kareyquilts

Marillon: Why didn't your PS just move your port back up? It's frustrating that you have to go through another procedure. Glad you're feeling a little better. I promise as the days pass, it does get better. I'm moving fairly pain free today. The muscle repair is getting better. I hope you like your results. Are you pleased with how your new stomach looks?

LJM: I'd be happy with that weight loss. Just heal, you'll be back to your old routine soon.

Kate: Thanks for your input. I agree with everything you said. I've done what I could and now she can decide how to react. I cannot be around such negative feelings. There is no reason to be, it's too hurtful to both of us. If my friend can feel better towards me and act that way than we'll continue to have a relationship, otherwise, I'm going to remember fondly the good times and move on. I ended up in the emergency room last night after continuing to throw up the rest of the day. When I couldn't hold down water, I knew I was in trouble. My band doctor was a little ticked that I hadn't come in during regular office hours, but I was just trying to do the things that her nurse told me to. At any rate, she took most of my fill out and gave me something for nausea. She thinks I just had the flu, but I don't. I wasn't running a temperture, I didn't have diarriea (SP?), etc. I wish she would have done a barium series to see what my band is doing, but I guess that would be rushing things. At any rate, the stuck feeling is gone. This morning I was able to hold down a protien shake. I'm feeling slightly nauseaus, but doing better. The unfill was interesting with my new lower profile port. She had to try several times to find it. She said that I'm incredibly swollen which makes it more difficult. Anyway, I hope this is the end of the band issues and when I go to get my adjustment back to my regular fill level, that all will go well. I appreciate everyones support.

Well today I wrote my friend a thank you card for the things she brought over and just simply said,"Sorry if I said something to hurt your feelings in my drug induced state. I know your busy. Thanks for thinking of me." --Karey. I'm going to leave it at that for a while. I plain don't have the energy to do anything else at this point. I had a very terrible night. I swalled an anitbiotic and a pain pill and they got stuck. I was pbing and then vomiting for a couple hours. Then I tried to drink some warm tea, thinking that would loosen up my band and I threw that up. I slept almost setting up. This morning I woke up very nauseated and felt like I had motion sickness. I tried to drink some tea and promptly threw it up. I can get a little water down. My mom made me a protien drink and I was able to get it down. I thought some ice cream would taste good and be soothing to my throught, but after several bites I had that stuck feeling and then threw that up. I've had a few sips of water now and that's it. Have a lot of heartburn and nausea. I called my doc and she said that if it doesn't get better by Friday to call back. My PS who I saw today, said I looked pale and should insist on her seeing me. By the way, I had 3 drains removed today! Yeah! Anyway, I only have half my regular fill and up until last night, I haven't had any restriction problems. There is definetly something wrong though. I just hope my band hasn't slipped. That would be the pits after all this! I haven't pbd in a long time. I know I have some new swelling on my upper tummy from the TT which could be adding to the band tightness, but can't think it's that much. Any suggestions?

Yeah Laurend, anxious to hear what made you decide on your surgeon. Did something just click? Esmeralda, glad you're doing so well. Getting drained doesn't sound like fun to me, though! I don't know about you sex fiends! I told my husband that I felt very loving towards him (he's been such a wonderful help) and I wished we could make love. I then said well, I guess we could, if you don't mind all the drains and the screams of pain! Then I started to laugh so hard that I was almost screaming in pain. I hope in 2 more weeks I feeling as frisky as you all are! You hound dogs!

Thanks for the input from everyone. Mommi-hammi: I think that some people are givers and some are takers. Maybe your friend hasn't had any kind of experience with illness, etc and doesn't know what is needed OR maybe she is just a fair weather friend. I know it hurts. I'm not going to tell my friend never mind on the wedding shower because it is about my daughter and not me. I can be a surface friend and play by those rules as long as I know that is what I am to her. I'm not going to call her to give myself some time to cool off, because the more I think about it, the angyrier I get. I wouldn't treat a stranger they way she treated me today. When she left she said, "You know you're not the only one with a life!" And slammed the door behind her. I just don't get it. I know she is struggling with her own feelings of inadaquency but I just don't know if I want to deal with it anymore. Time, I guess.

Okay, I really need to vent! I have a friend who up until my lapband surgery was my very best friend. We have been friends for over 20 years! Her husband and mine went on fishing trips together, we went on trips together and out to dinner most weekends. She didn't want me to get the lapband and has been off and on again about our friendship ever since. When I first got the lapband, she lost 40 pounds (which she has since put back on). Recently, she has been friendly again and even offered to give my daughter a bridal shower in April. I wasn't going to tell her about my surgery, but my DH said she would probably find out and feel bad that I didn't tell her. Anyway, I told her about the surgery, she asked a few questions and then pretty much our dinner date was abrutly over. Okay, I thought, give her some time (even though it hurt my feelings). Well, she never called after my surgery to see how I was doing and my husband talked to her husband last week and told him I was having a rough time of it. I never heard from her. Well today, she called and asked how I was doing and if she could do anything. I said, all I really needed was for my best friend to show a little interest and care if I was a live or dead. She said, "Don't make me feel guilty. To be honest, I forgot about your little surgery. You weren't even on my radar screen!" Is that suppose to make me feel better? When she had lipo years ago, I wheeled her around the mall in a wheel chair, just to get her out of her house. When her children (who are mostly adult) have even had surgery, I've been there with flowers and support. Every time she's needed something, I've tried to be there. Later today, she showed up with some rolls and bath stuff. She was very defensive and I wasn't much better. I've just had it with her. Am I over reacting? I just feel so angry with her. I don't think I'm being reasonable. I don't think it's the drugs making me feel this way, but I just don't want to be her friend anymore. When she came, she saw my breasts, which I hadn't told her I was having done and she made a very snide comment about it. I feel like canceling the wedding shower, but I should probably calm down and not do that to my daughter. I really feel hurt. I'm going to take some deep breaths and try and think about the many other blessing I have in my life. I really don't know if this friendship can be saved! What do you think?

Love all the updates from everyone. I'm feeling lots better today. I will try and stay out of bed for most of the day today. Don't really know what I will do with myself though. I might try and work on my DD's wedding guest book. I'm going to have a book printed that has pictures of them on one side of the page with quotes about love and then a blank page of the other for guest to write well wishes. Maybe I can sit up long enough to get a good start on that little project. I see the PS tomorrow and have a lymphatic massage. That should be interesting. Hopefully, some of these drains will get pulled. I feel like an incubator or something. It's impossible to wear regular clothes with all these drains. Pain wise I feel better. Getting up and down is getting easier and I can stand straighter. Just starting feeling achy all over and kinda of punky. When I take a pain pill I feel better. I was hoping to be off them, but I guess a few times a day isn't too bad. Does this sound normal to you all?

Diane: Thanks for the update. Life does have a way of taking over and being thin isn't everything. I think it's best to just feel in control of your life and happy with your decisions. I know that for me, not putting myself first was the biggest contributing factor to my obseity. Hopefully, I've learned to do that. I think I'm happier. Yes I enjoy the compliments, but more importantly, I feel better about myself because I have more respect for myself. Does that make sense? My self-image is stronger. I feel more in control of myself. Things aren't just happening to me. I'm making them happen. If for no other reason, exercise has added to that feeling of accomplishment and control. For me, it's no longer about the weight. Of course, I would like to lose more weight, but it's more about being healthy and feeling the power of making good choices. Anyway, Diane, you're doing great. You'll tweak whatever you need to. Just take a moment to let all you've accomplished sink in!

C- I'm finally able to get up and down without any help. I don't feel too sore really, not sure why I feel as tired as I do. Wish I could go back to work part time, but it's difficult to look professional with 5 drains hanging all over you! Just have to remind myself that I asked for this and it will be good. Right!?

Marillon: Keep in touch and let the great gals on this thread encourage you. You've had a unique experience. Bless you. Glad you like the tuck. Don't know if it's going to be enough for a while. You're just going to have to find your inner toughness and patience. I'm sure you're going to very tired from blood loss, plus the normal soreness. In a few days the soreness will get better. Take care.

Ghost: Wrapping in an ace bandage is an interesting idea. Day was another shower day and it was easier, but with the 5 drains and these foam pieces that my doctor wants put back into the compression garment, it's quite the experience. My poor husband puts on a bathing suit to help me in the shower (which you've got to admit is pretty darn cute) and before I'm all put back together, they've both broken a sweat and I've got the shakes. I know it will get better and I already know that I can give myself a shower when the drains come out. Keep telling myself that patience is a virtue!

How is the body bugg going for everyone? Wish I was back on the program! The way I feel, I'm wondering if I'll every be able to exercise again. My surgery went well and my stomach looks good. For some reason, I'm not feeling very excited about it though. I guess it's just the pain that is starting to get to me. I'm not really that painful either. I don't know why my problem is. Anyway, I wanted to talk to my fellow September bandsters and check in. I guess I'm sad because my DH has been by side for almost a week and he's going out of town today. I have my doubts if my 75 year old mother is going to be able to help me alot. The biggest thing I worry about is taking a stupid shower, which seems to be a major production with 5 drains in. It's getting back into the compression garment that is the pits. I think I'm having a pity party so I better stop. Love to hear from you.

Marillon: You are what my nightmares were! Oh my gosh, you poor thing! I'm hoping that you were under and not aware for the entire nightmare! I'll say a prayer for you!

Amy, I've been having my own pity party. Somehow, the flatlands don't seem to be enough for all the pain, boredom and helplessness I've been feeling. Patience is not my strong suit! Have a great vacation.

Well it's the little things that you appreciate when your recovering from something. Hadn't had a bowel movement in 6 days and today I did! Happy Days! Wasn't sure how it would feel on the ab muscles, but it all came out well. So to speak! Like I said, not having a lot of mental stimulation right now. Bruises are just beginning to pop out all over the lipo areas. Not sure why it took so long. I think that the Arnica and Bromelain probably has really helped. Can stand up better today. My back is really swollen and I can't feel my ribs, which feels like a step backwards. I use to make my DH feel my rib cage and tell me he could feel the bones. I took a lot of pleasure it that simple, miraculous fact. Oh well, hopefully won't be too long until I feel them again.

Mary P still sending you positive energy, hoping you are resting and recovering. I believe that IceCream is having TT on Wednesday. How are the nerves? Well, the bruises have sprung up and are quite dark, but only in some areas. All I can say is what an interesting process.

You know I don't like these bad reports about the lipo. I'm finally standing up straight and the lipo's not hurthing that bad. I guess I'll get prepared just in case. Have fun on your trip.

I just wanted to let you that some of these decisions might be more last minute than you think. First of all, when I first met with my PS, I was just having a breast lift. That was about 2 1/2 months before my surgery. When I met 2 weeks before my surgery I had lost another 14 pounds and I had very little breast tissue left. Then the big decisions was if I wanted to have very small perky breasts or get an implant. With a lot of serious contemplation, I opted for the smallest implant possible. My surgeon ordered 3 sizes. I told him on the day of surgery that I wanted the smallest size that would look good. When I woke up, I learned that he was able to make a lollipop incision and that he used the smallest size (321 cc). I can't tell you how happy I am not to have the scar up the midline. I was totally prepared for it, though. My breasts are still bound up, but they appear to have a nice volume and are definetly higher. I think at some point, you have to get all the information you can, ask all the questions you can think of, express your opinion and then trust your doctor. Anyway you need to go, I bet you'll love the results.

Thanks again for all the well wishes! Mimin: See you checked up on me and that your still losing weight! Way to go! I'm doing pretty good today. The muscle repair is the pitts. I'm standing straighter every day, but getting up and down is difficult experience. Who knows tomorrow I may get wild and put on some clothes!

Here's hoping that Mary P is doing well! If you read this just know that the first couple of days are the pits, but it will get better! Today I have a lot less pain, using half the pain med, probably could have done without it but my family insisted. Seems they think I'm a little more cheerful when I'm drugged up! LOL! Really I would have too many compliments if I could get up and down a little more easily. That's just the pits. Nina: I can't believe that you are hitting the weights already. I think that you and Christine doc's have a good technique. Though it sounds like you've still got most of the swelling issues. I know that all my exercise has helped with my recovery and being able to get around. I hope I can get back to it as soon as you! Okay, everyone's talking about itching and I don't have any yet. Do I dare say that? When did it start? Yesterday when I had my shower ordeal, I noticed that I hardly had any bruises? I was quite surprised since it feels so very tender. Does it take a while for them to appear or has all the Arnica I've been taking paid off?

I think that the drains stay in until they stop draining. Usually 10 to 14 days. We will see and I'll let you know when they come out. I'm taking off 3 weeks but my husband and I have our own business, so I have that luxury. Will probably handle some things from home. Not really up for much yet, but I do feel a little less painful when getting up and down. Had my first shower, what an ordeal! Getting the drains out the crouch of the compression garment, keeping them in order, etc. Then getting the garment back on. It could have been a comedy movie, if I wasn't shaking and in pain. It was pretty funny though. Got my first look at everything and it looked pretty good. I think it's going to be worth it!

StephC: How exciting for you! Hope you get the go ahead soon and your PS gets you right in. I think the anticipation is the hardest part. I'm only 3 days out, but I don't think I can go back to work for a couple weeks (maybe a few hours a day). Good luck!

Thanks for the info on the compression garments. When I'm up to it I may get another way. The doc's office gave me one today. Mary Petunia, your in my thoughts and prayers today! God bless you!

I have 5 drains, plus the pain pump. I don't really mind the drains. Went back to PS today. He said that everything looks good. I found out that I don't have the anchor line (center line with the breast lift). When he put the implant it, the breast lift enough and the bottom of the breast had alot of volume, so I only have the suture line around the areola and under the breasts. They really aren't that big (I got a peek today) without all the padding they have around them. I'm going to try and take a shower today. Putting the compression garment on looks a little tricky, but I guess my DH and I will figure it all out. I'm feeling very emotional today. Just a little exhausted and in pain, but also very happy. I think it's going to look good. I'm just thinking about the whole journey of loosing the weight. How much work its been. How strong I've gotten, emotionally and physically. I think that the lapband surgery was harder in a lot of ways. I no longer have the pulmonary hypertension, the diabetes or all the mental baggage that goes with being overweight. I think that all the exercise that I've done in the last year has really paid off. Even though the MR is extremely painful, I can do squats and get around pretty good. Maybe I've already mentioned this, I'm a little drugged out. Anyway, I feel like I'm a different person both physically and mentally than I was 1 1/2 years ago. I'm still the same person in my basic personality and interests, but I'm tougher and more goal oriented. I've learned to put myself first and to take care of myself. My relationship to food has changed. I not as much of an emotionally eater. I don't eat out of boredom, etc. I love the lapband. I wish more people could understand how much better their lives could be with it. I still think of myself as a big girl, but I'm started to get a better or more realistic idea of my physical size. I figure when this is all done, I'll have made the 100 pounds lost club. Quite a journey....