Kristine73

I got a tattoo on my foot about two years ago. The tatt artist told me that weight won't effect the foot tatt, much. Actually, weight loss can make a tatt look better. Unlike weight gain where it is stretched. Why did I choose my foot? I figured it was the one place on the female body gaurenteed not to sag

If I were in your shoes, I'd ask myself a few things: 1) Am I at a somewhat healthy weight? (no obese, just a bit over weight). I'm sure you know the risks of being overweight. But, being obese and not doing anything about it could cause you to lose precious time w/your child/hubs (illness, lack of energy and the biggie, death) 2) Am I truly happy with myself when I look in the mirror? 3) If I don't get a fill, an I see myself gaining more weight and becoming morbidly obese? I don't have kids. But, I think if I did, I'd do everything to make sure I was around as along as possible. I am in no way judging you, please don't take my remarks as criticism. It's great that hubs loves you as you are. But, do you love you as you are? Also, it would seem to me, that your hubs would want you around for decades. Mine does, well, depending on the day and my mood I've been married 16 years, hubs has loved me obese and thin. He always tells me that he married me for my mind, heart and soul. Not for my body. He's stuck w/me through infertility and some health scares. I'm 35 and I told him I'm want to be around for decades to come because I love him and plan on making him miserable for decades to come (if you've been married long, you'll understand that, LOL)! I guess, it all comes down to what you feel is best for you and your family. oh, and give that baby some hugs and kisses :crying:

I have endo. I was dx'd (diagnosed) around age 21-ish. Hubs and I tried for two years to have kids. He didn't want any, I did. We figured we'd leave it to the powers that be and didn't use birth control. When I was dx'd, I was at a stage 5. I started my period 2 weeks before my 10th birthday. Always had irregular period, heavy and painful to boot. By the time I was dx'd, I was told there was too much damage and I'd never have kids. Doc wanted to do a hyst then. I said NO! I wanted a kid. I went through the lupron, two laps to remove endo/cysts and two scopes to get the endo in between the laps (bikini cuts). By the time I was 25, I was fed up. I wanted a life. Hubs was active duty at the time. So, I had to have the surgery at a military facility. The OB/GYN didn't want to do a hyst because of my age and no kids. Apparently, we women are only uterian lif support as far as the military is concerned. I couldn't work. It took me a year of fighting and I had to go all the way up the chain of command to the base Comander to get the surgery approved. I had the hyst at age 26. Now I have a job and go to college. I still have the endo, it is on my colon and diaphragm. areas too risky to try and remove it. Turns out both my maternal paternal grandmothers had endo. Maybe if one of them had spoken up when I was a kid, things may have turned out differently. But, I belive I am where I am supposed to be. I work w/kids who have disabilities and that's very rewarding. There are many thing between diagnosis and hysterectomy that women have a choice of. And no, endo won't show on an ultrasound. Sucks! I'm babbeling and need to get to bed. But, don't hesistate to ask questions. I used to run a support site for endo. Sending hugs

Something I read or was told (forgot which ) Is that when you are eating out, ask them to put half of your meal in a take out box, before they bring it to you. This way, you are tempted to eat less and you have enough for a second meal! I've anly had one fill. I've noticed a slight difference. But 4 0z filling me up, not happening. I have an apt for a second fill aug 10. Hopefully that will help a bit more.

At my post-op, I had to meet w/the nutritionists. She asked about how I planned on getting my Protein as a vegetarian. I went through my plans. Then I brought up hummus and chick peas. OMG, she almost birthed a cow on the spot. The way she made it sound, chick peas were loaded w/worthless calories and the devil's fruit. LOL I still eat hummus and chick peas. My mom is Vegan. She told me about the Amy's products. A walmart about 40 miles away carry some of the Soups and three varieties of frozen dinners. I bought an Indian one and had it yesterday. It was very good. I bought some quinoa before my surgery. I still have yet to try it. I'll probably try making it this weekend. Thanks for recommending the cookbooks. I'll look into them!

Jewelry is my gift to myself, as well. My engagement ring has been sized up and down so many times that the band is real thin. Plus, the stone sits high and it gets caught on just about everything. When I break into wonderland (24 lbs to go, woo-hoo) I get a trinity ring. I'm looking at one that is amethyst, which is my hubs birthstone. I like the jewelry you've chosen.

I am so glad you called! Get some rest, your body needs it. And drink fluids and broth. Tell who ever is taking care of you (don't know if you're married) that you deserve a foot rub and some serious pampering! hugs and get some rest

You said it! I've lost 100 lbs ... twice! Of course, I gained it back, plus some! I have to diet and exercise to lose the weight w/the band. I see it as a tool to keep the weight off!

Yup, I cheated. I was on protein shakes for damn near a month pre-op. My doc required 2 weeks pre-op, but prefered a 4 week protein drink diet. I decided I was going to put my best into the band, pre and post-op. Well, my surgery was on a friday. The tuesday prior to it, a friend and I went to Olive garden. I have 1/2 a bread stick, 3/4's of a bowl of minastroni (sp) soup and plate of the salad. I felt so guilty, afterwards. But told myself it wasn't a cream-laden carb/fat feast. Looking back, I think 1 cheat in 4 weeks was pretty good. But, it was still a cheat. Cheating too much ould jeaprodize your surgery.

Dehydration is a band concern. If you are still feeling this way on Monday, you should definitely call your surgeon's office. Depending on how bad you feel, you may want to call this weekend and let the surgeons answering service get in contact w/your doc. Did you have the migraine before or after starting the anti-biotics? Are you sure you're not having a reaction to the med? Have you taken this med before w/out any ill-reaction? I'm not asking you to answer me as I'm not a medical professional. However, if you think you may be having a reaction, call you PCM ASAP! I'm prone to sinus infections. So, I know how miserable they an be. My doc gave me augmentin (sp) on a friday. W/in 36 hours, I had a migrane and a nasty rash. I called in PCP's ansering service. They called me back after speaking w/my PCP and told me to quit taking the augmentin ASAP (duh, that was a no-brainer) and informed that my doc had called in another anti-biotic to my pharmacy. Dehydration can be dangerous, so don't hesitate to call your doc.

I'm a vegetarian, so I eat lots of fruits and veggies. I haven't tried eating apples, yet, as I'm only one month post-op. Though, I buy all kinds of frozen fruit at wal-mart. Such as various berries, mango and peaches. I make a morning smoothie using lite-soy milk and Protein powder. I add two fruits, what ever I feel like that morning. I buy bananas and freeze them for my smoothies, as well. Peel the bananas, slice them and throw a portion (about 1/2 a large banana) in individual zip-lock bags. I bought one of those blending wand things. I blend and drink in the same cup. I looked at the magic bullet gadget. But, I got the 250 watt wand for 1/2 the cost. It even can w/a food processor. I guess it's one of those, "To each her own" things If you're worried about Fiber, you can try a Metamucil-type product. I used to buy those apple flavored Metamucil cookies/wafers. That was my in pre-vegetarian days, lol. But, my hubs, who is a devout carnivor, likes those thins, which says a lot!. He's picky eater. If it's not meat or overed in hocolate, he's not interested! And he's pencil thin, to boot. It irks me so much.

Ok, I get why that grates the spelling/grammar nerves

I've always thought of msg boards as 'casual.' If I'm writing a college essay, I write differently. My lap-top recently went ka-put. I have the hubs, right now. Which he doesn't have spell check and the 'C' key likes to stick. I have to hit it hard. If I forget, "check" may end up being "hek". Plus, there are people on this msg board whom do not speak English as a first language. Then there's British English, which many words are spelled differently. In America, we spell Color that way. Where as, across the pond, it's spelled Colour. When I read a post of mine and see something blatantly wrong, I'll edit it. Otherwise, I just let it go. After all, I'm not perfect, nor am I in a professional arena.

I work with kids whom had disabilities, like Down's and such. When I'm out in public, I have to deal with a lot of insensitive people, I feel like smacking half of them. Especially the one's that grab their kids, as if to shield them from Down's Syndrome, like it's contagious. W/their actions, they are passing down their prejudices and it pisses me off. But, a nurse should know better. If I encounter someone I don't know with a disability, such as being wheelchair bound or blind, and I'm curious about how that person ended up in a wheelchair (accident or disease like MS) or how someone lost their sight, I ask "Do you mind me asking how you Came to be in the wheelchair," Or, "Do you mind me asking how you lost your sight?" I also tell people if they don't feel like talking about it, feel free to tell me to bug off. I guess it's all in the approach. And no, serenity55, you shouldn't have to hide your face. And yes, I like the idea of an attack seeing eye-dog, as well.

Yes, HBP can be hereditary. If it's in your family, you will want to let your doc know this. High cholesterol can also me hereditary. My mom-in-law had high cholesterol, like 500+. They did an angiogram (sp) and the was little plaque in her arteries. My grandmother has HBP and my mother was just put on HBP meds. I was on HBP meds for about a year pre-op. But, with losing the weight from the pre-op diet, my BP started going down. The day of my surgery my surgeon told me to stop taking it. My BP is practiallt back to normal and I've only lost about 25 lbs, total. Ask the surgeon when you meet them if putting down HBP will help with getting the ins co to approve the surgery.

I had my first fill July 9th. They'll give you an injection, something like lidocain (like they give you right before an I.V.) at the port site. I necessarily didn't 'feel' the need for the fill go in, I felt her moving it around to find the center of the port. It was a little uncomfortable. But painful, no. From the time of the 'numbing' shot to the time the fill was done, took less than 1 min. She had me drink a few ounces of Water to make sure all was well. The day of the fill, after I got it, my doc wanted me on liquids, Day after the fill was soft food and mushies. Day 3, back to normal. I have a 10 cc band and they gave me 2.5 cc's. I fill a difference, already. I heated up my butternut squash Soup last night. It's the V8 soup that comes in a box. I used to be able to eat the whole amount. Last night, at half the box (technially 1 serving, as there are two servings in a box) I was full. So, I put the rest in the refridge for today. Some people on here don't have said it can take up to two weeks for them to feel a difference. I guess it all depends in the person and the amount of the fill. Don't stress yourself out about the fill!

I was told no baths or swimming for 3 weeks. They basically scared me away from my friends pool and the idea of 'what my surgeon doesn't know won't hurt him' with a sneak swim. They told me that Water can enter the incision and cause an infection. This could cause the whole band to be removed. So, talk w/your doc before you take a soak. I agree w/the benedryl. You bay wan to get some of the benedryl ointment to rub where you have hives, taking care not to put any on the incision. Hope you feel better, soon!

Ok, yesterday, I noticed the head of a thread peeking out of the scar. It hurts to tug it. I bought some new skin today and have been putting it on the stitch. Has anyone else had this problem? How long did it take to resolve itself? Can I go swimming with this? Is this something I should call my doc about? I am so irked about it right now. I had plans to go swimming next weekend :frown: TIA for any advice/information

At first my hubs thought it was cheating and was against it. The more research I did, the more he understood, but still wasn't comfortable about the surgery. But he told me, he'd support me 100% in my decision. After surgery, he stayed home w/me for 3 days. When he went back to work, he found out that the sister of one of his co-workers when in for a tripple heart bi-pass at the age of 55. She made it through the surgery, but died the next day. That day, hubs came home, gave me a hug and said he finally understood why I wanted this and he will no longer made 'snide cheating' comments. I've lost 100 lbs twice, and gained it back, plus some every time. He know weight is a problem for me. I don't see how making a decision to make a permanent and healthy life change (the band is not a diet but a life change) is cheating. It's a commitment! No, you are not cheating! You are improving you life! ANd kudos to you for doing so! Though, I will say, I've ran into the cheating attitude from people at work. I just ignore them, though at first it just annoyed me. Now, I think it's jealously that promps the 'cheating' accusation. We had the guts to made a drastic decision the follow through w/it. Too many people let fear hold them back. Or, the have pre-conceived of weight loss surgery and rather than broaden their knowledge, they would rather remain iggonorant. Like my hubs says, ignorance is bliss. Again, you deserve kudos for looking out for your health and taking a possitive step towards a new you!

I'm vegetarian, which really sent the nutritionist at my surgeons office into a panic attack, at the post-op meeting, LOL. When I told her I was keeping a 'Protein journal' and that I plan I keeping the Protein drinks as part of my daily diet, she was relieved. I use the Soy EAS powder, when I get at walmart. It comes in chocolate and vanilla. I do a protein 'shake' every morning for Breakfast. I use vanilla soy milk, a tablespoon of flax seed (for thos needed omega3 and 6's) a scoop of he protein powder and in stead of ice I use frozen fruit. This morning i had banana bluberry. It was YUMMY. I buy my fruit frozen. For bananas, I peel them and depending on their size, I ut them in half. I slice them, throw a protion size (for me about 1/2 a large banana) in a freezer zip-lock and immediatly throw in freezer. I get about 36 grams of protein, just in my breakfast!

walmart has a variety of protein powders, ready-made drinks, protein bullets and Protein Bars. They even have soy Protein powder. You can also look on gnc's site and www.drdiet.com also, you can look at walgreens and cvs

RestlessMonkey is correct. If we are not taking in enough calories, our bodies tend to think it's starving and tries to store as many calories/fat as possible. It's a survival mechanism that goes back to our ancestors nomadic and feast/famine days. Does your surgeons office offer nutrition classes? Mine offers them, one a week, with a registered dietitian, for free. If not, you may way to seek out nutritionist and/or registered dietitian on your own. The more we work out, the more calories we burn. Our bodies need a certain amount to function. If you're burning off too many calories and your body has less calories than it needs, it's going to hold onto every single calorie, for survival sake. As RestlessMonkey said, try adding some calories. I know it seems counter intuitive, but you may actually NEED more calories in your everyday diet. Please note when I CAp someting, I'm not yelling, rather, I'm emphaisizing. Good luck

I am sorry you are having a difficult recovery. Mine was a difficult, as well. But, now I am glad I had the band surgery. My surgeon said if we diarrhea for 3 days, to use something like Imodium A-D. For gas, use a heating pad on your lower back and/or shoulder, depending on if you have pain in your shoulder. Don't use a straw. When you use a straw, you suck air into your stomach. If your gas isn't in your digestive track, but it's from the air introduced during surgery, heat and movement are the only things that will help. I felt like I had an elephant standing on my shoulder, it hurt that bad. I thought I was going to cry, sometimes. And, believe me, I am not a crier. Between the fibromyalgia and endometriosis, I have a high tolerance to pain. There were times I'd rather someone cut my arm off than move it, but I knew if I didn't move it, the gas wouldn't go away as fast. I would just hold my arms out to the side and do small circles. And I'd hald my arms out to my sides and slowly move my arms slowly towrs the front, until my plams were touching, then slowlt back out to the side ... NOT FAST! If you are vomiting or dry heaving, DO NOT BE AFRAID to call your surgeons office. On the weekend, they have answering services for a reason. The answering service will relay your messege to the surgeon and (s)he'll give you other direction and/or call in a prescription for nausia and/or pain. Also, my nurse told me to drink warm, not hot, fluids, as this helps relax the esophagus and this can help gas move, as well. Hope you feel better quickely

Mine is on the left. About 2 inches left of the belly button and at the same height as my belly button. Basically, right on my jean waist line :thumbup: I guess it's a good thing I wear a lot of skirts and dresses :drool:

I chose the lap-band. I like the construction better. The lap-band has little 'pillow's that the saline fills. The realize band doesn't have the pillows. I read that the pillows provide strength, stability and protects against the band twisting. Also, I liked the higher profile port. I've read where people go in for fills and their port can't be found! Oh no, I did not want to go through that. I went for my first fill, today. The NP had no problem finding my port. Only took her one shot and in less than a minute, I was done. Only con about the higher profile port is that I wonder if it will be visible when I lose 100 lbs. I guess if it does show, I'll deal w/it then. But, I'd rather not have to go get x-rays before fills of deal "Can't find your port today, come back in a month, we'll try then." Of course, many people who've had the realize band love it. So, I guess it's one of those "In the eye of the beholder" things. Also, the port of the lap-band in sewn into place, whereas the realize port clamps into place. Look each of them up, look at pics and specs. Some sites show animations. Absorb as much info as possible before you make your decision. Remember, it will be your band, in the end, only your opinion and the opinion of your surgeon counts. Good luck w/the studying/research