Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Blogs

 

The Roller Coaster Of Band Life

The start of the week my weight was dropping like a rock. I lost 4 lbs between last Thurday and Tuesday. Then I started going back up, 2 lbs, I know it is water weight. I am on the white pills of myBC pack, while I don't have my period I still seem to have the symptoms- this is common I only have a period every 2-3 months.   I just hate the ups and down. I would love to get into a good pattern and say rather than going up and down so much. I know everyone says don't weigh every day, but I use it more to track my progress and fine possible patterns. I am a science girl, so sue me.   I talked to a friend who had her band place a few months before me and she said that she always felt when the plateaus hit or she bounced up a day, she was always terrified that she had lost as much as she would and that was it. I realize that the band life is different from all the diets I did in the past, this is a new way to live, not a short term thing, so I will only fail if I give up and stop living the life.   I am proud of myself that for 2 months I have stuck to eating like I should, and working out. I am enjoying tracking my calories on fitness pal. I ran into a gas station near my office this afternoon to get another bottle of water and find a snack because I was going to have to work late and I couldn't believe the calories in things that I use to eat that I never paid attention to before. OMG- no wonder I am fat eating that crap. I love the fact that I am more attentive to what I am putting in my body now. I am shocked at how horrible I was eating in the past. My attitude has changed completely as to what I consider a treat and what I am willing to treat myself with. I use to eat a pastry just because it was there even though it really didn't taste good, no more. If I take a bite of something and it doesn't taste good, I don't take another bite; it's just not worth the calories. I only wish I had the knowledge before I have now.   No matter what my weight does at this point, I feel like I am successful because I have changed, I am paying more attention to what is best for me.

Kime-lou

Kime-lou

 

Why ??

i have a freind who has watched my success and she has desised to have a band. But a band is not an easy way out the way she thinks it is. It is hard work. She is refuseing to give up soada she said i hate protine shakes and will not drink them. Why would any body get this done like that, She said becuse you were so successful yes i have been but i work hard at it i watch what i eat i work out like crazy. This is not a quick fix I do uses protine shakes I also do not drink soda. This is sugery i mean real sugery why on earth would you do this to fool your band I did this to be heathy and recalm my life. If that means no soda so be it I live find othre things you like to drink deit snapple crysltal light tthere are other things. Please do not put your self though sugery if your not ready to change you life. As this is a LIFESTYLE CHANGE not and easy way out

Lauracat

Lauracat

 

Fill Help

So i had surgery on the 13 th of august I'm on my second week which is soft solids like yogort spegatiios stuff like that. well i lost 15 lbs the first 5 days and i havent lost since. What am i doing wrong?? The werid thing is i ate a whole can of spegattios (15 oz) before i felt full. Do i need a fill already? i go to solids next week and i wont start if its going to make me gain wieght instead of lose. HELP!!!

Ashleyybabyyy

Ashleyybabyyy

 

Surgery Date Set !!

So I just got off the phone with my surgeon,really nice guy. He confirmed my surgery for the 07th November and.... He recruited me to come learn about aftercare, so I will be able to do fills/defills in the future....WICKED! Another incentive to keep motivated, being able to help other patients like myself. I love being a nurse. This is going to be a short blog, cuz I'm on cloud nine and in my euphoria I'm going for a walk outside..... MADDNESS!!!!......

Anew77

Anew77

 

In The Zone, Or At Least Teetering On The Edge

So I think I may be very close to the ellusive Green Zone, if not in it. I'm kind of struggeling honestly. I don't get my "full signal" at all until it's too late. Now, partly that's my fault because I've been back to my old ways of letting myself get way too hungry then eating too fast. I thought maybe I was ignoring the signs of fullness. I've had two "stuck" episodes in the past few days, all from eating too fast and not chewing well enough. I haven't had to PB or anything, they pass after about two minutes of sheer hell. I reprimanded myself last night after dinner, and have vowed to slow down, eat only my measured out portions, really tune into my body, and for the love of everything holy, start exercising again!!   Where did I get derailed? I was working out every single day. Then I decided I needed a rest day because my hip hurt. That turned into two, then three, then two whole weeks!! My treadmill practically rusted!! So, Thursday, my husband and I went and climbed Beacon Rock (850 ft incline, a trail that is all switchbacks but not too horrible). I was shocked that out of my husband, his brother, and me, they were stopping more than me! Last night I had planned on jogging a 3 mile loop, but after the blister on my big toe (since wearing appropriate hiking shoes the day before would have been too easy) opened, so I settled for the elliptical and some calnisthetics.   I'm still bouncing between the same three pounds, 189-192. It's frustrating, especially since I only have a week until the end of the month when I wanted to be 185. I doubt I can do it, but, I'm still going to try. Now that I'm in the zone, hopefully my scale will get as excited as I am and start dropping numbers.

jen_1381

jen_1381

 

3 Days Post -Op Help :)

Its been 3 full days since surgery. Im not in any pain ( Havent needed 1 prescribed pain pill) I get that pressure in the chest and have to get up and walk around even if its 2:30 in the morning. Last night was the first night I was comfortable laying on my side.. I broke out the body pillow and slept like I was 8 months pregnant. LOL.. Im bored with the liquid diet. And I hate The WHeY protein crap.. << need help with the BEST tasting one.. so anyone who reads this PLEASE HELP!! I actually feel hungry and I try to keep myself busy when I feel like I could eat; which is really only meal times. The broth and so on isnt cutting it.. I still have all weekend. Last night my husband came in the bedroom and I was like " hey you smell like BBQ'd chips" Well yea he did because he was just eating them!! ( this is how pathetic I am) I said " Kiss me" lol I got a taste of the flavor.. I know that sounds soo gross.. but really Thats how desprate I am.. Can I survive this? And Im not burbing, I have this loud hiccup thing going on.. And Im coming out the other end..total bummer. My mom says see can already see a differance.. Well yay! Im not eating even a quarter of what I use to .. Hell Im not eating at ALL.. I refuse to weigh myself right now.. I feel like Im an anerexic.. (this cant be healthy) I might not be understanding the amount of the protein shake iam aloud ? but I was told only 3oz .. that cant be enough for my BIG organs can it? Is my body getting the nutrition it needs. I cant even do my chewable vitamins till my next stage. I feel weak and I have no idea how I am to start work monday.. ugh well and suggestions?? please!!!

IcEbOx32

IcEbOx32

 

Sweaty And Shakey

Hi All! Hope this blog finds you healthy and happy! I'm post-op OPEN vsg on 8/13. Down 17 lbs and really excited about it! I find myself occasionally shakey and sweating for no reason (in a/c and just taking it easy). Does this happen to anyone else? I am not diabetic, just pre-diabetic pre-surgery. I'm hoping this goes away. It's pretty gross to sweat for no reason! Any input would be helpful! Thanks!

Ladybug78

Ladybug78

 

Dont Wanna Rush

im super excited about getting the vsg. i want it now! :wub: lol but i dont want to rush it. im concerned because i see a lot of ppl posting about having endoscopy tests done and having psych evals. my doctor hasn't mentioned any of this yet. i live in mobile alabama. i already had my consult and i have about 4 more visits to go before approval n etc.i had my consult early because he wouldn't have any other appointments available until next year. im just wondering is the psych eval and other things necessary? and if so why hasn't my doc said anything about it yet? i do remember him saying he's not gona do a scope since i dont have any problems with acid reflux n etc.

AJPeezy

AJPeezy

 

1 Week Post Op

Today is exactly 1 week post op- I was sleeved last Friday 8/17 weighing in at 216 lbs and hating myself. This morning I stepped on the scale and weighed in at 204.8 lbs for a loss of -11.2 lbs. While I'm relieved the numbers are going down instead of up (especially from gas and bloating post op) I'm also very humbled. Last night I went to an event with my water polo team and I realized that this surgery has literally changed my attitude and stopped my self loathing dead in its tracks. Everyone said I looked so happy and glowing- especially after just having surgery (I told them all it was for stomach ulcers ) and I was all smiles. I laughed so hard, I actually almost hurt my incesions. Best night I've had amongst friends in a while- and everyone noticed. Along with losing weight, I'm also losing a lot of personal emotional baggage that was tagged onto this weight. I finally see a light at the end of the tunnel, and it gets brighter one pound at a time...   VSG: 8/17/12 1 Week Post Op   HT: 5'9 HW: 216 CW: 204.8 1st GW: 169   -11.2

@DomLorenVSG

@DomLorenVSG

 

Light Is Shinig Bright!

So, I have jumped back into reality - summer vaction is over and I am feeling very good! I still have issues with some foods 8 weeks out but it is all good. I have to remind myself that I am now a sipper not a guzzler! LOL I like my water in gulps not sips so that is always on the back of my mind but I have finally made it out of the pity-pit! I have a dear friend who just had this surgery 2 days ago, as well as having her bladder lifted. She is experiencing the same pain on her right side I had...made her a hard pillow with a towel and tape to hold against her tummy when she coughs - best gift I have ever given her in our 30 year friendship - HAHA.   Since I am back at school, I am guessing I won't be around as much, but will continue to write as I I can. It is amazing how many emotions I have gone through to get to this point.   Now, if I can just figure out how to get rid of my tastebuds....I would be just fine. Hit my wall (as I have heard will happen - thank you June Sleevers group for your candidness!!). I quit being a scale ***** 4 weeks out. This morning's weigh was disappointing, but I know this too shall pass...not 1 ounce lost BUT not one ounce gained so that will keep the smile on my face this week!   Everyone have a rocking great Friday!

Just Keep Swimming

Just Keep Swimming

 

Lactose Intol....i Can't Even Spell It!

Okay, so I knew it was a possibility. But, really? a reality?   I keep having bouts of diarrhea this last week. To be honest I started having issues with it before I became banded. I went to the Dr. and she sent me to specialist. No ever thought about my issues being from milk products. When I became sick in the classroom yesterday my co-worker said, okay what did you eat today, then what did you eat yesterday. The common ingredient was milk. I have learned to like cottage cheese and l love Greek yogurt. Apparently they don't love me and just want to run away.   As a matter of fact I have been not well since Saturday morning I decided to make my protein shake with milk. My tummy was not happy. A few hours later I ate Weigh Watchers Grilled Chicken breasts. Then I got stuck, then I vomited and well...this week has not went well. I guess milk and I no longer agree with another.   I am still loosing weight properly, just irritated about the irritation. On the other hand, I can't eat ice cream or chocolate without making myself ill. http://tinkrisegrind.blogspot.com/2012/08/lactose-intolarant-i-cant-even-spell-it.html

pcosmommyof4

pcosmommyof4

 

2 Days Post Op

hi everyone,   To those who wished me well, thank you. Im officially 2 days post-op... I'm able to keep more liquids down but omg my pain!!! It's not "give me the meds" pain it's more "I wish iwas farther out from surgery so I could breathe normally" pain.... I just feel like the anesthesia is still in my lungs... Trying to breathe it out but ugh! Not working.... Any suggestions?   also, I can't seem to stay awake.... Is this normal? I know my body is trying to heal, but this isn't my first surgery! It's actually my 5th and I'm soooo not used to this sleepy feeling :/

mrscastillo

mrscastillo

 

I'm Just Never Here!

Frankly, I'm too busy out enjoying my life to be here! Down 118 lbs in just over 6 months. Excited about life. Love the way I'm starting to look. LOVE the way I feel. Love that I am NEVER home! Working a lot, playing even more I'm so very excited about getting my life back. Still no complications. I weigh myself about every 3-4 weeks I think. I'm happy every time I step on the scale because it ALWAYS goes down. I eat about 4-5 oz max at a meal of protein.   For those of you struggling with the decision on this surgery - only you can decide if its right for you. But if you're wanting your life back, and wanting to experience LIFE as its meant to be - this may be the answer for you. It has brought the REAL me back to myself, my family and my friends.   I'm just too busy loving life to be here! But I do check in from time to time - if anyone has questions, I'm more than happy to answer them!   LOVE!

circa

circa

 

Weigh In #6 Or # 7- Lol Ok I Pick Six ...

I went back home this weekend to see if anyone could tell that I lost weight.   Sadness. My Mom said I looked the same but my daughter was shocked/surprised at how I looked! She hadnt seen me since the end of May so im glad that she could see it. I also believe she was being honest even though I know she might try to say it to be nice. Awwwwww..   So my weigh in......234!!!! Tada!!!!! Yay me!!   Also- while I was on my little trip, had a bit of a food trip up. I had trouble eating scrambled eggs and sausage. Major stuck pain each time. I think I was able to eat about 2-3 tablespoons of well chewed egg. So sad. The last attempt I ended up sliming for the first time ever. OMG I never want to experience that again.   My mom and dad have a swimming pool so I knew I would need to get a new swimsuit. Sigh...my choices were Matron or 15yr old Lolita. I can assure you I do not have the body to carry the Lolita look at this stage, . So I got an "ok" Matron style tankini/halter top and boy shorts. hahahaha those boy shorts were turned into bikinis because my thighs fought the hems and guess who won??? Anyway I vowed as I was buying that swimsuit that this would be the last time I buy a swimsuit that has an X in the size! I vow that next year I will either have low double digits or even GASP single digit swimsuit sizes!!!   The DH loved my look and he said he was very proud of me. :wub:   Now- back to staying on my food track and since the babies start school next week and my new shift does too, I need to get back to Zumba and get ready for that 5k in October.

RahRahRah

RahRahRah

 

Excited For The New Me!

Hi, my name is Melissa and im a wife, of 10 years, & a sahm to 3 wonderful kids! IVE been overweight most of my life,but have really put a lot on after I got married. I am currently 272, 5'4" & 32 yrs old. My surgeey is scheduled for Oct 23,& IM REALLY EXCITED, BUT NERVOUS. any thoughts or advice about how much help i may need after surgery with my kids? my husband works out of town alot. anybody regret the surgery? anything would be helpful

healthiermom

healthiermom

 

New Patient

Hello everyone,     I'm new to this site and have a question, I'm wondering about the pain after the surgery. How much pain to expect. What will I be able to do afterwards.

ladybabie3

ladybabie3

 

Heart Problems And Questions For Doc

My cardiologist stopped my sotolol yesterday and admitted me to the hospital today. I converted to sinus rhythm at 5 pm. So I feel much better. Hope this new medicine stabilizes my heart for surgery. I am ready to take this step and make a new me for the rest of my life. I want to be active and vibrant.   Ok that was Friday the 17th it is now the 23rd I got out of the hospital Monday and I went right to work. Started working out yesterday with my resistance bands felt good about that and then went to my first support group meeting. Got home had an unjury shake for dinner and then boom went into fib. It is different slower no head ache but still way wack. So I went to work feel ok can't walk far but I am trying to ignore it til it goes away. Oh and my damn tire has a slow leak so I had to put air in it before work too. Yesterday I took a whole list of questions and wrote em up and called my cardiologist and bypass docs office . Got some answers still a lot to figure out. Here they are:   Ok so I am a nurse(almost 30 years now) I am most likely a PIA(pain in the a$$) to all my doctors because I "guide" my care and treatment, ask a lot of questions, and question their answers with a lot of data and research. The list below is the q&a for my RNY surgery 9/25/12. bluepoint is my gastric bypass doctors group, I have a cardiologist and a PCP or primary care physician, and a cardic surgeon to place my IVC filter.   Doctor questions   Bluepoint doctor questions Q: Pain control post op for arthritis Meds that can be liquid or crushed? ***no NSAID's**** A: Q:Is there a bowel prep diet pre op A: no Q: Expected length of stay in hospital A: 2 days Cardiology and PCP questions: Q: What are my needed meds post op? Tikosyn per cardiologist- can it be opened and added to liquid to take? Kdur – will be on k added fluids in hospital and monitored Magnesium ? Actos glipizide will be off these after surgery and on a sliding scale insulin. Recommended sugar control pre op suggested sliding scale insulin now (ask my pcp to write for the insulin) Q: Lovenox? Since I need to be off 5 days pre IVC placement and 4 days pre RNY surgery are we concerned about stroke risk? I am! Also optifast will it affect my Afib or electrolyte balance ? Bluepoint wants cardiologist to adjust my cardiac meds on optifast if needed. A   IVC filter DOCTOR q's (cardiac surgeon) Q: Stop Coumadin prior to insertion when? A: 5 days prior Q:When and where procedure done A: Fairfax or fairoaks Q:Anesthesia used propofol? A:General Q: IS MAC/PROPOFOL an option A: Q: Do they (IVC placement doctor) need clearance from cardiology and PCP prior to IVC placement A:no

rabrijumo

rabrijumo

 

The Woe Of Anxiety!

Good Morning Sleevers!   As I have mentioned in previous entries, I developed Anxiety after my surgery and now 6 weeks out it is still prevalent in my life. My largest problem is the hyperventilation. Even with the Xanax the doctor prescribed, I still deal with hyperventilating even though sometimes I don't realize I am doing it. I am going to talk to both my doctor and psychologist as to why I am still felling this way even though I am adjusting more and more to my new stomach and life. I am also trying to figure out what it is that I am having anxiety over. It is not the healing aspect anymore, which is what triggered it in the first place, so I must have transferred the anxiety onto another trigger. I am sure I will figure it out. Until then, I have found a breathing technique that seems to help with the hyperventilation.     The 7-11 Breathing Technique: When you get stressed out and anxious, it can feel as though someone is sitting on your chest. Your mind starts to race and your breathing becomes shallow and rushed. Anxiety can be caused by a range of factors, from a psychological condition to daily stresses like being held up in traffic. Most people will feel some form of anxiety at different points in their lives. Using breath-control exercises like the 7/11 technique will help get you through the panic and feeling at peace again.   Step 1 Sit comfortably in a chair, or anywhere you can if you are feeling strong anxiety.   Step 2 Breathe in through your nose to a count of seven. Breathe deeply through your diaphragm, so that your stomach pushes outward with the breath. Hold the breath for a moment if you can.   Step 3 Breathe out through your mouth for an eleven count. Your out breaths are important because they will lower your heart rate, dilate your pupils and decrease blood pressure.   Repeat this breathing technique about 6 times and/or until you are feeling better.   Tips and Warnings You can modify the count if you can't handle 7 and 11, as long as the out breath is longer than the in breath.   Place your one hand on your stomach and one on your chest.   As you breathe in and out, your chest should hardly move.   As you breathe in, your stomach should push out and when you breath out it should move inward. This is called diaphragmatic breathing.     I hope this is helpful to you.   Ciao 4 Now!

phoenixgen2

phoenixgen2

 

Half Way Into Liquid Diet.

Only five days left of my lovely liquid diet. I have to say it is not as bad as I thought it would be, I haven't killed anyone. I do miss chewing my food but it is worth it, I am worth it. I do experience headaches but it is nothing asprin can't handle. I have been very tired but I use crystal light energy and that keeps me up while I am working. I am looking forward to working out today, I have a gym membership at the wellness center at the hospital where I will have my surgery. I love water aerobics. I have always liked exercising it is just that at my weight I can only do about a minute so water aerobics is the only option where I can move for a couple hours consistently. I am so excited that I get 3 weeks off from work, I have to say I will definitely be finding a new job, that is half of the joy of having surgery is just to be away from work. I was born for retirement but my checkbook thinks other wise. So looking forward to all that is coming, good luck and blessings to all

rickgrimestwd

rickgrimestwd

 

Moderation Isn't For Me!

I was having lunch with another individual, who is currently having succes with changing the way she eats and exercise, and she was enjoying a slice of cheesecake and she says "everything in moderation". Now, she is not aware that I'm in the process of getting WLS, but I did respond to her by saying " maybe for you but not me", which led to a heated debate. I have a serious pet peeve. I hate, yes, I said hate, when someone tries to tell me what I'm able to do or not do. You can make assumptions, but we all know what happens when you ASS U ME! I don't do MODERATION! If I was capable of moderation, I wouldn't be more than 100 lbs overweight. I've heard the comments, opinions over the years, even I have fallen for it, "You have to have" or " you need to have", " a little can't hurt". Food is my addiction...no,that's not right, chocolate, baked goods, fast foods, etc are my addiction and it's killing me... Why should I have these things in moderation? ..... Let me put it this way... Someone suffering from alcoholism, his/hers addiction of choice is wine, would you say to her/him " a little wine in moderation?".... I'm betting you will think that person was cruel, well that's what's it's like for me. I don't do a slice of cheesecake, I eat the WHOLE cheesecake. I don't eat scoop of ice cream, I eat the WHOLE container. I don't do the combo meal, I do the combo meal with starter, supersize and dessert. Now do you get it!..... Silence.... Just have some control, willpower, you need food to live!.... ** Sigh** ... Yes, I need food to live, but do I need that time of food? .....nope....So you are going to cut out all that food for the rest of your life....gasp....yeah, it's not going to be easy and I will have some idiot,I mean well meaning individual, who will try to encourage me to "try" something....but I will have to refuse, why? The day I get over my addiction, it will be a struggle to maintain because unlike cigarettes, alcohol, drugs, people feel that it can't hurt you in moderation, so it's offered and offered, and feelings get hurt when you refuse, but I'm just one of those people where moderation does not work. Side note, I smoked cigarettes for 10 years, 2 packs a day and was a solid chain smoker. When I was given the ultimatum by partner to quit or he goes, I couldn't do it alone. I failed cold turkey, I failed the nicotine patch... What worked is a pill called Champix( in French)... I took it for 2 weeks out of the 12 weeks and I never look back. I've been a non-smoker going into 5 years. Some people can do it on their own, I need help.Words have power, I'm currently changing the way I eat for my goal is to eliminate those foods from my diet. I'm aware of the journey ahead of me. I'm aware that the lap band will not eliminate my demons. I'm aware that I will be seeing someone about my addictions and I'm aware that most society will see my use of " food addiction" an "insult" to "real" addictions but I couldn't given a rats @$&?, because moderation will kill me.

Anew77

Anew77

 

Sister Stopped By!

My sister stopped by yesterday, and walks in the door and says OMG!! I can tell in your face already..... She makes me go in the bathroom in front of the mirror and we stood there and she told me to lower my face so you can see how many double chins we had. I noticed!!!!!! it was not there compared to the way I used to have BIG double chin. So then She started looking me over and said let me see your stomach so I showed her........ she said YEP I can tell your tummy is not out as far. Well I am down from my highest weight of 263 to 242... 21lbs down!!!!!!!!!! and then we measured my waist down 2 inches!!!!!!! OMG!!!!!!!!!!!   She started saying OMG ( yes one of our favorite words to each other)" now I have to really start working on myself!" She has gained weight over the years but still not as heavy as I got, she is about 180 something. So she is doing the protein drinks for 2 meals and then salads, chicken, shirmp, and different low cal. meals. So because of my surgery my sister might get healthy also.   Another side note, my boyfriend has been eating healthier he is down 15lbs by eating healthier which will help me in the long run. Been working at this since May!   My mom is coming over today to do our toe nails, I bought some fun colors!! Should be a good day!   Friday is my Dr. follow up appointment, I shall see how far my new scales are off from the Dr.'s scales!!! I do not look forward to the drive about 2 hours up, 2 hour appointment, and 2 hours back. So for a long day tomorrow!!

Darkkyss

Darkkyss

 

Hunger No More...

Hunger. I have NONE. My entire life I've been hungry. I just could never say no to seconds or thirds and lord help me if it was one of my favorite foods or desserts. I always failed at diets because I would work out then come home starving and always over it (even it was super healthy food). Today, I'm 7 days post op, and I HAVE NO hunger. I'm dealing with a bit of stomach acid, but the moment I take my antacid medication the grumbling disappears. Hate to say this is a miracle, but for me- this is absolutely life changing to wake up and not be starving. Hallelujah.

@DomLorenVSG

@DomLorenVSG

PatchAid Vitamin Patches

×