marcyinak

Dini - Thanks for trying to include me with the chat...really, my patience level sucks so bad that I'd be irritated with my internet connection and I would feel more pissed off than satisfied with a good chat, if you know what I mean? I'm excited for you...so soon now! I wouldn't worry about your little girl climbing on you (mines 20mo.)...they can be incredibly gentile! Just let her know you have an "owie" on your tummy and she will help take care of you. We just got some baby chicks yesterday and my little Stormy is so gentle with them! (Of course, it took some practice! But after a few minutes, she had it down and can hold them gently now.) My internet connection is not as fast as it should be so reading the thread is a pain in the keester! This is probly why you don't hear from me often...takes forever to read then I don't really want to post. I don't HAVE to start my pre-op diet until Friday, but I'm going to start tomorrow...more of a "proving it to myself" thing. It's the low-carb, high protein diet (no liquid diet for me!). Pretty much Atkins' induction. We'll just see how it goes. I think I'll be able to handle it...I'll just take the kids to the beach and roast a lot of hot dogs! I'm going to try to post some pictures of Nome...we'll just see how that goes!

Please make sure you join our "new" July 2007 thread at Lucky #7s - July under the monthly threads....there are more folks there and we're keeping a calendar. Good luck!

I looked into Rumbault too and found MANY good things...he was a choice for me. Dr. Aceves receives a lot of kudos too. I've heard Dr. Kuri isn't doing so hot lately, but was good before. The biggest complaint is that the hospital staff doesn't speak english well and that can be an issue. One friend who had the surgery down there said that she complained of pain for two hours and wasn't helped until her husband showed up...he went out for a bit. For this reason, and others, I HIGHLY recommend taking someone with you. Now, this could increase your expenses.... I am going with Dr. Kirshenbaum in Denver. He is one of the very few US docs who actually have a PACKAGE (imagine! - yes, that was sarcasm). I am self-pay too so cost was a major issue. I will be paying $9950, but that doesn't include housing or flights. Still, I get to stay in the states and that that is something BIG for me. I have not heard of any of the Mexico horror stories, actually quite opposite. I hear that you're treated very well and the accomodations are quite nice. Good luck with your choice.

Although I'd love to do this chat thing, unless it's in the middle of the night here in Alaska, it just isn't feasible...kids under foot, etc. They're good kids, but they are that way because I give them attention! LOL! I don't mind if you go ahead and set up a chat and I'll see if I can join. I get constipated when I'm nervous and it's started today! YIPEE! I'm looking at starting my pre-op diet next week and getting ready to travel for the surgery. I have to fly to Fairbanks first to pick up my sister and then we'll both fly to Denver together. I'm glad we'll be staying with some old friends...they have a guest room so I'll just camp out there. I DO have some concern flying home two days after surgery...but I think that's where pain meds will come in handy! I'm glad to see all the new folks...boy July is filling up! Does this mean there will be some lean, mean hotties for New Year's?

Sunny - I have an eclectic ear as well as an eclectic ear. When I re-started reading last year I read some usual book-club fare, then I read Call of the Wild...man, you can really tell the difference between writers "back then" and more modern writers. I swear that little book took longer to read than some of my 500 pagers! There were so many words I had to look up! I mean, London writes so elequently that I couldn't even figure out the meanings of words by the content, I really did have to look them up! And I'm a college graduate! I recently read "Eat, Pray, Love" by ? Gilbert. It was FANTASTIC! This is totally me! I swear, if I was all alone, this is what I'd do! I HIGHLY recommend it! I just finished The Virgin Blue by Tracy Chevalier and I picked up her Girl With a Pearl Earring at the library today. It was hard to read because of the French (I took three years of German, not that you'd be able to tell now), but the story was interesting...did take a bit to get into it though. I need to find a book club here! Sunny, windy, and cold....GREAT! That means there's no mosquitoes...although it does make going to the beach a bummer because of all the sand blowing.

YEAH! Breadlady is alive and kickin'! I want to know about pain and if they kicked you out as soon as you were walkin'. Are you up and about at home? Good luck sister!

Dini - It's "Alaska Time Zone" LOL! We are one hour behind Pacific (California) Time...so that's 9 hours behind you...is that right? Nelli - it's amazing what you can get used to....I DO miss the "city" though. There are MANY folks in town (pop. about 4000) who have had WLS. They don't have a group per se, but everyone's very open about talking about it and being friends. Let me tell you though...it makes a difference having roads! There are 300 miles of roads here (all dead ends, but they go to some villages, hot springs, gold mines, etc.) which is a lot better than where we used to live...this makes a TREMENDOUS difference! OK, I managed to down a HUMONGOUS bowl of cereal this morning...maybe it'll hold until dinner time, but I doubt it. Man, I can eat a lot of food...and I wasn't even thinking, just did it and when "Geez, that was a lot!"

Oh, BTW, if anyone cares....both Bethel and Nome have no roads to "town"...you have to fly out to get to Anchorage or Fairbanks (RT about $480). It IS a whole new way of life I tell ya!

IndioGirl - I'm in Nome, Alaska....about 500 miles WNW of Fairbanks...out on the Bering Sea. It IS beautiful here, but I haven't done a winter this far north yet....we'll see how depressing it will get! At least HERE we have a theater, a pool, and a LARGE community rec center! (Something Bethel, our last address and 400 miles west of Anchorage, did NOT have.)

Today I'm weighing in at 257 lbs. I'm 5'7" and my BMI is about 40 Thanks everyone for doing all the technical, time-consuming stuff. I'd do it, I just don't have time except at night and I'd rather do other things at that time!

Chimboree - what the heck...what's with all the testing? Are they trying to confirm that you're obese, that you need the surgery, or that they've covered all the bases? Seems a little over-kill if you ask me! Make sure you drink a TON of water before you get your blood drawn again...makes the veins puff up and spill blood easier.

Dini - the reminders only come once in a while because you have to log on the the site...otherwise they stop sending the emails...cuts down on SPAM...a good program I think. I'm not seeing any attachments....should I be seeing some kind of icon that will lead me to the calendar attachment? Dang, it shouldn't be that difficult! I'm looking forward to hearing from Breadlady about the surgery...I hope she's doing well! I'm also looking forward to our first post-op posts when we're all on drugs...See...I'm optimistic today! Something else to look forward to! Weather sucks and we're inside today....I finished my book and will have to search for another one (not so easy in a town with no bookstores and a teeny-tiny library). I wasn't much of a book reader until last year...now I'm in a reading frenzy! AHHHHH!!! If only I could SOUND intelligent?!

Laurend - For the Love of Pete! You're so young...take some time off from school and RELAX! I remember thinking at 23 that I MIGHT want to get a Master's, but since you're already there.....Geez! You've got some stamina! Alaska fun fact - if you cut it in two it then becomes the first and second largest state in America...Texas will drop to #3. So....every city/area in Alaska is different. You've got Southeast (Juneau, Sitka, Ketchikan) where it's a lot like Seattle - same light/dark days and lots of rain, not a lot of snow). Then you've got Anchorage, who is trying so hard to be like a big city, but it's all screwed up. The summer days are just a smidgen longer and winter isn't so bad. You go west to Bethel (where I used to live) and a little north to Nome and you've got wind from the Bering Sea and long-cold winters and breezy summers with long days. The interior brings you to Fairbanks (where I grew up) and you've got long, dark nights in winter with REALLY COLD weather, but not a lot of wind and the summers are still really good. I remember mowing the lawn at 10pm and getting a tan! (This is usual behavior for Alaskans.) "Up north" refers to places like Barrow and Prudoe Bay....freakin' cold places that have months of no sunlight and then months of no darkness...lots of wind, but I hear the folks are nice! Going on an Alaskan cruise is a great way to see the state, but really, you only get the southeast part...the train is a nice way to get up to Denali...which is more commercialized and comfortable for tourists than when I was a kid. I tell ya, I'd LOVE for some of those Senators and Congressmen who want to set limits on our state (those dang Democratic greenies) take a tour of our state to understand how big it actually is! NOTE: I am listed as a Republican, but I really don't take sides....this is NOT a Republican message...just my opinion Now, back to the Band! For what this thread is about...I have to say that I'm sick and tired of having to lift areas of myself in the shower to clean properly...I don't like running and hearing things "flap about"...I want to get "on top" without thinking I'm squishing my husband...... I'm so looking forward to this change...this change in body and in spirit!

So I'm sitting here at my kitchen/bar thingy and laughing my head off....my seven year old asks what I'm laughing about and darned if I could explain it!:thumbs_up: Too funny! It's a beautiful day in Nome! Finally got to cleaning out my greenhouse (I'm attempting to grow some things and they seem to be doing okay so far...except the herbs...poor herbs!) so I can make room for chickens! Yep, that's right, I'm going to raise my own chickens! A good learning experience for the kids and I'll be able to let out some agression come slaughtering time! Not sure if it'll be cost-effective yet, but I honestly don't care...I'm going to have fun and so are the kids! WOHOO I'M FARMING IN ALASKA! Oh, and I weighed myself today and lost 4 of the five pounds I gained! GOOD! I'm off to a good start and ready for the start of my pre-op diet next week! Oh my goodness!!! NEXT WEEK!!! That means I've only got a few weeks left! AAAHHHHHH!!!!

Wohoo Breadlady! Good luck sister! My prayers are with you! I keep reading this stuff about the Magic Bullet. Now, I know that we're all talking about the little food processor....but, while I worked in a home health department at our hospital we had a quadrapeligic patient who used what he called the "Magic Bullet" suppository to really get things out, if you know what I mean....so that's the first thing that pops in my mind. Yeah, I'm a sicko sometimes!

JFK - There is a thread - still running current - for Dr. K called Considering Dr. Kirshenbaum. There's a bunch of folks to get info about his office and Denver. Marilyn in his office has a list of hotels near his office. And one of the surgery centers he uses is right accross the street from his office. I sure hope you're taking someone with you...you DO need some support while you're there. I'll be going in July with my sister. Lynette - HAPPY BITHDAY! I think I unknowingly celebrated without you and gained some weight! Dang! I've been incredibly BLAH for a few days. I'm not motivated to do anything! I don't feel depressed...is there a diagnosis of just "lazy and tired"? Hmmm....I've gained 5 lbs. this month and I'm irritated at myself for that. I'll be starting my pre-op diet in 1 1/2 weeks and I know I'll loose what I've gained, but it would've been nice to start smaller! Purplegirl - as long as you excercise your skin should re-mold around your new shape. It is different for some who are severely obese and for those of us who had 12 1/2 lbs babies! I have hope that I'll be able to excercise my skin back into shape though! Since you are young, reconstructive surgery shouldn't even be much of an issue. Good luck!

I dunno about what I'll actually say. Usually I say TOO much! LOL! I don't have a problem with people knowing...maybe I'll use THAT as a tool too? If people know I shouldn't be eating all the time and certain amounts then I won't...you know, peer pressure...it's all good. If it's working, why not advertise? You'd talk about a gym class you like or a treadmill that you like (I love my Treadclimber by the way) so why not talk about a MEDICAL tool that you use? Just a thought. It's good to have all sorts of knew folks join in on the fun! I've met some more people who have had WLS here in Nome so I'm glad to actually have FACES to talk to, if needed.

When I grow up I want to be the State Ombudsman. I'm a patient advocate at heart...and a little loud-mouthed! Ahhhh....Joint Commission....brings back fond memories....NOT! LOL!

Chimboree - Yep, I *try* to stay connected to the news in the outside world...I think there was an ENORMOUS lack of care for that woman. There's going to be a HUGE lawsuit I'm sure. (Of course, it was also noted that she was carted away by the police because there was a warrant for her - she died in their care - and so the snob in me says that the whole family probably has issues and a lawsuit is just going to give some very undeserving people money....but, really, trying not to judge here!) Can you tell my background is quality and risk management? To note: talked to my nutritionist the other day and she said to try to get a protein shake that has around 15g protein with 100-150 calories. The goal is to get a decent amount (15-20g) of protein for the fewest calories. She suggested Carb Solutions, Slim Fast High Protein, and Edge Body for Life shakes. Also she said that there is a Beneprotien powder that you can add to stuff like yogurt - supposed to be tasteless, but you never know!

Dini - thanks for the calendar...the list was taxing on my and I'm sure on Chimboree! I have a friend in Fairbanks (Alaska) who uses vitalady.com...I think they're out of California, but they are very helpful and if they can't send stuff to you, I'm sure they could recommend someone! Good luck with that. Bobberts_mom - I can feel for you with nightmareish hospital moments...I have a degree in Health Care Administration and I live in bush Alaska...oh, boy, there's things in need of changin'! My son got attacked by a pit bull last month...we ran to the hospital (there's only one joint with docs here), this being our first encounter in this town, I went straight to the "Emergency Room" to find....NOTHING...yep, that's right! We ended up at the clinic and had about 5 trainees, PA's, Docs see us before he was stitched and bandaged up. It's Indian Health Care...Alaska is quite equipped when it comes to IHC, nothing like you hear about on reservations, but still....inadequate for the price you're paying (and most of the time the billers can't figure out what to charge!) Just gotta laugh about it. Stay informed, read their "Patient's Bill of Rights"....prepare for the worst, hope for the best! Mike - decided on the band for a very simple reason...I have a friend that had the bypass and she farts all the time...really, that's it...of course there's the underlying reasons of: don't want to re-do the plumbing, recovery time, cost, risk, not eating LOTS of reg. foods, malnutrition, etc., but the farting is what has stuck with me for 6 years! Man, I had to read three pages of posts...I feel like I haven't been on in quite some time. New people too! Welcome!

Mike, just curious why you decided to go with the Band instead of the bypass?

Too funny! I was just looking at my list and seeing who I needed to add...Thanks Chimboree!!!

Thirty days to go! And if you count the time zone difference it's even less! WAHOO!

I know some folks are worried that I'm in the "last supper" mode, but really I'm not...I'm just enjoying some things that I won't be able to eat anymore or for at least a while (soda - diet of course, steak, asperagus, celery, etc.) I start my pre-op diet of low-carb high-Protein on June 30 (10 days before surgery). I know some docs prefer a liquid diet...the idea is to just lose some weight right before surgery to shrink the liver. My doc has told me that he's gone in to do the surgery and the liver was too large so he aborted the procedure...I will NOT be that patient! (Apparently, she ate a LOT of crap - french fries - for her "diet" - which might explain her obesity.) Anyway, I'm not afraid of a new diet or new food...this is the tool that will keep me on a new program! Mentally, I'm using this site for support. I have a good family, but no one really talks to me about it. Of course that may all change after the surgery and they see the difference, but you never know. I have a shopping list for when I get to Denver...things are WAY too expensive here. So along with my pre-op appointment I'll be hitting some health food stores too. I shop a lot on-line too, but I'm going to talk to the Nutritionist on Monday and I'll get some input from her before I go spending any more money. As for activity...summer is good for me (you know, Land of the Midnight Sun? It's true, sun and daylight until 1am). I'm usually up and moving and stay that way all day. I go biking with the kids, yard work, house cleaning, gardening, and soon I'll be raising chickens...I'd say I'm active enough right now. I know I should do some more stomach stuff...I know it will help with healing, I've just been a wus about it. Felicia - GREAT to have you! Keep in touch and have fun getting ready.

Lynette, Thanks! I've had no trouble justifiying the expense...I'm the one wearing clothes that were only bought on sale or at a thrift shop while the rest of them wear off-the-rack stuff. I believe it's a typical trait of the over-weight! I'd just like my insurance (who I just found out is INCREASING their premiums) to cover ANYTHING for weight loss/management...right now I can't even talk to a dr. about weight loss and have the visit covered. It's asinine!