Kat817

I counted mine from the day I made the decision to band!!! I had been higher---and lower---but that day---the day I spoke to the Dr. about it, and come away with a surgeons name, I took the weight from my weigh in at his office. Everything since then has been with the band in mind, or in place working. Kat

Not a problem....as others come to mind--I'll pop back in!!! And I am sure others will have ones I failed to think of! Kat

HI girls~~ Sorry I have not checked in, I have been a bum!!! I have the crud that is going around, I actually saw the Dr. for other things, but he swabbed me to check for the flu and my test did not change to either positive nor negative!!! They gave me a scrip for tamiflu if I got to feeling worse over the weekend. Which I did but it was not all related. I felt like I had a cold Saturday but we met with the family to do our monthly Breakfast out---and 3 bites into breakfast I broke my tooth again! It broke last week clear down at the root. It had been fractured years ago courtesy of my ex---and it finally gave out. Well my options were few so we decided it had to come out, and I have to see an oral surgeon for it, since it is down to the root, under the surface. The oral surgeon cannot do it until the 27th. So they put a temporary cover like filling--and 3 bites into breakfast it broke off---so I am hurting then. The cold got some worse, but nothing too bad, now I am to the point of doing nothing but coughing---and trying to decide how to handle it, to try to push up my oral surgery and be hacking myself silly with an open socket---or cope with the tooth until I feel better....what a dilemma!!! I had actually went to the Dr, on Friday to get my PS referral, which he did without question. He made all kinds of notes to build my case so that insurance will pay for the pannectomy---then I can speak with the surgeon about expanding it during my surgery---he said it is quite common. The Dr.'s office is to make my appointment, and also let me know how my latest blood work come out with my thyroid---and we are now into afternoon, and I have heard nothing. I called, neither one has had anything done, the blood work was not back, and she had not made my appointment. AARRGGHH!!! Keep thinking positive, and breath deep-----my current mantra!!! Rick is healing up! He was major upset that we had a fairly decent weekend and he could not ride, it hurt too bad! Was fine by me, there is way too much debris on the road for my comfort. We will wait awhile. Thanks for asking about him!!! He treated me like a baby all weekend, laid me on the couch, and made me wake up and drink every few minutes....sweet.....yeah----about 2 hours into it I wanted to hurt him!!! Well---I am off to dry off the girl--I am sitting here with the laptop while she plays in a bubble bath---but her Water is cold, her chin is shivering!! Oh I had a NSV this morning---even in my discomfort!!! We had a plumbing issue over the weekend, the tank to the toilet in the main bathroom cracked for who knows what reason, so we had to replace the toilet. As all of you with kids know, when you have a big box from something, you save it------several hours of play taken care of. So my NSV.....Kinsey and I can both fit in the box that our new toilet come in!!! Thought I may never straighten my neck again, but she loved it!! Kat

Hi! Let's see...start with the basics: How many lap bands have you done? What is your complication rate? What type of band do you use? How do you determine which size to use? What type of port? Is a low profile port an option? Where will you place that port? How do you close the incisions? Stitches? Glue? Staples? Steri strips? If it is something that has to be removed, how long do they stay in? Will you have your band placed in a hospital or a surgery center? Will you have an overnight stay? Or how long? If you do, is there someplace for a companion to stay with you? Will you be sent home with pain meds? Is there something you can take to keep the pain meds from causing constipation? What type of post op diet does he recommend? What is his/her recommendations on Protein amounts and types? Do you take meds you need to figure out? Can you crush a pill, or get liquids? How do you determine when it is time for a first fill? Are fills done under fluoro? Does he/she do the fills or does an assistant? Is there a way to reach someone 24/7 for emergency? As you visit with the Dr. some of these will automatically be answered, and you will think of others as you talk!!! Get ALL your current questions answered! Do not let them rush you through!!!! You will be able to find out how they do business with how well they take the time to answer your questions. Good Luck! Kat

My DD was a nurse for a General Practitioner at the time my granddaughter was under 3 and receiving her shots. With the GP she discussed it regularly---and then with the pediatrician worked out a lengthened schedule for giving her her shots---and as has been mentioned she will not receive her MMR until the age of 4. My granddaughter was a preemie, and is still small for her age--being 3 now and still 20 pounds. She is on target for all developement---but that is an awful small body to put all of the combined shots into at one time! My DIL took my grandson to the pediatrician, and ask for his records since they were moving here, and the pediatrician moved up his shot schedule, and gave that poor baby a total of 5 shots!! That is child abuse in my mind to hold a year old baby down and repeatedly stab them in the legs with needles! For his own good or not----they should have been spaced apart! My DIL is a "go with the Dr." kind of person, and would never dream of refusing or disagreeing. My DD is not. As for delaying the MMR, her pediatrician said she had never seen an active case of the measles come through her office, and only one case of the mumps---and she agreed as long as they were not doing any international travel. My granddaughter is also not preschooled, or in a standard daycare, she is here with me, no other kids---both questions raised by the pediatrician. I do believe they will eventually link it in some manner, it is way too coincidental to my way of thinking. But that is just my own feelings on it. I know that lotions, and OTC medications and all are not safe for our kids----neither is the air we have no choice but to let them breath. The dishes we feed them off of, the bottles many take, the diapers they wear----all the chemicals combined with the chemicals added when a child is vaccinated may play a role. It might be the one combination----that no one knows yet. For instance it might be the ABC chemical in the Tylenol you give prior to the shot combined with the DEF chemical in the Huggies diaper they are wearing, along with the GHI chemical in the diaper rash cream, goes haywire when it comes in contact with the JKL chemical in the shot....especially if the child inhales a good lung full of the MNO chemicals in Moms perfume!! There are so many factors. I don't see this as a right or wrong. It falls in with the SAHM vs. working moms------------we all have our beliefs and reasons---none of them wrong--we do what we feel is best for us and our kids. And need to be supportive of those choosing other methods. Kat

Will be thinking of you as you go through this extended recovery! As has been pointed out, the post op diet is extremely important!!! So while you may be in for a few weeks that are rougher than anticipated---I truly believe you will find your band WELL worth it! When I went in for my hysterectomy it was supposed to be done vaginally, and I woke up split from hip bone to hip bone, and pubic bone to almost my belly button!!! Still-----it was SOOOO worth it! If you had that many adhesions in there, I would imagine it would have simply been a matter of time before they had to go in and snip them and clean it up....so you accomplished both things at once. Sorry you were not prepared for this at this time though! My SIL had a huge scar right down her center of her abdomen from a decade or longer old gall bladder---and it had puckered, and had huge inner adhesions, they were able to work from one side of it, and snip them while they were in there laproscopically--so don't give up hope.. Think this is one of those times you prepare for the worst--and hope for the best. Keep in touch, keep posting, and let all of us know how your recoveries with fully open banding went. Glad you let others know this is something that might come up! Kat

Well I am still waiting for my calls.....and am not sure what to do about the oral surgeon when he calls. I have now reached the stage of this crud I have that all I do is cough. Not sure I want an open socket---from the tooth being pulled while I am coughing my fool head off......so of course now that I am worried, he will call with an immediate opening!!! Kat

I know the "everyone is different" phrase gets old....but you would be hard pressed to find a truer statement!!! Every phase of this, is approached differently by different Dr.'s! Not to mention the bazillions of differences in insurance to start with!! There are dozens of different pre op diets. Dozens of different post op diets. Dozens of different fill schedules and plans with different Dr.'s Different approaches to reflux issues. Different expectations of weight loss. It is staggering. Then WE enter the picture. We all have different experiences with types of food that agree with us...or don't. We all have different abilities and enjoy different types of exercise, or some none at all! And to make it more difficult to help others along--what is perfect for us today may make us miserable tomorrow!! It is a never ending adventure, and one that may be done quickly for some, and may be a longer ride for others (me!!) No one is a failure that I have read about on here! I think a slow and steady approach with the fills until you find the spot of restriction you are comfortable with is the best approach arround---then again, I am sure thoughts on that too differ!!!!! Kat

Laura, I know you are young, and did not have the years of dieting and regaining, many of us did---but where you are now, where I have been. The issue of sitting tight, regardless, when I feel like I have binged beyond help---and the scale is steady. Has been such an enormous relief to me!!! Yes, I without a doubt want the rest of the weight off, and am working towards that--but at the same time, realizing that maintaining this weight loss is actually going to be possible for me makes me light headed with joy!!!! Kat

The way it was explained to me, and that I have found it to work is just like Krista said above----if you operate the machines effectively they work! They work on resistance -- similar to say the shock on a storm door---the faster you move it---the more resistance is builds up. If you get on a machine, and casually work the "shock" in and out slowly----you get no resistance. My Mom does this, improving her range of motion only. When she gets to the recovery pads between stations, she once again simply swings her arms or walks in place, til time to go to the next station. She does not lose weight---she does not build or tone muscles. She does keep her shoulder that was recently operated on, loose, and moving. Now if you get on the machine, and work it quickly--with full extensions----keeping the speed up--the resistance builds--and it is more difficult to pull down say-there is a build up of air in the shock, and it is much harder to slide. Then when you get to the recovery pads, if you will jog in place, or do jumping jacks--or dance yourself silly-something--anything--to keep your heart rate up----and do it non stop for a set time limit depending upon your health--then I believe you will see results. I have. I work up a sweat to this day. I finish off with their suggested stretching, and add several in of my own---and come out feeling full of energy, and revitalized. I joined a gym in town, but there was always a wait for the machines....and it was a different atmosphere----I preferred Curves, so that is where I remain. There is never a wait, everyone is moving in the same direction. They give me a monthly weigh in, and measurements in private--keeps me in mind of where I am and how I am doing. They give me a print out monitoring my progress over the last year. We have a wall with names of who has lost 100 pounds, or how many inches, or how many times they have been....the music is varied--often times I ask to change it if we are alone there, and really rock it to a steady beat----keeps me going on the recovery stations. I plan to go for 30 or 40 minutes--and when I reach that time, I quit, and go do my stretches. I am home within an hour--it is right down the road---and well worth it. I am on the 5 foot wall---having lost over 60" by their measurements!!! Kat

You could always be ready with a line like "yeah the last person who told me WLS was the easy way out---she looks much worse!!" I am totally surprised I did not get similar comments----although I think my nose remained large and bumpy throughout my weight gain, and eventual loss, so it looks no different!!! I did have one woman ask me if I had gotten my teeth capped!!! Here's to those of us who "nose" best!!! Kat

Much of this will depend on your Dr.'s office, and how willing they are to work with you during the preparation of the packet to send to insurance. If you weighed more during a visit in May of one year than you did in November of that year, or were having weight related issues, that is the part that needs included. It is a simple building of ones case. You can get records from your gynecologist, if anywhere in there, it refers to weight issues, they can help. ANYTHING!!! If you ever saw an orthopedic Dr. for joint pain that they considered your weight an issue with---it too can be included. If during any of the time, you were attempting to lose weight, and can show receipts to say Weight Watchers, or Jenny Craig---those can be included. Blood work can be included to show raised levels of triglycerides, or high cholesterol #'s. A print out from your pharmacy showing how long and what all medications you have been on for Hypertension can be included. I have heard of people who send pictures---and letters of how the weight compromises their lives. As well as those who have sent a comprehensive family history. If your parents have health issues, or a grandparent or sibling died young or had a heart attack before the age of 40---anything of that nature. Another issue that has been raised recently, that might help that is to have yourself re measured height wise. Many have found themselves an inch shorter than originally believed---which altered the BMI. Gather as many of your records from as many Dr.'s as you can----go through them, find the ones that best represent your case. Do not lie in any way----let your own history tell the story. If you are willing to gather the info from other Dr.'s and have the additional paperwork for your PCP's office staff, they are often times more willing then to work harder with you, they feel you are working with them. Good Luck---don't give up! Kat

There are several places to search out Dr.s in Mexico and research them. It is vitally important to research any Dr....and in my opinion especially if you are considering going out of the US for surgery. As you do lose the ability to litigate a botched surgery. I would find a Dr. who had done numerous surgeries, and one who would give you the time to ask all your questions, one who allows you to speak with former patients. When it comes to advertising, it is a toss---you want someone who is not afraid to put their name out there, as well as their credentials....but beware of those who plant office staff in forums such as these....and advertise the lowest imaginable price. WasABubbleButt (another LBT member) had an awesome thread about researching Mexican Dr.s. If you can find one of her posts, then the link is at the bottom I believe. She did use a Mexican Dr. I did as well. In fact we used the same Dr! But that is not to say there are no other good Dr.s. In my case I used Dr. Alberto Aceves, in Mexicali, MX. His link is at the bottom of the homepage, as Mexicali Bariatrics. My experience was wonderful. I felt like I received very good care, in immaculate surroundings. My band has been highly successful---I only wish I had done it sooner! Wish it had been available years and years ago! Welcome to LBT--Read all you can, research lots----ask lots of questions---be informed!! Good Luck! Kat

Wheets, I was talking to my best friend over the weekend, and she was telling me that her sister was majorly pissed at her husband, which is nothing new----so she told me the story.... Apparently Linda (sister) had a birthday ----and her DH bought her a set of those balls you see hanging off of trucks etc. (Here is redneck country---you see them on everything from little trucks to semi's---they hang from the trailer hitch, and look like a pair of testicles hanging there---you can see them online, I think they are called trucknutz.) And told her he was tired of her trying to take his, so here she could have her own! And that is ALL he gave her!!! Now her sister is not one of my favorite people anyway, so we rolled in the floor imagining her face when she read the note and saw the balls!!! So.....your birthday could have taken a whole new twist!!! Kat

Actually Susie, I do not normally take any blood thinners, but was given the Lovenox in the belly just before surgery and then again once following surgery. I recall reading of others having the shots as well, we were saying they were the only bruising we had on our bellies! My DH took both coumadin, and Lovenox injections for several months following valve surgery, during which they actually reduced the size of his heart, and did a Maze procedure, then he had some serious issues with bleeding, and had to be brought through that, which messed up the Maze procedure, so they come back through with some cardiac ablation, and he followed it with more coumadin. Unfortunately where we live is rural, our surgeon is well over 3 hours away, so the local yokels they entrusted his coumadin therapy to--failed us. During his PT & INR the medical assistant who wrote it---crossed a line in the chart, and they read his level at a 1.7---so they upped his coumadin, and in reality it was 7.7! With you being on it, you can only imagine what that did! BUT---back to the point! I was actually given Lovenox injections prior to and following surgery! Good Luck---and welcome to LBT!!!! Kat

Yep Tracy--you look wonderful!!! You have lost in a way that makes you look like you have always looked like that! I am so happy for you girls that did this while you are young!! TracyKS---you and Robby are too cute! Yeah I had a woman email me the other day---that if I kept a diary of my weight loss, maybe I needed to pull it out and read it, it is not always easy, and I could not have lost over a hundred pounds if I was eating birthday cake, and she resented me lording my loss over everyone!! That everytime she opened a post there I was! And that everyone did not need to be welcomed by me, nor hear me tell them good luck. I hum-hawed about how to answer her----eventually replied that I had indeed lost over a hundred pounds, and that no I did not dine on birthday cake everyday, but I had eaten in many times...and plan to continue. Just as I plan to to continue to welcome people in a friendly manner, and plan to continue to sincerely wish them luck, and that she was included in that. Never heard another thing, and have not seen any posts by her--but I have been gone for a few days. I truly have never tried to do the lording it over anyone thing! Sitting here waiting to hear something from my Dr. He is supposed to call today with my appointment date with the PS. I will be pushing it with our trip, and those Rick and I have planned as well....but it will be ok. I may have to opt out of the river trip----depending on when I can soak my incision, but if that is all---no biggie, although I was looking forward to showing off the pics and saying I DID it!!! I would still prefer to have all this excess skin gone! Also waiting to hear from the oral surgeon. The temporary hold thing he put on my tooth while we wait for the surgeon to fit me in, come off, leaving just the back of my tooth, and a root.....and of course my dentist is out of town. But the oral surgeons appointment is not until the 27th! I have been unable to eat since Saturday morning! I am on liquids, then I had a small amount of mashed potatoes last night, and tried some cottage cheese....I was getting light headed everytime I stood up! But anything I have to move my tongue to chew--makes my tongue get cut on the tooth. Not to mention anything down in there hurts like hell! So....I have been drinking--lots! Which is why I am on the couch with Rick, and not snuggled in my bed! He is an old Mother Hen! He woke me up every few minutes and made me drink! So, you would think---2 days---90% liquids---and not high calorie liquids, I would lose weight---I did not budge! I mean nothing! I woke up this morning and went---hey I bet the scale moved now---I could have cried! I know I was also very inert---but still! Maybe when I get my thyroid supplement figured out. We are actually having a break in weather! Some of our snow got melted off---what a relief!!! But my inlaws are stuck in their house now due to mud! They are actually using our truck---which is scary as heck! It is a huge 4X4---3/4 ton long bed, extended cab F250 Diesel truck! Not something a woman who is used to driving a little Escort needs to be wheeling around in!! The wind blew all night, that helps the mud dry up. Seems like everytime I come back here, the format has changed again! Talk to you when I hear something from a Dr. to report! Kat

Hi girls---the crud has me. I spent all weekend curled up on the couch with my head in Rick's lap....good thing he is a patient man!!! Will try to get back in the morning--I plan on feeling better. I think that is what is going to be required, just planning on getting over it, waiting it out is not working! See y'all tomorrow. Hugs~~ Kat

Home sick, and my tooth broke again---this is not off to a great start for a Saturday----I seriously want to whine. Since my tooth is broke I cannot eat----only fricken good thing about it! Kat

Terry---hugs to you, it must be very hard watching your Mom go downhill so quickly and be unable to "fix" everything. My heart is with you and my prayers for you will be fervent and frequent. The pannectomy is a simple removal of the excess skin, and does not involve muscle repair. Now my Dr. said it could be as little as a few hundred or as much as a few thousand to make the difference if insurance does not cover. Will let y'all know as soon as I do---I am very excited! Laura you lovely! Glad your NYC trip went well. Jenn---I am so happy you are finding yourself able to stand up for you and the kids----this is your year girl!!! Go get 'em!!! Judy---trip sounds fun! Denise, congrats on the new house!!! It will be truly yours when the build is finished!!! What a wonderful year you have ahead of you! Pamela--hope you and Susanne are having a great weekend! Gina---are you feeling better? Do you think the test was wrong? TracyK---loved your pics with Macy---treasure them----for years I hid from cameras due to my size, and therefor have very few pics with anyone! It is horrid! Take lots, and smile---Macy will treasure them as well! Tracy---hope your ear is better. The steroids are they supposed to reduce the swelling in the ear drum? I am allergic to corticosteroids---they took my vision from 20/20 to 20/500 in 2 days!! Scared me bad!!! Quit taking them, and voila---good vision again---until I hit 45!!! I do still have 20/20 far vision though---for all the good that does me! Michelle---you recovering from your fun time? Jane---you feeling any better? Suzanne--thanks for reminding me of my water---I have been such a lame brain lately---I really need you!!! Haydee---thanks for the emails girl!!! Hugs! Well girls I would love to hang out, but I am going to bed! Hope morning is better! Hugs all around! Kat

Hi all-- Just a quick check in, I am feeling crummy again----Dr. thinks I may be coming down with the flu---my test just kind of sat there this morning....wonderful! Anyway he built my case on paper, and said he thinks ins, will pay for the pannectomy without issue, the TT is questionable. But if not I can find out what the cost difference would be to me. So I go next week or 2 to the PS! I am very excited! Then I went to the optometrist---eyes have not changed a lot, they did give me a new prescription if I want to try to adjust to the eventuality of wearing glasses full time---I only wear them now for reading....but am slowly deteriorating! Found some glasses at my friends store, so will have them soon. My throat was super sore this morning, and I felt crummy so when I went to the Dr, he had the nurse swab my nose, but the test did not turn--he did like Gina's Dr. give the scrip just in case, I begin feeling worse....and I am not sure if it is the power of suggestion or what----but I turned down dinner out...and turned down going to DD's for cards....just want to veg out. We got up this morning, and heard something dripping---the tank to our main bathroom toilet was cracked!! So we ended up changing that out today---but 30 minutes and he had the old one out, and the new one in. Another 20 minutes, and I had everything back in the room, and it is a done deal! Looks more modern in there too! Oh and we were given this thing called a Johnny Light, by the salesguy. It fits between the seat and the lid, runs on a AAA battery---when the seat is up it shines a green light down towards the water! When the seat is down, it shuts it off. So in the night, Rick would not have to turn on a light and blind himself, but also if I were to go in there, and the light be on, I would not fall in!!! We will likely wait and put it in the master bath!!! Funny thing though I thought! I am out of here, to sit and stare aimlessly for awhile!! TTYL~~ Kat

Yea!!! Restriction, it might not be your sweet spot--but at least you know you CAN achieve restriction!! I agree, I hope for your sake it is not post fill swelling, but knowing your band is good and healthy, then it just seems you may need to continue the fills. I mean if you feel the restriction, even if it were swelling---you KNOW it will close down---and work! I know people with a lot more fill than where you are! Hang in there, you will make it! Hope this one lasts for you! Keep me posted as to how it goes. I will check back with you---I think my Valentines Dinner drinks have gone to my head!!! TTYL~~ Kat

First of all---Happy Birthday!! I think since you are pretty sure you are getting the "thing"---accept it---do NOT open it! Leave it boxed...put it away, and present it to him on his birthday since you believe he is the one wanting it!!! Then tell him for your birthday, you are heading to NM with some LBT girls and he will have it to keep him company while you are gone, and you love him and will see him in X amount of days!!!! Sorry to be so flip, I know it is angering, and also hurtful---but how was he raised concerning gift giving? He sincerely may not have a clue! My DH has either got it perfectly, or is clueless! There is no middle ground! We have as we have aged together (!) decided that it is just way too stressful! So we decide on something together, and we buy it! Our birthdays are only 2 weeks apart, so we usually take a trip somewhere, since it is summer time. For Christmas, we choose something a bit extravagant for the house, or ourselves and we buy it! Anniversary---same thing. We always exchange cards for holidays---but anymore we skip the actual gift giving, and do ours together. I like it much better!!!! In the end, be glad you have him. I come awful close to losing my DH not long ago, and it is an eye/heart opener. They all come with faults, just as we do----be glad you have him to hold you and whisper Happy Birthday. Kat btw.....any body orifices the "thing" would fit in....if he REALLY pissed ya off??!!

:cursing::tt1:HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!!!!:wub::tt1::wub: Well woke up feeling better this morning---not sure what got me yesterday---man I felt like crap! Jenn--look forward to hearing what went so well!!! But I am sure glad it did! Michelle-great story, and wonderful pics---you all look like you had a wonderful time! Pamela--you look beautiful! Enjoy your conferences today! I am short on time, Rick is ready to GO!!! LOL, I am still in jammies!!! So I guess I better get with it, I have to go deliver Valentines to the Grandkids! Will check back in later ---- have a great day everyone!!! Kat

This is one of the reasons that pre op testing is so important. It is also why you want an experienced surgeon. The band itself did not kill kbugs Mom. An infection in her blood stream killed her. This can be caused by any surgery, and will be a stat in that sense. My neighbor is currently battleing MRSA in her bloodstream and she had back surgery. SgtBob is right, it is a risk with any surgery. Which is why you research your Dr, your facility---all of it, and have your pre op tests. Make sure all of this checks out, and if you feel bad following surgery ASK! Do not think everything is normal, no one knows how you feel better than you. Lap band is a generally safe surgery, but it does involve getting inside the body, and it does involved anesthesia, both can bring up issues. But as has been repeatedly pointed out----being morbidly obese---is killing us----as are the multiple co morbidities that have been mentioned. Every day with these health risks, shortens our lives. It is a very personal choice each of us makes. Kbugs Mom chose to try to lose the weight, and unfortunate circumstances caused her to lose her Mom---I hate that it happen. The band in and of itself though, did not cause her death. Kat