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Lila S' Blog
 

Optifast Shakes - Surprisingly Tasty :)

I am still a week out from my first appointments with the surgeon etc but the way that I understand it here in Australia is that you only need to meet with the surgeon, nutritionist and psychologist once, then get a surgery date.   On their website it can be as soon as two weeks after your appointment with the surgeon (assuming all is cleared) that you can have your surgery.   So to this end, I thought I would start on a modified version of the pre-op diet, gradually introducing meal replacement as I build up to the two weeks before surgery where I have to be so strict. I am hoping for a surgery date in early September at this point, so realistically it could be about 6 weeks until I get "sleeved".   I had the strawberry optifast shake today and discovered two things - first is that I need to add more water than recommended (around 250-275ML instead of 200) and the other is that it is 100 times nicer if it's really cold, so I added a few ice cubes.   I am trying to practice drinking really slowly as I know that I gulp drinks and it does make you really aware of what you are drinking and eating! I only substituted lunch today and it's been okay so far. I am a little bit hungry but it isn't too bad and I might try to have an earlier dinner tonight instead of snacking this afternoon.   So it's early days, but for anyone pre-op who is testing the waters and wanting to try the shakes, my advice is to thin it out and make it very cold
Lissa_S

Lissa_S

1
Ev's WLS Journey
 

Question

My husband and I went out for dinner with an acquaintance. We opted for water over drinks and no appetizers.   I ordered roasted duck leg with lentils and apricots. Yummy! I made a fine choice. The food was fabulous. I have a feeling, though, when my lap band is in, I'll be bringing home more than half of it.   Hey, by the way. Do any of you have problems eating beans or veggies?
evelynsalzman

evelynsalzman

3
Nani_09
 

Hi, Would Like Some Help And Support To Get Banded

Hi, Im new to this and I wanted to know does Medicaid managed care with Health Plus/Amerigroup cover for lap band surgery. I've had weight problems all my life and Im only 22years and my height is 5'1 and im weighting about 230 lbs. my doctors are always telling me I dont meed anything. Recently the weight loss Ive losed is because Im practically eating mostly anything no carbs no sugar barely any proteins and for me to even loose a pound its a struggle. Before my weight lost they foundhigh blood sugar normal range is 5.8 and mine was at 6.3, I losed some weight and sugar went down to normal which is good. Its so hard for me to loose a pound. I would like to know is there a way I can convince my doctor to send approval for me toget surgery I would really like to get it done. I have always had a self esteem issue and my weight actually depresses I wish I skinny or just nor Al but Im not Im huge and I know it was always picked on sonce I was young about my weight and they way I dressed because my could not afford to get me nice things. I know all this has to do with my weight because all I usually do is eat everything not healthy and I eat when Im down also. Im sorry guys to go all out about everything but I would like the help to glsee if I can get to convince my doctor the lap band surgery would be good for me and my self esteem at the same time. Thanks ?
nani_09

nani_09

1
WeightWatchMe's Blog
 

Weight Lifted Off My Shoulders (Literally)

So I'm so excited to say that after almost 2 weeks of stalling....my weigt finally started going down again!!!...I just want to say thank you to the ones who gave me some helpful advise and helped me keep my head on straight when I was feeling like a mess...I am so very thankful for this website and all the helpful blogs and all the people who take the time to extend helpful words when things aren't going exactly like you thought they would...It's nice to be able to talk to people who are going through the exact same things as I am!!!!
WeightWatchMe

WeightWatchMe

2
goal_will_be_met's Blog
 

Getting There

I never thought that I could be on the verge of meeting my ultimate weightloss goal. I was just doing some thinking and realized that I am about 35 pounds away from my first goal and 51 pounds away from my ultimate goal and for the first time ever I can honestly say that I am going to get there and I will succeed. I have come so far this year to stop now. Even tho we have up's and down's that just gives you all the more reason to really concentrate on you! This last week was really tough for me but I also realize it could have been way worse then what it was. For that I am very grateful. It also just gives me that extra push to really get myself even more in shape. I know that I can do this and I want it even more. I need to take some pictures of me now and post more. I feel great and I don't even know when the last time was when I was this small. Its been along time that is for sure. I am so proud of myself and everything I have accomplished. I feel that great things are still in store and I just gotta keep positive because its gonna happen. In other news I wanted to lose 10 pounds by Aug 1 because we are going on a trip and I am 2 pounds away from that goal! Very proud of me! Thats all for now :wub: :ph34r:
goal_will_be_met

goal_will_be_met

2
sweetsoutherngirl's Blog
 

Five Months Post Op Today!

It has been a while since I have updated this blog. Today I am five months out and 38 pounds lighter! I am also two pounds from reaching one of my goals to lost 100 pounds. I feel great and have been told I am looking great! LOL! I have had four fills and think finally this last one is it. I have 7.5 CC's in my 10 CC band. I am still experimenting with which foods are ok. Beef is hard for me, but chicken and seafood are okay. I eat a lot of fruits and veggies, green tea and greek yogurt are a huge part of my fridge. I am still exercising 4-5 times a week, and I recently started running, which I really do hate, but it is good for me.LOL. I am here to tell you that this amazing tool will work for you as long as you work with it. Do not try to east around it, do not cheat yourself by not exercising. The hardest part is keeping going and every day is a struggle. Just keep going!
sweetsoutherngirl

sweetsoutherngirl

0
DSC1970's Blog
 

Some Thoughts

Just wanted to add a blog. I've been so busy lately...lots of traveling while school is out. It's hard to believe that I only have 2 more weeks off before preplanning begins. My weight loss has been astounding to me...it is literally just falling off of me. I look at myself in the mirror and can't believe the changes that I see. My relationship with food has changed so much (a little frustrating at times)...i now eat to live instead of live to eat. I still struggle with not eating the volume of food that I once did, but that is just a mental struggle; it's certainly not because I'm hungry. I looked through my closet today and thought that I have nothing to wear to work. I've resisted buying clothes because my weight has changed so much, but I know that I will have to go shopping before school begins. Part of me is excited about it and the other part of me dreads it terribly. There seems to be nothing like going shopping to snap you back to reality when it comes to your size. I actually took a picture of the scale this morning when I stood on it; it is right at 201 pounds...just two pounds away from onederland!!!! Holy cow!!! I haven't seen that number in 20 years; it is unbelievable to me. I have a dr appt on Wednesday...don't think I'll need a fill this month...still feel very tight. Can't wait to see the weight loss this month.
DSC1970

DSC1970

1
Thyckness718's Blog
 

One Step Closer..................................................

Hey guys how are you all doing out there? I was just sitting here thinking about this journey I have started on May 21st, and how smooth the progress is going along, and God is good all the time. I feel sorry for those who doesn't realize that. Tuesday I go to my PCP and they are going to take an EKG, no worries, nothing is wrong it is just routine . My surgeon told me if I get a copy of it, I won't have to take another one on their end which is wonderful, so that means other than getting my appt for the pysch all my test will be completed.   So this had me thinking.............................do you realize that each thing we do gets us one step closer to reaching our goals and to having surgery, and that is just a great feeling. With this said if any of you are feelin discouraged, please don't give up because your time is going. Every little step we take is really a huge one if we look at it. I so can't wait to be on the LOSERS bench, and just wanted to share this feeling with you. Continued blessings. :wub:
Thyckness718

Thyckness718

0
Downtown Pony's Blog
 

Crazy Weekend

I went to a lake house this weekend. I grazed, drank beer and had about 7 beers and 7-10 shots over he whole weekend. I ate whatever everyone else ate (just small portions). I wasn't worried about weight gain. I had figured that when I got home I would have gained ten pounds. I came home stepped on the scale and I had lost two pounds. I don't know but I am definitely motivated to get back on track. Going to the gym tomorrow and gonna be a beast!!!
Downtown Pony

Downtown Pony

1
Ashtyn's journey!
 

3 Days Post-Op!

Hello everyone today I'm 3 days post-op. I'm still just a little sore, but I'm feeling much better! I've been sipping liquids every day & I haven't had any hunger at all. V8 is something I've been drinking a lot of. If any of you have never had V8 you should try it! I have veggie & fruit kinds. The Original Veggie kind really keeps you full because it's as thick as soup. Anyways, 3 of my incisions aren't hurting at all & haven't since surgery.. it's the big incision for the actual Band and the incision where the port is located that are hurting a little. But the pain isn't anything I can't handle & it will all be well worth it. I'm having a little trouble with my lungs, because I know they are full of junk from the anesthesia, but I can't exactly cough yet because of the pain. I've been doing my best to get it all up because I do NOT want to get any sicker! But I have been using my breathing tool a lot and that seems to help. I'm using one of those foam wedges to sleep on at night to keep me elevated because of the discomfort of laying flat on my back. That helps a lot. I'm thinking some time this week I will be out & about as usual .. also, a little off subject but today is exactly 1 month from my college move-in date at my apartment! I have 1 month to get in the groove of my LapBand & to get everything packed up & headed out of town! I'm so excited about all these changes and I hope you will all keep up with me along my journey! anyways, I'm going to walk around a little more. Talk to you all soon. xoxo
AshtynClaire

AshtynClaire

1
When do you stop being a patient, and start being a normal person again?
 

Tiffany Next Journey

Yesterday was the start of a new journey for me. A client/gastric bypass paitent asked...." When do you stop being a patient and start being a normal person again?" My first answer is that you are always a patient. From a Dr point of view that may be correct. There are many out there that either the band does not take in thier body or eventually some need to have it taken out. I hold a stand so that thes people may have some support to make sure they need no other surgeries, My Life Is My Message. I no longer hold any liquid inside my band, making my stomech normal again. My goal is to maintain my wieght, Concur any new stuggels with this journey. If this can help one person out there, Its worth every step. A great thanks to all of the supportive people out there. Remember One Step At A Time! Be patient with your self. Most of all LOVE YOU! BE YOU! Tiffany C
TiffanyMcarroll

TiffanyMcarroll

1
Blog 65097
 

Lapband Failed

I had my surgery 2008 and I never lost any weight, I got my filled regularly but I'm always hungry or chocked when I eat, I change Drs just to see if the doctor was not doing the fill wright. I joined the gym and got a trainer, I was able to to loose some weight, but trainer got kind of expensive so I let it go as soon as I stop working out the weight loss stopped. I'm lost and frustrated, I'm thinking of removing the band.   Is there anyone here that is going through the same problem as me. anyone can give me some advised.
rosa0120

rosa0120

3
KS Fort Worth's Blog
 

Hard, But It's Working!

Starting Day 6 of liquid diet. It's not easy; but I've been fairly active and not cheating, so that 800 calorie limit is making the weight fall off. I've lost almost 10 pounds since Monday! Seeing those results makes it a little easier. I can remember losing a few pound in past and then justifying something I shouldn't eat and undoing most of my hard work. I pray I never again adopt that mindset.
KS Fort Worth

KS Fort Worth

2
Mimi's Journey 07/03/2012
 

Energy Needed....

I'm hitting a wall with the energy level now. It's taking a lot to get going of late. I'm still enthusiastic mentally about this progress. I'm just beginning to see the scale move post-surgery. I'm hydrating well and tending to the diet of full liquids. Protein intake is on point. I'm working out daily (with the exception of Sundays). I'm doing what's being requested. I even started Biotin today to help with hair loss.   Any other suggestions on getting my energy levels up? I return to work this Wednesday and I want to be up and going. Not drab and tired. I got A LOT on my plate when I return to the office! I need ENERGY.
Mz_Elle

Mz_Elle

4
A funny thing happend while I was loosing weight
 

You Like Me....you Really Like Me

When I started my WLS journey, I never expected to be a blogger. If you would have told me three months ago that I would be typing out my weight loss funny moments....and some not so funny moments, I would have told you that I thought you had lost your mind. Well, I would have been wrong. The other day I checked to see how many visits I have had and I was shocked to see that in only three months, you all have read my blog 10,000 times. DANG.....that's a lot of reading. Thank you so much for the support, and I hope I can continue to make you laugh and smile throughout our journeys together. I finally understand why Sally Fields said, "You like me. You really like me." It wasn't ego....it was pure shock.   Ok, now that I got done with all the sappy stuff. Stay tuned as I plan to write about my exploits from the past few days. I will explain that getting drunk isn't anything like it used to be....and I still have the ability to fall for no reason. Can't wait to write about my 20th H.S. reunion and let you all know how great it felt to be around the same size I was in H.S. So many stories....so little time. Stay tuned.
tmorgan813

tmorgan813

2
CdnExpat's Blog
 

Superbetter

Thanks to TED Talks (www.TED.com) I was introduced to an app that is the buzz of the self-help world.   "SuperBetter" (available through App Store) is a small app set up as a quest/challenge game for people looking to change some aspect of their lives. The TED talk by Jane McGonigal is worth watching. It seems like a simple concept, but it's also true that as busy human beings we no longer take the time to do the small things that add up to better health, greater wisdom, more leisure, etc.   In my case, using the language of SuperBetter (which is free for a limited time), my ultimate Bad Guy is "Time Tyrant." I have convinced myself, and truly believe, that I don't have time for these things. It's twenty seconds I could be doing something productive rather than choosing to take my eyes off my computer screen to look at something restful for twenty seconds. I don't have time to do three minutes worth of isometric exercises at my desk - I could write a letter or email in that three minutes and cross another task off my endless "To Do" list. I know the most help I need is to change my perspective about caring for myself. This certainly seems to be hallmark of my generation, and I know it needs to be different. This morning on FB a friend had posted a wall pic that was so appropriate and I repeat it here because it's certainly something I need to remember.   Make sure Before you say "Yes" To someone else, It doesn't mean You're saying "No" To yourself.   I've been using SB for four days having decided that I clearly cannot manage my habit of not caring for myself on my own, so I might as well give this app a shot.   Unexpectedly, I find myself checking in willingly. The app is structured as a Quest, and in order to unlock the clues/next level, you have to complete challenges. I am nothing, if not competitive. But this competition is with no one other than myself. And I chose the challenge. I further guaranteed that I would check in regularly by inviting my husband to be an Ally in SB. As an Ally, he knows which challenges I've completed, which levels I'm stuck on, and he can add challenges or quests to my game which are in keeping with the goal I've set for myself. (To have completely changed my lifestyle by the time I turn 50). Since I am also his Ally on SB for his challenge, we support and encourage each other. You choose the challenge yourself. Each level has a range of choices, and at every possible juncture one can access a short helpful video about the quest they've chosen. There's a "Science Behind..." section that allows you to know and understand why the things you're doing are good for you, and you receive encouragement and reminders by email.   I'm impressed, and I didn't expect to be.
CdnExpat

CdnExpat

4
A start of something new
 

So Here We Go

I decided that today was the day for me to start blogging on here b/c quite frankly I am so pissed at myself right now..i have been doing so good these past few weeks and i was starting to see a change in the scale and i was ecstatic about it. then the stress rolled in and pppffffhhhttt that was it..my 1 meal on Friday was over 1600 calories! For one damn meal!! I know this b/c i went on their website and looked it up..can you say shocked! Mortified! embarrassed! If my legs were long enough I'd kick my own ass! so then today my thinking was ah well since i have f'd up already why not a little more so a drive thru it was! UGHHHH!! Dammit! I do admit i am a food addict. and it isnt an easy addiction as you cant totally give up food like u can say drugs or alcohol..so what to do? i have had my woe is me time and now starting today (well when i get up later since its after 1am here on the East coast) I know that i messed up and now it is time to get serious yet again. I meet with my NUT Katie on the 23rd of July and i plan on being a lil bit lighter than i am now..its so hard but i know eventually this will get better and food wont be an issue or my go to thing when ever something doesnt go my way or stress beats on my door or the Devil wants to bring old habits back..i will not give in..ive come too far in this journey to stop now. i deserve to be happy. I am doing this for me and no one else but me. i am accountable for my own actions. and i take full responsibility for what happened this weekend and now we start anew. From here on out. Any time that i feel like the old way creeping in i will be writing down my feelings here.   So Here WE GO!!!   I
Shelli_d

Shelli_d

2
Inter Euro Medical's Blog
 

Free Lap Band Surgery

Inter-Euro Medical works with some of the best hospitals in Europe to give you affordable and quality medical care. IEM works with some of the best physicians and surgeons in the world. Track records and credentials of each physician or surgeon are carefully studied. Update and monitoring of its network of medical surgery centers and hospitals overseas are done on a regular basis to ensure that they are able to provide you a safe and satisfying medical and health tourism experience. When you opt to have a medical procedure done in one of IEM’s network hospitals, you save anywhere between 50-70% of the cost that you would otherwise incur on the same procedure in the US. For example, lap band surgery costs $15 000 less in one of our network hospitals in Belgium than in the USA. If you are under-insured or un-insured and cannot afford medical care in the US, these savings can mean a huge relief. However, even if you are insured, but have high deductibles or limited coverage, medical tourism may still help you, by saving you thousands of dollars and providing you access to world class medical care. Join as a member and receive a chance to win a free lap band surgery at one of our world class hospitals in Europe, which includes your round trip flight to Europe, accommodation and your consultation and full surgical procedure. Tell us why it is important for you to receive the surgery and based on your story, we'll decide if you are deserving of the prize. We also have private donors who are willing to sponsor your medical tour based on your needs. Click here to join our membership program: http://inter-euromedical.tk  
Inter Euro Medical

Inter Euro Medical

0
Lauracat's Blog
 

Head Hunger

There nothing worst the getting unfilled on Juily 4 So i thought. Nothing worst then have my dr fellow stick me four times with a neadle and then say i just did not place this port and can't feel the edges so it very hard. I thought have an florcepy to be unbanded was band then haveing endocpepy to be fixed was alsp bad.   But now I am stuck in hunger land. I am back of Lquids for the next week and half but who counting. The worst part of the huger is not the hunger i feel. It the head hunger the hunger to eat something in my head. It became a thought of mine at all times I see food ad on TV and then i want that. I drive by a place and can smell the food and want that. I made a list of all the food i going to eat once i am better enough to not be on lquids.   I know it all in my head and this is the worst part. It like when i did pre opt deit all i would dream about food roast chicken I just wish i had an easyer time. I guess it good that I was able to save my band but God i would kill for an egg roll just one bit. I find that i can't do normal stuff becuse i am just too tempted right now to do the worng thing.
Lauracat

Lauracat

2
Hurry Up and Wait
 

Snap, Crackle And Pop

Some of you might remember a previous post where I mentioned making plans to work out and sleeping through the alarms. Well, today I made myself get up, completed packing my gym bag to catch the 8:30am Zumba class and then off to work!   DH was annoyed as I hurried out the door (thats another blog) and made it to my Zumba class about 3 minutes late, but I stepped right into a jampacked classroom and started shimmying like ya do.   This was a new instructor to me and her music choices were so much fun! I could see how the class would be packed in there like that and thats when I got the snap in my calf! OUCH!!!   I wasnt even doing anything strenuous. I was unbending a leg to step down when I felt a SNAP and then a bunching up of my calf muscles and I was hobbled. I made my way to the back of the class and gripped my leg, doing my best impression of the hunchback of Notre Dame. I knew this hurt, I had it before when I was doing another jump up during a country dance for a historical re enactment group I used to be part of. Again, not doing anything seriously bad just moving my leg wrong. As I left the gym, I felt tears of pain and rage flow down my checks as I called DH to tell him I was hurt and I was on my way home. I was angry because I was really getting excited about being back into the swing of things and I felt that I had made a step (hahahaha) in the right direction. Being hurt like this would put me out of working out again probably for about 2 weeks. And I WANT to work out. It makes me feel like im really doing something this time.   I also completely missed the weigh in part.   As you might now, Im having trouble with the food part because I know I have no restriction right now. I have to GET OVER IT, I know that. And I will. I was just really wanting to contribute more to my weight loss life changes by staying committed to regular exercise. Sigh.   hmm.... I wonder if I can do water Zumba now?
RahRahRah

RahRahRah

2
ItsaMeThing's Blog
 

Nerves

I am scheduled for surgery Monday, July 16th and I am so nervous! I have been over-processing the following points:   #1 I am afraid of losing too much/not enough weight #2 I have long hair and I hate the thought of losing it! #3 Loose saggy skin!   I am looking forward to a new me, I just hope it isn't an anorexic balding version of who I am now!!!
ItsaMeThing

ItsaMeThing

3
Globetrotter's Blog
 

Two Years Come And Gone, So Fast

My last meal was bruschetta, little toasted pieces of baguette, rubbed with garlic, laden with chopped tomatoes and basil. I thought maybe I would never be able to eat them again, I mourned a little that it had come to this, I was excited to have hope again, I was already bookmarking favorites in online shopping, filling the imaginary shopping cart with pretty items in never before dreamt of sizes.   Two years ago today I woke very early, 6 perhaps, amazing how some things get forgotten ... I had drunk the horrific milk of magnesia the night before and had my final water at the same time and now was nervous and thirsty, the adrenaline making both sensations all the more acute. My Mother and I were at a hotel around the corner from the hospital and we drove there, or did we take the shuttle? I was in my pyjamas, having just showered with the special cleanser they gave me. I was private pay from one of the best surgical teams for VSG in the world, Laparascopic Associates of San Francisco, so I got a pretty 5 star treatment, private changing room, garment bag for my things, robes etc. with the LASF logo stitched on. I must have been nervous but my adrenaline kept me from really feeling much. My Mom and I waited in a private room, I laid on a bed in my gowns. One last trip to the bathroom and it was off to the OR to meet the kindest anesthesiologist ever, I think she had all sorts of dogs printed on her surgical cap, that's all I remember ... Next thing, I was waking up in my room with a view of the City, in and out of consciousness ... there were popsicles ... there was walking ... there was feeling like I was going to barf but nothing happening ... I didn't pee when they wanted me to and a few other things so I spent an extra day in the hospital ...   The following few days are mostly a blur, 2 years later my Mother tells me the timeline of events during those days and it's all news to me. I spent 3 weeks recovering in the country, in a little cottage up the coast a few hours from SF. That first night I stayed on the couch in a sitting position and the following 3 nights I slept in bed but only on my side as sleeping on my back gave me terrible sensations. My body was a foreign landscape that first week and for the first month I felt as close to vampiric as one can, I had no human bodily functions - no need to pee or poop, no interest in human food, in fact a revulsion of nearly every food or beverage.   Before I walked into the OR they weighed me one last time, 294. 2 weeks later I came back for a check up and they weighed me, 274. 20 pounds! Those first 20 pounds were more stunning than the following 100. After all the research, all the thinking, all the talking to sleevers, it still had never genuinely sunk in that this was real and that it really does work. I sat in my Dr's office, stunned!   There are plenty of people here on VST who tell delightful tales of reaching and exceeding their goals within 6 months, how they are now under goal, wear a size 0, and chirp chirp chirp, tweet tweet tweet. Well, good for them, wish I was one. That has never been my VSG story however. It was a full year before I joined the century club and 2 years out I am still shy of surgeon's goal by approx. 25 lbs and personal by approx. 50.   Two years out I sometimes still reflexively tense up when I sit in a chair with arms, genuinely expecting to not be able to fit into it. I still stiffen up when in crowds, thinking people are staring and staring for negative reasons. I still FEEL fat often, I still feel frustrated that after so much time and effort I still probably look like a pudgy lazy bones to the average lay person, but I would rather be at this stage of the game rather than having never begun and still at square one!   I've learned that losing weight and becoming physically active and strong does solve a lot of problems and does bring a lot of simple joy but that losing weight or becoming a specific size doesn't automatically confer happiness and that fat or thin life can just suck sometimes. Weight loss is NOT a fairy tale prince come to swoop me onto a horse and ride me off into a happily ever after sunset, a fact that honestly, I am still trying to come to terms with.   One final thought, I think I might not have made the decision or had the success I have had or a lot of positive things if it weren't for this forum and the support I've found here. Fellow sleevers from around the world have supported me, advised me, commiserated with me and have just been indispensable on this journey. I hope I have been able to give some of that back. Here's to the continued adventures, the continued seeking of and eventual attainment of goals, for me and for us all,   -Globetrotter
Globetrotter

Globetrotter

5

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