Wednesday, November 23, 2011

MIA

This has been the most amazing two weeks of my life to say the least. Nov 14 my husband turned 60 and we had a sit down dinner for 18 with great wine and amazing food. At the last minute his brother and SIL decided to come and stay with another couple ...so we also had house quests. I could go into those stories....BUT....I want to get to the best part.....

The night before the party after we had gone to bed at 1:30... the phone rang.....and it was our son informing us that he had taken Brooke to the hospital because Gunnar was ready to make his way into the world. I was no longer tired to say the least and at 3:20....Gunnar Stephen Con..... was born. 7 lbs 10 oz, 20 inches long and as healthy as can be!!!

A few days later my Mom came to visit and we all made the 9 hr drive up north to visit our first grand child.



Here's a picture of the exhausted parents...with Gunnar's furry brother Hank.




HAPPY THANKSGIVING everyone ....count your blessings!


XO

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Halloween and B-Day Pic's


Our neighborhood always has the greatest parties...and Halloween is no exception. This year a couple of our neighbors and ourselves decided to be Iron Chefs or.....I'm Paula Dean( soooo fun suuuugar) DH, Alton Brown along with Mario Batelli and Guy Fieri.
I was so sore from dancing....FUN!


And last but not least my DH had a Birthday dinner for me with some friends and this is a good picture of us ...although it was late in the evening and in every picture we look toasted ;-))

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

FYI

A very interesting observation....I have been taking antihistamines(10 mg Loratadine)daily for over 2 months to help relieve a rash that I've been dealing with. I'm reporting on the interesting side effects.... Almost from the beginning of taking them, my weight loss stopped and I have been able to eat anything...even bread, Scary! I had somehow managed to gain 5 lbs over the last 3 months (just eating a little bit more) ;-( The rash has gone and I stopped taking the antihistamine over a week ago. Lo and behold... I have lost the 5lb gain and found myself at a new low this morning. I can definitely tell my restriction is back!

An interesting alternative to a defill...for short term!

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Chicago

I knew I could get you all 1 more time with that title ;-) I haven't posted since Chicago...what's up with that?

First of all I want to say ...I love Chicago ...I love all the ladies, the planners that made it happen, and I've told them all personally how much I appreciate them. And last but not least, I love all my BOOB friends!

My roomy BG, is the BEST! She is an amazingly beautiful woman inside and out! Thanks for all the memories....Nancy!

It was so great meeting you all and reading your blogs and seeing your pictures afterwards...can't wait for next year!

My husband joined me for 2 day's after everyone left Chicago. We had a great time! The first night we were moved, to the top floor, king size room, with a great view of the city(at the BOOB'S price)...nice! After a great dinner at Valare's, we came back to our room and sat in the dark by the open window, looking at the colorfully lit buildings, in our comfy chairs, listening to the talented clarinet player, on the street below(remember him?) Drank a great bottle of wine...and well the rest is history. The next day we went on the river architectural cruise(loved it) and that night we walked down to this club called the BACK ROOM, a great jazz band played and we managed to close the place...FUN!

In the 6 days I was in Chicago I never went to sleep before 2 or 3am. I can't wait to go back....

I LOVE CHICAGO!!!!


Just wanted to hit on some thoughts I've had about the band and health issues. The rash I've had for 2 months now ( Urticaria) per Tess and my Internist, is waning down. I stopped taking my hormone suppository (Vagifem) about 6 weeks ago (thanks to Sandy) and I think that might have been the cause...or not. I have been taking antihistamines everyday for 2 months to try and stop the rash and I think it may have made my band... be NOT so tight. Because I have really been hungry and able to eat most anything.... Today is my second day of no antihistamine's and I will keep you informed ...hopefully my restriction comes back. I don't want to get a fill because I have 10.6 cc's right now and it use to be perfect.

Sandy--this might be something to consider for future airline trips and such. A lot easier than having a defill.

Thursday, September 22, 2011

LB Question

Hi everyone....I am getting so excited. I can't wait to meet you all.

So... I have a question? Has anyone had an unexplained rash show up while they have been banded? Mine started about 3 1/2 weeks ago. I woke up with hot spots in my hair and around the sides of my face. They are hot red spots from the size of a quarter to bigger. Then the fluid comes to them and they get bigger and redder and very hot and itch. In a day or 2 they calm down, then go away and leave a yellow bruise for a few days, then gone.

When they were on my face, I went to the dermatologist and she said it was 'atopic eczema' maybe from new detergent or lotion or? She gave me cortisone cream and told me to take a antihistamine everyday until gone. Well that helped a little ....but not really. Since then I have had bump rashes on my shoulder, waist, head, ribs...

So now I'm frustrated and go to my internist. I didn't have a great patch to show him that day but he got the jest of it and said....2 things, 1) my body is having a reaction to the weight loss and 2) 3 months ago when I had my colonoscopy, some damage was done to my tail bone during the procedure and I have had quite a bit of pain since then.

He thinks the (hives?)are from my body dealing with the pain and weight loss. We talked about my worry of my body rejecting the band ...he said NO. He also didn't think it was shingles because they are on one side(flank).

This past Tuesday I woke with one on the side of my face that made half of my lips and face swell up. SCARY! My husband was pretty freaked! Worried that.. what if my throat closed? I've been told and know to go straight to emergency. So far they are all surface.

Does any of this sound familiar to anyone? How about you Jacquie? There was someone who had their band taken out because of rashes....but I can't remember who ?

Thanks for listening.....GRRRRRRRRRR don't need this!

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

The Questionaire ....minus the picture

How cool is this????

1. How did you pick your blog name? I'm kind of a Taoist at heart....and I've always believed that...less is more...the more you have the more you need to take care of. So that being said Lookinforless....just kinda fit.

2. When did you start blogging? March 2010 I had stalked a few of you before then, which is really why I felt that the LB was right for me.

3. Theme of blog? Being accountable and sharing.

4. Did you go to BOOBs 2010? NO.. and I felt like I really missed something!

5. When were you banded? March 15 2010

6. How much have you lost? 60 pounds

7. What are you most looking forward to at BOOBs? Matching faces with all these wonderful blogs, laughing, sharing, making new friends.

8. What/who do you hope to find/see/accomplish at BOOBs 2011? see #7

9. Children? Pets? I have a wonderful and supportive DH, 2 boys 33 and 20, 1 daughter inlaw who is 7 months pregnant with our first grandchild....GUNNAR and 1 parakeet named Wylie. We lost our dog of 17 years in Oct;-(

10. Who is your roomie? I am the lucky one....I got Nancy from TheSweetSpot...we can't wait to get you all together and fill you with wine or whatever and LAUGH UNTIL THE COWS COME HOME.....I don't know where I got that phrase ....but I'm filled with them!!

11. What day do you arrive? Thursday on United at 2:15, O'Hare.

12. What airport/flight/time? See above. Tina and I are getting a town car if someone needs a ride?

13. What events are you signed up for? Drag show, Second City and???????

14. Hobbies? Gardening, entertaining, cooking, traveling, sharing.....

15. Career? Volunteering and I work part time at a jewelry store...which really is an amazing place.

16. Single? Married? In a relationship? Married and in a ever changing relationship.

17. Your birthday month? October, Libra

18. What do you want other BOOBs to know about you? I am so excited to meet you all! I cry and laugh very easily!!!!! I hope you love me....

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Thursday night in Chicago

Man... do I feel out of it! Has there been any talk of going to a drag show on Thursday night in Chicago? If so will someone bring me up to date?

Thanks

Saturday, July 30, 2011

Thank You.........Thank You

I can't tell you what a thrill it gave me yesterday, to come home from work, and find, I was "BOOB OF THE DAY". I love you guys!! Special thanks to Drazil and BG!!!!XOXO

Staying busy trying to get the gardens and house looking their best. We have decided to have a wedding celebration party for Brooke and Sky. Yes, they already had one in NO CA a month ago.... but my son would like to have one down here(So Ca) with his friends and our neighbors. We figure around 100 people. We are using their $ that we gave them. Brooke would rather go on a vacation( she is now 6 mo's pregnant and tired)...but not our son! Here are his wants: FOOD, BOOZE and MUSIC............."Nothing else Mom...don't go crazy" So there you have it! My husband and I have been stringing little globe lights everywhere and we plan on having hundreds of candles everywhere.........it looks awesome .......very festive. Every time we go somewhere we bring in sh$$t loads of booze. We are having a taco catering grill company come for 3 hrs at $6.75 a person. That includes beans ,rice and unlimited freshly made tacos and sauces. I think that sounds very reasonable. I am trying really hard not to rent linens and round tables and bars because ...of the"don't go crazy" warning I've been given. ;-) We have 3 weeks to get ready.

PS New low this morning 170.2 OMG!! We are going to a friends bbq tonight...great wine and lots of homemade treats...hope I keep the new low!!!!

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Soooooooo hard to write

What's up with that? I've kept my weight the same.
I'm not lower, BUT...about the same.

I went to get my hair cut yesterday and ROBERTO, whom I've used for 25 years, slapped my butt and told me I was sexy............funny!

Is that a NSV?

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

It's a boy!

My son called me yesterday on their way home from the dr and the ultrasound shows that they are having a boy. Our first grandchild!! We are sooooooooo excited to say the least.

DH and I have a fun little trip coming up. We are flying up to San Francisco in a day or so, renting a car and driving over to Half Moon Bay to visit, good friends. Then the next day driving to SFSU to pick up our youngest son who we haven't seen since Xmas break(because he has a 30 hr a week job) that he didn't want to lose over the summer. Then, we are all driving to Sacramento. Sky(our oldest son) & Brooke are having a wedding celebration, for around 100 people. We will stay with them .....so I get to see Brooke pregnant, for 2 days. Then Sunday we head back to SF to drop DS2 off ( because he works on Mon) then head down to HMB to visit our friends, 1 more time. Then Monday evening back to San Francisco to drop off the car and home again.

We are REALLY looking forward to seeing our family and friends.

On the weight loss front, this morning I was at a new low, 172.8. I will not add it to the ticker yet..... because.. I will see if it's still there after our trip. I rarely have any acid reflux now........which is great. I think I am truly at my sweet spot!

Not too hungry-
Easily satisfied-
Lot's of energy-
The LB tightness is elusive.....it comes and goes. Never, can I not eat....just sometimes less than others-
There is nothing I can not eat...it is just a matter of quantity and how much time I have to eat it-

I LOVE MY BAND!!!

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Yes it's possible to have a colonoscopy with the LB

FYI...........

And the verdict is .....yes you can swallow 20 good size pills, in 2 hrs and 4 more, 2 hours later, with the LB. It was miserable.........but I think it's the same for everyone. This was my second colonoscopy in 9yrs. The first time they found nothing. This time 1 large polyp and 2 small. The dr said, she was sure they weren't cancerous, but would have them biopsied.

All you youngin's out there just wait......this is another thing you MUST deal with!

An interesting observation....I haven't had much acid reflux lately but can still feel it rearing it's ugly head sometimes. When I fasted for 2 days for this procedure, it went away totally. When I drank 1 coffee this morning with a lot of milk, I could feel it start to come back. I really do need to be careful of what I eat or drink ..or get a little unfill.

XO

Friday, June 3, 2011

Has anyone had a colonoscopy with the LB?

First of all, thank you to everyone for your comments on my last post.

We are having a post Pismo wine tasting party at our house Sunday night for 9 people. I will need to be VERY CAREFUL, because Monday starts the whole clear liquid and pills for the Tuesday colonoscopy.

Now I have a question?.......I woke up last night thinking.... how am I ever going to get those, large, 20+ pills and all those fluids down in 2 hrs, on Monday, for my prep? Then no fluids from Monday night until Tuesday afternoon. CRAZY!!

Thursday, June 2, 2011

Doctor's Advice

With my husbands company possibly closing their doors ...I am on a mission to get all medical issues dealt with as soon as possible...one never knows what might happen.

I went to see my GYNO yesterday and she was surprised that I had gotten the lap band. She does not like any foreign object inside of you and said she wished i would of asked for her council first. She wants me to have it taken out when I get to my desired weight. I told her that wouldn't happen....because I couldn't stand the thought of gaining the weight back. She said VS surgery and gastric bypass were better options in her mind.

Soooo as my husband say's, I went to sleep last night with a heavy heart...or a lot on my mind.

Today, My first visit is with a gastroenterologist, because it has been 9 years since my last colonoscopy. I tell her that I have a LB and tell her what my GYNO had said,the day before. She closes the door and proceeds to tell me that her daughter who has downs syndrome, has had a weight problem all of her adult life and 2 yrs ago she did all the research and chose the LB for her daughter. 90 lbs later and still losing, they are very happy. She said older bands had an issue with (angle factor) ??? I think she said, which caused them to erode. A much better product is on the market now! So you know where I will be Monday and Tuesday of next week....on the pot and at the surgery center ;-(

Oh what a difference a day makes! I'm on my way to swim laps now. Then 3:30 mammo......I'm afraid to see what the dermatologist will do....still haven't made that appt yet.

Wish me luck!!!!!

Monday, May 23, 2011

Just trying to keep up!

I've been reading everyone's posts but haven't felt compelled to write one. What's up with that?

Our wine tasting trip was a lot of fun, 4 couples went. We made wonderful dinners, a couple of nights in our rooms and drank plenty of really good wine. The central Ca. coast is soooo beautiful and our friends were amazed at how close, 3 1/2 hrs, this hidden gem is. I will post pictures later.

My weight loss has been good.....but....at the sacrifice of being on the edge of acid reflux ;-( The 2 weeks of Previcid was great. But as soon as I stopped, it was back in a minor way. I bought Zantac 75, for days when it comes back, which is about 3 times a week. NOT GOOD .........I KNOW!!! I am reluctant to go and get a minor unfill....because I love how I feel with the amount of food I eat. But, I WILL GO!!

All of a sudden, everyone is noticing and commenting on my new shape and weight loss. It is kind of embarrassing, because I haven't told anyone about the band. My normal response is, thank you, I've been trying really hard.

NSV I have been throwing my clothes in the dryer, in an effort to shrink them...now that's different ;-)

On the home front ...things are a little tense around here because my husband's company, that he has worked for 16 years at, is probably, closing their doors in the next month or so. Lot's of things to consider.... insurance, job hunting, staying positive, trying to get medical stuff done before the insurance runs out or changes...........AND DID I SAY STAYING POSITIVE??? Just to say the least!

OK...that's enough!

LOVE YOU GUY'S!

Monday, May 9, 2011

WHAT'S A GIRL TO DO ??

Friday-- after work, out for wine and pizza with friends.
Sat -- chili cook off with wine and unbelievable homemade this and that's.
Sun-- Party for pre wine tasting and surfing trip (next weekend), wine and amazing pupu's.


WHAT'S A GIRL TO DO??

Plus at least another event or 2 before we leave for 4 days on Saturday.

WHAT'S A GIRL TO DO??

Thursday, May 5, 2011

Another Fill Update

Well, thanks to so many of you suggesting that I try Prevacid or some other antacid, I did .....and what a difference a week makes. My mother and I went to Prescott AZ , and I experienced very little if any acid reflux....Thank goodness!!! I am on a 14 day plan and hope that when I stop taking it, I still remain acid free!!!

What a great feeling!!!!

I'll keep you posted-

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Fill Update

Well I'm hanging in there with this fill. I am so on the edge! At first it was great...but within a week I caught a cold and my band tightened. I had acid reflux at night and could only get a little food and water down. I was determined to see if when the cold left I could go back to that good green zone. Two weeks later the cold is gone and The tightness is better ..........but I still live on the edge. I sleep with blocks under the head of the bed ( for acid reflux) it helps but not completely. I do sleep well. I have to be very careful with what I eat ..so it's not too acidic.......and of course follow the chew /chew rule to the max. I have also resorted to Mylanta 2 or 3 times before bed, with little relief. I always have just a slight feeling of acid, around my band area. Strangely enough water is a bigger acid instigator than food. I have lost about 8 or 9 pounds over the past month ...which is awesome after not losing for sooo long. I feel like I'm on a tightrope...not bad not good!

I am a little worried about driving to Prescott, Arizona this weekend with my mother...altitude, desert, No blocks under my bed etc... But it will be sooo fun. My mom has a friend who just built a beautiful house on a golf course and I have a friend, from volunteering with the band boosters, who bought a horse ranch in Skull Valley. So I will have a little bonding time with my mother and our friends. It's a 6 hr drive ...not too bad!

Thanks for listening!

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Surprise....Surprise

The night before the wedding my Mother, DH and myself were all surprised with an early wedding gift.....2 framed pictures(sonograms) of our future first grandchild. OMG..... I was caught off guard to say the least. We are all so happy!!!!

The wedding ceremony was beautiful. The civil servant (?) talked about LOVE and what it meant to care for each other. Then we all drove to Avila Beach and walked around and had lunch. Then went back to our hotel, watched a beautiful sunset, then went to hear a jazz /swing band at a local club. FUN!!!

Even if we had planned this wedding for a year, I don't think it could have been any more perfect!!

On the band front everything was good until I came down with a cold. Then I became so tight I could only have a bite or 2 and very little fluid. When I got my last fill I asked them about colds and such and he said to come in for an unfill then go back for a fill when you feel better. Well....at $300 a visit, I don't think that is going to happen. Sooo right now I am trying to hold out... eat very minimally and slowly, still can't get more than a couple of glasses of water in. My DH put 2 4x4 blocks under the head of the bed frame in the guest room and that has helped acid reflux tremendously. Every day seems to be getting better ......but not a good long term solution. I hope this changes!!

I'll keep you posted!!

Saturday, April 9, 2011

There is going to be a wedding!!


Our son called a few nights ago to ask what DH and I were doing next Thursday and Friday. He said he was sitting in his car in the Safeway parking lot and he had decided to ask his live in girl friend of 5 yrs to marry him. He had called up the court house in San Luis Obispo(happiest place in the US)and made an appointment for Friday. That is a 4 hr drive north for us and a 5 hr drive south for them. WELL OK!!! We have been waiting for this day forever so how ever we can get it---bring it on!!!

I've told you in other blogs that my future daughter in law has lived with us on and off for the past year and a half, while going to nursing school. She just passed her state exam a couple of weeks ago and starts a new job the following Monday, so he wants to squeeze it in. I've gotten to know my daughter in law pretty well over this time and she has never said she wants a big wedding. She would like to go on a great-exotic honeymoon and my son might want to have "a party"???

To say the least we are so excited!! My mom is coming up and going with us and my daughter in laws mother and sisters are going to try to make it too. We have beachfront rooms at our favorite place in Pismo. Our other son will try to come also but he just started a new job and is close to finals at SFSU.

A little back ground on the groom. He is 33, a paramedic firefighter and very independent. All of his fire buddies have warned him of marriage. They told him women change--and most often,not for the better, and he just can't imagine being with one person for ever. He does want to have children as does she, but it will be a couple of years I hope ----mainly because she is coming into this with a massive amount of debt because of her schooling.

Soooooooo Excited did I already say that???

On another note , I went in Thursday for a small fill, .50cc's and so far so good. Tighter for sure but not too tight----yet. Down 1.5 pounds today, first time in 3 months!! HURRAY!!!

Monday, April 4, 2011

Our Kauai Vacation


What a great 2 week vacation we had. Our wonderful friends, who moved to Kauai 2 years ago, wouldn't hear of us staying anywhere, but with them. They both work, but were able to take time off, so we got to see the most amazing places, where tourist never go.

This first picture is of DH and myself at Waimea Canyon, the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. We all got up early and beat all the tourist there ;-)


This picture was taken from the light house, the northern most point of the island. A sanctuary for sea turtles and albatross.



One of the great things we all did was go on a helicopter ride. The pilot said it was a perfect day because the skies were clear and there was hardly any wind ( almost never happens). We were able to hover right next to water falls, so sacred, it brought everyone to tears!!

NSV: I was put in the middle front seat because I had less weight! GREAT VIEW!!!!

This is a picture of the Napali Coast. Only accessible by boat or foot---scary high wall trails that hang on the cliffs.




These are 2 pictures of Mahalopuu, a very sacred healing place for the Hawaiians. Look how beautiful the water is!

NSV: I was able to hike about a mile out to this amazing place which couldn't of happened, a year or so ago , because of my feet and knee's.



Beautiful waves at Hanalei Bay, inspired-- "Puff the Magic dragon lived by the sea and frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called Hanalei", by Peter, Paul and Mary.

Our vacation was soooo much more, bon fires on the beach, snorkeling, wonderful home cooked dinners, FRESH FISH, fine wine, umbrella drinks, sunsets, sunrises, sacred places and their "story", waterfalls everywhere-- 24-- all at once and yes a tsunami.

The earth quake and ensuing tsunami were a little unnerving. It's extra weird to be out of your own element when things like this occur. We fortunately were staying at around, 1,000ft elevation. But everyone on the whole island had to be evacuated up to higher elevations for around 12 hrs. Then all the roads were closed. You can only imagine the tsunami sirens that went off every 1/2 hr in the middle of the night and the tasks of getting everyone out of their hotel rooms and into their rental cars, looking for a place to park and sleep. There was no real damage on Kauai---LUCKY!!!!

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH beautiful Kauai---it already seems like just a dream!!

Thanks Rollercoaster Sandy!!!!

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

My One Year Bandiversary Post


What an amazing year this has been! First of all Thank You to Rollercoaster Sandy for helping me and my husband figure out how to post pictures, and second Thank You to my band for helping me realize attainable results. I'm looking forward to another year of losing myself!

Details

We are back.... from our vacation and had a great time and yes we were on Kauai during the tsunami ......but that will be another post because my husband has promised to help me post pictures. I feel so sorry for all the people of Japan and their extended family and friends.

My 1 year band anniversary was last week while we were still on vacation ..so i am going to dedicate a blog to that also.....with before and during pictures.

Today,I was suppose to have my 1 year visit with my LB doctor, who I have never seen. I was going to ask for a .25 fill because I have minimal restriction(when I was given .6cc's last time it gave me acid reflux, so I had to have an unfill). I was also going to find out the results of my blood work. But I woke up with a sore throat this morning(which my husband also has) and when I called and asked if I should still make the appointment, they said NO. So now, I have to wait for 2 more weeks. Oh well, this is my last paid for visit so I want it to be right.

Patience is a lesson I seem to be taught every day!

I missed you all!

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Confessions

OK ---I know you have heard me say this before but I must repeat it.

I AM COMPUTER CHALLENGED!!

Even in prior jobs, I would be given a secretary, because I do have some very necessary skills, but computers and typing are not part of them. I am one of those that starts pushing buttons when I can't make something happen! SCARY!!

I want to post pictures, I want to have a roommate in Chicago, I want, I want-----

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Going on vacation!

OK ---It's getting close enough for me to start bragging about going to Kauai for 2 weeks. We leave in a week so the pressure is on to get all our ducks in a row. We are so excited---DH and I need a vacation.

Went in for WL blood work this morning. 7 vials, seems like a lot? Results come after we return. I'll post on that later.

Don't have a lot of restriction but trying to keep the exercise going. We are going out this Friday night with some neighbors for a fancy Italian, wine pairing dinner.
Great way to start a vacation!

Wish me luck---It will be hard not to over indulge for the next 3 weeks. Maybe I will be like Sandy and my band will get tight on the airplane-----MAYBE!!!!

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Really??

Is the "sweet spot" soooo precise? Does 10.1 put me over the edge while 9.6 does so little? Just so you know the acid reflux went away instantly. I have restriction but can still eat quite a bit and find my self circling the kitchen, far too often! It has taken me 2 weeks to lose the 4 lbs, that I gained back instantly --NO FAIR!!. My doctor is going on vacation so they extended my last visit for 10 days. Maybe at that point I will get .25cc's---

What do you think?


It will be my last prepaid visit. I'm having my first blood work done also, that will be interesting.

On another note---great things are happening here--

1)We are leaving on March 2 for two weeks in Kauai-----

2) My future daughter in law??? who has been mostly living with us for the past 1 1/2 years, past her Nursing Exams and has moved back with my son.

3)Our other son is doing well in college and just got a part time job---and told me the other night that he was feeling basic contentment lately---which is good because he has been depressed in the past.

4)I've lost 44 pounds and feel better most everyday!!!!

5) We're all going to CHICAGO!!!!!!


RIGHT????

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Thank You!

Thank you to all the ladies who commented on my blog yesterday and advised me to call my Dr. I called yesterday and got in first thing this morning for an unfill. I so loved the weight loss but the acid reflux wasn't worth it. They took .50cc's out, exactly what they put in 3 1/2 weeks ago (Dang!) She said that the cold had made my insides swell so she wants me to take Pepcid for a few days, stay on liquids for 3 days then mushies for 3 days. Kind of severe don't you think? Then I can come back Feb 24 and have a small fill if I feel like I need it. It will be my last visit prepaid from a year ago.
It will be interesting to see how this all turns out. Before I got the last fill I was hungry all the time. The PA say's I am not the same band wise as I was back during the first of Jan.

I'll keep you posted!!

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Just Wondering??

My last fill was a month ago and at that point they put in .5 cc's bringing me up to 10.1 in an 11cc band. I was Ok tight wise for the first week and then I got a very bad cold /flu /cough thing and my band became very tight---with the side effect being acid reflux when I lie down or drink water or eat some foods. I also started taking Juice Plus+ a concentrated fruit and vegetable supplement during that period and wonder if that was causing the acid reflux so stopped taking it. Nothing changed! Now my cold is 90% over and I still have the acid reflux. It is not usually really bad but I always know it is there---kind of an acid feeling in my throat all the time. The good part of all of this is my weight loss has been great!! Love feeling like I'm not hungry and can truly only eat a little bit.

But here's the deal---I don't think it is good for the long term to have this condition. Will it change when my cold is totally over? Should I go for just a little unfill?

What do you think?

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

A Question ????

Does anyone with the band take JUICE PLUS+ ? I just started about a week ago and wonder if a few symptoms I am having are related?

Thanks in advance for responding!!

Monday, January 17, 2011

Maybe this can help

I still have this terrible cold and last night was an eye opener. I finished dinner at around 8 and I didn't go to bed until 11:30 and had nothing else to eat. Before I went to bed I decided to drink a glass of water because this cold comes with a terrible cough and I thought it would be good to be hydrated. As soon as I laid down I started to cough and get acid reflux ( this hadn't been a problem in the past). Until 2:30 --I just laid there and coughed and listened to my throat,port,stomach and you name it gurgle and burn. Finally I got up and went and got 2 extra pillows so I could sleep elevated. When ever I cough my husband tells me to drink water.

Well --here's my conclusion after all of that! If you have acid reflux at night-- sleep elevated. Some Dr just said something about using your PDR's under the feet at the head of your bed. And---- don't drink water if you have acid reflux at night. Because that is what really caused it to happen. The water just kind of festered in my stoma area because of the coughing.

I finally fell asleep after sucking on a cough drop for a little while.

ACID REFLUX is bad and I couldn't imagine living with it and what the long term consequences could bring!

Be well my friends!

Saturday, January 15, 2011

OK???

My 19 year old son is home from college for 4 weeks. A few days ago, he looks at me and says Mom, I can really tell you are losing a lot of weight. I say thank you! He says, is your baggy/ wrinkly skin ( I can't remember the exact word he used) going to shrink back up later? Maybe I hope so, I say! Then he says ---If not then WHY are you doing this??? Well OK!!! I came back with ---so I can walk and feel better and be healthier as I grow older. Then he said --Well then, I'm glad you did it!!


Aaah--- Out of the mouths of babes.

Asshole!

Gotta love em! ;-)

Thursday, January 13, 2011

I have a cold!

And I think that is why my band has decided to become extra tight suddenly. Even water is a struggle. Hope this changes fast!! NO FUN!

Thursday, January 6, 2011

A lot going on

First I'd like to say once again ---it is a privilege to read all of your posts ---I get sooo much usable information and joy from your words!

I went in for a fill on Monday because I--and my husband--noticed that I could eat a lot more than I did in Oct, with my last fill. Also, I paid cash for my band so I have until March 15, paid for. The nurse gave me .5cc, bringing me up to a total of 10.1 in an 11cc band. I'm a little tighter--but not that tight! I wonder what happens if I hit 11cc? When I went to register my weight on Realize my success, there was a 'RECALL" of my band posted. WEIRD! SCARY! They say that the defect only happens to 1 in a 1,000---but still!! ;-(

I am the same weight as I was in Oct, 191.8, but at least I made it thru the holidays with no gain. That would be unheard of in the past!! That would be considered a NSV--right?

You all have made me so envious with your new clothes. I feel like I really look different , but, I still wear the same size and clothes ---They just fit me better now! Funny! When I go shopping I think and feel like I should wear all these smaller sizes--but, they don't fit ;-(
I must say I have pretty good self esteem --because I look better in my minds eye than my dress size says.

Is that so bad?