sassacass

Wow! what a story. Your are so lucky that your mom did indeed persist and get you to the ER. And it is a terrible shame that those who you let know about your symptoms brushed it off as normal post op. I work as a scrub nurse in a labor and delivery unit, and post op complications can happen during any surgery whether the pt is healthy or not, fortunately, they don't occur often; that said, it sure sucks when it's you, the chances of complications are no longer a small percentage, they are now 100%. Rest and take care, I'm praying your recovery is quite unremarkable from here on out and you can get this behind you and get back to life, but you must mend first. Best of wishes, hang in there, cassie

Just wondering if anyone out there in band land has this disease and the band. If so, has it worked out okay, has it improved? Were you banded before or after the diagnosis? I haven't been diagnosed yet, but pressures are higher than norm, my dr is looking at this as a probable diagnosis. I'm hoping this isn't something that would exclude me from the band, though I would think it might be okay just because of weightloss decreasing burden on the heart. If anyone has experience with this disease, I'd love to hear. thanks, cassie

Who's counting, ha, lol!!!!!!! I'd be counting every hour and minute. I'll be watching for when you have a date set, take care, cassie

Hi there Josette. I'm sorry to hear of this. I don't know what kind of skin cancer yours might be, but mine was basal cell carcinoma. A rather slow growing one, but cancer nonetheless. It was in the fold between the nostril and the cheek. I was about 6 months pregnant at the time of biopsy. I didn't have my surgery until 4 days after delivery. I was referred to a Mohs surgeon, (not sure about the spelling), it was an office procedure, I was numbed locally (that was the worst part for me, that stupid beesting feeling) and then the surgeon took a very thin slice of skin, examining it to make sure the borders of the skin left were indeed not involved. I had 2 stiches, a bandaid, and I was on my way. The wait for the mohs surgeon was long, but the dermatologist said this was the best at preserving healthy tissue while removing the cancer. He might have had to take several layers until he came up with 'clear borders'. I really have no scar whatsoever. Now there are more aggressive skin cancers, so depending on what your biopsy is, that will dictate how it's taken care of. If it is slow growing, ask your derm about the possibility of a mohs surgeon. The reason I was sold on it, was that I knew when I left the office, they got it all. Also, if there had been a need for reconstruction, he would have taken care of it. When I found out what kind of cancer it was, I was able to learn lots on the internet. Write it down before you leave the office so you don't forget. Will be anxious to hear an update, best of luck, cassie

Pete, any new news? Or are you just in the waiting phase? Love to hear when you do, cassie

I'm cracking up reading these responses, I thought it was just me too. Its amazing how my insecurities come out. I, like some others who've posted, thought it was something I did wrong, or worse, is this what it's like to be BANNED? Whew, I'm glad I got to come back and play, lol!!!

:clap2: No pics yet, school doesn't start for my preschooler till tuesday. School does start for Amanda, my 22yo tomorrow, and guess what? I'll be there in the morning before she leaves for a pic in front of her front door. I know she seems too old, but it's a tradition. Every year on the first day, kids were stood against the front door for a pic, they HATED it! Last year when she lived on campus, she called after the first day and confided that she missed having that 1st day pic. Well, not to worry this year, I've got it covered! My youngest however is already posing for hers and can't wait for the picture time, lol!

I am preband also, hopefully will be banded by sept 30th. No one knows except my adult children and 2 friends. My mom is ill and I'm not telling her till I'm back from mexico and healed. She doesn't need any unnecessary stress. I suppose I'll slowly let people in as I'm loosing and people notice, but frankly, I'm not up for defending my position on going to mexico, nor am I willing to listen to all the horror stories about a friend of a friend, etc. I've done my research and feel comfortable with my decision, but I'm a nurse, and I can hear it now from all my coworkers. So for now, it's closet time. cassie

No way, no how! Ain't gonna see me out there. And Nana, I understand, my kids are always jumping on the elevator to scare me. The canyon is so beautiful, and I've always wanted to hike it, maybe I'll make that a long term goal/reward!!!!! And you know, it's not even a fear of heights for me, it's a fear of falling, and looking at this walkway, all I can invision is just that, falling. Some of us are tough girls, but I'll tell you right now, I'm just a taffy ass. cassie

Loved it!!!!! Always nice to share a laugh, thanks

We have 2 little girl ferrets in our home, Pixel an Penenlope, partners in crime. They do go into a pet cab at night, as they like to play at 3am and want us to wake up and play too! Otherwise, they have run of the house. Penelope is more reserved, and prefers cuddling, while Pixel is up to no good. I used to worry that my 4yo daughter would terrorize them, but I can honestly say that Pixel terrorizes her. They love picking on each other. They keep life interesting for sure, cassie

I've been on wellbutrin for a year now, and at first I did have a lot of shaking and anxiousness, fast heart rate, etc, and knew that I would, it's a very common side effect. I did have interference with sleep because of it, but between 2 and 3 months it went away. These were things that my dr discussed with me ahead of time, so I wasn't taken by surprise. I took it to quit smoking, but felt so good on it that I decided to stay on it, my dr didn't have any problem with that since I have a tendency toward depression. Everyone has their own reactions to meds, if you reported your hives, etc to the dr/pharmacist and they said it was okay, I wouldn't worry about it. I especially wouldn't worry about it since it was only transient, it would be a different story if it was a constant thing. Of course, if the drug isn't working for you, and you've given it sufficient time, then your dr needs to know this. Good luck, cassie (a non smoker)

Wow, it sounds like your on your way big time! How wonderful to have found a surgeon that takes the time to really talk and hear your questions and concerns. I don't know if you've had your stomach scoped before, but when I had to a few years back, I was scared to death thinking how awful it would be, but it wasn't at all. The dr used good drugs, versed in particular, which has amnesiac properties so you don't remember the procedure, plus it is one of the best antianxiety meds as well. I remember starting to get the meds in my iv, then being woke up and told we were done, and I could change back into my clothes. So don't stress over that one. Hope things just keep on moving forward for you! cassie

I know it's a different addiction, but when I quit smoking I kept all kinds of things available to keep my hands busy. Popping bubble wrap was at times satisfying, but my most helpful was keeping silly putty around. I also worked on jigsaw puzzles while watching tv. And yes, I needlepointed some beautiful pillows, christmas stockings etc. TV watching and eating can be such an 'event', you just need to find that one thing or things that compliments that time. I also sucked on jaw breakers, you just can't eat them too quick, red hot fireballs were my favorite. Just some ideas. Learning to knit or crochet would be rather fun if you don't already know how. Good luck! cassie

I'm in Fort Worth, though Arlington isn't a far drive at all. I'd like to know of some of the other group meeting times, sounds like something I need. Thanks

Hey Pete, glad to hear you found someone willing to take your insurance and gatekeeper says yes. Will be watching to hear how it all went, hopefully no 6month diet thing. Best of luck!

Hi there, I've been reading the threads for a bit now, decided to jump in. I'm in Tx and keeping my fingers crossed, supposed to hear back friday on my financing. I'm planning on Monterrey with Dr. Sanchez, once the funding is in place. I'm a single mom with 2 adult daughters, and a 4yo daughter, also a new little grandbaby. I'd like to be around for them later, so for me, this is a step in that direction. I'm learning so much for reading everyones posts, and I'm so thankful to have found this site. Thanks to all for the cummulative wisdom that is shared!!!

I can't offer any insight on adoption, however, I can about late in life children. I'm 46 now. I'm the mom of a 24yo, 22yo, and a 4yo. Everyone told me that having a child this late would keep me young. I don't know about that, but, I do know that I definately would do it all again. I'm not saying it isn't challenging, and it sounds like you understand this, but even on the worst days, I know that I'm blessed that my life has taken this direction. Don't let numbers be the decision makers, just my humble opinion. cassie

If the gallbladder gets toasted from dieting, is gallbladder removal just something to be planned on after the band? Atleast my insurance WOULD cover that, ha!

I was waiting to hear if my financing was in place, and pretty much expected to be writing that I had been declined.....But, I GOT IT!!!!!! I don't think I'll actually trust it until the check is in my hands. It's so hard to hope for any good thing in regards to my weight. So many disappointments are related to hope: new diet, new exercise plan, new pill, new this or that. I don't know who to credit with this quote, but here it is: The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, and expecting different results. I'm not going to be doing the same things I've done for the first 46 years, this will really be a new start. I can't wait. Signing loan papers monday, yippee!

Wow, hooray for you, hope I'll be saying that soon too! I'd love to hear how it goes!

It varies by surgeon, but $10,000 would be a good ball park, some less or more, also deprends on if you want your airfare included. While the price was a factor, the biggest draw for me was the amount of experience some of the dr's in mexico have. 5,000+ lapband surgeries is pretty awesome compared to most US dr's. Everyone has their own comfort level and that really spoke to mine. At any rate, do your research, don't rely on what someone else says, and don't jump in blindly. Have a great day!

thanks for the chuckle, I needed that!