New Hope

Vera, I'm just now seeing this. Best of luck to you on your surgery. I had the same problems and it took 6 years to find someone to do a hysterectomy. That was 10 years ago...abdominal incision (at the bikini line), really minimal recovery. They left my ovaries and I take a very low dialy dose of Estrogen. (It's also great for your complexion!) I've had my ovaries ultra sounded and no problems. I had gottem to the point that I was passing clots as big as the palm of my hand for several days, irregular cycles, and extreme cramping. 3 dncs didn't do anything and after he got into the surgery, he said this was the only way to stop all of my problems. Well the surgery is really minimal pain. Just get up and walk around as soon as you can. You won't believe how much better you feel immediately! It's one of the best things that I ever did for myself (besides my band.) I've never looked back! (((Hugs))) for an easy surgery and quick recovery! I think you've more than served your time in the o.r. this year!

Ruthie, congratulations on getting a new "lease on life"! You are in for a wonderful journey....one that you and your husband can share together. So many great changes lying ahead for you! And if pregnancy isn't in the cards, how about adoption? I did, twice. The only difference is, they were born in my heart, not in my womb. You sound so happy and excited! Best of luck to you!

I've lost 58 pounds. I have saggy skin in my stomach and my upper underarms. Until I get to a stopping point, I'm really not worrying about the skin. I'm too busy enjoying the newfound energy, less medical problems, less medicines. My DH hasn't complained yet.

Amy, congratulations for taking the steps necessary to regain your health! How much weight would you like to lose? We look forward to getting to know you here on LBT.

I love this one! We all need to slow down and really enjoy life. Life events can change in the blink of an eye. I now use the "good" dishes "just because"...no special reason. Why let them sit there and gather dust just to be used once or twice a year. Play that card game of "Crazy Eights" with the kids and DH, instead of watching a summer rerun in total silence.

What a terrible experience! I hope that you can just concentrate on recovering from a surgery right now. Possibly you can get some additonal information about a different/larger band and talk with a qualified band surgeon. Best of luck to you! But you are definitely NOT a failure! You did get your band but it didn't "agree" with you. This was not your fault. Best of luck to you and your DH!

Alex B. is a very smart young man who had the wonderful idea to creat a support board for banded patients and people researching banding. I think of it as his "outreach program" to people all over the world. Thank you, Mr. Alex!!

Teresa, I know how much you love your puppies! I hope that there is a medication that can help him. Besides the water gun, have you tried a shaker (basically a sealed can w/pennies in it). The sudden, loud noise scares them and makes them stop what they were doing. Do you think possibly that it's a jealousy issue? He's jealous of having to share you with your DH or the other puppy, maybe? They can be little stinkers and when they've come from an abused situation, you have no way of knowing what hurts - physically and mentally - that they've been through. I know if anyone can give this guy a fair shot, it will be Teresa! (((Hugs))) sweet girl!

Becky, are you saying that you are in the "soft food stage" and have just recently been banded? If so, please be careful and follow your dr's eating instructions. It's important not to eat foods that require a lot of digestion before your band has had time to anchor. This is to avoid problems later on down the road.

Do you have a store where someone can properly measure you? I think you need to try them on and see, rather than order off a website (sight unseen). Different brands fit differently. Once you find out the right size, check out stores like Ross. You can find some beautiful ones for $6 or $7 dollars. I've seen the same ones in department stores for $35 or $40.

Alex, we'll look forward to seeing a side by side. I can't think of a greater tribute to your Mother.

It seems pretty common for obese people to have a "fatty" liver. My dr. had me go on a low-glycemic diet. (Just basically eating from a large variety of healthy foods.) I followed his directions, didn't want any chances of surgical problems!

It's much safer, appears to be better long-term, easier recovery, no dumping syndrome, don't have intestines rerouted. If you're unsure, please do a lot of research so you can be positive which one that you want before you do anything. Best of luck on whatever decision, you make.

Kell, best of luck to you! Please research as much as you can about the procedure, the banding surgeon, and your aftercare. I had 4 surgeries done when I got my band ---gallbladder removal, previous surgical adhesions, a benign tumor on the esophagus, and got my band. They were all done laproscopically though. Sure beats going through each one separately! Would your band be placed open-method or laproscopically?

Christina, Congratulations! While I was in the pre-op area, I saw an OR nurse that I knew had RNY 3 years ago and had lost a lot of weight. But she had gained half of it back. That really reassured me that I'd made the right decision as they wheeled me into the OR.