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Fat in Kentucky
 

The Dentist's Chair

So, last Friday I had a routine checkup and cleaning scheduled at the dentist. I went to the dentist as usual and straddled the chair to get in it. As the girl begins to raise the chair up and lay it down electronically to clean my teech, it begins to snap, crackle and pop. It has never done this before! I laid there terrified that I have just broken this very expensive chair. I panic that when she is finished, she will not be able to raise me back up. How embarrassing! I'm sure that the chair doesn't usually make these noises. Only when a 340 lb. person is sitting in it! Surprisingly, the chair raised up just fine with no noises this time but I had scooted down in the chair trying to take the majority of my weight off of the back before she moved it. Had I broken their chair, I wonder if they would have tried to charge me for it?
Kentucky Girl

Kentucky Girl

0
Jazzy Gonzalez's Blog
 

Gas Pain

So today is my 5th day from my surgery and I have severe gas pain can anyone tell what can I do to get rid of it, because it's driving me crazy. And because it's so bad I can't function that well. PLEASE HELP ME!!!!
Jazzy Gonzalez

Jazzy Gonzalez

2
Lauracat's Blog
 

Dear Weightloss Fairy

So i been watching that show extrema makeover weightloss addison and I have a few thoughts.   Dear weight loss Fairy.   I would like a trainer to follow me around at all times. I would like you to take my couch in retrun please leave me a treadmill, an arc trainer and a stair climber and a zumba floor so i can partice my dance moves. I promice they will get great uses in my house and i will enjoy them more then my couch   I would like my exsess skin on my back lower stumic and under arms removed and i also like you to make the TATAs perky again as now they are saggy and lost there pep.     Thank you   please great my wishes   Laura
Lauracat

Lauracat

0
The Woman in the Mirror
 

Small Change

I know, I know.....I'm not banded yet and I'm blogging like a superhero!.... However, this all part of my conspiracy theory for a new lifestyle....Say What? .....Well, every time I attempt at weightless, I set a date and then gorge myself into oblivion until that day arrived. However, this time my "date" which I would like is in early November, eating to my hearts desire for three months,might lead me to the ER. So I decided to make small changes every month that I will need to incorporate when I'm banded. I'm kind of making it into a game. Yes, grown people do play games, this is my belief and I'm sticking to it!.... So, I drink a lot of juice and Fresca ( for those of you who don't know Fresca, it's a type of diet grapefruit carbonated beverage). I read that soda increases the risk of band slippage, so soda is axed. I started drinking 32oz of water per day with the goal to 64oz by my surgery date. I'm trying to stay away from the flavored water because it will just re-vamp my juice addiction. I'm not touching my fast food addiction or my sweet tooth for now. I have made a compromise with myself, I still allow myself Apple juice, unsweetened. My goal next month is too tackle my fast food addiction by cooking more....I have one word for that ....YIKES! In the meantime, I'm thirsty going to get my water bottle. Back to my frequent blogging....writing it down, allows me to see where my " head space is/was".... It's a type of accountability for me.... So if I get into the habit now, it will not seem so overwhelming later...ya know.......
Anew77

Anew77

0
Melissa's Blog
 

Happy One Month?

Today marked my one month anniversary of being sleeved and I'm still contemplating whether or not I made the right decision. Since it's not reversable, seems as though it's going to be a rough road. One month out and I'm never hungry- still drinking the broth of soups. Tried mashed potatoes and ate four bites and had one slice of ham and cheese from a lunchable and feel blah. I'm never hungry to begin with which makes eating hard since it's forced and not enjoyed. I have refried beans and tuna but neither sound appealing. I question if this will ever get better. I really wish I could turn back the hands of time :/
~*~ Melissa ~*~

~*~ Melissa ~*~

2
Wisdom2KnowTheDifference's Blog
 

Update!

Its been awhile since I added an entry to this blog but since mid-July I have...   1) Had my gallbladder removed on 8/3. 2) Scheduled my surgery for 9/4. (Woo Hoo!!) 3) Started my pre-op diet (it is currently Day 3!)   My pre-op diet consists of 4 Bariatric Advantage shakes a day and since Friday, I have lost 6 lbs! So that is motivating. My surgeon told me I have to lose at least 15 lbs by surgery, which I feel like will not be a problem if I have already lost 6?! I know its just water, but still. Pretty stoked.   I am using the Chocolate Bariatric Advantage powder for my shakes. Though I did try the Nectar "fuzzy navel" flavor today as I had a sample and it was VERY tasty! Tasted like juice. So I think I will be ordering some more of that from the Bariatric Advantage website.My mom got me a NINJA blender which I have been using for some of my shakes to make it more like a frapp. Doesn't really come close to Starbucks, but its tolerable!   In preparation for post op, I have purchased some Isopure unflavored powder (about $50 for a 3lb tub, on sale) and some pre-made Isopure drinks, fruit punch flavored. The pre-made drinks came in a pack of 12 bottles, for $64!!! However, they were on sale and then the cashier gave us an additional discount so it came out to about $25! What a steal This was all at GNC. The cashier seemed a little confused/curious as to what I could possibly be using all this protein for... finally I told her I was having Lap Band surgery and she nodded and said a lot of people come to GNC for bariatric supplies. Nosy!   So I basically have to get through 2 work weeks, 2 more weekends, and Labor Day on liquid diet before my surgery. Seems like a long time but I have a calendar that I am crossing off the days on. Hopefully with work and everything it should fly by?? Yeah, right. I just keep telling myself this is only temporary...
vowen's Blog
 

Pre Op

Tomorrow (August 20, 2012) I am having my lap ban surgery. A little nervous. Not so much about the surgery, but my life changes. I have a really close friend that had it done and has done really well. She still has her social life and goes out with friends for parties and suppers. The week before is awful. But I know it will be worth it.. The more support the better it goes. I have met a couple of other fantastic woman having the same surgery. We talk often and it sure does help.
vowen

vowen

1
Kime-lou's Blog
 

The Retraining Of A Southern Girl

I am 100% born and bread southern girl. I even grew up on a farm. Being from a small community and a small baptist church food is everything. I mean seriously, being southern and southern baptist = we eat for every reason. The southern way is when someone dies you take food, when someone has a baby you take food, we someone has a birthday you have a party with lots of food. The old saying about baptist and fried chicken are not far from the truth. Our church go together all the time for means, homecoming, revivial, bible school, weddings, funerals, heck we had Wed night dinners at church.   At home each summer my mom, grandmother and I would work in the garden. At 31 years old I can freeze or can any veggie and make my own home made pickle. There is no fruit I can't make a cobbler with. In the summer each weekend we would make some kind of sweet treat for whom ever may drop by for a visit on Sunday afternoon. Yes, people still lived like this in the last 30 years. I am totally not complaining I had an awesome childhood. I knew how to cook by the time I was 13 and was cooking a full meal for the family at least once a week at that age. I still make my own pickle each summer, I hate store bought and I freeze fresh corn and can string beans and tomatos. I know I am odd, but I am me.   All this life revolving about food got me to nearly 250 lbs. Since I was 5 years old my weight has fluctuated up and down. In 9th grade I was already in a size 20. My senior year of high school I lost weight and got down to a size 16, but that was after an accident when lead to months of pain and physical theraphy. I manage to keep the weight off through college, but once I was out I gained that plus some. When I married I wanted to be the little ms suzy homemaker, so I would cook enough for an army because that was what I was use to, but it was just me and my husband. To keep the food and sweets from being thrown away we would eat it, so both mine and my hubs weight went up.   Now at 31 years old, I have decided to change. I have had to change my way of thinking. First off I have become the odd one who instead of bringing food to a greiving family I bring paper plates, and napkins or stamps. Since the family send thank you notes the stamps keep them from having to buy them. I have learned when hosting a party one sweet something the rest healthy ( think fruit plate and veggie plate). Instead of drinking the house wine of the south (SWEET tea) I drink water. Instead of frying everything, I grill, bake, broil and steam.   This has not and continues not being an easy transition, but it is happening and it is rewarding. Since I began this journey back in April, my husband's eating habits have changes and exercise habits have changed. He is eating better and working out more. My parents even though they are not here with us I talk to them a lot and they are trying my new healthy recipes and I have gotten my dibetic dad to change from gaterade to propel. So my trying to change me for the better are changing the ones I love. So it is worth it.   I told my husband once that nothing worth having ever came easy and this is no different. So instead of dreading each change I look forward to the challenge and will meet it head on with the help of my family. I am still a southern belle, but I won't continue all the southern traditions.
Kime-lou

Kime-lou

5
Can a girl have everything?
 

Back To Work Tomorrow And A Small Stall

So, I am officially 12 days out. Tomorrow, on the 13th day, I have to go back to the office. Now, I don't necessarily mind what I do, but the idea of going back is scary. Will I be able to maintain my diet? Will I have any bathroom issues? I also usually work about 5 minutes from my home. However, I have to go to another office for a client meeting tomorrow morning. My office is great. The people are wonderful. This other office is horrid. It's everything that I hate about my job in 4 walls. It's also about an hour from my house. So, in addition to getting up and getting fully dressed for the first time in 13 days, I also have to drive quite the distance. I'm so upset about it. The client wouldn't budge on the meeting date. I don't understand why everyone thinks that their tax situation is so complex as to warrant a face to face meeting. Giving me your tax documents to my face does not make things any easier for both of us. In fact, it costs the client more money because they have to pay for my time in the meeting. I do this for a living, trust me, your W-2 is not complicated. In addition to this, I have to have a meeting with the managing partner about my list of clients that I need to call and "remind" to pay our bill. Now, that will be as much fun as a barrel of monkeys. This is a task usually set for people who are one step higher than I am and who make much more money than I do. Maybe I should be happy that I have the responsibility. However, this is a business, and they see dollar signs. They have found some one who can do the same tasks for less money. So, how wonderful is it that they have chosen little 'ol me to have the responsibility and work without the title and pay...OK, I need to get off of my soapbox.   So, on my list for tomorrow are loose clothes, a huge water bottle, a protein shake (I'm unlikely to be able to drink more than one), and my laptop. God help me, it's going to be a long week.   To make matters worse, I seem to be stalling a bit with the weight loss. I was losing 2lbs per day during the first week like clockwork. Now, the scale hasn't budged in three days. It's so depressing. It's also a lot like every other "diet" I've tried. I'm still not consuming much more than 200 calories per day. I've tried increasing protein and increasing food, but it doesn't seem to be working. Maybe I should try increasing my water intake.   I feel bipolar, now. My emotions are all over the place. Just a few days ago, I thought I could have it all. Now, I don't know if I want it all. I just want to lay in my bed and watch movies for another week!
bethL

bethL

0
Kime-lou's Blog
 

My Band Is Working, My Band Is Working!!!!

I had my second fill on Thursday, she gave me a little over a cc. Before now I had been holding my portions down myself and not really getting a single of I am good I don't need anymore. Since my fill on Thursday I am getting the single before I hit my normal portion size. YEAH!!   It is right before my TOM and I am craving sweets like crazy, but so far I have been able to just say no. Today will be difficult it is raining and we are staying in and normally this type of day would mean me in the kitchen baking, yet I know if I bake I will eat, so I just can't do that. I have considered baking something for my husband to take to work tomorrow for his co-workers, they would like that. I love to cook, to bake, to be little Ms Suzy Homemaker; just like my mom, but I know I have to break those habits to, but it is a hard one to break. I feel closer to my grandma and mom when I am baking, rainy cold days were the days they taught me how to cook. Those were the best days of my childhood.   Do any of you out there have a day that they allow themself a sweet treat, or do they just always say no?
Kime-lou

Kime-lou

5
kczar's Blog
 

All Systems Go!

So here it is, the day before my sleeve surgery. I've been up since 5:00, went to the store, cleaned the litter box and taken out the trash. My mind is racing, trying to think of anything I've forgotten to do. For the moment, all I think I have left is to do laundry and pack my bag. 6:00 can't come soon enough!   A bit of background about me - I'm a 51 year old single mom. Even though my children are all adult (at least technically, I feel mom is my most important identity. However, I got a bad case of empty next syndrome last year and decided I need to find something to occupy my time. Otherwise, I would sit in front of the tv more than I already did and gain even more weight. So I started back to college. When I graduated high school, college seemed important only if you were going into a specialized profession (doctor, psychiatrist, lawyer, etc.) So I went to work instead. I got married young (22), had three children and then decided at the age of 30 that I couldn't live the rest of my life in a bad relationship. So I left with my 1, 6 and 7 year old. Those were some tough years but so much better for all of us. I know have a married 28 yo son, my 26 yo son is in the Air Force and my 22 yo daughter is in college.   Taking classes again (I went to school part time in my 30's) has been so much fun. I've always enjoyed learning new things and although I started out interested in digital forensics, I think I'm switching to multimedia web design. It ties more closely to my current job and besides, it's more fun!   Anyway, in bettering myself via education, I also started getting serious about my health. My daughter was diagnosed with MS two years ago and although she's doing pretty well, MS is a disease that can change on a dime. I know that I need to be as healthy as possible and stick around a long time in case she needs me.   So after finally obtaining health insurance after going without for 10 years (thank you, President Obama and the ACA!), I had a physical at the beginning of the year. My doctor asked if I had considered weight loss surgery, and when I said yes, he really perked up. I originally thought about getting the band because it was reversible and seemed the least invasive (lol). My doc was the first one that mentioned the vertical sleeve. He had it done last year and said it was the best thing he's ever done in his life. In fact, his wife had it done as well. My family has been going to this guy for close to 20 years, so this made a real impact on me.   I went to an information session, still thinking about the band. Then I heard about the success and complications rates. In contrast, the sleeve sounded like the most eloquent and effective option. So I started my six month diet plan, ran through the battery of tests and got my approval in July. In the meantime, I had my gallbladder removed (the main reason for getting insurance in the first place) and surgery to repair my deviated septum. I also did a sleep study, was diagnosed with severe sleep apnea (my only co-morbidity) and issued a CPAP. So at this point, all my out of pocket expenses have been met (or billed at least) and my sleeve tomorrow should be "on the house."   Throughout the last eight months, I haven't been as strict on my diets as I should. My highest weight a couple of years ago was 305. At the beginning of the year, my weight was 294. This morning, I weigh in at 266. I have lost a total of 12.5 inches since I started tracking it in April. I have two weight goals. The conservative one I set with my surgeon is 190. This is the lowest weight I remember being as an adult and I felt really good and thought I looked pretty good (I was 5'8-1/2" at the time, I've shrunk an inch since then!) Checking the BMI calculators, 165 would be the highest weight I could have to be considered in the normal range. I do have a large bone structure (I know, everyone says that) so I don't know if it's attainable or not. I think I will be happy with anything between that range, frankly.   Anyway, this hasn't been too funny of a post, but it's my first one. I have to give some background and endear me to your hearts before I release the snark. And don't worry, it's there. I've just got it chained up for the moment.   If you're just starting out in your journey to sleeve surgery, hang in there. Read a bunch of stuff, get educated and ask questions. Make sure you are mentally prepared to make this life changing decision. If you focus your will and effort on it, you will be successful!
kczar

kczar

1
Lila S' Blog
 

Dear John (Letter)

Dear food,   You have been a source of refuge and comfort for a long time, something to warm me on cold winter nights and to celebrate life's milestones. But sadly, our relationship is no longer working for me.   You've become an obsession, an unhealthy and unproductive millstone. So I've decided that it's time to say goodbye. There are some special mentions I'd like to make...good bye massive bowls of spaghetti, blocks of chocolate, cheesy pizza and my old friend, coke. Though over the coming days our parting will be difficult, and I will no doubt long for the days when I would indulge in you with impunity, I am excited to let you go.   I will get an opportunity to explore life beyond this obsession. So with sadness but absolute determination, fare thee well, old friends.   With no regrets, Lila   (I start my pre-op diet in the morning And I am actually feeling excited about it! Wish me luck!!)
Lissa_S

Lissa_S

12
Thyckness718's Blog
 

Feeling Sad

I am feeling sad. My niece and I started this WLS journey a few months apart, to be honest it is because of her wanting the surgery, that I started looking into it and decided that it was the best thing for me. Well I called her excited telling her about tomorrow and me signing the consent and now she is talking about she might not have her gastric sleeve.   Issues has come up along the way for her, she has gall stones, something may be wrong with her kidneys(they have to test it again) and she have a low B1 level. So now she is saying if she doesn't have surgery this year she isn't going to have it. I feel as if my balloon has been deflated and tried to give her a pep talk and she said that she doesn't want to hear it.   I feel so guilty that everything is going smoothly for me and not for her, I don't want her to be mad at me, especially since it is sorta because of her that I decided to do this. I don't know what to do, is it wrong that I am still excited for me? I am just confused right now, any advice will truly be appreciated.
Thyckness718

Thyckness718

4
Nurseypoo's Blog
 

Another Day Down, Another Day I'm Glad I Chose The Sleeve

Over the past few months I've had no regrets at all about this surgery. I've spoken to a couple people who have had the gastric bypass in the past few months. I'm always shocked at how many people have complications from that procedure. I also chose a program that was an hour and a half away instead of the one only 45 minutes away because the informational session at Dartmouth was WAYYY too lenient. They made the surgery sound so hunky dory and all they wanted to talk about was the money part and positive parts. My program I chose, basically from the start made the entire process sound like hell. I am so glad I chose my program, it was more work, but I have more support, less complications, and an overall better outcome I think.   I met someone tonight who had gastric bypass and she is 10 mos postop, has lost almost 200 lbs in that time, but she cannot eat solid foods still and has to eat baby food to this day. She said she has constant diarrhea and vomiting. She regrets every day ever having the surgery. It took me 14 months from the informational meeting to the day of my surgery (mostly because my insurance required a 15% weight loss) but it would of been at least a 6 month wait anyways because that's what the program required. It required all people to quit smoking at least 6 months prior to surgery, which I think is an excellent requirement, I quit 3 years ago. So many people rather take the easy and fast program, because let's face it after (for most people) a lifetime of being overweight who wants to wait that much longer. But I am sooo glad I took the time in this decision. I am so glad I didn't go to the Dartmouth program and I'm so glad I chose the sleeve.   There's this woman who had the bypass surgery the same time I had my surgery and we always have our followup postop appt's on the same day. Every time I see her, she has a new complaint and complication. Then again I think she made a lot of her own problems, because on our 4 week post op she was telling me she was having a hard time eating and could only take in those peel cheese sticks for food, which was a big no no.. Then at our 6 week postop meeting, she came out of the dieticians office and the dietician was telling her to stop eating pasta. I still to this day will not eat pasta, no nutritional value. This woman always tells me she can't hold anything down and is in severe pain all the time etc. SO yea I always count my lucky stars that I made the right decisions and chose the program that I did and the procedure that I chose.
Nurseypoo

Nurseypoo

0
NDN_RN's Blog
 

Waiting

2 1/2 weeks to my last nut visit and insurance submission. I get more anxious every day. Will they deny me,? I meet the criteria, what if they want more info, what if I get a difficult insurance person. Sigh what if, what if, what if???????????
NDN_RN

NDN_RN

3
pcosmommyof4's Blog
 

That Was Awful! Stuck!

One of the foods that like to get "stuck" in the band is chicken. I have never had a problem with it until today (at least I didn't think so). Today was the first and the most awful horrible stuck issue I have had with food. I did everything I could to get it down. I walked, I jumped, I jumped until shorts fell onto the floor. It had been about ten minutes. Then I remeber one blog that I read said to drink warm water. I did then, the food release and came back up. It was gross, not like normal vomit. This is what people call a productive burp. Then it became more than that turned into actual vomit. Not alot, just a little. But it feels terrible. I was able to have a little humor in it all. My shorts are way to big at this point in my wieght loss journey. So here I am standing in the bathroom near my sink, jumping up and down, feeling my breath knocked out with every jump and then it happened. My shorts fell off. Clear to the floor. http://tinkrisegrind.blogspot.com/2012/08/that-was-awful-stuck.html
pcosmommyof4

pcosmommyof4

2
lovealways' Blog
 

And Sometimes It Just Feels Lonely...

My sister and I are bestfriends. We get asked all the time if we're twins, and we always tell the person asking that we are. They also reply with "wow, you're identical"! It's always been fun because we'd share eachother's clothes, make jokes about our weight, fight over leftovers, cry over clothes shopping and embarresment of more weight gain, binge together, and confide in each other about how much it hurts to always be "the big girl" and never the pretty girl. Misery loves company, right? We did everything together, and understood each other in terms of the low self-esteem that comes with being a young adult...a fat young adult, at that.   But this all changed 3 weeks ago and 38 pounds later. My sister just had vertical sleeve surgery. I watched her struggle with her approval. I even bothered her about it when I was jealous when I had no insurance and mentioned often to her it was the "easy way out". I was excited for her, but her journey seemed exhausting with all the hoops insurance threw at her, that I honestly never thought we'd see the day come. She (was) before the surgery 38 pounds heavier than me. I found a sort of consolation in that, as hard as that is for me to admit. Why? I'm not sure. I think I felt and do feel so lousy about myself that I tried to believe that it was okay, and that I'd always be smaller than her, and that I wouldn't be the biggest one on the family. Selfish and mean of me considering how much she means to me. And now the weight is flying off of her, and now we're the same exact weight, and I suddenly feel...alone.   I'm ecstatic for her. Thrilled that she is happy. So excited to see her daily progress, and so excited to see her confidence already begin to blossom. She's showered in compliments and oohs and ahhs. I'm scared. I admit to myself that I'm alone in this right now. The comfort of having a "binging partner" the comfort of knowing we'd always be big and miserable TOGETHER and never alone, and now it's changed. Now she gets full off of two bites, and I stare at her in disbelief, in both happiness, and bitterness.   Jealousy is such a horrible trait to carry around...especially when it comes to jealousy over loved ones. It's such a evil, sinnister, disgusting little tyrant that continues to drain. I hate that. I just know that I've now become the biggest one. She, as well as food, was our security blanket...and I'm sure I was hers as well. Food provides consolation and comfort and solace. Our relationship consisted of a shared common interest in junk food and a shared understanding of what it felt like to be fat and miserable. My sister is the happiest she's ever been.   So where does that leave me? Well, I decided in late May early June once I got insurance, that I would join in on her journey and take "the easy way out". This journey has been anything but easy. I want to rekindle a relationship with her not based on food, but based on making health a priority and positive changes for us both.   I want us both to feel good. I want to transition to a new life with her. Most of all, I'd like to bond over real interests...not just what type of fast food joint we hope to eat at next.   I want the rest of this year to focus on transitioning and good, healthy, positive changes. For everyone.
lovealways

lovealways

2
Lauracat's Blog
 

My Dr Goal

When i walked into BIDMC i was told that i would probley land at 190. At 249 lbs that seemed like a dreem. Well i am happy to report that i have hit that goal. I emailed Kate my nurstionist the picuter of the scale this morning ( note to self get cute pedicure you earned it) But it more than the scale it about life being active doing things i only dreemed of in april.     I have a masterbed room on the 3rd floor of my house. we have the most amazing view we over look a pond and it is stunning form the 3 floor master bedroom. I was never able to uses it Now not only do i use it but i run those stairs and sometimes during comershials just for fun.   I was not able to do zumba i never made it past 10 mins with out losing my breath. Today I teach zumba and it has change my life. I love it not a day goes by where my love to dance dose not come back and i think about how lucky i am     In april i had a dog walker because i could not walk my dog the full walk she wanted. Now i walk her my self at least 2 miles every day. Yes my favorite coffee shop is on the way to the dog park and i do get my coffee with skim milk and spends that i enjoy at the dog park. I love to walk. and i love walking in pretty places     In april my kids used to always say mama will you play with us and i would get out of breath very easy. Land up stooping now my kids and i play every day. They have a game were i am dragon and i chance them and they have safe places on the playequemnit in are back yard. Evey day I hear form my kids how much they love the new me.   In April i had size 24 jeans a few 22 that were way tight today i were a 14/12 I can shop any were i want i have a list of new stores i only deemed of walking into and now i have things form them i love my new cute outfits everything is so great.to have cloths in normal size when ever i feel sad i look at all my cute stuff and feel happy again. I love white house black market banana republic, the loft anne Taylor and more. Such a change from Lane Bryant ,   In April i only dreamed of horse back riding now i take lesson every week with my four year old and we all love it I could have never done that before I was past the weight limit.   I fell very lucky. I was given a great gift and i have a great team. I love the new me. Thank you all my friends and family and most of all the team at BIDMC and Dr Jones your the best i could never done it with out you
Lauracat

Lauracat

3
The Life of Desiree
 

Day 5 Of The 21 Day Challenge

Another semi ok day. I did not like a couple of things I had to eat and I am not looking forward to eating the other half of them again. I lost track of my weight and what I lost on what days, so I am just going to start with giving the total weight I am down from here on out. As I'm typing this I'm 15 min from a snack and my mouth is watering lol (it's a good one today).   Breakfast - Cran Apple Oats :wub: This was super yummy and a nice change from eating eggs. Adding walnuts to oatmeal is one of my favorite things to do. I usually add in cranberries, but never with apple. I thought they all worked well together. I am looking forward to eating this again. It has 190 cal, 6g fat, 31.5 carbs, and 6.5g protein. I know the carbs seem high, but I don't eat oatmeal often so I'm not worried.   Snack 1 - Fit Cookie :wub: Another cookie. I still love these!   Lunch - Turkey Meatloaf Yuck and double Yuck. This was not good. The turkey was powerfully flavored, but not in a good way and the mashed sweet potatoes had too much cinnamon in them. I do not want to eat this again that's for sure, but I have to tomorrow. It has 125 cal, 4g fat, 15.5 carbs, and 7.5g protein.   Snack 2 - Healthy Hummus Bowl Well I've never really tried hummus before and I now know that I do not like it. All in all it wasn't bad, I had veggies to eat on, but they should make it peanut butter instead of hummus. It has 180 cal, 7g fat, 6 carbs, and 12g protein.   Dinner - Ninja Tenderloin :wub: So yummy. The steak was tender and well seasoned and melt in your mouth good. I really liked this one. It had 190 cal, 7g fat, 5 carbs, and 26g protein.   I did add in a protein shake because we were up really late. Please remember that I eat half of a small meal for my main meals and a regular snack (they are usually pretty small and I can't split them).   Daily Totals:   Calories - 955 Fat - 31 Carbs - 79 Protein - 86g Water - 80oz Weight Lost to Date - 9.4 lbs
Des0520

Des0520

0
Berlyann's Blog
 

My Stay In The Hospital-Written At 3 Days Post Op

Ok, I'm home and loving it so far. I remember wondering what all would happen when i was in the hospital. So, I thought I would write down all I remember about being in the hospital   I arrived at the hospital about 9:15. I had my surgery at Doctor's Hospital at White Rocks Lake in Dallas. As soon as I got in, I was registered and went almost immediately back to the first surgery waiting area. The nurses were great. They started my IV with just 2 sticks which I thought was amazing since I was so dehydrated after being on liquids for a week, and then having some diarrhea the day before surgery. While I was in holding, my hubbie got to come back and kill time with me. The anesthesiologist came and talked to me and he told me they were running behind. My surgery was scheduled for 12:30, but he thought I wouldn't be back until about 1-1:30. About 1:30, they came and got me took me to another holding area up by the OR. (Good thing I brought a book). While I was in the second surgery waiting, I didn't have my book or my hubbie, and I waited until 3 before they took my back. During that time, the anesthesiologist came back and the pain management doc came in and talked to me some more about what I would need for pain afterward. FINALLY about 3, they came and rolled me int the or Suite. I remember getting on the bed... then nothing!!   The next thing I knew, I was rolling into my room. My husband had been sent to my room when I went to the second holding area so he was waiting there for me. I don't have too much memory about what happened that night. I do remember seeing the hosiptalist I got there about 6PM and I don't remember much. I got up to the bathroom about 10 and I has bled thru my dressings so they had to be changed. I was not expecting so much blood. I went for a short walk that night late with my husband. Later that night, I went to the bathroom again and had bled thru my dressings again. The nurse replaced my dressings and then we went for another walk about 1AM. Then I crashed. The nurse's aid came and checked my blood pressure and the respiratory medicine folks were in and out. I had to stay on oxygen because my oxygen saturation kept staying low. Then the lab came in about 5am and drew my blood. I slept very well considering I was in the hospital.   The next morning started off with me soaking my dressings again. I got up and went to the bathroom, and when I got thru it looked like Freddie Kruger had been in the bathroom. The poor nurses' aid had just changed my sheets and then I got back in bed and got blood all over my fresh sheets and my gown. The day nurse came in and put a very tight pressure bandage on my abdomen. I was getting up to go to the bathroom, but I just couldn't go. I would pee about 50-75cc at a time. My bladder was feeling like I needed to pee a river, I just couldn't go! The nurse came in and did a bladder scan and found I had almost 800cc in my bladder (1000cc=1liter). Shortly after that the Hopitalist came back in and told me that my blood count had dropped significantly and that they were going to give me some blood, and that I was going to get a catheter. So, I got 2 units of blood. They put a catheter in and boy that felt better. Some people have urinary retention after anesthesia and I am one of those people. Just cant let your pee out. Catheters are really not that big of a deal. While all this was going on, the nurse started me on drinking water. She brought me 5 small medicine cups and filled each one up with water. She said each cup was 1oz of water and that I had to drink all five in 1 hour. I was pretty thirsty so that was wonderful to get to drink something. She also gave me a sheet to track how many oz I drank each hour. I got up and walked with my catheter and my blood going and I made 2 laps down the hall and back. I was walking around with all the other patients that had their surgery on the same day... comparing notes I guess! The respiratory therapy lady came in and worked with me for a long time on my incentive spirometer. (that is the thing to make you breath deeply) I had my gallbladder out at the same time as my surgery because it wasn't functioning well. The area where my gallbladder was removed was so tender it was hard to do this. I was taking my liquid Lortab every four hours and as the day progressed, I started having gas pains and started asking for gasX pretty regularly. I also had a OnQ pump put into my incisions while I was in surgery. My husband called it my "Christmas Ornament" because it is about the same size and shape of an ornament. This delivers local anesthetic to the incisions for up to 72 hours to help with the pain. I don't know how much good it is doing, but I don't want to know what it would be like without it. As far as pain, the pain was pretty bad any time I moved. On the 1-10 scale it would get up to an 8-9 when I was moving, but when I was sitting still it was usually about a 2-3. Not horrible, but not so great either.   Again, I slept pretty well the second night. I had my catheter in so I didn't have to get up and go to the bathroom. The next morning about 5, they came in and drew my blood again checked my vital signs. I was doing very well with the liquids and could pretty much drink as much as I wanted, but I tried to keep it under 10oz an hour. Usually about 8 oz an hour. The hospitalist came in about 10am and we talked about getting a third unit of blood. My blood count had come up, but not very much. So, I got another unit of blood. I was able to pee afterward with out any problem. The list of allowable foods included diluted juice, broth, sugar free Popsicle, De-caffinated tea water and protein drinks. The only thing I didn't like was the popsicle- for some reason that just didn't taste right. Also, I am a coffee addict!! So, I snuck 1/2 a cup of coffee from my husband just to avoid having a caffeine headache. My use of pain medication started to drop off. I took a dose at 1AM this morning, then didn't ask for more until about 9am, and then I only took 1/2 a dose. After I had my last unit of blood, I had to wait for the lab to draw my count before I could leave. Once they drew my blood, I took another 1/2 dose of medication before I walked out the door.   I know several people are worried about what to bring to the hospital. I packed really well, and used practically nothing!! I stayed in the hospital gown the whole time- mainly because I didn't want to bleed on my pj's. I did wear my robe over the backside as I walked the halls. I didn't put on any makeup, but I did brush my hair and my teeth. The hospital provided me with some slipper socks to wear , but after the first day, I just put my flip flops on. Also, I wore the same clothes home that I wore into the hospital.   So, after I left the hospital, we ran by the pharmacy to pick up my prescriptions, then hubbie and I drove home. We live in Lubbock which is about a 6 hour drive. I had my last dose of pain meds before we left the hospital and I was really glad. Every bump was a bit uncomfortable! My doctor had delivered leg compression devices to our room in the hospital so I wore those all the way home. We stopped and walked around 3 times on the way home. I slept most of the way home and I did end up taking my second dose of pain meds somewhere along the way.   Today has been good. I haven't taken any lortab, but I did take some Extra Strength Tylenol liquid. I really hate taking narcotics because they make me have weird dreams. I hope that I won't have to take any more, but I will if I need them. I went outside and walked to the end of the block and back with my dogs this morning before it got too hot and when I got back I took my first most wonderful shower!! I've been taking it pretty easy ever since. I have noticed that I am having to go slow on my liquids because when I drink too much I get this really bad pain in my chest. I also have been passing alot of gas.. which is GOOD! I still have my onQ pump in and I am supposed to pull it later today so I hope it doesn't hurt too bad. I also got a prescription for phenergan for nausea, omepresol to keep the acid down, and Lovenox injections that I have to start daily for the next week. I haven't started any of those yet, but I guess that is next on my list.
Berlyann

Berlyann

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dliteful!'s Blog
 

Slow And Steady Is Winning This Race!

After quite a while of not blogging successes or frustrations or experiences, much has happened. I've been a vacationer, I've been stressed at work, I've had two girls up and go off to college, I've seen the scale drop, stop and stop and stop. I've had a few fills, I've weighed every single day, become frustrated, backed off to once a week and been happily surprised! I've been stuck, hungry, stuck, slimed, hiked, exercised, sweated buckets, laughed a ton, and felt SO much better in my body. As of yesterday, I have lost 28 pounds that I'll never ever see again. I've lost and gained so much in my life and it has become such a vicious cycle, I'm so elated to know I have a tool that WORKS to keep it off forever. It's NOT EASY but it's so nice not to be hungry all the time. I'm finding it's NOT FAST, but fast weight loss and subsequent gain plus some has gotten me where I am today. It IS POSSIBLE to lose weight, feel good and just get on with life. It doesn't consume me like it has in the past because I'm not starving and allocating every possible little morsel of food I can have in any given day. I can go with how my body feels and trust that I have enough, I am fine, and that it is working like it should. What a relief.   I'm finding that comparing my weight loss to others is nothing more than setting myself up for panic, disappointment, frustration and fear! I can't. Not everyone is the same. Not everyone started at the same place, at the same age, at the same BMI with the same metabolism. I'm learning to just relax and trust that I am doing this, that my band is working. I am down one size in pants, with the next smallest size sitting happily and patiently in the wings of my closet. I have a great support system - my friend T who is my band sister, my husband and my parents are all very supportive.   My goal is to "feel good." When I focus on that, I eat right, I exercise, I laugh, enjoy life, relax and let things happen week by week. No more mental torture up on the scale every single morning. I'm thinking after some time, maybe even a monthly weigh in will be my best route. I hate the scale, it does a number on my mind sometimes. Why subject myself to the torture?! No more.   Back to school this next week, working on my MBA (also slowly and steadily), one class at a time. Time to practice studying, writing papers and reading WITHOUT food to make it better. I have other options I'll be trying - walk around the block, music break, phone conversation with my support system. I'm sure I'll come up with more. The week after that I'm teaching class out of town for a week - but not at all worried about being on the road with my band. It's really pretty easy I've found. Plus, I'll have dedicated time to hit the hotel gym each day, without any of the distractions of home, and will get a chance to see my best friend in the whole world. Good times for us!   It's funny how reality has set in, my total elation with being banded has turned into a deep respect for myself and for what the band is doing to help me. My excitement at being a thin person is there, but is mellowed with the reality of day-to-day progress and small changes to get me there. My certainty that I will do this has never faltered, not once.   I hope everyone reading this is having a growing experience with their band, learning about the amazing person you are, and the amazing life that's out there to live without food dominating every moment. It's pretty dang enlightening and amazing.   Wishing you all my best -   D <3
dliteful!

dliteful!

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