Post-holiday surgery scheduled

Hello my bayou buddies, I'm here everyday and I reply, but it's been a while since I posted or updated my blog. For those who know me well, that can only mean I've been sick and awaiting surgery (again?). I started feeling yucky about a month ago and I've had trouble swallowing and lots of stomach and chest pain. I had a bad cold after the OH Houston event (BUT IT ROCKED!) and I could tell that my hernia had enlarged. I had a few tests like upper GI and gall bladder and finally a CT scan that showed the hernia was problematic and needed to be repaired since the last patch did not hold. I'm not losing any weight, but just trying to hold my own again. I've been cycling to daycare 2-3 mornings a week so I am getting a workout (pulling a 40-pound child and a special trailer attached to bike). Restriction isn't a problem since everything hurts to eat. We have discovered that I best tolerate suishi. No overcooking, no frying, no sauces, just raw fish and rolled rice sits OK. So here's my summary: When I have surgery (should be quicky day surgery) on next month I'll be 17 months. Including my lap band, that will be seven surgeries (of those, four hernia repairs) since August 2004. I was down about 75 pounds and I've gained up and down for several months. I love my band and life with the band. I fully believe that one day when I'm past these abdominal issues, I'll do well in reaching my goal. That's it. This is the hand I've been dealt and I plan to play it. Onward! Frances

Frances, sorry your having so much trouble. I know you are a fighter, and have a positive attitude. we are here for you!!!!! Rhonda

I'm sorry you have been going through so much my friend, but you are a tough lady and this too shall pass. I'll continue to keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Love Ya, Dee

Hello Fran I'm am sorry to hear that you are having problems with your hernia. I will also have to address my situation because my hernia is getting bigger and I know that it is about time to get it fixed. I'm still struggling to get the weight down and I'm still trying to get a steady workout going. I had started picking up weights a few weeks ago but I noticed that my hernia was beginning to bother me and everyone told me it appearred larger, so I discontinued the weightlifting. Good luck, Frances, I will keep you in my prayers. Fred

Hello Fred, I hope you had a wonderful "Jesus' Birthday" celebration! I wanted to drop a word of caution about those hernias. Everyone thinks that they are something to address "after the weight loss," but that's really often up to the hernia. Some don't wait ... like my last 4! I'm trying to find the right combination of activities that will not aggrevate the hernias. Ab work and most weights are out, but that does leave a lot. In 2006, I would like to learn to play tennis. I know you are a grad of "The Bluffs." Any chance I might gain a workout buddy in North Baton Rouge? If not North BR, there's a nice indoor facility at Independence Park. Surgery is Jan. 11 and I hope to have my game face on my the Super Bowl. Onward! Fran