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A funny thing happend while I was loosing weight
 

Just A Venting Session....

Last Thursday I was supposed to start a water aerobics class. With that said, my feet haven't felt the warm water of the local Boys and Girls pool yet. Why you may ask? Is it becasue I'm lazy? Is it becasue i just don't want to? The answer to those questions is, "NO!!!". If I had the body of a "normal" 38 year old, I would have been in that pool kicking and jogging with the best of them. The problem is, I don't. I have a back like a 90 year old woman.   Now, before I really get started, this post is going to be a little bit of "OH, poor me" and "How unfair is this?" But, on the same note, I'm more venting than complaining....though they can sound very much the same. I need to say that I try really hard to be a positive person. I have been dealing with back pain that can make just getting out of bed feel like an Olympic event. But, I truly believe that ______ (fill in the higher being of your choice) doesn't give me more than I can handle. Even on days like today when I feel like there are three little men in my back doing construction and at the same time I feel as though I am giving birth out of my back. Yes, this is ON medication. People who don't deal with chronic pain can't understand the thought process that goes on when dealing with it. I'm a strong woman, and I fight through so much of the pain but believe it or not, the meds only help lessen it, not get rid of it. The scary thing is I know that one thing many people don't think about. I know the pain can get worse. Therefore, I have to be happy that I'm not at that point.   I think my frustration with my back pain comes from a few places. 1. The weather is changing. When the weather gets colder, the pain gets worse. Also, I had a pool only a block away that I cold go to and do whatever activities I could. Now, I have to drive someplace and be there at a certain time and hope my back is cooperating with me on that day. 2. I have been going up and down within five pounds for a month now. I know I've eaten things I shouldn't, but there have only been a handful of times I have gone over my allotted calories for the day and when I did, it was no more than 100 calories. So, the fact that I'm on a HUGE stall (I've been the same weight (give or take) for two months. It sucks becasue I see other people who are five to six months out and they have lost so much more than I have. I KNOW, I KNOW....everyone losses at different rates. That's all fine and good unless you're the one who's not losing.   Now that I've complained....wait, I mean vented. I will say that I've learned a few things in the past month and a half. First, Nutella is NOT MY FRIEND. I am not sure why I love it now. I hated before surgery. Second, I think I am one of those people who can not lose weight unless I'm active. This goes back to what my mother always said, "You were a thin child until you went to school and had to sit still all day." The issue with this is that I can't move much everyday. Even on the good days I have to fight tears and my negative thoughts to get through any activity.   So, with my new awareness, I plan to take one day at a time. I plan to not work out when my body won't let me. I plan to not eat Nutella...well at least not during the NON-PMS times. I plan to try to not get on the scale every day. That just makes me feel worse. And last but not not least, I plan to be happy with who I am. I am a size 16/18 and I haven't been that size since H.S. I should be so happy that I'm bouncing off the walls. Of course, that may just hurt my back a little more....so, I think I'll stick to doing what I'm doing and only doing what I can. That's all we can do. I remember after surgery thinking that walking a mile would be an unattainable task. Now, on a good day, I can walk three. That's what keeps me going. Knowing that my body, no matter how broken it is, can still persevere. Now, if only it will persevere and lose another fifty pounds all would be good.
tmorgan813

tmorgan813

1
@DomLorenVSG
 

6 Weeks Post Op

Well this will be short out of frustration. When I weighed my self Wednesday I was sitting pretty at 188, when I did my official weigh in on Friday I was at 190.1, for a total weight loss of -1.5 this week compared to last Friday (and since I'm being 100% honest with myself I'm going with my Friday weigh in Number not the lowest number I saw during the week). NOT A HAPPY CAMPER. In fact I was so frustrated I waited until noon and re-weighed myself on Friday and still no change. I had to leave for a trip at 1pm on Friday and got so distracted I ended up running behind and running out of time to update my numbers or blog on here (hence why I'm updating today in stead of a couple of days ago). The only silver lining to my numbers going up and down so much in a few days is that I KNOW THE CULPRIT. I'm not regularly going to the bathroom. THe past 3 weeks I have been, suddenly something this last week changed and I haven't been able to go in about a week or more, and my body is obviously reacting. Things I'm doing to combat the situation:   1) Taking a probiotic EVERY DAY to get back on track. 2) I'm doing dissolvable miralax in my coffee every other day. 3) Taking a vitamin every day.   Drinking water is not a problem, nor is working out. I've got those two things down solidly. But when your body isn't working properly there is no way your going to see effective weight loss. I even feel bloated right now. It's an icky terrible feeling of being desperate and wanting to shed the toxins out of your body with no idea when it is going to happen. Frustrating. I should be thankful I'm not in a full blown stall, BUT I workout soooo many hours a day, only seeing a -1 bs weight loss AND FEELING bloated is just a big fat NO GO. So I'm focusing on taking my medicine, hoping I get some regularity back and crossing my fingers this week is better than last week.   Height: 5'9   Heighest Weight: 216 Current Weight: 190.1 (Total weight loss since surgery -25.9 lbs)   1st Goal Weight: 169     Sleeved: (8/17/2012): 216 lbs   Week 1 (8/24): 204.8 (-11.2) Week 2 (8/31): 200.6 (-4.2) Week 3 (9/7): 196.8 (-3.8) Week 4 (9/14): 193.5 (-3.3) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~> 9/17/12- 1 Month Anniversary w/Pics Posted in Blog Week 5 (9/21): 191.6 (-1.9) Week 6 (9/28): 190.1 (-1.5)
@DomLorenVSG

@DomLorenVSG

0
cindimca4's Blog
 

Three Weeks And Two Days Post-Op

Well...I've lost 34lbs.   It takes 2 months for the stomach to heal. I go day by day, and hope that it will be worth it. I really wanted to change my health, and felt I needed something drastic to do it...I just wish that thing didn't have to be so drastic.   I can barely eat anything, but actually, eating and drinking are a little better than they were . I had been exercising a lot...and now I am managing to get around more. I really believe that pre-surgery exercise has made a great difference. I actually walked the whole fair the other day...and a little more. Today I walked around at Country Junction. I did better, today....much less pain, much less resting needed afterward, much less needing to hold my belly.   I just have a hard time enjoying any food, except this crystal lite fruit punch, that I'm drinking, right now. I'm hoping that will get better. I felt sad today when other people were eating pizza and enjoying things and I wasn't able to enjoy even the smallest amount of chicken....just ate because I need protein, and waited for the discomfort that seems to come so often.   My incisions have been very painful, but the smaller ones are healed for the most part on the outside. The one at the top of my sternum has healed well, but the one that is just to the right of my sternum has not been healing, has been separating, getting red and swelling along the edges, while underneath the scab has been forming this disgusting cheesy gross substance. The surgeon's nurse tells me it's normal and is a serum of protein...which was believable when it was runny and clear, but the last few days it has been cheesy. I went into the tent at the fair and asked for prayer and healing, and now it seems to be healing. Praise God! I was very worried about getting a major infection or some other problem there. I have been keeping a square of bandage on it, secured by one bandaid holding it on at the top....turns out I have redeveloped my sensitivity to tape, so just a little bandaid edging is all I can tolerate. The other edges I leave free so that air can get underneath the bandage. Washing in the shower with the presurgery soap helps as well. Tomorrow I am seeing a doctor and a nutritionist in the nutritionist's office. I plan to show the wound there, after I shower in the morning.     This is the choice I made, and you can't go back...and I'm not sure that I want to go back...because going back means I don't have success over the weight problems. We shall see what a year brings. It will pass before we know it...I am looking forward to what a month from now brings, and seeing how I feel in November, when my stomach should have healed on the inside.
Angelmom

Angelmom

3
Tbalz's Blog
 

New Week, New Start...

Well the week-end's over, thank God! Both boys seem to be pretty healthy. What miracles we witnessed this past week with our two sons! Both were admitted to Boston's Children's Hospital ICU, only a few days post op for me, with bad case of pneumonia. My oldest was the worst. Some days/hours not not knowing if he would pull through. Then after all the prayers and hard work of the hospital, a switch was turned and he was moved to a normal floor after 5 or 6 days in ICU. Two days later we were all home. So stress management became my new goal. What could I turn to? I can't eat cookies or a cake to make me feel better.... Well I tried reading, which I despise, and I did a lot of walking around the hospital just to keep moving and help with the depression. These things did work a little. As far as the eating, well I tried a soup I never thought I would and loved it. My only problem was, we're in a hospital trying to get healthy but the food had more salt and fat amongst other crap than most fast food meals. I just don't get it. Have our taste buds become so numb that more salt is required to enjoy it? Or are the food people, doctors and medical companies all in it to keep us sick and make more money? Who knows, I'm just glad my wife makes the BEST chicken and pea soup in the world. Now I can get back to me and getting off this weight!
Tbalz

Tbalz

2
a slow train to ????
 

Post Op!

So I made it!! Surgery was 9/21, wow there were some moments that I wasn't really sure I had made the right choice. The nausea, the pain and the taste all fun and adventurous! But now at 1 week and 2 days out, i am almost up to 64 oz of water a day, walking just over 1/2 mile a day and at 2 8 oz protien shakes, I am working it!! Things still taste funny, and I am learning to just deal. But oh by the way the weight loss? Yep super psyched about 15 lbs in 1 week. So to all preoppers, just hang in there it's all going to be worth it!!
gigi4

gigi4

0
sheila2050's Blog
 

3 Days Post Op

I am so glad it's done!! I can't believe how good I feel. I love not being hungry. Loooovvvvvve it.   I had a pretty easy time of it except the night after surgery I had some terrible pain right between my breasts, kind of at the top of my abdomen.   I assumed it was gas but it wasn't. I felt better after a morphine shot and med to sleep.   And now no pain at all! Yay   Dr Kelly's having a special in Oct. $5200.   After that new bookings will be 5700.   If anyone's interested their coordinator's (Omar Acosta) number is 619-395-5347.   I want to write a detailed summary of everything that's happened but I'm too tired tonight.   Goodnight Sleevers!
sheila2050

sheila2050

11
LaBelle509's Blog
 

4 Months Pictures!

Can not believe how much time went by since my surgery!!! I am grateful of the results that I have enjoyed so far. Like most slow losers, I wish I had lost more! But things are moving along. I am making changes that will not only help me lose the weight now, but keep if off in the long run.   I just went through a super stall, BUT to my surprise I got the most comments and compliments during that period!! Go figure lol!! My upper body slimmed down significantly, but my lower body is stubborn and will not be as flexible:( I did lose, but not as drastically as my top did. I hope that will be the next site of improvement or I am going to look very disproportionate:(     NSV: I wore heels for the first time in YEARS today! And I felt ( do I dare say ) so SEXY lol!!! I am of good spirit and faith. I am going to win this fight.
LaBelle509

LaBelle509

8
desertmom's Blog
 

Calories Burned Vs Calories Eaten

Since I have decided to take a week off I had a blast.Not overeating but just relaxing a little.   Of course toda I relaxed too much and bamm,ate half a container of caramel popcorn in the movies....which of course brings my cals for the day to about 1700....ooops!   Now if the theory of calories in calories out was scientifically correct then this should not be a problem at all.See we played in a squash tournament this morning with a bunch of young girls and boy did I burn a load of calories.According to my bodybugg I am far over 3000 cals for the day but to be on the modest side lets say it is 3000.   Which means I still have a huge deficit for this day......but alas,as experience have taught me this will not matter tomorrow when I weigh.   Ok,here is my prediction.I will be heavier at least 1to2 pounds heqvier tomorrow and this will not jus disappear again the next day.   anyhoo,I will start fresh this week and see if I can drop at least a few pounds this week.It must be doable.This 4 pounds for the month thingy is not going to do it for me for much longer so desperate times call for desperate measures...will just have to figure out what that might be...lol
desertmom

desertmom

4
WeightWatchMe's Blog
 

Finished My First 5K Today!

I did my first 5K today on my 3 month post surgery anniversary!!! Although I wasn't really happy that it took me 48 minutes to complete it I do have to think back and realize that 3 months ago I may not have been able to even finish it much less run half of it. This surgery has really been a blessing in my life!!! And thanks everyone that has shown support since I have started my training. It's always a nice feeling when you know you have people cheering you on!!!
WeightWatchMe

WeightWatchMe

1
Starting Over!'s Blog
 

Stuck....?

I have had my second fill and am not in the green zone with 3cc fill appear to be stuck at this weight for 3 weeks now. I am trying not to get discouraged, continue to walk thinking about getting a personal trainer just to make the scale move. I had a large celebration this week with my only cheat being a 2oz sample of wine. First and only alcohol since going under the knife. No sweets at all and making healthy choices. Time to get back to my journal I guess to really see what's happening with my intake calorie wise. I have to remain focused, I can feel a difference in my clothes as I have shed an entire wardrobe! Another non scale victory under 100 to lose! I can do this....! Yes..I can!
Starting Over!

Starting Over!

2
thinkthinthoughts' Blog
 

September 29

It's been a while since I posted...from the Monday before my surgey to the Monday after, I lost 11.2lbs. It's been harder than I thought only having liquids...I've realized I do not like protein shakes!   I'm just ready to have soft foods, and feel like I have the energy to start exercising and being me again. I just didn't react well to the anesthesia, plus having the hernia repaired, plus going back to work this week...I think I've used all of my energy!   Next week is a new week, and I'm ready to conquer it. My plan is to rest this weekend and feel even stronger.  
thinkthinthoughts

thinkthinthoughts

2
A New Beginning
 

It's A Date!

Whew! Finally. If I'm learning one thing during this process, it's patience. It's been baby steps since May, but as of Wednesday I have a surgery date! November 16, 9:30 a.m. with a 2 week liquid diet prior to lose 9 - 20 lbs. Since our liver stores fat, the idea is the shrink the liver by getting it to purge it's fat and shrink so the surgeon won't have to battle it to get to the stomach. Have my prescription for anti-nausea patch to apply the day prior. Since I have seven weeks from today in which to prepare, I'm going to star working at getting my breakfast and lunches to liquid while eating sensible dinners with the hubby until the first day of the liquid diet (which coincidentally, happens to be the day after my b-day).   I've found some Turkey stock, so while I won't be able to gorge as in years past on Thanksgiving, I will be able to still have that taste of turkey. Patience....that's always been my hardest lesson to learn, but I guess I have no choice, but to count the days and get prepared for the liquid diet and SUCCEED!
Tiffany Talbert Corbet

Tiffany Talbert Corbet

2
angelize's Blog
 

1 Week To Go And Im Sick!

my surgery is oct 5 and a few days ago,i developed a cough....i have been taking cough medicine,but i think its getting worse! my question is....if i still have this cough after the surgery, will it affect my healing? and can i do damage to the band? so worried,i dont want to have my surgery rescheduled!!
angelize

angelize

5
VegasBlondie2002's Blog
 

Update

Well Since my endoscopy I found out that I have GERD which I should mention I never knew I did have. Secondly I also have H. Pylori so that was fun to find out that I had that. So they put me on a rigourus round of antibiotics and now I have to lose 10-15 lbs pre op. I had my surgery postponed to 10-11-2012 which is fine with me I know I can do it. So if any of you come across my blog and have any tips or tricks in order to lose weight that would be greatly appericiated. I have bought my protien shakes, bought fruits and veggies, etc etc, no carbs either. SO any other advice would be helpful this way when I go there I will be able to get this done. I dont want to get to the surgery center and they say they cannot do it. Please any piece of advice helps THANKS IN ADVANCE
VegasBlondie2002

VegasBlondie2002

2
lorrid's Blog
 

Tired But Getting Better

I am 2 and half weeks out of surgery. I was so tired of hearing how bad I looked last week. If I did anything I had to lay down and take a nap. It is still worth every minute of it. I am figuring out my new stomach now. Eating some and even though my kids and coworkers know Im surprised at how often they tell me to eat (they just dont understand how long it takes to eat and how little I can eat). I am getting some of my energy back but still would love to take a couple of naps a day if I could fit them in. I need to get to walking more and get my cardio workout going now but at this point I dont think I can add a whole lot. I am down 27 lbs from surgery and 37 lbs down since beginning of this journey. I am so excited for my new life and my new body.
lorrid

lorrid

1
dylanmiles23's Blog
 

1St Fill

Just had my first fill. Back to liquids for 3 days, then soft mashed foods for 3 days and then STAGE 5!!!!!! Can't wait. I miss shrimp,lobster and salad. My husband misses us having Chinese food. Today really starts the rest of my life. I am making a promise to myself never to be obese again. I didn't go to this extreme (surgery) to be fat. I really enjoy this site and reading about everyone. Thank you all. You all give me encouragement that only Banders would understand. Have a great weekend. If you're from NE, stay dry.
dylanmiles23

dylanmiles23

0
l.croley77's Blog
 

Feeling Discouraged

When I got a fill a few weeks ago I felt so good. I finally felt restriciton and immediately saw results and felt like I was flying on top of the world! Now it seems my restriction is gone as well as the wind in my sails.....i dont know what happened! Is this normal? I really dont have it to take another day off work plus borrow a car to go down for the 3 hr drive and then pay for the fill too. Any advise?
l.croley77

l.croley77

4
pink grace's Blog
 

Got My Admitions Letter

I am going to have to ring my nurse, i was told i would need to go into hospital the day before because of the diabetese been controlled by injections, but, on the letter that came today i am to be admitted at 11am on the day of my op. It also said for the by pass and yet i told them i wanted the sleeve, am puzzled, but will have to wait until monday to talk to anyone seeing as it is 4.15 on a friday afternoon. Had a very stressful morning with mom, still very confused, sat and listened to 5 hours of mixed up memories from mom, really hope these antibiotics get on top of the infection and she gets her mind back soon. The hunger is under control more now, and i am able to stick to the 800 cals and ercord it with fitness pal, which is a great app on my tablet pc. I am aware that i need to be sttrong over the weekend, and then it will be one week done, and one week to go. Now i must sleep and relax, zzzzzz
pink grace

pink grace

1
Jim1967's Blog
 

What I Think Are Keys To A Successful Journey. Just My Opinion And So Far It Works For Me

Everyone has opinions and advice and that is what makes us different individually. I am not one to sugar coat things but for someone to come and tell another "you are giving out bad information or advice" is just dead wrong. That is the opinion bad information or advice is being given.   Keys to a successful journey in my opinion is: Patience
Education
Following basic guidelines set forth by a Doctor and/or Nutritionist
Making good food choices
Develop good eating habits such as eating slow, smaller portions and chewing up food very fine
Analyze your hunger to ensure it is really truly hunger and not head hunger
Patience
Ongoing Education throughout your journey
Constant follow up with Doctors and Nutritionists throughout the journey. This is a must should band adjustments be needed.
While I understand is is perfectly normal to read up on the manufacture website on the product I think I would put more faith in the experience others have had with the product and that goes for both patients and medical professionals alike. I read up on Realize band on the manufacture website but in the end they are trying to sell a product. I want to hear from the 'end users' and the medical professionals who work with the product.     Just my penny worth of thoughts   Oh and Fen-Phen said they could help people lose weight as well but in the end the drug was pulled for causing serious health issues along with deaths and they ended up shelling out $13 billion in settlements. Anyone who just takes the word of a manufacturer as FACT or word of law is not a wise person.
Jim1967

Jim1967

2
my vsg journey
 

All About My Surgery And Two Weeks Post Op.

things went well with the surgery (9/10). i was in and out quickly. they did find that my liver was way larger than normal, so they took a biopsy. came back and i have early fibrosis/non alcoholic steatohepatitis (fatty liver disease) that could lead to cirrhosis if i dont get/keep the weight off.   in the hospital overnight, couldn't sleep. was on an 8 minute dilaudid pain pump, which i thank heaven for. just don't let them take out your IV/pain pump til they are actually ready to walk you out the door, especially if you have a long way to get home. i had mine out too long and got very agitated because the dr took 2.5h to write my discharge orders... i felt horrible and then started running a fever and my blood pressure and heart rate (things i don't have issues with) skyrocketed. the nurse had a horrified look on her face when she took them right before i left. on the ride home, every bump was horrible. i just wanted my own bed. and it felt like years before my husband got home from the pharmacy with my pain meds.   other than that just poking and prodding. went home the next day, pain for about a day and a half, only gave my oxycodone. phenergan did not touch the nausea, so they called in some zofran. if you have nausea, DEMAND the zofran. much more effective. turned out to have been pain mainly from the nausea from pain meds. i was fine w just zofran the 2 or 3 days after that, then i felt just fine. within the week, i actually felt GOOD. weird.   i did have one night where i laid in bed and felt like there was electricity going through my body. i couldn't sleep and was just restless. it was horrible. i think it was related to an anti nausea patch they gave me to put behind my ear? not sure, but i stopped using it and it hasn't happened since.   so far, down 25 lbs and 25 inches. mostly in my arms, legs, and face. coming off slowly on the abdomen, which is where i carry everything. was initially scheduled for 3 weeks off work.   i feel good. was cleared for soft food, sex, and exercise today, THANK GOD. walking wasn't cutting it. i did get approved for another 2 weeks off of work though. i want to be less exhausted from healing.   my sleeve doesn't hurt. it cramps a little in the am when i am empty and haven't taken my prilosec, but other than that, no pain. no nausea otherwise. i think i am eating too quickly bc i am overly full when i am done. take the time to listen to your body. eat super small bites VERY SLOWLY and you'll avoid getting too full, which feels gross and can make you cough out the extra. it's really not fun.   matrix mint cookie protein and i are bffs. the best flavor! and not too thick.   so glad i did it! best decision i have ever made!   questions? lol
caroless

caroless

3
dylanmiles23's Blog
 

Tgif

​Tomorrow I see the doctor and may get my first fill. I am nervous. I am doing fine as is. After the doctor I have a dietitian meeting about new foods. I miss bread. I went to Olive Garden today, no bread sticks, no pasta and no salad. I ate a small piece of chicken grilled and mashed potatoes. Tasted great but it was Olive Garden, home of the endless salad. It is 2 months since my banding and I'm doing super. I don't get enough exercise in. I can't afford the gym right now but hope to join one within the next month or so. Next week is my birthday and I would like to go walking around down town Boston and window shop but my husband isn't well enough to walk around. He has health issues. Last year on my birthday I took him home from the hospital after open heart surgery. The heart is fine, it's the rest of the body that isn't doing well. He's another whole story. I just needed to vent-thank you for listening.
dylanmiles23

dylanmiles23

2
CAsleeve's Blog
 

9 Month Follow-Up Appt Was Today...

Hello! I've so much to write, but so little time. I just had my 9 month follow-up appt today. My doc is pretty darn happy with me. However, not as happy as I am with myself!!! I bought my first pair of size 12 skinny jeans a couple weeks ago and I'm wearing them today! From a size 22/24 to a 12 (and a 'skinny' jean at that!)!!!! And, I still have ~40-45lbs still to lose. Crazy, wonderful, exciting! I love my sleeve. Now in saying that....eating is still a challenge. I try to stick close to 100% plant-based, whole food diet, but...once in a while... Anyway, you still have to watch calories and quantity and this will be forever. But, darn this sleeve rocks!!! So happy. Life is good. One Love.
CAsleeve

CAsleeve

3

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