3loves

Reporting in.....I lost 1.5 lbs. That's the most I've lost in months!! I ate very reasonable for Mother's Day and tried to stick with my liquid diet the rest of the time. I wasn't 100% successful with the liquids, but it's the little steps that help me. Aunt Flo is coming Wed, so I'm not looking forward to that other than I won't be having it for my surgery...YEAH!! Telly ~ You are sooooo dedicated and an inspiration!! Thank you for that. :clap2: Keep focused and don't let the jealousy of others cloud your mind. They must be staring at you b/c they want that glow you have and that gleam in your eye. It can't be denied. :biggrin1: :success1:

Death is a reality for either surgery. Personally, I feel it's more unlikely with the band, but it could happen. I have complete peace with my decision and have no fear of the surgery or the life after band. This is an elective surgery and although many have breezed through without ANY problems, there a many variables that play into complications. Like I've said before, this is serious stuff and a decision of this magnitude should not be made lightly or on a whim. Death is a reality. :cry Holy cow....it's real!! If you pray, pray with your daughter to help bring her peace. I know my mom has the same fear. She doesn't really want me to have the surgery, but I am 100% confident in my decision. My children aren't old enough to really comprehend, but bless the hearts of our children....they don't want anything to happen to mommy or daddy.

Congratulations!! Are you having your surgery on a Sat? There are a few of us that are scheduled for the 26th. I am also starting my liquid diet today. Right now I'm still drinking my coffee. :confused: I hate mornings. :biggrin1:

Here is a great list for pre-surgery. Heating pad is at the top. :biggrin1: http://www.lapbandtalk.com/showthread.php?t=14814. Good luck everyone!! Look out liquids....here is come!!! :confused: :hungry:

Thank you all for the words of wisdom!! It's comforting to hear from those of you with various experiences. I have added to my shopping list liquid benedryl, epi-pen (calling doc) and solumedrol?? What is this anyway? Do I need a script or get it at Wal-Mart? Cindy ~ Bless his little heart!! Are you talking about that little man in your avatar? What is idafoam? I'm not familiar with all of this and I'm learning. :confused: Allergies are more scary to me when it comes to my kids. We did have the squad out once for my son's egg allergy after he decided to make mommy a cake. :phanvan I was on the phone with 911 and about to stick him with the epi-pen...I told him it was going to hurt....dog gone it....that thing was upside down and I stuck my own thumb!!! Only a blonde would do such a thing!! :confused: The squad arrived less than 30 sec later. He was starting to have trouble breathing. I was flying high. I don't ever what to go through that again. I only buy eggs when I know I'm going to use them & then the excess goes in the trash. Not worth taking the chance on a little precious life.

You are on the right track. :thumb: Who knows, perhaps Vanderbilt has a physical therapy program you could benefit from while doing all the other requirements for the band. The good thing about the band support groups is that we're getting toward the end of May and you can attend another one at the beginning of June. I was able to attend 3 groups within 2 mos b/c of timing like this. I just pray your not in too much pain. :phanvan You haven't said much about the pain. Does the steroid shot take care of most of that? I'm so glad your able to be with your family. Keep in touch!!

Actually, we do keep a couple of epi-pens for my son (egg & dairy allergy), the jr version. I guess it would suffice until help arrived if I needed it. Excellent point that I didn't even think about. We even keep one at grandma's house which is where I was when it happened. I always keep up on the dates b/c I think they expire every year. I have an excellent allergist that I will go to after I get the band. I really need to have a test anyway b/c it's been years since I've had one. Now, I take it the blood test is more accurate than the skin test for shellfish? I know our pediatrician and allergist both said the skin test was more accurate to judge my son's allergies (egg & dairy). On his blood test at 1 yr of age, he did test a 5 out of 5 for egg and a 4 for dairy. Therefore, we didn't even start skin testing until age 3. I will make a point to ask the allergist about the blood testing for myself. Do you think I should get an adult epi-pen until I do get testing done? I'm pretty sure my PCP would give me a script.

I noticed it too. Sad. :cry It seems someone on here said he had the "sleeve" surgery. Not sure b/c my memory doesn't always serve me correctly.

Hey Rosa, congratulations....glad your home and sounding so chipper!! Stitchy ~ Two days and on your side....that's encouraging. I have a hard time sleeping on my back too. missnikki ~ It's good to hear from you. Keep us posted!!! I second what CLOE said....we're praying for all of you!! CLOE & Kim ~ Ready for the liquids? I am packing some of my shakes tonight since we are traveling to OH tomorrow. Maybe I'll tell my SIL's that I can't help clean-up after the big Mother's Day meal b/c it's too much temptation. :heh: Do you think that would work? :rolleyes Holy Cow!!! 2, I say 2 more weeks girls!!:dance:

Don't forget the race is Sat night 6:30PM. My dad is a huge DJ fan. I also think he is a handsome man's man. An old saying my mom likes to use. Goodness, I just read that Slugger was suspended for 4 races and DJ fined points for the sway bar. This is the first time I can remember this happening to DJ. Did anyone see Tony's monkey on pit road? I was cracking up. He is such an animal lover....part of my attraction to him as well. I wished I would have saved that pic online. Did anyone get it?

Great news...well sort of, at least now you know!! No more nuts or popcorn for you. My DH had 12" of his colon removed b/c of diverticulitus....he's was only 34 at the time (very poor eating habits). He had swelling the size of a grapefruit which is part of the reason they operated on such a young person (after the swelling went down of course). What is your course of action? I would imagine with the band, your eating habits will help control it. I will continue to pray for you!! :biggrin1:

Jill ~ So glad you contacted them. Now you can begin the leg work and back track. They should let you pick up reports, but may have you sign a release. Good luck and I'm glad you at least know where things stand.

Sorry about the confusion....I went on the prednisone AFTER I left the ER. They gave me 10 mg and have gradually decreased the dosage each day since last Sat. This is the ONLY prednisone I've taken except for the "shot" in the ER. I think one of those shots was the steroid. Boy, it does increase the appetite for sure!! I take Triphasil for birth control, (1) 1000 mg Biotin, (2) daily multi-Vitamin Super Matragen by Genestra http://www.rockwellnutrition.net/product.asp?itemid=653(purchased from my chiropractor & have taken them 1 yr+). It's actually a prenatal, but I have more energy with this than taking the regular vitamin. I had taken my biotin & Vitamins right b4 we left for the restaurant b/c I forgot earlier that morning. Almost forgot, I take an Ambien CR 12.5 mg every night, so I did have that the night b4. I had cheerios for a late Breakfast and the early dinner was the fried shrimp (7) pcs, baked potato w/sour cream, butter, salt, pepper, and a little ketsup to dip the shrimp...not a cocktail sauce fan. Also had a diet coke. Nothing else except Water. I was too busy with all the kids to get dessert. :biggrin1: I truly appreciate any info. I guess I like details and try to understand how/why my body does what it does. In my heart, I really think the only true answer will be when I go the an allergy specialist to get tested. It does scare me a bit at the thought of the hives with the band b/c I know how much I swelled, even on the inside of my ears & a little of my throat. Believe me when I tell you, you could have bounced a quarter off my chin. :Banane13: I will avoid any kind of fish the rest of my life if necessary. This won't deter my band decision, but I would like to know so I can be in control to prevent any future reactions. Has anyone had really bad hives with the band? Can the stomach swell with such a reaction? Thanks again for ANY input!!!

CONGRATULATIONS on your approval!! :clap2: Good for you on sticking with it and your GP!! This is an exciting time. Do you have all your tests done & such? Try to post often and keep us updated on your progres....we're so glad your here!! :welcome:

My DH's motto: It's not what you know, it's who you know. This is so true in business and life. I wish you all the best and I know whatever the outcome, it will be for the best!!

Oh Doty, that is just unbelievable!! I was wondering where you had been. I will pray for the Lord's will in your life. I can't imagine the frustration you must be feeling, but I know you have a strong faith the get you through....not to mention a wonderful family. I got an e-mail yesterday and it said in part....."Faith doesn't get you around trouble, it gets you through it". Does Vanderbilt know what happened? Maybe there is a way to have your knee surgery and your band surgery. I know they want you to walk b/c of blood clots and such, but you can't do that after knee surgery anyway, right? You are definitely in my prayers!! Keep you chin up and please keep us informed. God Bless You!!

Has anyone ever had a severe allergic reaction to anything while banded? Can hives cause your stomach to swell and cause problems with the band? I need info from anyone to help understand what happens to your body during a reaction. This fear didn't occur to me until last night. You see, last weekend I ended up in the ER about 2 hrs after eating shrimp. I love shrimp, I was craving it, and I've NEVER been allergic to it or any type of fish. I can't say for sure it was the shrimp b/c I had also taken my birth control, Vitamins & Biotin as usual that day. My palms starting itching, felt pressure on my ears and when I looked in the mirror, I asked my SIL to take me to ER (I was in OH visiting). Within a very short period of time the hives were unbearable and I have bruises & scratch marks still today from where I was scratching them. My BP was 170/101 when they checked me in. I could feel tremendous pressure on my ears, but thought it was from swelling & not BP. After 2 shots & 40 min later, my BP dropped to 128/72. I felt much better and went home. I really didn't think this was a big deal since I was able to get treatment ASAP. I didn't see where this should cause a problem for me in the future. Now I'm wondering.....:Banane13: worrying.....:phanvan. Is this a shell fish reaction? Does that mean I can't eat fish like cod or talapia? What if I was banded? What would happen to my band with such a reaction? First thing Mon, I called my nurse, surgeon, & hopistal where I'm having my pre-op tests next week. They all said to bring my bottle of prenidsone just to make sure they document the dosgae I have been taking. This is the second time in my life that I've had hives that have taken me to the ER. The first time was over 10 yrs ago after getting my hands in some fertilizer while planting. I have regular seasonal allergies, but don't suffer from any other allergic problems. Is my body changing? Could I develop an shell fish allergy out of the blue? Thank you in advance to anyone that could answer any of my many questions.

I love the idea of a exercise contract. We were told in pre-op class that if we weren't willing to walk, to let them know now b/c they may not do the surgery. This is serious stuff and takes our full participation. Can someone give a brief sample of what a contract like that may say? :Banane13: I was thinking I could make my own and tape it on my mirror or put it on the fridge. LindaV ~ Sounds like your doing great getting in your liquids and protein. I will buy some of those Dannon smoothies and see which ones I like the best. Also, I'm going hit my DH up for one of those Magic Bullets....I WANT ONE!! Heather ~ You'll be fine. I don't see where your modifications should keep you from the band. Just keep exercising....12 mi :Banane11: you are AWESOME!! I wish everyone the very best and quick healing!!!

The last place we should be judged is a "support group" for pete sakes!! You know, I think we are pioneers of sorts in getting the lap band although they've been doing them for quite some time. I had to attend support groups as well and every time was the only band person there. I had a positive experience and wasn't judge in my groups, but it happens all too often. I think once enough people get the band, we will start seeing more support groups for lap band only. LBT has been more helpful to me than any physical support group. Here's a thread from awhile back that you may find helpful discussing this topic. http://www.lapbandtalk.com/showthread.php?t=16340 I found out that the Bariatric Center at St. Vincent's will consider lap band only groups if they have enough participation. I plan to share my voice and support for such a group. Step up and talk to your surgeon or whomever about it to see if you can be instrumental in starting a group in your area. This is much needed!!

Of all the NSV's this is the best. You made me Boo Hoo!! :Cry: I love the innocence of precious children. From what my mom tells me, grandkids are pretty awesome!! I loved the stairs NSV also. Just tonight I ran upstairs (our pc's are down) to call my bro and went right to the phone. After my SIL answered, I said, "You know, I too fat to run up the stairs and start talking on the phone". We both had a good laugh b/c it's the truth for both of us. :heh:

Thanks for sharing. I put in my favorites.

Great thread!! I take the challenge. Don't miss out on a blessing.....give from your heart!! I often look for elderly people at places like Wal-Mart that are by themselves and offer to help them load their groceries (my boys are usually contained in the cart). I think of all the times my grandma & MIL needed help and even my own mom today with neuropathy. I've also been known to ask the help of sturdy young studs when I had back problems loading Water & such.

I love it!! Patches is one of a kind!!

Diva ~ I have lifted you in prayer. Please feel free to ask anytime and know your not bothering anyone, especially God!!! I'm a very independent woman as well and understand what your talking about. Keep your chin up and I'm sure you will be fine. Please let us know how things go after the "happy drugs" wears off. BTW, you can take your pillow to the bathroom. I remember that stuff from when my DH had colon surgery. It's not a fun thing to do, I know. ~Hang in there~

If I have learned one thing here at LBT, it is that every surgeon is different. The best thing to do is to listen to your surgeon. That doesn't mean their always right. Listen to your surgeon AND use your own common sense!! coffee ~ I was told it dehydrates you which defeats some of the Water your trying to get in especially in the early days after surgery. I forget how many additional ounces you need of water to counteract the coffee. I am now down to less than a cup a day from at least 2 cups a day and some days more. I have always found coffee comforting. Carbonated beverages ~ I was told it was O.K. after 3 mos, although I rarely drink them now b4 surgery. Now, if I could just stop inhaling my food and not drink with meals!!