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@DomLorenVSG
 

2 Weeks Post Op

Today is exactly 2 weeks post op, and I'm down a total of -4.2 this week, even though I've been stalling the last 3 days. I'm finally over having to run to the bathroom every 5 minutes, and my stomach seems to be liking grits and hummus which is great to finally get some food down, so I'm taking the stall as my bodies readjustment period. Over all my clothes are fitting me perfectly and I felt better than I have in months. I'm really just happy I had any weight loss at all this week. My steri-strips are off, all incisions are healed, and Dr. A said I could return to swimming/water polo training this Tuesday... so next week should be interesting!!   Sleeved 8/17/2012   Height: 5'9   Heighest Weight: 216 1st Goal Weight: 169 2nd Goal Weight: 145   Week 1 (8/24): 204.8 ( -11.2) Week 2 (8/31): 200.6 (-4.2)
@DomLorenVSG

@DomLorenVSG

1
desertmom's Blog
 

Pictures Tomorrow

today I will take some pictures for the first time post op.Its been 5 and a half months now that I've still been avoiding the pics.   My kid took some the morning of surgery (and some the morning after).   I might even post them if I can see a difference.Being very body dismorphic doesnt make life easy.I have to see myself with my mind and not really my eyes as my eyes still see me almost exactly the same,but with a lot more wrinkles and drooping skin.My head tells me 88 pounds is a significant weight loss.   S,lets see how brave I can be!
desertmom

desertmom

0
4ALongerLife's Blog
 

Rambling Insights

I came across this website the other night that really hit a resounding clang with me. First, in my non sensical rambling sort of style, let me explain..... at night, I truly struggle with grazing more than any other time of the day. So what I've "resorted" to doing is instead, drinking more water and more water and more water as well as searching for recipes to keep my diet interesting and low fat.   In my menu search, one of my stumbles was a site called "canyoustayfordinner.com", written by a lady that has lost 135 lbs by sheer determination and a year of working out. She is also very kind to share her thoughts and insight on why she had issues with food.   One of the things that she wrote about was her compulsive eating...   "Because my compulsive eating is a problem of psychology, it is deeply rooted in my emotions and it will only be "solved" when I allow myself to feel the things that I run away from."   Hmm, so what do YOU run away from? I can so easily see this in others, but in myself, it's a bit harder - as always right? So point to ponder ....   She continues to speak on books that helped her with these thoughts (i.e. Geneen Roth's 'when food is love', 'feeding the hungry heart', and 'women, food and god' - all of which I hope to find soon), but she continues to speak on the 'inclination to bolt', defining this as 'the intense desire to leave yourself, to flee, when life becomes difficult. It is the wanting to be anywhere but where you are.' And she describes that 'Food is the place to go and escape.' These thoughts really hit something in me. IDK that I'm 100% a bolter, but I do understand the sentiment, especially of food as the escape. And I know that I have triggers with these sort of emotions, in just the way she described as well. But it's funny/odd, I didn't realize it until I read it from someone else. I never thought of it in that context! THAT is the kind of support that I am searching for in my journey. Learning from others experience and seeing ourselves in their reflection. Just not centering it around food in the process (i.e. let's get together over lunch/dinner/etc).   She went on to say 'obsession in any form, is an avoidance of the present. It's a way to survive life.' I know for me, for a while, ashamedly I used food to survive. Once my mom died, it was like my heart was ripped out. To say my father was hateful after her death specifically to me is an understatement. His becoming ill with cancer and the way that he and my siblings treated me, as well as dealing with missing my mother, let's just say I did whatever I could just to survive. Once I 'got it back together' again (which took a while), I could NOT lose the weight. Part of it might be the thyroid issues that I have, but part of it was not. So I had WLS.   The point of reading this article for me was what she said she did to overcome her obsession with food. It was the realization of this tendency to bolt. It was learning how to live in being uncomfortable. She went on to say that you have to deal with uncomfortable feelings, emotions, situations in order to not miss the opportunity to grow, learn and be strong. To me, that translates too as learning to 'live in the moment.' And it also leaves me points to think about - how else am I uncomfortable in life lessons that I've turned to food to deal with things previously?   We all hear of "mindful eating" right? But it's not only applicable to eating. It's being mindful of the moment, any moment, in which we are living. That's hard. C'mon with all of the distractions that we have (kids, blackberries, conflicting schedules, back ground noise, etc etc etc). And I know it's especially one I struggle with whenever I'm out with a group, out with a comfy set of friends and especially once food is added into that mix.   So what does that mean for me? IDK yet. I can't "escape" from food, it's a daily thing I have to have. However, for now, I choose to manage my environmental influences. I choose to remove possible situations and/or people that could result in influencing me to make toxic decisions. Toxic choices against the weight loss that I've already achieved.   It means that I have to be mindful and I choose not to have too many toxic choices available in my life. At least for now, as I'm still learning how to deal with this weight loss, I feel that it's what I have to do to be successful. IDK if it's right or wrong, but I know one thing. I am almost to goal but it's funny how I KNOW the food addict just wants to come back out. I don't realize yet that I am that 'skinny girl' that someone is referring to. That I am 'the workout fiend' or whatever. I still am "just me", whatever that is, IDK quite yet. But I am mindful that the evil food addict still lives in me. I'm just not fully cognizant yet of all of the ways she comes about to rear her ugly head. So I'm glad to have stumbled across "canyoustayfordinner.com" because it was one more way for me to consider how to deal with this deeply psychologically rooted issue. It is something that I have to do every day (eat), but I have roots that go beyond just food that I'm dealing with, or rather trying to deal with! And I'll do whatever I have to to be in the 80% that are successful. I want it bad enough that I'm willing to give up things that might be wonderful, but could be toxic for me......... at least right now. Sorry to those that don't understand it, but best wishes to you. This choice, for now, is what I am going to do to hopefully be successful for me.   Additionally, a funny item that was included that I'd like to share... "Thinness is like Ikea furniture. It looks great in the showroom, but you have to get it home and assemble it yourself. Most times it doesn't look quite like you hoped." From looking at my naked self, now after 97 lbs lost, all I can say is..... so freak'n true, so true!
4ALongerLife

4ALongerLife

0
cindimca4's Blog
 

So Fat!

I hope this thing works....the whole site takes so long to upload, it's ridiculous. I neve thought I'd see the day when I had a blog. The word "blog" is even weird. I decided to try and chronicle some of how I feel and what I experience as I move forward with the sleeve process.   Today, while at the JCPenney store, in the dressing room, I was trying on bras. While I waited for my daughter who was in the next stall to finish up, I sat down on the little square bench that was in there, and I glanced over and saw myself in the mirror. I could not believe what I saw! How the hell did I get to be so fat!? My belly was drooping down onto the chair in front of me, and my rear was sticking out, while my belly looks like a giant beach ball. Normally, I know that my chest is ample...but in the mirror, my chest looked small, as the rest of me is enormous! How disappointing!   I never really see myself as large...just bigger, and that I must wear bigger sizes...but that I'm ok...but really I'm not...and I have rarely seen my reality. I have not seen things for what they are...but I sure see it now. On occasion I see it, but not for long. Today I saw it so much, that my desires to eat plumetted and all day I have not really had the massive temptation to stray from my pre-op diet...which is a welcome change. I feel motivated. The smells of certain foods cooking has been driving me nuts...but I remove myself from it and work on it.   I am so embarrassed...much more than usual....that I walked around with about 30 more pounds on me than what I have now! I don't even want to be seen in public...or in my own house, for that matter.   I think the trick is to hold in our conscious mind, the truth...what was, what is, and what will be...and what will be if we don't change what is! I will never quit, and will always work to change for the better...and to see me for me...for what is.
Angelmom

Angelmom

2
Lila S' Blog
 

Two (-Ish) Days To Go :)

So today is Friday, finally. Just the weekend to go before my surgery and I can't wait.   I've made no attempt to hide how hard the pre-op diet was for me but like most people reported (though when I was at the worst of it, I thought everyone lied to me lol), it did get better. Today isn't such a good day but it's not really the diet. It's me not doing the diet properly and being faced with a LOT of temptation.   The story is that my wisdom tooth decided it was a really good time (one week before the op) to come up. My mouth is so sore at the moment I can't really chew anything even on the other side as I can't clench my teeth together as the gum is swollen. Now on the upside, I know it's going down. And I anticipate it will be a lot better by Monday morning. But right now, today, it sucks So I am drinking a LOT of iced water but can't eat the protein.   Since it's my son's birthday today, I had to make and decorate 24 cupcakes to take to the school for his birthday celebration. That wasn't good temptation because kids, icing doesn't need to be chewed. It dissolves on your tongue so very nicely...I managed to resist but barely   I am planning on having a little skim milk smoothie soon with LOTS of ice in it - hoping it will reduce the swelling and improve my recovery. Stupid tooth First time the damn thing's come up in such a painful way. Looks like after the sleeve, I am going to have to consider getting the damn things out...   On the upside...holy fat-pants batman, I've lost a heap of weight. I can really tell just by looking at my stomach. According to the scales at work I've lost 7 kilos and I still have two-ish days before surgery. I am waiting on my "official" weigh in on Monday but my goal was to be under 160 kg before surgery which I think I will do!!   I even ordered a cute shirt (from an awesome show Firefly that was retired before it's time) in a women's extra large. Now there is no chance I will fit into this any time soon, but it's a cute shirt I would never have been able to even think about getting before. It was such a nice feeling when I ordered it thinking...in time, I will be able to wear that! It hasn't arrived so I don't know how big an XL is from this store but usually they are a small make. It will be such an exciting milestone to be able to wear it with a pair of cute shorts (which I will now also be able to wear because I've lost weight - not now but you know what I mean lol)...   Generally folks, things are good. My time is growing nearer and I look forward to the changes to come.   Hope things are going well for you out there I will no doubt have something more to add before surgery!   Cheers, Lila
Lissa_S

Lissa_S

2
cbp1224's Blog
 

Blood Blisters

Got my stitches out today, I have blood blisters from the bandaids, and they itch uncontrollably, put aveno cream on hope that works, antibiotic will be next. Feel good, drove, errands, 2 shakes, lots of water, wanted ice cream but don't we all. Next visit is tuesday, hope to loose the water and gas weight by then.
cbp1224

cbp1224

2
secondchancesally's Blog
 

Top Ten Things I'm Hoping For Once I Am Banded

I remember as a kid lying in my back on a towel by the pool in a bikini. Reeking of coconut, my skin slathered with hawaiian tropic no SPF orange tinted oil, I noticed that if I looked down my body (past my flat chest and past my flat belly) that my hip bones held my swimsuit away from my body affording a view all the way down. At age 9, this seemed like a problem. I remember sticking out my belly and pulling a towel across me. That's a problem I wouldn't mind having right now.   There are nights when I stay up til all hours reading posts on Lap Band Talk and feeling so afraid that I will be the one who has a slip, who needs another surgery, who cheats my band and fails to lose weight. I know that many people who get this surgery dont get to goal. I have been to support groups where people talk about hating eating because they cant keep anything down no matter what their fill. I have seen people who are years and years out who just can't lose and I can't imagine why I should be so lucky as to not wind up in their shoes. I guess the idea of being slim is inconceivable to me after all these years. I haven't been lean since I was about 10 and I took it so for granted I forgot to take note of what it felt like to walk around in your underpants without a shred of cellulite or a shred of self consciousness.   But I have made a decision to move forward with this surgery despite my considerable fears and I need to keep my eye on the prize. Most of those people at the support group meetings, even the ones who can't keep anything down, still say they don't regret having had the surgery for a minute. So I have made a list of 10 things I'm hoping for once I get the band, and I'm happy to say none of them include anything about protruding hip bones, though I wouldn't mind seeing mine again:   1)I have had surgery to remove a herniated disc but still have a lot of back pain. I want my back pain to improve. 2)I want to be able to bend and pick up my 2 year old, carry her, change her, dress her, clean up after her with ease. ( who's kidding who, its never easy to pick up after a year old, but I'd settle for easier) 3)I want to have more endurance when walking and carrying things without back pain so I can go places, set up a tent, carry my bags, walk for miles etc ( I am 45 after all and although I have a herniated disc I hear that losing weight will really help). I want to plan a trip and not be afraid I'll spend most of it resting my aching back. 4)OK, time to bring on the vanity points, I want to shop at Desigual, and Lucky and wear clothes that reflect my personal style. I know, its totally petty, but hey... 5)I want to be able to strip off the clothes I am wearing from Desigual and Lucky and feel good about myself naked 6)I want to know that, although I may and likely will embarrass my daughters for hundreds of reasons, being overweight wont be one of them. 7)I want to lay in bed at night and breathe easily not just because my weight is no longer pressing on my throat but also because I dont feel like a time bomb ticking as I gain more and more weight 8)When someone puts their arm around me or asks me to dance, I want to not have to worry if their hand is on chub or not. 9)I want to know that I took charge of my life so that I wouldn't face the inevitable fate of my overweight family. I feel like I've been swept on a raft on the rapids and I want to grab an oar and navigate back to a place where I am in control. 10)I want to wear a skirt and not have to worry about the "chub rub" that us bigger girls get. Man, it has been years since I could wear a dress without bike shorts underneath!   OK, that's a great start. I'm proud of the steps I took today. If I keep putting one foot in front of the other I will get there. Thanks for walking along with me.
secondchancesally

secondchancesally

4
Kime-lou's Blog
 

Why?

I went on a road trip last weekend and did pretty good, even having to eat out. I turned down apple pie and icecream when every one else was eating it. Back at work this week, I turned down a awesome looking chocolate cake and donuts. I am eating what I am suppose to, drinking water even exercising, but am I losing weight, NO!.   I know everyone hit plateaus, but this is ridiculas. Last week my weight got down to 216.4 on Wed, this Tuesday I was 218. Tuesday night I worked in the yard, push mowed the lawn and the raked the yard- out there 3 hours sweating. Wed morning I was down to 216.2 then this morning I was back up to 217.2. WTH??   I went through surgery and all the test, and I still can't seem to lose. The first few weeks things went great, but now it seems like I am losing less than a pound a week and sometimes not even that. Why am I eating like a bird just to stay fat?   Ok, before I get a beat down. I know it's worth it, I am just frustrated and afraid. There are people out there that the band doesn't work for, what if I am one of those people. What if I went through all of this for nothing.   I realize that the weight didn't come on me over night so it won't fall off over night, but geez. I was so hopeful and excited to begin with, but now I am losing hope and just feeling fearful. I am not stopping the band why, I am still eating healthy, because I have learned to like it. I just want to see results on the scales for all my efforts.
Kime-lou

Kime-lou

2
secondchancesally's Blog
 

Holy $%@! I Made My First Appointment!

So today I called Dr Ren's office and scheduled an intake. YIKES! Considering it's $250 for the nutritionist and $475 to see her this is a big step! I am self pay and recently separated and the $20K I need is pretty much all I have. But I think its actually a very positive step to be really putting myself first. It feels very self indulgent, but in a good way. Its been a long time since Mommy really looked out for #1.   CHEW CHEW CHEW So since we are sharing, here's my new weird pre- band surgery behavior: When I sit down to eat, I try to eat like a bandster. I realize that if we COULD eat like a bandster, we wouldnt have to get banded, right? But still, I want to see what its like to take tiny bites and chew chew chew and to not be able to drink fluids when I eat, or eat bread, or eat dry tough things. The first thing I notice is that once I am banded I am going to have to eat alone for a while. Why? I am very social and I talk all the time and I realize when I am out with other people there is no way I can chew the way I'm going to need to chew and maintain any semblance of a conversation. It seems like learning to eat with this band is going to be a huge learning curve. Does it ever become second nature I wonder?   TELLING OTHER PEOPLE So far I have told 5 people I am planning to be banded. My ex is supportive and thinks it will give me added health and help my back problems. My parents are both quite overweight and have considered the band but are unwilling to make the dietary sacrifices the band would necessitate. They really like food, as do I, and the prospect of only being able to eat a half cup of food is, even for me, a bit impossible to consider. My dad pointed out that if one is determined one can actually lose a lot of weight. He recently had hip replacement surgery and lost 50 lbs beforehand in an attempt to decrease his surgical risk. I was really proud of him. I have never lost 50 lbs dieting, but somehow I know that if I did, I would likely be no different than the 99% of people who do so and then gain it back again. My parents are supportive, but I think it makes them sad that, as they say, I have to do something "so extreme" to lose weight. Nonetheless they are contributing some cash to the mix and I know they are in my corner no matter what. My brother is skinny and a marathon runner and has more discipline than anyone I know. He suggested that before I try surgery maybe I should make a chart of my weight and the date and put it on my wall so that when I gain a few pounds I can get on it right away. Oh if only... Finally I told one of my girlfriends. But I told her in a text. She had absolutely no reply. Which is in and of itself a reply. She has recently lost 20 lbs taking some kind of hormone drops in grain alcohol and eating 800 calories a day. I tried it, but man, THAT didn't agree with me. For now, I don't want to waver in my decision and I don't want to have to defend my choice so I'm not telling anyone else.   WHAT TO TELL MY DAUGHTER I do realize though that I have to say something to my 7 year old daughter who will ask a million questions and want to know all the details. There's no way I am going to be able to chew and change my eating habits without her noticing and asking a million questions, so even if I am evasive about what the surgery was for (Mommy has had quite a bit of surgery so she's used to that) she's still going to have questions. Have any of you shared with your kids that you got banded? How did you share?   In general, I have always felt that when we share our struggles, whether about addictions or life challenges, with our kids, they have the chance to watch an adult overcome. They know that not everything comes easy. They know that you can fail and fail and fail and finally overcome. They know that sometimes you have to ask for help. For these reasons I am inclined to be honest with her. But I also feel that to lose a non-surgical struggle with weight is a lot for a 7 year old girl to process. I dont want her to get neurotic about food because she is afraid she too may have to have an operation. (Incidentally she is actually underweight because she is a very very picky eater, but she is nonetheless at that impressionable age when girls start to take note of messages about weight and size and appearances, and I want her to incorporate a healthy message. If she walked away thinking that being overweight is such a terrible thing that you have to have a painful operation, I will have failed as a mom. I have always tried to instill in her the idea that no matter what our size or appearance we all deserve love and respect. I have tried to teach her to love herself whether she is a size 2 or a size 20. Is my surgery giving her a mixed message?   I appreciate any thoughts you might have.
secondchancesally

secondchancesally

1
desertmom's Blog
 

Stall,again!

ok so I have hit the mother of all stalls.And all the doubt and all the anxiety has returned.   Am I eating to much?Am I eating to little?What should I eat?What am I doing wrong.I must be doing something wrong.   I know,with the rational part of my brain,that I have TOM and the 2 pounds that I am up is normal for this time of the month.My housekeeper reminds me every morning when I storm down the stairs in a bad fat mood that this is the way its been since surgery and that I look thinner to her.She is so sweet.And such a LIAR..lol!   It has been quite a while since the scale has moved and I dont know how to survive these stalls.My mood still depends way to much on the number on the ruddy scale.I must say I dont weigh near as much as before just because I just dont have any expectations anymore,which is not a good thing!   I am just so scared every time I hit a stall that it will nwvwr end and this is as good as its going to get for me.   But nothing I do changes this so I guess I will just have to sit it out.(this is punishment for always thinking that peolple who said they stalled were cheating with their food..lol)
desertmom

desertmom

3
monie98953's Blog
 

Yaaaaaay Results!!!!!

SOOOOOOOOOOO got on the scale today...... *DRUM ROLL* DOWN 2 LBS SINCE LAST WEIGH IN!!!!!!   A small victory...but a victory none the less. My legs are jelly, apparently I have muscles in my butt that I never knew where there....We have become friends now lol. Totally in pain, but totally worth it! Sorry...had to toot my own horn lol.
monie98953

monie98953

1
Mission Slimpossible
 

Staying Positive Not Always Easy

Tell me... why is it so damn easy to fall on to negative thoughts?   You may have seen some of my posts lately where I've been totally stagnant, not losing 1 single oz. I find it amazing that I lost 15 pds my first week, which I understand was basically water weight. But, I started soft foods this last week, and have lost nothing. I know my body is in recovery / heeling mode, and it needs time to adjust. But, come on. I'm barely eating a full 4 - 5 oz a day of protein, and not one little oz came off. Actually, a few oz came back on?   I'm trying to stay postive as I understand this is, afterall. a journey. Lord knows this weight didn't come on in a single week, although 30 pds did come on easily in a 3 -4 month time frame. Of course, I'm not giving up. I'm just dissappointed not to see an oz go down. I'm staying focused on eating small portions (1 oz meals every few hours), and drinking. I'm positive I'm not getting enough protein in, so I need to work on that. I don't know why, but it's always a struggle for me. I also feel that I'm not having enough... BM's... I think I'm going to add fiber to my small meals. I do use Miralax in my water to ensure that things stay, shall we say, smooth... but I know I'm not "going enough."   Sigh and deep breath... patience...
Domika03

Domika03

3
Peggylou's Blog
 

Im I Really Ready?

Okay I am 18 days away from surgery. Am I excited? YES! Bit I am really nervous. Im I doing the right thing? Yes! I have to take so many meds for my diabetes and cholesterol plus I have sleep apnea and Barretts esaphugus. I am 75 lbs over weight. So many people say Peggy you can do this yourself just excersise! I have tried and tried. My endo doctor tells me my meds have alot to do with my lack of energy. I am so up and down energy wise. My one big concern is how will my body know when to stop loosing weight? I know this may sound silly to some but I see so many people that are loosing 100's of pounds. I am right at 5'5 and 51 years old, Today I weigh 202.   I go in for pre op testing on the 12th and will be on liquids for the week before my surgery.   We have a trip planned on the 20th of October will I feel good enough to go?   im just chattering here I know.. freaking nerves are getting the best of me!
Peggylou

Peggylou

2
A New Beginning
 

One Step Closer....

Well, yesterday was interesting to say the least. I'm very lucky with the job I have to be able to work from home when situations require (which is handy since I live an hour from the office).   After being delayed from last week for my upper endoscopy, yesterday was the day. My hubby drove me to the hospital where I checked in and they took me back to talk with the nurse and go over all the medical details, repeat for the upteenth time what meds I'm taking and answer all the personal questions we've all answered God knows how many times. One would think when your primary is associated with the same hospital you're having the procedure at, they would already have all that information in yoru electronic file that they all have access through the laptops they carry around. It's the same system!   Ok, moving on... (sorry, time to leave for work) To Be Continued.   Ok, I'm back...whew! What a day.   So I arrived at the check in counter, and the check in tech was very nice and had a great since of humor. She put a wristband on my arm, we waited for my hubby to park the car and come in, and we went toward back to my bed. We met the charge nurse on the way and she walked with us to the waiting room where we sat and went over everything. We then went back to my bed, where I was asked to change into a gown. Once comfortable in bed, they brought a blanket and started looking for a vein for my IV. After 4 tries (2 in the back of my right hand, and once on the inside of my forearm) they finally gave up and brought in a more practiced nurse, who plunged right into a vein just outside my elbow (where I sometimes donate platelets from....which I told them about several times but they didn't want to sue). Anyway.....we got the IV started. (this took about 20 min) I was then wheeled into the procedure room where I had 2 nurses who joked with me the entire way, and as they were setting me up for the procedure. One placed the monitor patches on me as the other double checked my details (name, birthday, etc.)   Once that was done, one walked around the bed and had me open my mouth and said she was going to spray a medicine that will numb my throat (spray, swallow, spray, swallow, spray, swallow....and it did NOT taste good!). The other asked and helped me turn onto my left side. After I told them I could barely tell I was swallowing my mouth and throat were so numb, they said that was the idea. The medicine they had put into my IV had relaxed me to the point where I knew what was going on, but I wasn't really thinking about it. They put a mouth guard in my mouth to help me hold it open while they performed the procedure. I couldn't even tell when they inserted the tube! I never felt it go down my throat, I never felt it in my stomach, and it wasn't but 5 or 10 min, and we were done!   The wheeled me back into my space, let me lay there for a bit. Went and got my hubby, who had enough time to go and get something to eat, and after about 15 min I could get up and change back into my clothes (after they removed all the monitor patches, IV, cords, etc.). They they brought a wheel chair, explained that I was to go home and find a comfortable place to sit, and not even do housework for the next 12 to 24 hours (which is how long they said it would take for the meds to wear off). They told me when I go to get up, I'm to slide to the edge of the chair and wait until my head gets settled before standing up. Once I was dressed and ready to go, I just got up off the bed, and walked over to the wheel chair (with no problems!). The nurse about crapped and told me to slow down! That I was under the influence even if I didn't feel like I was. (Well, I don't think I was.) My hubby went to get the car, picked me up from in front of the hospital, and we stopped and got dinner on the way home.   The only issue I had, was after my hubby left about 6:15 last night to go get my mother in law and go to a church meeting (which this procedure got me out of....thank you LORD), I got up to get something to drink and started getting cold sweats and a bit nauscious. I didn't throw up, I managed to sit down for a bit....and after awhile, I got up and got my pillow from my bed, cuddled up under an afaghan on my couch, reclined back, and fell asleep until he got home. Boy....that did the trick!   I went to bed at the same time I do every night, got up with the alarm this morning and headed off on my hour commute and had no trouble today. I remember everything that happened, and don't remember any trouble, but the IV prep.   Next step is to call the office tomorrow to find out the results. Then I wait until 9/24 to have my chest x-ray, EKG and blood drawn for testing. Then 9/26, I go meet with the nurse to go over the test results, the 2 week liquid diet required priot to surgery, and then set the surgery date! Hoping it can be as early in October as possible so by Thanksgiving, I can participate without making too many people uncomfortable.
Tiffany Talbert Corbet

Tiffany Talbert Corbet

0
Birdy18's Blog
 

Food Mourning

Today marks 10 days post op. Other than the acid reflux and slight weakness, I've had a relatively easy recovery which I'm truly thankful for. For the first week or so post op, there was no way I could even think of food. It's been a struggle to just get in the fluids I need, much less the protein. I haven't hit those goals yet but it does get better and better every day.   While I'm really thankful for the by-the-book recovery so far, the past few days I've experienced a combination of actual and head hunger. While I know very little actual food would make me full quickly, I am really struggling with missing my friend, food. It's a mix of an unhealthy emotional reliance, an actual love for food and cooking (I will always be a foodie), and feeling a bit sorry for myself on what I'm missing out on - I'm Chinese and from a big family.   As part of my recovery, I've been home with my parents and grandparents and food is so central to my culture. It's hard not taking part in my big family dinners where my aunts and uncles and cousins come, and it tests my every ounce of strength to help cook and not partake. I know this won't always be that way, and I've forced myself to confront these thoughts during my pre op emotional readiness, but the truth is - my all time favorite foods are shared with my family and sweet or carb based: claypot chicken rice, chewy korean spare ribs, chow fun, I could go on. I'm at a point now where I'm really sad and missing these foods. I want to be at a place where I can healthily balance a majority of protein but also be able to enjoy in a moderate balance the things I love - much of which include rice and noodles.   I also feel cheated because I didn't indulge in a "last meal". My surgeon's team advised against it and other than a few healthy cheat bites during my 14-day pre op, have been very by the book as far as my doctor's instructions have been. And while I love, love, LOVE the 25 lbs I've lost since my pre op began, a part of me (ok a larger part because I'm craving my favorites right now) regrets not indulging in my favorite foods that I won't be able to have for a while now.. until my stomach has healed in full and when I'm further along in my weight loss progress.   I've since TORTURED myself. I say it's a testament of my strength, but I am going through my favorite food blogs because all I'm craving are my favorite Asian comfort foods. I work in social media and Pinterest is like my hell right now because of the amazing food photography. I may or may not have actually DROOLED thinking about curry fried rice with roast pork or crispy peking duck on pillowy baos. I'm almost ashamed at how difficult of a time I'm having with actual comfort food withdrawal. I suppose it goes with the territory. I wouldn't be here if I wasn't a full on food addict.   I guess this all boils down to me really questioning whether I did the right thing. I know, deep down, that I did. And I know that as more weight comes off and the harder I work and the further out I get that I will fully feel that this is the right decision. But frankly, right now, I feel weak. I miss my favorite foods. I am tired, weak, full of head hunger and have found myself wondering if this was the wrong decision - even cried about it. I read posts from vets on this forum who are 1, 2, 3 years out and am filled with such jealousy that they've found the happy medium of being able to have the foods they love but in moderation. I feel like that's so far away for me and I'm in a dark place right now that I know I'll be able to pull myself out of eventually but right now.. I just don't know how to think about it and every day is a struggle!
Birdy18

Birdy18

5
Amanda's Rambles
 

Day 3 Pre-Op Diet...

Lost 2 more lbs this morning for a total of 5 lbs since Monday. Woo hoo!! Got in 1.25 miles on the treadmill while on lunch at work. Managed to stay on my diet even though I really wanted to eat a cheeseburger. I can say that it is getting easier. Slowly but surely.   Emailed the surgeon's office today and got my questions answered and the nurse practitioner told me that they might move up my surgery. I am sure she means a few hours, but my hungry, food deprived brain took that as a few days. I know I seem to be in a rush, but I am just tired of feeling hungry. If I could deal with this normally I wouldn't need the band. But surgery day will get here eventually.   I did saute some really yummy squash and zucinni tonight along with a 3 oz portion of top sirloin. I cut it into really small bites and ate very slowly but it still didn't mush up a lot. So I am wondering if I might be at the end of the line for steak. We shall see. I have also backed off drinking while I eat and I can say that it does help me to stay fuller longer.   Anyways, I am watching one of my fav shows, Necessary Roughness so my rambling will be reduced for tonight. I'll post if my exercise increased my weight loss tomorrow. Oh and my headache did not show up tonight, after 8 bottles of water!!!   Until tomorrow,   Amanda   P.S. Someone ate the banana....
Duhs9919

Duhs9919

0
rabrijumo's Blog
 

The Golden Rules Of Rny Post Op Eating

The golden rules of eating post op   *30/30 don’t drink within 30 minutes of starting or ending a meal. *Protein first veggies and fruits second and carbs if there is room *Avoid “white” or simple carbs  eat only complex carbs * Drink!!! At least 64 ounces, 2 standard quarts Each day caffeinated beverages don’t count replace 1:1 with water *Protein at least 60 grams per day-vital to maintain strength *Vitamins and supplements for the rest of your life (get blood test periodically to check) *Medical Follow-up keep in touch with your Doctor keep your weight off *Support groups promotes accountability and sense of community *CHEW CHEW CHEW!!!!!!!!!!
rabrijumo

rabrijumo

2
chrissy03's Blog
 

My Fill

Well i recived my first fill it went really good, definitaly feel the restrication more, its really awsome to be back on track i now have 3.2cc in and things are going good, luv hearing about the success stories, it inspires me and keeps me motivated...
chrissy03

chrissy03

0
Sleeved by Dr. Kelly in Mexico
 

Week 22

Week 22   Last week’s weight – 199.4 This week’s weight – 198.4 Total weight lost this week – 1   Beginning weight – 246 lbs Total weight loss since surgery – 47.6 lbs   Average weekly weight loss since surgery – 2.1 lbs   Excited that I lost 1 lb this week. My next goal is to be down 50 lbs by the time I hit the 6 month mark in a couple of weeks. That means 2.4 lbs in 2 weeks. Fingers crossed I can do it. Crossfit should help. I’ve been to two official classes and while things are greatly scaled back for me I still find it a challenging workout.   I am going to have to stay vigilant this weekend. I have an anniversary trip I am taking with my husband and that will involve a disruption in routine, eating out, and drinking AND I am getting my period.   On the clothing front, I bought a pair of size 18 khaki jeans at Walmart and have to wear them with wedge sandals due to the length. The combo of the long jeans and higher shoes makes me look thinned out. I got a ton of compliments today as a result! I also walked by Cato (a clothing store) and was so excited I could purchase clothes on the nonplus side of the shop. I even fit into a cute pair of size 16 black dress pants (that of course I bought).
mrsteacher

mrsteacher

4
I'll make my own luck
 

Waiting To Exhale...

I got my psych eval today. A nice little letter to say I have no mental disorders... kinda want to have that framed. For reference. To remind myself I'm sane. To prove such to others who know me and doubt that.   Went to my PCP yesterday for a routine visit and my bp is finally under control. Halleloo for that! Had a pap that wasn't as embarrassing or as torturous as I thought it might be.   My PCP said my insurance will want 3 months of supervised diet. But because he doesn't have a scale that will weigh me, he's gonna see if we can get around that. Otherwise, I'm looking at end of November for referral to surgeon. Supposedly things move quickly from that point.   My PCP didn't know anything about VSG. The NUT I went to sort of looked at me like I didn't know what I was talking about when I said "vertical sleeve" as the answer to the surgery I wanted. The psychologist had no idea what VSG is. So, I'm kinda at the point where I don't know what's going to happen. I'm hoping for the best but sorta getting the sneaking suspicion that I'm going about this wrong, that I'm being misled and that I have no one who can tell me to do otherwise. *sigh* and I don't know anyone IRL who has had VSG or any wls on my type of insurance. I'm lost! I hope all these copays aren't all in vain!   That said, I'm really trying to stay optimistic. I can't wait to get on the loser's bench already!
makemyownluck

makemyownluck

2
A funny thing happend while I was loosing weight
 

I've Been A Bad, Bad Girl

The past month has been really bad for me. I've been in severe pain with my back and have not been able to walk or do any water workouts. Then, to make it even worse, I've been cheating. I have been eating candy...good, yummy, chocolatey candy. At first I blamed it on my period, but unless my PMS and period are a month long thing now, that can't be the reason. Then, I really started to think about why I would be eating so badly. Then it hit me. I eat out of boredom. To make it worse, I graze all day long and not on good things. I graze on chocolate and nuts.   Now, prior to surgery I was not a huge chocolate fan. I could live with out it, even during those monthly visits that we woman get. I was always a straight candy type of girl. I liked the surgery sticky candy the best. Mary Janes, Laffy Taffy....that was my weakness. Not any more. Now I'm a chocolate girl. Even though it makes my acid reflux horrible, I have been on a huge chocolate kick and it finally stopped TODAY.   I had to take a really good look at what was going on and why I was eating the way I was. After breaking it all down and analyzing the data, I can see that I eat or graze out of boredom. I also found that I am bored a lot. You have to understand, I am a worker. I love to work and I'm good at my chosen field. However, due to my back, I haven't been working for the past year and a half. The past month, my pain has been so bad that I can't even do things around my house. Because of that, I watch a lot of T.V. and pace a lot. Both are a set up for grazing. Now, becasue I can't fix my back, and I can't work, I have to figure out how not to allow boredom to take over and lead me to the kitchen. The first thing I figured out was that I have to use my Fitnesspal.com account. I have to write down everything I eat. If I don't, I underestimate what I've had. Seeing what I've eaten and having it right there is also a good way to keep me accountable. So, today, I started using my account again. And, so far, no grazing.   Now, I know it's not going to be easy. I am going to have to be very aware of when and why I am eating. But, at least I haven't gained any weight and I figured it out before I returned completely back to my old ways. It's funny, I was doing so well and I am so happy with how I feel and look but for some reason I still find comfort in food even when I don't want to. Having the surgery was the easy part....maintaining and changing who we are and how we eat is the hard part. Lucky for me, I have all you here to keep me honest with myself. I think having this blog and having people read it who understand what I'm going through will help me make it through this hurdle and continue moving towards that 150lob goal I have. I am only 70lbs away....if I've lost 100 in five months, I can lose the rest as long as I keep myself honest and do what I know I have to.   So, today is the day I continue on my journey. I have moved over the hurdle and I will continue to follow the plan. I won't allow food to overtake my life again. I was so unhappy before surgery, and I never want to feel like that again.
tmorgan813

tmorgan813

7
cbp1224's Blog
 

2 Days Post Op

2 days post op and amazing I am almost out of pain. My regular lap band slipped, probably because I overate and threw up a lot, anyway, learned the hardest way. Docotor replaced lapband and added stomach plication. It was hard to decide whether to do this because there is so little information on it. I commit to updated my blog for those who have the option and can't find any information. There was no more pain than my originally lapband surgery and so far so good.
cbp1224

cbp1224

1
monie98953's Blog
 

Getting A Little Discouraged :-(

So, I am feeling a little discouraged. I KNOW this surgery is not going to help me lose weight overnight. HOWEVER, I do my protein in the morning, eat 2 sensible meals the rest of the day, don't snack, I exercise 5 days a week for a little under an hour (lunchbreak is an hour) and yet I have only lost 15 lbs since my surgery. I was banded on 6/12/12. Now, my boyfriend on the other hand, was banded 4/10/12. He was 475 pre op, and to date (8/29/12) has lost a total of 83 lbs. He is a truck driver, so he doesn't really eat the best food. DOES NOT exercise, and he drinks beer/liquor. Yes..I am green with envy because I am really really trying. Yes I know the textbook answer that 2-3 lbs a month is normal, men lose weight faster than women..blah blah blah. Prior to my surgery I was exercising/dieting and was losing the same amount of weight I am now. I just feel that I am now in debt to my aunt and uncle for 15,000 dollars, and I could have the same results and NOT be in debt. Please help.....     Signed,   Discourged me =(
monie98953

monie98953

8

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