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Shelleymb's Blog
 

It Feels More Real Than Ever Now....

I am still doing the research on switching insurance. But I found out that the surgeon and facility that we orginially went to is accepted by the new insurance. It is the most amazing feeling!!   My only problem in life right now?? I miss placed my engagement ring... I need to find that thing!!
Shelleymb

Shelleymb

1
IsaacsGram's Blog
 

46 Days Postop Update

I haven't updated in awhile as I'm back to my busy life. Returned to work this Monday, 12 hours shifts, no restrictions. I am doing pretty well, keeping up, keeping hydrated. I was afraid of not having time to drink, let alone eat, but so far I've been able to make it work. I'm also babysitting my 1 year and 2 year old grandsons-that seems to wear me out faster than work! I had this surgery to help me keep up=but so far I'm struggling just as much as before. A bit disappointing, but I'm hoping my stamina increases as I lose weight and get a regular exercise regimen. Speaking of which, I started back to the gym on Saturday. My plan is to go every day off, even if I'm babysitting I will go afterwards. But there is no way to go on work days. Other issues I'm running into include constipation, back pain, and so much gas!! I think the back pain is just due to the abdominal muscles having gotten weak since surgery. For the constipation I have increased the fiber I take daily and now taking colace daily as well. This may also be contributing to the gas thing. So at least I'm finally losing weight again, I said goodbye to the 240's this Tuesday. I also got into some size 18 jeans and my work jackets that I had "outgrown". In case anybody is curious about my stats, i started out this journey at 277lbs, wearing size 22 jeans and 3x scrubs. My scrubs at work are now XL pants and 2x tops. I'm an apple shape-that hasn't changed too much yet. But I'm hoping I will become a thinner apple!!
IsaacsGram

IsaacsGram

0
AngelEyesInNJ's Blog
 

My Surgery Journey - 11/8/12 - Dr. Garcia - Tijuana, Mexico

About my surgery! Date 11/8/12 - Dr.Garcia booked through Ready4AChange   Arrived in San Diego at car rental place 11/7/12 and Samuel picked my sister and I up on time. He was very pleasant helped load our bags into the minivan and he spoke to us the whole ride into Mexico. He answered any questions we had which was great. Arrived at the Marriott in Tijuana - it is BEAUTIFUL the pool area is also very relaxing. Ok back on track! When we arrived at the Marriott, the bell hops helped with the bags (they also are very very friendly) and then Samuel helped us check in and mentioned that Rosie would stop by later to talk to me about my surgery the next day.   We went upstairs got settled in, and the beds are COMFY!!! Rosie did stop by later on and she went over what time I would need to be ready the next day and also let me know about ordering the broth, popsicles and water. Also, just as a note because we weren't aware of this, if you are going through Ready4AChange if you are bringing someone with you or if you want to order Jell-O or something not included in the package from the hotel restaurant just let them know you are with Ready4AChange and you should receive a discount I think it is like 10 or 15%.   After Rosie left my sister and I took a walk to the Casino and Wal-Mart although it looks like it is right behind it is a little bit of a hike maybe like 2 ½-3 NYC blocks. Yes the exercise is great but I didn’t realize what a hike it was going to be for me. We were too tired to walk back so we just took a taxi back to the hotel. The whole time we used US dollars I think you make out better, I wouldn’t exchange into Pesos.   The next morning arrived 11/8/12 - YAY surgery day is here! We went downstairs to the lobby with our belongings and waited to be taken to the hospital. While sitting there, we bumped into others that had the surgery already and they were speaking with us letting me know there is nothing to worry about. It kind of made me feel a bit better, not that I was worried but always great to hear the great stories of post-op ya know. I think it also helped my sister calm down some; she was the nervous one for me.   When we arrived at the hospital, it is smaller than the ones here in the US but still very clean. We were greeted by Melly she is also awesome helping answering any questions we had. She helped me hand my paper work in and then also let me know what to expect. They took me down to the 2nd floor for blood work that was over in a matter of minutes (faster than any US place I have been). I then went back upstairs to the 3rd floor where we were waiting for the room to be cleaned. We were brought into the room and it had 2 beds and a TV so my sister stayed in the room with me. I was given the beautiful gown to put on along with the compression stockings. TMI*** my monthly friend was visiting so as a suggestion on the day of surgery just use a plug and afterwards you can go to the pad otherwise I was told the OR nurse would place pads for you while in there. I didn't want that.   While waiting for surgery the nurse came in to start the IV and I knew she was having a hard time finding the vein (it’s the story of my life) but when she couldn't get it she kept trying and trying and it actually had me crying my sister ran out to get Melly and at that time the nurse stopped and placed a band aide over where she tried. When Melly came in my sister explained what happened and we were told that she should have stopped once I was in pain. After this the Anesthesiologist came in to speak with me and he let me know that he was going to take great care of me and place the IV in when I was knocked out (that was fine with me).   The next doctor that came in was Dr.Velazco, she was just letting me know after surgery I need to walk walk walk this will help with the gas pains and that I should get up and walk about 15-20 mins every hour. The next doctor (I can't think of her name) the internal doc was just explaining to me the importance of blowing into the breath tube to help prevent pneumonia and she also had surgery I can't recall if she had the bypass or sleeve but she was also very very nice.   The last doctor to come and see me was Dr.Garcia he is like a cute cuddly teddy bear. He is very nice he had his iPad and drew up a diagram of what he was going to be doing and asked if I had any questions but from all of the research I had done I really didn't have any questions, I knew what to expect. Also each doctor aside from all being very nice each also stressed the fact that I needed to walk to help with the gas pains and also to help prevent blood clots.   So, moving on.. It’s time for surgery. They bring me into the OR and I lay on the table. The anesthesiologist mentioned the first breath of air may feel a little irritating boy was he right oh my word I felt like I was going to be suffocated but by the second breathe I was out because the next thing I remember was them bringing me back to my room asking me to scoot over into my bed. I was barely alert and my sister kept calling my name to get me to get up and walk. Oh my goodness how the heck am I supposed to walk when I can't even keep my eyes open ha-ha.   Eventually I came too and got up to walk and use the ladies room. That is when I discovered the drain, at first I was freaked out but then I just tucked it between the waistline in my panties so it wasn't dangling by my ankles. The nurses came in with 3 different shots to place in the IV one was for nausea, the other was for pain and the last was an antibiotic. I was ok after these shots but did start to feel a bit sick so later in the night when it seemed everyone was sleeping I went out to the nurses’ station and let them know I was feeling very sick and that I needed something. So, the nurse came in with a shot that he had to give me in by butt cheek lol (I am 31 and I can't remember getting any shots there in at least 20 something years so it was quiet funny).After the shot I started feeling better so I tried to sleep, but that was a no go. I was coughing and coughing and then before I knew it with the walking and trying to sleep here comes another 3 shots into the IV. This time almost immediately after wards I was in the bathroom getting sick.   11/9/12 - In the morning I was taken downstairs for the leak test, I was hoping I would be able to keep it down which I was so that was great. No LEAKS!!! Yay! I was brought back upstairs where there was more walking. I was also able to shower and had my bandages all cleaned and changed.   Since I passed the leak test I was now able to have some liquids so a few hours passed and I was given some Gatorade. I drank a little and it was ok then they asked me to drink the blue dye to check my drain I was able to take 3 sips with no problems. A little later on here come 3 more meds into the IV. Once again I felt sick and right to the restroom I went to get sick. At this point I was trying to figure out what was making me sick, but still wasn’t sure. Dr.Garcia also came around to check on me to see how I was doing and to answer any questions I had, he also mentioned that the next day if there was no blue dye in my drain it would be taken out the next day. I almost forgot, along with Melly, Dr.Velzaco also came around to check in on me.   Later that night Holly and Harmoni came to visit me I knew Holly from one of the message boards and just met Harmoni that night. It was very nice of them to come and see me I just felt bad that I couldn’t talk much because I was feeling so sick from one of the meds. Eventually later that night I asked that they stop giving me the pain meds because I thought it was making me sick, when they stopped I started feeling a little better, not 100% because it was still in my system but a little better.   11/10/12 - The next day it was shower time and pack up time. I had seen Dr.Garcia and then Dr.Valzco came in asking how I was feeling and mentioned my drain was going to be taken out. A little later the nurse came in and removed my drained cleaned the area and re-bandaged me also changed and cleaned up my other incisions. After this I was ready to go J Melly helped us downstairs and I was not allowed to lift anything just had to sit and enjoy the wheelchair ride to the van. When we got to the van they were bringing down two other patients Harmoni and Sheila. I was feeling so sick on the ride back to the hotel that as soon as we got there I had to run straight to the restroom. Rosie had come with me in there to make sure I was ok (what a sweetheart). After that little incident Rosie walked me back to check in and all 3 of us that just had surgery we are staying on the same floor which was awesome. Harmoni and Sheila came to visit me a few times, I just felt bad because I was still feeling a bit sick and had no voice I really didn’t leave the room.   Rosie came back later that night to check on me and explained that Dr.Luna would be by the next day to take out the staples which was awesome! That night I tried to sleep but was only able to dose off maybe for 2 hours in a propped up position but I kept coughing so that kept me awake.   11/11/12 - The next day Rosie and Dr.Luna showed up, he looked at my incisions and removed the staples and placed the stitch tape stuff over them. He also checked my drain incision and cleaned that up for me and just reminded me that I could wash my incisions with soap and water but the incision where the drain was I could use antiseptic spray and Neosporin and have to cover it back up. The others the tape will come off in a few days and by then they should be ok. Later that day Samuel was supposed to come by so that a few of us could do some shopping I believe it is on Revolution Street. He wasn’t able to make it but he father filled in and so my sister, Harmoni and another couple went shopping which was great. That night I was able to actually sleep for about 4 or 5 hours which was great! I was no longer feeling sick since the meds would have finally left my body and the new meds that I was on were great. The whole time I was never in any pain so I opted not to take the pain meds that I was sent back with.   11/12/12 - I couldn’t believe that my time in Mexico was coming to a close it all seemed to happen so fast and those beds I just wanted to take one home with me. My sister and I went downstairs so that she could order some food, also as an FYI I believe his name is Hector, which runs the restaurant he is a sweetheart and is very helpful. So if you need anything during your stay from the restaurant I am sure he is the one you will be speaking with.   We get back to the room after she eats we start packing up and at noon time we are outside in the minivan with another couple and one other woman that had the surgery. We were lucky to not have to wait on a long line coming back through the border. Samuel had some type of medical pass that let us skip a lot of the line and then when we got to the booth he just had to show our passports or birth certificates and IDs and we were good to go, no inspections.   We were dropped off at the San Diego airport and we were prepared to sit there for hours until our 9pm flight home but God was on our side and the flight that was supposed to leave at 11:45am we delayed and was now departing at 3:30pm so we were able to have all 3 seats in the back of the plane to ourselves. I also requested wheelchair assistance which was great I really didn’t have to wait in any lines for security and I was able to board the plane first.   I have been home for a few days and today 11/15/12 is my one week out and I am down 14 lbs from surgery. Getting my liquid in has been a little bit of a challenge for me only because I forget to sip every 15 mins. Tomorrow I start with my protein intake and also allowed to start warm cereals if my tummy can tolerate them.   This is a very exciting journey to be on and I will post more updates maybe on a weekly basis.   -If you can check your luggage you may want to bring some neosporin and or antiseptic spray and if not using ready4Achange you may want to see if your company will provide any guaze and tape if not you may want to pack that as well. - I also brought pedialyte pops with me for after the surgery and they worked well, better then just the liquid -Gas-X strips helped a little - walking helped a lot more
AngelEyesInNJ

AngelEyesInNJ

6
drqqpy2's Blog
 

My Weight Loss Journey

Hi, I had my sleeve surgery on August 6th, 2012. I actually tried to get the lap band back in 2006 but due to insurance regulations and morbidity-lacking qualifications, I was unsuccessful back in 2006. Jump forward a couple of years to 2012 and I finally had the right insurance and actually had some morbidities that helped me get the desired surgery. I kinda felt alone having to do this surgery because none of my family members have had some type of weight loss surgery, or had any friends that has gone thru this type of surgery. My husband was not very supportive in my decision and basically said "why ask my opinion when your mind is set already". Pretty much it was a true statement. All of my friends, coworkers, and mom stated that I didnt need the surgery, "your beautiful just the way you are". I appreciated all the kind words and concerns BUT none of them could even start to comprend what I see every day. Im not talking about being on a scale, Im talking about seeing myself in the mirror every day. Before finding this site, I started blogging my thoughts, my journey on www.blogger.com (Rhelm of Droopy). I hope you take the time to check it out, you will see my pre-surgery picture and my monthly pictures that I try to update on the 6th of every month give or take a few days.   Lets make my first blog entry short, my consultation weight was 235. My two-week liquid diet before surgery weight was 210. My two-week follow up weight was 191. My two month post-surgery weight was 189 and just this past Tuesday, November 13th, I weighed in at 176. So give or take, Im losing 10 pounds a month, Im going to be honest, wish it was more but Im happy nontheless. Clothes are starting to be baggy, I've gone thru alot of clothes and have given some to the salvation army. My face is alot thinner and thou my double chin still is visibily seen, its not as much as before. In my blogs I mention how a chubby girl notices weird things. I noticed that my inner thighs got thinner. By this I mean, when I walked my thighs would rub sometimes even chaffe from the friction. I guess you have to be chubby to understand this feeling but now I have notices that they dont rub as much as before. There are so many things that a chubby girl notices that a slimmer individual would take for granted. Yes, I have lost some pounds, BUT I'm looking for particular things in my weight loss and they may seem weird but it's something I personally want to see. Im not saying that everyone is the same, Im saying these are things I want to see personally in my "transformation". They are, naturally the weight loss, duh who doesnt! I want to see my collar bone popping out, I want to see the bone on the top of my shoulder's popping out, I want to see my torso start slendering rather than see my love handles sticking out or as I call them "my arm rest" defining my pants. I hope this makes sense because honestly in my head it does lol.   Getting rid of my clothes gave me anxiety. I kept telling myself "no save that or save this, what if you dont loose your weight, you wont have any clothes". I swear my mind is my own worse enemy. I did however get rid of alot of clothes and kept telling myself "you will loose weight". I was an 18/20 and currently Im a snug 14. My tops that I normally would buy in a XL or 1X are falling off my shoulders. My pants that are 16 or 14/16 are real bagging in the crotch area but I refuse to buy any clothes for the simple reason that Im going to try to reach my goal weight and to be buying clothes every time I go down a size is just really crazy. I dont know about you but I know I surely dont have money growing on my tree in the back yard. So yes, Im wearing baggy crotchy pants, and the shirts/blouses I have are in the 14/16 range in size. I actually went to the store yesterday and just window shopped. Funny how I would like a blouse and automatically would look for a 1X or an X-Large when clearly I could possibly may fit in a Large now. My mind is so used to being a certain way that even thou I see my full figure transformation I refuse to see my Skinny figure transformation. My mind is my worse enemy! Im not going to lie, I am my own worse critic, I still see the chubby me every day in that mirror. You would think that im on a scale daily to see my progress BUT im not. I have fear of gaining and a bigger fear of not losing. Make sense? Im not saying that this will happen to you, Im telling you that this is what Im dealing and going thru on a daily basis.   Im glad I found this sight, I hope that I can read some of the blogs and in some way compare notes, take pointers on how someone is dealing with particular things, find some sort of comfort knowing that Im not the only one that may feel this way or that way and most importantly, find moral support that we may have in common.
drqqpy2

drqqpy2

1
Learning to be a Type A-
 

No Motivation To Work Out

This is a rant, so I apologize in advance for being all over the place...   So the last few days I've had ZERO motivation to work out.  I'm just coming off my cycle so I know that's part of it.  However, I just feel so blah.  Part of me knows it is the cold weather too, the sunny days, late nights of summer...I hate the heat but love the summer...   Okay back on task...I'm just in a funk regarding exercise.  I walk daily but that is not enough.  I have literally every exercise DVD, tape, etc. known to man.  So there is variety I'm just not feeling it.  I even have an exercise bike, bands, weights, you name it but still no motivation.   I had the great idea to buy something (my other form of therapy I'm working on) a new workout outfit and a new piece of equipment.  I thought I'd buy either a home gym thingy (like the one Chuck Norris uses) or a treadmill (my 3rd one - I've given the others away).  Then I thought I'd buy one of those exercise chairs like on the Steve Harvey show, (see it here) until I saw it was $700 for something I can basically make myself.  Don't judge me, it takes me a while to figure out the real deal with me sometimes.   That's when I knew I was avoiding the real problem...no motivation. I've never been the type that gets a rush after exercising.  Even when I was thinner I didn't feel all giddy after working out.  It was/is a means to an end.    Now don't get me wrong...I love belly dance, pilates, and bollywood dance.  So I know there are things I enjoy.  I think I'm just a combo of bored and lazy.  Plus, when I do those, I don't get as good a workout as when I used to hit the gym or lift weights.  So it feels like they are not worth my time. I do tolerate callanetics and t-tap which are good exercises but man they get boring really quick.   Which brings me to my next point...I don't want to go to the gym.  My days are literally full enough without going to a gym for a hour a day (I live in the country rual suburbs).  Plus, to pay for what I already have at home seems like a huge waste.   After all this, I guess there is no real point to my post other than I'm bored and lazy.  I guess I'll get back to my pilates and callanetics and maybe buy myself something to use when doing pilates.  Don't judge me, I'm still a work in progress.
TwinsMama

TwinsMama

3
JessieRetro's Blog
 

My First Entry

So here i am, most of my friends and family are just as excited as me...some even more than me. But then there are the select few who tell me "i'll support whatever choice you make, but i wouldn't do it if i were you." Hearing those things makes me hesitant to go through with this. It almost feels like they think i'm not trying hard enough or that i'm taking the easy way out. In fact...this isn't easy for me at all. Those of you reading this already know that though. I struggled to make this choice and come to the conclution that this is what i need to do. In fact, a year ago i thought i didn't need this surgery and that i could do it on my own. I lost 15 pounds then, but a year later, i am at my highest. Well, that was 6 days ago that i was at my highest. Thankfully i have lost 10 pounds so far during this pre-op waiting game. Anyways, they tell me of all the horror storied of the people they know who've gotten the bypass (which i'm not getting) and how you turn into a totally different person even down to your personality, how i'm going to have these crazy adiction transfers, and how i might lose my loved ones because of how much i'll change as a person. Stuff like that obviously scared the crap out of me...but i had to think, what's more important: having a healthy life where i know i wont die before 45, or POSSIBLY running into one or more of those previously stated issues? After asking myself that AND if i really thought that "without surgery would i be able to lose this weight and maintain it on my own", i realized that this is my only choice. Thank God i have insurance, otherwise this wouldn't be possible.   So, again, here i am......and this time i'm fully excited. I haven't really told my nay-sayers about my decision, but when the time comes, i will. I'm keeping a tottaly WIDE open room for communication with my boyfriend to make sure that he feels comfortable with all this and that he doesn't feel like i'm dragging him on this rollercoaster. haha Soon i'll tell the rest of my family, cause so far only my mom, grandma, and cousin (who had bypass surgery) know of this. But for now i'm just making a YouTube journal of this whole thing (JessiesSleeveJourney) and documenting on here now too. My mom says i shouldn't tell any of my family when we go to Thanksgiving, but i'll let you know if i do. haha   -Jessie
JessieRetro

JessieRetro

5
B.J.L's Blog
 

Its Nice To Finally Have The Outside Reflect What's Been Inside All Along.

I was a big girl for a long time. I always had to let my personality lead the way. I was never noticed for the beautiful person I was trapped in a world where being a big person isnt whats attractive. Even though I was a big girl I was never a slob, I want to say that even though the weight that held me back is gone, I am still the same beautiful person I was before. Funny how now Im noticed walking down the halls, walking into a grocery store, or having a drink with the girls. As much as people will say they are not judgemental towards overweight people, have never been on the heavy side of the scale. Having been on both sides now I see the difference how I'm treated what doors have been opened to me peronally and professionally. There are no words that can describe the feeling of no longer being the wallflower. I am no longer sitting on the sideline watching my life pass me by.
B.J.L

B.J.L

2
dylanmiles23's Blog
 

Very Cold

Since I have lost weight I am always cold. I was always the hot one. I seem to never get warm anymore. I wear a mink jacket when it gets below 40. Yes, I wear fur and eat meat. Maybe my husband is right, time to move down south. But then my grandchildren will be in MA and I don't think I could ever leave them. I find myself drinking hot tea all day and that isn't working either.   ​Yesterday my husband and I went for our annual dermatology checkups. I was told to never use toner again. It either has alcohol or acetone in them. Never knew that after using them for over 40 years. The doctor did say rentol (excuse spelling) is very good for wrinkles. I bought CVS brand on sale. I am on the vein side but you wouldn't know that by me being so over weight for so long. I use to go to Cape Cod to a resort and the resident comic was gay and extremely large and made fun of decorating his large body. From the first time I heard him say that, I started dressing much better. It took a fat man to tell me that fat doesn't have to dress bad.   Thanks for listening to me. Have a great Thursday. Time to go food shopping-how fun? Not.
dylanmiles23

dylanmiles23

0
Selfesteem, Love, & Awareness
 

Accepting Oneself

We all come into this world as blank canvases waiting for the various colors of life to be painted into our world. As children, our first knowledge of who we are comes from our parents. If our parents continue to feed us positive affirmations of our worth and value, we tend to grow with a positive self-esteem. However, if we are told over and over again that we are nothing and that we won’t amount to much in life, we will begin to believe this is true. As a child I used to hear people say, “sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” This is not true. Even the bible tells us that the tongue can both cut and heal. We must be careful what we say to others, especially children. Accepting Oneself   We live in a time when accepting who we are can be difficult. Most of us compare ourselves to unrealistic standards set by advertising agencies, movie stars and the lives of the rich and famous. What we fail to realize, is that oftentimes these standards are a facade like movie sets on the lot of a studio. They represent a “front” with no real substance, constantly having to be propped up because they can’t stand on their own. I’ve had the opportunity many times to talk to people that others would often admire or envy. What I have discovered is, the very people we put on pedestals would love to trade places with people that could be classified as ordinary. I have learned that we must be careful what we desire because many times what we think we are running to, is often what we are running from. Historically in the African American Community, the subject or discussion of “self esteem” has carried mixed emotions. When we look up the definition of self-esteem in the dictionary, we see that it means belief in oneself. We know that if we do not believe in ourselves and what we do, neither will anyone else. However, oftentimes people confuse “belief” in oneself with “vanity.” If we look at success models over time, the ones that have truly made a difference were those who not only accepted who they were, but did so with pride. Many who have left their mark on history were those who had to stand-alone or convince others to see things their way. It is important for you to know 1) who you are, 2) understand where you have come from and 3) determine where you want to go, if you are ever going to accept who you are to be. Knowing Who You Are   When I was a little girl my grandmother would often say, never let anyone tell you who you are. I have a friend who always says, “never let anyone call you out of your name.” We have all heard the saying, “if you don’t stand for something, you will fall for anything.” I believe that it is very important to know what you stand for in life. When I speak at various functions around the country, I often share with people that it is important for you to know your meaning in life, so that you can prepare your message, in order to carry out your mission. When you know and understand your purpose and why you are here, it is much easier for you to accept who you are and the person that God has made you to be. We are all pieces of a puzzle that fit together to make a beautiful picture. If we are constantly trying to be someone else, we will not “fit” into the spot that has “our” name on it. If you are currently struggling with who you are, what you look like or comparing yourself with others, I urge you to do the following three steps. Empowerment Points:   Write down on a piece a paper, all of the positive things that have happened in your life over the past year. If you can’t think of any let me give you a few suggestions. You have your health, a roof over your head, a job, a sound mind, and people that care about you. I heard a minister once say that if you count all your blessings, it will be hard to be depressed. Make a list of all the positive things that people say about you. Once again, let me give you a few suggestions; she really has a nice personality, she has really nice skin, she is so thoughtful, she’s really a kind person. Maybe people comment on your discipline to work out, or your compassion for others. Never underestimate the gifts that God has given you, to make you unique. Remember, one man’s junk is another man’s treasure. What you would easily throw away, others would take in a minute. I had a friend once tell me that she thought I had the gift of hospitality and encouragement. I thought to myself “what kind of gift is that?” Growing up in church, I wanted the gift of singing or playing the piano or something that the other girls had. Little did I know that the gifts of hospitality and encouragement would be the very way I would live my life and help others today. Finally, make what I call a “wish” list. Write down the things that you would like to have or accomplish and then set a reasonable timetable to begin making them happen. The key here is to make sure you set realistic goals or expectations. Don’t wish that you were 5’11 if you are 4’9. But if you’ve always wanted red hair and your hair is brown, dye it! If you want a better body, diet and exercise. Just make sure whatever standards you set, you are doing it for yourself and that it is what you want, not what others say you should be. Remember that we are all little kids in adult bodies. We all get up in the morning and put our underwear on one leg at a time. We all have good days and bad days. The next time you look into the mirror, say to yourself that you are wonderfully and beautifully made just the way you are. God does not make junk!     http://www.blackwomenshealth.com/   Amanda Out!
Amanda1982

Amanda1982

2
Kime-lou's Blog
 

Hi Ho Off To The Potty I Go.......

I am doing what I was told and DRINKING!! I drink any where from 80-100 oz of water a day and I seem to live to potty. I swear my co-worker must think I have an over active bladder. Unfortunately my bosses office is right across from the woman bathroom and I am afraid he will say something about me going to the bathroom every 20-30 min.   Do you have this problem?   However, now that I have started drinking this much a day, if I go a day and drink less (like a busy weekend day) I feel thirsty. I know it's good to rid my body of the bad stuff, but geez I feel like I have to go pee as soon as I get into anything.     To another topic-- My weight has stalled out for 2 weeks in the 201-202 range. It is my week for my TOM, but no bleeding- only cramps. I do weigh everyday (chill it's ok- I do not let this bug me- I look at patterns not the day it's self) and each day I am getting any where from 201.6 to 202.4 and I weigh at the same time of day each day with the same thing on. I have had this happen before so I know it will get better, however, I had made a goal for myself to be below 200 by Thanksgiving and I am so freaking close.   The last few days in prep for the holiday I have been steaming/shampooing my carpets rather than working out. I work all day then come home and start working on my carpets. I have a 3000 sq ft house and 2 dogs (one is a puppy), 2 cats and a husband. I gotta get back to the normal workout, but I also have to have my house ready for the invasion of in-laws (which I am happy about). Then this weekend the hubs wants to deck the halls since this will be our Thanksgiving and Christmas with his family.   Oh well, pray for me all I will need it!!
Kime-lou

Kime-lou

3
Kathy Tyler's Blog
 

I Had A Very Bad Night, And A Bit Of A Set Back Last Night!

I had a very bad night last night, and a bit of a set back! I was doing fine most of the day, vacuumed my hardwood floor, put dishes away in my dish washer, made my bed, and even did a little laundry. I was still feeling OK, but now just a little tired. About 5:00 p.m. I made myself some beef bullion with some unflavored protein powder in it, then heated it in my microwave. I slowly drank that down over about an hours time. I started to not feel so good about 7:00 p.m. I got more and more nauseated, and started to vomit. Plus I was still having problems with my stools being very lose, and allot of gas. By 9:00 pm. I was feeling so bad, and was feeling very weak and tingly in my arms, and legs. I was feeling like I might pass out! Mind you, I am home alone as my hubby works 2nd shift! I tried not to call him at work, but by 9:00 p.m. I was getting worried that something was wrong with my sleeve, or something! I called my hubby home, and he took me in to the ER at the hospital where I had gotten my sleeve 8 days ago. They ran some test on me, gave me anti nausea meds., pain meds., and IV fluids as I was dehydrated by then. We were there 4 hours, and they said everything looked OK with my sleeve, and told me to double up on my Prilosec, and take one A.M., and one P.M. to help with excessive acid my stomach was apparently making! My doctor that did my sleeve thinks I need to give dairy a break for a bit. I don't know what happened, but I know I felt terrible! This morning I feel allot better, and I'm going to be more careful about what I eat, and try to stay away from things that say they contain MILK! I can't wait until I can add more things to my diet for some variety. Anyone else experience anything like this?
NewBeginningsForMe2012

NewBeginningsForMe2012

8
cbd's Blog
 

Aproved!

OMG!! I received approval from my insurance today!! I am sooo happy. I was in such a slump...this has been such a roller coaster so far. After being denied by BCBS of IL a few weeks ago (said I needed more documentation for my two co morbidities) I went back to my primary MD, had more labs done and resubmitted. I called the insurance yesterday and was told it was denied again because there wasn't anything new submitted. I very nicely started to ask questions about the new info we had sent...hight cholesteral, started on new med, etc. She had not seen that and started to look thru my submission again. She agreed to send an email to the doctor that decides. Today I received a call from her and the new information was enough to get it approved for the vertical sleeve. I am so happy. This just goes to prove what everyone else has said...keep trying. Surgery date won't be till around 1/13.
cbd

cbd

7
ajtexas's Blog
 

Another Size Bites The Dust!

I went shopping today for sweaters. It appears that I am cold a lot these days & I don’t have many long sleeve tops that fit.   So I picked out a few tops and walked by the jeans…. Out of complete curiosity I picked out a couple of different style in size 10 (currently size 12).   Holy Sh*t they fit!!!!! I was dancing around in that dressing room and laughing. I’m sure the attendee thought I was nuts (ok I know I am but that’s a different story).   That explains why the size 16 pants that I wore today bugged me so much; they were 3 sizes too big.   Wow I don’t even know how old I was the last time I was size 10, 9 maybe 10 years old??   I am so floored, I’m numb.
♕ajtexas♕

♕ajtexas♕

11
MrsGina's Blog
 

Final Surgeon Visit Before Surgery

All is well and being sent off to the insurance dept. for approval. Surgeon said they may have trouble getting in before end of the year. He can do it but may not have an operating room available, I told him to,just do it in the hall. Lol. He was impressed with my weight loss, that made me happy. I can even wear a smaller size underwear, yeehoo.   I tried some of that UnJury shake stuff and it made me gag, the chocolate wasn't so bad but every thing else I tried was awful. Going on a quest to find something better.   Stay tuned, it's getting closer!
MrsGina

MrsGina

1
Learning to be a Type A-
 

Compression Garments Post-Op

I've been thinking about what I'll wear under my clothes after the surgery.  Right now I fluctuate between Body Magic (horrible when you have to go to the bathroom) and Squeem.  I tend to run cold so I'm always layering and if I can find something to nip and tuck, I'm game.  I've tried Spanx but they either don't stay in place or are so thin they are not worth it.   So as I read the many posts here about compression garments, I've wondered if anyone knows of any scientific studies that show they help.  I ask this because I didn't wear anything right after my c-section but once I finally started it was a whole new world...far less pain.  I always wondered if it was all in my head or if it really helped me in some way.   Now, in speaking with my surgeon, he didn't have a preference.  I'd like to go ahead and buy now (if it is worth it) during the holidays since there are a few promotions going on.  But I'd like to know if it was worth it for any Sleevers that may have tried them post-op.    Specifically, Did you find it helpful? If so, why...if not, why not? What brand(s) did you buy? What model/item? How soon after surgery did you wear yours? Was it painful to get into? Do you still wear it? Anything else that I should know to help me decide? I'd really appreciate anything anyone has to offer regarding this.  Thanks!
TwinsMama

TwinsMama

3
Izuri's Blog
 

3.75 Months Out From Surgery Updates

I don't really come on the forums as much anymore, but I'd like to keep a record for both myself and those who are looking through posts to find information about surgery. So I'm trying to at least keep my blog updated once in a while.   I had my 3 month appointment last month, which went well. According to my labs I am high on Vitamin D, so I'll be stopping my supplements. I am also low on my Vitamin A, which kinda surprised me because I never really considered it would be something I'd be low on, so I am going to be taking a supplement for that for a while. Aside from that I guess everything was good. I haven't actually gotten a copy of my labs yet, I'm waiting for them in the mail, so when I do get them I'll have a better idea of where I'm at.   My weight loss has continued steadily. I am down 76.2 pounds now. It's hard to believe really. There are days I feel thinner and there are days that I feel like I'm still the 325 pound person in the mirror. It's trippy to fit into new clothes but not see the difference when you look in the mirror. I am solidly in size 24s and just on the verge of being able to fit into some 22s.   I have not been following the diet as well as I should. I know that I have not been getting in enough protein lately, so that's something that I'm actively working on. I also have not been doing workouts, but I have been walking a lot. School has been busy, and I've been going to stay with the guy I am seeing almost every weekend, which means I am almost never home nowadays. I need to make it a priority again. I don't think I get enough in to eat in general. I have not regained any of my hunger, which is a great thing for my weight loss, but it makes me at high risk for being tempted to skip meals when I'm busy. I have been doing better the past week or two, but it's very easy to slip into the "I don't feel like eating" thought process nowadays. It's really kinda strange because I never imagined it was even physically possible for me to turn into one of those people who just didn't really care if they ate. But I don't.   I have had my period for almost 4 months straight now. It started a week or two after surgery and I've had maybe one week off of it. It's not heavy like a normal period, it's on and off moderate/light, but it's annoying. My gyno thinks that it's all the hormones and the fact that my pcp told me I could use 2 nuvarings in a row without having a period. She sent me for an ultrasound to make sure there was nothing else that could be causing it and they think I might have a cyst on my right ovary that they're going to take another look at in 4-6 months when I have lost more weight, but that there wasn't anything that would increase my bleeding. I've got my fingers crossed that it will stop any day now. I think it has been one of the hardest parts of the surgery for me. It's physically and mentally taxing to be on your period 24/7. I know this is probably TMI, but I wanted to vent a little!   My life has been good. Things are going pretty well with the guy that I've been seeing, which has been great. He loves to share meals with me, which I think is fantastic. School has been crazy. I am doing pretty well though, and I just can't wait for this semester to be over. I am really not cut out to be a pediatric or ob nurse. While I have had a ton of really interesting experiences this semester, I am ready to go back to adult care. I never thought I'd say it, but I kinda miss medsurg (I know I'm gonna be eating those words next semester). Anyway, overall things are great, I love my life, and I'm gonna keep working on keeping myself on track. Can I just say, VSG changed my life in a way I never thought possible. This Thanksgiving it is one of the things I am endlessly thankful for. Thank you modern medicine.
Izuri

Izuri

1
A funny thing happend while I was loosing weight
 

So Many Changes In My Life....and Laundry Is A Big One

So many things change when we lose weight. Things we don't even realize until it's been going on awhile. For example, the way I sleep next to my husband. I no longer take up the majority of the bed. I can lay with my head on his shoulder and my leg wrapped around him without worrying that I am going to kill him with my weight. Or how about hugs. My husband's arms wrap so far around me, I feel like he's holding a different girl than he used to. There is also the shower and being able to reach areas I couldn't get to before. And let's not forget underwear...yes, underwear. Befoe surgery, my uderwear was too small for me. I mean it fit, but it didn't fit correctly. I just refused to go up in size. Now, it all hangs on me. There is nothing like putting on a thong and having the crotch flap around becasue they are just that big on you but, the big one for me is laundry. Yes, laundry. I know it sounds strange, but hear me out...or at least read me out.   Now being fat, we learn little tricks to help us feel a little better about ourselves. We learn that wearing black and other solid earth tone colors helps us feel better about ourselves and can take off a few pounds. We learn what styles work with our bodies and how not to wear a light color up top as it makes us look bigger all around. There are so many little tricks that we learn from magazines and friends and to be honest, i am not sure if any of them work that well. Another HUGE one is to lay on the bed to get the hanger to hook into the zipper of the jeans to pull them up and button them. The key was if you were able to sit up after you did this. Sometimes i couldn't even bend at the waist and would have to roll off the bed and get help to stand up. I'm still not sure how I thought I looked good in pants that tight and painful but at least the number on them said size 10, 12, 14....or where ever I was at the time. Sure they may have been a size or two too small, but i didn't care. Funny thing is, that once you wedge yourself in pants like that, you end up with a huge fat roll in your mid section. This can not be hidden so you must wear a very baggy shirt and hope no one tries to hug me or that I don't get caught in a big wind where it forces my shirt back and my roll to be seen by all.   Oh the fun times of being over weight and aiming to look thin. But the biggest most used trick in the book comes during the cleaning phase. As we all know, bigger people don't dry clothes on the dryer. Or at least we don't dry most clothes in the dryer. I can't recall the last time before my surgery that i dried my shirts in the dryer. We all know shirts shrink in the dryer!!! So, why would I put them in there when i could hang them up on a hanger and allow them to air dry....but only after I have stretched out them out with my hands. That way, when i put them on, i can feel as though they are getting to big for me for me even though I KNOW that's not true.   So, imagine my surprise after surgery when I started noticing that the clothes i was hanging up were getting too big for me! So, I decided to take the plunge. I decided to dry the shirts and sweatshirts that have NEVER seen the inside of a a dryer. I figured that of they didn't fit when they came out, I could always re-wash them and stretch them back out again as they dried on a hanger. So, I took the step from the washer machine to the dryer and placed my wet shirts in there. After what seemed liked forever, I pulled them out to inspect the damage. To my shock and awe, there was none. Not only did they still fit, they were still to big for me. Another crazy thing I noticed was that even my new jeans weren't tight after they were washed and dried. That has never happened to me!!! They fit me just like they did when I bought them. So, is this what it's like to wear the correct size for you? How crazy is that? I never knew this is how the other side lived. LOL     To be completely honest, there are a couple of things I can't bring myself to dry. They are new sweatshirts. I don't know if it's just habit or if it's becasue I like the way they fit and I don't want them to shrink. I do know that I don't stretch them out at all when I hang them up and I've even thrown them in the dryer for a few mins to warm them up prior to wearing them with out any issues. But I still can't make that step from the washer to the dryer with those things. Maybe once I lose a few more pounds and they get a little bigger, i will be able to do it but for now, i am happy with the progress I've made. I am also happy with the lack of sore, red marks around my stomach from squeezing into those jeans i was talking about earlier. That is one thing I will never miss!!!   So, what major changes have you noticed that have surprised you? I would love to hear about them. Come on people, comment and let me know you're actually reading these things I'm writing....also, let me know I'm not the only one going through these crazy changes and you can relate. I need to know I'm not alone here.
tmorgan813

tmorgan813

5
Kime-lou's Blog
 

Ever Evolving Process......

Thanksgiving day will be my 5 month band anniversary. As of today I have lost 43 lbs. I feel good and feel that I have been pretty successful. This hasn't been the easiest journey, but hasn't been as difficult as I once imagined.   I struggle with hunger at times and am in an ever evolving mode of searching for new healthy food options. I love finding tasty new ideas that are healthy. I have found a tasty stir-fry that both the hubs and I love that uses chicken breast, onions, 2 cloves of garlic and a bag of bird eye steam fresh asian medley veggies- so yummy with just a touch of low sodium soy sauce, a sprinkle of ginger, and a dash of red pepper flakes for heat.   Breakfast has become a struggle since I don't do mornings and can't drink protein shakes (makes me sick- I am odd I know). Some bandsters on here said to try a boiled egg or oatmeal- which I will be trying over the next couple of days. Gotta come up with something that will feel me up and not let me get so hungry before lunch.   Each time I go in for a feel and as I lose more weight things change and evolve regarding what works and doesn't work. At the start bread was no issue for me, however now, bread gets stuck, I guess that is because of the band being tighter. Whole wheat thin toast works ok. All meat use to be ok, but now if it is the slightest bit tough and I mean slightest I can't do it- just as well spit it out (I know gross). I have had to learn to brush a touch of olive oil over my chicken breast prior to baking so they are tender and juicy and that works great.   I am learning not to be so picky. As time goes on, I can eat so little at one time that I have gotten over being picky about what I have for a meal. If I have some left over veggies and can sprinkle some WW cheese on it heat them up and call it a meal. Before I would have had to have a full course.   I suppose everything is an evolution, I evolved into a fat person over years of over eating, not I am going the other way. I guess a slow steady evololution is the best way to go, which is what the band is helping with.   As this journey continues, I wonder what else will change? I wonder what I will learn to eat and what I will learn I don't want any part of?
Kime-lou

Kime-lou

2
jkevhack's Blog
 

A Proud Moment

I am 6 days post op and must say its been a rough week on all liquids. Took my grandson to Mcdonalds drive through and thought a shake sounded good.... Then I saw it ---- The Eggnog Shake!!!!!!! Started to order it, (it is a liquid) then I saw the calorie count posted 680 calories!!!!!!!!!! Needless to say I did not give in to the temptation and went home and had some runny applesauce and protien drink, woooooooo hoooooooooo. It was a victory for me. Just wanted to share:)
jkevhack

jkevhack

3
Shelleymb's Blog
 

Again... It's Been Awhile :/

It's been a while since I blogged anything and I think that is becasue I kinda gave up on the idea of getting banded. I just found out this morning that BCBS covers the surgery! So I will be switching proptly! And Next year re-starting my journey of getting banded, because I have been trying things that keep failing. It feels good again to be hopeful. We shall see. HAve a great day everyone.
Shelleymb

Shelleymb

2
desertmom's Blog
 

Weekend Away And First Flu Post Sleeve

So here we are on our way for another weekend away at the beach.At the moment I have a bad cold and flu.Didnt take any meds until just now.   I got some loritadine with pseudo noreffedrine (or something like that) Wasnt sure what it would do to my tummy and an hour and a half later I know it still doesnt like meds.Will take some nose spray and panadols from now on as I dont like this full swollen feeling I have on my tum now.   The fabulous thing is I HAVE LOST MY APPETITE now for aver a week.I think for the first time ever.After the sleeve I never once didnt feel like earing,now I just cannot even look at food.The bad thing is for the first time I am not getting enough protein and seeing as my hair is still falling out at 8 months,this is a bit of a worry.   Because I have severe bathroom issues since the sleeve my main focus is protein with ispagulla husk and vitamins as I am not absorbing the vits very well at all.When some labs looks ok,others drop.After reading some newish studies on iron deficiency 3 years out,I am very concerned about this.Iron supplements causes constipation for me and I cannot take it at all as an addition.Now,trying to eat enough food with enough iron seems quite impossible at the moment.When I eat enough iron rich veggies,I cant get enough protein.When I add the fibre supplement,it keeps me full for hours and hours and cannot eat enough of anything.   We dont find fibre gummies here and to import it I will have to permission from the ministry.Which I will tackle next week as why cant I just order it online and import it?There is a list of banned medications as long as life itself and I will have to check and see if fibre gummies is on the list...lol   I sometimes dont think people in the US realize how lucky they are to have all the resources that they do.Life is so much harder without some things.   At least the hotel food sucks so badly (really bad food for a 5 star) that I wont be tempted to eat too much.What is a challenge for me is the pina quiladas that I like way too much.Dont like other cocktails so am not tempted but this place makes a mean PQ.And the weather is stunning.Hot,but not too hot,clear skies!   This morning my weight was 188.Slow now,but at least coming down all the time.   I also finally arranged to work out with the personal trainer from monday next week as the holiday is around the corner and I am still like jelly!Hope I can at least tone some in the next 6 weeks.   Sometimes I do worry about the long term problems I see people have with the sleeve.Many have iron issues and others have GERD.I pray that the Lord have mercy on me as I dont know if my very expensive private expat medical insuarance will ever pay for anything related to the surgery.It is not always non compliance that causes complications sometimes its just bad luck.But it surely seems like a very fine balancing act to get enough protein,firbre and the correct amount of every vitamin we need.I think maybe drinking a protein shake every day forever might help some of the issues but not all of it.And not ever eating the food that I know will cause reflux (lots of experience with this and food does make a huge difference even though some people will not admit it)   Ok,long update.But quite necessary to see I have to go and get those protein pancakes with fibre that I made for breakfast (its almost dinner time here) and eat them.It feels somewhat aurreal to me to have to force myself to eat.Wish it could stay like this until goal!
desertmom

desertmom

1
Renee's Rants
 

Day 6 Post Banding

Well, today is day 6 post-banding. I am feeling a little guilty this morning because I ate two bites of pudding and potato-salad with tiny chunks of potato. That is a big no-no. I have an appetite now for the first time since the surgery...but I feel like I am starving to death. I want to eat everything in sight. I have notice no resistance. But, they claim you won't start feeling resistance until about your third fill. I have not even had my first. I am going to go back to clear liquids for the remainder of the day and possibly tomorrow. After that, I will begin cream soups mixed with some broths. I think the first several days of not being able to eat at all has thrown my body into starvation mode. That may be the reason for the extreme hunger today. I did not even feel like drinking broth for days and had to force myself to sip on water. I hope this becomes less of a chore.
siddigrl

siddigrl

3

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