Elisabethsew

Isn't it interesting how discussions related to religion and politics bring out the extreme "passion" in many people? Discussions and debates presuppose that the opinions and beliefs of all involved are respected and that not one entity or group is singled out. Unfortunately, "passionate" discussions/debates often deteriorate into something ugly. When that happens, the learning and sharing cease and all anyone remembers is the negatives. Rant and rave is not synonomous with slam and dunk. If people remember that, discussions such as the one on this thread can be productive when respect for differing opinions is observed, we might all learn something. Also, it's important to note a person can belong to a group and not believe 100% in that group's position 100% of the time. I am catholic and the church advises against oral contraceptives. I used them for years until suffering PEs but I don't thick that makes me a bad catholic. So, sometimes it's best to take a deep breath, count to ten, ponder a point, etc., before engaging in slam and dunk behavior. This is no accusatory; just informational and a personal opinion.

Congratulations on your anniversary and your WONDERFUL success. You look great.

You're young and healthy and you'll do great in surgery. It's normal to be nervous but going into surgery with an "I'm going to ace this" kind of attitude has been shown to speed recovery rates. Read all the posts you can and ask any questions you might have. When you have your pre-op testing, you'll meet with the anesthesiologist and THAT is the person who is in charge of the operating room, NOT the surgeon. Talk honestly with the anesthesiologist and ask questions. You'll feel a LOT better after that meeting.

I have found that people on this board, whether an atheist, an agnostic, a jew, a christian, etc., respect one anothers right to believe, or not believe, whatever they find comfort and solice in. I suppose that translates to peace.

If you are totally unfilled, it's like not having the band at all and you can eat whatever you tolerate. I would not having any breakfast on Monday if you're going for a swallow.

I read that you came to this board because you were tired of the born again Christians controlling things. I suppose that anger and frustration was the impetus for this thread topic which is fine. I have to agree with another poster regarding followers of a particular religion being told how to vote. I am Catholic and have NEVER heard any member of the church tell the congregation how to vote. It's important not to make generalizations that are unfounded.

The best way to know if you're hydrated enough is to look at the color of your urine. If it's dark, you're dehydrated. It should be a pale amber color. As the swelling subsides, you'll find it easier to get fluids down. Don't attempt to guzzle anything at this point post-op. Keep fluids with you at all times and sip, sip, sip. What will also help is getting up and walking around. Splint your stomach with a pillow and try bending a little (not too low). Give it another few days and you'll feel A LOT better.

Incisional reddness and discoloration is normal. What is not normal is the "rash" increasing, pain associated with it, or heat. Try some cold compresses and inspect for any drainage or increasing tenderness. If you notice this, it's an infection and needs medical attention and antibiotics ASAP. Kidney stones are VERY painful. I hope you're feeling better and on the road to recovery.

Once most of it wears off naturally and the incisions are closed, you can peel off the remaining bits.

They make children's liquid motrin that you can try. I have terrible arthritis and take naprosen twice a day. Before having surgery, I discussed this with my surgeon. He explained that the danger of NSAIDS and the band is the fear that the pills will be digested in the upper pouch instead of the stomach. To combat this, he told me to take the pills with some mylanta and chase it down with 8 oz water... no probelms!

There is no "right" answer for your question. I had a lot of swelling for several weeks while others felt fine with no swelling a few days post-op. Complete healing takes 4-6 weeks. Best of luck on your surgery.

AMEN, DonnaMarie!

Welcome back, Susan!

COMMUNICATION boards and the Internet and very much like communication in real life. Some people get along, some don't, some people are attention seekers, some are lurkers. The point is NO ONE is going to get along ALL the time with ALL the people. It doesn't happen in real life and it doesn't happen in cyberlife either. Often, people who feel the need to post dramatic good-byes and publically group "the board" as uncaring and unsupportive have personal issues that they hope "the Board" will resolve. When the advice or opinions are at odds with the person WANTS to hear, the nasty posts begin. I think it's silly to beg a person to stay when SHE/HE is the one who publically announce her/his DESIRE to leave. It's a free country. If you find another place that is supportive of you, by all means GO! To beg or encourage a person to stay only serves to feed the behavior and that's exactly what the person wants... attention. Good luck and best wishes to you on the new board.

Congratulations on the loss, babygirl!

I wish you all the best and respect your decision to leave.

I'm sorry you feel you need to leave the forum but you know what's best for you. It's sad that you feel the need to condemn the entire forum based on the negativity of a few people. I'm sure the person you helped is thankful for your kind and generous gift to them. Good luck to you.

I'm not sure what the sweetner is but my surgeon only allows medifast shakes. I got the ready to drink (RTD) chocolate one and still use them... 90 calories and tasty.

Carlene, I had the same response as you did to that posting. "What the heck?" I was hoping this was a thread that would stay dead!

You were banded in November and started having problems 6 weeks later and now your surgeon is treating you for an infection that is not responding to antibiotics. Clearly, something was wrong with the band and/or the surgical technique. The surgeon needs to do a culture and sensitivity of the "muddy" Fluid and try you on a course of intravenous antibiotics. If THAT fails, it's time to take this band out. Don't be passive about this because you've been dealing with the problem since December and enough is enough.

That time of the month is nearly over so I ventured onto the scale and am happy to see a loss. Congratulations to all the "losers" here. Name..........................Starting…...…..Current….…..Goal…....To Go Juliegeraci.......................238............. ...... 238.................228.............10 Lapbandit.......................231............... .....229………….199.............30 Waterlily.........................300............. .......290.................264.............26 Roiansmom.....................299................. ...299.................270.............29 Libra...............................248........... .........242.................228.............14 JulieNYC........................212............... .....209.................185.............24 Elisabethsew................... 282.................. ..278.................264.............14 PeaCeJ............................338............. .......338.................318.............20 RidinMyHDDream...........297.....................293.................281.............12 Babygirl1234................... 260....................259.................240.............19 Leecelove70.....................228............. ......228.................200.............28

Congratulations on making it to the halfway mark, Libra! That's wonderful. Molly, I'm sure you'll be in the 80's in a day or so. You're doing great!

Two cc's is an agressive fill so you might have some significant swelling. Try doing a day or so of fluids and then a day of soft foods before moving back to a regular diet. If your symptoms persist more than a week, I would check back with your surgeon.

Get a second opinion! Have you had an esophagram or endoscopy? You might need IV antibiotics, a new band, or antibiotics instilled into the tubing and port. If you're not getting any better and the surgeon has not altered the plan of care, it's time to get a second opinion.

Of course you can lose more than 50% of the weight you need to. There are plenty of people here who have losses that confirm this fact. Remember, statistics are based on past years of success and there have been quite a few changes to the band since it was first introduced; both in design as well as in surgical approach. Everyone loses weight with diet and exercise whether or not they have had surgical intervention. For those of us who are banded, we needed an intervention to ASSIST with the diet to allow more exercise. The only limitation to the amount of weight you can lose is you.