Almost 3 yrs out and completely deflated!

[Kim G]

Well I will be 3 yrs out in June. I have done pretty good...I am still down 80 pounds from my start.

Here is my story: Last July I started having stomach pains and started getting sick which wasn't like me. So I was deflated from 3cc's to 2cc's wow I felt wide open. I was put on prevacid twice a day and carafate 4 times a day. Ok I will admit I am not a perfect person when it comes to taking meds but I was feeling better and stopped the carafate but kept taking the prevaicd. So Jan my doc finally let me get a fill, went to 2.4 then to 2.6 and was doing good. Had started lossing again, started working out again and then BAM I started having more pains in my stomach, the reflux was horrible, and I was getting sick again. UGH!!!! So he wanted to see the band in action so we went to Fluro in March I drank the barium and it wasn't going through. So he had to deflate me a little, so we went to 1.6. I told him I wanted restriction but wanted to stop getting sick. So I was ok going do down. So for me again being at 3 for so long this was like being completely empty. After the fluro fill he wanted to do an EGD since my throat wasn't moving things down he wanted to see just how bad it was in there. Well I had my EGD on Tuesday and he found an ulcer right near the band. SO when I went back in the office (I work for my surgeon for those who don't know) on Wed and now I am at ZERO! My throat still hurts, but I have been able to eat and I think I am still swollen (sp) from the EGD becuase I haven't been able to eat a lot. (Which I am thankful for) So now I am on 3 meds and he wants to do another EGD in a few months to see if it's getting better, gone or what. SO this time I am taking the meds like I am suppose to. I have 2 that I have take 4 times a day and the prevacid still 2 twice a day. I feel like a druggie. haha....

So that is my story!!!! I am going to beat this, I am not going to let my band go anywhere....and after the summer my ulcer is going to be healed and I am going to start lossing again.

I AM GOING TO DO THIS!!!!! It's a new begining for me..... I just need your support and a good kick in the but. I am going to change my diet a little and add more veggies, little to no calorie food.

Thanks for listening. (I feel I have had so much going on that the NC folks are going to get sick of me so I thought I would post it somewhere else to give them a break from me. haha... I know they love me and they are are the best but I am really going to need to be accountable during this time!)

Thanks!!!!!

[kebsa]

Kim, I just want to say that you can get through this! My story is a little different but not that much- for me its dysmotility caused by the ms but it did threaten my band- i have lsot all my weight since develping my problem and i have slipped back a bit thanks to health problems over the summer with my MS but generally i have managed to work with my band quite well with minimal symptoms, i take Somac and i really only run into problems now when i for get to take it for a few days or if something gets stick. Stay on your meds and look after youself and things will be fine!

[Nick N Ava's Grammy]

Kim, sorry you're having trouble, but I know you will get through this with flying colors.. you've lost 80's as of now, so that in itself is a major plus. Wish I could come to NC to meet everyone, but maybe another time.

It won't be long till I'll be banded, so I don't have advice to give, only that I'm thinking and praying for you, and wishing you all the best.

[HeatherGurl]

Sorry to hear this has happened to you Kim! It is great that you work for your Dr. though, so he can keep a close eye on you:)

For my own curiousity... what could cause an ulcer like that?
I will keep you in my prayers that things clear up. Yes, you will get thru this!!!

[redgrldj]

Have your Dr. test you for H-pylori .. It is a an infection that causes ulcers.. My dad had it for over 20 yrs and 3 bouts with bleeding ulcers, and no one checked him for it, til he got a young stud Dr.. Took a couple courses of antibiotics and is ulcer free now..

[ginabobina]

I'm glad you're posting this for eveyone else to love on you too Kim, but you know we'll still post here too!! I'm so glad you're on your way with the new meds and a diagnosis. I know it's hard but stick with the meds and let yourself heal. Hang in there - you're an inspiration!

[JDru]

Kim I'm so sorry to hear about your stomach troubles. I have an ulcer too and it gives me fits if I'm not good about taking my Prevacid. You're such a great source of strength to everyone here, I know you can get through this! 80 pounds is awesome and you will losing again in no time. :)

[Stitchy]

Kim, I am so sorry about your stomach problems. And that you are determined this time to TAKE YOUR MEDS!!! The band can do it's work later. Take care of yourself.

[DebbieChoos]

Kim - First off, NO-ONE is going to get sick of you!! Good lord the past few weeks have been such an emotional roller coaster for you and your family. The good news is that Mike was able to get that job at TW pretty quick and with the proper medication and diet you will be as good as new in no time!!

You've got quite the cheering section here and just wait until next weekend - you won't be lacking in support!! And I promise that I will make sure that you eat and drink as per the doctors orders when I am there next month!! In other words, I am taking one for the team and offering to drink your margaritas....

[MoOrLess]

Kim - thanks for sharing. It's always good that others know what is going on in our every day lives....keeping yourself only in NC threads doesn't let us pray and cheer you on! Thanks for popping your head elsewhere........."upping" your exercise will allow you to keep your calories at a healthy level too! rather than cutting calories too low - you don't want to be burnin' up the muscle - just the fat!

I'd offer to take one for the team too - but uh -- since my weight is stalled I'll have to pass this time lol

[Dustbunny]

I am also sorry about your troubles. You are such a positive source here I am sure you will heal up and continue to lose. DB

[bgrand]

Kim
We will help you get through this. TAKE YOUR MEDS!!!!!!!!

[kristina]

kim- just stopping in to let you kow that you will be in my prayers tonight. Speedy recovery!

[Greeneyetiger]

Kim,

80 lbs is AWESOME!!! Though I understand you wanting to get closer to your goal. But please keep your head high about all the work you have done and weight you have lost. Sometimes a change to your diet is good. Like eating more calorie free for 2-3 days, then have a couple days you eat 100-200 calories more. To trick your body. Don't go to low on calories for too many days or you know how your body will want to store future foods if you go too many calories over. Keep up a slow up and down calorie level. Not going too low or two high...ex: for 3 days eat 1000 calories, then for 2 days eat 1200-1300, then back to 1000 for a few days. Also, I was told if you do cardio for 10 minutes and then some strength training for 5 minutes, then back to cardio for 10 minutes a couple days a week that will speed up your matabolism. Good luck. I know you can do this. Look how great you have done so far.

[Greeneyetiger]

Kim,

I also wanted to tell you I hope your ulcer heals quickly and make sure you take all your meds. Did the docs tell you not to eat certain foods?

[Kim G]

Thanks everyone....

You all inspire me so much! With the confrence this coming weeking I am busy with it and like yesterday forgot to take some of my meds. Got most of them in but forgot a couple. So I am trying really hard this time. I am still not perfect but I am much better. I had been eating really good until last night. Met some friends and well I had just one 1 drink but I ate some french fries. I am not going to beat myself up it's just not worth it.

Thanks again for all your support, guidance and thoughtfulness. It means so much to me and I know I will overcome this....

Have a great Sunday!

[Mrs Sabre]

We'll never be sick of you! We're here for you, just as you've been here for us! Hang in there! You're a fighter and will see this through. God has angels all around you; some of them are called friends. :D

[pageturner]

I had H-plyori too and had to have it treated before surger. Felt much better. Just a few courses of antibiotics. I forget what percentage of American's have this, but it is high.

Get checked for that.

[lil'bitty]

KIM, I hate taking meds too and you have several, so here's to remembering to take your meds and to a speedy recovery!

[Kim G]

I am sure Dr V tested for HP....he normally does and the results should be coming in soon. I get the faxes a the office so I will see it when it comes in.

Thanks again for your encouraging words and thoughts....

On the plus side... I have been taking my meds as directed!!!! Well I may miss a dose of carafate each day but all the others are going down. :nod:

Thanks again!!!!

[Kim G]

Well it's been awhile since I have "offically" updated anyone. :)

I go Tuesday morning for my follow up EGD. I know my ucler isn't healed or if it is I am still having reflux problems. Last night and this morning have been bad. UGH! So I am saying a little prayer that the ulcer is healed and I am just having reflux pain. But that would still mean no fill for me. But I have learned that I have to get myself healed. I have been really good about taking my meds. (not perfect but good!)

Also I have finally gotten my head in this stupid game. (again not perfect but it's there.) I am journaling daily, I am weighing in weekly and over the last month (which includes a week at the beach and a Debbiechoos visit for 3 days+ days) I have lost 9 pounds. So I am very happy to see the scale going down. I just had to get some help by having someone weigh me and look at my food journal. I had to hold myself accountable. So I am 100% in this w/ the head but I am so much further then I was when I started this thread. I just don't remember it being this hard when I wasn't banded and maybe it was becuase I knew there was nothing that would work for me and I have seen the band work so so maybe that is why it's so frustrating. Who knows....but I am going to get back down to where I was before and be happy w/ myself and everything that I have done and gone through.

So I will find out more on Tuesday.....And I am offically 3 yrs out now (well just over it now. haha)

Thanks for your continued support and concern, I know I will get through this w/ all of you here to help me.

[tnag86]

Hang in there Kim. All your hard work is not for naught! Think of all you have learned in the last three years and how you have re-trained your brain. This is just a nasty little obstacle. I may have missed a message on this, but did you ever get checked to see if the ulcer was from H-pylori? Anyways, keep us all up to date. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

[diva girl]

Kim...you're doing incredibly well. Journaling and weighing in? That's a great accomplishment! Good luck with the stomach. You're on the path and we're behind you all the way.

[chrispygal]

I'm sorry you've had so many problems with your stomach Kim! :( It sometimes takes longer for our heads to catch up, but it sounds like you've got that part covered. No gain and even to lose 9 pounds while unfilled - you are a major inspiration!

[PhotoNut]

There are some here whose lives are a constant reminder to me that I have no excuses that are worthy of speaking. And, Kim, you are one of those people.

Since I first met you on-line I was captured by your loving spirit, and as I have grown to know you better I am even more in awe of you. You are a constant care giver to your patients at work, to strangers and friends on support boards, to your local friends, to your extended family, to your husband, and to your adorable son who relies on you for the very basics of his ability to live. The stress you endure on behalf of others, so that their lives might be better, is incredible. The love that exudes from you for your fellow man is undeniable. And that glowing smile of yours never fades. Even in the midst of your own struggles and pains, that smile of yours lights up your eyes and the world around and it never fades.

Thank you for being you and for reminding me, once again, that life is what we choose to make it.

You'll be in my prayers. Know that you are always in my thoughts.

Love ya girl!

Susan

[diva girl]

Amen. and Amen again.

[MoOrLess]

Kim, I'm so glad to hear you're hanging in there. I know it can't be easy being totally unfilled, but then ulcers and reflux are nothing to take lightly. Kudos to you - for always having such a positive attitude - about EVERYTHING! You are doing awesome - living a bandster life - knowing that the band is in there, albeit not doing its job, but it's there --and you're logging food and losing weight -- congrats!!!

[Dustbunny]

Hey Kim:
Hows it going? Is that ulcer going away?
I'm so proud of you for getting your head in place and taking your meds. I have two pill boxes that are like calendars with a lid for every day of the month. I put day vitamins in one and night vitamins in the other. I often forget the evening pills and it doesn't make me perfect in taking the meds, but it's easier to open one little door insread of eight or nine bottles.
Keep kicking the pounds! DB

[Nick N Ava's Grammy]

Good luck with your testing tomorrow Kim.. praying that your ulcer is healed and praying too that your reflux will be gone soon.

Congrats on getting your head work again.. I'm just 2 1/2 months out and I'm finding that's the most difficult thing to adjust. Best wishes!!

[DebbieChoos]

Well I wish I could take credit for the 9 pound loss...lol. Hopefully come Tuesday you'll get some good news. You've got a great support system around you, try leaning on them occasionally instead of always being the one who is the supportive one. Keep up that journal - just leave room for sushi!

[adiase]

You may know why the feeling on the throat? I just worte about having this feeling in mine like food is stuck, whitout even having anything to drink, not pleasent.!

[GirlyGirl]

Kim, I read through your thread and just want to let you know that I hope all of this is resolved soon. Great that you lost nine pounds! woo! hoo! And working hard to get the head part in the game. Good to see the determination in you! Great example to all of us.

It is sobering to those of us who are new to see the struggles of those who have been at this for awhile. It's reassuring to see a veteran move through these challenges in a productive and appropriate way utilizing good medical treatment and of course tremendous support from your B2g friends.

Wishing you the very best!

[Dustbunny]

Jeralin:You said that so well. I totally agree. Kim is a great example for all of us. i hope everything is going well Kim G.

DB

[Kim G]

Thanks everyone! The kind words, the encouragment, the thoughts, and just plain everything....Thank you. I am actually very nervous about tomorrow not about the procedure but what Dr V will find. Hubby can't be there becuase he is still in his 90 days w/ his new job so my sister is taking me, she is an RN so she will know excatly what he is saying. Dr V told me today not to worry that he is sure everything is getting better but I just don't feel it. UGH....BAD thoughts get out of my head. :)

See it's that stupid head thing that gets in the way all the time....I am actually "leaning" on my friends right now. I have many that are helping me and listening to me. So I am learning to use them also....but you know me and I don't want to burden anyone w/ my problems. I know again that stupid head thing. At least I have got the journals and the weekly weigh ins down.....I don't like it but I do it because I know it's what works for me.

Anyway the procedure is at 8:30 so I am thinking I will be home by 10, now that doesn't mean I will be up and moving around but I should be home. I will try to post when I can get up and moving or anyone that has my cell feel free to call it, if I don't answer it my sister will and I will tell her it's ok to update anyone that calls.

Oh and there is always room for sushi.....had to have some today. :) Yummy!!!!!!

Thanks again everyone having you all here really helps me out a lot! I don't tell lies when I say some of my best friends I have met through this site and work. I normally don't post this stuff but I am getting better about sharing info on me. :)

[Kim G]

Well I am home and appears the ulcer is either healed or doing much better. However my stomach is fire red...he took some biopsies as my sister says he thinks it could be gastris (sp). I did tell him that I have felt burning in my belly. So I don't know what is next as I was out of it and he told my sister he would talk to me in the office tomorrow. Being inpatient I looked on-line and not that I drink much caffeine nor do I have a lot of alcohol but I am going to lay off both for a while...it's water and no TEA. (no that is going to be hard.) The other things I don't do so if these 2 things will help then I am sticking to it.

I am so glad it's over with and they ulcer is better even if not 100% healed.

I hope to start getting my fills again but will not rush into them until the doc says it's a go.

Thanks again for your support! I will get through this!

[chrispygal]

Kim I'm so glad to hear the ulcer is doing better! Red, flaming stomach? Not good. Hopefully that is something that you can easily correct. You've been doing great though, and your attitude is fantastic - keep it up! :)

[Greeneyetiger]

Kim,

I feel so bad for you going through all this. You are so strong and you keep keepin' on. What a trooper you are. I know my husband has problems with his stomach and he has an ulcer in his stomach (not his throat). The doc said he was red in his tummy too and had him on an anti-biotic and a some other med for the acide and reflux...shoot...I can't remember the name of it. It wasn't Nexuim, but something...anyway, it took him about 6 months to heel. But the butt head started eating things to aggravate it and he has to have his cup of coffee in the morning for work and he drink soda all day long.

I am limited to unsweatened tea, diluted juice (on occasion) for breakfast, water and sometimes flavored water, and the good ole protein drinks, which is fine for me, but sometimes I see all these 12 packs of soda...it is hard not to just open up one and drink it....but the head part is what gets me through. My husband needs to gain weight. So he can eat whatever he wants to. My biggest problem is food and chosing to eat the right foods at the right amount. You are doing a great job with that too. Congrates on your previous 9 pound loss. I hope you are still losing or at least not gaining and you are still journaling. Hang in there!!! It sounds like your surgeon is taking very good care of you. I know when our bands give us problems it is very frustrating.

I was told my band just will not work for me and my surgeon recommended the VSG. He has tried every size fill and unfill that he said my RA with it's inflammation won't work with the band. So, I am on that raod. I have until May 2009 before I can get the VSG and my band is wide open. It is taking everything in me not to over eat. I am back to measuring my foods and eating off of saucers(sp).

Keep hanging in there, Kim. I know you can do this. Keep leaning on all your friends. You deserve to be supported.

[stac1982]

I am glad to hear that things are better, or at least kinda! Dr. V will know how to take care of you. You are doing great though! NINE pounds is awesome! You are one tough cookie and I am happy to call you my friend!

[Neal R.]

Keep your chin up Kim. Glad the ulcer is almost healed and you can start getting your fills again. Hope your stomach feels better soon too

[Kim G]

Thanks everyone!

Talked to the doc today, he said the ulcer is actully healed, he said almost like it was never there. However he said he has never seen a stomach so inflamed. Gotta love his own employee does things to the max. haha. Anyway he said that after he gets back the biopsy results he will start letting me get fills. So I might not have to take any more meds and I am hope all is good. He told me that I really needed to stop stressing so much. He said it smiling....becuase he knew I was coming back w/ it's my job that causes me so stress. Only kidding!!!!! He knows that. But anyway....I am finally seeing the light at the end of this tunnel. the banded journey offers road bumps and detours but if you follow directions they are just that bumps and detours you get back on track and it's all good. I love my band and my band family and friends.

You are all great and I am only successful becuase I have you all. (Stacey I am very happy to call you my friend althought you are leaving me....that is probably why my stomach is inflamed. haha)

Thanks again!!!!! You all are rock stars yourself!!!!

[stac1982]

(Stacey I am very happy to call you my friend althought you are leaving me....that is probably why my stomach is inflamed. haha)

No fair Kimmy!!! Your guilt trip is nothing compared to my Mom's, but nice try!

[Kim G]

Stacey you can't blame me for trying can you!!!!! See it's nights like tonight we are going to miss you so much.

Ok so the last few days have been HORRIBLE! I have had bad headaches which thanks to my personal nurse she suggested getting my eyes checked. So I called and it's been a 1yr and half since I was there. How does one year of contacts last a year. ummm?

My stomach has been on fire! I can't say it any other way. Dr V re-test for H. Pylori and that came back negative. That is twice he has tested this year so I think we are good there. He said it's the worst case of gastritis that he has ever seen. Thanks. Anyway today he could tell I was in pain so he said that he wants me to go to my pcp for some stress management. (Agian thanks to my personal nurse she had already told me this. boy am I hard headed or what. haha) But I still don't want to go he is going to do one of two things...write me out of work for a month or more to "rest" or give me meds. I can't take that much time off and I don't want to take any more meds. So I am going to pick up more carafate this weekend, I am getting aloe juice (thanks Kathy) this weekend, I am taking mylanta and maylox in between all of this! I am going to beat this thing AND he told me no fills until I get it under control! So I am determined to get this undercontrol as soon as I can. :) I can make it happen!

Thanks for letting me complain and share my journey w/ you all. It helps to get it out...to people who understand and care.

[Nick N Ava's Grammy]

Wishing and praying you get all healed up Kim... I'll be thinking about you .. :)

[Kim G]

Thank you Donna. :)

Well this weekend started off rough...had a pretty bad Saturday and finally started to feel better Saturday night and today has been GREAT! I am not in pain. I started the aloe juice Saturday not the best but doable. Carafate is about 2 - 3 times a day. Prevacid 2 times a day. I have only used the malox/mylanta about 3 or 4 times since friday. So a day or rest/ relaxing does help. I may be hard headed but I do listen most of the time. So we will see what happens tomorrow after a day back at work. :) So I am not calling my pcp just yet! I am determined to get this fixed and my friend Shelley is going back for her fluro fill on Aug 12th so (fingers crossed her slip has corrected itself.) so that is my goal to have this healed or at least under control by then so we can offically beging our journey over again together. :)

[GirlyGirl]

Wishing and praying you get all healed up Kim... I'll be thinking about you .. :)

Me too Kim, wishing you and Shelly the best recovery and back on track as soon as possible!

[PhotoNut]

Hey Kimmers, I'm just getting caught up with all that's been going on with you. I'm so happy to hear that the ulcer is 100% cleared up! That was great news! Sorry to hear you're still dealing with the inflamed tummy tho. That sucks. It's no surprise that Dr V thinks that is due to stress. Do try and find ways to relax. Remember what you've told me... take care of yourself or you can't take care of others!

Love ya girl! So happy to hear that you're doing better!

Oh... I think I missed it.. do you have a fill now? How's the band working for you these days?

[Shellster]

Kim...I love ya! Thanks for thinking of me during all of your own struggles. I'm hoping and praying you get it all straightened out so we can start getting fills again at the same time! Band sisters - reborn!

[Kim G]

Thanks girls! :) I love ya'll too.....

Pnut nope no fill for me yet. I have to get the stomach fixed or at least better before he will fill me. I know he is only looking out for my best interest but UGH! I understand and I am working w/ it.

The stomach has been much better this week. The headaches are still here although got the eyes checked today and they changed my contacts so we are going to see how these do and go from there. I have wake up every morning w/ a sore throat but it feels much better then pain I was having in my stomach last week. So I don't know if I am handling the stress better or what but I would say I feel about 60% better then last week.

Shell you are the best! Thank you for helping me through....I didn't focus on me or my struggles until the last couple of months and I have you & Deb to thank for that. I can not begin to tell you what you have done for me. :) So girl we will get through this and then kick that scales butt once and for all!!!!! Love ya!

Thanks again everyone.....I have to say just being able to come here and post or share my stories and listen to everyone else really helps me. I think when people get down, or gain a little weight they stay away or go into hiding if you will and we can't do that. We have to face it and move forward.....we all have our struggles and we are all here to help each other and get help ourself.

(Yes Pnut I do remember....I am finally getting it through this thick head of mine!) My New's Motto this year was I have to take care of me! I have good months at doing that.....and of course bad months....but being able to have dinner w/ a friend or two, or just laugh on the phone, or get a message or pedicure...every month at least one thing for me!!!! So you all should do something for yourself also! :)

Hope the next few weeks get even better.....so I can begin getting filled again!