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Teenage Band
 

Size Large

Today was a decent day. I had a very good cheer practice today, and one of my coaches pointed out my weight loss. She is also trying to lose weight but she is not nearly as big as me. She goes "Jess if you get skinner than me fast I'm going to be so mad! You look great!" It made me feel good because not a lot of people have noticed my loss. I stepped on the scale this morning to see that i lost another couple pounds, which was very exciting. I am still struggling to see the loss, I look hard, but I don't notice it or feel it much. I don't see how I don't see it though because today I wore a cheer shirt that is a size large! That's big for me. It's not as big as the shirts I usually wear to practice but it definetly was not tight. It feels good to be able to fit into things that you've been waiting to fit in. I don't see any change in my normal clothes but I have been in my cheer clothes. I used to wear 2XL shirts to practice and now I feel as if I've been swimming in them. I started to whip out the XL and they're comfortable, and now I suppose I'm working on the larges, that's still a work in progress, but I'm getting there. I have faith.
jesslynn

jesslynn

1
Flmomof2's Blog
 

3 days to go

Yesterday was my pre-op visit. 7:30am - 4:00pm. What a long day!! Met with my patient advisor, paid my deductible, met with the exercise physiologist (can't spell at all -sorry), finally met with my surgeon! Had a 3 hour seminar with the nutritionist. That was informative but there were a few people in the class that kept asking the same questions over & over. Damn, I hate that! But there's always one or two in every group! Maybe if they were paying attention... The office gave me Calcium supplements, Iron & Vitamin C and Multivitamins plus a sample of their protein powder. The protein powder was decent so I bought some more. Lord knows I'm going to be drinking a lot of it post op! My dr's orders are: clear liquids only day of surgery then day 2 after the barium scan, just liquids for the next week. Week 2 we're onto purreed foods. Yum yum... I'm much less nervous about what I'm going to go through now. I'm not liking the 5:30am arrival time for the hospital on Monday, but oh well. Better to be first than last, I guess
Flmomof2

Flmomof2

0
karen12345's Blog
 

Sleeved one week ago

This is my experience with my surgery recently in Tijuana Mexico.Before embarking in this surgery I did a lot of research about the surgery and then about the Self-pay option in Mexico. I did not get approved by my insurance due to my insurance saying that my co-morbidities are not sever enough in their opinion. I could have appealed this decision and still had my surgery in the US, but after a lot of research I became convinced that I would be doing myself a disservice by using the Us doctors with very little experience in the procedure. I wanted to give this background so that it is understood that I did not go into this naively. Also I do have a medical background, I am a registered Nurse in procedural nursing, ICU nursing and recovery nursing experience.   That said, first I want to emphasize that every encounter with the ALighterMe staff was extremely professional and I felt taken care of and protect by them, everyone in your organization far exceeded my expectations and the events I am to describe have no bearing on the company. Let me start with another piece of important background information, I am an active member Of three Gastric sleeve forums you can go an see my profile and posts: Karen12345, healthandstrong, and mathea are the user names I use.   My flight across the United States and drive across the boarder to the Marriott in Tijuana Mexica pre-surgery went with out event. The Marriott was as expected and I was very pleased with the staff and service. I came unaccompanied for the surgery. On the afternoon of April 4th Eduardo, Mexican patient coordinator, informed me of a problem of overbooking at Mi Doctor Hospital, that of which I already knew from reading the forums earlier that week, but I did not think it was going to affect my surgery. This overbooking was done by the owner of the hospital with other companies. Eduardo explained that ALghterMe has secured another hospital to do surgeries this week until they meet with the hospital owner and that I had a choice he said it was essentially an upgrade due to the cost being higher for ALighterMe. I of course thought that would be better quality of service. Also I did not want to be the patient that causes a family member to not be with their loved one even though it was not our company that overbooked. I also was thinking about the nurses at Mi Doctor Hospital being overworked due to the doubled number of patients they were now caring for post surgically, and the impact of quality of patient care. I arrived at Cemiq Qualidad hospital and met another patient from our group who was one day post op and this person seemed to be recovering well. I immediately was concerned about the size. There did not seem to be anywhere to walk, the whole facility was very compact. I did notice that there seemed to be some maintenance workers fixing things in the building. I was taken back for pre-tests (blood work, pre surgery weigh-in, 230 pounds, and vital signs) and preparation for surgery at around 0430 PM.       At approximately 630 pm I was taken back for surgery. There was a single bed room that I was prepped in and I was told is where I would recover and spend my first day until the other patient was discharged due to having oxygen on the wall if needed for the first day of recovery. My first concern was when I was asked to urinate before surgery and discovered the toilet was in the main hallway in a closet under the stairs, I could not stand in there, I could not sit forward on the toilet because my knees where pressed against wall and there was no light in this closet. I could not close the door completely for privacy. After I had to use the sink in the hall to wash my hands, so that meant touching the door and closing it to get to the sink because it was behind the door, and of course no soap and towels initially, they got soap there later but still no towels.I had surgery and remember waking in the hall way before my room on a stretcher which is supposed to the Post-anesthesia care area of the hospital. They rolled me to the single bed room which was on a few feet away and I scooted over to the bed. I told them I had some pain and talked to Dr Ortiz before he left for the night. I think this was around 2330 at night.       The nurses changed shifts and up until that time I was getting regular pain medication and was being looked in on regularly. I insisted on leaving the three doors that lead to the bathroom I had to use open all night. I did not want to fuss with heavy doors and an IV pole at the same time. I was not given an gown to throw on my backside but that was OK during the night. This was a different story in the day time when the construction workers were back and they frequently were in the hallway that I could not close the door of the bathroom of and I had to walk down with my backside exposed. During that first night I was experiencing pain and pushed the call bell for nursing assistance and no one came, I could hear the nurse snoring loudly wherever she was. I decided I needed to try to wake her by pushing the call button more. After at least 5 attempt she wakes up and goes into Cheri's room. Then I push again and she again goes into the other patient's room, from what I could hear. I did this a third time and again she went into the other patient's room and I think the other patient probably told her that it was probably me. The nurse forgot that I was a patient. I told her the problem and she brought a bunch of medications as if she forgot to give them as scheduled. I know this because the nurse after her seemed to be following a regular schedule for the medication. I had to disturb that first night nurse again due the the IV fluids running out and backing up. The second night was wonderful I had a very professional nurse and the care was excellent from everyone except that one nurse, that smallness of the hospital so it was hard to walk, and that toilet situation. One minor problem that did not result in any real problem was that my personal belonging were not secured in a safe while I was in surgery like they would be at Mi Doctor Hospital. Another issue that bothered me about the small hospital was that they did not really do any type of assessment on me post surgery, no vitals signs, no looking at wounds, or listening to lungs. I had developed an expiratory wheeze that I could not clear until after the drain was removed due to inability to cough forcefully enough and there was no incentive spirometer devices offered either. For me the gas pains were rather minor, I had gas-x strips and walked in circles in the room. The drain on the other hands caused intense burning whenever I changed position in bed, stood up to walk, bent over or twisted. A couple of times the burning pain was so bad it floored me.       However the worst part of being in that hospital was the lack of ability to communicate with my family. The WiFi barely worked in the front lobby and in the room I was in the first night it did not work at all, there was not a 1-800 number for my family to call or an American phone line I could use to call them. My husband found that the 1-800 number given to use for the MI Doctor Hospital was not working and he tried calling my Stateside Coordinator, Janese, but she did not recognize his phone number. I gave my husband's phone number as my emergency contact and it was not being recognized? My husband finally was able to reach Rhonda, my other Stateside coordinator who said to him if something went wrong she would know so do not worry. I should have given my husband's phone number to Eduardo, Mexican coordinator, and told him to call my husband, but I thought I would be able to text my husband post surgery and when I found I could not it was in the middle of the night. My husband went over 16 hours of not knowing how I was due to my inability to contact him.       The rest of my stay at the Marriott was excellent and I can not say enough for how attentive Eduardo, Abraham and Dr Ortiz were, checking on me (physically coming to my room wherever I was) and calling me several times a day.       Another issue I would like to warn those going to Mexico is beware of the shops there. I found after getting home that the second shop (Ray's Shop) that Abraham took us to for shopping robbed me, I bought chess pieces and they left out the white KING (I believe purposefully), and the black KING was broken into many pieces due to poor packaging. They told me they were packing the pieces safely for the flight and would not let me watch that, when in fact they were all thrown in a box with nothing in between them. I should have insisted on watching the packing and checked it before leaving the shop or giving any money. I have pictures of that shop and I will post online heavily to other patients to not buy from them.   Please take this information in consideration before going to Mexico especially those without a support person.   I am now a week out from my surgery, I feel great. My drain site is still leaking, that bothers me because I have not seen anyone talk about that. I am told it may leak another week but should get less daily, and it is getting less. This is just going delay my ability to return to the pool.   I am anxious to start pureed diet. I am not really hungry just want food with flavor. I am getting 64-80 ounces of water in daily, 50-70 gram of protein in daily, and I am taking my chewable vitamins. Dr. Ortiz has us on two weeks of antibiotics and what amounts to as Maalox. When I am done with that I will start prilosec and my actigall per my PCP. I am walking 4-6 times daily 15-30 minutes at a time. Dr. Ortiz says not to walk to the point of sweating, until after weeks two. I did have diarrhea from before surgery due to clear liquid diet until today even, which I think will resolve as my diet progresses to more solid foods. I have added probiotics to my vitamin regime to help resolve this sooner, seems to be working.   I have got to say the Mexican jello, pudding and popsicles are really gross. The soup at the Marriott was good sometime and horrible other times. I did bring the isopure clear drinks with me, downloaded the TSA card for medically necessary liquids and got my PCP to write a letter stating that the liquid protein and other liquid medicines were needed for my well being. I also brought unflavored protein powder to add to the broth and brought broth cubes in case the broth was intolerable. In hind site I think I would have brought an abdominal binder to keep the drain from moving inside me when I moved, and maybe asked for an incentive spirometer from my PCP. I am glad I wore anti embolism stocking for the flight to and from Mexico.
karen12345

karen12345

2
Mirror Mirror
 

Not quite on schedule.

So, I'm about 7 pounds away from having lost 100 pounds. ONE HUNDRED. That sounds so crazy to me. I'm completely thrilled...But my surgeon doesn't seem to be. He said that I was about 15 pounds behind schedule, and that I must not be keeping up with my plan. (Keep in mind that he also just took my gallbladder out last month) That is not the case at all. I do everything I am told to do to the best of my ability. I may not get every gram of protein in every day, but I do everything I can to keep my calories low and my protein high. I exercise 3 times a week with a trainer at my University's student center. What on earth can he possibly think I can do on top of all that and a full time school load??!   I will admit that I had a come apart in his office in front of two residents who were shadowing him. I bawled and bawled. I know he meant to encourage me, but I honestly felt attacked. I've had serious trauma in the past with regards to being bullied over my size. That appointment put me in a very very dark place. I haven't self harmed since high school, but it took a frenzied call to my accountability partner to get me out of that mind frame. On one hand I feel like I've accomplished sooo much. On the other, I don't feel like I can ever hope to measure up to the expectations. I feel like a failure, and I feel like the sleeve will quit working for me.   For now I plan to do my best to stay positive and to stay on track. I am trying to remember that this journey has been for me, and me only. I can't be bothered if I don't exactly match up with his computer model. I will use the anxiety and the hurt to fuel my workouts, not my demons. I will make it to 100 pounds lost this week and buy a new dress. I will not let one quarter on the track derail me. I am stronger than that.   Miss Piggy always brings a smile to my face, so here is one of my favorite pieces of fan art, with excellent advice from M.P. "Never eat more than you can lift".
Groovinchikin

Groovinchikin

5
hockeyMa's Blog
 

29# finally SEE IT!

Well, I got on the scale this morning, down 29# from 2/28 when I was sleeved. Feeling MUCH better about myself, I know I've posted a lot lately- just can't SEE it in myself yet. I bought a new shirt- in a large, expecting to put it away for the summer when I drop another 15# or so...got it home and felt brave enough to try it on and see how far I was from really being able to wear it....IT FITS!!!!!! I took a pic to send to my hubby, and when I looked at the screen I SAW IT!! I can FINALLY see the change in myself I think people are right- we see ourselves everyday, we most likely have a negative view of ourselves in our head that seems hard to shake....it takes a good 30# to see a change. I still have trouble seeing it when I look in the mirror, but I finally saw the new me coming out in that picture today...so I had to share it. I'm loving my new lease on life, I am so greatful that I was provided with this chance to get my life back on track before it was too late. I'm feeling very very blessed today (and kinda hot too!! ) I love this new me, and I'm excited to see what the rest of this journey has in store for me.
nygurl

nygurl

0
krg75's Blog
 

Pants, smants

Well today is a lovely day. My jeans...the ones I have been wearing for a few years...at least the size of jeans anyway (they never last that long because my thighs rub holes in them!!!)...have been getting really loose on me. I have one pair I can wear for about an hour before they just fall off. Which is really fantastic.   So this morning I reach into my closet and pull out this pair from Maurice's that my mom bought me awhile back. And I took a DEEP breath. Then slowly, one foot then leg at a time, I pulled them on. They went up my legs(and didnt get stuck BEFORE my hips), then they went OVER my hips, then glory be...THEY BUTTONED!!!! I couldnt believe it. AND not only did they button, they were not tight ANYWHERE!!! I could grab excess fabric in my butt area and my thighs!!!   These jeans were a pair I couldnt even get over my hips a few months ago. A full size smaller than the ones I had been wearing. And Maurices at that!! I think they run small!! (ok my experience, but that is what I am sticking to telling myself).   What a great NSV!!!!! (because I needed it...no weight loss this week), but I will take the full size smaller, and I WILL ROCK IT!!!!
krg75

krg75

3
sleeve_sister's Blog
 

losing hair? not getting enough protein? dehydrated?

I am a post op sleever. I had a lap band and it ulcerated requiring removal. Since getting the sleeve (5 mths ago) I have lost 95 lbs and about 10% of that was my hair (insert sarcasm here.) I was struggling to get in all my protein and fluids, ended up hospitalized for dehydration which also lead to a UTI and kidney stones. I recently found out about Zija which is a product of Moringa Oleifera. If you don't know what this is, research it please! I believe every WLS patient should be on it. It's 100% organic and unlike our typical vitamins that all of us are required to take post surgery, that have a 10 % absorption rate, Zija has a 100% absorption rate. In addition, it has every vitamin from a-z. Within a week I stopped losing my hair and within 2 weeks I stopped taking all of my meds. I only take Zija and I'm not struggling to get my protein or fluids in anymore because of all the meds I took. I was spending roughly $165 a month in just vitamins, supplements, etc and now I spend less than $100 plus I'm saving over $300 by not having to take any of my meds. I feel great and am truly living a healthy lifestyle. facebook.com/ninetynutrients or ninetynutrients.myzija.com Email before ordering as you can get it for wholesale.
sleeve_sister

sleeve_sister

1
What are you afraid of?
 

Fear

Procrastination is the fear of success. People procrastinate because they are afraid of the success that they know will result if they move ahead now. Because success is heavy, carries a responsibility with it, it is much easier to procrastinate and live on the 'someday I'll' philosophy.” Denis Waitley       I've often asked myself "What is it you're afraid of?" This is a scary question, because once asked, there is an implied responsibility to change something in our lives. Identifying what scares us can be difficult. One tool my counselor gave me was that after every response, I was to ask myself "Why" until I got to the point I had identified the root cause. In business we called this "drilling down" and it can truly be gut wrenching and painful.   An example of a root cause analysis might go like this: *Why can't I lose weight? I eat more calories than I expend. Why? I'm always hungry. Why? I don't even think about how I feel. Why? I feel uncomfortable and want to eat when I think about how I feel. Why? I don't know how to change. Why? I haven't learned how to change the way I eat. Why? I'm afraid I will fail.   Root cause: fear of learning how to eat properly and take personal responsibility for success or failure.   This "personal responsibilty" issue is a big one. Many of us have been victims of abuse, neglect, crimes, etc. When we continue to live in the "victim suit", we give our abuser our power. We do this because we haven't faced the reality that someone we trusted and loved hurt us. Facing that reality can be more painful than living as a victim, or so we think. When we face the facts and hold our abuser responsible, there is a big shift in power and responsibility. We take ownership of our actions, feelings and well being and we give the guilt and responsibility for the abuse back where it belongs, with the person who hurt us. Sitting in a chair and telling a therapist that your mother didn't protect you from a predatory male in your family can be one of the most painful truths to acknowledge. The person who was responsible for nurturing, protecting, putting you ahead of herself, did not. I know, I've done it, it hurt like hell.   Once we acknowledge our truth, whatever it is, we take back the power to change our lives. We first work on the thoughts, the negative self-talk. Practice telling yourself that you are worth it, you are powerful, you will change one thing at a time. Maybe, this week, you give up one carb loaded treat you think you enjoy (I say think, because often we don't really enjoy them...it's a habit, not a pleasure). Next is the action step: Just do it! Throw it away if you have it in the house, then buy something healthy to eat as a substitute. Maybe you're the type of person who does it cold turkey...rid the house of ALL processed foods and beverages. Think of the power you take in doing this! Imagine yourself eating healthy nutritious foods and taking control of your own life. Action steps are the key in this process. WE CANNOT CHANGE ANYTHING WITHOUT A VERB. I think I can turns into I will when we add the action step.   My band journey, though not as long-lived as I would have liked, has been this type of process. I WANTED to lose weight, but I took no ACTION that would result in me losing weight. When I went on Medicare Disability, the opportunity to make this change became available and I jumped on it. I started calling different hospitals and WLS clinics to see if they accepted Medicare...that was a tough one. Finally, a really kind person at the University Hospital directed me to another local hospital who she knew took medicare for lapband or RNY. When I called to make an appointment, they got me in within a week. I took action. I took the power. I took personal responsibilty for my success.   I wouldn't say my weight loss journey was easy...it's had it challenges. My band was the perfect tool for me, keeping me free of hunger for 4-6 hours after a very small meal. Even empty, I'm rarely hungry. Losing my band and not being able to revise is extremely scary...I need to ask myself WHY.   Here we go again....
Baba Wawa

Baba Wawa

4
Shelleymb's Blog
 

Down a Size

So I bought new jeans last night, I am a size down... actually a size and a half. I got into a pair of 18 jeans, buttoned them up and got the zipper up. But that doesn't mean that I should be wearing them. I have a No Muffin Top policy. It doesn't bother me to buy the size up to insure that the jeans fit the way that they are meant to. But I bought the 18s along with the size 20 that fits the way that it should, because the sale was pretty good. Silver jeans aren't cheap and I got them for buy one get one half off, so instead of paying $100 each It came out to about $75, which is a come up! And now I have a better judgment of my shrinking size since I don't weigh myself anymore. I fell like if I continue to work out the way that I have been, then the jeans will fit in a month or less.   And for the people who will read this and think I'm crazy for buying 100 dollar jeans, I will tell you this. More expensive clothes fit the way that they are supposed to. The cheaper you buy, the worse the fit and the more alterations you will have to do if you want them to fit the way that they should. But, I will add, I take good care of my clothes, so I can sell them afterwards. I normally get upward of 50 dollars for each of my jeans because they are sturdy enough not to wear through the thighs. And when I buy dresses or going out shirts, I don't mind spending a lot, even though I'm only going to wear it once, because I always end up selling it for about what I paid for it.   I had a different breakfast this morning and it rocked my world. English Muffin with peanut butter and strawberries. So glad it wasn't yogurt. I'M SO OVER YOGURT!   Had my first Stuck moment yesterday during lunch. It was horrific. I was in public... with my sister... who doesn't know I had wls... so I told her I was choking a little. I couldn't get it to come up, so I drank water. I never want that to happen again. And the moment I swallowed the food I knew I had effed up. And I did. And this is why I will wait another month to eat a sandwhich.   Happy losing everyone. The weekend is close! Shelley
Shelleymb

Shelleymb

1
ebonyjhask's Blog
 

Pre Op appointment!

Today is my pre op appointment with the anestisiologist and my Doctor, Dr. Lolar. Im reading all the different forums and blogs and im getting so excited for the surgery on the 22 I have been waiting my WHOLE life for an opportunity like this finally!! Here we go!! The possibilities are endless!!!
ebonyjhask

ebonyjhask

1
pink grace's Blog
 

whooohoooo

just got my date today 2nd May, start liver shrinking on 18th april i have got slow cooker bought, liquidiser washed and in place, hand blender, and all the little pots i need. After all this time i am so ready, i am still coughing but my doc said it is acid reflux and my lungs are fine so it wont stop my op, but i want it gone, i am on countdown, really excited, im a may sleever, xxxxx :wub:
pink grace

pink grace

0
sclark75149's Blog
 

Thursday, April 11, 2013 (My birthday)

Friday, April 26, 2013 I'm down 30-1/2 lbs at 5-1/2 weeks post-op. I bought size medium tops this week (from an XL originall). And I was wearing 14/16 pants, now I have on 12 skinny jeans. Pretty pumped. Not going to buy a lot of new clothes but it makes me feel better So, my husband found out something today from the nurse at his 3 week checkup that I hadn't thought about asking. He's been doing great, but having a burning sensation sometimes at the large incision. They said this is normal - in a week or so he will hear a "pop" and that will be the incision breaking away from the muscle. That's what all the tightness has been about - they sew your stomach muscle, stomach and skin (that's why it puckers) together so the stomach doesn't move around a lot. Good to know   Posted a picture of me today. Compare it to the picture of me and my husband - big difference.     Monday, April 15, 2013 Well, my husband is almost a week post-op and doing really well. He's down 27 lbs. (but that includes his 13 before surgery). I'm down 28 lbs.(I lost 11 pre-surgery but gained it all back post-surgery from the liquids, fluids). I will be 4 weeks post-op tomorrow. I feel better than I have in a lot of years. My husband and I walked around the block 3 times yesterday. We even went to dinner and to a movie last night. Neither of us are snoring anymore (woo hoo!)     Thursday, April 11, 2013 (My birthday) My husband had his sleeve done on Tuesday. He is doing amazing! He didn't throw up like I did so he's way ahead of me already. It's easier sleeping on the recliner for the first week. I got up this morning and he was up, had let the dog out, already took a shot of Genesis Today Liquid Protein 100 for 15gms of protein in a 1 oz. shot. Already started heating up his broth and ready to take a shower. He thinks he's going to work today (day 2 after surgery). I told him to take it easy but you never know with him. I went for my 3 week checkup on Tuesday (day of husband's surgery) and I'm down 26 lbs now (it was 25 that day). Having the most horrible breath since surgery - said it was ketosis and will get better when I start eating food.   If you live in the DFW area I would highly recommend Dr. Nick Nicholson and Forest Park Medical Center. Both are first rate. I had only a regular room to myself but my husband had a suite. It was huge. Even had a room that had a couch that made into a bed, with a TV and sink in it. He had a full restroom with a shower. His room had a recliner and 3 other chairs and a flat screen TV. The nurses, techs, etc. were so nice and helpful.   Starting week 4, I've been cleaning the house, sweeping and even picking up with dust pan. I bought an abdominal wrap and it has helped tremendously.
sclark75149

sclark75149

0
Kime-lou's Blog
 

Change

If you are easily offended stop reading now- here come some tough love!   I am a human, a woman, a wife, a mom to 4 wonderful fur babies, a daughter, sister, friend, emplyee, co-worker and many many more things. I have a big life, but that doesn't mean I need to be big. I am the first person to tell you I am NOT perfect, I have my vices, and life gets the best of me at times.   I use to think I was active - I was kidding myself. I came home from work and stayed there- not moving any more than I had to. I was lazy, I am still lazy, but I move now in spite of it.   If you are like me then I am sorry you gotta get your fat tusey up and move. The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting the same result. Soooo, if you want to and expect to loose weight, guess what you have got to CHANGE!!!!   If you sit on your big butt and do nothing you will NOT loose weight!! If you continue to eat unhealthy things and large portions you WILL NOT loose weight!!!! Sorry, but it is the truth!!!   I am speaking to myself as much as I am others.   I push myself to get up and do things. For instance, yesterday I working in my yard for a bit - planted a few flowers after work. Then made a healthy dinner (tacos - mine with out the shell). After dinner I went to a friends house and treated their yard for fire ants (they are blind and can't see the little buggers). I came home played with the dogs, got a shower, got stuff ready for today, cleaned the kitchen. You know what after all that I felt good and then slept good.   You have to push yourself sometimes to move. If you don't want to exercise find something you do enjoy that gets you moving and DO IT!!! I love gardening. Even though I live in the city, I put in a 20 x 3 row garden in my yard and am planing some yummy veggies (cumcumbers, peppers, tomatos, squash). I plant flowers in my front yard and am working on relandscaping that. I love working with my hands so I am finding ways to do that but that make my body active while doing it. I love walking the dogs so I do that instead of WALKING to exercise. It's all in how you define it.   As far as eating goes, we all got fat by eating things we don't need and to much at a time. To start with I thought if I just cut portions I would be fine - WRONG. I have since learned a lot of things I ate were not as healthy as I once believed. I read labels now. Do I do with out things - some, but not many- Am I unhappy about that - NO. For instance I LOVE alfredo yum oh. Alfredo sauce at a resturant and store bought is really not good for you- full of fat and calories. Sooo, I experimented and created my own healthy alfredo sauce that the hubs and I actually like better. I've also experimented with other recipes and veggies to make them healthier. How do you do this - read a labels, experiment. I enjoy cooking so I get up and move around my kitchen and experiment. I have lots of friends and family who don't mind being gunie pigs. I cook and dance around my kitchen to some good 'ole country- guess what I am burning calories while doing this .   Yeah, I have only lost 55 lbs in 9.5 months- but hey I have lost half of my excess body weight. I am in a size 14- so that says something. Plus I am learning more everyday about what leading a healthy life style means and making small changes all a long.   While it is FRUSTRATING, SUCKY, CRAPPY, to loose slowing after having surgery, I am loosing. Plus, like others have said this is not a race- this is a life long journey.   I will get to a healthy weight it won't be tomorrow, but I just as well enjoy the journey and learn as much as I can so when I get there I can stay there!!   Sooooo, CHANGE already you are worth it. If you are a person who can't make a lot of changes at once, make little ones along the way- they will add up.
Kime-lou

Kime-lou

0
WhatsAWally's Blog
 

Week 4

Weigh in for week 4 is: 280.6 (34.4 lbs pounds lost, down 3 pounds since week 3)   I'm so close to being under 280 that I can taste it! 270 flat is my first weight loss goal and I'm more excited than ever to make it happen. I started exercising this week and the results have been awesome for my mood. I genuinely enjoy working out, and with finals coming up I could definitely use the extra endorphins. The only downside is that I'm going to be traveling a lot coming up, and moving to a new city in June so it doesn't make sense to pay for a gym membership right now that I won't be here to use. I have a treadmill at home though and since I'm focusing strictly on cardio this first month, I should be good. Do any of you have person trainers? I'm thinking about getting one when I move. How often do you meet with them? Is it possible to hire them just to make a gym routine for you? Very curious!   I'm starting to notice a change in my appetite... Its coming back with a vengeance! My first fill is on April 16th and it couldn't come sooner. What fills me up is still way, way less than I would eat before but certainly more than I have been eating. (A meal I'm eating a lot is one tomato basil garden burger with a slice of ultra thin provolone and salt/sugar free tomato sauce, the white of a boiled egg, and maybe half an avacado if I'm reealllly hungry.)   In other news, I'm starting to notice my face thin out! I don't know if I'm really noticing a major difference in my body yet. My clothes aren't getting bigger, but they are fitting better. Sort of scary to think about what they looked like when I was wearing them before haha.
WhatsAWally

WhatsAWally

0
skenn31's Blog
 

pre-surgery jitters

I have Surgery in 8 days!!!! Im doing the Atkins getting ready. I cant believe its next week already! I cant wait to start this journey and get to my healthy weight. Im nervous but ready and pray I can handle the recovery.
skenn31

skenn31

0
Garlandfam's Blog
 

H2O

Today I have felt like and I have not gotten enough water I feel so dry and the bad part is I feel I can't drink it fast enough! I have been trying to sip sip sip and I feel as though I am not getting anywhere. I kinda drank down a little to fast and it is sitting in my chest at least it feels that a way!. To make matter even worse these dang stalls this is the first one and I don't like it...I'm 5 weeks out and the scale has been standing fast at 32lb weight loss, I am trying my hardest to get in the needed protein but the smell and not to mention the taste makes me nauseous...What to do? I know it is only the beginning...but I am ready to get this thing moving again!
Garlandfam

Garlandfam

2
krg75's Blog
 

Calories, Calories, Calories

So I have to admit, I'm not a fan of calories. Rather, counting calories. I am just no good at it. I cook everything myself, and have NEVER EVER found out how many calories are in what. I eat small amounts, I am not eating crap. And obviously I am not counting calories.   Today for supper I made an awesome deer chili. I ate one cup of it. Was so good thought I'd go back for seconds. There I was in the kitchen, spoon in hand, and I thought...What the heck are you doing?? So I put my bowl in the sink and I was done. But how many calories did I eat? I havnt a clue. 3 lbs. of deer meat, tomatoes, tomato sauce, and 2 cans of beans. Made a HUGE pan. But how many calories in just one cup? No idea.   See the thing is I dont even remember the nutrition lady telling me how many calories to eat in one day. Yes, I am pathetic....and lazy...about the calories anyway. Every one is talking about 800-1000 cal a day. I think thats what I am doing...but have no idea. I even tried the my fitness pal thing. NO internet service where I live unless I am at home with WIFI. So that does me no good when I'm not at home.   I really do eat good. Still just having a protein shake for breakfast...which I know has 160 calories. Having a cup of food for lunch (no calorie counting). Then the same for dinner. Maybe yougurt for a snack. Cannot stand the greek stuff so Yoplait light (90 cal). And usually I eat cottage cheese (80 cal?? per 1/2 cup) with one of my meals for more protein. So I know the store bought calorie content, just not what I cook calorie content. I'm not good at that. HMMMM..add all the ingrediants up, measure the whole pan of food, then divide to get one cup....UGHHHHH!!!   So here is what my goal is. This weekend going to Sam's going to get some fish that I can just prepare for myself (individual servings). Then surely I can measure 1/3 cup of veggies or some side dish and finally start counting what I am eating.   I know with my 11 year old son, the 22 year old nephew, and the hubby at home, this kind of supper wont do for them, I will continue to cook all the things they like, but for me, I have to change. Gotta do it. Because I am worth it.
krg75

krg75

5
Teenage Band
 

Where I am

So I've had my band for six weeks now and I'm definately struggling. I go back and forth with feeling incredible and depressed. I'm down 30.5 pounds from my highest weight and thats great but I've only lost a pound in the last three weeks and it's frustrating. For the most part I follow my planned diet, I know "for the most part" doesn't sound very good but I am trying very hard. I'm sixteen so it's frustrating looking the way I do. I've ate very healthy and excersized my whole life, so my normal pediatrician was always shocked as to why I was so heavy, but hey we are who we are. I need my band tightened and my appointment to talk to the nurse-practitioner is this monday so I'm excited, yet very nervous for that. I need a friend to talk to about my struggles with weight and the surgery but nobody knows. I have only told my parents, brother, and grandpa. I don't want people to know because they are so judgemental. It's hard that no one knows about my surgery not only because I need a friend to talk to but also because I go to parties, sleepovers, and other normal fun teenage stuff that causes it to be hard. All my friends eat is mostly junk and sometimes it's hard to find things to eat. (I usually bring some protein shakes though) I want to tell some of my friends, I'm just not ready yet. I don't regret having surgery at all. I love my band and I'm proud of it, it's just hard as I'm sure all of you know, I'm excited for my new healthier life, but I'm also excited to get out of this little funk I've been having.
jesslynn

jesslynn

2
Pret-Op Process & Struggles
 

I lost it!

So, I went to my third nutritionist appointment yesterday and I am down 8 lbs. I had been stressing out because I lost 5 and then gained 2 back, but nope...I'm down 8! My appointment went really well and she said that she would let me take my gastric bypass 2 class in April instead of May. That means I see her in May and June instead of May, June, July and my paperwork will be sent for approval during the July board meeting. I must say that time is definitely flying and I'm getting excited. I now have to get some blood work done for some type of bacteria to make sure I do not have it, an EKG, and my mental health evaluation.   I'm hoping for an August surgery date, fingers crossed!   Thanks to all that sent encouragement in my last blog. I got this!
SamG

SamG

2
Kime-lou's Blog
 

Vents

Just like the temps in NC today my temper is warm.   Last week I went on a wonderful 5 day vacation with the hubs. We were in Orlando and took in Disney and SeaWorld. It was great and boy did I move it, move it!! My step counts for the days were redic- 22500 the first day and the following days from 15000 to 20000. I only partook on one alcholic drink. Due to band tightness I wasn't able to eat very much. However, when I did eat it wasn't the healthest due to it being away from home. I tried to make good choices, but you just never know what they put in things. I spluged and had ice cream twice - not huge amounts - one cup. The icecream and one crepe was the ONLY desert like things I had while there.   When we returned and I weight on the 6th I was up 4 lbs from the 30th when we left. I thought, okay, salt in take was likely higher than normal, plus I was on my TOM. I figured once my monthly vistor checked out and I got back to flushing my system the weight would drop. Well....... Sunday I was down a half lb, Monday down and half more. I have now been at 192.5 for two days. Before leaving I was 190.   I was so looking forward to the 180's. I have been in the 190's since Dec and I am soooo sick of it.   Since getting back I have remained moving. I have been trying to keep my steps around 8000-12000 a day. I am drinking my water again my TOM is done. So why are those pesky pounds sticking around.   I am frustrated. I have been in the same 10 lb range for 4 months- enough already!!!! Frankly, I am worried because what if my body won't let go of more weight? I am sticking to the plan, moving, talking to my doc and my weight is not going down any more.   My doc says I have done great and not to worry so much, I should just stay the course and I will be fine.   I so want to hit the 140's, my body just doesn't apparently.   Have any of you experience long plateaus or extreme slow down in weight loss? Please your expereices are welcome!!!!!!!!
Kime-lou

Kime-lou

4
Vicki0618's Blog
 

It moved!

Thank you Scale-Gods!!! It finally moved! After 2 full weeks of my scale being stuck at 238 this morning it finally says 237!! Whoo-hoo! So in 5 weeks I have lost 20#....I can handle that! :D   Right now my challenge is calories. Not getting them in, I haven't had any problem tolerating anything. I'm having problems figuring out where my body will lose best. My surgeon recommends staying at 600 calories for the entire losing process. However, I have a couple problems with that. #1 - I feel like crap keeping my calories that low (like low energy, foggy brain etc) and #2 it just seems like in the long run that would work against my metabolism. So here's what I am currently doing. I am trying to listen to my body, if I'm hungry (not just bored, sad etc) I am eating a little something. It's about every 2-3 hours that I'm eating something. I am tracking everything I eat and right I'm averaging about 800 calories. My RMR is about 1700 calories so I would think that everything should be fine. I've seen quite a few people on the forums )and picked their brains) who didn't sticl to the super low calorie intake and have still been incredibly successful. BUT, there is still that little voice in the back of my head telling me that I will fail....especially if I'm not doing exactly what the surgeon says.   So I'm glad the scale finally moved, just reinforces how I feel. I know I feel better, I actually have so much energy. I feel like I'm going a little stir crazy cause I work at a desk job all day so when I get home I'm ready to go and do something...all the time!!! My poor little lap dog has to just follow me around and hope I sit down soon     Heaviest Weight: 281 3/6/13 Surgery: 257 (-24) 3/13/13: 251 (-6) 3/20/13: 245 (-6) 3/28/13: 238 (-7) 4/3/13: 238 (-0) FIRST MONTH -19# 4/10/13: 237 (-1)
Vicki0618

Vicki0618

3
Shelleymb's Blog
 

So Random

This is going to be pretty random, I apologize in advance.   Went swimming this morning with my sister and my cousin. My sister doesn't know that I had wls but my cousin does, she's actually the one that took me to the hospital on the day of the surgery. Anyway, my cousin told me that I was losing weight () but that my boobs have gotten smaller (D:) It's only a small set back because Ty told me that after I am done having kids, he will go to Japan and save a bunch of money and then I get a boob job ( :D)   I haven't weighed myself in about 2 weeks. I'm slightly curious as to how much I weigh, but more curious on if I can buy new jeans. I am going to the mall to buy a new pair on Friday. Hoping I have moved down a size in the jean department. I know that I have lost an inch or so on my upper body because my jacket fits looser.   So I didn't make a lunch for today. I try to prepare my lunch the night before, especially the night before I'm going to be waking up earlier to go swimming, but last night I was nauseated and I couldn't figure out what to make for lunch. Nothing sounded good at the time, and now besides my breakfast, my lunch bag was empty. I mean I can go buy something, but it was just disheartening to know that I was nauseated for some reason and that it affected the sound of food for the next day. I also have decided that I need to figure out some other breakfast because I am getting tired of yogurt. But it's just so much protein and I know that I need it, but it's becoming a chore to choke it down. I think I am going to start looking into some sort of frozen breakfast thing that I can start switching out with the yogurt. Maybe do every other day yogurt.   I've been working out a lot, which is good I guess, but it seems like all I do every day is work, workout, and sleep. Does anyone else feel this way? How much is the norm for working out in the beginning?   Ugh... it's only Wednesday, bring on the weekend.  
Shelleymb

Shelleymb

3
My story
 

Worries about my surgery and life changes that need to be made.

I had my 3rd nutrition appointment yesterday and I am scared! I KNOW that the benefits outweigh the stuff I’m going to have to give up, I just need to get these thoughts on to paper…maybe that will help. I’m feeling guilty that I’m even having these thoughts because I want this surgery so badly. I worry that if I’m having these thoughts am I going to fail, or is this what everyone else thinks prior to surgery and this is normal??? Here is what worries me. One of the things she said was after surgery, don’t drink water (or any other beverage) 30 minutes before, don’t drink during and don’t drink an hour after a meal. When I asked why she said that water speeds up the digestion process and will cause your teeny stomach to digest even faster, which will make you hungry earlier. Makes sense, but I don’t like it! I ALWAYS drink water with my meals, always. I know that in the grand-scheme of things not drinking water at a meal isn’t a big deal…for a few meals, but for the rest of my life??? next is eating meat. She said that after surgery a lot of people can’t really digest meat any longer. She also said that meat isn’t really all that great for you (I’ve heard this before) so that it’s really not a big deal. Well I know health-wise it’s not a big deal, but after having such a love-affair with food for so long, I worry that I will be sad when I can’t order a nice, juicy steak. It’s easy to say something isn’t a ‘big deal’ when you’re not an addict. I’m a food addict. Everything when it comes to food is a ‘big deal’. Portion sizes. She said that your portion size goes down to like the size of the palm of your hand. Holy cow. I don’t eat to be “full” I eat, and eat and eat because I like the flavor of food…to only be able to eat that small of a portion….will I regret having this surgery and will that in turn make me miserable? I WANT to give up needing the comfort of food. I WANT to not overeat any time I sit down to a meal. I want to have something stronger than ME controlling what I put in to my mouth because I just can’t control what I eat at times. I’ve tried so hard and after a few weeks of great will power I succumb and let weeks of good choices go down the drain in a few meals. I know that on the outside looking in these are all really stupid reasons to be concerned. I know that when I read them tomorrow I will look at them and wonder what I was thinking. But right now, today, right in this moment I wonder if the fact that I’m having these thoughts means that I am not in the right place, mentally to have the surgery. Ugh, this sucks! I guess yesterday in talking about everything it just hit me hard that once I have this there’s no going back. Don’t get me wrong - - once I leave this fat, unhealthy body I don’t WANT to go back to where I am right now…it’s just so final and official. I HATE FOOD AND THE CONTROL IT HAS OVER ME!!! I hate the fact that I am doing things to my body that I know if it continues will kill me, yet I am questioning letting it go...I hate this. I think for the first time in my life I am feeling what a drug-user feels! The 'knowing' that you need to give something up, yet the longing for the relationship and comfort that it gives. Not cool, not wanted and not welcome in my brain!
lyndeeboo

lyndeeboo

14

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