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sdurig's Blog
 

Managing Lunch Breaks at Work

Today is my first day at work on this pre-op diet. Just as a small side note, this is the worst first ever. I am trying so hard not to be a grumpy gills about people eating around me, becuase although everyone knows I am on this diet, I cannot expect anyone to not eat around me just becuase it's hard. I am trying to not be frustrated with those around me, but I'll tell you what, thus far it's been super difficult to not bite everyones head off around me. Silly I know. But even these few days have made me feel so moody. I would kill for a giant burger right now with cheese and bacon!   Till next time by bariatric buddies...   Sara
sdurig

sdurig

3
Bypass Princess
 

Great Tips for Eating Out After Gastric Bypass

So when I first started eating out after surgery I would literally do my research before I went to the restaurant to make sure there were healthy options I could eat there. Some of the hardest things when eating out is finding a low calorie option that you an tolerate especially if you are going with friends and family and they have no food restrictions and can eat whatever they want, darn them lol. So here are some great tips to try when you are going out to eat that might help you along the way. Drink water only: It is best not to drink 30 minutes prior to or 30 minutes after eating, but let’s face it we all get thirsty so rather than drinking your calories it is best to order water. This is one I still have to work on lol.
Decide what to order before you go: If you are worried about what is on the menu and what you can eat, do you research before you go. Now a days with your phones and technology most restaurants have menu’s right on their website so you can do your recon before you go.
Bread or no bread?: Bread can be really hard for people after surgery, but if you enjoy your bread it is better not to depry yourself just remove another option from your menu like no dessert. Same thing with tortilla chips and salsa it is OK to have some just don’t go overboard with your carbs. The worst thing you can do is to depry yourself of the things you want most you just have to learn to control what you eat.
Avoid Greasy Appetizers: Alot of times when I would go out to eat I would feel left out when others were ordering appetizers so a great alternative to an unhealthy and greasy or fried appetizers is to choose a low calorie soup or side salad option. This allows you to eat when your friends are eating their appetizers but you will not feel guilty for your choices.
Put Your Fork Down Between Bites: As gastric bypass and sleeve patients we need to chew often and eat slowly so a great way to make this happen when out with friends and family is to put your fork down between your bites. This allows for conversation and allows you to slow down between bites. This also will allow you to truly taste and savor each bite you take in, and by eating slowly it will allow you to listen to your body and when it is feeling full.
STOP eating when you start to feel full: Learning your body and most importantly your pouch learn when to put down the fork and stop eating. When you start to get that full sensation it is time to STOP and maybe even ask your server to remove your plate so you are NOT tempted to eat more.
Enjoy your company and talk alot: Talking with allow a few things one it will allow you to slow down eating, and two it will more than likely prevent you from over eating.
For More Great Recipes and Articles please visit my blog Bypass Princess today and follow me on my journey to getting healthy and happy! Or Follow Us On Facebook at Bypass Princess Journey
Angela Sperry-Wenke

Angela Sperry-Wenke

0
Bypass Princess
 

When Bad Habits Creep Back In After Weight Loss

I will be the first to admit that with getting back into the swing of life and work and a new love, it is easy to let those old bad habits creep back into our lives. We all fall victim to this in some sort or fashion and it is the one thing as weight loss patients that we fear. This is probably the one thing we fear the most that we will start up our old bad habits that got us to being overweight in the first place. I am about 16 months out and I am the first admit that I have allowed bad habits to sneak back into my life, not as bad as before surgery but regardless they did creep back in. My bad habits include soda, and occasional fast food. We call this the comfortable phase, you are now comfortable with how you have to live and eat post surgery and then life in general just happens and we can tend to slip back into those old habits. Alot of people suffer from this problem they lose all the weight then think “hey I can reward myself with a cookie, or stopping for fast food, or a soda” But I remember seeing a saying a long time ago that said we are not dogs, we do not need to reward ourselves with food and this is so true. Why do we always use food as a reward, or something to make us feel better. The truth is food is something we need to survive, it should not be used as reward. If you are thinking of having weight loss surgery, you need to understand that the surgery is not a cure all. Your mind is a powerful tool and is something we need to work on or it will sabotage our weight loss journey. The one thing I noticed is my bad habits creeping back in and I refuse to let them ruin my weight loss or rule my life. The most important thing to remember is that we will have trips and falls along the way, the difference is are you going to let this slips and falls define your new life or are you going to get up dust yourself off and start over. For me I am going back to putting protein first in my diet, being good about making sure I get my vitamins in and staying honest by providing a weekly food journal to give you all an idea on how much I eat and what I eat throughout the week.   For More Great Recipes and Articles please visit my blog Bypass Princess today and follow me on my journey to getting healthy and happy!
Angela Sperry-Wenke

Angela Sperry-Wenke

1
Bypass Princess
 

Dating After Weight Loss Surgery

So you have lost tons of weight and you are feeling amazing about yourself, should you jump on the dating bandwagon and dip your toes in? The answer is YES, if you go into the dating scene with your eyes wide open. When I started dating at the first of last year it was all new to me, I had been in a long marriage for 25 years and I honestly didn’t know what I was looking. The only thing I knew for sure was I wanted so much better than what I had for 25 years, I knew that I deserved so much better. Alot of woman who start off dating after weight loss surgery usually go the online dating route, which is completely normal that is how I met my fiance. But to be honest with you be prepared that 90% of what I met online, and my friends whom were online dating is alot of guys out for one thing, SEX. So while there are alot of sleazy guys out there I also met alot of nice guys, that just were not my type for one reason or another. Now being totally upfront I should also mention that online dating can work, that is how I met my fiance and that is how my brother met his wife so it can work. Just being aware of the pitfalls will just keep you alot safer. Only Reveal Information When Necessary- One of the things on your mind is probably how soon into the dating process should I reveal that I have had weight loss surgery or lost alot of weight. For me I wanted to be upfront and honest from the get to so I actually put this information into my profile, this was a blessing for me because if the potential person did not mention this when I talked to him then he obviously did not read my profile. But this choice is completely up to you, on when it is comfortable to reveal that you use to be obese, and now you have a new healthier lifestyle.
Don’t be a Discouraging Personalty- Your number may have dropped and you might not of met your goal weight as of yet. During this process you might be frustrated or upset, but do not let your potential date know this. Do not tell your potential date how you hate your new body, or your lifestyle because you want to promote this as a new fun and wonderful healthy version of yourself.
Plan your Dates and Meals in Advance-Since you have a healthier lifestyle it is important when setting up dates that you plan on going somewhere to eat on your dates that you are comfortable with. You don’t want your date to think you can’t eat anything but at the same token you want to eat somewhere comfortable for you and your new healthier lifestyle. I actually kept a list of restaurants that I was comfortable eating at as a backup for when someone would ask me to go dinner, this way I knew there were options that I was comfortable eating from.
Be as Confident as you can-Bottom line you are a NEW person now, and along with your new body and lifestyle you need to work on your self esteem. Whenever I would go out on a first date I went into it with the mindset that any guy would be so lucky to have me. This may sound conceited but it is true, you are a catch and you should come across this way to any potential suitor. If you are nervous practice with your friends with small talk, smiling, and picking out just the right outfit that makes you feel confident and beautiful.
Learn to LOVE all of you-This includes your new body, I promise you if you feel uncomfortable about your body they will notice this too. Learn to LOVE yourself before you start the dating process, that is why I waited 5 years to date. I did not want to get into a dating situation without first loving myself first and foremost.
For More Great Recipes and Articles please visit my blog Bypass Princess today and follow me on my journey to getting healthy and happy! Or Follow Us On Facebook at Bypass Princess Journey
Angela Sperry-Wenke

Angela Sperry-Wenke

0
sdurig's Blog
 

Here we go....

So here's the thing...I've never done a blog before, but I figured it would be one of the many coping skills I could utilize on this journey I'm on, plus, I know it's helped me to see how other people have felt throughout their journey. So, I'm a little late in terms of starting the blog, since I'm about a week and a half away from surgery.   I think the thing that was a tipping point for me in regards to finally making a decision to look into surgery was the fact that more then twice in a month, someone had come up to me and congratulated me on being pregnant and asking me when I was due. This was not only hurtful, but it kept me from going out. I knew I was overweight, I knew that I wasn't in shape. I think sometimes the people around me worried that I was depressed, and to be honest I probably was a little depressed. My wonderful fiancee always told me how beautiful I was, but told me he also wanted me to be healthy. He was always there when someone pointed out how heavy I was, or asked me if I was pregnant. He has absolutely been a rock for me through this journey when I made the decision to go ahead and pursue the gastric bypass. My family has celebrated every little milestone of this journey with me, and we are all anxious to get to the actual surgery day!   There have been some really amazing moments in this journey so far , and some really difficult, depressing, cry into my pillow days . I'll never forget quitting smoking. I am so proud of myself that I had the strength to do this. My fiancee and I are planning on starting a family after we get married in 2017 (one of the contributing factors to me losing weight was wanting to be healthy enough to have kids and be there for them and my fiancee) and this was a key factor in that. I actually surprised myself at my surgical consult because when Dr. Moazzez told me I had to quit smoking I just burst out and said, this surgery is more important to me then cigarettes are! I didn't even know where that burst of inner strength came from, but it almost made me laugh that I had such strong conviction to quit smoking.   I think some of the more frustrating things I've had to deal with have been the amount of time it has taken to even get close to surgery day! My insurance required me to do 6 months of medically managed weight loss, and then the surgeon also gave me some requirements as well. It has now been close to 8 months, so almost a year and I'm just getting to the surgery day soon ! Of course quitting smoking was hard, and now the liquid diet is the worst! Its hard to go from eating 4 dollar menu sandwiches to one protein shake, and thats supposed to be a meal replacement...Trust me, so far, I have not felt like Ive had meals replaced, I almost feel like I have had the milkshake that should go with my meal, but then there's no meal to compliment it! My fiancee has been super helpful by not eating in the house or around me, although I know that at some point someone will eat something in front of me, and I will probably start drooling ....I will tell you what, they definitely don't make it easy....   The long process has made me realize that this surgery is not going to be a piece of cake. It's made me work harder then I have ever worked before on making changes in my life. I'm the type of person who definitely goes hard or goes home. Hopefully at this point, If I can survive the liquid diet, I will be making a couple more posts before surgery
sdurig

sdurig

0
The journey finally begins
 

In an anger rut

I have lost more in the past six months than I thought possible and I am starting to really comprehend how deep the changes have been regarding my health and habits. But, I am pissed at myself because i have stopped exercising! It's been about two months now that my exercise activity has dropped from almost daily to four or five times a week, to two or three times a week and now less than once a week. I am still losing, although my weight loss has slowed to about 2 lbs a week (which is still awesome!!!!). I am only 20 lbs from goal, and I know I will make it. Yet, I am still angry about not exercising and not finding the motivation.   Actually, I seem to be angry about everything. I just get pissed all the time at the littlest things. My family is walking on eggshells around me, worried that they will upset me. What the hell is going on? I have achieved something I am proud of. My body doesn't hurt anymore. I feel like I can tale anything on. YET, there is this seething beneath the surface that just won't quit. I recognize that the anger exists (yeah therapy), now I just have to get to the bottom of it. Could I really be so upset that I can't eat as much or as many things as I used to? Am I really missing food that much? I have to get over it, because I have not come this far to not enjoy this new opportunity!
fernandfj

fernandfj

0
GastricSleeveGalJourney
 

4 Weeks Post Op

Down 15 pounds !   Almost in the 170's.   Still having mashed food, so far potato, rutabaga, carrots. And I tried soft chicken today. I could of had more but I didn't want to overdue it because I also had some mashed veggies with it.   I also been having greek yogurts, puddings, liquid protein shakes. Trying to stay away from soups and broths. Tired of it lol.   I also started my vitamins today. My b12 strips are mint flavour and nasty for a few mins then becomes tolerable, then once I have a drink its fine.   Its a challenge when I eat food I just want to gobble it all up. Funny thing I still don't feel actual normal hunger. Also my stomach bugles like crazy when I have solids. people can actually hear the gurgling.   Incisions are healing. 2 of them are slightly open but slowly closing up.
skp

skp

0
Just Another Day in the Life of Bea
 

Whoo Hoo!

So today was a pretty good day, no let me rephrase that this weekend was a great weekend! Not only did I get on the scale today and see that number go down (at 320!) but I happened to have the task of cleaning out my closet, something I had been avoiding for a while, and what do I find? Some of the clothes that I had deemed too snug to wear - FIT!!! I haven't felt this kind of victory in a long time. I forgot what it was like, how emotional realizing that progress is being made. I was almost in tears. (silly right? yeah.. I'm a big baby) Anywho, I was running around the house giving my hubby a fashion show!! And there were even some clothes that were too big!! So needless to say it was a motivating experience. Of course I know that not every week will go like this, and I'm ready for that. But this week? Yes, I have renewed motivation and validation that what I am doing is working!
beabenitez1978

beabenitez1978

0
Just Another Day in the Life of Bea
 

Coffee!

So, its been a while since I've been back on the wagon, and its been a little over a week since my first adjustment in a REALLY long time. Things seem to be going well, however with that being said, I've noticed along with my "forcing" myself to drink my required amounts of water for the day, I've also had the incessant need to drink coffee.. its a bit unnerving. Now I have always loved coffee, but it seems these days I've been drinking it more often. Now mind you I'm a black coffee drinker, so its not like I'm even craving the sweet stuff.. but I'm thinking I probably need to slow it down.. I bought a few boxes of teas to try.. I am just wondering what my obsession is all about?
beabenitez1978

beabenitez1978

0
GastricSleeveGalJourney
 

Almost 4 Weeks Post Op

Everything is going good.   Incidions are healing quite niceley.   Still doing liquid protein and mashed foods.   Down 13 lbs and really noticed a difference.   Ps, stitches came out without s hitch. Done at home
skp

skp

2
Just Another Day in the Life of Bea
 

My cure for getting this water down? Lemon? Who knew?!

So for all my life, I' admit, I've always "hated" water. Don't get me wrong, I love water, when its 120 degrees outside and I'm dehydrated. However, this can't possibly be good for me, right? If served both coffee and water? Yep.. I take the coffee.. of course when crystal light came out with their single carry packs, I was the girl that would dump that into a nice tall glass of water. Even when it came down to trying "infused" water, it just wasn't for me.   Until this morning. Recently my neighbor had gifted us with an enormous amount of lemons, more than I knew what to do with them. There are only so many I could use, and since I have decided to not eat baked goods of any kind (these are my downfall) No lemon bars, cookies of bread for me. I got online, and realized quickly that there are many people that freeze their lemons, great idea. However I don't have the freezer space for such nonsense. But what do i find? Pure lemon juice ice cubes? WHAT? So this morning, I popped a few cubes out and dropped them into my water bottle. Needless to say this was the first time I found water enjoyable, and could totally drink more!! Sadly, the cubes of that lemony goodness didn't travel with me. I began to wonder what things this lemon water is capable of beside of tempting me to drink more!? Here's what I found!   http://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/11-benefits-lemon-water-you-didnt-know-about.html Why lemons? Lemons are packed like a clown car with nutrients, including vitamin C, B-complex vitamins, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, and fiber. (Fun fact: they contain more potassium than apples or grapes!) Because of how hard lemon juice can be on the enamel of your teeth, it’s important to dilute it with water of any temperature (though lukewarm is recommended). Drink it first thing in the morning, and wait 15 to 30 minutes to have breakfast. This will help you fully receive the benefits of lemon water, which are listed below. 11 Benefits of Lemon Water 1. Reduces inflammation. If you drink lemon water on a regular basis, it will decrease the acidity in your body, which is where disease states occur. It removes uric acid in your joints, which is one of the main causes of inflammation. 2. Aids digestion. Lemon juice not only encourages healthy digestion by loosening toxins in your digestive tract, it helps to relieve symptoms of indigestion such as heartburn, burping, and bloating. 3. Helps you lose weight. Lemons contain pectin fiber, which assists in fighting hunger cravings. 4. Cleanses your system. It helps flush out the toxins in your body by enhancing enzyme function, stimulating your liver. 5. Keeps your skin blemish-free. The antioxidants in lemon juice help to not only decrease blemishes, but wrinkles too! It can also be applied to scars and age spots to reduce their appearance, and because it’s detoxifying your blood, it will maintain your skin’s radiance. 6. Gives your immune system a boost. Vitamin C is like our immune system’s jumper cables, and lemon juice is full of it. The level of vitamin C in your system is one of the first things to plummet when you’re stressed, which is why experts recommended popping extra vitamin C during especially stressful days. 7. Excellent source of potassium. As already mentioned, lemons are high in potassium, which is good for heart health, as well as brain and nerve function. 8. Freshens your breath. It also helps relieve toothaches and gingivitis (say wha?). Because the citric acid can erode tooth enamel, either hold off on brushing your teeth after drinking lemon water or brush your teeth before drinking it. 9. Gives you an energy boost. Lemon juice provides your body with energy when it enters your digestive tract, and it also helps reduce anxiety and depression. (Even the scent of lemons has a calming effect on your nervous system!) 10. Helps to cut out caffeine. I didn’t believe this until I tried it, but replacing my morning coffee with a cup of hot lemon water has really done wonders! I feel refreshed, and no longer have to deal with that pesky afternoon crash. Plus, my nerves are thankful. 11. Helps fight viral infections. Warm lemon water is the most effective way to diminish viral infections and their subsequent sore throats. Plus, with the lemon juice also boosting your immune system, you’ll simultaneously fight off the infection completely. How much? For those who weigh less than 150 pounds, squeeze half a lemon’s worth of juice into a glass of water. If over 150 pounds, use an entire lemon’s juice. You can of course dilute the lemon juice more, depending on your personal taste. Not only are the benefits of lemon water endless, it’s one of the most substantial yet simple changes you can make for your health.
beabenitez1978

beabenitez1978

0
Just Another Day in the Life of Bea
 

My rant for the day..

So I've been wondering if I am the only one, that has finally realized that I have a problem with food. I'm addicted to it. Sure I have the band (which has been doing a great job since my newest adjustment - down 12 lbs!) But it seems as if I just enjoy food waaaay more than I am supposed to. . Why can't I be "normal" and just eat to live, as opposed to live to eat? So many of my waking hours are consumed with what i am going to eat, when i am going to eat, and how much I'm going to eat. Why can't I eat just enough to sustain life, why do I have the craving to go overboard? Why can't just one or two oreos be enough? Why do I think about eating the entire rack or two? I wish there was a way to fix what goes on inside my head.. until I figure that out.. I think I may just rant about it here.. Thanks for listening..
beabenitez1978

beabenitez1978

0
Just Another Day in the Life of Bea
 

New Year, Renewed Goals

Well since I was last here, which seems so long ago I seem to have not really "moved" anywhere but UP on that scale. However instead of sitting here trying to come up with "excuses" I will just admit to my errors these past few years. A combination of lack of follow ups with my surgeon, "forgetting" to measure the food i eat and not making an effort to just MOVE. It was a few months ago that I knew I needed to get back on track, of course my laziness and lack of motivation took over. It was finally with the beginning of the new year that I decided it was high time to get something done. So last Thursday, which was the 14th, I went in for my first fill since 2013. According to the doc, things looked good, and he wants to see how things go with this adjustment, which puts me at 7.5 cc's . Its funny after all this time I've had to start it all over again, LIke a "newbie", this time though, I am going to give it my best shot, because in the end, I have a tool that works, I just have to work with it..
beabenitez1978

beabenitez1978

0
Welcome to my journey toward being able to walk again!
 

Getting my surgery Jan 26th

It took a lot of phone calls, complaining and even threatening to sit in the lobby of my PCP's office till I got it - but I finally got the medical clearance and got a real not a dummy date from my surgeon for my surgery. Jan 26th, it is 2 days after my 60th birthday and I am so ready. On Jan 19th I have the Pre-admission 4 hour workshop which includes: 1. a weigh in haven't seen or been weighed in since Nov 23rd the last 6 month supervised diet visit. Trying to maintain this weigh during the Holidays was not easy at all. I wasn't told I couldn't gain but felt it was important for me not to do so. However I proved unsuccessful with all the various activities around here. Yes I did gain 10 pounds and have been trying to get off every pounds gained plus more these last few weeks.We shall see tomorrow how I did. I hope I am at least back to the weight I was on Nov 23rd. 2. An hour long workshop with the nurse to remind me of what the surgery will entail, what I have to do this last week to get ready for it and the pre-op 1 day diet I must follow, what I must eat and the vitamins I have to take, breathing exercises I have to do after surgery. 3. Meet with the nurses and the Dr that will put me to sleep. 4. Plus ant tests that are now out of date because I had to wait over 2 months for the Doctors to give me clearance. They were so slow I was hitting the punching bag with their faces on it every day. People who started after me already have their surgery and have lost 35 to 50 pounds already. But at least this time around I have a surgery date unlike 2008 when I was told the insurance would pay for the lapband but not the fills. This time around I decided on the sleeve which was not allowed in 8 years ago.   I have been thinking about my life after surgery and what I want to do with the new found freedom I hope to get. I hope and pray that this weight loss will allow me to walk again despite all the medical difficulties I have with my back, hips and legs. I hope that I will not need surgery on those parts but if I do there better not be a single Doctor who refuses to do what is needed for me to walk again. I can't have gone through all this to still be using a electric mobility device to get around.   GOALS I WANT TO ACHIEVE 1. Whether I can walk again or not I will still be doing my exercise of riding my tricycle, using my arm peddler and pulley and doing the sit down circuit at either Youfit or Curves. I like the equipment at Curves but the lady that owns and runs it is a gossiper. She has told me about others who had surgery and things about their personal life that she had no business telling me. Makes me wonder if she told any one about my personal struggles. I like that Curves as it is close to my house and easier for me to get into with the scooter and walker. I will not tell her about my surgery but if she asks how I lost the weight from the time I left her place (as it has been over 5 years) till I get back, I'll just say high protein-low carb and leave it at that.   2. If possible in Feb after I have recovered from this gallbladder, sleeve and possible hernia surgery I want to go to the monthly support group the Doctor offered. I didn't feel right going before and thought it might make me too anxious. However, once I have the surgeries I know I will need the support as I have told no one as I only have one family member left (my brother who is 8 years older and doesn't ever call me or keep in touch) and when I called him I told him it was gallbladder and exploratory surgery for the nodules I have in various parts of my body.. I didn't lie as I do have numerous nodules, which I hope will not prevent the surgery from happening. The doctor is aware of them and I had 2 catscans done so he knows where they are.   3. I also want to engage in life again and do the things that other do, which haven't been possible to me. a. I want to join a bowling league. I use to bowl in college and was on several leagues. I didn't bowl well but I had fun and it was exercise. b. I want to go to the movies. It has been years since I have been able to go to see a movie. At one time I was able to fit into the stadium seating but the painful walk up the steps and the side stepping to get to a seat was beyond belief. I can't even remember the last movie I attended but I know I stayed on my scooter in the handicap section. c. I want to go on the Fair rides and all the attraction rides in Orlando. For many years the Wednesday before my Birthday a groups of us supersized people would go to the Fair. Of course none of us could go on any of the rides so we did all the shows and other things available. Next January I want to go on the rides. WOW this makes me think of all the weekend trips I could make to Orlando for all the different attractions that are there and really enjoy myself by being able to go on all the rides. What a wonderful world would open up to me. To be able to take a cruise, ride a jetski, skydive in one of the domes, do a zipline. These are all things on my bucket list and some how I plan to do every one of them.   4. If I am able to walk again, I want to leave the current job I have working 2 days per week with the Blind teaching them keyboarding and braille to become a Zumba and Bowka instructor for the elderly. I love to teach and what better way to combine my love of teaching and exercise as the same time. Of course I will have to take some classes in these two exercises and get certified but I do believe it can be done here in Florida as I have researched where the various training programs are located and a few of them are in Florida.   I also have a goal of riding my tricycle (if I can't ride a bike) around Lake Okeechobee in Feb 2017 for the Loop around the Lake for Literacy. No not the whole Lake as that is 115 miles but I want to do the 14 mile ride up on the dike. I already checked into and am allowed to ride the tricycle if I can't ride a bike. I told the lady (in charge this year) that it would be a milestone goal of mine. I am hoping to be below 200 when I take this ride. The only bad thing about it is it will cost be $85.00 to do so. However if I can use it to raise money and I raise $200.00 I will get back my $85.00. So once I have the surgery, see where I am weight wise in 6 months then I will start thinking about how to turn this into a Pay it Forward kind of thing and raise that $200.00 so I can ride for free.   I know this was long a long winded entry but only those who have been close to 500 pounds and have just existed not being able to really live their life the way they wanted to will understand what this surgery will do for me. Granted I lost 180 pounds on my own over the past 10 years but I am now 60 and do not want to wait another 10 years to get off the remaining 160 pounds. I know this is not the magic cure and only a tool. But it is a tool that will help me lose the remaining weight and allow me to LIVE, LAUGH AND LOVE. By the grace of GOD I am going to do this by my 61st birthday.   Since my surgery is in about 1 week my next posting will be after I get home and have had some time to recover. No doubt it will be about the surgery, recovery and how well I am doing. I hope that my posting these entries in some small way helps others who are just beginning their journey and will provide encouragement to all following this new way of life.   For all those who did read this posting please let me know how you are doing and feel free to become friends with me as I am sure we need each other's support to accomplish all our goals. Stay Happy and Healthy!!
ssflbelle

ssflbelle

2
GastricSleeveGalJourney
 

Day 10 Post Op

Everything is going good so far. My stitches should be coming out any day now. Getting itchy and I want to pick the scabs lol. My stomach is chaffing now because it was rubbed so raw from the tape and bandage changes.   I am still on liquids, I managed a cup of creme soup tonight, but I think I should have a little less because it was creamy, thickish. And after a few minutes I felt like throwing up; still learning my limits.
skp

skp

0
My New Thinner Healthier Life
 

Three days post op

Had my sleeve done Tuesday. Tuesday night and Wednesday were horrible!! I have never felt so sick in my stomach in my life. Thursday was my first full day home, and I spent most of the day sleeping. Today has been much better. I got up this morning and have been sipping on my water consistently and am over the 30 ounce mark. I have also had two servings of my protein today. There is still a lot of gas, and hiccupping or burping is still painful.   I did go to work today and did a gel polish, I could have done a haircut as well, but I didn't want to over do things. After we left the salon Christine and I went to the Y. I got in a full thirty minutes on the treadmill. I walked at half the speed I usually do, and had zero incline, but I did the whole 30 minutes. It has seemed to help some with the gas, although there is still a ton of it rumbling around in there.   I haven't had to take any pain medication today or any of the anti-nausea medication, which I consider to be a very good thing. Though I am sure I will take a dose at bedtime, to ensure that I can rest comfortably, since its been a pretty busy day.
saffron280

saffron280

1
GastricSleeveGalJourney
 

Week 2 Post Op

Everything is going great!   Down 10 lbs since Jan 2.   Fluid intake no problems.   Incisions are healing nicely. The red rashes due to the tape is annoying but healing up. Stitches will be out on Tuesday.
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Theresa64's Blog
 

The thin within!

So very frustrated, self induced. After the holiday I had gained 5lbs., now paying dearly. I had started on Monday with my back on track program...It has been so difficult. The first two days, just protein shakes, yesterday I had shakes, and eggs; but for some reason on the scale yesterday I was 215, this morning 217lbs. WHAT It has only been three days. It has to be fluid. I do remember that last night my tummy was really bloating and it was hard to get liquids in..Now, I feel defeated.   I had watch the doctors on television. A women who had lost 235 pounds, but had a lot of sagging skin..My goodness I became so upset. I have the skin starting to hang. SO puzzled. Lipedema is the caused for this problem. The patient holds the fluids and fat stays on the body.   Access skin doesn't go away on its on. It has to removed via surgery. The liquid and fat remains. Has anyone experienced this? Scary. I know I have to become more active, to rid me of all these aches and pains. My energy level has very taken a beating. I hope the next couple of months are a lot better then the pass five months. I have learned that I cannot cheat, have to more disciplined.   It has been three days today since I started, the scales says 3lbs since Monday, but, yesterday morning I was 215lbs. 2 lbs..Makes me crazy.   I have to huge discovery, I HAVE TO reprogram my mind and thoughts again. I remember the first month was tough, but, the pounds were falling out. After the shakes and moving in whole foods is what has throw me over the hill. If anyone is reading this, please I am in need of direction and assistance.   Thankfully appreciated.   Theresa from Delaware
Theresa64

Theresa64

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GastricSleeveGalJourney
 

Sleeved! Jan 5th, 2016

Was sleeved Tijunana, Mexico by Dr. Mario Almanza!   Our experience was awesome,   Great people, they are with you every step of the way. Passionate caring staff. Very accommodating.   I was having an issue the first night of dry heaving, which could of been expected. And I also felt very low on sugar so I had a sugar IV for what they use for the diabetics, after that I was fine Now My voice is kind of gone lol because of the heaving.   I was up and walking within a bit after recovery. X Ray tests are perfect. I went with 6 other people I know and met 2 new American friends.   Crossing the borders was a piece of cake. The shopping experience was great.   Doing awesome, quite the change and adjustment. Finally home and snuggled in my own bed, Gas pain is no more,   Over all experience AMAZING! Would definitely recommend Dr. Almanza to anyone   Day 7 doing well
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nickelbv's Blog
 

Christmas aftermath

Christmas is over, it's January, a whole new year. New beginnings.   So in my last blog I did talk about calories and there being a lot of them during Christmas. I did not step on the scale until this morning. I was dreading it!! Seriously.   But I am my worst enemy. We are we so mean to our own mind, why do we think such bad thought about what we do? I was sure I'd gained at least 5 pounds!   BUT!! I had lost weight!! yesssss so happy. Not much but hey! from thinking I'd gained 5 pounds to loosing a few grams hah! I'm happy with that   After getting the lap band I've really missed carbonated drinks. Like carbonated water (no added flavors or sugar) and maybe a beer when out with friends. But I haven't had a single drop of beer or carbonated water since May last year. I did try a carbonated Christmas drink that we have in Iceland and it gave me nausea. But I wasn't giving up. And I won! I can drink carbonated drinks. I just have to be very careful!!. I don't drink diet or sugar drinks (pepsi, coke, mountain dew..) stopped that 4 years ago. But carbonated water mmm love it. Like the fizz. So what I have to do it to pour it in a glass. No drinking from a bottle. Let the fizz set so the drink looks "calm" (wait a minute or two) and then drink it. And then be careful, be extra careful to burp!! yes burp, that's the magic.   But burping means I can't drink it anywhere. Not at work, restaurants or any public places. I know my manners haha. I can only drink it at home where I can give it a big loud burp. Because if you hold the burp, the nausea comes.   I think I've developed a six pack under all that fat from all the stomach exercise on burping and well when I have Productive burping or food stuck. I never new I could manage stuff inside like that.   I'm seeing my doctor on Wednesday. I'm going to ask for a fill because I kinda feel hungry about 3-4 hours after lunch. And I mean hungry, like I want to eat anything I see. Maybe that's Christmas aftermath. Maybe I'm thinking more about food now, something I didn't do so much after Christmas? Not sure. The brain is a tricky thing. I have now a 6.2 or 6.3 cc in my band and I think it's ok to put more in it. My doctor is careful with fillings and only wants to fill it with 0.1cc at a time (at least with me)   Oh and this weekend is so difficult. I'm having the cravings, candy cravings. Like Chocolate! I have not and will not cave in. I'm thinking about how happy I was this morning when I stepped on the scale. So I will not have a single bite. But ugh hate days like these!   ok so 2016 is starting very well and my goal is to loose about 20 pounds before April (omg!). I will succeed!
lapband78

lapband78

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Efforts and Results Blog
 

Feeling full doesn't mean being fat

Happy New Year everyone!   I made it through the Holidays without gaining an ounce. Not one stinkin ounce. No one was more surprised than me!   I am almost 5 months post-op (Roux N Y) and noticed that when I would get on the scale, especially after I indulged in Holiday-fare and sparkly drinks, I did not gain any weight. How is that even possible?!? The "FatVoice" in me said - wow - that's a freaking miracle. I dodged a bullet, lived to fight another day, beat the odds... all those things I tell myself as I am resolving to choose more wisely. Whew! Right - you've heard the inner voice I'm talkin about. But here's the thing - because I hadn't gained anything, I was pumped to make a better choice - even if it was just for the next 4 hours! I thought to myself - "get some protein in you!" For the FIRST TIME IN MY LIFE, I have a "SkinnyVoice". It's not very loud yet - but I heard it say "You haven't blown it. You got this, Girl".   Obviously (because i'm still so new to the by-pass), I made healthy choices most of the time - but as I think back on the last 6 weeks. I felt full. My worry about weighing in was that because I was full I must've gained weight. right??? I got to the point where I would weigh myself when I felt full - just to see. And, whaddaya know - BEING FULL ISN'T THE SAME AS BEING FAT!   I get it now - I watched thin people when I was at parties or other social gatherings and noticed that they do not feel compelled to finish a bite. At one party, a really pretty woman ate EXACTLY 1/2 of her Peppermint Schnapps Parfait. I asked her about it and she told me that she had made up her mind BEFORE she took the first bite. Second epiphany, SKINNY PEOPLE HAVE TO WORK AT BEING SKINNY, TOO! wth?? I feel like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz when she gets to see behind the black curtain!   So, Water Always & Protein First - and for the Love of God - eat when you are hungry!
KittyBabbitt

KittyBabbitt

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GastricSleeveGalJourney
 

Pre Op Day 1 Complete

It went really well. I never felt hungry, had some sort of liquid every 2-3 hours.   1 Day down 2 to go.   Love my protein shakes.   I have the Chocolate Premier Protein from Costco. 30g Protein, 0 Carbs. 160 Calories
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My New Thinner Healthier Life
 

10 Days till Surgery!

I started my quest for weight loss surgery back in June, it has been a long wait. I got a surgery date of February 8th about a week ago, Then on New Year's Eve I got a call from Amanda, the surgical coordinator at Marquette General. She wanted to know if I would like to move into a January 12th surgery date!!!! I have been ready for this for years! I am so excited! I first investigated bariatric surgery about 20 years ago, but due to mortality rates, and the restrictions I chose not to do it at that time. That has been a decision that I have looked on with great sadness and disappointment, Fearing that there would never be another opportunity for me to have surgery.   I will only have 11 days on my pre-op diet, and I am hoping that due to already lowering my carb and fat intake and increasing my protein intake the last couple of months; my liver will have shrunk enough for Dr Kemeter to be able to move it out of the way during surgery. I have not so far experienced too much hunger on this diet, but then again it is only the second day.   I went through my dresser and closet yesterday, and got rid of some clothes that I wore to work at the store that I have no intention of every wearing again as long as I live. I also found a tote full of clothes that I wore when I was at my thinnest, and couldn't bear to part with. I am now washing them and hanging them up in my closet in happy anticipation of being able to wear them again.
saffron280

saffron280

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