Sojourner

LOL Janet...I can only imagine the scene over the tablet! Terri...good to know about the web site. I intend to begin to make my first quilt...after the house renovations are finished. Another Sushi update: her lungs are looking much better. The vet said she is convinced that in addition to the heart failure, she had pneumonia. Poor little sweetie...she must have felt horrible, and did not even complain. We took her to the vet because she developed a cough and she rarely has ever coughed. We don't know how much time she has, but she is now more energetic, and we know she enjoys being home with us...

Actually, the most probable diagnosis is what is known as "Adjustment Disorder". The adjustments we need to make in our lives, including but not limited to our relationship with food, changes in family routines as related to meals, and learning new coping mechanisms to manage life without being able to turn to food for solace. These adjustments may lead to feelings of depression, however they usually resolve over a few weeks or months. We are all individuals, and the way we manage these adjustments will differ between us. If these feelings of depressed mood linger on beyond 6 months, then it would be considered to be clinical depression. It may be helpful for you to consult with a therapist if you feel that you are unable to manage from day to day. These feelings are normal in conjunction with major life events. It does help to speak with others, wether in a local WLS support group, a qualified therapist, or supportive friends or family. Best wishes for a successful journey...

A sense of trust and the honesty that accompanies it are part of the foundation of an enduring marriage. The longer you keep the truth from your spouse, the more difficult it will be to reveal the truth to them, IMHO. This "white elephant" in the room may also increase your stress. Stress and bands are not compatible. My husband has told me that he hates the diet restrictions I now follow. He was supportive of my choice to have my band placed. There would have been no realistic way for me to have kept the truth from him, nor would I have wanted to. Best wishes...

I have used the Celebrate brand vitamins since my pre op diet began. I've never had any difficulties with them at all.

Terri...so thoughtful for Diane's Starbucks gift! A Sushi update: She is not back to her former self, but each day she is walking more and becoming more interactive with all of us. She returns to the vet for another check of her Fluid levels in her lungs. Her respiration rate continues to be near the target range of 20. BBL

Good Morning All... I can't in good conscious like any post of us getting injured...glad that it wasn't any worse than it was Mini...and you too, Terri! Very good to know that you are well Dawn, and not affected by the storms. Janet...you are so right about not taking chances with lightening. I remember some of the news reports about people being struck in the most unusual places, even when a storm was not in the vicinity. Dee, how is the summer so far? You should post a picture of you in your new sundress! I hope the computer guy comes through with your refund. I take 2 doses of Nexxium a day. I've noticed that the reflux begins around 9:30 in the evening. I slept most of the night propped up on multiple pillows last night. Just cannot figure out how to avoid the evening reflux... I hope all have a great day...

Seriously though...Janet and Dawn...stay safe!

We definitely want to see pictures when you have it completed! Please refresh my addled brain...was it the Missouri Quilting Co the site you told me about? I also want to see the bubbles in your back yard!

Oh Janet...I pray your are feeling better now. What a horrible event to go through... Nothing like experience to be the best teacher. Sushi is acting more like herself today. Her respiration is back down to 20 where the vet wanted it to be. Jack and I are both so happy...she's the baby we dote over now. My bad night was drinking a half of a Protein Shake towards bedtime. I know I am unable to fall asleep when I am hungry. TMI, I stayed awake for 2 hours after sipping the shake. I thought that would be enough time before lying down. About 4 hours later, it was like a PB, and I only made it to the sink. This is all very concerning and confusing to me. It was authentic hunger...and I also feel reflux if I go too long without coating my stomach. Beginning to believe that my time with my band is limited...

Good Almost Afternoon! Off to a slow start today, I did not have a good night. My band is too tight, but not always. I am unsure what to do. I hope to gat some additional insights from the new physician in a couple of weeks. Diane, thanks for checking in. We were concerned for you. God does have a way of providing what we need...try to keep your faith. Please take measures to prevent an ulcer. I understand the factors which contribute, you are good at finding solutions. Use some of that ability to benefit you! Dee, how is the summer coming along? I remember it was nice to have time off from the daily tight structure from the school schedules. I think your continued visits with your nutritionist is quite helpful for you. Great idea! Terri...thanks for the encouraging words...always appreciated! Just curious to know, what does Alex say in regards to Virginia's continuing complaints regarding your posts, and her apparent belief that there are "rules"which seemingly do not apply to her? An open forum is just that... Dawn, excellent read that your focus is returning. I feel the same way...and good for you to be able to look at temptations and choose not to partake! The more you build your strength in this area, the stronger your resolve becomes. Definitely you are on the right track now! Janet, Nicole, Michelle...have a great afternoon!

One additional omission......

Sorry to read of your surgeries...they are the pits. I've had 3 since having my band placed. It might be worthwhile to check with your local YMCA...where I used to live some of the larger Y's had paired up with the hospitals to have some physical therapists on staff. They were there to assist individuals in your situation determine an appropriate and safe exercise plan to meet your current limitations. We will always feel better when we take an initiative to overcome barriers to achieving our goals. There is a way! Best wishes...

Michelle...are you finished with school for the summer? It would be nice to have a time out from it all... Dee...how is CJ doing now? I guess he enjoys the freedom of a summer schedule just as do his siblings! BTW, the Harry Potter part of Universal Orlando has a ride that you need to be small enough to fasten the safety bar in order to ride. The first time we went, I did not even try to see if I would fit. The next time, no worries...another NSV I just realized! DIANE...starting to get worried about you. Please post or text that you and yours are well. Will be back tomorrow. Big hugs all around...

Terri...thanks for the North Face info...I do have several windbreakers and fleece by them. It did not occur to me to look for their version of down. You just never see down anything that far south, even though there is a large snow skiing population in Florida. Dawn...how goes the adjustments at home and work? Are you still getting out and about on your bike? I'm jealous...no time yet to get to the gym regularly. We have to keep close tabs on Sushi right now. BTW...how is your grandmother? Nicole...how are you feeling? I've not read any complaints, so I will guess that no news is good news .

Janet...liked all in your post except losing some plants, and the insects. Are the plants replaceable? My sister has a tropical paradise around their pool on the river, but the plants take a huge beating with every wind storm. But the results are so worth it...I hope the damage is not too bad. I still would like to visit your butterfly garden! It takes 4-6 weeks for the cabinets to be delivered, then we can arrange for installation. I am leaving my options open with the granite, as when you go out to the site to pick your slabs, they have many other colors and interesting patterns to choose from.

Since being banded, it has been a challenge to my joints without any anti inflammatory medications, and I did not tolerate Plaquinal (sp). I've just had to learn to tolerate more pain. I have experienced a few exacerbations since being banded, I just deal with them. There is a topical anti-inflammatory prescription which has helped me through those times. I'm fortunate in that my symptoms have not been severe. That's just my experience. It would be a good idea to discuss any concerns you have with your physicians. Best wishes to you for a successful journey...

Many people have shared that their bands are tighter in the morning, and that sipping on a hot or warm beverage like tea helps loosen their band. Stress is another factor which can influence how tight your band feels. Some days all my meals are not a problem. But I have also experienced days when I had to be on liquids for an entire day. And even a Protein shake took an hour to get down. Do your best to limit your episodes of vomiting, as this will possibly cause additional tightness.

While nursing an infant it requires an enormous amount of calories to keep up with the demands of your infant. I was not trying to lose weight at the time, but I did. It is understandable that your appetite is feeling strong, and out of control. But if you are making wise and healthy food choices, and maintaining band size portions, you definitely should not be gaining weight. I would consult with your nutritionist for some healthy meal planning insights. Your nutrition is key at this important time. The milk will get the nutrients you take in before you do. You and your infant need to be healthy. Drinking Water and SF/FF fluids should help stave off hunger and help to keep you properly hydrated through this unique stage of parenthood...

Nicole...I remember the last Jimmy Buffet concert we attended. Even the adults were wasted. A woman with a young child was drunk, and sitting next to our oldest son. She was overly persistent is wanting Jay to dance with her, even though he introduced his wife who was seated on his other side. It was an adventure in people watching... Terri...we'll just call your story the "Fitbit Saga". What a series of events...good that you have a back up on hand just in case! Michelle, our parks in Florida usually have smoothie stands...that was what I survived on the last time I was visiting the Magic Kingdom... I'm typing invisible again...hate when that happens! Later...

I hate when that happens. I hope everyone is doing well...how could could I forget the name Michelle? If we had ever had a daughter, that was what her name would have been. It won't happen again... Question...what are the features to look for when purchasing a down jacket? I'm confused. The winter weather in Seattle was milder, so I only had a down ski jacket. Any insights you provide would be appreciated... Back to getting organized today...be back later! Have a great day!

Good Morning All... Today is Sushi's 13th birthday! She is stable today. We wish she was a little more energetic, but we also know she is taking several medications. At least her breathing is not labored as it was before. She will return to the vet on Thursday for additional X-rays to assess how clear her lungs are. So far, so good! I have read nothing from Janet or Diane...I also hope they are well...iPad is typing invisible

Sorry for choppy post...iPad has a mind of it's own... Sushi looked a thousand percent better than when we left her at the hospital... As it was our anniversary, we did go over to Blowing Rock to one of our favorite pubs for lunch, and then went looking for winter items which you just don't see in Florida. Successful searches for everything. When we returned to the vet hospital, Sushi was breathing much better than in the morning. We know that her medication will be expensive, and we are only buying some time, but we want to give her as many quality days as we are able... She is now resting, breathing better, and seemingly happy to be home with her canine and human family. We are happy she is here. All in all, not what we planned for today, but so happy it all happened as it did! As for celebrating our anniversary, it would not be the first time we postponed plans for other reasons... Thank you all for for your positive energy, prayers, and emotional support. My heart is very happy...Janet, Diane, Terri, Dawn, Nicole, Dee, and I'm drawing a blank for your real name Mini..(please forgive me and my addled brain).you all are a major part of my happiness! Thank you all...I promise to be back to my better form in a day or two. Big hugs all around in a group hug.

Good Evening all... Thank you all for your kind words and prayers today! What a day this has been... Jack woke me up this morning around 8:30...he said Sushi had a good night, and the vet did not want to give up on her yet. All I could think if was that 9 hours earlier I spoke with the vet and was told she was still in critical condition. God is good, and the power of prayer is beyond amazing! We were asked to come over to the vet hospital...rushed through Breakfast, no showers, and off to Boone to see Sushi. She was still in guarded condition, the vet asked for another 6-8 hours to give her 2 additional IV doses of medication.

Sushi's health certainly has derailed any anniversary plans...tomorrow is our 40th. I will get through this, too. I hope all have a good Monday...I'll get back in form again. Just not possible now... I love and appreciate each of you...thank you for your kind words. They are deeply appreciated.

Yes, there will be a risk for complications. There is a risk associated with all medical procedures. We all are also aware of the medical complications associated with being obese or morbidly obese. There is no way to predict who amongst the population who opt for band WLS will develop the complications. I made a calculated risk to have my band placed, I did my research, and knew ahead of time the risks, which I discussed with my internal medicine PCP. At this point, I believe that you have gotten your point across. Many times over. Perhaps it is time to accept that this topic is like the proverbial "dead horse". There is no sense in continuing to beat the dead horse. Time for you to get down off your "soap box". We get your position. Perhaps you should begin to listen to the feedback you receive here on this topic..j/s.