Dr. Gerald Kirshenbaum - Considering Dr. Kirshenbaum

[minidriver 0]

Gosh, lots of positive stuff in the last 24 or so hours!

Dork: cute glasses! congrats on NSVs...

tucker update (ignore if you are tired of dog talk:wink2:) He is doing great. No coughing, freight train breathing, or vomiting. He is eating more in quantity and in frequency. He is getting stronger in his back legs (all the better to hop up into my favorite chair). We are so optimistic about his future; it will be our responsibility to make sure he eats and drinks in a correct posture...a flat plane position.

Good news for me! I calculated that I have lost 20 lbs. since surgery, which was only 17 days ago, making a total of almost 34 lbs so far:lol:

As I mentioned earlier, I am coming on 23rd for my first fill and have to say I am a little anxious about it. I have had no probs so far at all and I am envisioning trouble after a fill. Tell me, am I being anxious for no reason?:confused:

ooo, I'm so happy to hear that Tucker is doing so well. YAY TUCKER!!!

Your weight loss has been phenomenal. Wow. I once gained 17 lbs in 21 days while on vacation, but it never seems to come off at that rate :thumbup:

I think it's totally natural to be nervous about your fills. I was way nervous the first time and this time too. I keep waiting for the PBing, etc. to start or whatever. But so far so good other than my little tummy ache tonight. Although last time my fill didn't really "kick in" until a few days later, so we shall see . . .

[MissMom24 2]

YAY DEB!!! Glad to hear things are going so good for Tucker!

Don't freak to much about the fill...it is nerve wracking and then you have it done and its like "Thats it, really?!?"

[minidriver 0]

YAY DEB!!! Glad to hear things are going so good for Tucker!

Don't freak to much about the fill...it is nerve wracking and then you have it done and its like "Thats it, really?!?"

Exactly! It's kind of cool . . . in a weird way.

[marcyinak 0]

Deb~ YEAH! So glad to hear Tucker is home and he ATE. Woot!! Hopefully his recovery will be speedy from here on out.

Again on the pills subject. This is the one thing that really bothers me about having surgery out of state. I do not feel like I have been informed 100% on what I can and can't do.

Can I use a straw or not?

Can I have carbonation or not?

Is popcorn bad or not?

Should I crush all my pills or not?

Etc.. etc.. etc.

Finding the answers on here is NOT how I want to manage my lap band. Every surgeon is different and every one of my questions would receive a different answer.

I know it is as simple as an email or phone call for an answer, but I really feel like there should have been a packet that was handed out that covered EVERYTHING. A 20 minute consult prior to surgery that covered the surgery did not, and does not, cut it. I do feel a bit like I was left hanging.

quote]

Adork - First, I like the glasses too. Second, imagine flying all the way from ALASKA to have the surgery...you bet I had al lthe information I thought I'd need...heck, I had MORE than enough. The straw thing was to prevent a lot of air getting into your stomach...which is shy they frown on soda - the carbonation can cause air in your tummy, which in turn causes pain/discomfort - there was no "surgical/medical" reason to not use a straw or drink soda - it's just the bubbles. I'm glad that any and every question that I had prior to surgery and after, I've had answered promptly. As for other foods...it's really up to YOU. You're right, every doc will give you a different answer, but with this you just really have to FEEL what is best for you!

I hear ya' with the out of state thing. I think it's only natural that, if we were seeing Dr. K. every month, we could ask him those things that come up in our minds. But since we're not, we end up with little and/or conflicting info from aftercare people. And the conflicting info is the worst! We should always follow what our doctors say, but which one should we follow? As you stated, though, that's kind of the price we pay for making the decision to go out of town, so thank heavens we do have this site!!!

On a completely different note . . . DH and I have been having some wacky thoughts lately about retiring in 5 or 6 years, selling everything we own, and living in a motorhome. We could spend the summers on the Oregon coast (our favorite place on earth), spend more time with our grandbaby in northern california, get out of the cold in the winter, etc.

Are we nuts? Any thoughts on this plan?

Mini - I agree with the out of state coments..it's a price we pay. I use this site for sharing what works for me and and hearing what works for others. Sometimes the doc just doesn't know and everyone is different so we have to try different things. My husband and I would also like to "retire on the road" .... a lot of people from Alaska do that. Although, we'd like to get a Semi and earn some money during retirement to pay for our travels! :-)

So I just finished eating my first meal since my fill. I ate about a half a chicken breast and some green Beans. I cut everything into tiny pieces and chewed really well and everything seemed to go fine. But now I kind of have a tummy ache in my little tummy. Is this what it's like to have something stuck? Or did I just eat too much? I don't feel like throwing up or anything, my stomach just hurts.

Exactly! It's kind of cool . . . in a weird way.

Mini - That's not what if feels like to me when something gets stuck, that's what it feels like when I've just eaten too much of something "bulky" (like chicken...kinda just sits there for a while and takes longer than soft stuff to go all the way down). This is actually what I WANT to happen...I don't want to be tempted to eat more or WANT to eat something else...just the feeling to make me stop already!

Pills - now, I've stated before (long, long ago) that I take pills without crushing or splitting them, but as I stated then...this is an INDIVIDUAL thing and I actually think that if I were to get another fill then I'd probably not be able to do this. It also depends on how quickly the pills dissolve - Tylenol usually dissolves pretty fast. Now...WARNING! Time-release capsules should not be split or crushed (does away with the whole time-release thing) and I've found out the hard/painful way that Mucinex will get stuck and be AWFUL so don't take it. I do take a time-release Ambien occassionally and I don't have issues with that...although I think if I were to get filled I might so...

Ads - does anyone else get a little freaked out at the ads on the side here advertising cheap-o surgeries?!?! I actually considered Mex., but then someone directed me to Dr. K...I'm soooo happy I did that!

Anniversary - my DH and I celebrated our 11th Anniversary yesterday! It was a good day of hard work for the day and a nice date in the evening! Ahhhhh....the wind was blowing just perfect and all the stars were out...too bad the northern lights weren't out...those are kinda hit-or-miss.

Challenge - I've been pretty good with the Halloween challenge so far, but I did partake of a cookie tonight. I'll get back on track tomorrow and start working out...I really think I could dump the most weight for my goal these first few weeks and then it's all down hill from there...right?:thumbup:

[deboregon 0]

Mini: your idea about Oregon coast: of course, I would say that's the perfect way to do it! But I am prejudiced, being a native Oregonian.:biggrin:

Okay, I am going to say that I am feeling a little down now.....I have asked twice if anyone wanted to meet for a bite on the Tuesday I fly in and out for my fill and no one acknowledged my request, let alone say they might meet me....oh, wait, Denver, you mentioned something earlier.

What's up, girls? As I recall, it was Dee who had the gas problem on the bench:blink:! I haven't been there long enough to stink it up yet!! Sheesh....:sad::sad::sad::sad::sad: I am feeling very alone:crying::confused: Possibly could drive me to drink!:thumbup::martini_shaken: Doesn't anyone want to meet for an adult beverage of some kind:beer_yum:

[minidriver 0]

Mini: your idea about Oregon coast: of course, I would say that's the perfect way to do it! But I am prejudiced, being a native Oregonian.:biggrin:

Okay, I am going to say that I am feeling a little down now.....I have asked twice if anyone wanted to meet for a bite on the Tuesday I fly in and out for my fill and no one acknowledged my request, let alone say they might meet me....oh, wait, Denver, you mentioned something earlier.

What's up, girls? As I recall, it was Dee who had the gas problem on the bench:blink:! I haven't been there long enough to stink it up yet!! Sheesh....:sad::sad::sad::sad::sad: I am feeling very alone:crying::confused: Possibly could drive me to drink!:thumbup::martini_shaken: Doesn't anyone want to meet for an adult beverage of some kind:beer_yum:

I will! I will! Oh, wait. I live in Utah. Never mind.:sad:

[minidriver 0]

Hmmm, driving a truck would be interesting . . . I'm thinking of looking in to teaching a online colleges . . . we will need some sort of income.

[ShelbiCallie 0]

Mini: your idea about Oregon coast: of course, I would say that's the perfect way to do it! But I am prejudiced, being a native Oregonian.:biggrin:

Okay, I am going to say that I am feeling a little down now.....I have asked twice if anyone wanted to meet for a bite on the Tuesday I fly in and out for my fill and no one acknowledged my request, let alone say they might meet me....oh, wait, Denver, you mentioned something earlier.

What's up, girls? As I recall, it was Dee who had the gas problem on the bench:blink:! I haven't been there long enough to stink it up yet!! Sheesh....:sad::sad::sad::sad::sad: I am feeling very alone:crying::confused: Possibly could drive me to drink!:thumbup::martini_shaken: Doesn't anyone want to meet for an adult beverage of some kind:beer_yum:

Deb! I wish I was in CO! I would meet you for adult beverages for sure!!!!!!!!! Come to NC and see my doc!! We'll have BBQ! (ok, maybe not the best choice after a fill, but I'm trying to be hospitable) Bring Tucker!

[jmegirl 2]

Mini: your idea about Oregon coast: of course, I would say that's the perfect way to do it! But I am prejudiced, being a native Oregonian.:biggrin:

Okay, I am going to say that I am feeling a little down now.....I have asked twice if anyone wanted to meet for a bite on the Tuesday I fly in and out for my fill and no one acknowledged my request, let alone say they might meet me....oh, wait, Denver, you mentioned something earlier.

What's up, girls? As I recall, it was Dee who had the gas problem on the bench:blink:! I haven't been there long enough to stink it up yet!! Sheesh....:sad::sad::sad::sad::sad: I am feeling very alone:crying::confused: Possibly could drive me to drink!:thumbup::martini_shaken: Doesn't anyone want to meet for an adult beverage of some kind:beer_yum:

Deb! I wish I was in CO! I would meet you for adult beverages for sure!!!!!!!!! Come to NC and see my doc!! We'll have BBQ! (ok, maybe not the best choice after a fill, but I'm trying to be hospitable) Bring Tucker!

Yea! If you come to NC, I'll join you both for an adult beverage! mmm BBQ makes me :sad:

[MissMom24 2]

I will meet you Deb...what time?!?!

[PrtyAntOvrYt 6]

Mini: your idea about Oregon coast: of course, I would say that's the perfect way to do it! But I am prejudiced, being a native Oregonian.:biggrin:

Okay, I am going to say that I am feeling a little down now.....I have asked twice if anyone wanted to meet for a bite on the Tuesday I fly in and out for my fill and no one acknowledged my request, let alone say they might meet me....oh, wait, Denver, you mentioned something earlier.

What's up, girls? As I recall, it was Dee who had the gas problem on the bench:blink:! I haven't been there long enough to stink it up yet!! Sheesh....:sad::sad::sad::sad::sad: I am feeling very alone:crying::cry_smile: Possibly could drive me to drink!:thumbup::martini_shaken: Doesn't anyone want to meet for an adult beverage of some kind:beer_yum:

Hey! I'll meet you! What time would be best and what date? I'd love to meet you! WE could have Soup or just drinks!

Will you hate me if I am a Husker fan?!?

Be careful...espically if he tries to come back.

I am a big time Huskers' Fan! I went to UNL and graduated in 1985! I was there during the big Osborne era!!!

GO Huskers!!

So I just finished eating my first meal since my fill. I ate about a half a chicken breast and some green Beans. I cut everything into tiny pieces and chewed really well and everything seemed to go fine. But now I kind of have a tummy ache in my little tummy. Is this what it's like to have something stuck? Or did I just eat too much? I don't feel like throwing up or anything, my stomach just hurts.

Yup, that is how I feel when I have eaten too much! It's not a good feeling!!!

NSV for me. Went shopping at the Avenue for a huge huge clerance sale they were having. I am now.... drumroll.... a 22/24 top and 24 bottom! :eek: :w00t: I WAS a TIGHT 32 top and a 32 bottom before.

I can now cross my legs... and I do it ALL the time.

I also went out to eat with hubby on his birthday and slid in the booth like butter. :w00t: :thumbup:

So even though my weight seems to have stalled, I am definately reshaping my body with recent gym activity. I also had my first session with a personal trainer this morning, so I am going to get moving on core training. I am going to take strength traing classes on Tue & Thur and I am going to give Yoga a shot on Sat's. :scared2:

Favorite healthy snack right now, Trader Joes Eggplant Hummus with carrot sticks. :drool:

Bad new habit I have to break... Venti pumpkin Spice Lattes at Starbucks. :drool: Oye. I get them non-fat without whipped, but it is still 340 calories a pop. :scared2: :cursing: Probably to blame for my stall.

Favorite new toy... Sigg Night Whispers water bottle. I got a smokin deal on it at Whole Foods (only $20). So I bought two! haha. Now I don't have to worry about giving myself cancer from leaving my plastic Water bottles rolling around in my hot AZ car.

I am a Water Bottle addict! I love all kinds of water bottles! I love your glasses! I just got a new pair also! I was going for that, "Hot for Teacher" look!!!

I think I'm like a week behind in my update, so here it goes...

I think I'm going to call Dr. K's office this week and cancel my appointment for a fill. The more I have been thinking about it....the more I know I probably don't really need a fill. I think I just "think" I need a fill! I feel myself trying to slip into bad habits again but when I follow my "good bandster rules" I get the right signals to stop eating. I am also still seeing the scale move. Not to say that it's moving quickly...but it's moving downward (that's the key right?) So I've decided not to mess up a good thing right now and just work a little harder and work my band the way I'm suppose to!

My NSV this month:

1. Rode carnival rides with my daughter this weekend!

2. Went out to eat and did not have a mental fear of being sat at a booth rather than a table.

3. My smaller shorts I bought at the beginning of the summer are getting to BIG!!!! By the end of the day I have to roll the waistband down to keep them up!

4. My husband made the comment he could feel my hipbone again :tt1:

5. Fit into a bra that I bought a few years ago that didn't fit at the time.

6. Saw an old friend I hadn't seen in over a year...and she barely recognized me!!!!

I do drink through a straw. I understood the information given before surgery to say that when you were able to move from liquids to eat things that could possibly move through a straw, but not to actually eat it through a straw. Maybe I was wrong. I don't have any problems when drinking through a straw. I feel I drink more water throughout the day if I use a straw anyway.

I try to get all my pills in liquid or chewable. I do take the Benedryl for Severe Head Colds (just one a day). And I cut it in half....ya'll think that is okay???? Now you got me worried....:sad:

Hope everyone has a good week! I'm going to try to do more walking outside this week.

I think you're right about not getting a fill. I'm in the same spot. AND it scares me to mess up a good thing. Even a tiny fill can ruin a your green zone and having an unfill can really mess things up! Sometimes it takes longer to get to the green zone after having an unfill. Tom and I discuss this everytime I go in. I made my next appt. for 6 weeks instead of 4. Congrats on all of those NSV's!!:thumbup:

In the Cooper case, the husband hasn't been named a person of interest or a suspect by the police just yet, but the consensus of everyone in the media and the community is that the husband is the guilty one based on all the information that's been released in the warrants and such.

This morning they updated the case in my neighborhood, saying they still aren't ruling it a homicide, but that the woman's boyfriend is missing and he has apparently stolen her car - so I guess we know where that case is going. As of 12p today, the house is still roped off with Crime Scene tape. I still can't believe that house is literally 100 yards from my house, door to door. :eek:

Go Wolfpack!! Shelbi, I'm shocked and appalled that you would pull for the Tarheels. However, since I liked you before I knew your sports orientation, I guess I can let it slide. But you are right - anything is better than being one of the Dookies!!! :thumbup:

That is so scary! AND so close to your home! I hate when that happens. Even tho you know it's an isolated case and most likely not a random crime, it still is unnerving!

Boy, i've wanted to comment and report but the site wouldn't accept my password and it has taken 2-3 days to get it straightened out:tongue_smilie:Anyway, congrats to Denver for surviving the first few days. I stuck with Vitarain by Kirkland, SF Jello and jello pudding, Tomato Soup, steamed veggies, oatmeal, etc. for several days. Right now am thinking about going back to it since I am stuck here at 25.6 lost for a few days with eating "normal" food! Will jumpstart something, I am sure.

Update on Tucker: Well, he still has pneumonia, but the dr. said yesterday there really isn't anything else they can do since he won't eat. therefore, doc said we should take him home to see if being at home would calm him enough that he would eat. we have a shit load of drugs to give him, but can't if he won't eat. His breathing has been very steady and "normal" since he has been home, just a few bouts of panting. Wouldn't eat last night or this morning, but am happy to report 15 minutes ago I handfed him about 2 ounces of cooked hamburger!:lol: Not much but a start! Hopefully, my boy is on his road to food and good health! Thanks again to all of you who prayed, chanted, lit candles, etc. he had great people all over the US rooting for him:thumbup:

My first fill with Dr. K is Tuesday, sept. 23. My plane arrives at about 11:30 am and I am renting a car. Appt isn't until 3:00 and my plane doesn't leave until 9PM. Anyone up for a quick bite in early afternoon or evening. I sure would like to put a face to all these smart-ass comments....er...I mean all these great conversationalists!!:blushing:

I'm so happy to hear about Tucker-Baby! That's great news! There is an Atlanta bread Company not far from Dr. K's office, we could get some soup OR we could hit those places off of Pena and Tower area if you want -- that would be closer to the airport and closer to Brandy-girl.

P.S. I eat popcorn all the time, I love the 100 calorie packs and eat them for dinner a lot. With lots of butter of course. I know fat, fat, fat. But it tastes good and is easy to get down.

I confess, I love Popcorn! The AMC theater near my home has this great little package deal. 8oz of popcorn (smaller than the kids size) an 8oz drink and candy. Or any combo! I usually get the popcorn and two water bottles. I know it's bad! BUT I really don't care! I sacrifice all of the time, if I want a tiny popcorn when I go to the movies, I think that's okay.

Okay Guys, as some of you know I served a year in Haiti as a student missionary. I loved it there! More than anything, I absolutely loved the people! They are really struggling with the recent hurricanes. Please take a moment and say a prayer for the people of Haiti and all the others who have suffered from the bad weather. Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. Their lives are hard enough and a disaster like this is devastating.

Edited September 8, 2008 by PrtyAntOvrYt

[PrtyAntOvrYt 6]

Mini,

I forgot to tell you, I didn't get the Math Gene, so I didn't understand your half way comment, but I do now! I got the Obese gene from my parents, not the math gene! It sucks!!!

Denvergirl,

Sounds like you're doing great! I also remember being totally exhausted. Mini is right, it is a surgical procedure, general anesthesia and an invasive procedure. Take care of yourself and don't push it!

Hugs to you all!

Love,

me~

[PrtyAntOvrYt 6]

Mini: your idea about Oregon coast: of course, I would say that's the perfect way to do it! But I am prejudiced, being a native Oregonian.:blushing:

Okay, I am going to say that I am feeling a little down now.....I have asked twice if anyone wanted to meet for a bite on the Tuesday I fly in and out for my fill and no one acknowledged my request, let alone say they might meet me....oh, wait, Denver, you mentioned something earlier.

What's up, girls? As I recall, it was Dee who had the gas problem on the bench:blink:! I haven't been there long enough to stink it up yet!! Sheesh....:sad::biggrin::sad::cursing: I am feeling very alone:crying::cry_smile: Possibly could drive me to drink!:thumbup::martini_shaken: Doesn't anyone want to meet for an adult beverage of some kind:beer_yum:

BTW Deb, I'd appreciate you not mentioning my Gas problem! It's something I am very shy about! BECAUSE I know you all cannot relate.

Please don't cry! Even if you had stunk the place up, we all still love you!!:scared2:

[minidriver 0]

Mini,

I forgot to tell you, I didn't get the Math Gene, so I didn't understand your half way comment, but I do now! I got the Obese gene from my parents, not the math gene! It sucks!!!

Denvergirl,

Sounds like you're doing great! I also remember being totally exhausted. Mini is right, it is a surgical procedure, general anesthesia and an invasive procedure. Take care of yourself and don't push it!

Hugs to you all!

Love,

me~

Hee hee. I got the obese gene as well. Unfortunately, I didn't get the tidy gene. Everyone else in my family is obsessively tidy. I am a huge mess. Kinda' weird.

[minidriver 0]

BTW Deb, I'd appreciate you not mentioning my Gas problem! It's something I am very shy about! BECAUSE I know you all cannot relate.

Please don't cry! Even if you had stunk the place up, we all still love you!!:thumbup:

I don't know WHAT you are talking about. I don't have gas!!! NEVER!! Not when I lie on my side at night . . . not when I first wake up . . . not at random times for absolutely no reason . . . .