Dutchgrl59

Hungry and depressed. I was completely alone yesterday and so I called the kids, it was 11am. Taylor answered the phone and told me his dad and trish went house hunting at 9am in Perris which is an hours drive away. The kids sounded OK but I was upset that Dan would do something this thoughtless. I called back at 1pm and the kids were still alone and they had not eaten lunch. By this time 4hrs have passed and I was getting real mad. I got Taylor & Channing involved with lunch making by giving them instructions ie; someone get drinks and the other one prepare the microwave food. As soon as I knew they were eating I hung up. What idiot leaves 4 kids with disabilities alone for 5+ hours! The boys told me that a toliet overflowed and they didn't know what to do -- what was Dan gonna do in a real emergency? Yes, I leave the boys to get my hair done but I am no more than 5minutes away and my girlfriend lives on the property. This is exactly why I have a hard time leaving the kids and why the delay in surgery was never a real issue. How can I recover knowing that my children aren't being cared for. I am one week out and should I take the kids back even though I can't bend over, cook meal or drive??? I just want to report the bastard. Maybe losing complete custody might rattle his cage! I am venting, lonely and depressed. I miss the children and am sick over it. Need to have a good cry.

Hello Friends, Day 5 Post-Op. Very lonely. My Mom is is Hawaii and all my other friends are at Disneyland for the World Premiere of Pirates of the Carribean: At Worlds End. I went to the last 2 Premieres and kinda feel left out of all the festivities. A day without Johnny Depp is like a day without sunshine.....OK that was kinda sappy, but it was fun to type! Anyway, I having been trying to keep busy today, I washed my hair, tried to take a nap and then decided to make homemade French Onion Soup.... anything to keep the hunger at bay. I watched "wedding crashers" and later will be watching "dejaVu". Last night I finally "learned" to sleep on my left side(I think thats where my port is" and I got a good 5 hours in, which has made a world of difference in how I feel. Thank you all with all your suggestions and tips. I know I'm not really alone..... just missing the children and girlfriend (she went out of town yesterday). Pat: Was that you really posting!! I have missed you EVER SO much. So glad to have you visit! Eileenie: Thanks for being a mother hen.... I lifted a few groceries and felt very tired -- but OK. I will behave. Super glad that you house is OK. Sherry:Plateau from Hell? Down, bessie..... you've had alot on you plate, but if its encouragement you need then, go get that fill! :guess Cindy:Your friends funeral must have been very difficult for you...sad. Glad that you had plans for the graduation tea today. Eat something for me! OK... it off the have more jello, popcicles and protein shakes. Bye!

Halllooooo Eileenie......I've missed you sooooo! Yesterday I finally got really hungry. The protein shakes are getting too sweet for me, so I read all the stuff on the liquid stage thread -- no real answers there either. I'm supposed to be on liquid for 2 weeks (low fat, low sugar). Last night I made egg drop soup and that made me feel better. I want to water down a commercial soup but don't know if that is allowed. I finally feel well enough for a short trip to the grocery store, maybe later. My list doesn't say anything about cream soups, though I am allowed skim milk. I didn't realize there are SO many ways to post op diets. Some drs say clear liquids, then shakes, then mushies and then I've read 1, 2 or 4 weeks for the liquid phase. Mind boggling. I've never desired taco bell as much as I do now! I think I'm gonna phone the nutritionist for ideas.

Kat: This procedure you describe, sounds amazing. Do you have a date for this? I just really want Ricks heart to work better. Thanks for the encouragement. Wow, I am doing so much better! I got up at 8:30 this morning with just a bit of soreness. I want to imagine a painfree day.... not yet. I am not hungry but I'm thinking of adding a bit of protein to a carnation instant breakfast. I talked to Taylor yesterday and all the boys are going to visit me this afternoon. VERY EXCITED!!!!! :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: I even want to bake brownies for them. Don't worry, I won't be tempted, remember..... Me No like chocolate! Just happy!

Hey, it's me again, Whew! Feeling much better cause I figured out how I could take loratab. I dilute it in a small juice glass and sip it, after I drink alittle shake to coat my stomache. I finally had a whole nights sleep! Walking is much better too! I feel well enough to be able to mix up some jello and watching a movie later. Before I didn't feel well enough to concentrate that long. Still have a tiny bit of left shoulder pain, but rocking chair and heat pad does the trick. Tomorrow I want to see the kids, will call to invite them over. Everything is ducky

Well, I did it.... I have my band! It has been a long and painful journey. I was really really affected by the anesthesia and had the dry heaves as the nurses kept pushing me to stand and walk. That was at 3pm. I was visited by the assistant dr and she told me that they repaired a hernia above my diaphram. I stopped using the pain meds at 7pm cause it was making me dizzy. Right now I feel everything in my stomach. I finally got up and walked in the hospital and drank some water and used the bathroom. They discharged me at 10pm. I was in bed at home by 11:30. My girlfriend had to leave but that was OK. I was up at 1am, 3pm and again 6:30 having to pee alot. I mostly hurt in my left shoulder from the gas and it has moved to the back of my neck. If that would go away I wouldn't be so uncomfortable. Using my heat pad and trying to drink some tylenol.... but I don't like how it tastes. I gotta sleep now, hugs to all my prayer partners, looks like summer will be wonderful:D

Well, this is it...... SURGERY DAY! I got up before the alarm, took my blood pressure pill and then showered with a surgical scrub(yucky smell) all over my stomach. My bag is packed and now I'm posting so I don't think about wanting to drink, I'm not hungry. Just praying that I don't get the nausea and I trust dr kelvin on his promise to make sure that doesn't happen. Thinking happy thoughts, I will write again when I have arrived in BandLand. HUGS,

Happy Mothers Day :guess I just got home from Universal Studios -- Heart Camp was GREAT! Since we attended last year, I knew exactly what to do this year. Park car, pick up packet, get lanyards for each boy, get camp t-shirts for every boy, find the camp leader and get them assigned a tour group, kiss them all goodbye and breathe! I learned some really cool stuff this year, it's called a MEDICAL PASSPORT. Looks just like a blue passport but contains medical information for emergencies. Better than just wearing a bracelet. Then the speaker shows us a flashdrive and says, "this is the wave of the future" Kaiser is going all electronic and with a flashdrive ALL medical information can be stored on your keychain! Surgery notes, doctor visits, xrays, cat scans, ekg results and echocardiograms and current medications/dosages. My jaw just dropped! The doctor then said to us, that we were all getting a free flashdrive in our goodie bags! The lady next to me said "I feel like I'm on the Oprah show"! Sooooo, I just wanted to pass that along because that tiny flashdrive could be used for hundreds of other purposes, like certificates and diplomas or research projects or drawings for employers -- the list could go on! I felt so priviledged to have attended yesterday. The boys and I stayed the night at the Hilton, courtesy of my MOM. I was very grateful that I didn't have to drive in evening traffic. And when we got home the boys had homemade cards for me. Taylor has packed a suitcase and they are just playing with legos right now, I a few hours they will be leaving with their Dad. I kinda don't know how thats gonna feel . I was told on Friday that my time at the hospital tomorrow is 8:30am arrival with a 10:30 go time. I will post as soon as I can, and I will tell my girlfriend how to post to let you know that I came home. You are the ONLY reason that makes me believe that I can do this. And without support I would have given up long ago. Heart Hugs, PS I will try to post again when I get up tomorrow.

Morning all, Yesterday I got my medication and cleared for surgery! Before I went home I stopped by the hospital to give payment, when they told me that I wasn't scheduled for Monday. Back to the surgeons office to straighten that out and to also pay them. It's all good..... I paid everybody, I have medication, I have a Monday date and I am completely exhausted. The boys and I went out to dinner and I looked at each of their beautiful faces and got that overwhelming rush of love for them. When our tummies were full we went home for TV time. At 3:30 this morning I woke up with neck and arm pain. I got up and searched "heart attack" then "high blood pressure" and "medication". I don't know what to think. I'm feeling better.... actually hungry, so I'm nibbling a piece of dry toast and I plan to take my pill. I will call the doctor as soon as the office is open and maybe find out whats going on. Never a dull moment with me! I have the day off and am glad I already called in a sub. I'm trying not to be stressed but I really don't know what that means. Heck, I'm the most laid-back person I know! Just send kind thoughts, I'll try to post later. Hugs,

Hey Guys, Its late but I need to update you on what happened during pre-op. It's my blood pressure..... it's sky high and all the doctors fear a stroke. Half the day yesterday they cancelled my surgery and then later I was back on the calendar. I was exhausted from being there from 7am to 3pm. In a nutshell.... I need to be on meds. Possibly monitored for 1 week. If the PCP decides that, then I will have surgery on 5/21. If the PCP sees me and thinks I'll do fine with 4 days of meds then I will have surgery on 5/14. Sooooo, I see the dr tomorrow afternoon. The outcome to this little drama is yet to be revealed. I'll stop by after the dr's .

Oh Kat, This is Sooooo unfair. Dear God, Please hold Rick and Kat in your arms and comfort them. I pray for physicians that know and understand the human body, and for honest answers to this situation. In your name we ask. Amen.

Thanks you guys! I have checked and double checked my list and I think I gots everything. Mandy, whats the icepack for? I have a heating pad.... thats for the shoulder, but ice? I gonna ask the doc for pain meds and the nausea medication. I discovered a new protein thing on another thread but I don't know where to get it. Bodybuilders use this test tube called IDS liquid protein. Anyone ever hear of it? I'm interested in taste testing it, and its a bit expensive to buy the 12pack. Ohhh, gotta take kids to school, check back later! bye.

Well, I'm with you Betty, I'm doing laundry too..... 3 loads down and 3 to go! Dishes are getting done too! I also have 3 checks for my doctors and hospital.... I guess 3 is my number today! Slowly getting ready for surgery. I have flavored waters, shakes, vitamins, pain relievers...... I still need to buy that gasx stuff. I'm trying to finish all the dusting and cleaning since I'm the maid and I will be sleeping the first few days. I think I need to empty the fridge of all that evil pre-band food I used to love. I will need you all to entertain me with food porn before this is all over. Work this week will be 4 days and my prayer is that things go smoothly and to keep me healthy before my date. So can ya send one up for me? Thanks guys -- did I ever tell you that you're the best? Well, you are! Hugs,

Yeah, Where's Darcy????????

Happy Friday, First I would like to know from any moderators why all the crazy changes here.... and now the pretty girl in the logo? I wouldn't think to complain..... just that everyday is new. Dianne So glad to see ya! I have my date 5/14 and today I need to get all the checks printed for my pre-op next tuesday. Insurance did not pull thru for me. Waiting any longer was not an option. I'll be fine! Brianne: Welcome! We have Soooo much fun here. Congrats on your surgery. I'll be there in 10 days! And I must say, you have done marvelous! Betty: I'm So thankful that your home wasn't damaged.... you scared me! Do you have to live thru all this weather stuff yearly? You must have nerves of steel. Kat: Where's our Rick report? Eileenie: Peek-a-boo Mandy: I am relieved that you aren't having band problems and that your meds are working. I have hardly eaten this week because of the flu and I'm hoping the band doesn't feel like that. Your appointment will be here before you know it and the answers will come. Hey, I didn't know your husband works for the railroad. My kidlets are crazy about trains -- your're so lucky! Hugs. Well, the weekend is here and I have neglected my home. Gotta clean, clean, clean. The kids are going to Dads and I will be alone -- yeah! Hey! where is the rest of our crew??

Thanks for the party invite! Kat: I'm SO glad that you guys are home! That makes my heart sing We here in sunny California have been battling the stomach flu. Today is the first day this week where everyone made it to school -- whew! Yesteday I told personnel that I needed medical leave.... I get So nervous about telling work anything. I don't want people knowing about my lapband. Can you guys help me with my weirdness. I don't think anyone will notice me eating differently but when I start to lose, someone, somewhere will say something and I know I won't have decent answer for them :target: my self image is in rather poor shape and I have my couselors phone number on speed dial. Anyway, I gotta make breakfast.... it's minimum day today! bye

Dear Kat, What a nightmare! I am so sorry this is happening to you. You did right by hanging up. I am proud of you for venting and keeping your focus. I will pray for you guys again right now. Shame on those family members that feel the need to guilt you. I trust everything you are doing, Hugs,

Morning all, Kat; Rick is #1 on my prayer list. Keep us posted on tomorrows transport. Please remember to eat and drink so you don't get too worn down. Hugs. Mandy; I laughed SO hard I started crying. You want to come visit -- Whoo Hoooo :faint:I immediately thought of a hotel, and want to take you to the outlet center and maybe sneak you into the employee store for some amazing discounts..... bring an extra suitcase for all the loot! Hey, I don't even know when your birthday is, will you tell us? Is Abby coming too? The boys would love to play with her at California Adventure, there's Dot's puddle park for getting wet and rock climbing at the Challenge Trail. I'm So excited! Whew! Beanie; :D I'm happy for you. And especially what Eileen said.... that you guys got to meet. Have you noticed how many of us have gotten jobs or promotions lately? Things are looking up. Betty; I do really want to stay the night in hospital.... it is several thousand dollars to do so I am almost considering asking my ex to stay the night. What do you think the new wife would think? LOL. Where is Dianne and Darcy? Girls gone wild? Stop by and say HI. I gotta clean this house, little monsters come back later -- bye!

Thanks Mandy, You know I sent away for my disney pirates jeans... size 12. The next one I want is the one with all the drawings on the legs. Hey, I want you to be feeling better -- I don't like that you are in so much pain. Could you get another doctors opinion for me? You mean too much to me to be feeling so poorly and I want you to have a full and abundant life without pain. Hugs,

Hey guys, thanks for the heads up.... I too hate the "throw up" feeling after surgery. I did not know about the meds. I am writing that down now. My surgery is May 14th..... one week behind NVgirl. Cool.

Dear eljmom, I have my surgery on May 14th! Nice to meet you. I have already done my EKG and all my bloodwork. My pre-op will be May 8th and surgery the next week. I am proud of you for looking at the pretty clothes. Guess what I did..... I went on ebay and bought the size 12 jeans that I have always wanted and they have shipped them already! The old me would have never have done that. Lets keep in touch.... Patty

WHAT WAS THAT? I had to log in?? I can't keep up :speechles Anyway...... they took 7 vials of blood from me yesterday and all the technician kept saying was how small my veins were. Yeah, babe I have small veins but I have big arms, legs, stomach --lol. My poor arm still hurts but I'm fine. The boys are at their Dads house and I don't feel ready to tell him that he's babysitting for 2 weeks.... do ya think he's gonna freak? I hope so! I do have some news about my babysitter... my Mom won't be able to stay with me. I guess as a Christmas gift my sister gave her a trip to Hawaii for the next Hawaiian Tropic pageant. My sister and her girls have been involved with Hawaiian Tropic for 10years and aside from working the shows they have all entered also. My 2 nieces have both been big winners and now the little 4 year old is attempting a second crown. I'm not all that keen about parading the children even though I have been asked to judge several times, and I personally think little Maleah doesn't care about the pageant, its my sister. She believes if you don't have a title then you aren't somebody -- totally opposite of how we were raised. Anyhoo, The trip for my Mom was just a ploy to have her babysit the kids while my sister attended to pageant duties..... oh yeah she threw in a visit to the polynesian cultural center for a luau (Mom will actually enjoy that). So, I will be alone on surgery night.... or should I ask my girlfriend to stay one night? I need some expert help. I'm still happy, happy happy!

Dear Kat, My darling Lewis Holden Humphrey has...... Tetrology of Fallot It's a really icky name for one of the oldest heart conditions known to man. Tetrology means heart and Fallot is the doctor who discovered this abnormality. Tet babies were known as blue babies because they appeared very bluish in color and thats due to red and blue blood being mixed. It takes 4 different defects to equal ToF. They are: Stenosis of the artries, holes in the walls in the heart which mixes the blood, thickness in the heart wall and a malformed valve.... whew! This condition is corrected only by surgery. They used to do this when the child was 8-9years but these kids end up having knotted fingers from lack of blood flow and other complications. Lewis was 4 months old and it was really really scary but he did so well. I'm going to a heart seminar next month just to learn all the new advances and the kids get to go to Universal Studios for free! I will counsel any parent that needs it, my way of giving back. Call anytime.

I got my date..... May 14th. Yesterday I met my surgeon -- real nice guy. He told me that I am very very healthy. Dr Oliak uses 2 hospitals and wanted to use the far-away one for me. I asked if I could be closer to home. He looked up and said "yes" lets make it happen.... cause by May 31 the prices increase. Within 20 minutes, I had my date at the closer site and an EKG finished. This morning I completed all my labs and on May 8th I have what they call THE OFFICE DAY where I will be kept busy from 8am-3pm with an exercise class, meet the anesthesiolgist, bariatric teaching class, dietitian, psych, and register at hospital. Since I have already done most of these things I am supposed to bring a book.... except that makes me sleepy, oh well. So, fans thats all the news I have. I just went on ebay and bought a pair of size 12 jeans from the Disney store. I didn't have the heart to do this any earlier than when I knew my surgery was to be a reality. It's my way of believing in the positive. Thanks for living with me these last 18months. I couldn't have survived this without all of you. Hugs,

Man, I really don't like some of the changes they made here.... I went to edit my post and it came up all smiley faces in the textbox. Some one tell why this all changed?? Anyway, Kat I forgot to tell you congrats on your bandiversary. You have had some year and you have been such an inspiration to me as a wife, mother and bandster. Your weightloss is amazing..... I want..... well, If I could only hope to do as well in 1years time. The Amazing women here at lapband talk keeps me coming back. Heart Hugs,