I'm here to help...

[wiredshut 0]

Becky, CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!:thumbup: Hitting 50 is fantastic! There's something about that number that's so empowering!!! :eek::thumbup::frown:

I just had my second fill yesterday and I don't quite know what I feel yet. I'm on liquids again, then soft foods. I think one of the best things is that it gives me a chance to "regroup" and bring this whole journey back to a conscious level.

Janet, I'm scared to death now that I read your post about "no NG tube." In 1999, I had an almost deadly bout with ideopathic pancreatitis. They still don't know what caused it. I don't drink. My triglycerides were high, but not high enough to keep me in intensive care for 10 days and the hospital for 6 weeks. The treatment for pancreatitis this severe was intravenous high caloric feeding, high doses of antibiotics and an NG tube. I couldn't have so much as an ice chip by mouth for that whole time. And just as I was finally about to be sent home, I contracted a staph infection and nearly died from that! It was by far one of the most devestating experiences in my life and I still live in fear that it may happen again.

When I went to my LB doctor, I told him about my medical history. I make sure to tell everyone, because my pharmacist needs to know, my other doctors, etc. I can't have ANYTHING that will impact my pancreatic functioning. Why didn't anyone tell me that with this surgery, I may not be able to have an NG tube inserted? I pray everyday that whatever caused that initial and only bout will never happen again, but my pancreas has been damaged and we just don't know.

I'm going to call my doctor today. Do you know more about the NG tube and LB surgery? Thanks.

Love,

Ellen

P.S. We all need to be on top of our own medical care. When I left the hospital after that 6 weeks, NO ONE told me that with my pancreas having been so impacted, I might be diabetic, pre-diabetic, prone to diabetes, etc. NO ONE told me my beta cells had been damaged and that my blood glucose levels needed to be monitered. It wasn't until this year, when I actually got sick and my blood sugar was sky high, that I learned how that illness had impacted my health. So, I've learned that we have to be pro-active. I'm on my way to make some calls!

Edited November 20, 2008 by wiredshut

[boos02 0]

Yahoo Becky - 50lbs gone forever!!!

[IndioGirl55 32]

Becky, CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!:thumbup: Hitting 50 is fantastic! There's something about that number that's so empowering!!! :eek::thumbup::frown:

I just had my second fill yesterday and I don't quite know what I feel yet. I'm on liquids again, then soft foods. I think one of the best things is that it gives me a chance to "regroup" and bring this whole journey back to a conscious level.

Janet, I'm scared to death now that I read your post about "no NG tube." In 1999, I had an almost deadly bout with ideopathic pancreatitis. They still don't know what caused it. I don't drink. My triglycerides were high, but not high enough to keep me in intensive care for 10 days and the hospital for 6 weeks. The treatment for pancreatitis this severe was intravenous high caloric feeding, high doses of antibiotics and an NG tube. I couldn't have so much as an ice chip by mouth for that whole time. And just as I was finally about to be sent home, I contracted a staph infection and nearly died from that! It was by far one of the most devestating experiences in my life and I still live in fear that it may happen again.

When I went to my LB doctor, I told him about my medical history. I make sure to tell everyone, because my pharmacist needs to know, my other doctors, etc. I can't have ANYTHING that will impact my pancreatic functioning. Why didn't anyone tell me that with this surgery, I may not be able to have an NG tube inserted? I pray everyday that whatever caused that initial and only bout will never happen again, but my pancreas has been damaged and we just don't know.

I'm going to call my doctor today. Do you know more about the NG tube and LB surgery? Thanks.

Love,

Ellen

P.S. We all need to be on top of our own medical care. When I left the hospital after that 6 weeks, NO ONE told me that with my pancreas having been so impacted, I might be diabetic, pre-diabetic, prone to diabetes, etc. NO ONE told me my beta cells had been damaged and that my blood glucose levels needed to be monitered. It wasn't until this year, when I actually got sick and my blood sugar was sky high, that I learned how that illness had impacted my health. So, I've learned that we have to be pro-active. I'm on my way to make some calls!

Ellen

I don't think that we can't get a NG Tube at all - but that they will have to be very careful and aware that you are banded - if that happend again (God willing it never will) they could unfill your band and then insert the tube - but they need to know that you are banded and that special consideration is needed - they just can't go stick in the tube...

I didn't mean to alarm anyone - it's just something that was told to me by doc office cuz they have the order forms for the bracelets to and I read about it on LBT when us July babies 1st started our journey...

[wiredshut 0]

Thanks for making me feel better, Janet! I'm off to ask about medic alert bracelets. I wish I trusted that someone would look in my wallet to find by lb card, but I don't. When I was in the hospital, there was a big sign over my bed saying something like, "No food or drink." One night when I was in a semi-conscious state, my husband walked in and found a nurse trying to feed me!!! Her comment was that she didn't see the sign!!!!!!!!!!!! Bracelet, here I come.

Love,

Ellen

Time to change my ticker again. Two days in a row. That alone can keep me going.

[JoannMarie 0]

Ellen, there are also other ways to get nourishment in your system - after my dad had his stroke he was not able to swallow. They used the NG tube for a few days, then put in a tube that went directly into his stomach. He used that for several weeks until he learned to swallow again.

I'm thinking the bracelets are a good idea. My friend who had breast cancer cannot have any needle punctures in her right arm due to danger of cellulitis. She wears a Bracelet. I'm always concerned that in an emergency situation the wallet card might be checked after the damage is done.

[Great2BThin 5]

Yea!!! My email notifications are working again, however, I think I got everyone I've been missing for several days. Gotta clean out the inbox, but hopefully it's working like normal again.

Ellen, congrats on having to change your ticker again. I tihnk the thing about the NG tube is 'no blind NG tube' they can do it with a scope and see where they are going etc. It's not that they can't insert one but need to be aware of the band if they do. Something to that effect. I put an ID Bracelet on my list for Santa. There's some nice ones at www.laurenshope.com or something like that.

Becky, congrats on the 50!!!

Well I got my last knee injection today, I am praying they do the trick. Also went had got a bunch of blood drawn for the lab work for my 6 mos post op appt. On the days I get my injections I am to take it easy on that knee so time to go put my feet up and watch tv or read a magazine! Or try this knitting I got. I have never knitted and got some yarn and needles. YIKES!!

[phyllser 3]

Apple - That's is strange - my desire for food is about the same except now I consider the caloires in what I am eating..- I still love my steak mooing.. But notice I have to eat filet migon - I have tried NY & Ribeyes they are a bit to stringy for my band.. Last night pork chop in Tomato bisque Soup - I only got about 1/2 my dinner in - just wasn't agreeing with my band - but the handfull of cheeto puffs did:eek:

I've thought about this, too. I think because we have cut so many things out of our "diet", we have a better appreciation for those things we CAN eat! Just my take on it! I have been buying those costco filets since you told me about them and they are SO good. Right now I can eat maybe a half of one, unless its a really small one.

Happy Birthday November babies! I've been having hard time with LBT, kicking me off, no email notification, etc but it seems to be working now.

Phyll - maybe we can have a delayed bday celebration when I'm in Palm Springs in Dec. Looking forward to meeting you and Janet. - Kathy

Thanks for the birthday wishes! Getting together will be a GREAT thing to Celebrate in itself!

Yea!!! My email notifications are working again, however, I think I got everyone I've been missing for several days. Gotta clean out the inbox, but hopefully it's working like normal again.

Ellen, congrats on having to change your ticker again. I tihnk the thing about the NG tube is 'no blind NG tube' they can do it with a scope and see where they are going etc. It's not that they can't insert one but need to be aware of the band if they do.

Yeah, my email notifications started coming again, too and I have 27 of them in my LapBand folder!!

You're right about the NG>... no BLIND Ng!

I bought this ID Bracelet that has a jump drive built in to it where you can put all your medical info. It's a simple text file, so they'd just have to plug it in to any computer to read all the data. Found it online.

[Apples2 19]

Good afternoon girls. I wanna put my feet up, too, Long!!! Take care of yourself and hope that this injection works for you. I had tremendous trouble with my right knee especially. Completely healed now. Yahoo!!!!!!!!

Just checking in. Gotta go unload a semi at the grain dump. My job this afternoon. Extremely windy and 15 degrees this afternoon. I have two pair of long underwear on today! Talk to you all later.

[cyndra 0]

Hi, You are probably overwhelmed by now..I have been banded 8 months and not doing well. I have had only 2 fills coz I am afraid. I can't eat hardly anything.. I am not happy with the clinic but Dr Paya did the surgery and I love him. They are not supportive at all. I think it was more of a plastic surgery place.. I paid cash and I am very discouraged. I have read what you have written and am going to work on that.. The only things I am able to eat are soft foods... not many of them are really healthy. I"m not sure if my resentment for this place is getting in my way but I do need some support somewhere, somehow....

Love to hear your thoughts...

Cindy, cdyoliver@aol.com

[IndioGirl55 32]

Yea!!! My email notifications are working again, however, I think I got everyone I've been missing for several days. Gotta clean out the inbox, but hopefully it's working like normal again.

Ellen, congrats on having to change your ticker again. I tihnk the thing about the NG tube is 'no blind NG tube' they can do it with a scope and see where they are going etc. It's not that they can't insert one but need to be aware of the band if they do. Something to that effect. I put an ID Bracelet on my list for Santa. There's some nice ones at www.laurenshope.com or something like that.

Becky, congrats on the 50!!!

Well I got my last knee injection today, I am praying they do the trick. Also went had got a bunch of blood drawn for the lab work for my 6 mos post op appt. On the days I get my injections I am to take it easy on that knee so time to go put my feet up and watch tv or read a magazine! Or try this knitting I got. I have never knitted and got some yarn and needles. YIKES!!

Lori - I crochet - a friend just gave me a whole bunch of pretty yellow yarn.. It's a great thing to keep your hands busy. Once my gf dad tried to show me how to knit - I ended up corcheting with knitting needles

Hope the injections work !!! and your blood work comes out good..

I've thought about this, too. I think because we have cut so many things out of our "diet", we have a better appreciation for those things we CAN eat! Just my take on it! I have been buying those costco filets since you told me about them and they are SO good. Right now I can eat maybe a half of one, unless its a really small one.

Thanks for the birthday wishes! Getting together will be a GREAT thing to Celebrate in itself!

Yeah, my email notifications started coming again, too and I have 27 of them in my LapBand folder!!

You're right about the NG>... no BLIND Ng!

I bought this ID bracelet that has a jump drive built in to it where you can put all your medical info. It's a simple text file, so they'd just have to plug it in to any computer to read all the data. Found it online.

Phyl - yep the one I got last night (filet migon) had 2 small ones and 1 medium and 1 big one - which will be about 2 meals... I like your bracelet but heck I need one with diamonds :eek:

Good afternoon girls. I wanna put my feet up, too, Long!!! Take care of yourself and hope that this injection works for you. I had tremendous trouble with my right knee especially. Completely healed now. Yahoo!!!!!!!!

Just checking in. Gotta go unload a semi at the grain dump. My job this afternoon. Extremely windy and 15 degrees this afternoon. I have two pair of long underwear on today! Talk to you all later.

OMG 15 degree - it's 84 here - gotta brag a little - this is why Phyl lives here in the winter :cursing:

Hi, You are probably overwhelmed by now..I have been banded 8 months and not doing well. I have had only 2 fills coz I am afraid. I can't eat hardly anything.. I am not happy with the clinic but Dr Paya did the surgery and I love him. They are not supportive at all. I think it was more of a plastic surgery place.. I paid cash and I am very discouraged. I have read what you have written and am going to work on that.. The only things I am able to eat are soft foods... not many of them are really healthy. I"m not sure if my resentment for this place is getting in my way but I do need some support somewhere, somehow....

Love to hear your thoughts...

Cindy, cdyoliver@aol.com

Cindy not overwhelmed at all.. Here for you 100% - you will find that everyone on this thread will be here for you - I am just the longest banded here (Phyl is right behind me we are both Lucky #7's)

You are too tight if you can only eat soft food. Go and get some taken out. You can not live on soft food and you are right most soft foods aren't really the best for you (well execpt veggies) You need to be able to eat hard Proteins (meat - chick - fish etc) Real food... I eat almost every kind of food - some days my band is a little fickled but most it isn't. I eat rice and Pasta with no problems

As I have said before we can not rely on our bands 100% to lose the weight for us - I know that alot of pple like having their band so tight that they can't eat - well - that's not healthy IMHO - it's only a tool - you have to live with this band for the rest of your life and to do that you have to be able to eat real food - not just soft.

Give me a typical daily menu - Whats your exercise. Are you following bander rules - eating slowly - small bites - chewing - no drinking with meals...

Really call your doc today and schedule to have some taken out - you should be able to eat at least 3-4 oz of meat for lunch and dinner and then some veggies and starches if any room.

[IndioGirl55 32]

Hello Ladies

What's going on tonite - everyone busy...

My GS surprised me tonite - they are coming to clean the carpets tomorrow and I came home already to move furniture - but guess what he moved it all already. Wasn't that nice..

I am loading pic's on to those little digital photo thingies and thought I would ck in and see what everyone was doing tonite and how their day went..

I went to chineese for lunch - couldn't eat it - it was city wok beef - to tough almost like Jerky - but I can eat jerky... don't know what I am going to eat for dinner but I need something.. but since i am on the computer not really hungry - when I am busy - I don't think about food.. But I need to eat..

I have my fish but don't really feel like it - but I guess in a bit I will -

Well just cking in - will cbl...

[Charlene K 1]

Ellen, there are also other ways to get nourishment in your system - after my dad had his stroke he was not able to swallow. They used the NG tube for a few days, then put in a tube that went directly into his stomach. He used that for several weeks until he learned to swallow again.

I'm thinking the bracelets are a good idea. My friend who had breast cancer cannot have any needle punctures in her right arm due to danger of cellulitis. She wears a Bracelet. I'm always concerned that in an emergency situation the wallet card might be checked after the damage is done.

I have had three bowel obstructions and had to have three NG tubes inserted. I asked the doctor if they could put an NG tube down if needed and he said yes. I am sure they would take the fill out first. Believe me, an NG tube ain't nottin nice, but it beats uncontrollable vomiting. I think the bracelet thing is a good idea.

[beachlover 0]

Well, it has been 20 days since my surgery and I have lost a total of 22 lbs. However, I do think my clothes are getting a little looser. I get to start for the next four weeks any food besides red meat, pork, bread, fibrous vegetables. Still no carbonated beverages, alcohol, sipping thru a straw. I fixed baked chicken tonight, stir fry vegetables (soft) and mashed potatoes for supper. I am keeping my calories under 1000, usually under 800. I have been walking on my treadmill for 35 minutes at 2.5 mph. I will weigh again on Saturday and hoping for more weight lost. I do not get my first fill until December 9th. What is the sweet spot that everyone mentions?

[Kay on the mountain 0]

I just joined this site yesterday and I love it. I meet with my Doctor today and my banding is somewhere around 7 to 8 weeks out. Today on the scale I hit 320, I was told that I would only lose 50 to 60% of my weight with the lap band. That would take me only down to 200 lbs or so. Please tell me this isn't true! My goal is 140, i'M 5'6.

[JoannMarie 0]

Kay, I have been told the same thing, but the psychologist with my group told me I can lose 100% of the weight I want to lose - if I am committed, and if I am patient. I told him I wanted to lose this 100% (a little over 100 lbs.) in 2 years. He said I can do that. Then I came to LBTalk and met IndioGirl who lost 100% of her excess weight within a year. Then there was Apples2, and AthinnerDenise who met their goals within a year. And there is Skittles, who is my age. These people who tell you that are talking about averages - you know what that means. Some are higher and some are lower... I am going to be higher. How 'bout you???? I thought so.