Vickie

“Bless your Heart” (quite literally) (Starting Over in NJ). I just read the definition on Massive Pulmonary embolism. It appears as though you may have had a very close call. Losing the 70 pounds is probably the best thing in the world you can do for your heath and I imagine your family must be very proud of you. Also (to Joanne) thank you kindly for knowledge concerning the lapband and it's complications and sharing it with us.

Congratulations everybody. We’re almost at our 9th month. I have a sad story to tell. I had a real set back for the month of August. My last fill was May 29th ---All was well for a couple of months. Then it all turned south----I started aspirating during the night, throwing up, while I was sleeping. Also there was acid reflex along with this throwing up business. I didn’t/don’t understand why or what I did different. I went to my medical Doctor here in Wasilla because as some of you know I went to TJ Mexico to have my lap band done. Anyway my medical doctor here in Wasilla, Dr. Woods, she said this was dangerous and she insisted that every drop of water be taken out. I pleaded with her not to do this but like I said she was very insistent. I’ve got to admit it completely stopped the vomiting at night in my sleep and the acid reflex. I’m back to normal-- but then there is the horror story. Now I’m gaining about 1 pound per day. I suppose, my metabolism is set on super slow now. I am so depressed. I know I’ve got to take control of this situation and go swimming or something but if you know anything about depression this is going to take every drop of will power I’ve got to move. I know that this isn’t the end of the world and soon they will allow me to have another fill. It is a mystery to me as to why the aspirating began because I was doing just fine. Here I am rattling on and on. I’ll get back on track and the next letter I write will be a positive one. I know.

Dear Couramour: Dr. Grant Searles is in Anchorage, also Dr. Todd is in Anchorage. The journey is lots of paper work and persistants. If some doors are slammed keep trying tell you get one to open one for you. Your health and body will thank you for it.

Yes-- you people are so right! I am ecstatic over my 28 pound weight loss. I know I haven’t done as well as most of you, but I am so happy.

Hey Pete and Everybody: How have you done in your first 6 months? I am ecstatic over my 28 pound weight loss. I know I haven’t done as well as most of you, but I am so happy. Do you feel better now then you did 6 months ago? ABSOLUTELY How many fills have you had? 3

Yeah! for everybody. Joanne it looks like I'm the slowest loser but I'm not complaining.:smile2:

Hi girls I had my band done in Mexico-- Dr. Todd wouldn't do it because my BMI was too low for him. It cost 6,500 and TJ has a wonderful hospital and set up. I live in Wasilla so I'm getting my fills from Larry Walters at Dr. Woods. It's working. Slowly but surely. I've only lost 28 pounds since Dec. but thats alright_ I'm happy

Double click on your Tickerfactory logo. This will take you to your site. Put in your password. Update the information, new date, new weight ect. Then it automatically changes your information, or at least it worked that way for me. Double check by checking your signature in lapbandtalk.com

I have arthritis in both my knees and back and I only weighed 186. My doctor told me the only way to lose the pain was to lose 60 pounds which would put me at 126 and pain free. There is no way my insurance would pay for it so I went to TJ Mexico and had my done. I had this done in Dec. and I'm slowly losing the weight,24.2 pounds and only about 36 more pounds to go and maybe I won't have to have knee or back surgery. Go to Mexico and spend the best 7,000 you have ever spent and forget the stupid insurance.

Yeah, barngal2003 I’m so proud of you. I don’t know how the rest of the Holiday Hotties are doing? We’ve only been at this for 3 months now and I think most of us are adapting to a more healthy life style. I’ve only lost one pound since the last time I checked in but I’m still very pleased and grateful. Your brave to have your band filled it really is a wonderful tool. Keep it up!

Good Debi: I'm glad to see you got your ticker running and you have lost 13 pounds. I went to Mexico too to get my lapband. I'm 58. Anyway it looks as though we have the same amount of weight to lose. I think it may be harder to lose weight when we are this close to a goal weight. I found a fill dr. here in Wasilla and since the second fill, Feb. 26th., I'm scared to have another fill. I lost 7 pounds after the 26th of Feb. but I haven't lost anymore and I've taken up swimming. I think it becomes more difficult to lose weight when you get this close to your goal. I don't know where I would find the answer to this one.

Wow--Trina the sixty pounds sounds great.

Aunt Gigi has the same questions I have about taking medication for pain. I just swollow the pain medication of my choice. I also have liquid pain medication prescribe right after surgery that I had refilled HyDR/APAP 7.5/500/15 EL I guess a good question for the doctors .Gigi wrote:I have back and knee problems so I am achy alot. What do you all take for aches and pains? Before surgery I took advil daily, that's supposedly a no-no for us, but Tylenol is not an anti-inflammatory and doesn't do much to help. I have taken 1 pill crushed up in a little crystal light, a few times, her and there, no problem. Any suggestions? Thanks, Gigi

Debi H. 10 pounds is great and you have lost 4 pounds in the last two weeks? It doesn’t look like your eating enough from what you’ve written. There is the possibility that you’re not eating enough and your weight will hold on to whatever it can hold on to. Hope your using “fitday” or a source to help us calculate our nutrients and calories. We're all in this together and the decision to become heathier makes me so proud of us.

I'm sure you have found someone by now. In Anchorage there is Dr. Jones but if your on Medicare he won't take you. In Wasilla there is Dr. Woods and her exhusband does the fills. His name is Larry. This is who I use. 907-3735940

Wow-- WPA that is miraculous news about your diabetes cure. This weight loss has literally saved your life.

Wow--When I had mine done they asked me what was wrong and I said I am so scared. They are hooking up the monitors and the guy says YES you sure are scared. I guess from the rate of my heart beat and blood pressure but I don't think they did anything unusual as far as calming me down. If you are subject to a real panic attack you best tell your doctor because from what I understand A REAL PANIC ATTACK imitates a heart attack and you sure don't want them to be mislead. I would talk to my doctor immediately.

Hi everyone, the second fill taught me a lesson. They shouldn't add more than a .25 per fill. Possibly I have more fat inside that keeps me from being able to take 1 cc like most people are able to take. I am happy with the fact that he took the whole CC out and then put back 1.25 back in. It's working now and since Feb. 25 I've lost 7 pounds so that's a pound per day and I expect to level out soon, It would be heathier to lose 2 pounds a week, I think? Anyway, It's good to hear Joann is doing great and I hope the rest of the December Hotties continue to post their ups and downs. It's good to know we're in the same boat.

I don't know how to show you pictures but you guys are doing great.

Molly Jo and everyone, the second fill taught me a lesson. They shouldn't add more than a .25 to one of my fills at this time. Maybe I have more fat inside that keeps me from being able to take an additional cc like most people are able to take. I am happy with the fact that he took the whole CC out and then put back 1.25 back in. It's working now and since Feb. 25 I've lost 7 pounds so that's a pound per day and I expect a level out soon. I'm so proud I'm trying to get well.

Dear Raw Carrots are Evil: Well, you'll probably never have another craving for crackers. When I younger, pregnant, sometimes crackers made me feel less nauseated so I still feel like crackers and milk are an old remedy for any kind of nausea. The rules have changed now and I know next time you have a craving for saltine crackers your going to think twice. We all have to live and learn -- and I'm sorry that had to happen to you. Jachut: I know protein is good for me but I haven't been losing any weight in the month of Feb.09 I had my first fill Feb. 2, 09 and it did nothing but make me more hungry. This second fill, Feb. 25, 09, was like the worst vomiting flu like systems and the dr. greatly suspected I was going to be sick but I insisted and paid hardily for my arrogance.

I posted a few days ago on you'lls site and things went bad. Feb. 25 I had my second fill. I followed the rules I fasted no food for 12 hours before my appointment time, only drinking water. He puts in 2.25 because I have been complaining that the 1 cc. that he put in on Feb. 2. was not effective. I could eat lobster and steak (small amounts) cut and chewed properly. He was hesitant to put 2.25 CCs but I was able to drink 12 ounces of water after the 2.25 fill and I gulped the water strait down being a little on the smug side. He said Vickie you call me if there is a problem. I arrogantly (but in a teasing way) told him that I would be making an appointment for another cc in 6 weeks. After a few hours, I got home and the wrath of God descended upon me for being such an egotistical bitch. I threw up water all afternoon, all night, and the following morning Feb. 26th. I don’t know how I had that much water and mucus in my system. I called him early in the morning and told him I was going to have to eat crow for all the smart assed attitude I had and would he please take out a little bit of the distilled water. Well he told me to come right in—but things got even worse until they got better. He took at the entire fill and hit a blood vessel in the process. Blood squirted in his face, running down my back. I looked at the water removal and it had blood in it, not much but it was definitely colored, traces of blood. He tells me that my band has been traumatized and needs to heal and threatens to leave it empty so I plead with him no at least put what I had back in which was 1 cc so he put back 1,25 ccs. So now I'm back with no restriction and a very sore bruised band. I wished I had just gone back to TJ where I had the band done in the first place. At least they use x-ray and you can see what is going on. I feel so stupid for not doing that and wasting money that I don't have to spear. Sorry to be rambling on and on.

Teresa; Thanks for all the nice comments you made to everyone. Teresa, I'm sorry you have to take prednisone. My step dad took that stuff and he swole up really fast. Drew that is lots of weight, I hope you don't get sick doing that as fast as it appears. Is this normal? It appears the younger one is the faster the weight tends to come off. Well Good for you.

But let me tell you my horror story that happened yesterday and today… Feb. 25 I had my second fill. I followed the rules I fasted no food for 12 hours before my appointment time, only drinking water. He puts in 2.25 because I have been complaining that the 1 cc. that he put in on Feb. 2. was not effective. I could eat lobster and steak (small amounts) cut and chewed properly. He was hesitant to put 2.25 CCs but I was able to drink 12 ounces of water after the 2.25 fill and I gulped the water strait down being a little on the smug side. He said Vickie you call me if there is a problem. I arrogantly (but in a teasing way) told him that I would be making an appointment for another cc in 6 weeks. After a few hours, I got home and the wrath of God descended upon me for being such an egotistical bitch. I threw up water all afternoon, all night, and the following morning Feb. 26th. I don’t know how I had that much water and mucus in my system. I called him early in the morning and told him I was going to have to eat crow for all the smart assed attitude I had and would he please take out a little bit of the distilled water. Well he told me to come right in—but things got even worse until they got better. He took at the entire fill and hit a blood vessel in the process. Blood squirted in his face, running down my back. I looked at the water removal and it had blood in it, not much but it was definitely colored, traces of blood. He tells me that my band has been traumatized and needs to heal and threatens to leave it empty so I plead with him no at least put what I had back in which was 1 cc so he put back 1,25 ccs. So now I'm back with no restriction and a very sore bruised band. I wished I had just gone back to TJ where I had the band done in the first place. At least they use x-ray and you can see what is going on. I feel so stupid for not doing that and wasting money that I don't have to spear. Sorry to be rambling on and on.