Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!
$99 Yearly Supply Alert! 🎉 "1 per Day!" Bariatric Multivitamins

Blogs

Izuri's Blog
 

Here We Go Again

Life has been pretty busy lately. Between school and work and having issues, there hasn't been a lot of time that I've been posting on here. I think it's been detrimental to me, so I wanted to post more. To warn you, this is going to be a bit of a rant, because I like to get stuff off my chest.   I am starting to realize that my body has a pattern - and I hate it. It only wants to lose weight while I'm on my period. Not good since I was hoping I could continue my birth control through and get rid of a few periods every year. I am not losing on weeks that I am not on my period - despite having whole days of bleeding when I'm not on my period. It's so freaking lame. I am eating the right things. I am getting out doing stuff in my life and yet the scale is going up again and then wobbling, just like it did the stupid last stall. Am I going to go through this three weeks out of every month and only have one loss week per month? I really hope not, it's super discouraging.   I am not even losing inches now. I was like well maybe since a couple weeks ago I've lost some inches. Nope. Zip. Zero. None. All my clothes fit exactly the same. =((( Come on body! Give me a break here! I eat like 1/1000 of what I used to, can we get back to losing??
Izuri

Izuri

1
LovetheNewMe's Blog
 

I Have Arrived!

Well.................... a very deep subject. So my fellow bandsters, new found cyber friends I want to share my success with you and help you to understand that this process is possible but you have to jump in with both feet and be 100% committed to this process. So I will go back to the beginning. High my name is Diane and 2 years ago I was morbidly obese. I used food as a coping mechanism for every aspect of my life. I ate when I was happy, I ate when I was sad, I ate when I was stressed and i would even eat and lie to myself about the fact that I ate. (Sound familiar) Well one day, I not only had to take a long hard look in the mirror but I had to recognize that my body was no longer coping well with the extra weight on my 5'1" frame. I weighed 252 lbs at my heaviest(Check out my profile, I was very "FAT" there is no other word to describe me. Oh yes I did have a "NICE" smile, still do but now I have cheek bones) I like many of you had tried many WL options from fad diets to Weight Watchers and Jenny Craig and also like many of you I FAILED! Notice I said "I" failed. You see all of those "DIETS" worked but what I failed to do was truly embrace the changes that were needed in my life, the changes that I needed to be successful. But I now believe I had to fail in order to succeed. I see myself just like any addict, I had to hit rock bottom before I truly could commit myself to changing my life. When I started on this site I chose to pick a name that I could grow to love, a.k.a. my user name LovetheNewMe. The other decision I made when I signed onto this site was to be honest and give back as much as I was taking away. I like many of you read and sat in the back ground for many weeks and tried to learn, not only from the successful but also from the struggles.   If I could pick three things that have made me successful I would have to say they are "Me, Myself and I" I am sorry to burst anyone's bubble but the Lapband is not why I lost weight, I lost weight because I have learned how to eat and I have learned what a portion is and I have learned that you get out of this what you put into it. If you sit on your butt and expect the weight to fall off, or have your band so tight that you can only drink liquids or puck back half of everything you eat, YES you can lose weight but YOU will not keep it off. You have to embrace the concept of the band, the band does not prevent you from eating the junk food, actually the band encourages you to eat junk food. I know your all thinking this women is flippin crazy. But think about it, when your band is tight and protein will not go down what do you lean toward. SLIDERS! Foods that are high in calories and low in nutritional value. I have read over and over on this blog that people had the surgery so they would not have to count calories, track their food or exercise. Well good luck to all of them because I know me, I am the queen of manipulation and I was real good at telling me that it was OK to eat the fast food on the way home from work and still eat dinner because no one saw me eat it but LITTLE olé me, myself and I. So, what is my point...   You have to embrace a healthy life style and you have to remember that what you lose you can always gain back if you do not embrace a healthy life style. It really is true, You are what You EAT!. You have to learn to eat like a thin person and think like a thin person to be a thin person. I am still in the phase of my journey that I am a thin person but there is still a FAT girl living inside me that still struggles to get out some days. I am determined that the "FAT" girl in me is gone forever. I keep pictures of me at my heaviest in plain site, in my house and office. I do not want to ever forget how far I have gone. Just looking in the mirror does not always do it for me, a picture is worth a thousand words. Yes I have reached my ideal body weight, Yes I have dropped from a size 24 to a size 4 (no that is not a type "O") I still log my food every day, I still weight and measure my food, I eat off a small plate, I lay my fork down between bites, I do not drink with meals 30 min before or 30 min after meals, I do not graze, I do not eat unplanned snacks, I do not succumb to peer pressure and I DO exercise 4-5 days per week.   The best advice I can give any bandster is: Follow the rules
 
Keep in touch with your WL Surgeon
 
Drink Water
 
Exercise
 
Set realistic goals (Boys and Girls we did not get FAT over night and you are not going to get thin over night. To lose weight you have to decrease your intake and increase your activity. Your body is a living, breathing machine and you to have burn calories to lose weight and the only way I know how to do this is to exercise. It still takes 3500 calories less than your body needs a week to lose one pound per week. That calculates out to 500 calories less per day than your body burns. You have to learn what your body needs just to maintain your current weight. There is a very narrow balance between what you need and not eating to little. If you eat to little your body will think you are starving and eventually stop losing weight.)
 
Learn to eat healthy( The reason you have to do this is because of rule #5)
 
And last and the most important, EAT YOUR PROTEIN. (It has been proven that bandsters that heat 70gms or more protein are more successful with weight loss) Protein make you feel fuller longer and takes longer to digest thus decreasing your desire to eat.
 
And last bit of advice and probably the most important; Learn to love your self, believe in your self and know that you can do this. Anything is possible with hard work and dedication.
So here is the old me beside the new me.       Good luck to all of you who are just startng or those of you who are struggling. If you are struggling, forgive your self and move forward, if you are just starting or thinking about LBS, know you are going to have to work hard because this is a Life Style Change and just having the surgery and the band does not mean you will lose weight.   LovetheNewMe
♥LovetheNewMe♥

♥LovetheNewMe♥

9
I'll make my own luck
 

Crankerpants.

There is only one word for my mood lately: crankerpants. It's that "I'm super cranky, so if you talk to me, I'm probably gonna be a snarky b***h" type of feeling that I'm not so sure everyone experiences. I've made a bunch of changes to my diet, and been really terrible at sticking to it. Seems I can go pretty good for about 3 days and then BAM I find myself finishing off a bowl of pasta or rolling through McD's for a breakfast sandwich. But overall, I think I'm doing okay. I mean, for those 3 days I stick to it, that's an achievement, right? I'd really like to limit myself from 2 crappy/cheat meals per week down to one. Trying to do baby steps so post-op isn't so drastic.   Been trying to get my follow up with my PCP scheduled F O R E V E R, it feels like. But I need an appointment for a Sat 10/6 and for WHATEVER REASON, they don't have their Saturday schedules posted for October yet. UGHHH. So frustrating. Got a tiny bit crankerpants at the scheduling girl but turned it down a notch before I snapped. I just want to see if my PCP talked to my medical group about getting a referral before the 3 month diet period. I'd love to be referred in October and scheduled for November!! Hope that's not just wishful thinking!   Progress: I joined a gym today. There's a Planet Fitness like 5 minutes from my house and they happen to be running a start-up special right now, so I signed up. I feel so grown up and responsible! I went with my BFF and she's a member already, so she showed me around. Lots of the machines I remembered from being in high school gym class. And I loved how you could watch TV or ipod on the treadmills and bikes and stuff. Walk a mile AND watch Judge Judy? YES PLEASE!   I'm also happy to report that this friend that took me to the gym is also the first person I told I was considering surgery and I thought she judged me for it. She really had a lot on her plate (her mom passed away ) but a few days ago she asked me how my surgery plan was going and we talked about it for a while. She asked a lot of questions and was really supportive. Makes me wonder if she'd consider surgery if she saw me lose a bunch of weight? IDK. I won't bring it up. It's too big of a decision for me to try talking her into it. My mom already said she's contemplated some type of surgery before... I think it would be interesting if all the heavy people in my life started having surgery! haha. all the more reason for me to BE THE FIRST!   I think my mood improved since starting this post. Yay! Have a happy hump day tomorrow, everyone!!
makemyownluck

makemyownluck

0
IsaacsGram's Blog
 

Still Not Eating Right, But Exercising!

I have my last appointment with my surgeon on Friday, and i'm still not eating right and I haven't lost a pound! I hope that he doesn't make me reschedule my surgery! I have, however, started back to exercising regularly, went to the gym 3 times this week and walking on the other days. I really want to build up my stamina before surgery!
IsaacsGram

IsaacsGram

0
A funny thing happend while I was loosing weight
 

For Women Only....period

This post is for women...or men who have to deal with us after our sleeve. If you are neither, you have been warned!! I am going to discuss that wonderful experience almost all of us have once a month. No, it's not a full moon (but it is said to be linked), This post is all about the PERIOD. No, not the kind that kids no longer know should be at the end of a sentence (thank you text messaging for that), but the nasty, crampy, bloaty, mood changing one. This is one of those VERY HONEST posts that may make some uncomfortable...if you are one of those people, you should leave now!!!   Ok, for all those of you that I stayed with me........   I have never had bad periods. I PMSed very little and only very rarely had cramps. I knew I was lucky and I had no desire to be one of the many women out there that literately curl up in a ball for a week due to the pain and discomfort. I liked my period (as much as any women can like it). Then, I had this surgery.   The day after surgery (while still in the hospital), I started. It came out of nowhere and I was so relieved to hear that many women do experience this. It was much heavier than normal and I was very crampy. I just chalked it all up to having "trauma" AKA the WLS. So, when I came home and it finished I never really thought much about it. That is until around 28 days later. For about three days before I started again, I became a Bi$%h to deal with. I would yell at my husband for any little thing. Even if it wasn't something that normally would upset me. I cried at the drop of a hat. Commercials could bring tears to my eyes and have me sobbing in seconds. Remember the Christmas Folgers Coffee one from years ago? The one when the college or military man comes home? That caused me to tear up when I saw it the first time. Now, it would send me into a sobbing fit. But again, I found an explanation. I chalked it up to all the hormones running around in my system. Then when it started I was back to normal except for the cramps and the way it looked. Don't worry, I won't get too specific. My issue was that it wasn't the same for me at all. It lasted longer, it was heavy, and then sometimes there wasn't any real blood. It was more like the end of a period than the beginning or the middle.   I tell you all this to now tell you how it is NOW. Three days ago, I cried for hours. I wanted to kill my husband and I must have given the, "I can't stand you" look to him no less than 100 times that day. I didn't know why or where these feelings came from and to be honest, I didn't really care. I just wanted to get all those feelings I was having out. Even if it meant verbally attacking the man I love. And that my friends is EXACTLY what I did. The poor man didn't know what hit him. To be honest, I am not sure if he even knows now. I was a crazy, hormone filled, sobbing, runny nose, monster and he was the person I was sent here to attack. And attack I did. Nothing was good enough. He could look at me and get yelled at. He could say, "I love you." and I would sneer and roll my eyes. I was everything I promised myself never to be. I was the woman all men hate....I was THAT woman.   Then, the next day the sky was blue, the clouds were puffy and white, the temp was perfect and I started my period. It was like the "opening of the gate" stabilized me. i was back to myself and not the angry, crazy witch I had been only a day before. Now, so you know, this has happened for the past five months since my surgery and all I can think is, WHAT IS HAPPENING TO ME?????   I truly feel that every month I become possessed. I can't stop myself from saying things or looking at people with despise. I even started freaking out at some kids (in their late teens early 20's) for not stopping to cross the road and almost hitting my SUV. I couldn't just roll my eyes and keep driving. Nope, I had to scream and go off on five boys that were just being that age. I can't control myself and I can't keep the thoughts in my head with out having to cry for hours or scream at unknowing people for no reason. Another example. I went to McD's to get my husband some food. The girl at the window was very rude and I ignored it...that is until I said, "Thank you" and she responded with rolling her eyes and smacking her lips. Then it was on. I proceeded to tell her she could go to a very warm place that doesn't have sand or surf. I also told her that customer service means being nice to people and if she couldn't do it, she should find a new job. Then I drove away, crying, and so angry I wanted to hit something. Now, this is not me!!!! This is the woman that takes over once a month and does her own thing. I can't stop her. I've tried. I have the inner talk with her. I've kept her mouth shut only to have her use a crow bar to open it. I have done everything I know how to do (as a therapist) to not be this mean person and still, NOTHING is working.   So, here's my question for you all.....Do any of you have this issue or anything like it? Are you a different person during your time of month since surgery? Let me know if I'm going crazy and need to see a doc or if this is normal. If it's not normal, be happy I've passed that time of the month *the PMSing" becasue if I hadn't, you might get a piece of the crazy, Bit@#'s mind....and trust me, you nor I would want that.
tmorgan813

tmorgan813

5
thinkthinthoughts' Blog
 

Sept 11...

Today was hard...I wanted to eat like crazy today. Why? I have no idea...I'm not extra hungry or anything, just pictured eating all day long. I fought it and didn't give in...I didn't do it. Maybe because this is my last week...my nerves are shot, getting anxious! Still happy with my decision to be banded next week!
thinkthinthoughts

thinkthinthoughts

0
Sleeved by Dr. Kelly in Mexico
 

Week 24 (Or 6 Months Post Op With Pictures)

Week 24 – 6 months post op   Last week’s weight – 200.8 This week’s weight – 197.2 Total weight lost this week – 3.6   Beginning weight – 246 lbs Total weight loss since surgery – 48.8 lbs     Recovered from my gain last week with a nice loss. I was hoping to be down 50 lbs by my 6 month mark but…oh well…that’s the way it goes.   Attached is a side by side picture of my weight loss from highest to current.
mrsteacher

mrsteacher

8
Downtown Pony's Blog
 

100 Days Out

100 days out. I stepped on the scale this morning and was 258. 38 pounds from my goal. I have lost a total of 92 pounds since my surgery (112 since pre nutrition plan) . I am done to a size 40 inch waist 16 1/2 inch neck. XL shirt. Its crazy to look at pictures of me at 300 pounds and see how fat I was. I like the attention that I am getting and I really am glad I decided to go thru with this.   I hope people who are newbies don't think this is just a quick fix. It takes discipline to exercise and to know when to stop. I am turning 28 in a month and a half. I am gonna be super hot. Love y'all
Downtown Pony

Downtown Pony

2
dwbrown1978's Blog
 

First Blog Entry

This is my first blog entry. I will be using this blog as a place to log my journey. I will post updates, future appointment dates, my surgery date and so forth. After my operation, I will use this as a tool to post about successes, set backs, and my day-to-day well being.   A quick update on my progress thus far: 1. Met with my PCP to get a referral to the BS Department (8/24/12) 2. Attended mandatory orientation for gastric sleeve (8/26/12) 3. Met with Surgeon for GSV (8/31/12) 4. Had EKG, Upper GI X-Ray, Ultrasound, and necessary lab work (9/4/12)   Still TO DO: 5. Meet with NUT (Mandatory for clearance) 9/17/12 6. Have Psych/Mental Health Eval (Mandatory for clearance) 9/24/12 7. SCHEDULE SURGERY DATE (TBD)   I am almost there. Luckily I have already been pre-approved by my health insurance, so this process has been running like a well oiled machine (knock on wood & fingers crossed). I hope to have my surgery date scheduled sometime in October. I am very pro-active in my care, so I made sure to contact my insurance company first, prior to starting the process, to see what I would need to get this done. I also went ahead and scheduled all my appointments directly, rather than waiting for the various departments to contact me, which I have past experienced in the past, could be delayed up to 2 weeks, before someone finally gets around to contacting me. By being proactive, I am making sure all my t's are crossed and i's are dotted so to speak.   I am nervous, as I am sure everyone is. BUT - I am also ready. SO ready. I am prepared, mentally, emotionally and physically for this. I have my own reasons for this surgery, as I am sure everyone has. This could literally help save my life and make the time I do have better. It's about quality of life for me at this point. And I am prepared to do whatever it takes.
dwbrown1978

dwbrown1978

0
Pammy's Journey
 

6 More Days Until I Am Officially A Sleever

Six more days until I lose the title of Bandster and gain the title of Sleever.   Pre-Op Diet -   I started my pre-op diet on September 3rd. I feel a little fatigued, but I guess that is normal. However, I have to admit this pre-op diet thing was much easier before I was banded in 2007. I have had a few moments of crankiness, but thank goodness I have a fabulous family and boyfriend who have been so supportive through this venture.   Jitters -   The mental part of this life change and surgery is very taxing. I am ready for the change, but I am so afraid of the possible complications and recovery. I guess having the band removed and the sleeve done at the same time is making me a little more nervous also, because I know that I may have to deal with a harsher recovery than getting the sleeve alone.   Reality Check -   I need this tool to help get me into better shape, so I can do the things I want to do without carrying all of this extra baggage. The Fall is my favorite time of year. I love to go to the country and take it all in. I can't go horback riding, or hiking, or do any of that outdoorsy kind of stuff like this. It is just too hard to carry the weight. My knees and my ankles hurt too much to do all of the walking.   I need this tool to help me eat right, to correct my cholesterol, insulin resistance, PCOS, sore knees and ankles, etc.   I keep telling myself that I won't regret this. This is going to be a hard couple of months, but after a while, this will become second nature and I will adore my sleeve and the ability to do the things I love to do without feeling physical pain. I may even avoid becoming Type 2 Diabetic and that in itself is a wonderful reason to have this surgery.   So, when I get these jitters and think that I can still back out of getting the sleeve the day of my surgery...(and just opt to get the lap-band removed), I try to give myself a reality check with some positive self talk.   VSG Buddy -   I was lucky enought to be introduced to a VSG Buddy. She went to the same Bariatric Practice that I am going to and she is also a revisionista! She has introduced me to all sorts of wonderful things already, like herbal teas, protien drinks and soups, vitamins, and she is loaded with special advice. She has made this journey so much easier thus far! I am very lucky to have found her!   Hmmm.... Oh' Yes, I am not very good at introductions...but I am sure you have figured a few things out on you own while reading the above blog (or my best attempt at a blog).   INTRODUCTION... (Which is complete PJ Style, because it wouldn't be me, if I gave you the intro first...)   My name is Pam. In 2007, I was banded. My start weight was 330, my lowest weight was 214, my highest weight after reaching 214 was 312.   My revision to the VSG is scheduled for September 17th. My current weight is 301 after being on the liquid diet since September 3rd.   I like this blogging stuff...it sorta helps me get a few things off of my chest!
PJ_Sleeve

PJ_Sleeve

0
Spaness2012's Blog
 

Pre Op Diet

I start my pre-op diet tomorrow and am scared to death! I go from "what did I get myself into" to "I can do this" in one short breath.   The last few days I have spent some time really wrapping my head around this process. I am choosing to keep as positive as possible. Focus on what I will be gaining, not what I will have to give up! To feel like this is a GIFT to myself as opposed to a punishment for being overweight.   There are so many negative voices attached to my weight issues, today I vow to change this outlook. Reprogram the messages, download a new way of thinking. The only way out is...through. I plan to get there. One positive thought at a time.   What were some of the mantra's you told yourself during the pre-op liquid diet stages? What advice would you give someone to get them through?
Spaness2012

Spaness2012

0
Amanda's Rambles
 

First Day Post Op!!!

This will be short and sweet since I am really pretty out of it still. But surgery went well. I made it out of surgery about 2:30 p.m. woke up in recovery about 3:15, then went and did the swallow test. I got back to my room about 5:30 and was in the car going home by 7:30. Yesterday I was sore but nothing bad. Got home and even had some chicken broth.   No pain, until 0400 this morning. I had slept for 6 hours since meds and woke up in a considerable amount of pain. The nurse practitioner told me to take advil in between pain meds. I started that about 6 this morning. That combo of meds is working currently. I feel better, sore but nothing I can't stand right now. I have had some discomfort with gas, not shoulder pain, but it does make my stomach hurt from sitting up in the same position (such as right now in this chair). I have been taking my gas-x strips every 3 hours or so and see to be combating that.   Last night I had about 1.5 cups of broth, which was too much, I had some discomfort after. This morning I made a protein shake to avoid being sick from the pain meds and only got a few ounces of it down. And a little bit ago I had about 1 cup of broth. I am glad I am feeling some resistance in what I am consuming.   Anyways, I want to wish a big good luck to all my LBT friends who are having surgery today, good luck!! I am falling asleep in this chair, so I will chat more later and upload some funny pics from yesterday.   Until later,   Amanda
Duhs9919

Duhs9919

1
elibu's Blog
 

2 Week Post Op Appt Today

So today was my 2 week post op appt. It went really well. Weighted in at 225.8 lbs. My incisions are really looking good. Dr H said scar that is my left that is dimpled will start to look a little more normal in about 2 weeks or so. I was telling him about the pain that I experienced on Sun/Mon and he said it was from over doing it this weekend. He was telling me how common it was to have pain of this type about 10 days out from surgery.   One of the receptionists who had a VSG said that she wears a binder for support that really helps her a lot with jut everyday pain. So off to L&D I went to get one. I do have to say it is suprisingly comfortable and it does help with my belly pain. I plan to wear it tomorrow night to work to see if it helps...We'll see. Kind of nervous about going back to work. Hope i'm not to sore after working 2 12 hour shifts back to back...   I can now start to exercise as I wish. He said to use pain as my guide. Don't start off like crazy but start slow and use my body as my guide as to how hard I can exercise   As for eating. Dr H said I am good to go as far as food is concerned. Just be carefu and let my body tell me what I can handle. His comment was " the worst that can happen is you will throw up" LOL..
elibu

elibu

2
SassyVirgo's Blog
 

6 Days To Go

On June 1,2010 I had the Gastric Sleeve done down 60 lbs and then BAM!!!!! Galbladder had to be removed and had infection issues, then had a knee injury that after months of medical care still required sugery. After enduring all of that I had to deal with the fact that my window to lose more weight was closed. Despite my efforts my yo yo weight loss and gain started all over again. Down 10lbs up 10lbs. Feeling like a TOTAL failure I finally agreed to the Gactric Bypass. Surgery is 6 days away and I keep going from completly calm to a nervous wreack. I'm going to document every step of this journey. Didn't do it for the first one and it is hard for me to see any weight loss that I had. This time around I'm going to be kinder to myself and see my journey step by step. I wish everyone who is on this path the best of luck and a speedy recovery.
Sassy Virgo

Sassy Virgo

1
secondchancesally's Blog
 

So Today I Had A Great Talk With My 7 Year Old, About Lap Bands...

Did I mention it took place in the shower? So tonight while showering together my daughter mentioned to me that she sometimes sneaks out of bed at night and notices her other parent sneaking a smoke on the terrace. This led to a conversation about why people smoke and why people sneak. At 7 she understands that smoking is an addiction and that many people, despite wanting to stop, just can't find the willpower to do so. In order to curb her disdain, I pointed out that we all are working on things about ourselves, trying to be better. Next thing I know this conversation I had been dreading for months was just happening. Naked. But happening.   I explained that I was working on losing weight because I wanted to be healthier and have more energy. I explained how when we eat too much, our bodies store the extra as fat. And as far as I was concerned, I had more fat stored than I would ever need. Bless her cute little self, she screwed up her little face in an expression of confusion, looked me up and down, and said, "where?"   "Well, here, and here..." I replied pointing out my belly, my butt. She then asked me to turn around, which I did, but definitely starting to think this was spiralling out of control. "You look pretty", she replied, to which I said, "Oh my god I have to clone you"...No I didn't say that, but I thought it. So I went on to explain that for me, carrying around all the extra weight was like her having to carry her backpack when it had too much stuff in it. We recalled the times she didnt want to run an errand after school because she just had too much stuff in her backpack. So far so good.   That's where we hit a wall. Because my daughter is a skinny girl. She's never hungry. I wake up ravenous. Se smells food and it usually smells "gross". I smell food when I'm not hungry and suddenly I AM hungry. She forces herself to eat because she "wants to get this meal done already" whereas I...well you get the picture. So her response was, "just eat less". I explained to her that I was trying, but that I was having a hard time eating as little as I needed to because heavier people are often hungrier than other people. I went on to tell her that there was an operation that I could have that could make my stomach smaller and then I would be less hungry.   Silence in the shower.   Then she said this, "I'm glad I'm skinny because I would hate to have to have an operation". This was my fear. So of course we talked about exercise and portions and healthy eating and I pointed out all the ways that she was really good at that. I noticed and praised how she doesnt eat when she's not hungry and how she knows she's gotta get her protein in first, and how good she is at knowing when she's had enough. (she is a master at having a few bites of ice cream and leaving the rest). And by then it was time to dry off and read a story and I told her how excited I was because I was about to try something new. I explained how excited I was to be able to bike and run and walk and explore more with her.   I didn't tell her that I am also excited to model healthy eating for her. I hope she keeps her healthy eating habits. Someday I'd like to take her out for ice cream and BOTH of us can eat a few bites and leave the rest.
secondchancesally

secondchancesally

3
brandice's Blog
 

Today Was The Day! (Day 1)

today was my Surgery and honestly I was scared to death he wouldn't perform the surgery because I was only able to loose 9 lbs instead of 12 on the pre-op diet. but after talking he agreed to do it. the surgery went well the doctor found a Hiatil Hernia in the process and fixed it. I think that hurts more than the band does. the Co2 gas is killing me! I'm trying to move around as much as possible but I'm so uncomfortable. And lying down makes to worse. I've gotten down one shake and my fluids. Not sure how sleep will go.
brandice

brandice

3
thinkthinthoughts' Blog
 

Sept 10...

I had my pre-op today...everything went well. First, at the doctor's office, I had to blow 3 times in a tube to measure the air in my lungs. Then, I met with the doctor and went over everything. He's super nice! Then, the nurse took my before pictures! After that appointment, I went to the hospital for my pre-op. the nurse took 2 tubes of blood, blood pressure, height, weight, and went over paperwork and consent forms. Everything is all set...next Tuesday is the BIG day!
thinkthinthoughts

thinkthinthoughts

0
prettysleeved1's Blog
 

Week 7 Post-Op: Post-Exercise Restriction, At-Home Exercise & Food Substitutions

Today marks 7 weeks since I had my surgery. I did not weigh today because I have an appointment on Wednesday and will wait until then. I am still feeling great and have no complications to report.   The first thing I want to make note of is post-exercise restriction. I have noticed that after exercise, it seems as if the sleeve constricts, as it is hard to even get a decent amount a water down within the 45 minutes (or so) following exercise. My concern is that water is so important before, during and after exercise and this issue temporarily hinders my ability to get in fluids when I need it most.   I've noticed this over the past two weeks so I decided to wait until Wednesday to speak with my surgeon about it. In the meantime, the workaround that I use is to consume a sugar free Popsicle after working out simply for the sake of getting in some form of hydration until I can really drink water like I need to. I do not know why this happens to me but I can only guess that the muscle contractions that take place during and after exercise contribute to it. I do not do concentrated abdominal work but I do do work that use core muscles.   I'll use that to segue into my next topic. I do not have a gym membership. I'm a very busy person and I hate traffic so at the end of the work day, I know that I will not go. I also refuse to wake up before the sun shines through my windows to work out so the gym is not an option for me. What has helped me more than anything is body weight exercises (squats, lunges, push-ups, etc), running and HIIT training. I also like using DVD's.   For those of you who are like me (gym-avoidant), I thought I'd give a list of the DVD's I am currently using and that I like. They are:   Lean Hot Body (Patrick Goudeau)- about an hour long and combines cardio and strength Peak 10 Cardio Strength (Michelle Dozois)- similar to Lean Hot Body but has levels that build into higher intensities Peak 10 Cardio Interval Burn (Michelle Dozois)- pure cardio Cross Fire (Cathe Friedrich)- HIIT that also uses weights Chiseled (Toby Massenburg)- strength training combined with high intensity cardio that involves a step bench   I don't do these everyday. I like to mix it up, lest I get bored. However, I would highly recommend these videos because they are straightforward and non-cheesy. The next development is my use of almond milk. Let me just say that the transition to skim milk was very hard for me. I just don't believe in see-through milk. Further, the carb count of skim milk is not something that I am willing to acquiesce to at this point. This weekend, I started to miss my cappuccino so I had to try to come up with something that would do. At Whole Foods, I found some espresso and as I perused the diary section and could not find the low-carb milk I was used to so I took a chance and picked up some almond milk.   I purchased the unsweetened vanilla variety that only has 40 calories for 8oz. and 2 grams of carbohydrates. Both of these figures have skim milk beat. I made a cappuccino with this milk and I must say, it was quite satisfactory. Almond milk smells wonderful and it's not see-through either. If you are lactose intolerant, this may be a viable option for you. I also used this milk when I made myself a hot chocolate using Ghirardelli's unsweetened cocoa powder (15 calories and 3 grams of carbs per serving). I know we are always told not to drink calories but the 55 calories in that cup of hot chocolate was so worth it.   For the potato chip lovers, I also discovered that Whole Foods sells "chips" made only out of parmesan cheese. They come in 1 serving containers in the hot soup area. They are crispy like chips but only made out of parmesan cheese (I guess they bake them because they aren't oily). They are delicious and I ate them with my soup. Although they are only 1oz. servings, it took me a couple of days to eat them all.   Anyway, that's all for now. Happy losing!
prettysleeved1

prettysleeved1

1
Ms. Popular's Blog
 

Preop Cardiologist Check Up - High Blood Pressure

soooooo it has now been 13months that i have been going thru the whole "Insurance Approval Adventure". i completed my 6 months of NUT meetings, 1 psych evaluation, call my doctor, call my insurance, call my management group, calling calling asking verifying!! Trying everything in my power to hurry the process along just so i can finally get what ive been waiting for . . . A Surgery Date!! *Stop* Now Breathe! Okay, soo i went to see the cardiologist today for a check up. I have no diseases or illnesses due to my Obesity but my insurance group required that i have clearance from a cardiologist and pulmonologist before they would approve me for surgery . . . This is usually done right before surgery and after you receive your surgery date But my insurance wants it before they will approve my surgery. So i go to the cardiologist today and i had some coffee before i went in and the nurse takes my blood pressure and its 170/ 110!!!!!! WWWOOOOWWW! crazy!! ive never had an abnormal anything. so the cardiologist asks me questions and examines meand runs the ekg and everything is fine. . . i dont show any symptoms of high blood pressure i.e swollen legs, chest pain etc, so i wait for 10 minutes to see if it goes down and during this time, i try to relax and take deep breathes and he checks it again . . . 160/90. Still abnormally high. so the cardiologist says that he wants me to take a blood pressure medication until surgery. He says that i am okay tho. Im super confused/worried because #1 i dont want anything getting in the way of me having my surgery and i dont want to be taking medication. i know that hbp is caused by obesity but ive never had it before. Should i be concern???
Ms. Popular

Ms. Popular

2
A funny thing happend while I was loosing weight
 

I Can Fly (Not Really...but I Do Have Wings)

All of my life I have been bigger. With that said, I didn't really care becasue I was always in shape and very active. I played tennis is high school and swam every day. I would hike when I was able and I could slam the crap out of a racquetball ball. Then BAM!!!! That all changed 18 years ago. I was 20 years old, in college, and having the time of my life when my disc decided it didn't like the home it had and that it wanted to go explore the rest of my back. The first two years after this happened, I was still able to do some activities, but I had to be mindful of my back. Then, over time, it got worse and I did less and less until I could no longer fathom the idea of doing any activity. Truth is, when you deal with chronic pain on a daily basis, you get tired of it and you want to do anything you can to get it to stop. My anything was doing nothing.   Now, after my surgery I have been doing more than I have in years. I walk almost daily or do some other type of cardio. And even though I'm still in horrible pain, I figure it's worth it to be healthy. I am only 5 months out and I have lost over 100lbs from my highest weight and around 75 from my surgery day. Now, you can't lose that much weight that fast with out some repercussions. And trust me, I have some. If you have read my blog for awhile, you know that I have already commented about my boobs. For those of you who don't know, my boobs are the things I miss the most. Every time I look in the mirror when I'm naked, I sing, "Do your boobs hang low? Do they wobble to and fro? Can you tie them in a knot? Can you tie them in a bow? Can you throw them over your shoulder like a Continental soldier? Do your boobs hang low?" They seem to hang a little lower every day. I'm starting to think they are depressed. Maybe I should give them some antidepressants to perk them back up....do you think that would work? I wish!!!   I had just learned to accept my boobs then out of nowhere I noticed something today that totally caught me off guard. I have wings!!! You know the extra skin under your arm that just hangs there and flops back and forth. I thought I was doing well with not getting any of that. I have made sure that I have worked my arms (with my shake weight, and while walking) but apparently that hasn't been enough. I am 38 years old and I have the back, boobs and arms of an 80 year old. Then, to make it just a little worse, I can start to see the extra skin on my tummy. My oh my, I'm just going to be skinny...yes, the pun was intended. But seriously people....it sucks. We work so hard following the program, doing what we need to do, and fighting daily urges to not eat certain things and to keep active and yet some of us will still have these issues.   I guess I'll have to accept my new wings like I accepted my boobs. I can't do anything about it right now. The good thing is that now I won't have to pay those high prices for airfare. I can just hold out my arms on a windy day and "Fly like and eagle". Now, if only I can find something useful for my droopy boobs to do....that's going to take some thought.
tmorgan813

tmorgan813

2
A New Beginning
 

Eyes Opening

Ok, chances are I'm overreacting, and if so...ok.   It's Monday, I'm in the office, and no fewer than 6 people since 8:00 a.m. (it's 12:30 now) have walked down the hall and each one has made a point to either say "hi" or stop and talk to the girl across the hall. Now, mind you, I'm not a wall flower....I'd say I'm pretty outgoing in this office, and I have worked here 13 years. I'm the "go to" when people need things. She's quiet, reserved and an engineer who isn't all that outgoing. The other difference between us is I've been overweight my entire life, so those who have worked with me have only known me as overweight (and in my opinion have a bias against that and feel uncomfortable.....so sorry), I'm 5'7, red hair, fair complexion and 254 lbs. She is 5'6, blonde hair, fair complexion and probably 130.   So the question is, why do they make the effort to say hi to her, and can't be bothered to turn and say hi to me as well? Why is it I only exist and am noticable when it comes to what they need and when they need it?   Well.....times, they are a changin.....and there's a reconin' coming! After I'm sleeved, and the weight starts falling off.....you can BET I won't be interested in their attention. I've known all my life who my "real" friends are and who those are that are only there for the fair weather. I won't suffer fake people. Not worthy of my time or trouble.   It's amazing to me how easily it is for others to be so rude and judgmental against those overweight. I've even noticed that it's actually socially acceptable for talking heads and comedians to poke fun at overweight politicians! How DARE they? Isn't it said that you can't judge a man (or woman) until you've walked a mile in their shoes? Sometimes, I just wish the world would grow up and try to consider those around them and pre-think they're actions.   Kicking the soapbox back into the corner.
Tiffany Talbert Corbet

Tiffany Talbert Corbet

5
TamaraS' Blog
 

Head Hunger Articles- 1St Two Articles Are Particularly Awesome!

Excellent article on Emotional hunger Vs. Physical hunger http://www.livestrong.com/article/14885-emotional-vs-physical-hunger/     Am I hungry? important questions to ask- http://amihungry.com/whatisamihungry.shtml   Recognizing hunger signals - http://www.myfooddiary.com/resources/ask_the_expert/hunger_signals.asp   Head Hunger- http://myfoodmaps.com/head-hunger/   3 steps to take to become aware of head hunger http://www.livestrong.com/article/512246-how-to-tell-the-difference-between-real-hunger-emotional-hunger/?utm_source=popslideshow&utm_medium=a1   head hunger - http://www.palmyrasurgical.com/adjustable-gastric-band-guide/living-with-your-gastric-band/dealing-with-hunger-after-surgery    
TamaraS

TamaraS

0

PatchAid Vitamin Patches

Bariatric Forums

For Patients

Health Professionals

Search Surgeons

Bariatric Surgeons: Want to research a weight loss surgery surgeon? Enter their last name below to start!

×