Hey 50 & over gang We have a new spot

JoannMarie · 07-19-2008, 05:59 PM

I'll be there... have a good weekend and just have fun with your family.
God Bless

Luv2scuba · 07-19-2008, 06:00 PM

I hope you don't mind joining this group. I'm just beginning to explore the possibility and finding so much wonderful info here. I have found out that my insurance will cover the surgery. And today i requested a list of requirements be sent to me. I'm looking forward to getting to know you all better.

Pat

JoannMarie · 07-19-2008, 07:02 PM

Welcome Pat. This thread is just filled with inspiration! I love it. I'm in the waiting stage, too - my paperwork is in place, scheduling a sleep study as required by my doc, consultation scheduled for early September. Waiting is a bummer, but I'm using the time to learn everything I can - and a lot of it is learned right here.
It sounds like you have gotten off to a good start. Good luck on your journey.

Desdemona · 07-19-2008, 08:18 PM

Hi Pat. Welcome. We know how you feel as you are looking forward to your banding day.

Desdemona · 07-19-2008, 08:32 PM

2bthinagn--I second what has already been said here-----give yourself a lot of credit for the 50lbs. Plus you have kept it off! That's great. Sounds like your spinal condition is really painful and restrictive. I was just reading someplace on the board that losing 1lbs removes 4psi from our joints. I was very interested in that because I have spinal disc degeneration around my neck. My spinal cord is flatted in that area and it causes numbing in all 4 limbs. I also have (had!) a fair amount of pain in my neck -- shoulder and down my arm into my fingers. I have lived with that for about 5 or 6 years and it was 1 of the things that really pushed me to get the band. I can't believe the difference with just losing half of the excess weight. I started physical therapy 3 weeks ago and the improvement already is such a blessing. The therapist thinks she may actually be able to make the pain go away and restore the shape of my spinal cord. The reason I'm saying this --is I'm wondering if you have tried PT or talked with your MD about it. When I talked with my neurosurgeon, who has an excellent rep, he told me that PT could probably help with any bursitis that may be in the shoulder but it wouldn't help the neck or spine. I found out that physicians don't always fully know what PT can accomplish. I'm wondering if you got PT if it would help you feel better. That might, in turn, help you with pool exercise and renewing your energy cutting calories.

Long2bThin · 07-19-2008, 08:39 PM

Just back from my day in the mountains. It was a gorgeous, perfect day. It was 101 down here and up at the top of the summit of Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mtn nat'l park it was 68....AHHHHH!! We stopped several times to walk, take pics of elk, picnic etc. and I was so excited. Last year when we went up there I was out of breath just crossing the street (remember this is at about 11,000 elevation) and this year, I hiked a total of about 2 miles in short spurts and did great! At the summit there is this staircase to the very top of the mtn. and about 12,000+ elevation. Next year, I will climb those stairs!
There's been 2 pages of posts since I last checked yesterday so know I am forgetting some, but congrats on the surgeries, welcome to the newbies.
Diane, thanks for the friends request! Enjoy Branson!
Elayne, I had so many doubts 2 days preop I almost cancelled the surgery, now 6 weeks out I am so relieved I didn't. I am already off my b/p meds, I am down 44 lbs (10 was before) and I am riding a bike, hiking, and doing a little walking (bad knee). My energy level is amazing considering where it was!
Janet, thanks for the concern on my knee, I am bone on bone in it. I have gotten some cartlidge type injections that have helped a lot and they say every pound is like 4 lbs on your knees so I have taken off 160 lbs of pressure! BUt I am very careful with it.

bochs · 07-19-2008, 09:45 PM

Hi to all tonight. I just wanted to check in and see how everyone is doing these last few days. I want to say to the newbies that are beginning their journey that I too, was petrified about this decision and how it was going to change my life. I just kept telling myself that the decision I have made is for my health and if it helps me, then this is good. It has helped. Banded on June 18 I lost 19 lbs in my first month. I have not had a fill yet but looking forward to it. Don't be afraid to have the band. It is great and I am glad I had it put on. I am glad everyone is doing well tonight and will write more later.

Beckyo

Charlene K · 07-19-2008, 10:53 PM

I have a question.....Is it common to get a headache a few days after banding? I have had a nagging headache on the right side of my head all day long.....not real bad, but bothersome. Did anyone have this?

Long2bThin · 07-19-2008, 11:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Charlene K

I have a question.....Is it common to get a headache a few days after banding? I have had a nagging headache on the right side of my head all day long.....not real bad, but bothersome. Did anyone have this?

Sorry about the headaches. No I didn't get them. Question, have you given up sodas and/or caffeine since then? I gave up my diet Pepsi the week before and had awful headaches then.

Charlene K · 07-20-2008, 03:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Long2bThin

Sorry about the headaches. No I didn't get them. Question, have you given up sodas and/or caffeine since then? I gave up my diet Pepsi the week before and had awful headaches then.

I gave up iced tea. That could be it. Anyway, I just took some liquid tylenol and drank more water. I was used to drinking 8 glasses of water and I think I only had 4. I need to be deligent about writing it all down. Hey, my diet says pureed eggs.....do you poach them then puree them?

Desdemona · 07-20-2008, 08:49 AM

Charlene--Sounds like you might want to call your MD.

Luv2scuba · 07-20-2008, 09:11 AM

Thanks for the warm welcome! I don't think i've ever found a site that is so positive and full of encouragement! Looking forward to continuing this journey with you!

hugs,Pat

Charlene K · 07-20-2008, 09:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RugmanForever

Charlene--Sounds like you might want to call your MD.

Thanks for your concern.....I woke up this morning headache free and a stuffy nose. I think it is partly due to all those drugs they give you during surgery. The other part is this crazy Texas weather.....hot and humid. Anyway, I am feeling good this morning other than being a little hungry. I am trying to follow the drs directions on the diet. I think I will be more satisfied staying on the protein shakes. This pureed food leaves you kinda hungry.

orea15 · 07-20-2008, 09:52 AM

My instructions from the dietician say to keep up with two protein shakes a day (or 56+ grams of protein) between meals until I can eat that much in food. Which will be after I'm done with pureed foods.

I'll bet it was the iced tea that caused the headache -- or the lack of it! it does have some caffeine as well as theobromine. I love the stuff but had to give it up as even if I drink it in the morning these days, it interferes with my sleep that night. When I do have some, which is rare, I quickly get a buzz! LOL

Orea

Charlene K · 07-20-2008, 10:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by orea15

My instructions from the dietician say to keep up with two protein shakes a day (or 56+ grams of protein) between meals until I can eat that much in food. Which will be after I'm done with pureed foods.

I'll bet it was the iced tea that caused the headache -- or the lack of it! it does have some caffeine as well as theobromine. I love the stuff but had to give it up as even if I drink it in the morning these days, it interferes with my sleep that night. When I do have some, which is rare, I quickly get a buzz! LOL

Orea

The tea was probably a factor. I will just have to use decaf tea from now on. Yeah, the dietician gave me a list of pureed foods and then the dr's nurse told me he wanted me to stay on protein drinks for two weeks. I tried the pureed stuff ....cream of wheat, tomato soup.....I am going to make protein shakes primary and add puree in between. I just need to keep it written down!