Kristine73

1) I want to be able to walk through a store a turn a head or two for all the right reasons. Not, look at the 'fat chick double-take' 2) Hubs and I will be re-newing our vows in 2012. I want to walk down the isle in a size 8. We got married at the JP the first time. No family, no pictures and no wedding cake! 3) I want to be able to have sex in positions that have been uncomfortable due to my weight, with confidence and enjoy it!

if it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it's most likely a duck ... re calling it socialized medicine. When you take from a few (the rich) to provide for many, it's socialism. If the health care plan that our gov is trying to push through is so great how come there's a provision in it exempting congress and their families from the health bill? That right there tells me all I need to know. I have health ins and am happy w/it. I just got notified that we will some of our benefits in the coming months. However, I have the FREEDOM to shop around and choose a supplemental. If the gov owns the health are system, there will be no recourse for suing when something goes wrong. I've been active duty and the doctor damn near killed me. Nothing I could do. As a spouse of an active duty member (after I got out) the care was worse at the MTF that I had no choice in going to. I have a friend who was discharged out of the military with as 100% disabled. He has to go to VA. They won't pay to have his electric wheel chair fixed. He got it from VA. So now he's house-bound. THAT's socialized medicine. Anyone remember the rats and other horrid conditions found at Walter-Reed? That's what we all have to look forward to if a universal health care plan passes. I could go on, but I won't. People whom dream of utopia rarely understand the natural consequences of taking choice, free-will and personal responsibility out of the equation. Every body has a different idea of what utopia is. The utopia of uviversal health care (or socialized government owned and operated health care) will kill inovasion, medical progress and worst of all people. When a government takes over a people’s economic life it becomes absolute, and when it has become absolute it destroys the arts, the minds, the liberties and the meaning of the people it governs Maxwell Anderson Any society that would give up a little liberty to gain a little security will deserve neither and lose both. Benjamin Franklin

I'm a vegetarian and the hubs is not. I work full-time and go to college full-time. We probably eat frozen dinners 3 nights a week because I'm either to tired to cook or just don't have the time. Healthy Choice and Lean Cuisine now have low-sodium and low-fat options. And lucky for me, both are now making vegetarian dinners. Of course, hubs wants meat in his, lol. I'd suggest that you read the labels for sodium, calories, fat (including saturated fat), sugar and fiber. I've picked up some that look good and healthy. But, when I looked at the nutrition thing on the box it became clear that what looked good was practically a frozen 'heart attack in a box.' If you like butternut squash, try Lean Cuisine's Butternut Squash ravioli. It's one of my favorites.

I took a nutrition class a few semesters ago. The teacher is the head nutritionist for the football team the New Orleans Saints. So obviously, his specialty is sports nutrition. The humidity down here can suck gallons of sweat out of a person. At least it can feel like gallons, lol. Ok, he stressed Water and hydration. He told us, many times, that if there is any color to our pee, we are dehydrated. He told us to drink water even when we are not thirsty. Thirst is a sign of dehydration. Also, he was not a big proponent of sports drinks. Unless you worked outside in the heat or you were an athlete. I learned a lot from him. Unfortunately for me, to drink enough water to get my urine void of color seems to tether me to a bathroom :tongue2:

I take 200mg neurontin at night. I take a 50 mg tramadol, 2 x's/day, 1 mg klonopin (sp), and 20 mg lexapro for both depression and pain. I tried Lyrica, but I had weight gain and short term memory loss. Neurontin is a cousin to Lyrica. I don't have the endless muncies that I did w/Lyrica. I also have Chronic Myofascial Pain (CMP) which causes me a lot of grief. Also, I have a heated mattress pad. Sunbeam makes them. I get the best price on e-bay. The mattress pad is a lifesaver! I've seen the neurologist and he agrees w/the meds that my PCM has me on.

Have you called your surgeon's office? If not, do so NOW! I went through the same thing. turns out they gave me a partial fill when they put the band in. Between the swelling and partial fill, I couldn't get anything but liquid down. They removed the saline and I felt sooooo much better.

You may have been given an anti-biotic through your I.V. and not be aware of it. It's usually practice to do that during surgery.

I would suggest that you get something personal that has meaning for you. If you want a 'word' rather than a date, think of what it took to get to where you are: Courage --- to take the step for surgery Love --- Loving yourself enough to take the step for a better and healthier you. Faith --- Faith in yourself. Those are just examples. You could also do sayings like alcoholics have "One day at a time." Well, I tell myself "One pound at a time." May I make a suggestion, don't get any of those Chinese symbols. Unless you know some one who can accurately translate and write the symbols of another language, you never know what you have. I know I will be getting another tatt. But, it will be in my mid-back. Once it's roll-free:wink2:. It'll be a memorial tatt to my grandfather whom I dearly loved! Maybe once I get near my goal weight, I'll look into getting something inspirational and personal to me. Maybe a scale tattooed on my ass to remind me what I worked so hard for ... LOL No I wouldn't go that far. But, I am a Libra, so I ould get the Libra scales and it would have a double meaning to me. Hmmmm ... that's a thought, just not on my ass!

It took me over 12 years to decide and commit, lol. Yeah, I'm a wuss. Mine's not shades of black, as many are. It's colorful. I love it. When I was 21-ish, I was told I'd never have kids. Made it through that emotional land mind. I was diagnosed w/endometriosis (part of infertility issue). Then, I was diagnosed w/fibromyalgia. It seemed every time I was turning around, there was something else to deal with. So, my tat incoperates 3 things, stars, cresent moons and a rose in the center. the meanings Stars - Wish apon a star Moon - Hang your dreams on the moon Rose - in my tat it symbolyzes life - It is beautiful but it has thorns. I know in grabbing it I am going to get pricked by the thorns. However, it's so beautiful, I just can't help reaching for it.

I got a tattoo on my foot about two years ago. The tatt artist told me that weight won't effect the foot tatt, much. Actually, weight loss can make a tatt look better. Unlike weight gain where it is stretched. Why did I choose my foot? I figured it was the one place on the female body gaurenteed not to sag

If I were in your shoes, I'd ask myself a few things: 1) Am I at a somewhat healthy weight? (no obese, just a bit over weight). I'm sure you know the risks of being overweight. But, being obese and not doing anything about it could cause you to lose precious time w/your child/hubs (illness, lack of energy and the biggie, death) 2) Am I truly happy with myself when I look in the mirror? 3) If I don't get a fill, an I see myself gaining more weight and becoming morbidly obese? I don't have kids. But, I think if I did, I'd do everything to make sure I was around as along as possible. I am in no way judging you, please don't take my remarks as criticism. It's great that hubs loves you as you are. But, do you love you as you are? Also, it would seem to me, that your hubs would want you around for decades. Mine does, well, depending on the day and my mood I've been married 16 years, hubs has loved me obese and thin. He always tells me that he married me for my mind, heart and soul. Not for my body. He's stuck w/me through infertility and some health scares. I'm 35 and I told him I'm want to be around for decades to come because I love him and plan on making him miserable for decades to come (if you've been married long, you'll understand that, LOL)! I guess, it all comes down to what you feel is best for you and your family. oh, and give that baby some hugs and kisses :crying:

Ok, yesterday, I noticed the head of a thread peeking out of the scar. It hurts to tug it. I bought some new skin today and have been putting it on the stitch. Has anyone else had this problem? How long did it take to resolve itself? Can I go swimming with this? Is this something I should call my doc about? I am so irked about it right now. I had plans to go swimming next weekend :frown: TIA for any advice/information

I have endo. I was dx'd (diagnosed) around age 21-ish. Hubs and I tried for two years to have kids. He didn't want any, I did. We figured we'd leave it to the powers that be and didn't use birth control. When I was dx'd, I was at a stage 5. I started my period 2 weeks before my 10th birthday. Always had irregular period, heavy and painful to boot. By the time I was dx'd, I was told there was too much damage and I'd never have kids. Doc wanted to do a hyst then. I said NO! I wanted a kid. I went through the lupron, two laps to remove endo/cysts and two scopes to get the endo in between the laps (bikini cuts). By the time I was 25, I was fed up. I wanted a life. Hubs was active duty at the time. So, I had to have the surgery at a military facility. The OB/GYN didn't want to do a hyst because of my age and no kids. Apparently, we women are only uterian lif support as far as the military is concerned. I couldn't work. It took me a year of fighting and I had to go all the way up the chain of command to the base Comander to get the surgery approved. I had the hyst at age 26. Now I have a job and go to college. I still have the endo, it is on my colon and diaphragm. areas too risky to try and remove it. Turns out both my maternal paternal grandmothers had endo. Maybe if one of them had spoken up when I was a kid, things may have turned out differently. But, I belive I am where I am supposed to be. I work w/kids who have disabilities and that's very rewarding. There are many thing between diagnosis and hysterectomy that women have a choice of. And no, endo won't show on an ultrasound. Sucks! I'm babbeling and need to get to bed. But, don't hesistate to ask questions. I used to run a support site for endo. Sending hugs

Something I read or was told (forgot which ) Is that when you are eating out, ask them to put half of your meal in a take out box, before they bring it to you. This way, you are tempted to eat less and you have enough for a second meal! I've anly had one fill. I've noticed a slight difference. But 4 0z filling me up, not happening. I have an apt for a second fill aug 10. Hopefully that will help a bit more.

At my post-op, I had to meet w/the nutritionists. She asked about how I planned on getting my Protein as a vegetarian. I went through my plans. Then I brought up hummus and chick peas. OMG, she almost birthed a cow on the spot. The way she made it sound, chick peas were loaded w/worthless calories and the devil's fruit. LOL I still eat hummus and chick peas. My mom is Vegan. She told me about the Amy's products. A walmart about 40 miles away carry some of the Soups and three varieties of frozen dinners. I bought an Indian one and had it yesterday. It was very good. I bought some quinoa before my surgery. I still have yet to try it. I'll probably try making it this weekend. Thanks for recommending the cookbooks. I'll look into them!

If you're wondering what veg*n stands for, it incorporates both Vegetarians and Vegans. I am a vegetarian. I did it for my own reasons. I am NOT going to lecture anyone for eating meat. Your diet preferences are your own for your reasons, as are mine. Tough I don't mind discussing the reason why I chose to become a vegetarian, when people ask. The pre-op nutritionist did not think I'd be able to meet my Protein requirements w/out incorporating meat back into my diet. I have my post-op apt w/the nutritionists 6/25 and I am waiting for the "you must eat meat" lecture. So far, with Protein shakes and looking at labels, I've been doing good. But, today is only 15 day post-op. The nutritionist for my surgeon said they'd only had one other vegetarian come through their doors and and this person became very weak became very weak and unhealthy. So, I'm just curious, if there are veg*ns, how do you keep your protein levels up? And post-op surgery recipe suggestions? Thanks

Jewelry is my gift to myself, as well. My engagement ring has been sized up and down so many times that the band is real thin. Plus, the stone sits high and it gets caught on just about everything. When I break into wonderland (24 lbs to go, woo-hoo) I get a trinity ring. I'm looking at one that is amethyst, which is my hubs birthstone. I like the jewelry you've chosen.

I am so glad you called! Get some rest, your body needs it. And drink fluids and broth. Tell who ever is taking care of you (don't know if you're married) that you deserve a foot rub and some serious pampering! hugs and get some rest

You said it! I've lost 100 lbs ... twice! Of course, I gained it back, plus some! I have to diet and exercise to lose the weight w/the band. I see it as a tool to keep the weight off!

Yup, I cheated. I was on protein shakes for damn near a month pre-op. My doc required 2 weeks pre-op, but prefered a 4 week protein drink diet. I decided I was going to put my best into the band, pre and post-op. Well, my surgery was on a friday. The tuesday prior to it, a friend and I went to Olive garden. I have 1/2 a bread stick, 3/4's of a bowl of minastroni (sp) soup and plate of the salad. I felt so guilty, afterwards. But told myself it wasn't a cream-laden carb/fat feast. Looking back, I think 1 cheat in 4 weeks was pretty good. But, it was still a cheat. Cheating too much ould jeaprodize your surgery.

Dehydration is a band concern. If you are still feeling this way on Monday, you should definitely call your surgeon's office. Depending on how bad you feel, you may want to call this weekend and let the surgeons answering service get in contact w/your doc. Did you have the migraine before or after starting the anti-biotics? Are you sure you're not having a reaction to the med? Have you taken this med before w/out any ill-reaction? I'm not asking you to answer me as I'm not a medical professional. However, if you think you may be having a reaction, call you PCM ASAP! I'm prone to sinus infections. So, I know how miserable they an be. My doc gave me augmentin (sp) on a friday. W/in 36 hours, I had a migrane and a nasty rash. I called in PCP's ansering service. They called me back after speaking w/my PCP and told me to quit taking the augmentin ASAP (duh, that was a no-brainer) and informed that my doc had called in another anti-biotic to my pharmacy. Dehydration can be dangerous, so don't hesitate to call your doc.

I'm a vegetarian, so I eat lots of fruits and veggies. I haven't tried eating apples, yet, as I'm only one month post-op. Though, I buy all kinds of frozen fruit at wal-mart. Such as various berries, mango and peaches. I make a morning smoothie using lite-soy milk and Protein powder. I add two fruits, what ever I feel like that morning. I buy bananas and freeze them for my smoothies, as well. Peel the bananas, slice them and throw a portion (about 1/2 a large banana) in individual zip-lock bags. I bought one of those blending wand things. I blend and drink in the same cup. I looked at the magic bullet gadget. But, I got the 250 watt wand for 1/2 the cost. It even can w/a food processor. I guess it's one of those, "To each her own" things If you're worried about Fiber, you can try a Metamucil-type product. I used to buy those apple flavored Metamucil cookies/wafers. That was my in pre-vegetarian days, lol. But, my hubs, who is a devout carnivor, likes those thins, which says a lot!. He's picky eater. If it's not meat or overed in hocolate, he's not interested! And he's pencil thin, to boot. It irks me so much.

Ok, I get why that grates the spelling/grammar nerves

I've always thought of msg boards as 'casual.' If I'm writing a college essay, I write differently. My lap-top recently went ka-put. I have the hubs, right now. Which he doesn't have spell check and the 'C' key likes to stick. I have to hit it hard. If I forget, "check" may end up being "hek". Plus, there are people on this msg board whom do not speak English as a first language. Then there's British English, which many words are spelled differently. In America, we spell Color that way. Where as, across the pond, it's spelled Colour. When I read a post of mine and see something blatantly wrong, I'll edit it. Otherwise, I just let it go. After all, I'm not perfect, nor am I in a professional arena.

I work with kids whom had disabilities, like Down's and such. When I'm out in public, I have to deal with a lot of insensitive people, I feel like smacking half of them. Especially the one's that grab their kids, as if to shield them from Down's Syndrome, like it's contagious. W/their actions, they are passing down their prejudices and it pisses me off. But, a nurse should know better. If I encounter someone I don't know with a disability, such as being wheelchair bound or blind, and I'm curious about how that person ended up in a wheelchair (accident or disease like MS) or how someone lost their sight, I ask "Do you mind me asking how you Came to be in the wheelchair," Or, "Do you mind me asking how you lost your sight?" I also tell people if they don't feel like talking about it, feel free to tell me to bug off. I guess it's all in the approach. And no, serenity55, you shouldn't have to hide your face. And yes, I like the idea of an attack seeing eye-dog, as well.