hagerteresa

Hi Northerner, Its very nice to meet you and welcome to the forum!!! Good luck on your upcoming surgery! We cannot emphasize enough how important it is to find a local aftercare doctor in your area. Please do not wait till after your surgery to do this. You will regret it if you do. Best wishes to you! Teresa

Thanks Whipple!!! I like DEPENDABLE and BORING!!! I am always accused of driving like a grandma. Its because I drove like a crazy woman between the ages of 18 and 21, got many speeding tickets and a few minor fender-benders. My insurance was insanely expensive during those years and I never want to repeat them... Seriously both of those Taurus models were lovely. I cringe at the gas bill compared to my little Nissan but they seem like they are in good shape otherwise. The engine compartments were both very clean, tires were good on both of them, they both drove well, etc. The 2000 model had more bells and whistles and 11,000 fewer miles on it but it also had a couple of minor dings. I just spent the whole evening looking at consumer report books on cars and they all said the taurus was average on dependability, extremely good on safety but also a little boring. I test drove an Olds. Achieva this evening w/ 109,000 miles. It seemed to run really good and was fairly attractive but definitely not on par with the taurus for comfort and newness. Oldsmobiles got below average ratings in the consumer guide's too. All of the Toyotas, Honda's and Subaru's I have seen with under 100,000 miles are all being sold for $6,000 to $11,000. I feel like I will be lucky to get a few extra thousand from my wrecked car after its all paid off. So far they only offered me $2000 so after payoff I would only get $400 to spend on a new car. I'm like a badger though and am not giving up about getting a higher offer. I don't know what I'll get for medical yet. My neck is still swollen and sore. I got a prescription for 8 massage therapy sessions the other day so I am hoping to get in there and get those started. Anyway thanks for the replies! Teresa

Yeah, I know... I need to go check out the consumer guide.... I don't want to buy a full membership so I'll go see what the local bookstore has to offer. Those Taurus's were nice looking. Both looked brand new and drove like champs though it is a bit like driving a tug boat compared to my little Nissan. I used to drive one so I know how to handle them. The 2000 has 68,000 miles and the 2001 has 79,000. The 89' Ford Taurus I used to own had just under 300,000 miles when I sold it for $500 to some Hispanics. It still ran okay too. Never had a new engine, transmission or anything but the dang heater core did go out around 250,000 miles and cost about $500 to replace. Most of it in labor just getting to it. They like to bury the most simple parts way down deep in the car. The computer stuff went out a couple of times too and cost a fortune to replace. Michelle definitely please talk to your husband. A Harley just would not fit my mop, vacuume, rags and dogs. I have looked at the Toyotas and Hondas but either they have a huge amount of miles on them or they are outrageously priced. I got approved for a $6000 loan and that is the highest I want to spend. I just want something that will last 2-4 years until I am teaching. I really did not want another car payment at all but I think I'll have to give that idea up for now. The stinkin insurance (theirs) has only offered me $2000 for my car and I owe $1600 still. I of course refused that offer and went to a local dealership who had the same year, make and model of my car with similar miles and they were asking $5995 and it was in much worst condition both mechanically and interiorly. I took pictures and faxed all that too the "total loss" guy but haven't heard back from him since. Anyway keep the advice coming, Thanks Teresa

I know this is off the banding subject but my car has been totalled and I'm stuck looking for a dependable vehicle at a reasonable cost. I am going to go look at 2 Ford Taurus's (2000 and a 2001) today. I used to own an 89 Taurus and it lasted forever but occassionally had some minor but expensive problems. The newer ones sound very nice but wanted to get some opinions. People seem to love or hate them and there does seem to be some lemon ones out there. I personally loved my 94 nissan sentra and planned on having it at least a few more years. It seems like anything quality like Honda's, Toyota's or Subaru's either have a ton of miles on them or are out of my price range. Please give me some feedback.... I was hoping to get my mechanic to look at anything I decide on but he has a personal vandetta against fords and I would feel funny having him look at one. My husband has had a 99 ford pick up for a few years and hasn't had any problems... Anyway thanks for your advice. Teresa

Hi Everyone, Thanks for all your well wishes. I agree about the medical stuff. I'm not settling until I make sure I'm not going to have any other problems. I just got a prescription for 8 massage therapy sessions too. Yeah!!! I also agree about the possiblitlities of having my car refixed. I am waiting for my body shop person to get back from holiday travel and get him to look at it. I haven't even been able to talk to an adjuster yet about what they think the car is worth. To me it was very valuable because it was so dependable and I knew the mechanic history of it and kept it up. I had bought it from my grandmother two weeks before she died and I have always tried to take good care of it. I'm still just waiting to hear something... Thanks again, Teresa

Hmmm. I have always been a cold-shivering person. I still am. I asked for an electric throw for christmas so I can lug it all over the house and stay warm. Our apartments only heat source is the most stupid invention in the world---CEILING HEAT!!! How dumb is that!!!! Its not the most insulated place either but I do try to keep it comfortably warm. We don't get the sticking type of snow very often in the valleys of Oregon either. The mountains always get a lot but its a rare treat and a perfect excuse to stay home when the valley's get snow. Best wishes, Teresa

Me neither Betty...LOL. Great seeing you! We're going down to my moms later this morning but its only a 20 minute drive. Hubby is still sleeping... Have a great day! Teresa

Hi Lauri, I'm thinking about you too and hoping your doing better and getting some answers. Best wishes, Teresa

Hi Diana, I would not use Tersigni. I know of two people personally who have had trouble with him. I don't know about the other fellow but Portland has several very good ones. My fill doctor Thomas Eubanks does banding and is an absolute jem of a doctor. Emma Patterson is also supposed to be very good. Jack just got his done by Dr. Hong who also works in Patterson's office. There is also an office in bend but I haven't heard a lot about them and what I did hear wasn't very inviting. Best of luck, Teresa

I've been thinking about you too Donali!! We miss you!!! Teresa

Thanks everybody, Dang Tanya that does look serious... I know, I'm glad I'm okay. I did go to the doctors afterwards yesterday. I could feel things already stiffening up then. At least I didn't get any broken bones or anything. I had plenty of my own MINOR fenderbenders as a young driver but always at low speeds and I rarely caused much damage. This was the most serious one I had been in ever. My trunk ended up crunched to the back seat. I was the only vehicle that had a full emergency kit and flairs in it but I COULDN'T even get to it because they were in the trunk!!! I promise I'll be persistent about getting this all taken care of including the medical, missed work and my vehicle. The problem is my car is only worth $3000-4000 and I owe $1600. I was SO excited to have it almost paid off and have it still running and in such great mechanical shape. In fact it was just in the shop yesterday getting a new thermostat... Oh well.... Thanks again for all the information and support. Be careful on those holiday roads! Teresa

Hi all, Well I just got home from the doctors after being seriously rear ended today. Total bummer. My car is probably going to be totaled and I love my car. I have kept it in good shape and have invested a lot of time and money keeping it sound and dependable. The idiot who hit me wasn't paying attention and didn't see me stop behind another vehicle that was going to turn on a 55 mile an hour road. It was a big truck and I drive a tiny sedan car. The guy didn't even speak any english so I immediately called the police and thank God for two witnesses that stopped to help us. I'm okay except for some whiplash (back and neck pain). I know I am lucky to be so uninjured but I am very sad over the loss of my car and my inability to go to work tomorrow. Ugh!!! I'm so frustrated! Anyway wanted to let you all know. Teresa

If you immediately begin the appeal process, if it is eventually covered wouldn't it all revert back to the day and time the denial or appeal took place? I have no idea on these things but thought I'd throw that out. I remember something about a bill I had for a broken ankle several years ago and even though I no longer had the same company when I got the bill, I had coverage at the time of the doctor visit. I would be on that phone talking to whoever I had to and doing whatever needed to be done immediately. I didn't bother even trying with my current insurance when I got my band. I just went the self pay route but only because I had someone who could lend me the money. If I had NO other options I would have fought my insurance. Good luck, Teresa

Hi Pat, I think overall we are still only hearing about them from a small percentage of people. When I did my research it said it occurs in 1-3%. If I remember correctly THIS forum has something like 2000 registered members. 1-3% of that is 20 to 60 members of this forum who statistically could get erosion. The odd thing is so many of these erosions are coming from one doctor. Hopefully that is just a fluke of statistics since he does so many banding surgeries. Best wishes, Teresa

Hi Sharon, Nice to meet you. It sounds like you have done a wonderful job with your band. Best wishes, Teresa

Hi Vicki, It is not totally known what causes erosion. There are several theories but the one I think is most believe is the fact that some people's bodies really fight against having a foreign object in it causing it to eventually reject the object. Rejection can happen with any kind of implant. When you also consider that we are putting an increasingly tightening device on a hollow tube, I can also see how it could lead to the possibility of erosion. I think that is one reason we need to work with the restriction we have without continually getting more and more fill. As I said, I have heard different theories so it is hard to determine the main culprit. Best wishes, Teresa

Yes, Darcey!!! Ditto what Marie said. I'll be thinking about you and waiting for word of your recovery, Teresa

Ditto, Jack. I'll be thinking about you as well. Teresa

Hi Sandra, I felt exactly like you do in regards to the band. I was absolutely certain I would be the one who wouldn't lose. I really didn't want my guts rearranged though, and trusted my gut instinct that the band would work. Sure enough it has. I love my band. I have weeks that I don't lose but I don't gain any of it back either. My stats are real similar to yours too. I started at 362 lbs and to be honest I the 300's flew by so fast I was in the high 200's before I even realized it. Best of luck to you and your decision. Teresa

Hi Babs, Cute story. Congratulations on your wonderful success. You made me laugh because just the other day I was cleaning one of my regular customer's houses. I am there every week and have worked for her for 12 years. This week though when I walked in she looked at me and was astounded at how different I looked. She said it was the first time she had seen the huge difference losing 78 lbs. In fact she commented on it about 20 times that day. I thought it was hilarious because she sees me every single week. I don't know what caught her attention this particular week but I just cracked up about it. Funny enough, I met my mom later that day for lunch wearing the same clothes. She glanced at me and told me to pull down my sweater over my gut... LOL... My mom is very supportive and thinks the world of me but she is always a bit of a fashion critic. I'm glad nothing has changed dispite losing weight. Teresa

Hi Chrissy, I'm sure sorry about the loss of your band. You are dealing with something that is a fear for all of us. You didn't go back to Lopez for the removal did you? I'm thinking about you, Teresa

Lauri, I really hope you have been seen by now. Like everyone else said, it is important to stay calm but you absolutely MUST be seen as soon as possible too. If your family practitioner couldn't see you today I think you should go to the emergency room too. Keep in touch and I'll be thinking of you, Teresa

Tina, Welcome!!! I hope it works out with your insurance company and the band. I had mine done this past May and absolutely love it. It is very nice to meet you. Teresa

Hi Steve, I'm very surprised your doctor did a fill on you so soon after being able to eat solids. I was actually a little scared of solids and took it real slow the initial first couple of weeks. I had already experienced an unpleasent near PB experience before then so I really didn't want to take any chances. When I eat a successful meal I'll take a few initial bites chewed well and a little slowly. I'll pause for a few minutes after that and see how it is reacting. Most of the time that goes smoothly. I'll then go on to finish my meal slowly and well chewed stopping and taking a break if I get any kind of unpleasant twinge. You will get better at reading your band thru experience. I can pretty much eat anything if I work at it properly. I find mixing meals like mashed potatos and meat can be a bit dangerous... If you take a bite of meat and then the potatos it all kind of goes down like a rock. Fills times are also supposed to be based upon when you feel ready for them... I didn't get my first one till 6 months out because I was still losing and feeling satiated from my meals. It sounded like you were still losing and experiencing restriction before your fill. Best of luck to you, Teresa P.S. When I PB now it is ussually just only enough to get the offensive peice out. It is painless and over quickly. I also find that it can take several minutes before you realize you might not have chewed a bite well enough. If I have had a good portion of my meal and just happened not to chew one of the last bites well enough it takes a few minutes before it hits the opening and causes a reaction.

Alpaca sounds lovely too! They are the cutest little creatures as well. I would love to own one someday. Good luck to both of us learning the art of knitting. Teresa