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I'll make my own luck
 

Snowball - Post 3

I felt like I got nothing done at work today. I kept getting up to make phone calls, it was so frustrating. After three days and multiple attempts, I finally got through to the scheduler for the dietitian my PCP referred me to. The earliest they could get me in was August 22nd at 1:30, which happens to be the day after my birthday. They told me to chart my food intake as accurately as possible for a few days before the visit and that's about it. I asked if they had a high capacity scale, and was a little surprised that they don't. She said she would ask if the heart institute office (next door to them) had a high capacity scale and call me back... but I never heard back from her today. She seemed friendly enough, but then again, she's the scheduler. Nice is in her job description.   The scheduler also mentioned that I should double check that dietitians are covered for weight loss, some insurances only cover for a recent DM dx. So that had me away from my desk for another 30m later this morning. Talk about being distracted from work!!   I gotta ask - what gives on the scales? It's extra embarrassing because most scales are max capacity at 400 and I'm guessing I'm in the 420-440 range. I'm actually a little scared to find out, considering I haven't known my actual weight in years. Is this common? Am I the only fat person who doesn't obsess over their number? I think I'll be shocked to get the accurate weight, quite frankly. I don't know how I'm gonna feel about it when it comes right down to having THAT NUMBER in my head.   Anyway, so I had to email my boss and work out some flex time (want to save that PTO if I can!) so I can go to this appointment. I've never really had to ask for flex time, so this recent influx of requests from me got her to finally ask me if everything was okay. I was reluctant, but I had a chat with her about how my bp recently spiked and my MD and I discussed surgery... it was like I was in the frickin therapists office... but she shared some personal stuff with me and in the end, it was kinda nice. And she reassured me that she wouldn't talk to anyone about it, and she wished me luck - even went to the HR lady and got some details about STD benefits if/when I get surgery scheduled.   I swear, I only actually committed to wanting to do surgery like 8 days ago and I feel like it's just been a run away train since!! Anyone else have some similar pre-pre-pre surgical stories to share? Or any sage wisdom to help me through all these really overwhelming and stressful times?
makemyownluck

makemyownluck

0
Roxygirl's journey
 

Waiting On Insurance Approval...........

Tonight as I sit here and type this I am an emotional wreck! I started my journey to get a Lapband back in January of 2011. I had no idea what I was in for just to get an approval from my insurance. Fast forward to today, August 3rd, 2012. My paperwork was finally submitted this morning and now I sit here and wait and wait and wait for the answer. This so far has truly been the hardest and worst part. My surgrey is scheduled for August 15th and to come this far and be denied would devastate me. I'm such a happy go lucky, possitive person but this feeling I have of the unknown is seriously breaking me down. I just hope that in 2 weeks I look back at this blog after my band and tell myself how silly I was to be so stressed. I'm crossing every part of my body and praying like no other!! God give me the strength to endure this waiting process!!
Roxygirl

Roxygirl

4
Darkkyss' Blog
 

Pre Op Appointment Today

I had my pre op appointment today. I had started my liquid diet two days ago and let her know that I was having issues drinking 5 or 6 shakes a day I am only getting 2 down but I am getting my 64 oz of water down plus extra. She let me know it was ok to have chicken, fish, and such just really watch Carbs. I did order chicken broth that is from unjury that has protein that should help but until it arrives I needed to do something I was only taking in about 400 cal. a day. On a good note I had lost weight I have been watching what I eat for about 3 weeks and gave up pepsi since May. I am down to 252lbs. I was pretty happy. I love that the clinic gave me a binder with TONS of info about pre surgery & post surgery.   I am having my gallbladder removed at the same time so I will be staying 3 days for sure if not longer.... crossing fingers I am about to leave after 3 days. I know I ramble so I hope this all make sense. Been up since 3 am, that seems to be a big factor lately not being able to sleep. I have all kinds of feelings on the future and surgery. Not really nervous just so many thoughts running through my head. Nurse felt I would not have to much excessive skin after losing weight if I continue the work outs I have been doing.
Darkkyss

Darkkyss

0
You will not find "Justine" listed as a definition of patience in the dictonary
 

Just Waiting....still

Lord help the insurance company if I get a denial. I have absolutely no patience for this waiting game so if they wait more...... well, really, what am I reallllllly going to do? Nothing. Because I can't. So, I need to think positive right? Right.   Hopefully next week goes quickly. I must admit, this week did. I look forward to my last visit on the 13th. Insurance company says it can take up to 2 weeks to review but usually only take one. I say do it in one day. Nothing wrong with a little encouragement.   On that note- my daughter sprained her ankle pretty bad. A momma never likes to see her children in pain, no matter how old. SO that will occupy my time too.   I keep wondering, once this is approved, my mind will actually be focused on the surgery itself. And GOD help those medical providers when I arrive........ VERSED is my friend. Except it takes about 4-5 times before it affects me as I fight it so much. Whatever, just give me the drugs. YIKES
Justine13

Justine13

2
cmmckay's Blog
 

My Story

OK.. so I just found this site and I think this might be a good thing for me. Its been a wild couple of years for me. I got a virus in my heart and wound up with a cardiac defibrillator. I was off work for 6 months in total. My blood pressure was giving me grief, way too low, then it would spike.. so my cardiologist did some investigations and discovered I had an adrenal tumour. It was secreting way too much adrenalin. So I had a Lap Adrenalectomy. No one told me that a side effect would be a weight gain. Yeah, I am older---55, so I anticipated that losing weight was not going to be fun.. but I was shocked at how much weight and how fast I gained it. Earlier this year, I was the heaviest I had ever been..310 . Life was really weighing down on me... unhappy marriage, unhappy with myself.. I started thinking about a sleeve.. One of the surgeons ( did I tell you I am an OR nurse?), so one of the surgeons who does WLS did a presentation for the local OR nursing group. It was a life changer for me. He doesn't do everyone who asks for it. You have got to really commit! His criteria? Lose 10% of your body weight. Keep a journal of your food, exercise, water. My cardiologist put me onto Fitness Pal... what a great site. I even went to Australia for a month and did not gain weight! Came home, kicked my husband out ( cheater) and got busy. I had an appointment to see my surgeon at the end of July. OK!! Since then I have lost 25 pounds.. down to 285. I am really excited to have the LSG done. And excited to find this site to help me along the way!!
DivineMissM

DivineMissM

0
sweetsam2005's Blog
 

Pre Surgery Diet Day 6

Well I am on day 6 of my pre surgery diet and I am getting really excited that my surgery is so close. This diet hasn't been my favorite in the world but it's already showing me progress and I haven't even had surgery. Since Sunday (7/29) I have lost 5 pounds and I am ready to keep up the loss.   Surgery is scheduled for the 8/8 which is only 5 days away. It's so crazy to even think about but I know I am on the right path. It isn't going to be easy and the first few weeks are going to suck with all of the food restrictions but its going to be those weeks that will help me rearrange my brain and get me in the right mind set even more!   I can't wait to get my new life started!!   xoxo Sam
sweetsam2005

sweetsam2005

2
The Weight Loss Journey of VegasBusby
 

Struggling To Find Balance

Hello fellow sleevers! It's your friendly neighborhood VegasBusby checking in. Today marks my second full week back to work since having my surgery. I took 2 weeks off post-surgery and am now wrapping my second week at work. I do not have a physically demanding job, but it is very mentally demanding and I have to admit, I am struggling. First of all, I am in a new position. I was at my job 1 month before my surgery and did not have a ton of time learning the ropes, and then I was gone 2 weeks because of surgery. Now I am back, but I find that while I can physically handle the job, I am having a really hard time focusing back on work. My mind seems to be all consumed by my new life/body/routine post-surgery. While at work I find myself thinking (almost obsessively) about the phase of healing I am in and what I am going to do next phase and so on. I tend to Google, read the news, and Facebook instead of working. This is a huge change for me because usually I am obsessive over my work and even though my boss doesn’t seem to think so, I feel like my performance is slipping and it is driving me crazy. What to do... I know a part of it is because I am so very tired in the mornings, until about 10:30 - 11:00am so focusing is much harder during that time. I am hoping that next week will be better. I am going to make a list of everything I need to accomplish for the day and the week and slowly tick off each item until I get back into the swing of things. Keep your fingers crossed for me. Ciao 4 Now!
phoenixgen2

phoenixgen2

5
RachelC's Blog
 

Surgical Consultation

I had my surgical consultation yesterday and it went swimmingly. Dr. Rantis was a lot cooler then I expected. Reading his reviews online led me to believe that a) he is a terrific surgeon and he lacks bedside manner. I thought his bedside manner was fine, and he seemed to think I was quite hilarious so that gives him a check mark in my book   We discussed my health history and asked me if I had any issues. I said, "No, I'm pretty healthy. Just fat." he said, "I like you, you're funny." Maybe I opened him up a little more because I tend to have a blunt, no holds barred type of attitude. Who knows.   After having my body composition analysis done, I studied the little print out in disgust. 310 pounds even. That is not the woman I see when I look in the mirror. I don't feel like a 310 pounds person. I don't like myself right now, and I can't wait to change that. I can't wait to see the number on the scale go down and down and down. I don't know how I've allowed myself to get to this point. I'm embarassed and disgusted and just plain sad. The doc asked me what my goal weight was and I told him at this point, my goal is to break the 200 pound barrier. I remember when I weighed about 225, thinking the same thing, I just want to get below 200. How silly was I! What I would give to only have to work off 25 pounds. Now I need to focus on working off over 100. Sick.   Now, I wait. I have to get a pyschological evaluation and personality test done, and I need to attend a pre-surgery nutrition class for bariatric patients. I have scheduled both already, pysch eval on 8/16 and nutrition class on 8/23. I guess I will find out after that what my next steps are. I plan on taking some before photos this week to track my progress. Really not looking forward to that but I will do it for the sake of the cause.
RachelC

RachelC

1
heathylife's Blog
 

Sleeve Anyone?

Been reading where a lot of folks moving to the sleeve and having more sucess vs the LB. Anyone out there thinking about doing so or already have? Whats your reason?
heathylife

heathylife

2
heathylife's Blog
 

Juicy Burger With Bacon!!!!!!!

I bit into a Large, juicy, Burger with the fixns...and bacon and bbq sauce.......the taste took over my mind and I floated with delight............RING RING RING....Dream was over when alarm went off!! or was it a nightmare?...lol
heathylife

heathylife

3
newtaby2011's Blog
 

Can't Lose The Weight Help!!!

Hey everyone it has been a long time since I have been on here everything has been going well till now I started off at 315lbs and now I am 250 but I cant seem to go lower than this I don't know what's wrong on Aug 17th it will be my one year surgiversary and I was hoping to be near my goal weight of 190 but that does'nt seem like it will happen HELP !! what can I do to get to my goal weight I currently have 4cc's in my band .
newtaby2011

newtaby2011

2
sara***ni's Blog
 

Hello Everyone

Hello Everyone!!!   I super excited to read all the success stories. Everyone seems very supportive. I am ofcourse new here and have few questions. Well first of my surgery date is 8/28/12, so extremely looking forward to that. But can anyone tell me if they are able to eat everything ofcourse in a moderate manner. I am just scared that I wont be able to eat fruits and stuff. Can anyone shed a light on that? Thank you   Sarah
sarahmoni

sarahmoni

5
desertmom's Blog
 

Finally,i Am Exercising!

Yes,last ***ht I had the fright of my life and decided to really start exercising.   I exercised yesterday and today.Still play a mean game of squash even with no energy!   Also did some arm and leg circuits and I can feel it!   Of course I immediately wanted food afterwards but had a cup of tea and will have a nice protein dinner!
desertmom

desertmom

0
Short and Chunky's Blog
 

Be Careful In The G-Y-M

Okay, I know we aren't all JOCKS..after all, we would not have needed a lapband if we were the type to hang out in a gym everyday. That being said..I joined a gym a month ago. I was set ! I went everyday, worked out for an hour or more..hired a personal trainer to make sure I was doing things right and working on the right equipment. Well, all had been going well until Monday. I went and did my 45 min on the treadmill (rack of pain) and then did my weight training and stretching etc. I moved on to the Vertical Pullups. Now this is a very hard thing to wrap your head around. You have a strap, with two handles, you lean back and pull yourself upright, then let yourself back down and repeat - making sure to keep you back and body straight.all the time verticle the floor...Well, the strap broke. YEP, busted right in half. Kerplunk to the ground I went..flat of my back and head.   The physical therapist came a running and everyone crowded around. No blood, but lots of "stars". I have a bone bruise on my tail bone, muscle spasms in my shoulders, whiplash in my neck and a concussion. Right now, my eyes still don't focus and head is still foggy and swimming a bit. Rescue came, got me up and hauled me off the to ER for CAT scans, Xrays etc.   To make matters worse - on Tuesday - I threw up 21 times..well, all your bandsters know what that meant - I threw up because of the concussion, but with all the throwing up, the stomach became swollen and the band shut off my stomach. SOOOO, fluid removed from band..gee thanks..here I thought I was in this "green zone" only to knock my head on a floor. I'd try to think about it, but I can't do that real good right now.   This just sucks. I was registered to do my favorite 5K tomorrow night - can't now...Have missed a week of work (our busiest time of the year) and I have to sit in the dark "resting my brain". I'm not even supposed to be reading - I miss you guys but I had to post...   Monday I get to visit a Neurologist and an opthomologist then Tues by Bariactric doc..So, what I am getting at. BE CAREFUL in the GYM. I don't care what your trainer says, if you don't really like an exercise - poo on it and don't do it. If you feel something might be dangerous, pass on it. I really thought this was OK - hard, but OK. It was supposed to work on my "core" and hopefully on this fat tummy thing..instead it worked on my head! Never again...   Guys, take care of yourselves and have a good weekend. If I get my marbles back, I'll keep you posted but until then - Short and Chunky OUT...   Melinda in Florida
Short and Chunky

Short and Chunky

1
Resturant Secret Recipes
 

Cracker Barrel Secret Recipe: Hash Brown Casserole

Cracker Barrel's Secret Recipe: Hash Brown Casserole (serves 4 to 6 as side dish) Menu Description: "made from scratch in our kitchens using grade A fancy Russet potatoes, fresh chopped onion,natural colby cheeseand spices, baked fresh all day long."   1 26-oz. bag of frozen country-style hash browns 2 cups shredded colby cheese 1/4 cup minced onions 1 cup of milk 1/2 cup of beef stock or beef broth 2 tablespoons butter, melted dash of garlic powder 1 teaspoon of salt 1/4 teaspoon black pepper   1. preheat oven to 425 degrees 2. combine the frozen hasgh browns, cheese,and onions into large bowl. 3. combine milk,beef stock, half the melted butter, garlic powder,salt & pepperin another bowl. mix until well blended, then pour mixture over hash browns and mix well. 4. heat remaining butter in large oven proof skillet over high heat. 5. when skillet is hot, spoon in hash brown mixture. cook the hash browns stirring occasionally, until hot and all cheese has melted (about 7 minuets). 6. put the skillet into oven and bake for 45 to 60 minuets, or until surface of hash browns are dark brown.       Tidbits: If your skillet isn't ovenproof( because it has plastic handle< for example) you can also spoon potatoes into a 9x9 baking dish and microwave potatoes until hot and cheese melts. then put pan into oven and bake as accordingly. If you can't find Colby Cheese , Chedder can be used in replacement but Colby is prefered.
SteveFrett

SteveFrett

0
Kekeboo's Blog Menu
 

August 2 Meals

Breafast: Carnation instant breakfast, added 1 scoop unflavored whey proteien   Lunch Turkey meatballs, marinara, 1/2 c. cantelope   Dinner: chicken thigh (skinless and boneless), 1 wedge lite laughing cow cheese, 1/2 c. quinoa   48oz of water...need up that alot. multivitamin 2 glasses (about 32 oz.total) of SF grape koolaid, I love this stuff.   Calories: 819 Protein: 73   I did not walk on the treadmill today, I spent the day running errands and kids every where...and yes I used that as an excuse not to excercise. Can't do that again, it's too easy to stop. I feel like I did better with my food, calories and protein yesterday. I plan to add 2 small snacks into my meals.
Kekeboo

Kekeboo

0
farmgirl04's Blog
 

Day One Of The Pre-Op Diet

Day one of the beginning. All the hoops have been jumped through and this is now for real. I don't know why I didn't start blogging earlier but better late than never. So far the diet isn't bad although it is 8 AM. I will be spending a lot of time here I think. I'll be back!
farmgirl04

farmgirl04

1
Gijane2012's Blog
 

Frustrated......sleeve Is What I Hold On To....

Hi,   This blog is NOT about my frustration with the Sleeve nor my frustration waiting to be Sleeved. I am actually excited knowing I will be Sleeved and the fact that it is August, the wait does not seem so far away (8.23). My frustration is with my life....more specifically my job. In a nutshell, I recently got promoted to a job that puts me in the spotlight of the organization I work at. I am not a person who feeds off everyone knowing my name or having power/control issues. I, like many, just want to do the best job I can do. Well, there is so much resistance from various departments....................I just want to go back to my comfort zone of a job that does not challenge me. Well, and honestly, I believe they don't take me serious as I'd want because of my weight. The fact that yes, I am uncomfortable too with it probably sends that energy out into the universe. I hate people are vain. I feel like the only way for me to truly be heard is to become someone I am not.....a b@#$%. It should not be this way....I am just tired of power struggles with people. As old as I am, I've actually been blessed to not work in an environment like the one I am in now. No, I am not thinking once I get Sleeved, my problems will disappear.....I still have work to do inside out. I am venting and this site has become my venue. I know my life will change and with that and maybe a better/different job will come along. Right now....job, I need the insurance, lol....serve your purpose. So glad it is Friday. In another week, I will be on vacation. I need it. I will use that time to get my mind right. My relationship with food, possible depression post surgery...all those things I've read about. I will be ready on 8.23.12. Thanks for being a venue to release mental frustration.
Gijane2012

Gijane2012

3
Lila S' Blog
 

Waiting :)

So I am waiting to see if my ERSB is approved and should hear by next Wednesday. I am so excited to actually have an answer which obviously I am hoping is affirmative...it's an all or nothing process. I spoke to someone from DHS today and they indicated that I should know by Wednesday or Thursday at the latest.   It's so exciting though...I keep looking at my life and reminding myself how different things will be. For example, just watching Jamie Oliver (food porn lol) and thinking to myself, I'd only be able to have a bite or two of that - no sadness or remorse, just kind of excited. It'd be a damn good mouthful That's how I am looking at it anyway preoperatively. It will be interesting to see if I still think that way post op.   I was also just watching a travel show and thinking to myself, this time next year I could do that I won't have my weight to stop me from doing things! So exciting!   So that's my update for this week. Hope all is well in your world!   See you on the flip side...Lila
Lissa_S

Lissa_S

0
CdnExpat's Blog
 

What A Sucky Week

This has been a crappy week. HWHN got the results back from his bloodwork, and he's waaaaaaay high risk for a "coronary incident." We really weren't expecting this news as he's not overweight, he leads a fairly healthy lifestyle, and he exercises most days. It turns out he's got a family history that adds risk factors, he spent 10 years on anti-inflammatories (apparently very bad for you) and he smoked in his 20s. His cholesterol panel is frightening. The doctor here had already given him Lipitor before he got the results, but HWHN has decided not to take it yet. He's very unhappy about the side effects. We did some research, and the Mayo Clinic has an excellent plan for reducing LDL and increasing HDL, so we're trying it. Anyway, it was a bit shocking.   The Internet has been very intermittent because it's Ramadan, and so I've not been able to lurk, never mind post on my favorite forums. It feels like I've been cut off from the world. Which normally wouldn't matter, except our daughter was trying to reach us because our grandsons (5 & 3) were in a car accident with their father, who had been drinking. Argh!!!!! They are okay, but our daughter could have used some support and her father's calm and gentle wisdom before she tackled the issue with her ex-husband.   I have been doing really well since the shocking revelation that I was deceiving myself so badly, but two days ago I vomited again after weeks of being okay. I guess I'm in need of a Wahmbulance. *sigh* It doesn't help that being Ramadan, there is nothing to do until after 8 pm. Well, maybe we could drive around in the 52° sunshine... which today is slightly obscured by the dust in the air thanks to the hot wind.   One more indignity. My hair is seriously falling out so I took a pic of the hairstyle I wanted to the hairdresser who did a beautiful job except I didn't turn into Jamie Lee Curtis. Damn.   Holy cow. I am seriously in need of a G&T. ;D
CdnExpat

CdnExpat

0
slojo67's Blog
 

Got My Passport/found A Surgery Buddy!

I found a surgery buddy today, and got my passport! It's been a really good day. I'm feeling excited and encouraged about my upcoming surgery Aug.28th. I found my surgery buddy on verticalsleevetalk.com because I couldn't find anyone having lapband on the same day/same surgeon. I'm so glad I found here, she's really cool. We'll meet at the jet-blue terminal at San Diego airport august 28th at 0900, then shuttled to the hospital for our pre-op ekg/labwork then surgery! My passport picture is terrible. I had worked 12 hours on night shift and didn't have any make-up on. They may not let me back in. I look like a hardened criminal...Well, I'm at work, that's why I'm up at this time, trying to work extra to have a little extra money for the trip. Thanks for reading my jumbled thoughts...
slojo67

slojo67

1
schristinew's Blog
 

A Fresh Start To College!

Well I'm about to be a freshman in college this August, and had my gastric sleeve exactly one month before leaving. I had it one week ago today, and I have already lost 12 pounds! Woo hoo! It is definitely encouraging when you can see results so quickly! The first couple of days were hard because eating went from being a comfort to a chore. I am trying to remember "you eat to live. Not live to eat." Eating has been my comfort blanket all of my life, and suddenly it cant be any more. Its how it should be, but it is still a hard adjustment. But I am looking forward to doing the things the next few years that I haven't been able to do because of my weight. It was hard seeing my friends going on dates and sitting at home alone on the couch pigging out on chips and ice cream while watching Pretty Woman. I skipped my senior prom because I knew I couldn't get a date, and there was no way I would be caught dead in a sleeveless dress. I was afraid to sit in a desk at school because I was afraid I wasn't going to fit. My weight crippled me for so many years, but I am so happy that food will no longer be a crutch for me!     Anyone have any tips for newbies?      
schristinew

schristinew

2

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