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Fat in Kentucky
 

First Timer Here

I am in the insurance required waiting stages of surgery. My insurance requires 6 months of a doctor supervised weight loss program and this is my 4th month. I have an endoscopy schedule on 7/31 and all other testing and paperwork have been completed with the exception of an EKG. I will be 42 in 2 weeks and have been overweight most of my life. I am tired of being tired. I have no major medical problems so speak of just the usual arthritis and aching back. My arch nemesis is SUGAR. I can pass up anything except sweets. A few weeks ago I created a bucket list of things that I want to be able to do once I lose weight. I am sure that most of you can relate.   1. Cross my legs 2. Ride any ride at an amusement park 3. Run 1 mile (nonstop) 4. Parasail 5. Ride a motorcycle for hours without being in pain 6. Fit on a motorcycle with my husband 7. Touch my toes 8. Tuck my shirt in and not be embarrassed 9. Shop and wear clothes from Victorias Secret 10. Zipline 11. Step on a scale and not be embarrassed 12. Wear a bathing suit with confidence 13. Tube on a river (I will have to explain this one)   This obviously doesn't cover it all but these are some things that have been weighing on my mind lately. I realized last week while vacationing in the Smokey Mountains, that anyone weighing 340 pounds has no business getting on a tube in the river rapids because there are so many shallow areas where your ass literally hits rock bottom then you have to roll out of the tube, fall flat on your face and pick yourself up and walk down to a deeper end just the start all over again.   My daughter says that I am taking the easy way out by having surgery. My husband says that I am trying to kill myself and need to find another way to lose weight besides surgery. I need to lose at least 150 lbs. before I do begin to develop life threatening health issues.
Kentucky Girl

Kentucky Girl

6
lindabug's Blog
 

Day 2 Pre Op Diet

Yesterday I did great on my 1st day liquid diet but my mom was having surgery and I was busy with her all day so it made it easier for me. I knew being at work would be my biggest challange. I spend a lot of time at work alone and sit at a computer all day. It makes it really hard not to grab something and eat it all. I am determined to do this and have to keep my focus on the greater (or should I say lesser) goal! I know this to will pass just trying to get through it.   My surgery was to be on the 19th but was rescheduled for the 26th.
lindabug

lindabug

0
Short and Chunky's Blog
 

One Year And Going Strong

Well my friends, it has been a year since I was banded and plicated (is that a word?) I can truly say that my life has changed. At the tender of age of 60 - I am now a JOCK...I walk 2-3 miles per day and work out at the gym (yes, I said G-Y-M) for an hour 3-4 days a week. I have competed in 4 - 5K walk/runs and have registered for 2 more. Who would have thought? I have lost 104 pounds of me and I don't miss one ounce. Gone from a size 22W to a lean/mean size 12. WOW..I don't remember being a 12 in my past - but I am sure I was sometime in my past.   Has this been easy - Shoot NO. anyone who thinks it is hasn't walked in our shoes. If someone says oh, lapband, that will make your weight loss so much easier. HAHA, LMAO, What is easy about weighing your food, chewing until your jaws ache and eating bites that are too small for an infant? And lets not forget - No drinking while eating - that is a real good one to learn. I have gone to so many family gatherings where I actually leave the room just to avoid eating too fast or eating the wrong thing and that is OK. At least I will be around longer to enjoy those family gatherings.   As I look back over the past year I reflect on tears when I could not eat something I thought I really wanted. I remember not being able to eat my dinner as a restaurant (that's why they make takeout containers). I remember rushing to the bathroom because something was stuck - I thought I was having a heart attack- and then there is the slime ! But with all that "bad stuff" I remember crossing over into onederland and then down, down, down..I am now looking to drop even more (hopefully another 40). Celebrate ! But even if I don't loose anymore weight - 104 pounds of ME is GONE and GONE FOREVER. My BP meds - GONE, the borderline diabetes - GONE, the high trigylcerides -GONE. My 80 yr old Mother says that I have my "glow back". I guess she is right. I get up everyday looking forward to a new day in a healthier body.   All that stuff being said - Thank you Lap band, thank you plication and thank you lapband talk family because without you and your support I would not have been so successful. So, like it is said in the south - "If the good Lord willing and the creek don't rise" I will post again. I have never written on a blog before so this is another 1st in my new life. Thanks for reading and best wishes for your success.   Melinda in Florida
Short and Chunky

Short and Chunky

5
A New Beginning
 

Antici-Pa-A-A-Ation....it's Making Me Wait.....

Last Tuesday, at 8 a.m. I met with the surgeon, dietician and physical therapist. I've been VERY good to NOT call the dr. office to bug them to find out if I have been approved by insurance or not. I have faith they're working on it best they can. Only thing is, I called the insurance prior to the information session and then again after receving the paperwork at the information session, and both times was told the only requirements for approval for the surgery (covered 100%, thank you GOD!) is that the BMI be 35+ with co-morbities, or 40+ without and a 5 day notice prior to the procedure. The surgeon told my husband and me that I fit perfectly into the perameters, and that now is the best time for me to do this since everything else health-wise is in great condition.   So why have I not heard anything!? I'm trying very hard to be mature and not throw a fit and become a pest. I'm working to convince myself that I need to wait at least until Friday before calling them to get an update.
Am I Giving Up or Starting Over?
 

Breathing Is Sooo Underated!

It’s been a whole 8 days since my last post and I seriously should’ve updated by now considering I’ve had things to update but alas my asthma has hated me and it’s been a rough 8 days for me. When I last posted I was heading to the doctor the next day – I went and she gave me a new inhaler, sent me for a chest x-ray (fear of this year’s pneumonia returning), and told me to stick it out and come back in a week. Today I’m going back and I haven’t seen much improvement. My x-ray was clear, I still can’t breathe, I’ve had several attacks, and today I’m demanding a CT of my chest.   That said, all has not been lost… I did speak with the patient coordinator at my surgeon’s office and he said that while most of my comorbidities are not “slam dunks” with Cigna – degenerative joint disease is! So for once I’m happy about my aching back/hips! He gave me the happy nod to start my pre-approval process! I’m still having my sleep study next week as a back up because two slam dunks are always better than one but either way I should be good to go to get banded in October after my 3 months of supervised diet. I’m starting preparations in my home since we have a pretty busy home life during the school year (I have school age daughters who are both athletes and in extracurriculars) – I’m beginning to stock up on post surgery items such as Muscle Milk Light (that stuff is expensive so I’m buying a little each pay day), Crystal Light, and other staples as I find them on sale. I’m on a budget so the more I can plan the better I’ll do.   I guess that’s all for now...
barbi1281

barbi1281

0
CdnExpat's Blog
 

Spizz-Me Ups

I am very bad at self-care. Considering what I do, it's a bit like the old adage, "The cobbler's children have no shoes." Or, if I were being less nice, I'd say I'm probably hypocrite material.   Not liking this aspect of myself very much.   I recently signed up for SuperBetter, a groovy little app I learned about from Jane McGonigal's TED talk. I've determined I will invest in the "quest" for better health, and so I've made myself check in with SB every day.   Today's spizzy little blurb was about emotional health and mental resilience. I sighed out loud at the instructions, but decided I might as well "get it over with." I shut my office door, switched my iPhone to music, and put my feet up to listen to music for 10 minutes as per instructed.   The music app is on "Shuffle" so instead of fiddling, just listened to the first four songs on tap. The play list ended up being   1) All I have to do is Dream (Roy Orbison original) 2) All My Life (Hot & Wet), 3) All the Glory/And He Shall Reign (Graham Kendrick) & 4) Always (Bon Jovi).   My 10 minutes are over, and I am having mixed feelings about this. The break was truly rejuvenating, and I feel like I have a few more brain cells operating. But I also feel a bit ashamed that something so simple can make me feel better, and I just don't it. Everything and everyone else comes before me and what I might need at the moment. I seem to be primarily controlled by the tyranny of someone else's agenda.   That soooooo sucks!   I think I'm going to take a couple of behaviour experiments I give my clients and practice them myself. Starting with looking myself in the eye in the mirror and practicing saying, "I'm afraid I won't be able to help with that project this week or next, but I could look at how I might help the first week of August." (I'm falling about laughing as I think about actually saying something like that to any of my staff or colleagues. They'd pass out.)   Stay tuned.
CdnExpat

CdnExpat

0
Sleeved by Dr. Kelly in Mexico
 

Week 16 (4 Months Post Op)

Week 16 (4 months post op)   Last week’s weight – 203.8 This week’s weight – 204.0 Total weight lost this week – I gained .2 pounds   Total weight loss since surgery – 42 lbs   Average weekly weight loss since surgery – 2.5 lbs   Had to weigh in a day early this week due to a trip I am taking that is going to keep me from a scale tomorrow morning.   I must have jinxed myself last week because this week I experienced my first gain in 4 months. I’m attributing it to not being as careful eating this week (we’ve had a giant local festival going on which involves a lot of food and alcohol). I’ve kept up the exercise (3 miles) although I might need to shake up my exercise routine a bit.   Luckily it was only a .2 gain so it is not disastrous but I guess when you keep seeing losses week after week it was a bit of a shock. I should still be on track to be under 200 lbs by the time school starts (August 20th).   Some thing I noticed this week was how badly alcohol was irritating my stomach (generating lots of acid). I am actually thinking that this is a good thing (It definitely makes me think twice before having any!). I am not sure if that is a direct result of the surgery or if its age. Either way I am fine turning down drinks in order to keep my stomach happy.   On the NSV front I pulled out my driver’s license this week to see when it expired and I am now below the weight I have on it (Woo Hoo!).   My challenge this week is a three day class I am taking (lots of eating out). Hoping my renewed commitment to watching what I eat helps me make wise choices from menus.
mrsteacher

mrsteacher

2
Slices of Sweet Life
 

Off To A Running Start- Then Hitting The Wall

Well I have been banded and filled for the first time, so I am a little late to the blog party but at least I have showed up and plan on sticking around. I am certainly an impatient person, I think this is so because I am a fix what's not working personality and when your weight isn't working for you then you need to fix it correct? Well unfortunately I can make the decision to fix it but the weight doesn't automatically fall off like I would ever so like it to so now I have to wait, which I am not very good with.   I lost 18 pounds during the liquid diet both pre and post op, but since real foods have been introduced I haven't lost a thing. Everything feels as though I am being ganged up on in life lately and I suppose that this makes it all the easier for me to see the lack of weight loss in the past three weeks as a personal failure, which I know isn't true but try convincing my ego of that fact. =) So I am reaching out to those of you who are going through similar situations for support and encouragement, and I must say am overwhelmed at how amazingly open y'all are to do so. I really do look forward to working through this marathon with y'all as support.   Current weight 212.8- week 5 post op.   Slice of sweetness for the day- my kids are sharing a bed this evening, having a sleep-over with each other, which is all too sweet. And is just what I needed today, it seems to put things in perspective for me. =)
proverbdoll

proverbdoll

2
pcosmommyof4's Blog
 

Not Loosing Wieght...aaaghhhhhh

You would think two days of running around at the lake chasing 3 dogs, 4 kids and a mom I would have lost something! But, no nothing zilch. All I have ate is protein shake, turkey hot dogs, turkey bologna, two hand full of chips, a fiber one bar....very irritating!   Read more here: http://tinkrisegrind.blogspot.com/2012/07/frustrated-with-scales.html
pcosmommyof4

pcosmommyof4

6
NuManMitch's Blog
 

Had Surgery Today

Had my sleeve surgery this morning. So far, so good. Have been up walking. (Nurses say I sprint down the halls.) Gas pain has not been bad at all but abdominal pain was intense earlier but not bad at all now. Trying to keep an upbeat attitude and the nurses are very happy with my progress. Earlier, sipping was very painful but it seems to be much better now.   I'm sure there will be bumps along the way but my wife and I will get through it together. Thank you to all of you for the incredible information on the website and the aupport. There is no way I could make it this far without all of you so there is no way I can express enough appreciation.
NuManMitch

NuManMitch

3
losing it........
 

Visit With Dr

today i had my first consult with my surgeon dr balette... sitting in his waiting room i was pretty nervous! he was very straight and to the point, but he was really good at making sure i understood everything. he wanted questions... definitely wanted to make sure that all my questons were answered. i have to admit that i am scared. i havent had surgery since i was a toddler and i dont recall it at all!   my tasks at hand now are to complete my psych and dietician visits, then my preop visit with him is on 8/6.   lots to do............
honeybunny526

honeybunny526

0
jennifer1's Blog
 

Follow Up

Ok so i went in for my 2nd unfill(or so i thought it was my second one), long story short, my doctor was either zoning out, sleepy or suddenly went deaf! last friday instead of taking out .5cc he put 5cc in for a total of 1.5ccs!!! way too much for me. well he took out.8cc which gave me a fill of .2ccs, i have heard that when you are close to the green zone very small amount will get you back in the green zone. well i guess that is true! so needless to say i had loast 18 pounds in those 2 weeks and so far i've gained back 5, but TOM just got here too. i knew that was coming so i'm tryn not to be too upset. but i'm back in the green zone and back on my grind. i'm still in onederland and i dont ever plan on leaving!!!
jennifer1

jennifer1

0
IwantTHATshu's Blog
 

Introduction And About The Last Two Weeks...pre And Post Op. *this Will Most Likely Be A Long One*

***I apologize now because this is a REALLY long entry. *** I am someone who has been over weight my whole life, in fact the last time I remember being thin was in 3rd grade. But over time I just ignored my problem until my senior year of high school. I realized I was going to college and needed to do something about this problem. Unfortunately after plenty of yo-yo diets, weight watchers, Nutrisystem and so on I still couldn’t get my eating under control. It wasn’t until last year when I decided to attend a WLS meeting at the Hospital of Central Connecticut. From that point I was determined to go through with this! I initially wanted the lap-band, but after some research I realized for the amount of weight I want to lose the band is not the best fit for me, and I really need something permanent so I went with the Sleeve.   I began the processes in June of 2011, but chickened out and wanted to give one more try at losing weight on another fad diet… obviously that failed because I am here, haha.   After starting the process all over Ii took a long time to get to where I am now. I was lucky enough to not have to jump through hoops the way other people on here have mentioned. My insurance covered a great deal of the surgery as long as I met some of the medical necessities, and luckily (unlucky) for me, the fact that I was at a BMI of 50 at the age of 21, had worsening asthma, and had mild hyper tension, it was all enough to get the go ahead from both doctor and Cigna.   The hospital of central Connecticut only requires a psychological evaluation, a meeting with a nutritionist, and a couple other things that I don’t remember right now, but my Insurance said besides medical necessity I needed to get an EKG, psychological evaluation, and to meet with a nutritionist for 6 consecutive months. After I completed that it was all a matter of last minute pre op appointments with Dr. Barba including an Endoscopy, where he determined that I had a hiatal hernia that he would fix during surgery. I then found out my surgery date, which was July 10th…I couldn’t have been anymore excited and nervous.   I was getting all sorts of worked up about the surgery, I was more nervous about the surgery it’s self then focusing on the benefits afterwards. “Was I going to wake up? How badly would it hurt? Will I be able to tolerate all the foods I liked before? What kind of complications might I have?”... these were the questions that kept repeating in my head.   It wasn’t until July 6th when I received a letter from my insurance company saying that I still wasn’t approved for my surgery did I then started to not just worry but now PANIC. “HOW CAN I NOT BE APPROVED YET? I WAS TOLD MONTHS AGO THAT EVERYTHING WAS ALL SET, THAT I HAD EVERYTHING IN. MY SURGERY IS IN 4 DAYS! (of course I got this letter on a Friday so my insurance and my Doctors office wasn’t going to be able to tell me for sure if I was or wasn’t approved till Monday). I spent hours of the phone trying to get things straightened out, and I thought that there was finally a light at the end of the tunnel! I had gotten in touch with someone who said that it was my insurances’ fault and that they would rush my paperwork. I was given an approval and an apology! It was such a relief for me because I was so worried after all this time that it wasn’t going to happen. But of course, my approval was too go to be true…Monday morning I got a call for my Doctors office saying they STILL didn’t have an approval and when I told them it wasn’t possible because I had gotten an approval Friday, the office was more then confused. I knew it was going to be a long and stressful day for me. I called my insurance again and that’s when they told be that no I was not approved, in fact I had been DENIED! You could only imagine how infuriated I was. “IT’S JULY 9TH AND YOU ARE TELLING ME I HAVE BEEN DENIED!? WHY HADN’T I BEEN INFORMED DAYS, WEEKS, MONTHS AGO!!.”. Turns out I was missing 3 things…one thing was something that the hospital forgot to fill out, the other was an “up to date” psychology evaluation, and the last piece was a letter of medical necessity from my primary care doctor. To say the least I was in tears because I thought I had all of that taken care of back in June. Turns out my evaluation was 2 months too old ( they wanted it within 6 months), and they wanted not just a referral from my doctor, but specific details and for it to clearly state that he thinks that it would be in my best interest to go through with this surgery…. I honestly don’t know how we did it but I was able to get my evaluation updated, a check up by my doctor, and a letter from him all in that afternoon and submitted to insurance. I just had to wait till the next morning to find out if I was approved or not.   My original time for surgery on the 10th was 10am…but 10 am came and went and we were still waiting to hear from my doctor’s office. My adrenalin was rushing and I was so anxious about what the final result would be. Finally at 12 pm we got a phone call saying to head over ASAP they would get my in for a 3:30 surgery time.   We got to the hospital and everything was so fast, they brought me right up to the surgical floor. They got me changed into a gown, hooked up to an iv, and just had me sit and wait…..I waited for about 2 hours before a Doctors showed up. I was running on what must have been purely adrenalin because it wasn’t until the anesthesiologist showed up did I begin to panic and get nervous. Once he left I couldn’t stop crying. I kept thinking “I can leave, I don’t have to go through with this, it would be so easy. Just tell them no!”…but I had made up my mind, and I knew if didn’t do this nothing was going to help me. Dr. Barba finally showed up and went over everything that was going to happen during surgery, how long recovery would be and then explained about how even though my insurance finally approved my surgery for VSG they did not approve paying for hiatal hernia. I was happy to hear that he agreed that my insurance was crazy and that he was just going to fix it anyways for no charge as long as we said it was okay.   As I was getting ready to be wheeled away in my bed, I remember being offered some Valium to calm me down. The anesthesiologist saw just how nervous I was, and I’m glad he did because it was so tempting to jump and run. But a few moments later I was so calm and relaxed. I felt almost a bit drunk… I was still tearing up a little in the OR so he gave me a little more Valium as I watched everyone in the room prep for my surgery. I remember getting on the table and being strapped down in position, and I was then introduced to everyone in the room. They then asked me to start breathing through the mask on my face and of course they only thing I could think was “I hope I wake up”… I was out like a light.   When I woke up in the recovery room I was in a LOT of pain. I remember yelling because it hurt so much, and I felt like I couldn’t breath. They just kept telling me to press my button and try to administer more pain relief. I eventually fell back to sleep, but my parents told me later that I was in the recovery room almost 4 hours because I was in more pain then they figured I would be.   The next thing I remember is being in my new room with my parents there. I woke up just for a little just to tell my dad “I did it!”.   The first night was really rough, I was in so much pain and would press my button enough just to fall back asleep, but within 30 minutes to an hour I was wide awake in pain again. The nurses were so nice and helpful, I’m really glad they were so patient with me. The next day was a lot harder, because I hadn’t walked at all that night, and so I was not only in pain, but exhausted from the lack of sleep. I also had to do my blue dye test and my upper GI test all within a couple hours of each other on the same day. Once I passed both they gave me some ice chips and jell-o…I was then told I was being discharged. I really could not believe I hadn’t even spent a full 24 hrs at the hospital and they were discharging me! All I have to say is thank god for liquid oxycodone. It was an hour-long drive back to my parent’s house where I would be staying to recover.   The first few days were pretty hard, and if I wasn’t in pain I was sleeping because of the pain meds. Breathing still hurt because of the gas from the surgery and sleeping lying down didn’t happen until day 4 post op. But I found out that gas-x helps a lot for gas, only taking half the dose of my liquid pain meds didn’t turn me into a zombie, and that I could begin to sleep laying on my back much sooner then I thought I would be. Because trust me, with all that pain I really was starting to think “what the hell did I do to myself”…   Tomorrow will be one week post op and I am much happier with my choice. Thought weight loss was slow this first week, I did lose some weight and I’m feeling back to normal again.   The only issue I have now...I constantly feel hungry. Maybe it’s my lake of protein? I really hope that’s it, because this is not head hunger. This is the wake you up in the middle of the night because it hurts so bad, kind of hunger. I just can’t wait to be eating real food again, and happily watching the lbs drop.
IwantTHATshu

IwantTHATshu

1
dpeeler28's Blog
 

Geting Easier

i had a lot of trouble with the pre op diet on days 3 and 4 but i have to say the last 2 days have not been bad at all.....it is getting a little easier. i'm gettin kinda nervous since my surgery is a week from today, and god knows what i do when i stress-EAT! but i went shopping with my mom today and bought few things that are 1-2 sizes smaller than my current size, so im gonna keep them in sight as a reminder to STICK WITH IT!!!!
dpeeler28

dpeeler28

1
SpecialK1960's Funny Funny Blog
 

We Have Been Through Some Funny Stuff - Let's Laugh A Bit

You have to admit we have been through some funny stuff. There are all kinds of indignities to being overweight. But the stuff we have gone through in our VSG journey - all in the name of beauty - are above and beyond the norm.   I will do an entire post on the rope-down-the-nose test, but that was one of the weirdest things I have ever had to do. And I am convinced that the doctor knew what he was doing when he picked a cute, incredibly personable young lady for that job. 'Cause I'll tell you one thing, if she was not sweet, funny and personable, I would have strangled her with my slime covered nose rope. BLECH.   Or when the nurse, in getting me up to walk around the hospital floor at 10:30 at night was having to fix my gown. I do not know what she was doing back there but (no pun intended) it seemed to take a long time and my fanny was cold.   So, I will post here, as I am not sure that my silly humor is always appreciated by unsuspecting readers when I reply on the various forums.
SpecialK1960

SpecialK1960

5
Hurry Up and Wait
 

Second Weigh In And My First Fill!!!! Yay!!!

Had my first follow up appointment today since my surgery on May 1st. First, my weigh in. 243. Not bad.. Its ok. Then I was whisked off to another room where I was getting a FILL!!! Yay. I asked the PA about my band size and he said it was a 10cc band. Then they did a fluro test with the yucky white stuff to see how the band was doing and I got my fill. It felt weird havng my DR knead under my rib section to get to my port. I guess he filled to 5cc first then watched the fluroscope thing and thought it was moving too slow so he aspirated out about 1 cc and watched it again. He mentioned that he thought there might be a kink in the tubing and checked that out too, He asked me about my calorie intake and I said I was doing ok but that I thought this fill was going to make a big difference now. I also mentioned working out, and he said that working out was important but right now the calorie intake was crucial. He wants me to stay between 1000 and 1200 calories. So now Im supposed to be on liquids for 24 hours and then regular foods after. Not sure how quickly I can get back to regular foods, I think I have to slowly work back into that. The Dr said my fill would be tight and to follow up if I began to vomit everything back. So I go back in a month.   Im excited all over again. A little nervous too. Im ready, and after the convo I had with DH Sunday morning (another blog, another time) I am re-dedicated to eating the way Im SUPPOSED to eat!
RahRahRah

RahRahRah

3
missymobaby's Blog
 

Date Set

Well, just got the call this morning around 10:30 that my insurance has approved my surgery and it's now scheduled for Aug. 23!!!! I could have scheduled for the 16th and that was my plan but there are a lot of things going on here at work that I needed to be here for so I pushed it to the 23rd. The nurse said they also had Aug. 9th open but that's a little TOO early for me. It's all becoming very REAL now. I mean, I knew the time would come but now that it's here I'm nervous, anxious, scared, excited, and really having second thoughts. Is this normal? Anyone else feel the same?   But I know to get healthy this is what I HAVE to do. I can't do it alone, I need this tool to help me. I can do it!! I've GOT to do it!   Please everyone who reads this, please send advice. I need it.
missymobaby

missymobaby

1
Sweettenshi247's Blog
 

Day 1

Today is my first step. I 'm excited that very soon I get become a more happier, healthier me. I just can't wait to do this. I'm also a scared but just a normal thing i guess, your changing yourself. But I also fear that I won't get the support from my family as well. I'll start pray about it and hope for the best.
Sweettenshi247

Sweettenshi247

1
Taking Those First Steps
 

Keeping Up

So far I've been keeping up with my vow to exercise daily, with the exception of four days last week that I had tonsillitis and a high fever. I gave myself a pass for those days Every day since being cleared for exercise post-op, I've done something active. I find now that my body craves it. I don't feel right if I don't get in a couple mile jog or some quality time with the treadmill. I actually like that feeling!   I'm set for my second fill today - in an hour actually - and I don't really know how to describe where I'm at with my eating. I'm sticking to the portions, and the meal plan of protein, veggies, and fruit (sliding a little dairy in there every now and then) but my hunger is so weird now. Some days I struggle to eat three meals a day. Other days, I'm SO hungry a couple hours after lunch that the whole clinic can hear my stomach growling! It's hard for me to guage if I need a fill because I am not thinking about food and hunger like I used to - I just simply ignore hunger feelings between meals.   I find it a huge struggle to eat away from home. We went to the Strikeforce (MMA) fights Saturday and there was literally nothing healthy available to eat. I had a couple handfuls of my husbands popcorn but was starving by the time I got home (the event went from 3:30 until 9:30 PM). With it being a controlled venue, I couldn't have brought any food in with me.   I'm working through another plateau now. After being sick all last week and barely getting in liquids, I didn't lose an ounce. I've been stuck for about a week. I've heard that eating more calories one day may help bust the plateau but I'm honestly scared of gaining weight now!   I better wrap this up and get my hiney to the doctors office. Hope everyone is having a fantastic Monday.
jen_1381

jen_1381

0
RIYAHSMOMMY's Blog
 

Day 1...here Goes Nothing

So I am getting banded on July 30th and this is Day 1 of the liquid diet. Oh boy I am in for a looonngg road ahead. I got the body fortress Whey protein powder and that is not to my liking...back to the drawing board I go!
RIYAHSMOMMY

RIYAHSMOMMY

5
CdnExpat's Blog
 

Ow! Ow! Ow!

I'm back to exercising. Feels amazing.   Prior to being diagnosed with MS (in the year from hell) my formerly active life was whittled away to almost nothing. Some days, it was amazing I could walk around my house, never mind do anything else. Given that I used to weight train daily, and had begun to rack up miles of race walking (daughters and husband biked or rollerbladed), the slow slide into inactivity really, really sucked.   I grew up on a farm ("The Money Pit" as my father called it), working with horses and doing daily chores including milking cows & goats, feeding chickens, and managing my several breeding hundred rabbits. Physical activity (and health) were taken for granted. Grew up, married, had my girls, and just went on living. Married a city slicker, so the horses had to go, but otherwise, I didn't mind the changes.   The year I turned 33 started out well, with a family resolution to get physically fit. My girls were 13, 12, & 11. We planned our 'Get Fit' campaign and got to work. In the small town in which we lived the local gym was owned by a couple who were competitive body builders, so the facility was awesome. As a part of their business, they both offered personal training, so we took advantage of that, and started working out on a schedule. Eventually, they gave us the code to the gym and we could use it 24/7 which was convenient for us as my husband was on shift work. By about June, we were all pretty pleased with ourselves and our new level of fitness, and we looked forward to the workouts and our nightly walks as a family.   In July, we decided to try rollerblading, and I got a new pair for the first time out. But I could only go to the end of the block. My legs felt soooo heavy, and I was having trouble with my balance. My right foot was dragging, and the girls were teasing me about walking like a drunk. Then I developed a black 'hole' in the vision in my left eye. Yikes! That made me go to the doctor. Hell compressed into a sentence - after months of tests and assessments, I was diagnosed with MS in December 1996.   So. No exercise. Fatigue, staggering, dropping things, slurred words. Some good days, lots of bad days. Weight gain. Lots of it. Ugh.   I was in a very stressful job, and the specialist told me, "Change careers, de-stress your life, and get rid of some responsibility or you'll slide into a wheelchair and stay there." (I was already using a walker) So, I did exactly that. Changed careers, changed cities, and dumped responsiblity. Got out of the wheelchair, and began to make serious health-related changes. All of which helped me to feel better, but did nothing to dislodge the 80 pounds I'd gained in 1996.   Fast forward 16 years. I had given up on losing the weight until the idea of VSG came up with the doctor here. I took the time to do the research, met with the doctor, and decided to go ahead. Sleeved April 4, 2012. Last check up I'd lost 44 pounds. Three days ago I started exercising again. Really exercising. It feels soooooooo good! My muscles are sore, my legs protest as I stand up, and I love it. I have to be mindful of the MS, but I'm remembering what it feels like to have gotten sweaty/hot enough to produce natural endorphins. *baskinginthehappiness* :wub: I certainly can't do what I used to do, but who cares? I'm doing something I haven't been able to do for years.   After I was diagnosed with MS I wanted to do a half marathon for the MS Society in Canada, but I couldn't manage the fatigue and the extra weight. Now, I've learned how to manage myself with regards to the MS, and I'm losing the weight... which is making a big dent in the level of fatigue I have to deal with, and I have waaaaaaaaaay more energy. Maybe... just maybe, I'll be able to get to the point where I can do that half marathon. Wouldn't that be something?   For now, I need to stand up and get some work done. Ow! Ow! Ow!
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