infection IS higher. And the fear is always if someone pushes to get them done at the same time, the surgeon will take no responsibility for a complication. It's a hard call. Had a friend who had to get some podiatry work done (bunion) and she wanted her nose done at same time- since she was under anesthesia. PS REFUSED for same reason. No dirty foot will be done while I do a face! Anyways, I hope she gets a plan of action from the group of specialists. I also pray she has the strength to fight the good fight. Just try to be there for her as much as she allows you- find that balance and find the peace in that amount. hugs. Janet~ Having fun?! Mere~ LOL, glad you didn't fall off a float! Happy St. Patty's day! It's the only holiday I don't get that excited about. I guess I should do something for the sake of Nels. Maybe I will go to the dollar store for something green. : ) So sweet that you are going to do a race in honor of your friend's baby. So sad that that happened. omg. can't even imagine. How's the restriction going? I think I told you I got the fill? I was doing PERFECT until day before yesterday and got stuck on a piece of chicken that was in some soup! Didn't even fully PB but felt like I was going to. Felt "stuck" for about 30 min, gagged once but nothing came up. Now yesterday was TIGHT the whole day! But was down another lb. But more b/c I didn't drink as much as I should have. : ) Gurgled some last night when I laid down and feared reflux but had NONE. Thank heavens! Julie~ Glad you are home. Wishing you a speedy recovery!!! ok... sorry, that's all I remember and all I can see on this page! Such fear of losing a post with this dang LBT. I am going to go enjoy the day with my DH. : ) Everyone take care....TTYL...peasout..Laura