want2bmeagain

Did any of you see Oprah's show, about 7 years ago, on Explosive Children?

Dee, I don't think I got to say that it was incredible for you to be available to Munchkin...socks or no socks! I anxiously await your day and am excited for you! I just wished I was able to meet you when I was in Denver in October. At least I get to see pics! Munchkin~ how are you feeling? I felt like hell the first week...then, it's over just like that...it is a crazy life change, welcomed mostly, loathed in moments! Welcome Trina! Where are you from? Mare ~ how have you been doing?? I am almost 4 weeks since my second fill...crazy how fast it goes by! Karen ~ ahhhh, pb soul sisters...although I still think "pb" is just a stupid thing to say....most of my run to the bathroom moments involve egg-white-type-snot balls...hmmmm "ewts"...that's what I do..I ewt, not pb!!! girls, it would be fun to see pics of you guys...it is nice to know who in the world we are baring our souls (and bellies, and butts, and thighs) to! My daughter is in Thailand, and I am a nervous wreck. I heard from her after she landed and haven't talked to her since. So, popped a little xanax, watched Tv, paced, and now snuggling down into my nightly lbt routine. I am getting better with eating, but ewts-ing happens very often...ugh hope all is well! would love to hear more stories if you have time! Man, wasn't Tina's new baby adorable??

Another Dr. Kirshenbaum patient...same as missmona said: $9950, free fills for 3 months, $15 thereafter. He does surgery in both Parker and Aurora Colorado. Check out his web page!

Hi Kristi I know that there are so many changes we bandsters have to make. I have been forced to make most of them, through the restriction I have. I just CANT overeat, or gobble anything. My challenge is keeping liquid, non nutritional, calories at bay. Often, I don't feel like eating, either, and force myself to make a protein shake. Somehow, you need to not compare yourself, and you have to pick yourself up by the bootstraps and eat/drink what you need to. I know that higher protein, and consistency with it help us lose weight. Do you have any other support at home? I know you can do it! You can make it, you were strong enough to get banded, and you are strong enough to get healthy

Since I told her about my banding, and since I have begun to lose weight, one of my closest friends has become distant, snide, doesn't show up when she says she will, and continually makes cut downs when she has the chance. She is severely overweight. My take on this with friends and family might be jaded compared to some, but I have thought about this long and hard. I truly believe that if someone acts differently because of concern, that it will be somewhat obvious through dialogue with them. I had a few family members who were very concerned and wanted me to explain. My dad was least supportive (I think he believed that duck tape over my mouth would do the trick), but wanted to hear all about it. He was not snide though. Other people, friends and family, asked all kinds of questions and were excited for me, as they were concerned. Bottom line for me..I think those kind of ridiculous actions from our "friends" are based on jealousy, their lack of sense of self, envy, and the inability to cheer us on while they struggle with the same issue. They can call it whatever they want, but why else would someone who cares about us not cheer us on...or in the least, become educated so they can rejoice with us? I know I sound jaded, but it really irks me....It is a harsh reality, but it has remined me to watch my own actions toward someone who "has" something or someone, or an experience, that I too would like. Thank god, there are new friends to make, especially on this board!

WELCOME HOME TANNER!!! Brandymom~ I apologize for not remembering, but how far into the preop diet are you? How long does he have you on it? I wanted to know so that I can think back on my experience and maybe give you more ideas. I was (sounds soooo wierd to say "was") an incredible carb junkie...let me know! Munchkin~ LOVED your shoe story....maybe we are twins separated at birth!!! I am really glad ( and a tad jealous, if I have to be honest!) that they let you rest...what's up with that!!! Maybe I was talking too much and they wanted to get rid of me! I was more comfy at the hotel, but I didn't want to leave the surg. center to get there. Hmmmm, I probably wore my hospital sockies and my berks, because I ended up with the socks. I was so tired and cranky that they made me go....I guess I could have told them I wasn't leaving :heh: I never thought of that!!!! When are you going to post a picture? Shelbi (I am a flippin spaz....tell me your name again...I don't even want to read through all the posts...I hate to even admit I forgot..ugh) How are you feeling?? NICNAKNUT where are you?????????????? Hugs all Kelly

Munchkin How are you feeling????

WOOOOOO-HOOOOOOOO Munchkin!!! I am so excited for you! Are you staying at the hotel at the Parker surgery center, or are you going to be in Aurora? you seem calmer than me...I was a frickin nervous wreck and spent an inordinate amount of time running to the hotel computer to read and post...Please let me know how you are doing! Gotta crack you up more: When I had my surgery, I was just going to roll over on the recovery recliner chair thingy...I wanted to sleep so bad for a few minutes. As soon as I roll to my side, I hear a nurse say "Oh, it looks like you are ready to go home now". I was thinking "you have GOT to be kidding me"...I wasn't even totally coherent yet. I doubt that is common, but maybe I was talking so much before that, that they thought I was all spunky and ready to go..NOT. I don't even know if i could have peed and hit the toilet. They told me to go ahead and get changed back into my clothes and they would go over the discharge notes with me. Here's the funny part (looking back..it was NOT funny then). I REFUSED to change into my clothes (I know I would have fallen into my head trying to get my leg into my sweats, especially when my fat stomach was swollen with the surgery gas!), and I know I caught them off guard when I asked (then begged) to wear my gowns (thank god they covered front and back ) back to the hotel...And I did. I absolutely was not going to change. I didn't even give a rat's a** if anyone saw me at the hotel lobby. All I wanted to do was get to the room and sleep! Gawd, what a dork I am!If you read this before your surgery, we are rooting for you! Brandy mom! I am so excited for you! Please post if pre op is driving you crazy..we are all here to help. I lived off bacon, eggs, sausage, veggies and other meats. With the Atkins diet, we really don't have to obsess about calories. The bread addict I was, I didn't touch one piece, or potatoes, Pasta or rice. When you are hungry, eat. You will get kind of sick of the same ole stuff, but it sure beats a liquid diet! Oh, you can have cheese too. Keep us up on your progress.

How's everybody doing? It's been quiet around here and I wanted to check in and see if my bandbuddies are doing well...please post and let us know! I think I am FINALLY learning how to eat better...I have been having real problems with pbing...usually only mucous (I know, TMI, but part of the learning curve), and bad....I just figured out the signal to stop eating before the next bite is too much...and, it's funny, I will feel like I am eating like a pig (because it takes so long!), but even at 4 or so oz. of fish, there is a last bite! How is everyone's fill going? I am sorry,Rosey, that you had a hard time. I think my second fill was a snap compared to the first....I think they do get better! Lafs...wish I needed only a couple of spoonfuls! Lucky girl! WELCOME faa! Munchkin...glad you weighed first! If I could strip down in the office for my weigh in, I would just to shave off a few (yeah, I know, what a lovely thought! ALSO, IT WOULD BE GREAT TO HEAR MORE STORIES ABOUT WHAT LED YOU TO THE BAND! Drews, how have you been? Shelbi...? all our other bandsters?

Your post cracked me up....I have gone through some of the same thoughts and wondered if I was the only one! We all seem to have such different experiences. My band is pretty fickle on what I can eat , and things get stuck often....I will eat a few bites of something, and it will be great, and the next bite gets stuck. I walk, sip pineapple juice, chew a papaya enzyme, and usually end up running to the bathroom anyway! My episodes are almost entirely mucous...such fun! PB is a stupid term...who in the world would call that a burp!! Anyway, I try to be careful and respect my band, and I enjoy it with humor over the whole thing...I paid $10k for this not-so-subtle reminder, and I have lost weight, I get full on small amounts, and my self esteem is better than it's been in years...I am more mentally energetic. I LOVE the taste of good food...and miss being able to enjoy it in more quantity....you will negotiate with your band, but as time goes on, you and your new buddy will strike a happy medium! Oh, I too, HATE artificial sweeteners. I buy Jarrow Protein Powder from Buy Discount Vitamins, supplements, Low Carb and More at www.Vitacost.com . It has no splenda or any of that stuff. It is not as strong tasting, so I mix with less Water. There are a lot of creative, healthy ways you can eat at this stage and avoid the sweeteners. Feel free to PM me, and I will try to give you any ideas I can! good luck!

Wow, so much going on since I have been MIA! WELCOME to our new lapband buddies! For my surgery, I ended up putting mine on a credit card. I am beyond impressed, Tarheelluv, with your plan and how you are doing it...wow!!! I drive to see him, it is long, about 6 hours each way, but if I were flying to him...man, your idea is brilliant!!! It is fascinating seeing where all of his patients are coming from all over North america...one of you girls that has been talking to Natalie should mention that she do a map with the red pins, marking where his patients live! That would be cool... NICNAKNUT :think I am sooooooo sad your first fill was horrible~ I wish I would have been there for you! Are you doing better now?? How is the restriction doing? Gosh, I don't even know what to say other than I am sorry and my mom and I are thinking of you and talking about how cute you are! My mom had her second surgery today...ended up being as extensive as the first:cry ROSEY great to see you! You have some great input! Were you at the surgical center in Aurora or Parker? How did you confirm the info Dr. K shared with you? He does seem like a pretty darn honest guy, and I think that's awesome you asked him the questions you did...He also seems quite skilled. It is wonderful being to a doc that doesn't treat us like we are on a friggin assembly line. He is so genuine.... MUNCHKIN I think you could buy glow in the dark paint! OH NO....you better ask if Mary at the office will deduct pounds for your cast at your preop weigh in!!!! tee,hee! AMIERU My surgery was in Parker, but I am sure you will get some great hotel ideas here. I am so excited you are scheduled! It will change your life! How many nurses do we have in our group? Or docs? LAFS how is your fill going? Threedogpeople You will love the new journey you are about to embark on! TRINA I would schedule soon...he may be getting booked ahead far...while you are waiting for your phone consult with him, you should be able to secure financing. Let us know how it goes! I wonder how Tina is doing with baby Tanner! Hi Miss Shelbiecallie!! Hey everyone...please share your stories with us! What brought you to bandland? Be well!

Tarheelluv, livingthe dream, missmonaaz, Brandymom, and all the rest! CONGRATULATIONS!! all our new bandsters to be!!! Awesome!!! This will be one of the most exciting journeys you have ever taken! Dr. K has something special about him...I think he became a doc to help people and the financial awards are a bonus~ He also has a way of making each one of us feel important, and not just an assembly line number. Since I have had two fills, I will say that he is incredibly skillful. He has gotten both of mine on the first try, and I was in his office with a friend, and he got hers on the first try also. Not all docs can get that done with such ease. I feel so confident in him. YOU ALL MADE A WISE CHOICE! And...we are so glad you're here! If you have questions about our experiences, please ask. There's something about other's experiences that even rival a textbook! I hope all of you had a great Thanksgiving! I had a wonderful time cooking (yum!)...but the eating part, well.... a tad difficult. I saw Dr. K a week and a half ago for my 2nd fill. I was already reasonably restricted, but since he is a 6 hour drive, I wanted a fraction of a cc. It was pretty good at first, but somewhere along the way, it has tightened even more, and I have been struggling. I need to go to mushies and liquids and see how I do. I hope that I will get losing more weight, and the glorious fat pad around my stomach will shrink a hair, and thus loosen the band some. I have read of people not even being able to swallow liquids. I am totally fine there, so I am not in any kind of an emergency situation...I have to adjust my behaviours now...! Drews, I so loved reading your story..I cracked up about what you said about beating the crap out of eachother and then drinking a beer! what a riot! Do you mind if I ask how Dr. K financially handled the second surgery? The self pay stuff is always scary for me. That is one of the reasons I have to get my sh*t together and start respecting my band more....can't even begin to afford fixing my own mistake (your's wasnt your fault, but I think of the money stuff). Oh, and NOT sorry I asked about your story. I LOVE reading what brought people to get banded. It is a HUGE decision. Brandymom I looked at the pic of your daughter. She is precious. It is amazing that it was never picked up on ultrasound, but I believe challenges can happen for a reason, and she has her mommy who loves her and takes wonderful care of her. Now, her other dx disorders, how do they affect her? She looks so sweet. Shelbi thanks for explaining the fill situation...It is so weirdly differently for everyone. Please let us know how the 2nd fill goes... How have you been going? I can't believe we are more than 2 months post op...weird. Hope to hear soon from Rosey and the rest of the gang! ((((hugs)))) Kelly

SHELBICALLIE... I just re read your ticker and signature. I didn't realize (over 40 brain damage) that Dr. K didn't do your fill. You and I have the same band that holds 10cc. Your first fill was 1.5 cc and mine was 4.25 cc. HUH???? 1.5 in our sized band doesn't seem like much. I am sure if I had that in mine, I would be eating everything in my fridge, then licking the shelves (ewwwww...I just know how I was before my first fill...that was supposed to be funny, but sounded kind of gross!!). I am not a doc, but I wonder if you need that fill topped off????? what do you think??

Hi Missmona~ welcome! I am so glad that you are having Dr. K as your surgeon! He is a very caring soul, as well as an excellent surgeon...I was guessing at your weight, and understand if you don't want to share it (you will see real quick that this is the most understanding, mixed with humor that only we large people get, place to be!!). Anyway, I saw him Friday for my second fill, and was asking him how large of people he is comfortable banding. I am betting the number he told me is more than your weight. I can tell he is not a man that would jeopardize anyone for the sake of doing another surgery. Because he is both brilliant, and caring, you couldn't be in better hands. If he felt that you weren't a candidate, he wouldn't have scheduled. That said, it is in your (and everyone here) best interest to follow the preop diet, and even start sooner than he said (I did). The more you can lose, and the more you can shrink your liver, the better you will do in surgery and after. I am so excited for you! When you respect your band, you will be so motivated and tickled at how the pounds fall off...it really is an uplifting experience. CONGRATULATIONS!! Please post and tell us more about you and your story that led you to Dr. K...oh, where are you from? Drews~ glad to see another Dr. K groupie here! I swear...Dr. K is such a humble soul, he would probably be almost mortified if he knew he had such cheerleaders!! And, just think, we will all either now, or some day, even fit into cheerleader outfits!!:cheer2: You have been a Dr. K patient longer than the rest of us. What is your story on what led you to him for your surgery? How did you know about lap band then? Oh...do tell us about you!! And, tell us how you got into roller derby!! Hi Shelbi and Rosey!! ahhhhh...the fills! Do I call it the necessary evil, or the creme de la creme of the band??? Hmmmm, cant decide! Dr. K doesn't talk about any restrictions, other than at my first fill, when I asked him, he told me to just take it easy. He didn't want me to chow on a steak right away. I haven't shot for a certain calorie range, I haven't measured either. I am still losing, but slower than before. I am sure that calories and measuring would be helpful, and I may get there, but not yet. The band is already such a reminder of this life change, and I was sick and tired of weight watchers, I just haven't been able to get myself to measure and weigh food. You know, the consequences of a fill are really, mainly a pain in the a**. I sweartogawd, it is a flippin shock collar, a VERY PHYSICAL REMINDER that we need to slow down, eat less, and get disciplined. Yeah, the pb's hurt, yep, I get sick of not being able to chow down, and when I do chow, I pay for it:puke: . Some moments, it really pisses me off. But, this is what I need to get healthy. I asked for it, paid for it, and got it, and I hope I have it forever...Since my first "I think I am dying" pb...I have learned to handle it better before it gets so bad. Gosh, girls...as usual, I could write a book. Bottom line is that you have nothing to be afraid of with your fill. When you get filled, it needs to be enough restriction to make a difference, but not too much so that you're miserable. Rosey, when again was your surgery? I was really restricted my first 10-14 days, but from then till a month out, I felt like I could eat a horse. Shelbi...I have cut down rice and bread to almost nothing. I have Pasta and potatoes occasionally. I try really hard to stay away from those. I am hoping to learn to stop eating when I am no longer hungry (not stuffed!), to choose more Protein than carbs, etc. Like I said, I can't stand weighing everything that goes into my mouth. I am sure I will hit a plateau and have to, but I hope not!! When was your fill?? Ok, better stop..you are all going to get so sick of my book writing! (((hugs)))

HI STEPH!! How are you feeling?? Email me and update when you get a chance~~! take care!!

Bobbie - it was great to see you! hey munchkin...did you ever ask Natalie if she could get a hold of someone else who has surgery that day? She could ask them if they wouldn't mind if you emailed them. At least, there would be someone at the hotel to look out for you. Let me know how it is going with that~! How's everyone else doing? Shelbiecallie? Purplelady? Rosey? Had my second fill on Friday. Did pretty good that night. We went to a company dinner, and I had salmon with hollandaise. Took little bites, and ate very little, with no close calls. BUT, have tried bites THREE times since last night, and have failed to get it down...Twice I did the empty the slime run (PB just sounds ridiculous to me...I wish it were only a burp!!)..the other time, I was miserable. So, I am switching to yogurt. I so don't understand why I was fine with the salmon last night and not since. But, I had two Protein bars today, and did well...wierdness with this little band! Hope to hear from you guys...it's much too quiet ~~!:biggrin1:

Hello everyone! well, I am Co. Springs and will head to Dr. K's on Friday for my second fill ~ I am excited and nervous! I can tell I need one, but kinda hate that sometimes eating is just a pain (literally!). I will let you know how it goes. Rosey ~ how did the meeting go?? Munchkin ~ any news on the doc/hospital situation? Shelbi ~ how have you been? Nicnaknut ~ got your message~ talk soon! Purplelady ~ where'd ya go?? everyone...have a great night...be sure and touch base with us here, I love reading the posts!!!

why would it be too risky?

I re read your post, and agree with the tons of posts on topics like RR. But, then I saw that you are all for support. If I didn't get that when I posted back, I apologize. I think I had to post my thoughts anyway for feedback from everyone!

Hey Purplelady One of my motivations for starting this was for more information. I feel that the more we know about, and understand our bands, the better we can utilize our tool! I learn much more from others' experiences than form books or a web search for information. With that, we also have to remember that personal and learned information also comes with stories, and with stories comes relationships. I too, don't want this to turn into just social sharing with a spattering of information ! We have to support eachother with our banding, but if one of us had a fight with our spouse, that caused binge eating, and we want support or to share how we handled it...it is still band information in a round about way. I want and need your support, and I hope you want and need mine. We need to stay focused on why we are here. I hope this made sense to you, and I hope my thoughts don't drive you away.... whatcha think?

Thanks, Rosey I sure feel better about myself....I am not sure about beautiful, but I will put the compliment in my self esteem pocket, to get me through the tough days! I have never before put these pics side by side, and haven't noticed the weight change till now....wow, I have eyes...the fat pads must be shrinking!!!

Here are a couple of pics of me pre and post banding....This is the first time I have done before/during (not after!!) pics. I hope my last post wasn't too long, but we all have a lot to share (if we are comfortable) going into this journey. I would love to hear more stories, and see more before/during or after pics on this thread...they are inspiring for me! PS the second pic was at the world series, Rockies, with my kids! It was a blast, just wish they would have won! :think

Hmmmm...my story...how to keep it succinct?? I was born in ...just kidding! When I look back at pictures as a kid, the only time I looked chubby was at about 8, following some family stuff involving my sister. BUT, when I hit high school, I must have had an anorexic way of thinking, because I always knew I was fat. Being fat then was needing to lost 10 or 15 lbs, which I was able to do, but obsessed about my size. I have always been stocky, and not built like the other girls, and it just about ate me alive....this went on for YEARS. I think I now know that the mental torture can be just as damaging, whether we need to lose 100 or 20 lbs. I don't say that lightly, because I was a mess, but not super high up on the BMI scale...I get in my 20's and become pregnant, and get the largest I had ever been...all over. No cute bb ball tummy for me...I was pregnant EVERYWHERE. I dieted with WW, lost it, then had another baby a few years later. I never got all the weight off before that....So, I hit about 30, go through a NASTY divorce, deal with a little boy who has bipolar disorder...finish the divorce, finally stabilize my son, then I crash...bad. We think fibromyalgia was triggered. For the last 10 years, my weight has gone up, and up and up until I hit about 85 lbs overweight, and such a slow metabolism that it took an act of god and congress for me to lose even a pound. In '03, I joined WW online, lost a lot, but the day I got sick of counting points, it all came back, plus another 20 lbs. During all this , for various reasons, I would come across pictures of me as a young woman, and become even more depressed, hopeless, and overwhelmed. It got to the point where all my efforts were fruitless, because the scale never moved. I knew I would never have, nor was a canditate for bypass, and every January for the last several years, I was going to begin and conquer the weight. Didn't happen, couldn't happen. I only felt comfortable being around people "bigger" than me...I would run into someone I hadn't seen in years, and just KNOW they were wondering what in the hell happened to me...I got puffier and fluffier. Little by little,this all chipped away at what body image I had...a horrific place to be. Fast forward to August '07. I saw Big Medicine with a show that had a band. I ran to the computer, researched, and was STOKED. Within 10 days, my surgery was scheduled....HUGE financial sacrifice, but I was already sacrificing myself to high blood pressure, high cholesterol, mental issues, and self loathing....$10k was a small price to pay for health and sanity. The first 20 lbs fell off..and each time I got on the scale, the needle had moved..I was finally happy and motivated, plus getting healthier, and wearing clothes I hadn't in years. I am sure you all have felt that, so I won't even elaborate! Now, comes the real work, the exercise, the calorie watching...but, for the first time, I actually want to move around and burn some calories...and I now KNOW I finally have the tool!!!!! Since I am a lower BMI bandster, I am sure that many BMI bandsters can't understand my whining. It's like when my mom is upset about the 10 lbs she has to lose...good grief. But, once we hit obese, I don't think it is the pounds that eat us alive, but the struggle with (whether this is truth, it is how we perceive it)...lack of discipline, why are we such idiots that we can't just do this "ourselves", knowing exercise would help, but truly knowing it won't chip much off, knowing we would look and feel better if we could just get it together, feeling worthless because we can't keep the weight off...why can't we??? The list goes on, but it is torture, nonetheless. For the first time in years, I have hope, but also the evidence that I will get there...this time, and for good.

Rosey ~ my port area was more sore than any of the other incisions...and good grief...hard...mine feels like a hard boiled egg 2 months out! I will see Dr. K on Friday, and ask him if it's "normal". I thought for sure it was the port itself, mingled with scar tissue, but when he did my first fill, the needle site was about an inch below my egg. Stupid me, though, I forgot to ask him that time, I think I was too fascinated with the fill process and too busy trying to figure out what in the world I was supposed to be feeling with each drink of water! Your pain could be "normal", but maybe getting a hold of the office would be a good idea~ just to make sure. Also, I have talked to a few people who had hernia operations from different docs, and they all said it was hard as a rock for quite a while. Hopefully this one will break down someday. I am not vain about my stomach...hell, I would rather be thin than worry about lumps and scars, so I am not worried about that part (some people on the scar stages thread are hesitant about even getting banded because of the scars...huh?????) ~ but, I will ask him to make sure all is well. Purplelady ~ Welcome! Tell us more about your band journey and where are you from! MAL ~ hey girl!!! I was going to PM you to say hello cuz we haven't had any recent laphumor to share lately! How are you??? Great pic at RR !!! Take care everyone! I think I will post my "story" next. If I add it here, I could have tomatoes thrown at me for being so lengthy!! :bounce:

If you're not comfortable at your hospital, I probably wouldn't do it. It will be important for you to feel comfortable about it. Are you self pay? Gosh, I wish I were in Denver and could help you. I think you for sure need someone to take you to the hotel from the hospital. Hey...! I may have an idea. The day I was there, the solo guy was going to take a taxi to the hotel. We made sure he got there ok (drove him), and then didn't see him after that. Anyway...........I wonder if Marilyn would contact whoever else is having surgery that day and see if the patient's spouse (or whoever they bring) would check on you. My s.o. would have been glad to check on that gentleman if he had wanted it. That way, there would be someone at the hotel who could be there if you needed it...and many people are willing to help out. I don't know where the Radisson is in relation to the surgery center. But, the hotel right there is REALLY nice. I would imagine that's where the other patients that day will stay, but really have no idea. Let me know what you think of that idea...could work, never know!