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TamaraS' Blog
 

Waiting For Ins. Approval? Call, Call, Call!

I called my surgeons office making sure they received all my paper work and results from all the testing I’ve completed. I am so ready for this surgery and really want to know if the insurance will cover it for sure. I completed all of the things specified by my insurance but I learned that my primary Dr. never signed off on the surgery :/. I personally took the papers over to his office and the girl at the front desk told me he would sign them that afternoon and fax them to the surgeon’s office (and that was two weeks ago).   I call my primary Dr.’s office today and find out that my Dr. will NOT sign off on the surgery until I get an EKG. I am pretty frustrated at this point because if I had not called I would have never known that my insurance request was not submitted. Not one person from my Dr.’s office called to tell me I needed to come in for this and it isn’t an insurance requirement so the surgeon’s office wouldn’t have known what the holdup was. I am totally for getting an EKG, just disappointed I was not told earlier. This process over the last three months has been a series of errors. My suggestion for those of you completing your requirements for surgery is to CALL, CALL, CALL! Double check and triple check your info is being received and what the requirements are for your insurance, your surgeon and your Dr. I am lucky I only had a two week hold up, imagine how long it would have been had I not called!!
TamaraS

TamaraS

6
cat7029's Blog
 

Protein Drinks

Hi everyone!   Well today I go for my pre-op and will have my surgery next week on Thursday, September 13, 2012. I'm a little scared because I am 51 years old; I'm not young anymore . I was just wondering on what is the most popular Protein Drink for everyone? I'm using Myofusion Probiotic Series with 24 grams of protein, 150 calories, Sugars 3.0 grams and Total Fat 2.0 grams per scoop. I’m having a really hard time finding one I can tolerate. Is there a better tasting one out there? PLEASE let me know.   Thank you!   Cat
cat7029

cat7029

6
@DomLorenVSG
 

One-Derland!

This morning I stepped onto my scale to discover I hit One-derland! Last I checked I've been hovering between 200.6 and 200.2, this morning I was 198.0.(I checked several times just to make sure). A lot of this had to do with working out. I'm 20 days post op, and I survived my first water polo practice last night. Note to all those who about to start workout regiments... STRETCH before doing the activity. I got to the pool deck late because of my class and I threw on my swim cap and goggles and dove in- BIG MISTAKE. I felt everything in my body shift and have a ripping sensation. IT WAS NO BUENO. No damage was done, but I think I shocked my body. I took it slow on the conditioning portion, swam steadily- backed out of the sprints, and then did fine during ball handlng and shooting drills. I opted not to scrimage my first couple of days back to prevent anyone from kicking me in unnecessary areas. All in all practice was a success but lessons were learned about listening to your body. Today is my first masters swim practice at lunch then round 2 of water polo practice tonight. It's looking to be a long week, but I'm totally ready to "embrace the suck." Nothing is more motivating to work out than to see your numbers go down!   ‎8/17/12 Post-op 20days   5'9   HW 216 CW 198 (-18) GW 169
@DomLorenVSG

@DomLorenVSG

0
Sleeved by Dr. Kelly in Mexico
 

Week 23 - Gained Weight :(

Week 23   Last week’s weight – 198.4 This week’s weight – 200.8 Total weight gained this week – 2.4 lbs   Beginning weight – 246 lbs Total weight loss since surgery – 45.2 lbs   Average weekly weight loss since surgery – 1.8 lbs   Ugh! I gained 2.4 lbs this week. It is not too surprising. I was gone for the past five days on an anniversary trip with my husband and my eating (and drinking) was way out of whack - plus I didn’t get any strenuous exercise in. I got some exercise in…walking instead of driving in a car but nothing too noteworthy. I also got my period three days ago and I am sure that is not helping.   It is a little discouraging to see my weight above 200 again. I missed five days at Crossfit but went last night and this morning (I’m trying to do it at least 3x a week for the first month).   I am dog/house sitting for the next 10 days and I am hoping to keep myself on a pretty tight eating/exercising plan during that time just to get back on track.   Hoping to report a loss next week.
mrsteacher

mrsteacher

1
Thyckness718's Blog
 

Today's The Day

Today is the big day and I am excited. Getting ready to soak in me a bubble bath and slowly but surely getting ready to be at the hopsital at 10:00 for my 12:00 surgery. This seems surreal because it has happened so fast, I am excited and just a tad bit nervous. I will check in when I get home from the hospital. Thanks guys for all the love and support you have given me.   XXOOXXOOXXOO   Lisa
Thyckness718

Thyckness718

1
Tiffany's WLS journey
 

My First Baseball Game

just got home from the dodgers vs padres game.....what a night!!!   Today, I'm 2 weeks post op.... I tried to go to the stadium with my water bottle and snack (canned salmon) and it got thrown away :'( I was so upset... I tried to explain that I had a medical condition and that I needed to eat that at 8:30pm and was told I could retrieve it from my car.... I knew I should've brought my purse with the rip in the bottom.....definately could've sneaked it in lol....   As far as the water bottle, they said i could buy one from the concession stand... Waste!!!!     we got there about 6:45, hiked up to our seats, and sat until 10:15 when I finally decided I couldn't take it anymore!!! We went to the concession stand and I ordered a hot chocolate and a dodger dog (for my hubby) hiked back to the car and (once we found it!) we came home....   so, just a suggestion, if you go to a game, hide your food better than I did because there is NOTHING healthy at the concession stand except for water....and who wants to spend $5 on a bottle of water?!?
mrscastillo

mrscastillo

0
Amanda's Rambles
 

6 Days Until Surgery...passed The Pizza Test

So after not having great success with the numbers on the scale going down all weekend, I woke up this morning to discover I had lost 2 lbs!! Its better than Christmas morning...well almost anyways. Today I am 6 days out until surgery. I am getting more and more excited as the days go on. I go on Thursday for my pre-op appointment at the surgery and to do my final weigh in at the surgeon's office. So woo hoo. I will definitely be working out during lunch tomorrow.   I have been craving pizza something terrible lately. I ate it a good bit before I started my diet but still having a hard time kicking that habit. Today at work we had a safety meeting during lunch and they ordered pizza. I have to admit that no one asked me if I wanted any, which they are famous for doing, but while they were eating their pizza and I was drinking my shake I felt left out. However afterwards when I realized I had kept my mouth to myself I was proud. I have to really get used to not eating all of the bad things when the whole group is eating bad. You can ask most people, I am really not a follower, but when it comes to food I am very much a follower, it is usually pretty easy to get me to fall off the good choice bandwagon. Attached is a picture of the pizza party and my shake there in the middle. Woo hoo me!!   The hardest part right now is controlling my bite sizes. I am supposed to be taking a bite the size of the first joint on your pinkie finger and chewing excessively. Also I am not supposed to be drinking liquids while I eat. This is to keep from washing my food down my stomach quicker so I feel full longer. Whenever I go out to eat, I've never been the person who gets 100 refills of their drink. Usually I barely make it through one. But for some reason now that I am trying to monitor this its become extremely hard. Tomorrow at dinner, I am not even going to sit down with a drink. Maybe this will take away the temptation to drink.   I've pretty much decided on only making healthy choices and not eating carbs, but its the little things I am worried about perfecting before surgery. Such as the small bite, excessive chewing, and no drinking while eating. What if I can't master these things? I think I mentioned the baby plates and kids silverware that I bought. I have been eating smaller portions but starting tomorrow I will bust out the plates and silverware. I have also attached a picture of the broiled tilapia and spinach I had tonight to show my portion sizes. This is the smallest plate I have besides the baby plates. This will force me to seriously monitor my portions and the silverware will make me take smaller bites. I know this is an ongoing process, just have to keep working on it until it becomes second nature, just like eating terrible food did in my "past" life. That and I know the first time (or probably second and third time too) that I have issues with how big of bite I took or washing my food down, I will really feel the effects and focus on following the rules.   So to summarize, do not be a food follower, be a leader and make good food choices, continue working on fine tuning lap band eating habits until they are second nature, and do not give into temptation. I can do this, tomorrow is only 5 days until surgery!!   Until tomorrow,     Amanda
Duhs9919

Duhs9919

6
WeightWatchMe's Blog
 

Training Is Going Awesome!

So I've been in training for the Graffiti Run (it's a super fun 5K) and it is going so GREAT!!! I never realized how much I could truely accomplish when I really put my mind to it. If anyone else is thinking about trying a 5K I found an app called couch-to-5K. IT WORKS!!!! I've gotten my miles down to 15 minutes a piece which for me is out of this world mind blowing!!!! I find myself just relieving so much stress now on the track and the fact that I actually have the energy to do it now amazes me everyday!!!!
WeightWatchMe

WeightWatchMe

0
sissy12's Blog
 

First Fill

I'm 11 weeks post-op and had my first fill today. I think the timimg was perfect as I was getting a little grumpy about having lost ONLY 26lbs. Hearing my Doctor tell me that I am on target with the loss and even past his expectations so far, really helped me.   I think we all play the comparison game, we know or read about someone who has lost more weight in the same amount of time and it bothers us, at least that's how I feel some days.   26 lbs. lost in 11 weeks, no fill at surgery and no fill until today...not too shabby I say.   I need to remember that I have lost a lot of weight, that if it wasn't for my band and my hard work I would still be carrying around a toddler.
sissy12

sissy12

2
TINA1005's Blog
 

Still Testing..

Hello everyone! So last week i had my first apmt with my dr and my BMI is a 63 which is way high since im only 23. I don't know how I ever got to be this big, but anyway I'm changing that now! My doctor was so nice, the whole staff was nice and made you feel super comfortable, I was not scared or nervous. The first thing i did was meet with the nutritionist and she was very nice and of course I cried (because I'm such a baby and I cry over everything) then I did my phyc eval which was more like her asking me why am I getting the lap bad in which i started to cry again because all i want is my life back and then she ended up crying with me and she showed me that she too had been banded! I did my blood work and Diane was soooo good she got in on the first try yay! and then finally I met with the handsome and very sweet Dr.Martinez he sure did make me feel very taken care of it almost felt as if i was talking to my dad!   so I finally finshed up and went home to eat since i had to fast for my blood work. I got a call 2 hours later saying they wanted me to come back and do a sleep study which I knew would probably be coming since Ive been researching the lapband for the past 6 months, also i have to do an upper gi as well as get my gall bladder removed =[ so tomorrow tonight i go in for my sleep study to make sure i don't have sleep apnia and tomorrow morning i will do the upper gi and a week from then i will be going in to remove my gall bladder because i have stones. Hopefully after all this my insurance will have an answer for us, I know that alone could take a while. So wish me luck, Id love to hear from other people, I've been kinda scared for all this testing but it has to be done right?? I just really really hope my insurance comes back with a positive answer and will just say yes so i can get this done... thanks for reading
TINA1005

TINA1005

1
All SWLC banders
 

Experience

Hello Lyds here,   Just curious to find out positive and negative experience of all banders who had their procedure done at SWLC. I have my face to face consult tomorrow, I can't wait...Just curious, please feel free to share!!!
NurseLydsss

NurseLydsss

0
KS Fort Worth's Blog
 

No Longer A "surgery Patient"

Had my second post surgical appointment last Friday, down 20 pounds since surgery. I feel blessed that I have had ZERO complications. Dr. Kim's assistant said my risk of leaks or other complications was practically zero now, and that I was no longer a surgery patient, but was instead just a weight loss patient. I am very thankful to have been given this opportunity. I'm thankful for all the support I got from VST, as well as from my wife and family. I am looking forward to being a normal weight, for the first time in my life!
KS Fort Worth

KS Fort Worth

4
gmanbat's Blog
 

Mass Consumption

"Perhaps you and Larry will join us for the consumption of mass quantities this weekend... will we ignite our new flame pit and char some mammal flesh for you..".   Beldar Conehead   It's nearly 7 months now since sleeving. I've lost over 100 pounds since embarking on this war on superfluous body composition. At first I mourned the loss of hours of mindless consumption. Nothing to do while watching TV but watch TV. No building the egos of the cooks in the family by gorging on mounds of their culinary belly-whompers. No more hazy stupor of gluttony's aftermath.   But then the fruit of restraint began to manifest. Clothing became flattering. Energy arrived with a vengeance. Health developed rosy cheeks. My body seemed to be thanking my brain for stopping the tailspin that it was in.   I began to look around, in restaurants and at home. My 10 bites were long over before the others were just getting started leaving me with nothing to do but watch. Knowing what I have demonstrated to myself, that a body just doesn't need that much food, I started to be revolted at the sight of mass consumption.   And now, far from envying the volume vaulters, I struggle to not be disgusted. Some of these people are my loved ones who are having weight battles of their own.   Perhaps I will reach a place of peace about the matter. As for now, I will just look away and in my mind find a happy place of little plates and tiny portions.
gmanbat

gmanbat

2
kandi2271's Blog
 

Vertical Sleeve 9 Day Post Op!

9 days post op of gastric sleeve. severe pain on right side cant stand or walk without that horrible pain. is someone else having this issue? also having spasms in my chest and stomach when i drink room temp drinks. i sip slow but it still happens. i can even more without the severe pain controlling my every day! I was dealing with expected pain but when I coughed really hard one day the pain took a turn for the worst ever since.
kandi2271

kandi2271

2
cindimca4's Blog
 

Two Days To Go

Well, I figured out how to post a new entry!!! I was going to give up, but gave it another try and found the button. Yippee.   Yesterday, I found myself feeling guilty a bit because I am unable to lose the weight and keep it off, in my current state. I felt a bit sad that I have to have surgery, but I know it's the right thing. At the beginning of this round of 2 week liquid diets, I was so upset because I was not able to eat beforehand, and was broke, etc...and the roller coaster of emotions was rampant. Now, I am feeling much better, but I want to eat all the time...and right now, it's pizza--brought on by the left over I took out of the freezer to give to my boy-who had a hard day at school. I have also been wanting an egg McMuffin...and just saw the commercial...ugh...I am hungry, and now I'm really toeing the line. I have been scared about surgery, and have worked to settle my fears by reminding myself that my children have had innumerable surgeries, and I assured them they'd be ok...and they were. I trust the surgeons and staff with their lives, and of course, must trust them with my own life! I hear and see myself telling my son that he is ok, that he is not going to die...and somehow my own mind and heart hears it...like a mom taking care of me...me taking care of me!!! Imagine that!   Anyway, my surgery is in 2 days!! 2 Days!!!! Can you believe that??!!! Finally!!   I have been sad that I could not eat at the diner that my sister owned before she took off to wherever and never came back--it openned and I didn't get to go there. I also want to eat at the sub place that has the best chicken parm hoagies ever!...and at the Subway--love the tomato sauce...and at Friendly's...and at Rodano's in Wilkes-barre--best spaghetti and meatballs. I realize though, that I made a choice to move forward with this surgery and to once and for all get a grip on permanent change in my life...and that others on here have said that they can eat what they want, but not as much, about a half a cup, eventually...I think I can live with that. I also want to go to the movies one last time and get some pretzel nuggets with spicy cheese, and some popcorn...and to go to the drive-ins for hot dogs and fries!!! Ugh. Since having some money to spend, and starting my 2 weeks, I did, indeed, have some of these foods so that I could ease my mind and be more prepared for the procedure...and success, but I still want more of it! I am never satisfied...only pacified at this point. Recognizing those two facts helps me to see that what I am doing...eating that pack of pretzels, and then wishing for and wanting another--though I can't fit more in my stomach...is not good...I need help...and that's what I have elected to get.   I know that if I was to not get the surgery, I would be very upset. I have weighed things carefully, and thought about what would happen, how I would feel if I did not go through with the procedure--which I already have a taste of from when I was denied by the insurance, and from when I had to drop out twice before because my son got sick again. I have so much peace about the sleeve that anything else is chaos. I have a real chance before me for real, permanent change, and I can hardly wait.   At the same time I am worried about problems during the sedation...such as that I might have a cardiac arrest or something and have to be shocked back....which happened to my brother, but supposedly for a different reason. (I don't get to see my family, nor hear from them very much, because I was an orphan...and we children were separated early on--a truly great tragedy and lifetime of suffering--which also has had a hand in food addiction and food abuse by me...among other things). But, then I remember that my twins were born very early, and very sick, and have had many surgeries and are ok...and that I have exercised and prepared for this, doing my breathing exercises, seeing an allergist and getting my asthma meds changed--so that the year long cough could go away. I am prepared, and my prayers have been answered! I prayed for years for an answer, and this is it.....maybe now, God will reverse the food issues that were caused by the evil in my father's heart. Maybe now...physically, the pathways will be changed....combined with my own efforts, and several years of trauma counseling that helped me deal with all the other crap. It's time for a body change!   I can't wait to put my smaller clothes on. I have bags and tubs of smaller clothing, as well as an industrial rack to hold current and not-so-long-ago clothing. There is a pink chiffon and silver sequen skirt that I cannot wait to donn and go to the market--or anywhere for that matter!! Jeans?!! Oh yeah!...looking forward to it, and to being comfortable in my own skin and clothes.   Can't wait to put on some hot little classy number and some high heels (which I will promptly remove) and strut around in front of the ex when I drop the children for a visit...he'll be eating his words...loser. I am improving my health for me, and have been divorced for over 7 years...but still...there is sweetness in even the slightest victory, and I'm going to enjoy that one! haha.   My girl and I will be wearing close to the same size when I get this weight off, and I can wear my Army class A's..and my cammos again! That would be very cool...and is something I have wanted to do for years...since I was pregnant with the twins 14 years ago.   It will be nice when I can see the bones in my feet and my ankles and legs are not swollen anymore, and when I can roll over in bed without a ton of aches and pains...and when I can increase my 1 mile walks to 2 or 3 miles at once...instead of doing 2-3 1 mile walks per day. There are just so many benefits!   Ooo...and I can get out my multitude of swim suits and try them on...and go find a new one that makes me look smashing!...that is a cool word..."smashing!" Positively smashing!   I would love to do the P90X program, too...not the jumping, but the rest of it...and to find my fitness like I had, and better, in the Army. I'm going to look for an ab workout to help me look not pregnant. No matter what size I am, people always ask me that. I'm used to it, and just say no, I'm not pregnant, just fat." Then they look at me, all shocked...and embarrassed and say either "Oh!" or run out of the store with their tails between their legs. I'll say to them, "That's ok, I get that all the time, but I did lose XX lbs. over the last 6 months." ...Doesn't matter, they are put in their place for asking such a personal question, in the first place. I don't really care about that much, though...I don't...I just want to feel good about my body, that I am caring for it as God intended, that I am working to live well for as long as I can for my family...however small it is with just the twins and me...for our futures, for my grandchildren...so they can say that I truly am and was a great and strong person, no matter what came my way...and have some more proof to go with it! Can't beat that!
Angelmom

Angelmom

2
Hollyrock's Blog
 

Dissent

So, I told my family. It was difficult to tell my mother. I guess she has been researching on her own and did not start crying again. Thank G-d! So, I finally have the support of my whole family. Woo Hoo! So,this is why the reaction from my co-worker was so funny. She said I was taking the easy way out. I wasn't even obese; and I should just exercise. I laughed and said," Ok, I'm taking the easy way out." I think this is funny. However, I can now see what people are taking about when they say people you don't even know have an opinion. Oh well whatever, I am taking control of my out of control life. I am just thinking about my health and the size 6 I hope to fit into one day. Ahh, the wonderful thoughts of shopping in regular store. I have listed some websites I have found with patient guidelines.   www.peachtreebariatrics.com- Patient PDF Manual www.muhealth.org - Missouri Bariatric Services Guidelines Before and After VSG www.northwestobesitysurgery.com- A comprehensive list of dietary information   PS: Thanks for reading my Blog and pushing through my spelling errors, crappy grammer and dyslexia.
Hollyrock100

Hollyrock100

3
Tiffany's WLS journey
 

Finally.......liquids Are Over ;)

finally off liquid dieting....about time.... I'm pretty sure I died and went to heaven this morning while I was eating my one egg white....it was so yummy <3   the liquid diet is no joke.... Definately harder than I expected!!!   I know this is bad but on my liquid diet I didn't have any protein! I tried, and tried and tried.... They tasted DISGUSTING!!!! I'm still unable to find a protein drink/supplement I like that isn't full of collagen.... My doctor knows this and only suggested his opinion.....protein drinks are gross.... And he has no clue how we can stand them his exact words haha....   So he said once I start soft foods I need to fill my days with protein.... Egg whites, lentils, turkey, beans... Protein and fiber.....and my multivitamins.....   So today has started with one egg white (6g protein), and a splash of pepper for taste.... I have canned salmon for lunch & dinner.... Which is about 8g of protein each for a total of 24g of protein... Better than nothing I guess
mrscastillo

mrscastillo

4
Kime-lou's Blog
 

Best Weekend In Forever!!

My hubs and I married 3 years ago Labor Day weekend, so even though our anniversary is Wed, we celebrated this weekend. Rather than going to Cheesecake Factory where we normally go (we got engaged there), we went to Moe's where I knew I could get something with my calorie range that I would like. Then we went into the mall where he got me 2 pairs of Danskos and then we went into a jewlry store where he bought me a new diamond. Totally awesome hubs!! Shoes and diamond a girls two favorite things- he said he was proud of me and he loved me so he wanted me to know it.   On top of that I lost 3 lbs this weekend (upped my calories and that made it come off) tired the shock thing. Before heading out with the hubs I put on a fav pair of shorts- pulled them up, zipped them, button them and was like wait - these are hanging off me- I pulled at the bottom of the and they slipped right off. YEAH- I tossed them to the side. This morning I put on a pair of pants that I hadn't worn in 5 years and the fit perfect. Everyone at work has commented today on how good I look!! What a boost. Now at lunch, I heated up a Smart Ones Chicken and Peanut Sauce, I ate the chicken bites first and then started eating the other- well after a few bites I was like wow I just don't want any more. I tossed a 3rd of it. YEAHHHHH!!   What a difference a few days can make in attitude. I am sure I will hit another low point, but boy do these high points feel awesome!
Kime-lou

Kime-lou

1
Jim1967's Blog
 

Losing Weight Is Such A Juggling Act...i Should Have Joined The Circus

I went in for a fill this morning. I am now 9cc in an 11cc band. I hoping this is it for me in the way of adjustments. I am getting a little concerned as I have so much in the band already that I worry about maxing it out. A few people along with the Doctor told me not to let this concern me. Still plenty of room in the band and I could only be one small adjustment away from the ever elusive sweet spot. Adjustment I got today could be it but who knows.   How do I really know for sure though? I seem to come out of a fill appointment feeling good. I hardly get hungry and when I do it's about 5 to 6 hours after my last meal. My appetite is so diminished. I am really starting to believe I am in the zone but my brain is waiting for some kind of magical light bulb to go off in my head.   Scale will drop 10lbs or so in the first week after my fill then I sit idle for the next two until my next adjustment appointment. I can eat any kind of food that I want or have tried I should say. I am yet to attempt a hamburger or sub roll. I haven't had an actual hamburger since March but I am not missing it.   For the last week or so I was really looking forward to this appointment so I could see the Nutritionist only to find out one called out sick and the other was on Vacation. Needless to say, I was disappointed.   After talking with my Wife and Mis73 it is determined that I am not taking in enough Calories and most likely putting my body into survival/starvation mode. My last 8 day average is 898 calories per day. I am going to work on increasing to at least 1200 a day with a goal of 1300. My next appointment at the center is 9/25. My appointments are typically three weeks apart. We'll see how it goes. I lost 11lbs during this past three week window.
Jim1967

Jim1967

4
IsaacsGram's Blog
 

Back To The Future! (The Gym)

Kept my appointment at the Wellness Center (Gym run by my Hospital) with Ryan (about 25years old) the personal trainer guy. He greeted me with "Look who's back", and I said, "Yes, the return of the prodigal daughter". He weighed me, measured me, took my body fat percentage and BMI. Then I told him about my upcoming surgery and reminded him "that is confidential information, young man!". He smiled and said "Good for you, you're taking control of your health and your life, nothing to be ashamed of". I was very pleased at his reaction. He then modified the workout program I had been on earlier in the year due to my achilles tendon sprain and plantar fascitis. I also made another appointment with him for after surgery to modify things again. It felt good to work out again. BTW the photo is one of those online things you can do to a photo-this is how I see myself in the future!
IsaacsGram

IsaacsGram

0

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