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skenn31's Blog
 

Left shoulder pain and hunger....

So i was banded on the 18th and im feeling pretty good except my left shoulder hurts really bad and the heating pad isnt helping much. Also my lip is still numb and hurts from the tube they put down my throat during surgery, anyone else have that??? Im on liquids still but starting to feel hungry again.....any advice for filling liquids besides protein shakes?
skenn31

skenn31

2
burly's Blog
 

Acid reflux/ulcer

I have been suffering from acid reflux and was wondering if this could be a sign of an stoma ulcer? I have a strange burning when drinking coffee and other acidly things, also when I eat something even a little spicy I FEEL it!! Tired of feeling this way! I am away from home and was wondering if anyone knows what to eat to help with my symptoms until I can get to my DR. Thanks!!
burly

burly

1
CherylA's Blog
 

Depressed/anxious

I have so much going on right now and I am waiting on so many answers..... My paperwork has been turned in for the 2nd time because they needed more info before they could approve or deny. My 2nd insurance has approved and now we are just waiting on the primary......   Now here is the kicker...I need to have this surgery done before May, which is not a problem for my doctor, but we are waiting on the insurance company.   My husband and I are also waiting to find out about a job for him in Dubai. If he gets it which I am sure he has it he will be leaving in May! Same company he works for now, so he will have the same insurance. I just need his help with the kids while I recover!   There is just too much going on and we have to wait for too many answers! My body hurts from all the walking and weight lifting that I have been doing. The soreness does not help with my emotions at all. I feel like a huge ball of raw emotions and like I am going to cry at any time.   This is the first time in a while that I have logged in here because I have been trying not to think about it at all.
CherylA

CherylA

9
I'll make my own luck
 

the weeks to come

I'm in the final stretch. I'm ending Day 2 of the pre-op liquid diet. Tomorrow, I'll be 12 days away from surgery. I'm officially counting down!   I'm really not hungry on the diet. Well, tonight I was feeling it a little - but only a tiny bit, so I just had a shake and I was fine. I'm not saying it will continue to be easy, but so far it's been fine. I started working my way into the liquid diet last weekend by having shakes but also one yogurt a day as well. Since Sunday, I've lost 13lbs. I was on my period last weekend, so I know that's part of it (cuz I had gained about 3 lbs the week before when the period was starting-hope I don't offend with TMI).   Now I seem stuck in wondering how much weight I'll actually lose and how fast it will happen. I've never been thin, so I have no idea what any given weight would look like on me. I think to myself, "Will I still be plus size, but more like a size 18-20? Or will I actually be SKINNY and go for a size 10?" I also think to myself "You have a higher BMI, you'll lose faster!" and then I think "You don't wanna lose too fast because you'll look awful." Deep down, I seriously fear more than anything else that I'll look like a deflated elephant when this is all said and done. I strongly feel that I'll look terrible. I can feel myself self sabotaging with these thoughts, but I can't stop them.   I want to believe that this surgery has nothing to do with vanity, but if I'm honest with myself, it's almost ALL about vanity. Vanity, and the idea that if I don't do something about my weight - AND QUICK - I'm gonna be alone for the rest of my life. And again, I have to stop thinking like this. Losing weight isn't gonna find me a decent man. At best, it's gonna give me the confidence to date, but even then it's not guaranteed that I'll meet a man I want to marry.   Maybe the part of me that's causing the anxiety is the part that fears this surgery will change nothing. That even if I'm successful losing weight, nothing else will really change in my life. I like to think that suddenly I'll be so much more fun and outgoing and happy and friendly - because that's how I was when I was younger and thinner - but it's not realistic to think that my personality will revert to a time that long ago. I've had low self-esteem because of my weight for a long time. Will that change? Or will I still be miserable and self-loathing (i.e. calling myself a deflated elephant).   I probably need a shrink. I've had therapists before, never really connected with any of them. And this is just, idk, embarrassing for me to talk about. :\   Well, on that note, I'm off to sleep. xo
makemyownluck

makemyownluck

6
littleone75's Blog
 

On you Mark, Get Set......

I have no officially done all that I need to and seen the doctor as many times as I needed to. I am now in the process of getting a date which should come next week. I can't believe I am already here. My emotions get the better of me sometimes and I even get a little giddy when I think about it. I am about to become re-born in my eating habbits and portion control. I can't wait to gain back my life and my activities.   My youngest son said to me the other day...."mom will I still recognize you when you are skinny?" Made me want to cry and I told him yes and you will like the new me much better because I will want to get out and do more with all of my children. He then said to me "OK mom then you have my permission to have the surgery." Just melts my heart... They see the struggle I go through and they want to much more for me. I love my family so much.   I am hoping my next blog will be my actually surgery date and starting my liquid diet. I am about to join the loser's club and enjoy every second of it!!!
littleone75

littleone75

0
Tootse's Blog
 

Mexico

Moments away from getting on the shuttle to Mexico. No turning back now. Everyone here has given me the courage to move onward. It's my turn.  
Tootse

Tootse

6
Kime-lou's Blog
 

Listen Up!!!

Even though we all know we should, many of us fail to listen to what our docs and NUTs have to say; some in major ways, some in small.   Now in the major ways I always listen to my doctor, I am to afraid not to. I do not want complications. But, in small ways, I fail at times.   For instance, in March I went to see my doc for my 9 month check up. We discussed how I was doing- good, felt good, not getting hungry, eating 3 meals a day. I track calories in and I track by my fitbit how many calories I use- I showed the doc. During all this I was complaining that my weight loss seems to have slowed almost to a stop. After reviewing my intake and calorie burn (1200-1300 calories - 2100 to 2200 calories out), the PA said I wasn't eating enough.   Now I have been over weight since I was 5 years old. Never have I been told I wasn't eating enough. I was terrified that this would cause me to regain some of what I'd lost, but I tried for a few days, a couple more pounds came off. Then I was headed out on vacation. The hubs and I went to Florida for a week and took in Disney and Sea World. During this time I was also on my monthly cycle. My band was really tight and I had a really hard time eating, even yogurt was a struggle in the morning. I was burning close to 3000 calories a day due to all the walking. When I return my weight was up 4 lbs - WTH, I hardly ate? I figured some was salt intake and apparently that was true. In a week of being back on schedule I was back down to pretrip weight. This week since being really back to normal I have increase my protein intake and started eating snacks as my doctor recommended. All week I have stayed at the 190 weight. Each day I have eaten a snack of 1 weight watchers cheese stick and about 12 grapes (if I didn't want grapes I ate half of an apple). I found this was a tasty snack and I never got hungry, always kept a satisfied feeling.   This morning my weight dropped to 189.8!! Ok, this is big to me. Okay TMI I know, but I haven't gone number 2 in 3 days. So being that I haven't really pottied well and my weight went down make me feel really good.   Maybe I should listen and heed instead of just hearing every little tid bit the doc says!!
Kime-lou

Kime-lou

3
Min's Blog
 

4 weeks post surgery

Hi all post surgery folk   I am now 4 weeks post surgery and struggling to eat anything more than yoghurt and the odd low fat cheese slice. If its a good day I can get down 2 rice crackers with a light topping. Pureed meat takes forever to digest. I am starting to think I may never eat solid food again. Is it just a matter of persisting with the pureed meat? Does it get easier? Am feeling a little downhearted about it all. The weight is coming off which is great, but this feels very tough.   Min
Min

Min

8
CAsleeve's Blog
 

Been a while...and today saw a colleague I haven't seen for several months....

It's been a while since I've been on this site. It's always good to come back. I simply have been very busy and when I have extra time these days, I am usually choosing to workout rather than get on the internet. Yes, that is a lifestyle change in my new awesome sleeved body!! :-)   So..., I'm at the salad bar at my work and see a colleague coming towards me that I haven't seen for a bit. She says..."I saw you, recognized your hair, took a second look, and thought no that is not her, but then..., YES it is You! YOU look fantastic! You are so thin, healthy, fit and glowing!   I have to contribute it to my sleeve, incorporating a plant-based diet, daily hardcore exercise, and loving life!   Those kinds of comments sure do give a boost and affirmation for all the hard work. YEAH! I can not tell you how fabulous I feel.   VSG = the best decision, for me, EVER!
CAsleeve

CAsleeve

3
Shelleymb's Blog
 

Check Point

Just a check point post...   The last few days have been pretty frustrating. I felt out of control with my eating, craving foods that I know I shouldn't have been eating, and things that I have been doing fine without... but I could not get enough chocolate. And the internal and external arguments that I had with myself were getting old. But sadly I ate things I know I shouldn't be eating unless on a special occasion. But I would make myself work out harder and more often, which I think is an eating disorder on it's own, but whatevs. I figured out what was wrong last night, it was the week before my TOM and I got it last night before working out. For some reason I guess I convinced myself that that issue would go away after getting lapband. I'm an idiot.   But as the day has been going on today, I don't crave chocolate nearly as much, which is a good thing.   Been doing well on working out, swimming 3 times a week. 2 aqua boot camps a week. 3 crossfit work outs a week and a zumba class or 2 and then it's Sunday and I lay around and watch tv. Love it.   Measured myself at my month post op and I have lost a total of 9 3/8 inches overall. I still haven't weighed myself yet. I'll find that out on the 25th when I go in for my first fill, which I need desperately. It's taking more and more food to make myself feel satisfied, and it's only holding me over for a max of 3 hours before I start having to barging with myself. "If you wait 30 more minutes, you can have a granola bar.' "you're not going to die" but then it sounds like there is a pod of whales in my stomach and I normally give in at that point.   But that's about it for now, other than that, not much going on... just living the dream I guess.   Happy losing everyone. Shell
Shelleymb

Shelleymb

0
Flmomof2's Blog
 

Well, OMG

Had my surgery on Monday 4/15/13. The whole day is a anesthesia induced blur. I don't remember leaving post-op. I woke up in the recovery room & was basically in & out of it the entire day. No pain but then I was barely conscious. My hospital stay was not so great. How are you supposed to sleep when people keep coming in all the time!? I know they need to check on patients, but damn. I did my walking but I had a lot of trouble with my breathing. I finally used the incentive spirometer and it got better within a day. I almost didn't get to go home yesterday because of a temperature. It was 100.4 at the highest. I dropped down a little but I was told I wouldn't get to go home until my temp was under 99.5. Well, I hated being in the hospital. I've rarely been so bored. So maybe I didn't put the thermometer under my tongue the next couple of times they took my temp. Just maybe.... Today is my first day home all day & I'm in more pain & have more nausea than I've had so far. I'm having a hard time getting liquids down. Even water tastes bad to me right now. Gotta say, I'm not thinking this surgery was such a good choice. I've never had a "real" surgery before so I didn't know what to expect but this sucks.
Flmomof2

Flmomof2

2
WhatsAWally's Blog
 

week 5 (a few days late)

I'm a couple days late, so I'm down a few more pounds than I would have been, but I'm ok with that! As of today, I'm at 273. That's 42 pounds down, and down ten since my last weigh in! Feeling awesome! This is only 3 pounds away from my first goal weight, and 33 pounds away from my second goal weight (240, my pre-college weight).   A lot of the credit goes to getting my first fill. Going back on liquids will definitely do that for ya haha. On the day of surgery, I was given 2 ccs of saline, and my doctor added another two on Tuesday, bringing me to a total of 4 ccs. I haven't experienced any vomiting or feeling 'stuck'. I do have to take MUCH smaller sips. I had gotten to a point where I could drink like normal right before the fill, and now I have to be really careful to not swallow to much at once (even water). I can start adding chewable foods back in today but I'm scared! I had cottage cheese yesterday and it went alright, but other than that I stuck to protein shakes. In a few more days I can actually start eating 'real' food again, like vegetable and such. I miss salad! But at the same time, I feel a lot more in control with such a restricted diet. Its hard to cheat when you know eating the wrong thing can make you really sick!
WhatsAWally

WhatsAWally

2
Kime-lou's Blog
 

Love / Hate

I think most of us have had a love hate relationship with something- our cell phone, our job, heck even our spouse.   It is also easy to have a love hate relationship with the band. I do love mine, don't get me wrong, but some times that little plastic makes my life hell. For instand on my vacay, I ended up being stuck most of the trip, I couldn't eat much of anything. Sometimes eating slow is a problem especially when you are busy or in meeting- a quick bite gets you stuck quick.   However, because of my band I have learned so much. I am eating better foods. Yesterday when I hit WallyWorld for grocery day I noticed as I was placing my groceries on the checkout how my buying has changed. I buy very little from the interior of the store- the highly processed, sodium rich, high cal foods. Most of what is in my cart is water, water packs, yogurt, milk fresh meats, frozen and fresh veggies. I like this change.   Due to the change of what I am eating I feel better, I breath better, I move better, basically I am better. So my relationship with my band is way more love than hate.   It is so easy to get frustrated on this journey and blame our band and say we hate it, or it's not working, but before we say that we need to ask ourself are we working it. You car can't get you any where unless you drive it, you band won't get you to goal unless you work it. Yes, you can have bump ups and your car might even break down - but you must fix it and keep on truckin.   Everything including our band journey is a process. The band plays it's role, we must play ours, our doctor has theirs, and our nutrtionist has theirs. All the players must do their part or the journey gets off course.   Are you doing your part?
Kime-lou

Kime-lou

3
Terry Poperszky's Blog
 

Afraid of success...

I attended support group last night, and then read CG's post this morning on want power has me thinking...   There is want, and then there is WANT. The problem is that we want it all, and society had told us, that we not only CAN have it, we DESERVE it. Ever seen a fad diet advertised "East want you want, and still loose weight"? The band for all it's power, doesn't replace our wants, at the most it mutes some of them.   I have had a rough couple of days, I hit a new low weight and immediately my head hunger took over and I tried to eat everything in sight. Well, I don't have to worry about that new low weight now. No, I didn't really gain, just excess fluid from jumping my sodium intake. But the point is there is a part of me that glories in my success wants to continue, and there is a part of me that is terrified of it and wants to go back to the old lifestyle.   Right now, I want to succeed, but the fear is that the greater the success the more terrible will be the tragedy of my eventual failure. Yes, I know this is not a productive thought process, but as we all know the band only works on your stomach, not your head.
Terry Poperszky

Terry Poperszky

6
Marly Hayes' Blog
 

It has been so long...

I had my surgery March 2009 at 307 pounds. I haven't tracked fills - I was concerned about getting hung up on the number, like I had about the number on the scale most of my life. My last doctor's visit was in January of 2012 and the doctor said that I had as much fill as I could. I have failed my band. I have failed it to a point of not ever wanting to come back to a doctor's appointment or writing on a blog like this. But I've decided that I need to face it rather than try to ignore it. The person I see in the mirror each day reminds me anyway. And I'm getting deeper and deeper into depression ignoring it. -----------------------------Do any of you who has had their band for awhile remember the feeling of going to support groups, being able to share how much you've lost? Do you remember how you felt about people who were having a difficult time, or who couldn't make it work? I remember this. I remember thinking "how does this happen? It is so simple. There are rules, you follow them, and the weight comes off. I feel so bad for them but really --- all they have to do is follow the program." Well, arrogance follows you until one day you turn around and it is staring you in the face. ---------------------------I have lost 38 pounds. It one point I was down 63 pounds. Slowly, I tried new foods. Foods that I didn't really even care to eat, like chips, ice cream, candy. I used to love salty food, so the chips made sense. But ice cream and candy? What was up with that. It was like I wanted to take my LBand out for a drive to see what it could do. And the whole point I missed was that IT ISN'T ABOUT THE BAND. It isn't about testing it or testing the foods. I PUT MYSELF INTO A BAD POSITION AND I DID NOT PASS THE TEST. I quickly lost that "glow" that I had from losing weight, having my pants so loose I had to buy new ones, finding clothes in my closet that never looked right and being able to wear them, or better yet, get rid of them because they were so big. and where I am today: I CANNOT FIND THAT GLOW AGAIN. I feel lost and embarrassed and thankful that I didn't tell anyone at work that I had the surgery. I fear failure, I despise it. And I've come to that place again -- you know what I'm going to say -- where I realize that I don't like myself very much. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The positives that still remain are that I've lost 38 pounds. My reflux is still gone. My blood sugar and pressure are still good (they never required medicine but I was heading that way quickly). I still wear one size smaller than I did when I started. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Where do I go from here? If there is anyone out there who has been where I am , and has gotten back into the program and into success, I desperately need to hear from you. I used the word "desperate." I don't use that word very often.
sparkleplentymom

sparkleplentymom

2
My Blog
 

Orientation 4/15/13

So my orientation for the Kaiser Permanente Options program was on Monday April 15, 2013. I had to take my youngest son because of a miscommunication with my husband on who was going to pick him up. Grrr... but regardless, I was able to make it on time.   I am going towards choosing the vertical sleeve option which seems to be the most effective and less dangerous.   I'm just really excited to start this process!!!   - RCN
RCN

RCN

3
skenn31's Blog
 

Surgery in 13 hours!!!

I cannot believe its finally here!!! I all checked in and am so blessed to have so much support from friends and family....it's overwhelming! I don't think im gonna sleep tonight at all tonight cause of my nerves and excitement. I keep walking around the hotel room organizing everything and checking off my lists ahh!! Well I better try to calm down so I sleep. Next time I come on here I will be banded!
skenn31

skenn31

2
ajtexas's Blog
 

Alcohol & me

I was banded a little over a year ago, I've lost over 80 pounds and I am at my goal weight. I also drink wine every evening. I don’t hide this from anyone. I have posted such information several times and when I get PM’d about it I answer honestly.   I knew when I decided to get the band that I would have to change my life and I was more than willing to do just that. But, I was not willing to give up my wine. I enjoy wine, I like the taste. My husband & I often go wine tasting at some of the Texas wineries. So, I decided that wine was going to be a part of my lifestyle.   From day one (& before) I have enjoyed my evening wine. Yes, the evening of my surgery I had a glass.   I count the empty calories (110 calories for 5oz of wine, approximately) and I am careful. I know that wine relaxes the band right along with you. So if you drink too much and the munchies set in…..everything will go down & then some.   I am responsible with my wine. I don’t drink for the effect of the alcohol. I drink wine because of the taste.   You wonder, does my doctor know? Of course he does, I tell my doctor everything. Hiding information from your doctor only hurts you.   My thoughts are this, if you have something you love and you can manage it then you should enjoy it. Make it a part of your plan. I have a friend that has a treat once a week of their favorite fast food meal, and another who has a single serving bag of Cheetos every day. Depriving yourself will not work. If you are anything like me, you will get resentful and end up splurging and hating yourself after.   Enjoy your love, just manage it and you will succeed.
♕ajtexas♕

♕ajtexas♕

10
sherylkay's Blog
 

My journey to success

Hi Everyone!I am very excited and nervous at the same time. I have been a member of this site since 2009. whoever thought of this is a genius. I finally get to express my feelings and say to the world that my journey has just begun. I have prayed to our dear lord Jesus asking him is it my turn yet? Yes, he finally told me."Yes Sheryl it's your turn" I was so happy when I received the news from my insurance company that I was approved. It is time to make a change. I have been pretty big all my life. and darn it I am sick of it.. I can't take this extra weight on me any longer. All things are possible.. right!! At least that is what people keep telling me.. It could happen and it will. " Well finally its going to happen. I go back to the Doctor's office April 23rd this Tuesday 2013. Someone once told me that life holds no promises. You must search and work for your own dreams. Well, I am taking chances and making my own choices. I have been given an opportunity to become the one person I have always wanted to become. (Me) finally I am going to step out of this fat person and find my way to freedom. life is a precious gift and I'm going to make it possible .
sherylkay

sherylkay

1
cheryl2586's Blog
 

Why you have to eat protein first

Everyone always wants to know why you have to eat protein. PROTEIN PROTEIN PROTEIN is all we ever hear. Well I'm gonna try to make this as short and sweet as I can. When we are obese it doesnt matter if we eat protein because we have enough fat to burn for about 20 years worth. When you have weight loss surgery and you lose your fat stores, you will then start to lose lean muscle mass. Once you lose the muscle mass YOU CAN NOT GET IT BACK! 70 TO 90 GRAMS OF PROTEIN EVERY SINGLE DAY. (Sorry forgot to unlock caps and was not yelling). Before you put anything else in your mouth, you should be eating something filled with protein. If you can't eat meat then you have to find other things such as cottage cheese, tofu, beans, etc. If you lose your lean muscle you will be in trouble. Its not about just eating protein to burn fat, its about keeping your body healthy. If you chose to eat like crap then you can't blame anyone else when your muscle's don't work correctly. Also if you do not get enough protein you can become very vitamin B-12 deficient. Once damage has occurred from B-12 deficiency it is not reversable. I have seen patients become paralyzed from not having enough B-12 if that happens you will not get it back. Eat your protein. If you have to drink it then drink it but you must get in your protein. Losing muscle mass from weight reduction can lead to harmful effects on your body, as well as problems with your weight-loss results.   You want to lose weight fast but please do it safely. Nothing worse then losing a lot of weight, lose your muscle mass and end up in a wheel chair. That is not what weight loss surgery is about by any means. You are given directions for a reason.
cheryl2586

cheryl2586

4
ebonyjhask's Blog
 

5 days!!

I have 5 days until my surgery!!!!! Im so anxious to have it done already...it feels as though this process has been sooo long!! I have finally realized something...I am on my liquid diet btw..yesterday I was talking to my fiancé and I asked him if I could cheat just a little on the diet...and he told me something that I now hear in my head every time I want to cheat.."You have cheated your whole life, its time to buckle down cause things are changing!!" Im blessed to have such a wonderful man in my life who supports my every move. I heard him and I thought to myself...he's so right, I have ate pizza at late hours with extra cheese, extra pepperoni, I have eaten out for days eating junk and greasy food, I drank pop whenever I wanted to and never thought about the consciences...but now is my chance to move forward to grow out of that to help myself in becoming the better ME I can be for my Fiancé and most of all for my DAUGHTER!! I don't want her to have to see me as a diabetic or with high blood pressure and have to worry about me taking pills or having to be on insulin..i want her to know me as active and healthy I want to chase her around and take her for walks and not feel out of breath because I jogged a little..These next 5 days cant come any faster!! I am so ready to start my Journey with the lapband
ebonyjhask

ebonyjhask

5

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