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KariWI's Journal
 

Stress Test

Had the stress test 11/20/06. It seemed to me to be more involved than others that I talked to about a stress test. I was in the office a little over 2 hrs. First I got an IV, after 2 tries and they put in some kind of nuclear medicine into my blood stream. I had a camera take pics of me ( somewhat like an MRI) for 16 minutes of holding still. Then went into another room and did the stress test on the treadmill. It was hard but not terrible. People were very nice. Then the last 1 minute of the treadmill they put more radioactive fluid in my IV. I rested for 10 min and more camera. Got dressed and left. I was nerved up about it but glad it was done and they said from what they could see my EKG was good. Said if there were probs they will call me and if not I will get a letter. Jim was a sweetie and drove me even after I told him several times it wasn't necessary. I think he wants to feel like part of the process. I got a pm from a person who is having surgery the same day as I am and that was fun.
KariWI

KariWI

1
taylor.karen's Journal
 

Hell so far.................

I had my first band fitted by Dr Super in April 2005 and have had nothing but problems. First I had no restriction what so ever, and after the 12/13 weeks of liquids, then mashed food then introducing normal food again, I had a fill under X-Ray where I had I think 1.5-2ml inserted. Went home and nothing, no difference at all. All of a sudden I was in horrific pain (lower abdomen), and my consultant (not surgeon) kept saying that it was nothing to do with the band. I was also told that I was being impatient as I still had no weight loss or restriction. Things got so bad for me that I couldn't even walk 100yrds without this pain, to try and sit on a seat or to lay down was horrendous and in the end I went to my Dr for advice. I was then sent for numerous internal tests, x-rays, and lots of fumbling around to see if there wasn't anything more serious wrong with me, everything came back normal, but each test was so painful I was in tears. Again, I contacted my consultant and was told the same thing but finally they arranged for a top-up in October. Mean while I was still in horrific pain and was having lots of time off work which resulted in a loss of pay. Went along for my top-up and it was then discovered that the tubing couldn't be located. All this time of being in pain and no one listening to me and I was then told this. Back into hospital on 5th Nov 05 to have an exploratory op, relocate the tube and reconnect it. My parents and I were then told that the tubing was located wrapped around my intestines, hence the horrific pain for the past 4 months and that once connected and Anyway, due to the tube disconnection I had no liquid in my band at all, and eventually went back for another fill (like a first fill as it was completely empty). Still nothing, and once again I was told that I was being impatient. Went along for another fill in Feb 06 (my consultant was also present) and bingo, was then told by the guy doing my fill and my consultant that the reason for me having no restriction etc was due to the band being fitted too high, and that this has been seen before.   Back into hospital again on 3rd March 06 for a complete new band to be fitted, then the usual liquid, mashed and then re-introduction of normal food again for up to 12 weeks, and during this time went on holiday which had been booked 11 months before. So yes, my holiday was ruined as a result of this. Got back to the UK and went for my first fill with my new 2nd band, and again was told that I couldn't have it done as the port was completely over turned, not on its side as this can happed, but completely flipped over. Again my consultant and surgeon kept saying to me that they didn't know why this had happened, so back of into hospital again to have a new port fitted in May 06. Since then I have had numerous fills (now have 6.5ml in the band) and still have no restriction at all. I have put all the weight back on that I managed to loose before my first op on the 800 cals a day diet. Feel completely shattered and have no faith in my consultant, his team, or the surgeon I have now been informed that they can not continue to fill my band as there must be a structural problem with the band, and that it will more than likely have to be removed. What is even more worse is that I have been told that although the surgeon will take it out free of charge I will have to pay hospital costs (about £2000) of which I do not have. I have already had to borrow the £7600 for the original op and on top of that I have paid out about £300 in traveling costs, loss of earning and added stress all due to wanting to loose weight and have a better life. My consultant has now arranged for me to have tests under x-ray this Thursday in central Birmingham, to see what is wrong (the guy doing this has agreed to do this under the NHS). If it turns out that it is an aneurism then the manufacturers have verbally agreed to pay the full costs of surgery and treatment, with a replacement. Not sure I want a replacement after all of this. However, if it isn't this and turns out to be and erosion or something else, then I still have to foot the hospital costs. (I have explained that this is not an option for me, so will end up with a foreign object left inside my body that is doing nothing for me, but will more than likely end up more harm).< I am now at the end of my tether and can not cope with this anymore. I have been told to go for a 2nd opinion as well, but it always ends up with the same old answer – I can’t afford to pay to see another consultant or surgeon If any of you have experienced the same problems or can give me any advice, please drop me a line. Karen Taylor.karen@talk21.com  
taylor.karen

taylor.karen

1
Teresita's Journal
 

Tonight is weigh in

I am nervous because tonight is weigh in and after losing 10 pounds last week I think it will be difficult to come up with another loss this week. I remember last Tuesday I didn't have time to eat but trail mix all day. Today I have cream soup, oatmeal and a sausage. Help me! I think I will jog in place perdiodically today.   14 pounds wow WOW:D
Teresita

Teresita

5
libertysuzanne's Journal
 

Oh Happy Day! 2

I achieved another NSV (No Scale Victory) today. I put on a pair of trousers, that when first bought were uncomfortably tight and ended up in the wardrobe after only one outting. Now they are comfortable, well more than comfortable, loose! Not loose enough for me to dare to go down to the next size, but what a wonderful way to start the day!     Everyday, even with the occasional hiccup, has been a reminder that I made the right decison. I have finally invested in myself. Still feel it was a bit of a selfish action but I know both CM and I will benefit in the long run!     I know there are going to be some aspects of my health that won't be resolved by my weight loss, but I look forward to the day when I can walk much longer distances without keeling over in pain. I truly do hope that with my combination of weightloss and gentle exercise, I may firm up my joints enough to prevent me causing any further damage.     Not sure what I am going to do today, I know I have food shopping to do. That is also a major benefit my shopping bill - when I shop for household food and animal food - has dramatically decreased! I eat less than CM!!!! Lord help me when my size justifies clothes shopping lol. It's a good job I am not keen on Sinsburys TU! They tend to be at least one size smaller than the lable says. Why is it, that two articles of clothing from different stores can be so dramatically different?     I have asked for clothes vouchers from MOnsoon and next for xmas presents. I won't spend them immediately, I may hold onto them until I get to a size 16 or maybe even 14! 16 is my initial goal and 14 my final goal. I have never been smaller than 14 and doubt I would look that good so skinny. I'd laugh if I managed to get into 12's and then probably panic!     You know it's funny, a part of me is terrified about losing weight! Not sure why that should be. I should see it as a positive. Maybe that is the problem. Being fat (I still hate that word) protected me, I stopped thinking about being attractive, which meant I gave up on contemplating dating, safe in the knowledge that I would never be wanted. Maybe it will still be the case when I get down to my ideal size? It's silly though isn't it, I guess my blubber was keeping me safe from being hurt. I am going to have to work on my self-esteeem!
libertysuzanne

libertysuzanne

2
DouglasP13's Journal
 

almost time....

Well, I don't have much to say, except for my heart cath is in less than 2 days. I'm not really nervous, but it does bother me that they think I have a blockage. Oh well, whatever happens, happens. Other than that, thing are going wonderfully.
DouglasP13

DouglasP13

6
losingjusme ....
 

i feel like such a failure.

i really do. i was all excited ... i am on vacation this week and wanted to work my ass off and drop some weight. i went on the treadmill today - burned 504 calories .. yay me ...   i went to a new step class tonight ... no way on God's green earth ... i couldnt keep up, i was just not working it ... and the class was of course crowded ... MEGA crowded and they were all getting it. why couldnt i? :phanvan   and to top it off i want chocolate (real not that sugar free stuff) in the worst way. as i was driving home from dinner i came """this close""" to stopping off and getting something, but i didnt ... but dammit i still want chocolate.   i might as well just go to bed...
losingjusme

losingjusme

2
Bullwinkle's Journal
 

January 1st needs to come soon...

This past weekend was not good regarding food choices.   'Nuff said.   The past few days I've toyed with questions such as, "Do I really wanna do this?" "Have I researched this enough?" "Will I have complications"   Stuff like that. Just any old excuse, I suppose, NOT to be banded.   Then I think about what transpired this past weekend. If I were banded, I wouldn't be sitting here feeling guilty right now, because I wouldn't have been able to stuff my pie hole the way I did.   I gotta get a grip.   I'll be covered insurance-wise for this procedure on January 1st. It can't come soon enough.
Bullwinkle

Bullwinkle

1
wootsie73's Journal
 

Changes in my life.......

Well, I've talked about the dogs and everything else on here, but I've spent very little time just talking about the lap-band surgery. I'm terrified of having the surgery because I've always been a failure at dieting. This weight has been my worst enemy for a long time, but I've always looked at it as my friend.:think It has helped me keep from meeting men and putting my heart on the line again. So.....I'm setting out on a brand new journey with this. I want my life back and I want to be asked out again and maybe find a life partner. I'm getting older and I don't want to spend the rest of my life alone. I want to go out and have fun!   I have my appointment with Dr Provost in January and I called and found out when his next seminar is. It's December 6th, so I am getting excited! I want to know exactly how he works and what be expects of his patients. I can't wait! :clap2::clap2: This is getting really real now. I know that sounds crazy, but it's kinda been an out of body experience to this point. I'm happy to start on this new adventure!   The puppies are 4 weeks old today! It seems like they should only be a few days old. They will be gone soon and I will have to make the decision about staying here and living with my daughter, or going back to Amarillo. That's gonna be a tough one. I have my parents, my niece and her family, and some friends there. I have only my daughter and the Boxers here, so.....I will decide about that later.
wootsie73

wootsie73

2
thickchickTEXAS's Journal
 

Monday

Breakfast 11-20-06 tuna 2 slice of bread   Lunch 4 Bottles of water down by 2:30pm   :spit: :spit: :spit: :spit: 2 ground meat patties with cheese & salad with sour cream & salsa :pop2: *case of the runs not sure why*:huggie:   Dinner tonite before 7pm   roast with carrots & diced potatoes water water water     Exercise Tae-Bo with Billy kick-ass Blanks. :boxing: :boxing:   (((((hugs))))) to u Teresita, Doug & Wootsie
thickchickTEXAS

thickchickTEXAS

2
kutia's Journal
 

Not so sloth-y...

I just got back from the gym. I made myself get up and put on my workout clothes. Then I drove straight to the gym. I've gotten some great support & encouragement here the last few days. Losingjustme, MoOrLess, & Teresita: thanks so much. Y'all really helped. A round of :clap2: for y'all.   I've got some current measurements to post today too. The red is total shrinkage since my surgery. Bust 48in -4 Waist 46in -5 Abdomen 51in -4 Hips 47.5in -5.5 Thighs 27.5in -3 Arms 15.5in -4 BodyFat 41.2% -3.3%
kutia

kutia

3
TakinThePlunge's Journal
 

26 days since surgery

Good Morning and Yes, I still LOVE MY BAND . I have spent all week practicing eating ONLY what I think will not get stuck and I am/was successfull. I feel like I am running on 100% health and no pain anywhere. Looking back over the past days I can honestly say that I have been blessed by good fortune and no complications other than those I created myself.   315/288/210
TakinThePlunge

TakinThePlunge

3
gonnabethin's Journal
 

11-20-06

Had a good week with the fill. No more golfball or PB. Am slowly getting the fact of MUST SLOW DOWN. Its worst when Im hungry and I start eating too fast. If I eat smaller meals 5 times, I dont have any trouble.   Thanksgiving is this week; Im thankful for my band!!!! I love every thing about it!!
gonnabethin

gonnabethin

1
gonnabethin's Journal
 

11-14-06

Had my first fill. Didnt hurt just stung when they numbed it. I drank the entire 6oz of water in less than 5 minutes. Hopefully I will notice some restriction. However I have to learn to slow down when eating!!   Met several very nice people in the waiting room while the fill clinic was going.
gonnabethin

gonnabethin

1
Teresita's Journal
 

Good MORNINGGGGGG

I love you guys, thank you for all of your comments and your encouragement.   I am blessed by each one of you. :iloveuall:Thanks for allowing me into your journals. I learns something from each one that I read but mostly "I am not alone". We all go through the same struggles and we need each other. It is amazing how much love you can receive from a bunch of strangers LOL. Sincere Strangers LOL:p :huggie:   I thrive off of other people so you guys really keep me going.:humble:   459 373 86 lost :clap2:   373 359 14 to get to 100 :eek:   373 250 123 to goal :nervous
Teresita

Teresita

4
My Journey
 

Today is the Day

Right now it is 4:30 am and I am just starting to get sleepy after being up for awhile. I woke a bit before three and had trouble relaxing and sleeping. I need to be at the hopsital at 6am and my surgery is scheduled for 7:30am. I really want to just get in, get through it, so I can start healing and getting on to a new life. All of this anticpation for the surgery has been so difficult. I have been working so hard for this and I am determined to succeed at this, but of coarse I have my doubts, mostly about the surgery, I really have faith in myself that i can use this tool well. At least, I truly, truly hope so.   Well my mouth is extremely dry from the nausea preventing patch I have on, and I am starting to get pretty tired, going to try to catch a bit of sleep before leaving. See you all on the other side...bye bye
Veggestyle

Veggestyle

3
losingjusme ....
 

holy $#!t !!!!!

ok, so i am down 10% and i am happy. very happy ... extremely happy. less than 20 pounds until my first mini goal of 60 pounds gone by 08 December. so i start thinking about my second mini goal. i have these really great dresses that i ordered online and i've never (ever) been able to wear them. so my 2nd mini goal is to look awesome in this dress for my Father's surprise retirement party in February. the thought just came to me... so i jumped up and grabbed the dress to show to Rick.   on a whim, i tried the dress on, it fucking fit ... FIT FIT FIT FIT FIT !!! ok ok ok ... it is very umm shall we say snug around the tummy area. but it fit! (going from a loose 42/44W to a 30W)   so my 2nd goal is to have it really fit by Christmas. can i do it?   you bet your ass i am going to try...
losingjusme

losingjusme

2
My Journey
 

11-19-06 The Day Before the Big Change

Well, after everything I have been through, working up to, sacrificing and so on, my big day is finally very very near--tomorrow! I need to be at the hospital at 6am, and my surgery is at 7:30am. Alright, so I am totally freaked...:nervous There are so many if, but, should, would questions and thoughts running through my head regarding the surgery, having a foreign object in my belly, but of coarse there are no certain answers to any of the questions. The only certainanty that I feel is that if I do not go through this, I will be obese, moribdly obese the rest of my life, I will wind up with arthritic knees, and hips (which believe it or not at the young age of 23 is already starting to take affect), I may get diabetes, high blood pressure and so on. I want to be healthy, feel better, be much healthier when I become preganant, and I DO NOT want to wear a plus sized wedding dress. :phanvan Today I taking the time to clean the house up, check last minute details, making sure everything is in order as much as possible before the big day. Well, I hope to post how I feel and how everything went as soon as possible. To everyone that may read this, wish me luck and thank you all!:hug:
Veggestyle

Veggestyle

3
nancyc's Journal
 

5 days into pre-op

Here are some stats so I don't forget. Most ever weight verified by a scale : 244. weight the day before pre-op diet: 239. My Dr. was incredulous that I would spend so much money to lose weight. His comment was why don't you just use the Optifast without spending all that money. I got mad, but I didn't say anything. He just has never understood the problems with obesity and has the sensitivity of a rhino.   I am on my 5th day on Optifast. It doesn't taste so bad now, but I would rather it tasted better. Yesterday I pigged out and had 4 strawberries in an optifast and ate a whole green pepper as well.   I weighed myself this morning, and I am down 5 lbs., but the other times I weighed myself was not first thing in the morning, so I'll hold off on congratulating myself. Also, I have been using the ketostix, and - nothing. No Ketosis. I wonder why that is?
nancyc

nancyc

1
Bosteph's Battle of the Bulge
 

I am...AFRAID

First of all, I know my fears are not rational. I am an intelligent woman but I do watch too much medical television.   I have never had surgery. I have never been "put under". It scares me to death. I am terrified of having the tube down my throat. I am afraid that I will wake up before the tube has been taken out. Death by suffocation is my greatest fear. Putting a tube down my throat sounds very suffocating to me.   I have talked to my friends and my husband - who all say that having surgery is easy (the recovery has always been the hardest for them). My brain knows that this is correct. The deep recesses of my twisted mind are not cooperating. :nervous   I also read the message boards and I see people who have tickers that show they were banded a year ago and they have lost 100 pounds. I think hooray :clap2: - that will be me. Then I also see a couple that have been banded for two years and have lost 45 pounds and I think crap, that will be me. Is it worth it? Not that I believe that 45 pounds is not good, it's just not how I envision my results. My ChaCha says that success will depend on my ability to stick with the program and respect my band. She also said that she will be standing by to encourage me and beat me when necessary. You just gotta love friends like that.
bosteph

bosteph

3
LittleBird's Journal
 

My first fill - 3 months post op

I got my first fill today. It was completely painless and so simple it was ridiculous. I think the last time I went when they "couldn't get it done" was because the lady was a "fill in" for the regular RN - because today was a snap.   They added 1.5 and then took out .2. When I drank some water the first time I was gurgly - so they took out the .2 and all was well. It will be interesting to see how food goes - and what changes I'll have to make now that I may experience some actual restriction.   Liquids today and mushies tomorrow. I guess after that back to real food.
LittleBird

LittleBird

2
Sunshine2's (Tonya's) Journal
 

I can't wait until Wednesday

The waiting is killing me. I go see the doctor on Wednesday, the 22nd. They will weigh me and send my paper work off too the insurance. I am just praying I get approved. I am so nervous about not getting approved.   I'm so anxious over all this, I hate waiting! But I know there is nothing I can do to rush the process, I just need to learn to be patient - something I am not good at.
tonya66

tonya66

3
Minnesotalady's Journal
 

starting the process of banding

Went to my doctor on Friday, I got weighed and measured (height) I have a BMI of 40.6 so I should qualify for the lap band surgery. WooHoo!!!! Waiting to go to my seminar in Willmar on the 28th of November looking forward to that. My husband will be going with me. He's getting used to the idea of me getting the WLS surgery done. Thank heavens. I can't wait!
Minnesotalady

Minnesotalady

1
Cha Cha's Journey
 

One Week Anniversary!

Today I have been smoke free for one week! No cheating . . . not even once. I will admit that I feel better. My DH and I went for a walk this morning (with the puppies) and I didn't wheeze as much as I have in the past! One week down and a lifetime to go!   I completed my letter to BCBS for my surgery. I will send it to the Doctor's office Monday morning. After that, the only thing left to do is to see the psychologist for my results, and the nutritionist (all at the same time) on Tuesday. Hopefully the Doctor's office will send all my info to the insurance company before Thanksgiving. I hope it only takes a week or two to get approved. If so, then I can have the surgery prior to Christmas. That would be the ultimate Christmas gift! :clap2:
angelburch

angelburch

3

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