cori in wa

I also work 3 x 12's, and while I'm not an RN, I know all about the stress that can accompany an ICU. I worked in 9-1-1 dispatch for 14 years and that sure had it's moments. Almost makes our ER look tame :crying: You are in a great field as nursing is still in great demand. If the ICU is causing too much stress a med-surg floor might suit you better. If at all possible I'd keep an insured position, because though you are still relatively young at 42, anything can and does happen. Best of luck with your decisions.

Holy Moses! The April Avengers are already 49 strong!!! That is awaesome!

Just an FYI about Crystal Light for those who might be interested. When I was mixing the to-go packs in bottled Water I often had a tough time getting the powder to mix, especially with peach tea, and the others as well (to a degree). Now I use a sturdy water bottle, put about 5 ounces boiling water (we have a hot tap at work, so nice) and the powder and it disolves perfectly. I fill the remainder with ice and the drink is perfect. Even has a slightly different flavor than when using cold water alone. I also find I get less heartburn that way. Hope that idea helps someone!

So glad for you! It is HARD to admit our fears and insecurities, learn from them and move on. Bet it feels GREAT to accept your issues and put them behind you. I've no doubt you will continue to be very successful. My best to you!

Yeah for you! That is fantastic.... good to see you are rightfully proud of yoursself! Here's wishhing you continued success.

I'm adopting the wait-and-see attitude. If my boobs touch my belly they are definitely getting hiked back to N. America! After my last c-section I developed a drop belly for the first time. I'm hoping it heads north where it belongs, but I am not holding my breath. After seeing how great Amy and Karey and Christine look I will definitely have a TT if needed. Thank God for OT hours :cheers2:

Another looking forward to being in ONEderland for the first time in ten years!

I'm hoping to do the same things post surgery that i do now... exercise bike and elliptical. I've been trying to kick it up a notch in preparation for my down time post surgery. Anyone had any luck with that?

Karey.... you look fabulous!!!! Thank you for overcoming your embarrassment and sharing your journey and photos. You give us newbies hope!!!

So many others have given you great advice. Just wanted to wish you a bit of encouragement and to cheer you on. You CAN do this!!!!

The raspberry lemonade (one of my favorties) gives me serious heartburn, and I've not yet been banded! But, one Pepcid complete takes care of it, no problem. The berry flavored aren't bad and they have the added benefit of Calcium. Check with your nurse/doctor to make sure the chewables are OK for you and give them a try. Pepcid offers a tiny, trial size pack so no big investment needed. HTH!

Hi all. I thought I saw a few folks with "scrap" in their names or posts and it made me wonder how many scrapbookers are out there, planning to save and document their journey. Or, for those non-scrappers in the bunch, how many of you are journaling or blogging your trials and tribulations? I initally thought I'd skip that aspect as I'd have to admit not only to myself, but others, that I am morbidly obese. But I figure if I can help one other person through my experiences then I've done someting good and right. Lord knows reading the variety of information and struggles, along with triumphs, on these various posts has encouraged and educated me, helping me to start the WLS process. Anyone else?

I've not yet been banded but I have had surgery and I work in a hospital and see plenty of post op patients. The anesthesia can do a number on folks, as can the variety of meds/pain meds you probably recieved. If it continues or becomes a problem be sure and talk to your nurse/doctor, but I wouldn't worry quite yet. My best to you!

Thanks for all the great ideas! I TRULY hate Protein bars and drinks and know I'm going to have to find something I can tolerate. I completely failed the Weight Loss for Life plan because I couldn't stomach their drinks. Trader Joes, Atkins, unjury, GNC.... I'll be sure and check them all. Thanks again!

Sorry about the other thread, I hadn't read this one. Best of luck to all of you in the pre-op diet phase!

Counting, I like your plan much better! May I ask how you lost 67 pounds PRIOR to being banded? Did your insurance require a 6 month medically supervised diet? (Congrats on that, BTW, that is fantastic!)

I know a lot seem to prefer low carb, others Protein drinks, and some don't require anything! (Can that really be true?!) My doc seems to be the only one who requires a fat-free milk diet, two weeks before surgery. Yep, that's it. Fat-free milk (or 1%, PTL), all you can drink in 10 minutes, three times a day, then a glass at bed time. He's convinced that is the best way to shrink the liver as much as possible, which decreases surgery time and allows for smoother placement. What do all of your doctors require, and did they say why?

Hello! I lived in Gresham for 10 years before moving to Vancouver and Dr. Patterson also works with my surgical group (Drs. Paul Dally and Leslie Cagle). Good Sam is a good hospital... wishing you the best of luck!

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That's a tough question and one you alone can decide for yourself. I've been a yo-yo dieter my whole life so I've gained and lost a lot of weight. When I was in my 20's my skin DID tend to shrnk back fairly well and fairly quickly. Not perfect, but not enough for surgery. I'd encourage you to wait 3-6 months and see how YOUR skin does. It may surprise you in a pleasant way! If not, you'll have been at your goal wweight longer and you might be perfectly ready for a more permanent change. Best of luck with your decision!

I also live in Western WA (SW actually) and I think I'd get another opinion or two if I were you. Either from this area (Portland maybe? Or are you closer to Seattle?) Seems kind of high compared to what others have paid. Best of luck!

You look fantastic! I hope the newest depression meds are working and that you are continuing to heal. Here's hoping you feel as beautiful as you look!

Congratulations on the great news!

Holy schmoly! After reading through everything I feel as if I truly know all of you. Your pain, your concerns, your discouragements, your fears and your triumphs. Bless you and thank you for sharing your remarkable journeys. Your willingness to let others live through your experiences makes the whole adventure and process seem so much more real. I'd never truly considered lipo/tt/breast lift until reading about all of you. I'm 5'8, about 250 and 43. I know all that skin has to go somehwere! Now I'm not only encouraged and less fearful, but excited about the future. So, thank you all and very best wishes for continued healing, success and joy.

Amy, you truly look fabulous! Hope you're able to stand straight and tall soon. Others, hope you're feeling better/healed soon! Looking forward to seeing all the before and after pics. Congrats ladies on all your hard work!