Fordgal88

Wow this board is really moving, its nice to see all the new faces on here. Glad to hear your fill went well Wendy. I am hoping that my next one will be the "sweet spot". I have noticed that I am getting full soo much quicker and I am staying satisfied a lot longer. I get that on August 20th. I think that the office has grown so much quicker than they had anticipated and they are especially seeing it now, because more and more people are finding out BC/BS has started covering Lap Bands. I was talking with Lisa (the nurse practitioner) at my last appt and hinted at the fact they had grown way faster than anticipated. Well this past weekend was my first vacation being banded and being fully dependant on eating out. I noticed that Breakfast is by far the hardest meal. They're just arent that many breakfast foods that are band friendly served at places. We went to Tunica and I did eat Pizza Saturday night/Sunday Morning. Just one of those mini pizzas, I ate 1 slice and 1/2 of another and I got SOOOO sick! I think I ate too fast, it was not a pretty site. I did notice that since I cant eat as much I am more into trying new things and that is nice. Well that is enough rambling! I hope everyone is doing well!! =) Shawna

Most places in the touristy parts of Mexico take USD. Some may only change in pesos though. HTH

We are still in the same place, we did buy the house next door (the one before you get to ours) and we are renting it out (its only 2 BR. and 1 BA). I like it out here. I love the schools and everyone is so easy to get to know. You have to do it for yourself. I decided to do it, because I didnt want to end up like my mother. I wanted to be sure to be around (minus the chance of getting hit by a truck) to enjoy my kids and grandkids (Tyler and Kaytlyn are 17 now....UGH!). On a typical day this is what I eat - BFast - Fiber One Yogurt (After you get some restriction this will really fill you up) lunch - Usually a small microwavable ravioli or smart one or salad dinner - whatever I make for the family (Which sometimes I will take for lunch the next day - it is funny how much I like leftovers) I do not drink any sodas at all. I know that they are evil and probably were a big reason I ended up here to begin with. I try to drink at least 48oz of plain Water a day (no crystal light - just water) I take 3 bottles to work with me and poor little bits at a time in a cup and drink it that way - I dont know why but it just seems easier that way. After that I allow myself either artificially sweetened Kool-Aid or 1 Vitamin Water (I LOVE THAT STUFF). I do have a small serving of ice cream or maybe a bite of something sweet every once in a while - I believe that this is a change but I am making changes that I know I can live with. If I said I am not going to have sugar then I know that is all I would want. I am trying to be realistic. I know my biggest problem was portion control. I grew up in one of those you have to clean your plate households. So now I eat off of a dessert plate. It really works! The hardest thing is not drinking with meals. I am doing a lot better with that. I just dont fix a drink when I eat any more. Hope that helps a little.... Glad to see you here! =) Shawna

Hey April!!! Yep I have been on here for a while. I was banded on May 6. Small world huh?? I hated the sleep study, I had soooo much trouble with it because of a stupid defective cpap machine. Give me a call sometime my number is still listed. Otherwise ever thing else is so far so good. I just had my 2nd fill last monday (June 21). I could really see a difference for the first few days. I still have good restriction but I think the next one might be it. I have noticed that I am not as hungry and I do get full a lot faster. How is everyone else doing? I missed the meeting last week because of our "staycation" but hopefully there will be no problem making the next one. Hope all is well with everyone. Shawna

Hi All just wanted to tell you my first embarrassing PB experience... Well yesterday we went to Spring Valley Beach and were having a great time. We decided it was time for lunch. Well I brought some chicken fingers because my mom was insistant on having sandwiches and for me bread is something I have to be very careful eating. WELL. I ate about half of my chicken finger (which were cold - which probably was part of the problem) and noticed it was getting stuck:scared2:. I tried to burp (I know its gross - but sometimes that will ease things through), well nothing. My husband has learned the "Oh crap" look on my face :blink:and is staring at me. I am thinking there is no way I am purging in a garbage can in public and the restrooms were WAYY to far. So I sat there for another minute trying to will it down and then I felt the urge to cough and when I did out it popped with all the slime:drool:... I grabbed a plastic bag to cover my face and then a towel. I immediately put my plate in the trash can and appoligized to everyone. But I dont think the kids really noticed thank goodness. Cuz they kept on eating...LOL. The worst part was my mom was there and I want her to get this surgery sooo bad. I want her to know that its really not that bad, but I am sure that this was another reason for her not to get it... Oh well just thought I would share with those who werent there to witness it....lol:biggrin: Hope everyone has a great weekend!! =) Shawna

Hi everyone!! I am pretty much at a standstill for now, but I have been doing better with my water intake! I am really happy about that. This weekend we are going to Spring Valley Beach (yep me in a bathing suit) for a "Staycation" since it is so close to where we live. My son and I are going to see Mama Mia Friday night (we both have seen the play - so were psyched about the movie). I go for my next fill on Monday! I hope to have your luck Southrn. I eat and 2 hours later I am hungry. Oh, how do you all do with eggs? I couldnt understand why everyone said that they could not eat them... Well now I do!! I was at work and decided to have some eggs with a piece of bacon crushed up in them. Well about 1/2 way through I was stuffed. I got back to my office and it just kept getting tighter and tighter. Finally I gave in and threw it all up! Talk about ruining my day! It was awful! A good thing is I finally saw the difference yesterday. I am attaching some pictures (attempting). My Drivers License picture was taken about 3 weeks before surgery and the other is my work badge that was taken yesterday!!

I used liquid Benadryl, it didnt stop it completely, but it did take the edge off. HTH Shawna

Oh another question??? Has anyone else had any claims filed by Dr. Miles and Schmitt's office yet? I have not had a single claim filed by their office yet (My surgery was on May 6). Now of course the hospital claim was filed in less than 2 weeks, but nuthin from the dr.'s office! The good thing is my husband's old insurance is still active. His company closed (well moved their production from Bham to Wadley sp?) in February. So we took my insurance through St. Vincent's (which stinks cuz everything is double). But whenever they file a claim on my St. Vincent's insurance it automatically files it against my husband's old insurance and it usually ends up paying my co-pays. So they did that with my hospital claim and it paid my $100 co-pay! So I am due back a check from good ole St. V's! Just wondering if it was just me or are the Dr's filing slow?

Hi Southern, To answer your question.... Yes! 2 Times to be exact. I am still trying to get used to eating slower. I am so used to being on the run that it is a big adjustment to taking my time and chew like I should. Now I try not to let myself get too hungry so I will not feel the need to shove food down my throat. The first time was when I got to hungry and tried to scarf down a burrito which was also bad because I learn that I should not eat anything that doesnt involve using a fork or spoon, seems when I put something close to my mouth I take WAY too big of a bite. The next time involved a piece of leftover grilled chicken (note: the microwave tends to dry lean meat out!). So how was your 2nd Fill Wendy? Any restriction yet? I sooo cannot wait to have REAL restriction. I had some the first few days after my 1st fill and it was SOOO nice. But now its back to the way it was. I was scheduled for next Tuesday, but they called and resceduled for the following Monday - UGH! So 2 more weeks of this! I hope everything else is going well for everybody, please keep me in the loop of whats going on with ya'll!! Shawna

Here are some things to keep in mind as you are on your weight loss journey. When you have lost any amount compare it to this chart and it puts things into perspective. 1 pound = a Guinea Pig 1.5 pounds = a dozen Krispy Kreme glazed donuts 2 pounds = a rack of baby back ribs 3 pounds = an average human brain 4 pounds = an ostrich egg 5 pounds = a Chihuahua 6 pounds = a human's skin 7.5 pounds = an average newborn 8 pounds = a human head 10 pounds= chemical additives an American consumes each year 11 pounds = an average housecat 12 pounds = a Bald Eagle 15 pounds = 10 dozen large eggs 16 pounds = a sperm whale's brain 20 pounds = an automobile tire 23 pounds = amount of pizza an average American eats in a year 24 pounds = a 3-gallon tub of super premium ice cream 30 pounds = amount of cheese an average American eats in a year 33 pounds = a cinder block 36 pounds = a mid-size microwave 40 pounds = a 5-gallon bottle of Water or an average human leg 44 pounds = an elephant's heart 50 pounds = a small bale of hay 55 pounds = a 5000 BTU air conditioner 60 pounds = an elephant's penis (yep, weights more than his heart!) 66 pounds = fats and oils an average American eats in a year 70 pounds = an Irish Setter 77 pounds = a gold brick 80 pounds = the World's Largest Ball of Tape 90 pounds = a newborn calf 100 pounds = a 2 month old horse 111 pounds = red meat an average American eats in a year 117 pounds = an average fashion model (and she's 5'11") 118 pounds = the complete Encyclopedia Britannica 120 pounds = amount of trash you throw away in a month 130 pounds = a newborn giraffe 138 pounds = potatoes an average American eats in a year 140 pounds = refined sugar an average American eats in a year 144 pounds = an average adult woman (and she's 5'4") 150 pounds = the complete Oxford English Dictionary 187 pounds = an average adult man 200 pounds = 2 Bloodhounds 235 pounds = Arnold Schwarzenegger 300 pounds = an average football lineman 400 pounds = a Welsh pony I have lost an automobile tire and a Chihuahua :smile2:

I know exactly what you mean Wendy, I usually hate leaving the house during the Summer and now I dont want to sit at home at all. I get my next fill on July 15th. I think it should do be very noticeable then. I do have some restriction, but I am not staying satisfied very long. I am still doing well and very happy! I hope everyone is doing well and please keep us informed with what is going on.

Well I had my first feel yesterday. It went well. I got there at 3 and had to wait a little while, but I like sitting in the waiting room and love to hear other patients talk about their surgeries. I opted out for the numbing medicine, just because I figured 1 stick was better than two. Not long after I got in the room, Ashley came in to do an ultrasound to locate the port. It was much higher than I thought. Well then Lisa came in and stabbed me with the needle. I was startled at how aggressive the whole process was. It did not hurt at all, I didnt even feel the needle go it, but it was just the searching for the port that got me. I felt her hit it and then she had me lean up as if I was doing a sit up and then she got the needle in and injected the saline. I started with 3ccs and yesterday she added 1.5cc's. I cant really tell yet, but I know it can take a little bit before I notice, if I do notice at all. My next fill is scheduled for July 17th! =)

Yes, Crackers were on my list of mushie foods. Also on the list was melba toast and baked tortilla chips. These were life savers for me. I was told that anything that disolves in Water is considered a mushie.

Just stopping in to say hello... I have been so busy lately. I work full time in a hospital and I am also part owner in a photography business. It has been great, because I can control myself pretty good at work (who wants hospital food everyday) but the weekends I get bored and eat (preband). I have had work every weekend that has kept me from getting bored. Its been great! I am trying to eat better and I do notice that I eat less than half of what I used to. My first fill is scheduled for a week from today, so I am hoping to see a difference in the frequency of my meals then. It just feels like the food doesn't stick with me. I just wish it wasnt so freakin hot! I absolutely HATE summer! I am a fall or early spring person. So I am not near as active as I should be. How are you doing Wendy? Have you noticed a difference since your fill? How about you Di? My steri-strip sores just now have healed! I have been taking Benadryl (liquid) cuz they itched sooo bad! Sthrn? How are you doing? Just popping in!

I am allergic to adhesive and I itched like CRAZY after the tape come off and they put the steri-strips on (which only lasted 3 days before they ate holes in my skin). I took liquid benadryl for the itching and after the incisons were healed good the nurse told me to use baby oil on a cotton ball to get the excess adhesive off. It worked well.

Glad to hear that you got Dr. Miles to check you out Di. Infections can be so nasty. My incisions healed up quick, just the stupid sores from the steri-strips that killed me. They lasted a whole 3 days, until my skin was gone and they fell off...LOL. Great to hear you had a good trip Wendy!! Southrn - You can come up and use my Wii anytime...LOL! It is one of those standing outside of K-mart in the freezing rain on Thanksgiving Wii's. So it is extra special..LOL I am so happy everyone is doing well!! =)

I was banded on May 6. I got there at 6:30 and they took me right back to the pre-op area. There the bariatric coordinator came in and made sure I was ready. She answered a few questions that I had. I was in there for probably 2 hours. Then they took me back to the holding area. There they started my IV and gave me my versed (I love that stuff). They then wheeled me back to the OR. They gave me another shot of versed and then I went to sleep. I woke up in recovery and they were asking me if I wanted some pain meds, well duh! It hurt when I took a breath. Well they kept asking and I kept saying yes. BIG mistake. I was so out of it. I couldnt hardly wake up. I finally got back into my room and was still half asleep. The nurse came and walked me down the hall to the bathroom. Then I got back in the bed. They wanted me to drink 12oz of liquid before I left. I just couldnt wake up enough to get them drank, I probably drank about 8oz and they said that it was fine and that I could get dressed and go home. So my mom helped me get dressed and drove me home where my husband helped me to bed. I was way more sore than expected. Turns out that I had a very large hiatal hernia and they had to repair that, so that is why it hurt more. Well the pharmacy didnt have the liquid loratab and couldnt use the generic because the Dr. had specified name brand... So the first night I drank Tylenol. It worked better than I thought. I stayed in bed most of the next day and by the 4th day I was ready to get out some. I drove to a friends house and visited for a little while. It really wore me out. I am 3 weeks out now and mostly back to normal. No real pain and slowly learning to eat again. Knowing what I know now, I would have gotten my prescription filled before I got home though. =)

I played with my WiiFit last night. I love it. I did the balance games, yoga, hula hoop (I only got 2 hoops, I didnt know I was supposed to catch the ones they were throwing at me LOL). Hope everyone is doing well! =)

Great to see you are doing well Diane!! Let me know if you need anything!! Today is my birthday and my husband got me a Wii Fit! I am watching my 7 year old try it out and it looks GREAT! I think it will a great exercise program. I am starting tomorrow. Hope everyone has a great Memorial Day! =) Shawna

I got my staples out on the 13th. I was really surprised that it didnt hurt at all. BUT I am sooo allergic to adhesives and those steri-strips just ate through my skin and fell off after about 3 days. I have bigger sores from those than from my incisions, in-fact you can barely see my incision scars. I started mushies earlier this week. It has been great. But I feel like I am eating so much (I keep reminding myself that this is normal). I am using smaller bowls and plates (like we learned in that class) and it really does work. I have just got to get in more water. How are you doing? When is your first fill? Are you excited? One day we will have to meet up in Huntsville for tea or something.

Di4AU How are you feeling? How did everything go? Its funny, as each surgery date comes that I know, I really think about how everyone is doing. Let us know!! =) Shawna

Great Job Wendy? You look great! How are you doing? How is the mushies goin? Are you handling them any better? I am feeling about 90% Did pictures for a Pageant on Saturday and didnt even hardly break a sweat! I also spent the rest of the day at the ballpark! Which was tough with all those ballpark foods around! But I made it! =)

It really is not unusual to have the rep in the O.R. during surgery. Usually they are there to answer any questions that the surgeon/staff might have. I work in the O.R. and see this a lot. They will probably take the band and inspect it to see if it was product or procedure related. HTH Shawna

I am just now starting to be able to take deep breaths. I think it must be because of working close to the diaphram. I actually just noticed I was breathing better yesterday. Just keep working on taking deep breaths. HTH Shawna

LOL! yeah I am pretty proud of these staples. They are coming out tomorrow (Tuesday) at 2:30. The pain is much better. I still have the shoulder pain, but I just suffer through it. Its only at certain times, so maybe I can find a trigger for it. But I did 8 hours today at work with no problem, I even took the stairs (I always take the stairs - but I was afraid that I would still be too weak - It is so embarrassing to get on the elevator to go up 1 floor with a dr.). But I went through the whole day without ever getting really hungry! How was your weekend Wendy? I hope everyone is doing well! =) Shawna