Dr. Gerald Kirshenbaum - Considering Dr. Kirshenbaum

[minidriver 0]

Okay, first: I received word awhile ago that my son showed up at his girlfriend's house and he's okay.

Thank you so much to everybody for your support and kind thoughts last night. Sorry to worry everyone . . . I was feeling pretty low last night. Even though we've gone through this sort of thing over and over, it never seems to get much easier. We tossed and turned all night and now I have one heck of a headache, but at least he's okay. This time.

dee - I am soooo sorry about what happened with the mom and stuff. I know it's hard to believe it right now, but there will come a day when no one calls you fat ever again. Please don't let this detract from the incredible progress you're making. Isn't it amazing how people feel free to say those sorts of things though? Incredible.

I'm excited that your job interview went well! I hope it works out! I love research.

I lost 1 lb last week. Better than no pounds. I think my new fill might be working though. I had a little bit of food at 5 yesterday afternoon and was still full at midnight!!

Love all you guys. Thanks so much for your support. It means alot.

[minidriver 0]

Hello All, I have been away for awhile due to various reasons. I'll start with none band issues first. I have been so busy with volleyball and getting no help from parents who have said that they will help, it has been crazy. I'll I can say is that the season is over in 2 weeks then I should have more free time. I also, got accused by some of the parents that I was flirting with the coach so that my daughter could get ahead, funny thing is she is still starting on JV and not on Varsity so I must not be very good at it.

Last week I was offered a job at dd club volleyball team to be the admin assistant, it was so tempting (all her club fees $2500, including travel about another $1500 would be covered and my travel as well), but I had to turn it down. It was going to be way to much time away from the little one, plus I think the club might be in trouble and dd is being looked at by another club (that is a little bit more competitive).

Last weekend hubby and I were in SLC for a garage door convention, it was pretty boring, but we did get a big award the "Chairman's of the Year". Yeah us!!!

Now on to the band issues...I went in a little over 2 weeks ago and had all my Fluid removed so we could see where I was at. I was at 7.4cc, I had gotten to where I was having a little heartburn and not eating as much, so Tom & I decided to put back only 5.4cc, well that sucked I could eat anything I wanted absolutally no restriction and I gain 4 pounds. I had to go about 1 week like this til I could get back in and have a little more put in. I saw Dr. K last Tues and he put in another 1.3cc, so now I am up to 6.7cc. I still think I need a little bit more I can eat more than I want to and have to remind myself to stop. The good news is I have actually lost the 4 lbs that I gained and am now staying steady. I go this Thursday to see Tom and I will have him add just a little bit more.

I must confuss, last night as I was getting caught up on the hundreds of posts I had missed, I was eating cold stone ice cream and it was so good. I need to get back on the 'bandwagon'.

Wow, aren't parents just the most fun? When DH and I coached our daughter's softball team it was such a pain dealing with all the parents.

Even though you might be a little loose right now, it sounds like a good thing that you had some taken out. You don't want to start having stomach problems.

Let me know next time you're coming to SLC. I'd love to meet you!

[bahotmomma 0]

Dee,

I am so sorry that happened to you, you are so much more than what is on the outside. You are such an incredible woman with a big heart and you are the kindest person. That mom & nurse both should be slapped and I can stop by the hospital later and do it. I agree with Mini one day soon you will be known as the "beautiful woman with the BIG Heart". I love you and don't let it get you down (I know easier said than done).

Mini, So glad your son is okay, I said a few prayers for you last night before I went to bed. What a rollercoster ride that was for you, definatly an "E ticket ride". I would love to see you when we come again. Our manufacturer is there and we try to get out once or twice a year.

Munch, I was really upset for you when I read about the pesky neighbors, to bad you don't have bitng dogs. They could bite your neighbors in the butt for you...

[PrtyAntOvrYt 6]

Okay, first: I received word awhile ago that my son showed up at his girlfriend's house and he's okay.

Thank you so much to everybody for your support and kind thoughts last night. Sorry to worry everyone . . . I was feeling pretty low last night. Even though we've gone through this sort of thing over and over, it never seems to get much easier. We tossed and turned all night and now I have one heck of a headache, but at least he's okay. This time.

dee - I am soooo sorry about what happened with the mom and stuff. I know it's hard to believe it right now, but there will come a day when no one calls you fat ever again. Please don't let this detract from the incredible progress you're making. Isn't it amazing how people feel free to say those sorts of things though? Incredible.

I'm excited that your job interview went well! I hope it works out! I love research.

I lost 1 lb last week. Better than no pounds. I think my new fill might be working though. I had a little bit of food at 5 yesterday afternoon and was still full at midnight!!

Love all you guys. Thanks so much for your support. It means alot.

Thank you for letting us know that your Son is safe. I can only imagine your night was very stressful. I'm sorry.

I hope I get the research job too. When they were telling me about it, I was getting more and more convinced that it was right for me.

I hate being the "fat one" I hate being the fattest person in the room! I just hate being fat!

Life goes on... and we continue to ride that wave -

Sometimes, it's a bit rocking and sometimes it's down right evil.

But knowing we can reach our hands out across the waters of

life and touch the hand of another -

One who knows, understands and listens

Makes that wave much calmer and the ride much more tolerable.

Life goes on...

It's been a hard week for many of us. We've had some hard times in our lives these past months. Some heartaches, struggles and sadness from things in our families and our friends. I think of Mal and her Son's friend. I think of many of us. Life changing events have occured for us. But yet, we still come here... we still join together to vent, to listen, to cry and to laugh.

We're so fortunate. We found friendship here. A gathering of like individuals from all corners of this country - and Alaska - who have come here with the need to be healthier and happier.

Each one of you brings to this site a specialness. Remember the movie, You Me and Dupree? Dupree always told his friend, Carl, to be proud of his "Carlness" -- I love that! I need to remember it at times like this. We all do... be proud of who we are, what we've become and the love we have in our hearts.

Our struggles with weight have changed us. It perhaps has made us more sensitive to others who are not perfect - as the world would define perfection - but I say today, each of you is perfect in my mind.

[PrtyAntOvrYt 6]

Dee,

I am so sorry that happened to you, you are so much more than what is on the outside. You are such an incredible woman with a big heart and you are the kindest person. That mom & nurse both should be slapped and I can stop by the hospital later and do it. I agree with Mini one day soon you will be known as the "beautiful woman with the BIG Heart". I love you and don't let it get you down (I know easier said than done).

Mini, So glad your son is okay, I said a few prayers for you last night before I went to bed. What a rollercoster ride that was for you, definatly an "E ticket ride". I would love to see you when we come again. Our manufacturer is there and we try to get out once or twice a year.

Munch, I was really upset for you when I read about the pesky neighbors, to bad you don't have bitng dogs. They could bite your neighbors in the butt for you...

Thanks Hotmomma!

I'll let you know what the nurse and mom look like so you can slap them really good!!!

I'm so proud of your accomplishments! You'll get back on track when you get your fill back. It's such a tricky thing!

Be good and show the world your Bahotmommaness!

Love,

dee~

[minidriver 0]

Thank you for letting us know that your Son is safe. I can only imagine your night was very stressful. I'm sorry.

I hope I get the research job too. When they were telling me about it, I was getting more and more convinced that it was right for me.

I hate being the "fat one" I hate being the fattest person in the room! I just hate being fat!

Life goes on... and we continue to ride that wave -

Sometimes, it's a bit rocking and sometimes it's down right evil.

But knowing we can reach our hands out across the waters of

life and touch the hand of another -

One who knows, understands and listens

Makes that wave much calmer and the ride much more tolerable.

Life goes on...

It's been a hard week for many of us. We've had some hard times in our lives these past months. Some heartaches, struggles and sadness from things in our families and our friends. I think of Mal and her Son's friend. I think of many of us. Life changing events have occured for us. But yet, we still come here... we still join together to vent, to listen, to cry and to laugh.

We're so fortunate. We found friendship here. A gathering of like individuals from all corners of this country - and Alaska - who have come here with the need to be healthier and happier.

Each one of you brings to this site a specialness. Remember the movie, You Me and Dupree? Dupree always told his friend, Carl, to be proud of his "Carlness" -- I love that! I need to remember it at times like this. We all do... be proud of who we are, what we've become and the love we have in our hearts.

Our struggles with weight have changed us. It perhaps has made us more sensitive to others who are not perfect - as the world would define perfection - but I say today, each of you is perfect in my mind.

dee, that was beautiful.

Well said.

xoxoxoxoxo

[Snowgator 3]

Ok... now that I am caught up. I have had a REALLY crappy week. First things first, weigh in:

Lost 0 Gained 0

....which is a miracle considering I bailed on the gym all week, at like crap, and caved to the B&J Cake Batter ice cream. :smile:

I am seriously worried I may have a leak in my band. After having only 4cc pulled out of my band last week (one week after I was supposed to have 6cc) I again have NO restriction. I am supposed to have almost 7cc's in my band right now and just do not think that is the case. I am contemplating going in again this week to have him extract the Fluid to see how much is in there.

I need to find a support group or something. I feel so alone right now. :cursing: I am sorry for my stupid vent. Everyone has got so much going on, I know my issues are petty... but it is how I am feeling right now and I have no where else to go to complain or vent about this.

I am thinking I may need to go back on my meds. I somehow went astray again on my anti deppresants and think perhaps it has caught up with me. :cursing:

Adork, Oh, I know what you mean. My bandster hell month was just like that. I sure hope your doc can fix what is going on and that there really is no leak or anything.

As for the antidepressants, I know it varies for everybody. Do what you think is best. I have found out that I do better without them. I'm down to 1/8 of a pill (3mg) of effexor, and I am trying my best to taper to zero. Somepeople do best taking them for a lifetime, others do best taking them to get through an episode. Do what you think is best for you!

And, you are very welcome to jump in the hot tub over here in Denver anytime you feel like it! Dr. K said I could go in now, so I enjoyed a nice soak with lots of bubbles and nice fruity scented bath crystals this week. In fact, think I will do it again today.

ok ladies, i'm at the beach. it's a "girls" weekend and i'm here with my mom and a few of her friends.

so my question is: i'm having surgery in one month - is it OK if i get a tattoo this weekend? all i've ever wanted is a small tattoo on my right ankle, maybe the size of a half dollar. will that complicate my surgery? i have about 33 days until surgery, so i wanted to make sure it was OK before i go and do it, and since so many of you are nurses, i figure you'd know best!!! my mom wants to get her belly button pierced and i thought i'd finally get my tattoo at the same time. any help is appreciated!

jme, I don't have a tatt..but it seems it would make sense to wait until you reach your goal weight so the skin is nice and tight and the design won't change with shrinking

Well Folks,

Yesterday at work, I upset a Mom. She wasn't following instructions and it had gone on all day, all night and then I arrive in the morning to find the same issues are present. A baby at risk of having big problems. In front of the practitioner and another nurse, I spoke pretty firmly with her about her actions. She was tired, I'm sure, stressed and probably sick of nurses telling her what to do. Anyway, she left our unit and went out to the floor to report that I was mean to her. Me? I'm not ever mean to people. I'm mean to myself, but I'm not mean to others. I can be firm, however. Anyway, the charge from the floor came in and said something to one of the other nurses about it. I was charge, not the other nurse. I overheard her talking about me and I went over. She said, "That Mom said that the Big Fat Nurse was mean to her." As soon as I heard those words, I left. I went to the bathroom and cried. Everyone has always described me that way! I hate it! I reported her remark to my manager and my manager talked to her and she came and apologized. It hurts to have others only see me as "that big fat" person. I feel I am so much more than that. But even when people like me and they don't know my name, they say that. "The fat one." I'm so tired of being the fat one!

Prty, I feel for you. I've sure had that type of thing said about me before. I think nurses are perfectionists, and just having a patient or coworker upset with you is bad enough, but for her to take a stab at how you look is just uncalled for. I'm sorry! Enjoy your 5K tomorrow, and focus on how much healthier you are now, and how much better you feel and look. Phooey on that woman.

Hello All, I have been away for awhile due to various reasons. I'll start with none band issues first. I have been so busy with volleyball and getting no help from parents who have said that they will help, it has been crazy. I'll I can say is that the season is over in 2 weeks then I should have more free time. I also, got accused by some of the parents that I was flirting with the coach so that my daughter could get ahead, funny thing is she is still starting on JV and not on Varsity so I must not be very good at it.

Last week I was offered a job at dd club volleyball team to be the admin assistant, it was so tempting (all her club fees $2500, including travel about another $1500 would be covered and my travel as well), but I had to turn it down. It was going to be way to much time away from the little one, plus I think the club might be in trouble and dd is being looked at by another club (that is a little bit more competitive).

Last weekend hubby and I were in SLC for a garage door convention, it was pretty boring, but we did get a big award the "Chairman's of the Year". Yeah us!!!

Now on to the band issues...I went in a little over 2 weeks ago and had all my fluid removed so we could see where I was at. I was at 7.4cc, I had gotten to where I was having a little heartburn and not eating as much, so Tom & I decided to put back only 5.4cc, well that sucked I could eat anything I wanted absolutally no restriction and I gain 4 pounds. I had to go about 1 week like this til I could get back in and have a little more put in. I saw Dr. K last Tues and he put in another 1.3cc, so now I am up to 6.7cc. I still think I need a little bit more I can eat more than I want to and have to remind myself to stop. The good news is I have actually lost the 4 lbs that I gained and am now staying steady. I go this Thursday to see Tom and I will have him add just a little bit more.

I must confuss, last night as I was getting caught up on the hundreds of posts I had missed, I was eating cold stone ice cream and it was so good. I need to get back on the 'bandwagon'.

Bahot, my daughter played club and varsity volleyball too, and I sure believe you how crazy and competitive some of the MOTHERS can be! I know it is a huge investment of your time and money. I'm sorry they are being so petty. Those womoen are just jealous you know, as you look great.

Okay, first: I received word awhile ago that my son showed up at his girlfriend's house and he's okay.

Thank you so much to everybody for your support and kind thoughts last night. Sorry to worry everyone . . . I was feeling pretty low last night. Even though we've gone through this sort of thing over and over, it never seems to get much easier. We tossed and turned all night and now I have one heck of a headache, but at least he's okay. This time.

Love all you guys. Thanks so much for your support. It means alot. :cursing:

Mini, I'm so happy to hear your son is okay. I'm sure that was one of those terrible parenting moments that gives us mom's gray hair. Hugs for you!

Well all, 2 days after my fill, I'm delighted to say that I finally feel that I have had the surgery and that it's working. I can only imagine that for now I'm in the green zone. I am eating small amounts, not snacking between meals, and not hungry between meals. Truly amazing! Last night we had sushi and edemame for dinner. I split the small steamed edemame with my daughter, and could only eat 4 pcs of sushi from my 8 pc try. My daughter was shocked!

Happy weekend - and good luck to Prty and Mal on the 5 K - we want to hear all about it.

[munchkin392 1]

Well Folks,

Yesterday at work, I upset a Mom. She wasn't following instructions and it had gone on all day, all night and then I arrive in the morning to find the same issues are present. A baby at risk of having big problems. In front of the practitioner and another nurse, I spoke pretty firmly with her about her actions. She was tired, I'm sure, stressed and probably sick of nurses telling her what to do. Anyway, she left our unit and went out to the floor to report that I was mean to her. Me? I'm not ever mean to people. I'm mean to myself, but I'm not mean to others. I can be firm, however. Anyway, the charge from the floor came in and said something to one of the other nurses about it. I was charge, not the other nurse. I overheard her talking about me and I went over. She said, "That Mom said that the Big Fat Nurse was mean to her." As soon as I heard those words, I left. I went to the bathroom and cried. Everyone has always described me that way! I hate it! I reported her remark to my manager and my manager talked to her and she came and apologized. It hurts to have others only see me as "that big fat" person. I feel I am so much more than that. But even when people like me and they don't know my name, they say that. "The fat one." I'm so tired of being the fat one!

Oh Dee, that is terrible. I have been on the receiving end of a few rude comments from patients lately, so I know how you feel-although none of them have been so awful as that. And that other charge should have NEVER repeated what that awful woman said! That mom should be grateful that you are taking the time and putting the effort into showing her the right things to do so nothing happens with her baby.

People are shameless.

We had a little 6 year old that was post appy last night, and his mom was WIERD. He couldn't void for the first few hours after he got back from surgery. We were making him go in the urinal because he was still groggy from anesthesia. Mom kept saying he couldn't go because of the urinal, we told her he probably couldn't go because of the anesthesia. After I took them over from another nurse, I let her carry him into the bathroom and set him on the toilet. Of course he went. Which was fine. What was not fine was that she said in this really sarcastic mocking voice "Oh, he couldn't go from the anesthesia. You nurses think you know everything."

I couldn't belive it. How can people be SO rude? They need to think before they open their mouths. And darn it-they need to appreciate the nurses who are taking darn good care of their LOVED ones!!!! (Also, she complained that the IV phenergan I gave him made his vomiting even worse, "projectile" she said. Well, when the surgeon finally rounded he had a long talk with her about the after effects of anesthesia, and how it is probably actually causing all these things to happen. Go surgeon!):crying:

[munchkin392 1]

Oh Mini!! I am so sorry that you are going through this with your son! I am praying for you. Looks like a lot of prayers are going around for the Ladies on here. My Dad isn't getting a biopsy on Monday, but is meeting with the Neurologist to see if he thinks it is cancerous or not. So stuff is still up in the air and kinda scary.

Some good news is that DH and I just had our anniversary dinner at a nice fancy place. And my SIL is having her second baby this weekend too. My brother sent out a text that says they are at defcon 3 lol!

I am down 1.5 this week. Not too shabby.

Lotza-Happy belated anniversary, I hope you had a good time on your date. And good luck on being an auntie!! Being an auntie is great isn't it? I will keep your dad in my prayers.

[munchkin392 1]

Deb, I think or rather hope the interview went well. It lasted 1 hour and 45 mins. It was with the Chief Medical Officer and the director of the program. They were both extremely nice! Very personable. They are interviewing 4 other people for the position. It sounds like something I would absolutely love! I'm waiting to hear back from them... and if it's right, it will happen. I have no experience in that area. And I don't know if any of the other applicants do, but I'm sure they are going to hire the person with the most experience.

I was so scared the day of the interview. I was on time, left my house an hour early to drive there and find her office. ON the way I hit so much traffic and 4 school zones. I got there 4 mins before 8am! I ran! (something I haven't done in years!) and made it 1 minute late! I don't think they noticed. I hope!

Dee, you never did tell us what the interview was for? Or is it top secret classified information until you find out the results? (Cue James Bond music...)

[munchkin392 1]

It took me a lot of years to figure out that it needed to be an absolute "must-do" part of my day. Hey, someone should make a monthly patch! Or an anti-depressant IUD!

Why don't you invent that Mini? You would be a gazillionaire!!!!

[munchkin392 1]

ok ladies, i'm at the beach. it's a "girls" weekend and i'm here with my mom and a few of her friends.

so my question is: i'm having surgery in one month - is it OK if i get a tattoo this weekend? all i've ever wanted is a small tattoo on my right ankle, maybe the size of a half dollar. will that complicate my surgery? i have about 33 days until surgery, so i wanted to make sure it was OK before i go and do it, and since so many of you are nurses, i figure you'd know best!!! my mom wants to get her belly button pierced and i thought i'd finally get my tattoo at the same time. any help is appreciated!

Jamie-no harm as long as it is not on your stomach! Have fun!!:crying:

[munchkin392 1]

Well Folks,

Yesterday at work, I upset a Mom. She wasn't following instructions and it had gone on all day, all night and then I arrive in the morning to find the same issues are present. A baby at risk of having big problems. In front of the practitioner and another nurse, I spoke pretty firmly with her about her actions. She was tired, I'm sure, stressed and probably sick of nurses telling her what to do. Anyway, she left our unit and went out to the floor to report that I was mean to her. Me? I'm not ever mean to people. I'm mean to myself, but I'm not mean to others. I can be firm, however. Anyway, the charge from the floor came in and said something to one of the other nurses about it. I was charge, not the other nurse. I overheard her talking about me and I went over. She said, "That Mom said that the Big Fat Nurse was mean to her." As soon as I heard those words, I left. I went to the bathroom and cried. Everyone has always described me that way! I hate it! I reported her remark to my manager and my manager talked to her and she came and apologized. It hurts to have others only see me as "that big fat" person. I feel I am so much more than that. But even when people like me and they don't know my name, they say that. "The fat one." I'm so tired of being the fat one!

I forgot to add, you ARE so much more than that!!! You are a beautiful, intelligent, caring person. And that woman should have been thanking her lucky stars she had you as a nurse to take care of her baby!

[munchkin392 1]

Hello All, I have been away for awhile due to various reasons. I'll start with none band issues first. I have been so busy with volleyball and getting no help from parents who have said that they will help, it has been crazy. I'll I can say is that the season is over in 2 weeks then I should have more free time. I also, got accused by some of the parents that I was flirting with the coach so that my daughter could get ahead, funny thing is she is still starting on JV and not on Varsity so I must not be very good at it.

Last week I was offered a job at dd club volleyball team to be the admin assistant, it was so tempting (all her club fees $2500, including travel about another $1500 would be covered and my travel as well), but I had to turn it down. It was going to be way to much time away from the little one, plus I think the club might be in trouble and dd is being looked at by another club (that is a little bit more competitive).

Last weekend hubby and I were in SLC for a garage door convention, it was pretty boring, but we did get a big award the "Chairman's of the Year". Yeah us!!!

Now on to the band issues...I went in a little over 2 weeks ago and had all my Fluid removed so we could see where I was at. I was at 7.4cc, I had gotten to where I was having a little heartburn and not eating as much, so Tom & I decided to put back only 5.4cc, well that sucked I could eat anything I wanted absolutally no restriction and I gain 4 pounds. I had to go about 1 week like this til I could get back in and have a little more put in. I saw Dr. K last Tues and he put in another 1.3cc, so now I am up to 6.7cc. I still think I need a little bit more I can eat more than I want to and have to remind myself to stop. The good news is I have actually lost the 4 lbs that I gained and am now staying steady. I go this Thursday to see Tom and I will have him add just a little bit more.

I must confuss, last night as I was getting caught up on the hundreds of posts I had missed, I was eating cold stone ice cream and it was so good. I need to get back on the 'bandwagon'.

Bahot-the parents from your daughters volleyball team must be related to my lunatic neighbors. Nothing better to do than mess with other people!

And you will get back on the bandwagon- you are super bandster! :crying:

[munchkin392 1]

Okay, first: I received word awhile ago that my son showed up at his girlfriend's house and he's okay.

Thank you so much to everybody for your support and kind thoughts last night. Sorry to worry everyone . . . I was feeling pretty low last night. Even though we've gone through this sort of thing over and over, it never seems to get much easier. We tossed and turned all night and now I have one heck of a headache, but at least he's okay. This time.

dee - I am soooo sorry about what happened with the mom and stuff. I know it's hard to believe it right now, but there will come a day when no one calls you fat ever again. Please don't let this detract from the incredible progress you're making. Isn't it amazing how people feel free to say those sorts of things though? Incredible.

I'm excited that your job interview went well! I hope it works out! I love research.

I lost 1 lb last week. Better than no pounds. I think my new fill might be working though. I had a little bit of food at 5 yesterday afternoon and was still full at midnight!!

Love all you guys. Thanks so much for your support. It means alot. :crying:

Mini-No, it doesn't get any easier no matter how many times you go through it, and it is very hard living life always waiting for the "other shoe to drop" so to speak. But I am glad everything turned out ok. HUGS!!!!!!!