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Penni: Actually it's generally the other way around... band erosion leads to infection at the port site. The bacteria migrate from the stomach along the catheter out to the port. I've never heard of port infection causing a band erosion. Band erosions present themselves in 2 ways: 1. no symptoms at all except for loss of restriction, and weight gain. 2. Port site infection Mark Pleatman MD www.laparoscopy.com/pleatman 248-334-5444

wow. It took me almost two hours to read this thread. No, I am not a slow reader but, I did want to take everything in. I can relate to so many of you. There are a lot of things you all said that have stuck with me. I would like to share a few with you. "I pretty much dislike myself and don't think I am worth the time and energy it takes to eat right and exercise." "I feel like everyone is looking at me and judging me by my weight." "I hate my body with a frightening intensity and food is the method of destruction that I chose. I don't smoke or do drugs or drink to dull the pain so food is the weapon of choice." "I don't love myself as I am. I could blame my weight on instances of sexual abuse." "Being fat helps me to be invisible." "My weight is linked to my happiness/quality of life." "Over eating is the socially accepted vice." "I am fat because I can't fill up something inside." "I posess a desire to use food as something other than what it was meant for." "...parents/ grandparents feeling embarassment and disappointment in me and my lack of control over food." "They eat and eat and don't taste anything." "I was raised in a home with an abusive, alcoholic (step , in my case) father who made life resemble walking on egg shells." "...became extremely passive/aggresive due to daily spankings, incest..." "I have come to realize that because of the abuse in my childhood, I have been looking for love in all the wrong places, because my daddy didn't want me." "I want to understand what self-esteem truely means." "...realizing the difference from feeling hungry and realizing that i am just thirsty." (paraphrased) Do I eat to try to create a warm loving feeling that I felt I never had? "I will be healthy and strong and safe in my real body that has been hiding for years because of fear and not having enough faith in myself or in God to walk through the hard times." I am not quoting all these things to make it easier to explain away my being overweight; I chose them because I can so closely relate to them all. They all struck a chord in my heart and my mind when I read them. For me, my weight gain is attributed to a combination of all the following: a crummy childhood, an abusive relationship with my step father, lack of self confidence due to others in my family constantly nagging me to lose weight(my grand parents tried to bribe me to loose weight. They offered to pay me for each pound I lost. I was motivated until the check never came to reward me). My weight allowed me that safe zone so that men would find me unattractive and leave me alone. My family is for the most part small framed, despite the fact that I have German/ Dutch/Klammoth Indian in me( all known for thier HUSKY statures). My father is 6'4" and wieghs about 150 soaking wet. My mother is 4'11" and sometimes yo yoed with her weight. The clothes in her closet range frm size 4 to size 16. (What i wouldn't give to wear a 16 right now). My extened family are all small. I ,too was diagnosed with PCOS after gaining 80 pounds in a year. What it all comes down to is I made bad choices and now I have to do whatever it takes to correct them as best I can. I appreciate all the support I receive here. I look forward to the new year with much anticipation and enthusiam. HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL MY BANDSTER FRIENDS and to those awaiting their BANDS.

Great job! If you can make it through December with no weight gain, you can maintain anytime!

Today has been 1 motnh since I had my band removed and Iam happy to report I have NOT gained any weight back. I made it through Christmas and all the goodies, booze, & food with no gain. I'm using my head and still working it like a true bandster would. Just thought I'd share this good news with all of you

Just a quick warning about the board. There are MANY very sincere people here with great insight and experience. However, there are a few who seems to have a chicken little view of things. You really have to view things over time to be able to discern the difference, so be patient and try to get a good feel for those that really want to help and those that are looking for playmates to their pity party. Here is my opinion: The band works for some and not others. If your expectation is that the band is a tool as part of a larger solution, then you have a GREAT chance of success. However, if you are looking for a fix that will allow long term weight loss with no change of the emotional and psychological reasons for your weight gain, than your chance of success is MUCH lower. Also, be very sure that you have a decent basic health and fitness education. If you are not aware that eating a large Big Mac value meal (with an extra Big Mac just to be sure) is a bad thing, then you are not ready for the band. Keep in mind, even the band doesn't prohibit me from grazing all day on really bad things. For me, the band is the best tool for me to control my portion size and assist me in making better choices for the limited space I have.

Oh Frank, I'm sorry for the weight gain. Its so hard to get back on track from the holidays isn't it. I'm having the same problem. This is what I'm going to do: First get rid of all the junk in my house. Second make a plan. Plan what your going to eat for the week on Sundays. Planning does help you stay on track and not wonder what your going to have for the next meal. Third, Water, track your water and make sure you get enuf. Forth and final.... Exercise (this is hard for me b/c I hate it) Even though I don't like to admit it, exercise is the key. Weather it be a walk or a run, what ever floats your boat.... just do it. Ask your wife to really get involved. It helps when an extra set of eyes are watching and can help us see things we don't. Good luck Frank, you've done amazing work so far and your wife gets a big BRAVO from me as well. HUGS !!!

If you wern't trying but 'doing it alot' you'll have a girl, I'm guessing you want a boy cause you already have 2 beautiful girls! Shirina your husband is a doll (I've met him) he has such a low back, kind, caring personality, enjoy being with child. Last we talked, you have a snug fill, don't worry about weight gain at this point as long as you don't eat for 5 like I did. All I ever wanted to do while being preggy was eat and sleep, and that's hard with 2 kids under 5. Congratulations and Merry Christmas! Corinne congrats too My guess is July 11 (my birthday)!

I am on Effexor from depression which started from having a stillborn son. I have tried several times at getting off but I literally think it is goin got be impossible. It has worked wonders for me though, even though I have had weight gain from it and troubles getting off I would do it again for how much it improved me.

I di great on Prozac but after a couple of years they had to increase my dosage and then it made me twitch, so now I'm on Lexapro and Wellbutrin. My son is Type I diabetic and had severe clinical depression several years ago, but they wouldn't try Zoloft because they said one of the side effects is weight gain. Everyone is so different and the way the different meds work is so different depending on our body chemistry, etc. Hope the Zoloft works well for you! Emily

Hi, I was on Zoloft for situational depression resulting from a medical issue that the doctors couldn't figure out which was causing a tremendous amount of physical pain. While I was on it, I felt absolutely mentally wonderful. The sky was more blue, the birds sang more clearly, any and all obsessive worry or anxiety was totally gone. Even my physical pain was better. The big drawback? I gained 45 pounds in three months! I have to be honest, it's one of the reasons I am now considering getting the band, because I never could get the weight off again once I quit Zoloft. It doesn't make everyone gain weight though; it just depends on individual body chemistry. I am currently on Wellbutrin, which does not cause weight gain and which works on your brain chemistry differently than an SSRI. I like it alot, but then again, I can't tell if I feel happy because of the Wellbutrin or because I finally found a doctor who correctly diagnosed and treated my medical issue LOL. Both SSRI's and Wellbutrin have value in my opinion. The only one I would warn against is Effexor, which causes horrible, horrible withdrawl symptoms according to research I did online and anecdotal evidence from a few friends. Best of luck to you!

OK Delarla you went out drinking last night and having fun and so did I. I had to get away from the weight gain demon. However this is the holiday season, MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE! I am facing those hunger pains every day when I wake up till I go to sleep at night. IT really sucks. Vera thanks for the sweet phone call yesterday. It is calls like that which will keep me on track. Lisa we both will be able to do this. I am gonna fight this tooth and nail all the way. You can do this. We can do this together. Have you filled out your Biggest Loser application yet? LOL!! I say we start a talk circuit of Eroded Bandsters and encourage all 1 year or more bandsters to get Endo's. We can get local docs to give discounts on the Endo costs and give them away as door prizes. :Bunny Anyway, try to enjoy the holiday and I will see you when I get home. Offer still open and on the table to come stay at the house. HUGS Give Chris a hug for me.

I have never had it before i have been tested many times and always normal untill now. So that still isn't the reason for the weight gain.

Hi Connie I am sorry to hear about the emotional rollercoaster. It is good that they found out you have it becuase that can account for some weight gain. I'm sure they will give you meds to balanace out the hormone levels for the thyroid and then band you to help you loose even more weight. This is a good thing. I wish I did have a reason that I have gotten so big, other then me not closing my mouth. Has big sis gotten her thyroid checked, is it a hereditary thing? I did see the Vinesqueen has thyroid issues. Maybe she help with some of your questions.

I've just had the get go to start mushies as of yesterday, no real restriction here. I can eat a cup of food without a problem so I have to consciously measure out my food and limit it to that. But I'm not finding that a problem since I have nowhere near my ordinary hunger levels still. During the liquid phase I first tried the Protein Shake thing as the basis of my intake, it didnt work for me. Never liked those things, never will. I just blended real food very smooth - I made good hearty soups with lots of veges and lentils, I even blended up lasagna with extra tinned tomatoes, I put a little cheese in and blended that too - 3 squares a day of real food just in liquid form. That way I felt great and had no hunger issues. I've been very satisfied with my weight loss and I also believe I havent set myself up for rebound weight gain when I start solids since I've been having the same food, just blended, all along. I also have stayed regular, no constipation, as I've been getting fibre etc too.

1. How difficult did you find the pre-op diet? * I did liquids for 10 days and after about day 3 it was easy. My family lived on frozen meals and take out for that time, my hubby didn't want me to have to cook and then not eat. 2. I have had 3 cesareans and my gallbladder laproscopically removed. Does anyone know how the pain and/or recovery is in comparison? * I had natural child birth so I can't help there, and i still have my gallbladder for now. 3. How soon can one umm hmmm be intimate and are you limited in well you know <WHISPERS>positions? I waited almost 2 weeks, I was gluded not stitched and I was worried about the glue popping open so I was a bit over protective. 4. After going on solids, is there a weight gain? I didn't gain when I went to solids, but I made that transition pretty fast, I was on soft solids in less than 2 weeks. 5. What is the longest a person went without any fills (after surgury) and STILL lost weight? * I think Dylansmom is the longest and best losing that I know of, she still has no fill and is losing fine, not to mention she is looking just fab! 6. Do people stall on this and if they do and it has nothing to do with the restriction, how can you tweak your program to break the stall? * Like Alex said it is a plateau and yes you will hit one at some point, everyone does. I do a day of liquids and then a day of mushies and then a day of soft foods and that seems to jump start my weight loss again. I have lost 51 pounds in less than 5 months, and that is my method for breaking a plateau. I hope you are finding the answers that you are seeking here. Never be affraid to ask questions, that is what we experienced bandsters are here for. The only stupid question is the one that you never ask. I am in Chicago so if you ever make a visit home, let us know maybe we can plan a lunch while you are here, there are loads fo chicagoans here. Keep us updated on your progress. ~Mandy

1. How difficult did you find the pre-op diet? My Dr only does pre op diets for ppl with a BMI over 50. 2. I have had 3 cesareans and my gallbladder laproscopically removed. Does anyone know how the pain and/or recovery is in comparison? I have had 2 ceasars and it wasnt even comparable. I will say it was painful but NOTHING compared to my ceasars. 3. Now this is one I really haven't seen at all and am a bit shy to ask, but it's better to ask now then end up in the ER. How soon can one umm hmmm be intimate and are you limited in well you know <WHISPERS>positions? I waited about 2 weeks or so. 4. After going on solids, is there a weight gain? I plan on eating only healthy (low carbs) on the liquid and solid stages and fear that once I go on solids I may actually gain weight. Should I jus eat whatever I can tolerate on liquids and solids and worry about losing the weight and low carbing after I go on solids? I gained back a fair few lbs switcing, and then some more when I needed a fill. Nothing huge just Fluid mostly I think. 6. For some reason it is very easy for me to lose 40lbs (after each of my 3 pregnancies I have lost all of my pregnacy weight which has been 40-45lbs within 2 weeks after delivery AND each time I have done Atkins I have lost 40lbs and then I stall). Do people stall on this and if they do and it has nothing to do with the restriction, how can you tweak your program to break the stall? Or is it a matter of just being patient and waiting it out? I have lost 59 lbs and mine has stalled alot over the last few months. I dont mind though, at least it is coming off. Good Luck :eek:

1. How difficult did you find the pre-op diet? I didn't have a "preop" diet but I was required to lose 10lbs and then light dinner the night before surgery and nothing after midnight by mouth. I did a modified Atkins anyways and dropped 25 lbs before surgery (my doctor removed my gallbladder 3.5 weeks earlier and said that he could see much better inside due to dropping the weight. 2. I have had 3 cesareans and my gallbladder laproscopically removed. Does anyone know how the pain and/or recovery is in comparison? I had 2 c sections, one lap gallbladder removal and the band. The C sections were the worst, I had stones but no symptoms so my gallbladder was a breeze - the band would fall right in the middle for me. I went back to an office job with modified duties (no filing) at day 9 and did just fine. 3. Now this is one I really haven't seen at all and am a bit shy to ask, but it's better to ask now then end up in the ER. How soon can one umm hmmm be intimate and are you limited in well you know <WHISPERS>positions? I have to agree - when you feel up to it. One week is the most I could get away with! 4. After going on solids, is there a weight gain? I plan on eating only healthy (low carbs) on the liquid and solid stages and fear that once I go on solids I may actually gain weight. Should I jus eat whatever I can tolerate on liquids and solids and worry about losing the weight and low carbing after I go on solids? I did not gain any when I went over to solids but I was a chicken - I am afraid to test the limits of my band so I did just fine. 6. For some reason it is very easy for me to lose 40lbs (after each of my 3 pregnancies I have lost all of my pregnacy weight which has been 40-45lbs within 2 weeks after delivery AND each time I have done Atkins I have lost 40lbs and then I stall). Do people stall on this and if they do and it has nothing to do with the restriction, how can you tweak your program to break the stall? Or is it a matter of just being patient and waiting it out? I'll let you know when I get there. Good luck!

Sigh, another newbie. Oh well, I'll answer...AGAIN. :eek: 1. How difficult did you find the pre-op diet? I keep thinking I can't possibly do a liquid diet for a week. Not everyone has to do a pre-op diet. If you do, it's not as hard as you think. A week goes by faster than you imagine, and if you really think about what's it's for you'll find the motivation to continue. I once did a liquid diet for 12 weeks and there was no surgery at the end of it to keep me honest. But I stayed on it anyway. 2. I have had 3 cesareans and my gallbladder laproscopically removed. Does anyone know how the pain and/or recovery is in comparison? Can't answer this, never having had abdominal surgery before. I will say banding surgery was easier than giving birth naturally. 3. Now this is one I really haven't seen at all and am a bit shy to ask, but it's better to ask now then end up in the ER. How soon can one umm hmmm be intimate and are you limited in well you know <whispers> positions? If it feels good do it! The only restriction on physical activity, usually, is no heavy lifting for several weeks. But otherwise if you feel up to doing whatever activity floats your boat, your body knows best. 4. After going on solids, is there a weight gain? I plan on eating only healthy (low carbs) on the liquid and solid stages and fear that once I go on solids I may actually gain weight. Should I jus eat whatever I can tolerate on liquids and solids and worry about losing the weight and low carbing after I go on solids? You might gain weight, you might not. I don't remember gaining any once I started on solids, but the weight LOSS certainly slowed down in a hurry at that point. The most important thing during the liquid stage is staying on liquids so you can heal, and IMO that means it's important not to get too hungry. It's not a time to be worrying about calories. 5. What is the longest a person went without any fills (after surgury) and STILL lost weight? There are people who have never needed a fill. But that's meaningless to you, because the only thing that matters is when YOU need a fill. The band can't do it's job without proper, personalized adjustment and you just won't know what that is until you get there. You might need a fill, you might not, you might need 8. What's the difference? You'll find out what's right for you when the time comes. 6. For some reason it is very easy for me to lose 40lbs (after each of my 3 pregnancies I have lost all of my pregnacy weight which has been 40-45lbs within 2 weeks after delivery AND each time I have done Atkins I have lost 40lbs and then I stall). Do people stall on this and if they do and it has nothing to do with the restriction, how can you tweak your program to break the stall? Or is it a matter of just being patient and waiting it out? That has always been my downfall with Atkins, I would get discouarged and just start eating the foods I liked again because I figured I wasn't losing anyway. I don't like the word "stall." It's a simple fact of weight loss that there will be plateaus, and this is NORMAL. But what IS different about being banded and hitting one is that you simply CAN'T go back to your pre-banded eating habits. The band is still there, keeping you from overdoing it and destroying your progress. And since that's the case, the "stall" ends and your weight loss starts again. THIS IS NOT A DIET, and it's not about being "on" a plan and trying to rack up a certain amount of loss in a certain amount of time before you go "off" the plan. If you plan on being banded for the rest of your life, there's no point in worrying about stalls and plateaus. It is all just part of the journey.

I was just banded on 12/13 and I saw my Dr. today for a follow up a week early due to the holiday and her taking time off. I will answer the ones that I can 1. How difficult did you find the pre-op diet? I did not have a week liquid diet, I had to loose 8% before surgery. I gained some back and my Dr. let me have surgery even though she usually does not allow that. She has cancled surgery before for weight gain. I had one day of clear liquid and that was a bit tough at times. I would suggest getting protien shakes or other foods that are filling and drink lots of water. Can they give you a diet pill for that week. I was prescribed something preop to loose the weight. I will get the name for you. 2. I have had 3 cesareans and my gallbladder laproscopically removed. Does anyone know how the pain and/or recovery is in comparison? I had my gallbladder removed and was prepaired for the same pain, but it was so much easier. I did sleep on the couch for a while but that was because I was afraid I would roll over on my stomach as that is how I usually sleep and did not want to due to my swelling and bruising. I had a bit more swelling and bruising my Dr. said than she normally see's because my body was being difficult and not letting the band and port in through the incision. Not normal. 3. Now this is one I really haven't seen at all and am a bit shy to ask, but it's better to ask now then end up in the ER. How soon can one umm hmmm be intimate and are you limited in well you know <WHISPERS>positions? My Dr gave me a binder at the hospital and this is one of the items addressed. She said as soon as a person feels up to it. I was taken off birth control and so I am going to be a bit careful. No ooppss for me : ) I can not answer the rest but having just done this a week ago, I would do it again in a heart beat. I lost 9 lbs my first week and I was drinking lots of empty calories (apple juice, orange juice) that I am now cutting down on so I can maximize my weight loss. I do not feel any restriction and my Dr. said to just keep with the post op diet and I will get filled in Jan. I drank a lot of soda and that is hard to give up. I drank it up to the day of surgery. If I could go back I would have stopped before that because that is hard now. I know I can not have soda, but I am only on liquids so it is a huge adjuestment.

1. How difficult did you find the pre-op diet? My doc said do one week of liquids but if I HAD to eat I could have one small meal per day - I found that it wasn't too hard if I ate a protein shake for breakfast, some blended liquid soup for lunch, a light meal at about 4 pm, and maybe another shake or soup at 8 or so. It wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it would be. Some people way way way cheat, but I felt like it was easier not to cheat by allowing myself that one healthy meal per day. 2. I have had 3 cesareans and my gallbladder laproscopically removed. Does anyone know how the pain and/or recovery is in comparison? I had never had surgery before my LB, but the paid wasn't too bad. The 1st few days I felt pain, but 3 days after surgery I went to work for 1/2 day. 3. Now this is one I really haven't seen at all and am a bit shy to ask, but it's better to ask now then end up in the ER. How soon can one umm hmmm be intimate and are you limited in well you know <WHISPERS>positions? I waited about 1 week to do no frills stuff - after 2 weeks, no problems doing it any which way. 4. After going on solids, is there a weight gain? I plan on eating only healthy (low carbs) on the liquid and solid stages and fear that once I go on solids I may actually gain weight. Should I jus eat whatever I can tolerate on liquids and solids and worry about losing the weight and low carbing after I go on solids? I did gain back a few lbs after going back on solids, maybe 3 lbs. I'm a slow loser. It's good to know and expect that you will gain back a few at 1st b/c it's discouraging but it's totally normal. Also, some people need several fills before they can lose any at all. It can get frustrating but just remember that maintining some weight loss is better than gaining, and that MANY people require seevral fills before they lose.6. For some reason it is very easy for me to lose 40lbs (after each of my 3 pregnancies I have lost all of my pregnacy weight which has been 40-45lbs within 2 weeks after delivery AND each time I have done Atkins I have lost 40lbs and then I stall). Do people stall on this and if they do and it has nothing to do with the restriction, how can you tweak your program to break the stall? Or is it a matter of just being patient and waiting it out? Can't help you on this one - I'm at a stall right now. I'm hoping adding more exersize will help, but haven't gotten off my lazy ass yet to try it! Welcome to bandland and good luck!

Okay, you've asked lots and lots of questions that can easily be answered if you do a simple search 1. I didn't do a pre-op diet. I was too sick. 2. I had my gallbladder out lap, and the pain from that was more than the band. I think. I remember it hurting more than being banded, but I had to have it out because it was full of stones and blocked and I was sick from it. I went shopping the morning after I was banded. 3. Sex... WOOT! okay, don't do anything before you feel like it. And if your hubbie is disturbing your band while making whoopie, well, maybe he's got a promicing career in Porn? 4. Yup you gain weight when you transition from liquids to solids. Weight gain doesn't mean fat gain. Here, your colon has matter in it again. 5. I don't know how long the longest time folks went without a fill. Im a turtle, so I'm not the best person to ask this. Kare Bear and Capt'n Jack spring to mind. 6. I have yet to lose 40 pounds so I cannot answer this.

I mean really...a little searching of the site and I am sure you will find your answer! So please bare with me, while I break my own rule. Hey..I looked but this is a HUGE site...lol1. How difficult did you find the pre-op diet? I keep thinking I can't possibly do a liquid diet for a week.2. I have had 3 cesareans and my gallbladder laproscopically removed. Does anyone know how the pain and/or recovery is in comparison?3. Now this is one I really haven't seen at all and am a bit shy to ask, but it's better to ask now then end up in the ER. How soon can one umm hmmm be intimate and are you limited in well you know <whispers> positions?4. After going on solids, is there a weight gain? I plan on eating only healthy (low carbs) on the liquid and solid stages and fear that once I go on solids I may actually gain weight. Should I jus eat whatever I can tolerate on liquids and solids and worry about losing the weight and low carbing after I go on solids?5. What is the longest a person went without any fills (after surgury) and STILL lost weight?6. For some reason it is very easy for me to lose 40lbs (after each of my 3 pregnancies I have lost all of my pregnacy weight which has been 40-45lbs within 2 weeks after delivery AND each time I have done Atkins I have lost 40lbs and then I stall). Do people stall on this and if they do and it has nothing to do with the restriction, how can you tweak your program to break the stall? Or is it a matter of just being patient and waiting it out? That has always been my downfall with Atkins, I would get discouarged and just start eating the foods I liked again because I figured I wasn't losing anyway.I'm sorry if you guys get tired of the same ole questions. At least I was specific and didn't just come on here and say can someone tell me about lapband...lolThanks in advance

Sunsett Usually the weight gain is in patients that are on long term steroid use. In your case the doctor is treating you with predisone because it will decrease the inflammation caused by your asthma and respiratory infection hence allow you to cough up all the mucus in your lungs and prevent pneumonia from forming and let you breath easier. Predisone also will increase your blood sugar drasticly if you are diabetic. There are other options avaliable instead of taking the predisone but this usually works the best. 5 days of predisone is nothing, I would suggest to take it and feel better before Christmas arrives. Good Luck! and Good Health!

Dianne, don't worry over the prednisone. My daughter had walking pneumonia (at age 6!) last month and the doc gave her the antibiotic and liquid pred. She was much better in just a few days! It really helps. Take it like the doc ordered, and please don't stop now! You have 11 people at your house over the weekend...you need to feel your best! Throw out the scales until you have been on and then off the pred for a week. You will pee like a racehorse for a few days after the pred is done and then you will know it's safe to get on the scale. Your weight loss journey is for the long haul. A little temporary Water weight gain won't hurt you...really!!!!! Warning: long and complicated plans ahead... I got a call today from my sister-in-law from Texas. Shhhh...it's a surprise! She, my brother and my 16yo niece are driving in to Charlotte late tomarrow night! Yay! Our Christmas is complete! So noone knows but me. Geez! Talk about pressure! I have my dad coming over for coffee tomorrow night, then I gave hubby the heads up that me and dad need to go out and do something secret after 11pm. Please don't freak out...we'll be back. Fine. So I'll wait for the call, load up dad, stop and get my sis, and meet them at the Cracker Barrel on Billy Graham. They will be so happy! We will get my bro and bring him back to my house. He'll go home with my dad and stay there with him. My SIL and niece will drive on to her sisters house in South Charlotte for the weekend. THEN! My Mom and her fiance (yes, drama at our house this Chistmas...lets just add the new fiance to the family pic this year, huh? sigh. Wish I didn't like him so much, right? He's a great guy.) Anyhow, Mom still doesn't know. I called her today and said..."I just talked with Cathy. Her Mom is coming into town from Tx with our gifts so she doesn't have to ship them. Can you come have hamburgers Friday night and stop by the sister's house to pick up our gifts? We'll send ours back with her when she goes back after Christmas...they'll be late but it's okay" blah, blah, yada, yada, yada. So Mom will go to the sister's house and find her Daughter-in-law and Granddaughter there...Get in her car and come up for burgers. Surprise! And we'll all be together Friday night. With the new fiance. Let's just add to the plate! Then we'll be together again on Christmas day here. That's 14 people Friday night and Christmas day. Time to go grocery shopping? Karen: I'm so glad your Christmas musical is going so well. God is so faithful, I love to see His Spirit move. Bless you for using your talents. Angie: I posted about your surgery on the other thread...keep us updated! Melissa: you sound like me with appoinyments. It's a busy time of year to be scheduling these things! But, they are important. I wish I had a nutritionist following along with me. Ya'll all be thankful for your insurance! Me and Sherrie will ride your coat tails, okay? Kim, I really hope your back feels better. Yuck. Do you like the Chiro? I have always wanted to get adjusted several times over a month and see if I can just get a better feeling of well-being. They say so many things can be out of whack and cause problems all over...sinuses, allergies, digestive system issues, foot pain, etc. I hope that works for you. If I were desperate enough, I'd drink an adult dose of the liquid and wash wash wash it through with plenty of water to keep it off the stoma, ya know? I wonder if your doc would allow that? You don't need it everyday, right? Might be worth it? Pat, that sounds so nice...even just one night away at the beach with the girls would be worth the drive! How fun! How far is it to the Outer Banks from here...isn't it an 8-9 hour drive? Yowza! I'd love to do it. It doesn't even have to be summer! Okay, I need to wrap one gift tonight...then I'm hitting the sack! Night all!!!

Hi vinesqueen, I am down 41 lbs, losing slowly but going in right direction. I was on prednisone when I had my Chemo 3 years ago, my weight went through the roof. But I was on 100mgs for 5 days for 6 cycles, it was not fun. I am sure that if you are on a short period of time the weight gain will only be temporary. Hang in there...