Kat817

Cup size in a bra is determined by the difference in the measurement at the fullest part of the breast and at the band. When we lose back fat, and side boobs....the band size changes more than the fullest part. So it is not totally uncommon for your cup size to actually go up at times!!! Mine did--I about cried!!! Now my cup size has settled in, and my band size keeps dropping. I began in a tight 48DDD.......and now wear a 38DD. The goal weight you have in mind is totally within reason! Many have made their goals, and beyond!!! If you have not done so yet, be sure to spend some time gazing through the ispirational pages of Before and After Pix! Talk about success.....Looking at it is amazing!! Kat

My pleasure Jill----you will find as the weight comes off you will find little things all along the way that you had forgotten what they were like! I love my band!!! Kat

I had several NSG's when I began this----many of which have been successfully met. *To eliminate some or all of my prescription medications. this was met! *To be able to ride my elliptical for the entire 30 minute pre programmed work out! This was met! *To play with, run with, generally enjoy my grandchildren. This has been wonderfully met--today I slid down the slide in the park! *To shop in "normal" stores. Most stores carry 14's----there are those annoying 5-7-9 stores--but are they really for 40 somethings??? *To find my confidence again----and slowly but surely I am picking the pieces back up! All kinds of little things, crossing my legs, soaking all of me in a bathtub (and being able to get out), giving myself a pedicure, tying my shoes on top instead of on the side! Sooooo many little things---you discover new things each day! Kat

I understand you are both currently on medication to treat depression/SAD....and that in some ways this suggestion is minor in comparison, and counter-productive to our "diets" if taken to an extreme....but for what it is worth, this info was given to my youngest DD for SAD. Carbohydrates kick up the bodies production of seratonin---which is like a natural antidepressant (to my understanding---if I am wrong---please correct me...but be nice please!!) But eating the usual carbs kills our weight loss attempts often times---not to mention what it does to our blood sugar! So her Dr. suggested she eat fruit....but bananas in particular. They do have carbs, but they also have tryptophan and it too kicks up seratonin produced in the body. So it double bumps the natural mood elevators in the body. This information about the carbs boosting the seratonin, helped me understand even further why so many complain of depression soon after being banded. Add the sudden drop of carbs from the diet---causing a decrease in the seratonin, to the added estrogen being dumped in when you lose weight.....it's a wonder we are not ALL being medicated! Maybe we should be! I am not making light of the disorder----promise! Kat

During the seminar I went to pre banding, the surgeon explained to us that the nerves that signal fullness are located at the top of the stomach....that the only way they were normally reached was through SERIOUS overeating! Such as Thanksgiving Day. He called them the Vegas nerves or something like that, he was talking, I never saw it wrote out. He said when the band is placed, it applies some pressure to those nerves as it is tightened down----and it would vary among patients---but that just putting some pressure on those nerves often helped with the hunger we felt. He went on to explain, that much of our overeating was done out of head hunger as opposed to actual hunger, and that the band would not help that. He said there have been cases where the band must have been placed upon the nerve, as the patient never required a single fill---but they are VERY rare! I know I have little to no hunger anymore.....and have only had 2 fills. Good article! Kat

It was in our local schools here in New Mexico! The video was horrid....nothing should be treated like that. Moving already dead animals the way they were would have seemed cruel, but those poor cows were alive!!! And likely only down BECAUSE of the way they were being handled. I think the meat packers need to be put in a room and rounded up with fork lifts and drug around. I say this and I can honestly say----- I DO NOT LIKE COWS!!!! We run cows--raise 'em and sell 'em. I don't like them, they are a lot of work, they have personality----some are sneaky! Some are mean! But none of them deserve being treated the way those were. It makes me sick to think what all our kids school lunches are exposed to...... Kat

Fibromyalgia is not limited to the obese....it is in fact quite indiscriminate in who it attacks!!! My Mom has it. Kat

I have told anyone and everyone--it has been an open discussion from the day I first stumbled upon the surgery. I have had 1 negative reaction from a very judgemental friend who 9 months pregnant weighed a whopping 123 pounds--and told you that at least once a month!!!! Back about 2-3 years ago, a friend (also heavy) and I were shopping when we ran into a friend of hers, who used to be quite heavy as well, and she had lost a tremendous amount of weight. Of course she ask her how---and she gave us the line about moving more and eating less. I cannot tell you how defeated I felt! I had dieted through the years, and was serious about it, I would count calories, and points, and work my butt off exercising---and I could not do it! I was so depressed, I just felt like a total loser, others could lose weight---but I couldn't! When I was on the site here prior to banding, and this question come up---and the first person to reccomment the "Moving More, Eating Less" line--the lightbulb went off!!! In the end we found out she had actually had the DS surgery done, and has had serious complications----and is quite unwell. I told myself I would NEVER if I could help it make someone feel the way I did that day-----like a lesser person. I DID have help losing this weight! The band did not do it without me.....but I did not do it without the band either----I tried for lots of years. I understand why not telling is easier, and preferable in many cases. I just couldn't do it! Besides if ANYONE knows, there is a chance of it coming out----and then you have to remember who does and who does not know---------too much work for my old brain!!!! You cannot tell your family care Dr.....if you think the office staff does not gossip----think again! HR at work, if you use insurance.....it would be a really hard secret to keep in some instances...living in a small town like I do! Oh! And I was told if you still have your Gall Bladder to never use that as an excuse, because there is a HIGH percentage of bandsters who lose their gall bladder in the first few years after banding!!! If it really needs to come out later, you can't have suddenly grown another!! LOL! It is a very personal decision, and everyone has their reasons they did or did not tell....I think a very relevent question to follow up with would be to the long term bandsters who chose not to tell, to find out how many managed to keep it under wraps.... Kat

Does wearing tight jeans bother those with low ports??? I know mine is high, but I have hit it a few times, leaning over the bed of the truck or something, and I know it---it twinges real good! I cannot imagine it being somewhere commonly compressed! Kat

Oh Terry, that doesn't sound good! I am soooo sorry. Your system is in a mess, I would not push anything more than mushies. Wish there was something we could do besides pray, and care----those are a given. Big giant hugs to you----this is so hard for you---and I am so sorry you are going through it. Keep us posted---and call ANYTIME!!! Day or Night----ANYTIME!!! Kat

No Pringles cans here----coffee cans maybe!!! I would be generous and share with you Tracy, and you too Pamela ---but just how would ya like.... hold on???!!!!!!! My DD made up a song about boobs to the tune of the old song "Rawhide" she called it "Brahide" Instead of Rollin', rollin', rollin'----it started out Bouncin', Bouncin', Bouncin" Now I do not know the words to the real song, she was hearing the version sung on the movie City Slickers.....which was made up and somewhat off color as well!!! Oh the crazy stuff we did!!! Kat

Well I am home----tired, and grumpy!!! Oral surgeons office help is horrid!! I called again----she snapped at me that it was an oral surgeons office------all his cases are emergencies. She can hold my appointment on the 27th or cancel it--it is my choice! Beeeyatch! Only one other oral surgeon in town and they do not accept my insurance. So I am stuck with an open root, and sharp edges until the 27th! Actually I am calling my dentist tomorrow, they close Thursday afternoons---and seeing if he can do anything...as it is, I am at the point in this cold/sinus thing where I cough non stop. Well when you cough your tongue---is like out of control!!! And it is sliced to hell on the side. Bleeding off and on. I have tried my DD's old orthodontist wax----well not hers----I bought it at Walgreens, but back in the day, she used to use it on her braces.....but it won't stay...I am ready to file it myself but the sucker hurts!!!! Add to that, the only foods I can eat are super soft....so there goes that pound!!! I am gonna go cry with my friends Tracy and Pamela. Looked at glasses today---not thrilled with any! Some I like----but not sure I like them well enough. Nothing jumped out--so going to wait til my DD can go. Love my Mom but she thinks I am her age I believe, she kept showing me glasses SHE would wear.....plus my DD worked for Pearle Vision as she was putting herself through nursing school, so she has a good eye! HAH!! Called the PS office today to see if I needed to bring anything with me---and she was really nice--said if there was a cancellation she would call me in sooner!! She said there is always cancellations, that often times it takes 3 or 4 appointments before the totally get up the nerve!!! Well---thinking we might go to dinner with our son and his family tonight. But Rick doesn't like to----so I told him to call his Dad---LOL They may be grown, but it is still fun to do! Oh on the way to town----which we go to everyday almost---11 miles away---our little town is only 7000 people, so we go to the next town over which is several hundred thousand. We hit the hiway and Kinsey says "Are we there yet?" LOL!!!! Will check in with you girlies later!!! Hugs~~ Kat

Like I mentioned before, my banding Dr. required me to have aftercare set up prior to the surgery! He cared enough to make sure of it, even spoke with the Dr.'s! I too thought about just going back---------and have been to see him, but was not in need of a fill----took a friend to be banded!! Maybe if I need another fill someday! There was always someone around who spoke English. We did spruce up our Spanish a bit----but they were so easy to work with, they taught us words in Spanish they wanted us to know----how to say Pain----so everyone would know we needed help! Research is the KEY!!!!!!!!!!! Kat

I complain about my inlaws....we ALL know that!!! But my biggest complaint is they do not appreciate all Rick does for them, and that is all they see us for in the last several years is to DO for them. They are not concerned with spending time with us unless we need to be there doing for them. We cannot go visit---or we end up doing things. I understand they are 80----they need things done---but Rick is one of 4 kids, and the ONLY one to DO anything for them. His one sister takes Mom shopping--Mom buys things for her and her kids, and buys lunch, and often supplies the car, therefore the gas to go!!! But all his parents talk about is the kids they have in Denver--------how successfull they are, what extravagant gifts they give---how smart their kids are.....I have NEVER heard her brag on Rick in the last 5 years. I saw them lose it when we thought he would not make it, but he needs to see that so bad--it hurts me! 10 years ago--they were different people. He had some spunk and an attitude that he could do things. And she was kind hearted, looked for good in people. Not so anymore. He is tired, and yet refuses to give up doing what HE wants and bitches until Rick or our son does the rest.....and she has just simply gotten mean a lot of the time, she is rude to people. Embarassing to take places, and she knows what she is doing and says she can get by with it because she is an old lady!!! I miss the inlaws I enjoyed being with. These hurt my feelings most of the time. It is hard never stacking up..... I'm feelin' what you are saying Laura.....except my inlaws truly outlived what they had financially planned for.....so we help. Kat

Not sure if it is the site or my computer---thinking it is the site.... I noticed a few minutes ago my ticker was gone....so I went to find it---hit Edit Signature---and everything froze. Restart. Then when I opened LBT---------all was well until I tried to get into a thread--it would not take me, it would almost load up and then leave me on the main page. Finally I go into my Accounts to get to Shrinkin Violets---and again it is never and I mean NEVER there---even though I post often and am not always the last post there. Anyway it was a no go. So I went through my email got here, was reading away on Laura's post....screen flickered, and Laura's ticker went away and turned into the spiteful little red X!!!!! So going to try to post this and see what happens!!! I went through my email, no problem.....pulled up my bank, transferred some money, no problem. Just here. Hmmmmm wonder whats up??? Haydee glad you are feeling better! Jenn hope the back is better soon! Wonder where Pamela is? She has not checked in! Will be back in awhile---gonna see if this works!!! Kat

And don't forget-------I have these 2 huge personal floatation devices growing out the front of my chest-------hell they should keep me bouyant all the way to the Pacific!!!! I'll still be glad to know you are there Laura!!! Kat

OMG Diane---you almost make it sound like it isn't "law" that diets cannot begin until either the following Monday or until all the crap is safely out of the house (via my mouth!)!!! I am not commonly known for following rules, but I ALWAYS follow this one!!! Heaven help me!!! Sorry--but is kinda nice knowing I am not alone in this fool myself scheme!!! Kat

Ginger Snapp--------one sweet cookie!!! LOL Enjoy yourself!!! Good Luck! Kat

Hi Ashnurse, welcome to LBT! Sorry your first fill was a difficult one---at least it sounds like you give it time before trying it again. Swelling is often an issue with fills from what I have read. The most important thing I found after mine---and I am put on liquids for 24 hours following, but when I begin eating again, is to CHEW really, really well! I was afraid my 2nd fill was too much, because for about 4 days, I was only able to eat 4-5 bites at a time---little bites! I knew that was not enough for proper nutrition---which is as much of a goal for me as weight loss---so I was going to call when the weekend was over, and I think my swelling went down some, and I was able to take more in. I have steadily increased I think, I have restriction still, but nothing real tight like that!!! I think you are wise in asking for a smaller fill----sneaking up on restriction seems to be working for lots of people here on LBT! Let us know how you do!!! Kat

Don't fall over---I AM up early!!!! LOL I have Kinsey this morning, but she come in went and climbed in Papa's bed (she gets his pillows---so it is his bed!) and went back to sleep! For some reason I was awake. I need to get in the shower, but don't want to wake her yet, and don't want her waking up wondering where I am---the fan in there is so loud, I cannot hear if she calls me---I prefer her being awake, I just make her play in the area!!! I am going to go get my glasses today--Mom is going with me to give me an opinion. Although she tends to wear large glasses, so our tastes are not similar!!! At least she can keep Kins from pouting when I tell her to leave the glasses alone! Speaking of Moms----how is yours Terry? Well I am going to go try to find something to eat for breakfast---so it can settle in---because we will have to have lunch in town----and I need a few hours between!! I have started drinking already though!!!! I avoided the scale, was afraid I would do like Tracy and just cry if that stinking pound come back!!!! LOL BBL~~ Kat

I ask about the band so that she would KNOW without a doubt that the band in and of itself did NOT cause the perforations--NOT to blame the band...... And it is "kind" of her not to blame her surgeon, I would in no way be so kind!!! Somebody was careless in my opinion, and when it was worked out that it was a WHO as opposed to a WHAT (the band) that caused the perforations---------if it had been my surgery--they would find themselves ask to pay for it. Kat

Perhaps the center this poster works at doing fills does not deal with patients banded in Mexico--however,many do. I have not had any complications from my band, but my insurance paid for my scope test to look at it, and assure me it was still in proper placement, and healthy. I thought it was something I wanted to do after the first year passed---insurance never balked. I have BCBS of TX. My SIL, who was banded the same time I was, in Mexico--thought she had slipped her band during a bout with food poisoning---they checked hers, with different insurance--without issue. She has Cigna. Convenience does dictate it many cases it will be simpler to have surgery in the US. However if you travel several hundred miles to have a more affordable surgery in the states, it is still no guarantee a more local Dr. will handle your aftercare. That is something of vital importance to settle prior to surgery!!! I do not work for my surgeon. I do not work for any medical facility. Nor do I receive anything from any medical facility for stating my experience and/or beliefs of this surgery. I am un biased in the US vs. MX--------the original poster ask specifically for stories from bandsters who were done in Mexico, so I responded. I did not come here to lure her to another Dr.--the OP ask a question, and I answered it. If you are considering Mexico, then this might be a question to take up with your insurance company. But do not forget you do have laws governing insurance to protect you as well. Kat

I set my own hours for years----and before that---I worked from my home----both running a day care center. I am VERY organized in most matters---you must be if you have all those kids in your home every day!!! I had parents who I could have set my watch by!!! Always on time, kids backpacks organized, and prepared lunches. Then I had parents who knew Kat would not let their little ones go hungry---although they somehow, somewhere found time to stop and grab their own coffee and cigarettes....but most fell somewhere in between! That was at drop off. Until I turned it into a business outside my home, every last one of them at one point or another took advantage. They would stop and do their shopping quickly before picking up the kids---yeah with every other working parent in town! Then I got tough. 15 minutes grace, and then $10.00 per quarter hour! They paid once and were suddenly on time! Now I no longer work----I take care of my granddaughter---and find myself RUNNING to make it places on time!!! Payback I am sure!! Kat

Oh good grief!!! Feel better soon!! I too have had the sinus crud---and I broke a tooth on top of mine, and the damned oral surgeons office refuses to call me back!! The only one in town who accepts my insurance of course!!!! Deep breath.....this too shall pass!!!!! Kat

Skip it???? I don't think so!!! Nope!!! Nuh-uh!!! Ain't happenin'!!! LOL--- I can swim----just not wonderfully!!! I can pass the swim the length of the pool things---and even passed it back in PE classes. I have an issue with water in my face!! Silly yes. But splash me in the face and I lose my breath!!! If I am prepared it is fine! Something like this I will be expecting it so it won't be a biggie! I am floating down the river, and someone is going to take my picture so I can show my disbelieving DH and kids!! LOL~~~ besides surely one of my Violets is a certified life guard!! Kat