Meredith2424

Doodlebug~ Of course I would never judge! I don't think that it has anything to do with how people are raised. Thats the thing that bothers me so much. There is no way to prevent it and I have seen drugs effect people that I never thought that they would. It's just sad. I'm so happy that your grandchild has you and your husband to love and take care of him. You are providing him with a wonderful oppurtunity as well as your daughter....a second chance. Everyone deserves another shot. Laura~ Oh, btw, I forgot to mention how great your pics are of your vacation! Looks like the three of you had a great time! ~Meredith

Kath~ I too am sorry to hear about your DD. I really understand what pain drug addiction causes. One of my best friends and co-workers became addicted to crack cocaine several years ago. She lost her her job, lost her daughter, got married to another man, got pregnant, had twins, lost her home, then lost the twins. It is a horrible disease. My best friends husband was in rehab last summer just 3 months before their wedding for cocaine and prescription drug addiction. He battles with it every day and has relapsed recently also. If you ever need to talk, I too am here for you. I really think that ALANON is a great program for those who are in need of help because of a loved ones use. It helps to provide a better understanding of whats going on. I'm sure you are familiar with that program as well. Just remember that we are all here for you, no matter what. This is a great place to be because no one judges one another. Also, I was wondering since your DS is bipolar, might your DD be as well? It is quite possible since bipolar disorder is 1/2 genetic and 1/2 environment. This might be her way of coping. Just a thought. Doodlebug, how nice of you to share your story with us as well. I could never imagine how difficult it would be to watch your child go through all of this. I hope that everything for both of you works out. I will be praying for both of your daughters recoveries as well as the recovery of all addicts. Laura~ Glad you are back down! I bet it feels great. Also, are you anywhere near Naples? My aunt has a condo there and I am probably going to head down there in Feb. I am not familiar with where anything is in Florida, so it could be clear across the state and I wouldn't even know! Also, I know this is probably TMI, but I don't know who else to ask about this.....it's my 1st time having my TOM after my surgery and I am having a terrible time! My TOM was never that bad, but I am having SEVERE abdominal cramping that I think is gas. When I take gas-x strips or other anit-gas meds it feels so much better, but it is sooooo painful. At work today I was doubled over in pain and couldn't even stand up straight! And again tonight while exercising it happened again! Has anyone else had this problem? Apparently I should just carry gas-x with me everywhere I go? Geez. CBL~ Meredith

Laura~ Don't worry gf. You'll be fine. You were on vacation! In a few days it will be gone. Hey, at least we are the same weight now! Julie~ Glad to see that you are getting out and about. Getting better! Linda~ At least they finally figured out whats wrong with your DGD. I will continue to pray for her. Every night now I am sure to include all of you and your famlies in my prayers. Charlene~ Glad your DH is doing well! Thats wonderful news! I just wanted to share something with all of you quickly. Today on my way home from work I was a bit angry at my boyfriend for not being home from the ball game that he had been at all day thus making us miss our plans for tonight. Anyhow, this is now resolved, but while driving home, I thought about eating. Usually when I experience any type of emotion, I would eat. Today was unlike any other. I said to myself, "Meredith, you have come too far and worked too hard to do what you have done. Don't even think about ruining it for yourself!" So, I didn't! I came home and had some soup. My caloric total for today is 780. Perhaps I will have a sf popsicle before bed to bring it up to 800? This was a small "ah ha" moment for myself. I am sooo happy that I had this surgery! I am also so happy that I found all of you. Once again, thank you for all of your continued support. ~Meredith

Hello all. Just got home from work about an hour ago. Whew, what a long day!!! Went to the Dr this morning for him to look at my incision. He says that it looks wonderful! No more drainage, and it's on its way to being fully healed! I also scheduled my first fill to take place in 4 weeks! They couldn't do it in two because I'm still so swollen. It's ok though, I am now pretty confident in my will power abilities! I know I can make it now. When I got home tonight, I took the bandaid off of my incision and a little thread started pulling out of it!!!!! I was so scared because I thought that I may have ruined something. I called the doc on call, the one that saw me today, and he said that this is normal for 10 percent of the population. Everyone elses body dissolves the internal sutchers and thats it. Mine apparently decides to push them out. The great news is 30 pounds are gone!!!! Laura~ Glad to hear you are having a nice time! I love the cooler weather! Janet and Phyl~ Have an awesome time on your vacation! Joanne~ WTG girl!!!! Onderland! What an accomplishment!!! Apples~ Thanks for letting us know your location for the weekend! Maybe this time we won't freak out?! Thats all for tonight I suppose. I have a lot of work to do tomorrow. ~Meredith

Hey girls! Boy oh boy have you been busy the last two days! I guess I really don't have anything new to report. I started my Wii Fit again tonight. I am losing, but I want to weigh on my doctors scale before I update my ticker. I go on Thursday. I guess I really don't believe that the pounds are coming off! I'm just trying to follow the program. I really really want to succeed with this and feel as though I'm on the right path. Also, I see what all of you lost in your first year and that really motivates me. Really, a year goes by pretty fast when you think about it. Laura~ Glad to hear that you are having fun in Canada, but so sorry about the pain with dinner. Hopefully tonights dinner went much better for you. I go to Canada quite frequently since the border crossing is only about 20 minutes away from where I live. We used to run over to Windsor sometimes for dinner and come right home afterwards. It's like a mini vacation! Janet~ Great pics! You grandkids are handsome and beautiful. Obviously they all take after their grandma! Cheri~ My mom is a special education teacher also. She has been at the same school in the same district for 34 years and she is only 56! I know first hand what a tough job it is! She never looks forward to going back though! Apples~ You are so silly! That dream is hilarious! I really do feel like I know all of you without ever having met any of you! We should all meet really. Can you imagine?!?! I'm going to NYC in December with my best friend, her little sister (who is turning 18) and her best friend. My gf's brother also lives there. It's been so long since I've traveled anywhere besides the aforementioned Canada. Flying kinda makes me nervous, but i have to remember that I only live once! (as far as I know). Your ds kinda reminds me of my dad. When I was little he became an aerobatic pilot. I remember sitting on the ground watching him with my mom and little sister. A guy came up to us and said "Look at that asshole." My mother then replied, "That asshole is my husband!" Nice. Since he became ill (shortly after this) he really hasn't flown much. Ok, time for bed. I have so much studying to do for a mid-term on Monday in my Philosophy class. I cannot stand this class!!!! Oh, BTW, have all of you seen this new "diet pill" that they are talking about on tv? Crazy! It's got to be too good to be true. Check in tomorrow! Hope everyone has a wonderful night! ~Meredith

Phyl~ Happy 2nd Anniversary!!!!! WTG!!!! You are such an inspiration. Apples~ Glad you're back! Boy, you can't do anything without letting everyone know about it can you? LOL. Went to grocery today. Took an hour. Read all of the labels and selected very healthy options! However, I have ZERO restriction! I mean NONE! Good heavens I'm hungry. I'm not cheating though! Sticking to approx 800. Yesterday I did have 910, but for the two days before I only had 750 or so. I figured that would be fine. Okay all, will CBL. ~Meredith

Ladies~ I was banded on June 26th and I am in the same boat as all of you. No restriction what-so-ever! I mean NONE! I'm doing mushies. I'm not even going to try to eat real food bc I will probably go berserk! I've been counting my calories though. I stick around 800. Today I had 910. I just couldn't get full for some reason. Anyhow, I couldn't sleep because I'm kinda nervous about all of this now. I cannot wait for some restriction! -Meredith

Hello all! Went to a friends surprise birthday party today. It was really fun! I had to bring my "lunch box" with yogurt and boost in it. I mixed half a banana in with my yogurt in a bowl so I felt more comfortable while everyone else was eating. I got sunburned! Even though I really tried to stay in the shade. My skin is so fair, I always burn. On the way home I made Andrew stop and pick me up some more crushed lentil soup. So good. Still sticking to one cup. Seems to be working out pretty well, but I really have no restriction anymore. Will power alone is getting me through. Laura~ Oh, I did get the MM light. In chocolate. Phew! Don't want to be drinking anything that tastes like baby formula! Have a great time on your vacay! Julie~ Congrats on the 100 lbs lost!!!!! Awesome job. It sounds like you are feeling much better also. Keep up the good work! Joanne~ Have a wonderful time! There is nothing like a grandma, thats for sure. I am so lucky that at almost 27 years old I still have both of my grandmas! It is just the best. Long~ This year will be so exciting for you. Now you can enjoy dress shopping and everything with your DD. All you really have to worry about is what color to wear!!! What a great feeling that has got to be. Ladies....I really am worried about apples too. Strange not to hear from her. Now the bf is even asking where she is. I always tell him about all of you and what a wonderful help all of you are to me. It's so nice to know that I can come here and everyone understands what the other is going through in regards to the band journey. I feel so fortunate to have found all of you. I will check in tomorrow after school. I have to go to the grocery store tomorrow also. I'm going to probably spend a lot of time there and find healthy mushy things for me. I always liked grocery shopping! ~Meredith

Oh, I forgot..... I need opinions from the veterans here! My dietitian says that I should consume 3-4 ounces at a time so I do not stretch the pouch. Well, 3-4 ounces does not do the trick! I find that I am full when I consume about 1 cup. Like tonight, with the soup. 4 ounces and I was still hungry, 4 more and I was completely satisfied. Do you think that I will be okay if I have 1 cup at a time instead? I just don't want to risk harming my band or my success in any way. Hopefully some of you can offer some insight to help. Thanks! ~Meredith

Hey everyone! Janet, Charlene, and Phyl~ Happy Bandiversary to all of you!!!! I am thankful for each and every one of you for all of your help along this journey. Without all of you and everyone on this thread, I would be completely lost! Celebrate!!!! Laura~ I got "muscle milk" today!! I keep seeing you write about it, so I figured that I would give it a try. Do I replace a meal with it? I think that we also have some other protein powder stuff here also. I'll have to look. Today was my first "mushie" day. I had what I've been craving for so long......crushed lentil soup. 1c. equals to about 150 cals, so I feel pretty good with my choice. Plus, it was the most delicious soup I think I have ever tasted! I went on a walk after work with Andrew and it was so nice to walk along the lake. Well, until the rain came. Then we got in the car and went to the health food store (where I got the muscle milk), then to pick up my soup. I had a pretty full day actually! I think that I might jump on the wii fit when I'm done posting here also. May as well! Just wanted to say "hello" to everyone and check in. CBL. ~Meredith

Hey everyone! It looks like all of you are doing really well! I'm so happy for all of the losses that everyone had this week! Awesome. Just wanted to stop in and say "hello". I've been tired lately after work and school in the summer is kicking my butt. I despise it. Other than that, everything is great. Down 27 pounds and happy! Hopefully by next Thursday when I go to the Dr. to get my incision checked out I will be down 30 and be able to put another bead on my bracelet! It is great incentive. I will CBL and see what going on. Just got home from work and need to do some reading. Oh, btw MUSHIES TOMORROW!!!!!! Any suggestions on what I should try first? I think I still really want the crushed lentil soup that i've been talking about so much. I'm kinda nervous about this whole food thing. What if I stop losing? ~Meredith

Laura~ Sounds great! As soon as I can eat, I think that I will make it, but the "one pot wonder" way like Janet! I'm not sure about this whole coring thing. I'd bet a million dollars that I would break them! Thanks for the recipe, I was going to ask for it. The first thing that I am going to eat on friday when I can have my pureed food is crushed lentil soup from this middle eastern restraunt really close to our house. I love it! Also, I have been keeping a food journal for the past 5 weeks. Obviously it has been pretty bland, but i figured that it would really help to get me into the habit. Janet~ Congrats on going to the gym! That is fantastic! I had my own form of exercising today also. I went with my sister to the horse barn where she is an occupational therapist using the horse as a therapeutic tool. Its called hippotherapy and it is awesome! I help groom and tack the horses as well as assist her with the patients. We have a great time! Plus, it is wonderful exercise walking all day. Julie~ Wow! Hope that you are feeling back to yourself in a jiffy! Hopefully after this all of your health problems will be behind you and you can look forward to jump starting your WL journey. I will be thinking about and praying for you. Bugs~ Sorry to hear that you are not ready for this journey yet. I totally understand. You won't do it properly unless you are ready 100 % anyhow. You will know in your heart when the time is right for you. I know I did. Good luck. I'm getting really annoyed at with my stupid incision! I just keep telling myself, "If this is the biggest problem that I have to handle with the band, I will be thrilled and really really successful." It's what I need to say to get through when I question why I did this to my body (both getting fat and having WLS). Well, thats about it for tonight. I hope everyone has a wonderful evening! CBL, I'm sure I will be bored when there is nothing on tv later. ~Meredith

Hi All~ Just got back from the Surgeon. He said that I am still very swollen and still have a lot of Fluid in there. He took the scab off and pushed on either side of the incision HARD! A lot of fluid came out. He said that there is zero sign of infection and that it looks really really good. He was surprised about how well it looked actually! I told him good thing I have OCD! It now is open and kinda deep. I have to take a cotton swab soaked in 1/2 Water and 1/2 peroxide and rub it inside, then neosporin, then gauze. Geez Lousise! I asked him when he thought it would heal, apparently this is going to take 2-3 more weeks. Sorry, kinda gross, I know. Still paranoid and will be until this is closed up. 3 pounds down this week though, so thats good. Also, I had no idea where my port was! What I thought was my port, was not! Its below the incision further down on my tummy than I thought. Interesting. Charlene~ Thinking about your husband, hope everything is going well! Long~ Glad you're back girlfriend! And really happy that there were no bear incidences! Off to class! I despise summer classes! ~Meredith

Laura~ You are funny! If you would like, I could put your pictures on the fridge too!!! LOL In regards to food, my band is not prefilled at all, and I have the standard 10cc lapband. All of my liquid is just going right through! I get the will power thing already. Yes, they did measure me and when my best friend got married last september and boy oh boy! Good thing we ordered them online so no one else had to see my size or measurements! And, like you, I also knew exactly what to do but couldn't DO IT. Charlene~ I tried out for BL last season. I really don't understand how they can select just a few people from the HUGE groups that go. Hopefully your son can get back to the dr and has become more motivated. I will be praying for your husband. Please let us know how everything goes! ~Meredith

Laura~ THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!!!! I'm going to take pics of me as soon as the BF gets home!!!! What a great way to do this. Might I add, you are the incredible shrinking woman! Hell, I might even put them on my refridgerator door if I ever am feeling out of control. Like you, no shame, no modesty! Especially after all of those people have seen me on the operating table totally naked and unconcious! I really cannot thank you enough. Also, I am about the same age as your niece, I really understand what she is going through and I think that everyone has their limit of just how fat they will get until it's almost too late. (IDK if I worded that well, but hopefully you get my drift). Janet~ Only until Friday do I have to be on liquids, then mushies for 2 weeks while continuing to have 2 of my Boosts per day. Did anyone else feel scared about food? I kind of am. Also, it already repulses me to see the amount of food that people eat and knowing that that was once me. SICK. I think that I am going to see a therapist about food addiction. Yesterday when I was feeling upset, I really wanted to cheat and EAT. I did not, but I can see how one day I could break. Have a beautiful Sunday! ~Meredith

I have this same pain also!!! On the left, near my port, it's normal my surgeon said. However, just recently, it started on the right side. I see my dr on mon.

IDK, all I know is that I am following what my dietitian said to do to the letter, and before today, it was working out great. This is the same diet that I have been on for 4 weeks already. I think that #1 I didn't drink enough Water today and #2 I was really hungry and maybe I drank it way too fast? Cause now I feel soooo much better! Thanks. Laura~ I forgot, thank you so much for giving me that link. I knew that someone on this thread had the seroma problem! I think that might be the issue with me now. I have a lot of hardness around the port incision as well, so it does sound very similar.:frown: Can't sleep. Too long of a nap after work I think. CBL~ Meredith

Hey girls. Janet~ At least I hope you had fun! Laura~ I'm just so annoyed about this whole thing. I just want the incision to heal all of the way so I don't have to constantly worry about it. It is now an obsession. Today I showed one of my clients, fellow bandster, and RN my incision and where it was draining from. She said that she would probably let it air out as much as I can and lightly dress it when necessary. The question is....Neosporin or no Neosporin? Since i got home from work around 6, I have let it air out. Nothing has drained out. All I know is that I cannot wait to go to the Doc on Monday to see what is really going on now. Today I feel really FAT. Like loaf belly, muffin-top whatever you want to call it. Sick. I was "pooped" when I got home from work so I took a nap. Then when I woke up, I felt really hungry. Ravenous really. I drank 8 ounces of Boost and now I feel nauseous. Maybe I drank it too fast? I also had some iced tea before hand. I guess I'm just frustrated and I guess a little depressed or something. Sorry to be complaining so much, I just am missing out on a lot of things because I don't feel well (surprise party and bachelorette party). CBL, for sure. Hope everyone is having a great weekend! ~Meredith

Hi all. Janet~ I was kidding when I said "natural" color! I really mean getting rid of their grey! Whenever I'm done I say "Ok, back to your natural color!" It's fun. Don't worry about doing your own color, esp if your girl didn't do it the way you liked it. Just make sure you put it on your roots only and rarely pull it through. This will make sure that your hair stays in good shape. Laura~ Glad you are back! Also, glad to hear you had a good time with your sis and niece. Can't wait to hear more about it! Sorry that poor little Nelson has to have his teeth worked on. Eeek! Have a good time with your mom and dad. Linda~ Exactly!! My surgeon told me that it is common for people to experience this after when they have just the one incision. I want it to be over with though! I called the office today and told the nurse that it looked the same and no changes since I saw them on Monday. I go back this coming monday. She did say that if there were any problems then I should call the Dr on call but she thought that I would be okay until then. She also said there might be a seroma under there? Didn't someone on here have a seroma? I remember reading it a few months ago, but I cannot recall who it was. Well, work is exhausting me! I come home from working all day on my feet and sleep for several hours. My customers keep telling me that after surgery when your body is trying to heal it takes awhile to "get back to your old self". Going to take a shower and go back to sleep. TTYL.

Hey all! Julie~ WOW! I am so sorry that you have to go through all of this. I will be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers tomorrow. I'm sure you will do great, but I understand the nerves! Janet~ Ya, thanks, I got the tape!!! Apparently it works too well because when I took it off, it practically took half of my skin off with it! Well, tonight Andrew and I went to our friends house bc one of my gf's is visiting from Arizona. We grew up together and I really miss her, so it was wonderful to see her! There were seven of us there and everyone was hungry, so they ordered pizza. I stuck to my Boost and sf jello that I brought along with me and really was fine with it. I guess when you haven't had food in 4 weeks it starts to not matter. Right after surgery I told Andrew that he was not even allowed to bring pizza into the house, and tonight I was around a TON of it! It went much better than I had expected it to. My friends are so wonderful and are "careful" about food around me. They are so sweet. Anyhow, it will be 2 weeks post-op on friday and my incision is still draining! Sick. Everyone keeps telling me that it should start to be coming out more clear, but it's not. Still dark brownish, but coming out much slower than it was before. So, I'm not sure what to think about this. Any thoughts? Half of the incision is healing beautifully and the other half is a scab and draining. Hmmmm. I go back to the doc on Monday. I pray that it doesn't get infected. I let it air out at night time after my shower, and then i cover it for bed and change it in the am. Ok, well, I cannot believe that I am still awake and it is one am!!!! I have to work tomorrow, and I am BUSY!!!! I guess my peeps missed me and need their color bad! Have to get them back to their original color. Hehe! Ok, enough of me. Sorry. Good night everyone! ~Meredith

Does anyone have any advice about this drainage that I am experiencing? It is making me kinda nervous. I cannot stand the tape that I bought, so I must go to the drug store and buy another brand. Also, since I cut hair and start back to work on Thurs, I do not want any hair getting in there so I am hoping that there is a band aid like product that will cover the incision on all four sides so nothing gets in or out! Thanks! Meredith

Geez louise Julie!!! Hang in there and feel better! I went to the Dr today. I lost 3 more pounds, but one end of my incision is draining or oozing or whatever. It started happening last night after I finished my Wii Fit aerobics. I did it for a half an hour and really worked up a sweat! I thought that it was because I was working my butt off, but apparently this is very common in patients who get the band inserted using the bi-lateral method. He told me that it does not look infected at all, but if it begins to look like it at all I should call no matter what the time. I see him again next Monday. Until then I was told to rinse it when I shower and then apply neosporin and a gauze bandage a few times a day. It makes me so nervous, but hopefully all will be okay! Also, today was the first day I was really HUNGRY!!!!! I consumed 910 calories, instead of the 800. I had a terrible headache and felt it was necessary especially since my body is trying to heal. Nothing bad though. Just some Boost High Protein, sf yogurt, and a sugar free popsicle. No cheats. Okay, well I'm off to shower and tend to my "wound". Good night! ~Meredith

Oh duh! I was talking about the amount. My doctor told me the morning after surgery "800 calories only and exercise on Friday"! He is super strict! I'm following the rules, I don't want to get in trouble with him! I am going to go see his partner at 11:45 mon (today technically) morning so I will be able to ask all sorts of questions then. Also, I have to make an appointment to meet with the dietitian in 6 weeks from now just to make sure I'm doing everything properly. I just wanted to make sure that it was ok that I consumed 8 oz at a time. Thank you for helping me! ~Meredith

Ok, so it has been 9 days since my surgery and I am really feeling pretty good now. I go to my Dr. tomorrow for my post-op check up. I cannot wait to get these ratty looking pieces of tapes off! I was told DO NOT rip them off a million times. They really do look gross by now. Especially since I always wear black, and the little black fibers are sticking to the sticky! Here is what I need everyones opinion about today: I am following my pre-op diet, but only sticking to 800 calories or less. I've been STRICT. I mean following this to a "T" and measuring everything. Well, today I really really slept in, so I was super hungry when I woke up. I am usually measuring 4 oz of my Boost which equals 120 calories per time that I eat. However today, I drank the whole 8 oz., which fit with out any pain. Do you think this is okay for me to do as long as I stick to my under 800 calories plan? It is days like this when I am most thankful for all of you and your expertise! Thank you sooo much! JoAnn~ Way to go on your selections at the picnic! You must be so happy and proud! I now totally understand what you mean about watching everyone else eat a ton of food and thinking "wow"! I was like that yesterday as I watched my family eat. It's kinda gross, even though I know thats how I used to eat! ifyourstomachoffendsyou~ I was banded June 26th, so this will be an adventure for us to go through together! Great! Laura~ I hope you are having a wonderful time with your niece and sister! It sounds like you are already having a good time! Enjoy. Have a wonderful Sunday evening everyone. I will CBL this evening to see whats going on. Love all of you!!!!! ~Meredith