leknigh

Hello all! Just looking for some fellow east side of Cincinnati bandsters. Nothing personal against the rest of Cinci (or the country/world) - was just hoping to find some local buddies to talk to as well. My surgery is scheduled is for August 5th, so excited and so nervous! Look forward to hearing from some of you about your experiences....

Does anyone know how to do a search on here by thread title only? Is there even a way to do this? From what I can tell, it looks like the search function is picking up what people have posted and replied, within the thread. That's wonderful it can pick things up that way, but usually I don't find what I'm looking for (because the thread title has nothing to do with what I'm searching for, and there may be 13+ pages of responses so it's hard to say if what I'm searching for is even in there). **Note**Not knocking this site - I love it! :biggrin: Just wondering if there is a better way to do a subject search... Thanks all!

I agree with the other posters, ultimately this decisions is yours alone to make, and you are doing it for your health. It sounds like you have a good head on your shoulders about the decision, and I can relate to being frustrated when others just don't "get it". I'm sure what you're experiencing is not only jealousy, but pure concern on the behalf of some. Many people don't know a lot about this surgery, and may assume it's just as risky as gastric bypass, or something else that's more invasive. I say tell your friends when you feel it's the right time for you (when, or if, that time comes). When you do talk to them, just explain you are doing this for yourself, your health, and your children. Afterwards, I say just leave it at that. If they have real questions about procedure fine, but if they want to "bash" or minimize your choice or efforts then change the subject or ignore the response as best as you can. Your real friends will sort themselves out I'm sure... Best of luck to you!

Hello! I think we've chatted on here before... I had surgery with Dr. Curry on August 5th. I honestly haven't spoken to him in person too often (I'm sure because he's busy where he's needed - doing surgery), but his staff is wonderful and accessible during office hours. Any time I've had an after hours concern or question, I've emailed him directly and received responses so he appears to be very accessible as well. As for complications: So far as I know (only a couple weeks out) everything is fine. I will find out early September if my port is still in position when they try to do my first fill. The good thing is, they use fluroscopy (sp?), so they can make sure everything is in place, and have an easier time getting the needle in for your first fill (or any subsequent fills where there are issues). I see that you have surgery coming up soon, and that you chose Dr. Curry. I think you will be very happy with your choice!

Hello! The card is real, I was given one to put in my wallet after surgery. I believe they are a fairly new thing, as my surgeon's office just started handing them out. As for the discount...your post, and one I read yesterday, is the first time I'd heard of it. I can't imagine that's too common (at least not where i live).

I am having a hard time with the search function on this site - so apologies if this is a common question! :biggrin: Lately, I have been noticing when I wake up in the morning, and after some meals, that my throat gets very dry, but I have this "drainage" in the back of my throat. It's not a lot or anything, but I can't tell if it's just allergies - or if that is what "sliming" is? Thanks for your advice!

Is anyone else having difficulties removing all of the tape residue from the bandages on surgery day? I was banded August 5th, removed my bandages the next day and I was COVERED in leftover tape residue. I used the lotion they gave me to remove everything, and while it removed the iodine stains, it did nothing for the tape residue. I have been trying every day since to remove it. It's coming off little by little, but I still have a significant amount left and it's (or my removal attempts) are starting to irritate my skin. :confused2: Here's what I've tried so far: 1) Warm and/or Cold water used with a wash cloth, or paper towels. 2) Lotion 3) Soap and water 4) Nail Polish Remover (I kid you not, a nurse at the dr's office suggested this - but of course I was very sparing in using this so as to avoid the incisions) 5) My finger nails (this has worked the best, but it's very tedious and irritates my skin) Anyone have any other ideas for me?!?!?! THANKS ALL!!!!

Hello all - there's probably no one way to answer this question but I need to get it out.... Yesterday was my 2 week post-op follow-up. The nurse said everything looked good/was healing well, and that all restrictions were now lifted. I had already been doing some gardening around the house the past couple days (with the help of my husband and his mom who was visiting us), but today (since restrictions were lifted) I decided to go ahead and try to finish planting the few flowers on my own. I watered all the plants in the front and back yard, then began digging holes in the ground for the remaining three. I finished the first hole, which was a little strenous because our "soil" is very rocky and dry. I got it done, and when I bent over/squatted down to take the plant out of it's holder I felt a small "pop". It didn't hurt, but it was noticeable. It reminded me of a button snapping open. It felt like it came from the same area as my port incision, so I'm not really sure if it's the port, or possibly the internal stitches on the incision itself. Either way, I'll probably be stressed until my first fill in a couple weeks :confused2: Has anyone else experienced that feeling? And if so, in your case did the port flip? If it makes a difference, my port is located in the center of my abdomen, about 5-6 inches below my breasts.

***UPDATE*** Of everything I tried, the baby oil really did seem to work best!

Hollie - You are an amazing young woman! Of course I've never met you, but from reading some of the posts you've left for others, and this very personal thread of your own - I still can never believe it when I read your age is only 18. You are so wise and mature beyond your years, and have so many positive and intelligent things that you share with the rest of us. So THANK YOU for continuing to share, and major congrats for understanding and fighting those "demons" inside..... I think the majority of us on this site can relate in one way or another, and also learn from you. **BIG HUGS**

Hi Grsha - the constant advice I have been given, and that I read, is PROTEIN PROTEIN PROTEIN! I've purchased flavored powder to mix with milk for shakes/smoothies, and unflavored powder to mix with soups, applesauce, cottage cheese, pudding- pretty much anything else that's mushy... I konw that's not a whole lot of info., but I hope it helps!

That's wonderful - congrats to you! I was just banded August 5th. I lost about 10 lbs. during the pre-op, and then another 6 lbs. shortly after surgery, however - it seems as if I'm already gaining and losing the same 3 lbs. since then. I'm not too worried about it yet though, I know I'll probably lose more slowly than others since I have PCOS. Plus, I haven't had a fill or anything yet, and my appetite has definitely increased since the 1st week post-op.

Hi Lisa - so sorry to hear you aren't getting too many supporting/complimenting comments on your weight loss. That must be really frustrating for you. But don't let it get you too down - one day you'll be on the other side of it and actually tired of people talking about all the weight you have lost hahhahaha (Sounds crazy - but I lost about 60lbs. once before, and that's all anyone would ever talk about. It was awesome at first, but got old.....) Take care and great job/congrats to you, on your losing so far!!

Hi Health4Life, Good luck with your surgery. Dr. Curry and his staff are wonderful! I couldn't be happier so far. My shoulder pain actually did not come on until about 2-3 days post op. When it was just in my shoulder, I'd probably rate more of a 6-7 on the scale, and it was more irritating/annoying than anything. But on those occasions when it moved up into my neck (and sometimes felt like my head and jaw too) that was probably a 9. It was excrutiating. But once I took the pain meds. and used the ice pack, and/or walked around the house or yard - it would get better after some time. The best thing you can do after surgery is walk around as often as possible. I think this helps dissipate the gas/bloating, and I think it helps your incisions from getting as sore too. Just remember, everyone is different though, and you may not experience this at all. (Hopefully not!)

I'm sorry you've been having that issue for so long - the nurse said it can just come and go. And honestly, I thought it was some issue I would need to see the chiropractor for originally - until I talked to the doctor's office. I know it hurts realy bad - and the only thing I could do for it was pain meds., walking, and a cold compress over the area. The cold compress REALLY seemed to help - so if you haven't tried that one yet, give it a shot. Since you've had it for so long, trying calling your DR's office again and asking them if you should be seeing a chiropractor or something? Or if it really is still gas pains? I hope you're able to get it out of your system soon - I feel for ya!

Hi Kris - I had that HORRIBLE pain in my shoulder and side/back of neck up until a day or two ago. The only thing I found that would help some (in addition to the pain medication and alleve) is an ice pack up against my should neck. It seemed to make the pain go away some....

When I stepped out of the shower last night, I realized that the only clean towels were the "normal" bath towels. All of my "beach size" bath towels were sitting in the dryer not yet put away. Of course a "normal" bath towel doesn't wrap completely around this curvy body and I'm left trying to figure out what parts I want to cover most! Looking in the mirror at the bath towel only going around about 75% (if that) of my body really made me think about all the things that can change with this surgery. The things I can look forward to (that I think many of you can appreciate, but most "normal" size people never give a second thought to..). So here's my own personal list of things I'm looking forward to when this weight starts to come off: 1) Completely wrapping a "normal" size towel around my body! 2) Being able to participate in fun activities and not worry about whether or not my weight will exceed some set limit that would keep me from participating. (Ex. horseback riding, canoeing, skydiving, etc...) 3) My husband being able to actually pick me up/lift me - I never had that chance to get carried over the threshhold of our new home after we got married! Old tradition I know - but just the fact that it couldn't be done made me sad.... 4) Having less surface area on my legs to shave (haha)... 5) Wearing sleeveless tops - as it is right now I REFUSE! 6) Being able to actually live my life, not just pretending to live my life while constantly worrying about how I look, or what someone must be thinking about how I look!!!!!! 7) Riding my bike up a hill (a small one) without having to get off and just push the bike up because it felt like I was trying to two a U-Haul behind me 8) Wearing cute gym clothes and/or pajamas - not just hiding behind stretchy pants and a large t-shirt 9) Not leaving the house because I'm having a "fat day" and don't feel like I have anything that fits me right 10) Not having to start another diet (or attempt at lifestyle change) with the thought "this time it will be different", only to find that's not true..... I think 10 is enough for now :wink:

Hello all! So the first of my five steri-tape strips came off today, and I have to tell you, I was a little freaked out by what I saw underneath. It was an open incision! YIKES! There was definitely red slightly puffy skin stretching upwards from the incision - but the opening itself does not appear to be infected. I think it just looks kind of icky because it's healing. Did anyone else have this issue? And if so - did the incision close itself up without the need for additional re-stitching/glueing? To be on the safe side, I already spoke with the surgeon, he had me email a picture of it, and seemed to think it looked ok (though the quality of the picture I don't think quite showed it). At any rate, to further calm my newbie worries, thought I'd check with you all. Take care!