MIA returns, new grandson, and lapband removed and donations

Hi everyone,

So much has been going on, I don't know where to begin.  I had lapband surgery in November 2007.  In a year, I lost about 65 lbs on the average, gaining and losing a few pounds here and there.  In December, I had gained some weight, so my surgeon decided it was time for an aggressive fill.  She told me to let her know if it was too tight.  Long story short, it was too tight.  I had terrible pain on my left side which just got progressively worse.  After a visit to Fatima, three visits to Roger Williams and a visit to the doctor's, an EKG, 4 x-rays, 2 Cat Scans and lots of bloodwork, they finally figured out the band was too tight but it was also too late.  The band had eroded and I needed emergency surgery to remove the band.  I credit Jeremy, the PA at Dr. Pohl's office and Dr. Pohl for saving my life.  I'm now at home recovering from the surgery.

In the meantime, in between hospital visits, my grandson was born.  Leonardo Joseph made his way into the world on January 22nd weighing in at 6lbs 3 oz and 18 inches.  He is the joy of my life!  I can't even describe the feeling of holding the child of your child.

At this point, I don't know what I am going to do.  I have learned some valuable healthy eating lessons, though.  I know what appropriate, healthy portions are.  I have moved to eating all whole grains and low fat foods.  I still take my time eating and try to talk myself out of eating something I know I shouldn't.  I know it will be a struggle without my tool, but, I need to try my best and continue to pray every day for God's guidance.  Dr Pohl told me that once the band erodes, they don't recommend replacing it.  I'm done with surgery.  I don't want to have bypass or any other type of surgery.

I do have some items I'd like to give to anyone who would like them.  I have the following:

Eating Well After Weight Loss Surgery Cookbook
Weight Loss Surgery for Dummies book
Proti Cranberry Protein Drink (6 packets)
Proti Hot Chocolate (3 packets)
Isopure Vanilla Protein Powder (small amount missing from both containers)
Isopure Chocolate Protein Powder
Recipes for protein shakes
Large bottles of Torani Sugar Free syrup:
vanilla and chocolate are unopened
Carmel and coconut are opened with very little gone

I would love to give these to anyone who wants them.  Please email me at [email protected] if you'd like any or all of the above.  I never liked any of the shakes so I know I won't be using this stuff again.

Best of luck to all of you.  Thank you for your friendship during my journey.

Jules

I was wondering how you were doing and missed you.  I'm sorry you have been through so much wth your band and I can also understand your views on another surgery.  Wishing you continued success in your journey to a healthier you.  Though the band did not work out, you still learned some very valuable things from it.

Congrats on your grandson!  and don't be a stranger

Hi and thanks for the post.  How are you doing?  I think about you often and wonder how the band is working for you.  I know we had similar problems with feeling we wanted to lose more weight.  Last time I saw you, though, you looked fabulous!  I'll try and keep in touch through the board.  Best of luck to you!

I am so sorry your surgery did not work out for you.

When you wrote about the feeling of holding the child of your child, I thought that was beautiful and it mad eme think of my parents and my children and how they must feel.  (I have 2, a 2 yr old and 3 yr old)

I sent you an email about the items.  I would like to give you something towards them though.  Every little bit helps!

Johanna

Hi Johanna, you and someone else emailed me.  I am saving the WLS for Dummies book for you.  I sent you a response email. 

I'm sure your parents feel like I do about your children.  Talk to you soon!
Jules

Hey Jules,

Sorry to hear about your situation.  Hang in there.

Nancy

Thanks Nancy.  I'm feeling better and that's what is important.  Good luck to you on you journey!

Hey Jules!!!

I've missed you here!

I understand the feeling of becoming a grandparent! I'll never get over the feelings I have for my grandchildren. What a blessing they are! I remember bawling my eyes out the first time I held my first grandson, then my second, then my grand-daughter! Miracles! That's all I can say...they are true miracles! Congratulations!

I'm sorry to hear the band didn't work out for you. However, it is tool that brought you to your current understanding of how to become a healthier you! It may have been wrought with pain but it wasn't a waste.

We're all STILL here for you! Please do NOT go away just because you no longer have your band and are not considering any other surgery. After all, you are STILL a WLS patient. You've been through it like the rest of us. You journey has just lead you to, yet another, path! Your journey has not ended!

Please continue sharing your journey with us! K?

Thanks for the offer on all your products! If you don't find takers for any one or more of the items on the list (especially, the books), I'd love to bring them to the next Living Life Support Group in March to share with other members.

Again, please keep in touch!

Jules

Hi Jules,

Thank you for your words of encouragement.  I'll try to at least keep reading the boards.  In the summerI had more time and was on here a lot.  Once school starts, I get busy and there just isn't enough time.  You are doing fantastic!  I'm so happy for you!  You are right about learning lessons with the band.  I just hope I don't go crazy once I'm able to eat again.  Right now, luckily, my stomach is still very sore and I think from all the trauma, I am not able to eat a lot.  I need to really pay attention to this little gift.

Two people emailed for my WLS products and I am meeting up with them this week to give them away. 

Take care!
Hugs,
Julie

I would like to thank Julie for her kindness, thank you for the all the goodies you gave me I am sure they will start me on my way, and it was a pleasure meeting you and your husband, thank you from the bottom of my heart.
  Also it was great to see Johana again am sure we will be seeing more of each other down our road to weight loss.
 I would like to say I am so glad I have found you all, your all such great support and genuine caring friends.

Have a great weekend
 Romeo