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Happy And Sad

I am 10 (actually that was yesterday- so 11 technically) days out. I had my stitches taken out and a shot of B vits yesterday. I am feeling so much better, walking is normal and only one incision hurts a bit. The nurse at the doc's office weighed me and I've lost 7kg's in 10 days! (15lbs!) I am managing to get a lot (if not all) my liquids in and about 50g of protein a day,and recovery seems to be smooth, so I am happy.   The down side is I had a heart-to heart with the vet and the only reason now they have eliminated everything else, and why my cat can be not putting on weight even though they are feeding her crazy amounts of high-calorie food through a feeding tube every two hours is that she has a tumour that is hidden (we can't see it in the scan). What this means ultimately is that when I bring her home on Sunday she will be spending her last few days with me while she still has a little bit of an ability to enjoy home comforts, and then I will have to do the unthinkable. So I'm very very sad too.

Smoggy

Smoggy

 

2 Weeks Post Surgery

Well I lived through my sleeve surgery (this was actually a huge concern for me because I'm terrified of anesthesia). I am so happy to say I am down 25 lbs from my highest weight. It seems to be coming off so quickly. The first week after surgery was hell for me. The first couple days I was very depressed and questioning what the hell I did to myself. 2 weeks out now, I feel much better. The pain is minimal and I feel great energy-wise because I'm not eating crappy foods. I am still supposed to be on full liquids until the 17th but honestly, the liquids have been making me sick so I have been having a little oatmeal or some kind of shredded meat or a banana the past few days. I felt like a failure at first because of this but I am still doing great and I refuse to let myself feel bad for eating a little to avoid getting sick. I am making healthy choices and making sure I am getting in my protein, it's hard to get in 65 grams per day but I have been coming close. I am so happy to already be feeling better and have started back on an excercise regimen. I have about 55 more lbs to go to reach my goal weight and I am confident I will make it with no problem. I am really excited to go shopping but I refuse to let myself until i'm down at least another 15 lbs. I am so thankful the surgery went well and that the worst part is over--I wish much success to all who have been or are about to be sleeved!!   Steph

ssather54

ssather54

 

Just Get Up And Do It

I have scheduled and dismissed about 10 workout classes these last two weeks. I keep researching times and locations close to either work or home to make a class, but when the alarm goes off, I just ignore it. Classes are so much better for me than treadmill. I know it doesnt look like it but it keep me interested. Last night I packed my gym bag and had planned to go straight to work after cleaning up post work out. But I didnt do it.   I weigh in weekly at the gym and I missed my weigh in for yesterday. Im tempted to stop in to weigh but I just want to go home especially since I volunteered to work an extra hour to help out the department.   The eating has improved, AND I called and scheduled to see my lap band surgeon on Monday. Maybe he will give in and give me a fill 3 weeks early.   I have to continue and not give up. Im so tired right now....

RahRahRah

RahRahRah

 

After Years Of Lurking, Finally Saying Hello.

Hello everyone,   A few years ago, my husband was approved for and obtained an insurance-approved WLS.   He was banded by Dr. Ren at NYU. This year I am going to be banded by Dr. Lopez in Tijuana, MX at Angeles Hospital. (obviously self-pay)   I'm looking forward to making friends here so that we may help support each other during the good and bad times.   I'm Ev, a former small business owner, currently returning to school to obtain my bachelor's in Secondary Math Ed. I'm excited to share this journey with my husband and with anyone who is supportive.

evelynsalzman

evelynsalzman

 

Major Pain And Nausea..

Ate some trail mix with nuts and experienced 5 hours of top rated,major, pain and nausea. My body tried to up chuck..to the point i could barley take breaths ..i am talking top 3 list of lifetime pain..finally feeling better..no more nuts for me...funny cuz before the band my body never really cared for nuts..adleast i know now...all about learning what u can and can't eat.

heathylife

heathylife

 

Onward...

I finished jumping through hoops the first week of June, and submitted all of my bits and pieces to the patient advocate for insurance approval. I felt such a sense of urgency when I stepped on that scale on the morning of the sixth month of dr. assisted weight loss. Of course, my advocate asked about the other three steps I'd not submitted (because it was not explained to me that way), and the message I received from the universe was... patience. Be patient, and the universe will provide you with what you seek.   So, I scheduled the remaining hoop jumps, and chose to set aside anxiety and anticipation and release my attachment to outcome (well, to a point). This has certainly been an exercise in persistence, patience, and slow and steady wins the race. Today, the advocate called to tell me my insurance company has approved my surgery. Tomorrow I will finish the steps for surgical clearance, and learn about what comes next for scheduling surgery.   I guess what I'm exploring now... is how I feel about it. Excited? Nervous? Anxious? I guess for now, I'll settle for grateful and hopeful.   Hoping all is wonderful in your world!

ShapeShifter

ShapeShifter

 

Blahhh.

Update on my endocrinology appointment today. Because of my elevated cortisol, I have to collect 24 hours of pee starting on Sunday (gross!!) and come in Monday for more fasting bloodwork. I have to keep this pee jug in the fridge (did I mention we have a roommate??) Then in 2 weeks I have a follow up appointment and a thyroid ultrasound. yay.   The endocrinologist also told me some of the results from my RUQ ultrasound, that my case manager has not discussed with me yet. Turns out I have a cyst on my lower right kidney... they told me about the cyst at the ultrasound appt, but I was glad to hear it was not on my upper kidney near my adrenal gland (which produces cortisol). The endocrinologist said that it said on the report that they recommended a renal MRI. So I am going to contact my case manager at my surgeon's office to see if they are going to go ahead and refer me for that. Sigh..   I am really sad/upset/frustrated about all this additional testing that I have to have. Of course I am going to do it, but I am mad it is keeping me from scheduling my surgery date. I am also feeling preoccupied with all these health concerns and it is affecting my ability to concentrate at work.   My endocrinologist also told me that the RUQ ultrasound showed that I have fat deposits on my liver. At this point, I am not sure if this constitutes an actual fatty liver disease diagnosis or what. I'm hoping my surgeon/case manager can tell me more. But she told me I need to be following a low carb diet and should increase my exercise. So... yeeah I've heard that before... I am going to do my best but I am never able to keep any weight off which is why I need to get this surgery!! Of course all I wanted to do after this appointment was go get a GiGi's cupcake to console myself, but... I didn't.   Well, gonna have some dinner and get ready for my sleep study tonight. Hope everyone had a better day than me.
 

Stretched Pouch

I got my surgery August 31st, 2011. It has been sucessful, so far i have lost a total of 80 lbs. Today i went to my regular appt and i was told bcuz i am having alot of acid reflux at night and on a 5cc fill i didnt have no restriction there is a posability i have stretched my pouch. My Dr. removed all my liquid and told me to be on liquids for 2 weeks and depending how i feel after that i might have to get a Barium Swallow test. I want to know if anybody here has gone thru the same thing? How did everything turned out? and what kinds of liquids are good and healthy to drink for two weeks? Any information would b greatly appreciated.   Thanks,   Rocky

raqlsacdo

raqlsacdo

 

Nasty Ex-Coworker Still Spilling The Beans About My Wls!!!

For those who read my post a few months ago about the Medical office manager telling the whole office (Right in front of me) that everybody "Knows you had Gastric bypas surgery" ....No I did not!     To get caught up you may go to my profile and read about it there in my blog.....but anyway I never worked for this particular Doctor. I work for a very large well known lab, and i was just in her office to service her patients. Well after the above event took place, I asked to be moved to another location, and I was moved the next day or so.......   Well, in my line of work we have what you call "flaoters" which means when someone is out on vacation or call in sick these "floaters" go and fill in at that location. Well after I left, my company sent a floater to my old spot until they could find a permanent replacement.     Well rightr after i left i came across one of the "floaters" that i dont even know that filled in over where I use to be, and guess what.......She found out about my WLS from the big mouth office manager..When I found out I was mad, but I said thats ok Im not there anymore who cares ......   Well YESTERDAY...I came across a diffrent floater that I dont know and never met. Now this time it came about because when I saw her I introduced myself which meant I gave her my name, and then she said "Do I know you"? I said no I dont think so. She said where did you use to work and I gave her the name of the doctor's office where I came from ....and she said "OH" and I said what do you mean "OH" ...and as politely as she could, she began to tell me that when she was at that location covering, the office manger began telling her about my "PROCEDURE"   Thats when I called Human Resources, the account representative for that location and my supervisor. Enough was enough! I hope she gets fired !!!!! All my company told me was that the would give her a "Firm" talking to. And who am I kidding I dont really have the money to do anything legal. But this is ridiculous she has to be stopped. And at this point if she finally does shut her trap she has already told 2 diffrent floaters that cover multiple large areas for my company and there is no telling how many people these people have told!

sexymomma001

sexymomma001

 

Post-Surgery Visit

I had my first post op visit with the surgeon yesterday. Overall I've lost a total of 2lbs since discharge. A bit disappointing since I've not cheated on my liquid diet and have been walking EVERY DAY, sometimes twice a day. I'm taking in less than 1000 calories a day. What gives?   He said not to be focus on the scale, because everything else is looking pretty darn good. I'm not cramping, my swollen feet are all but gone. I'm able to drink my 4 oz w/o much difficulty. No apparent blood clots.   I went to my PCP the day before and they took me off my hypertension meds and well as my metformin (diabetes med) but told me to monitor my sugars and blood pressure to see where they go. This was great news. Since discharge my BP hasn't gone above 130 and my sugar are normal. My surgeon discharged me from hospital with a suspended med regimen noting that if my sugar went above 200, to take half my metformin dose and if the top number of my BP went to 150 to take 1/2 my blood pressure pill until I follow-up up with the PCP. Leading up to my visit with the PCP I did not have to take anything! All was stable and within normal limits! PCP said to stay off them, but continue to check and come back in 30 days. One huge step for me.   Back to surgery follow-up..... My lymphedema in my left leg has improved significantly, but he said I'm still Stage 2. Discoloration, thickened skin and susceptible to ulceration and possible infection. The discoloration may never correct itself. Overall the "leathery" appearance has gotten noticeably better so I have hope.   Doctor wants me to focus on staying fit and moving on to the purree food zone in about week. Overall I'm not feeling any pain. Wounds are healing well. Clothes definitely feeling loose, but scale not reflecting that much of a change.   Will keep trying. I was in pretty bad shape so I think It's going to take me longer to hit my stride with the pounds melting off. I've gotten the hydration down to a science so I don't think that's going to be a problem.   Return to work date is 07/18/2012, but I'm a desk jockey so I don't see it being an issue for me. No abdominal discomfort and overall feeling very blessed.

Mz_Elle

Mz_Elle

 

The Beginning

Hey everyone! I'm Sierra. I'm fifteen years old and a sophomore in high school. I know there is a lot of controversey over teenagers doing weight loss surgeries but, hear me out? I am not completely oblivious to the struggles all people go through when they have a weight loss surgery. I have witnessed my mom have the gastric bypass surgery a few years ago. that made me aware about these types of surgeries and it showed me that, it was definitely not an easy thing to go through. my mom was 400 pounds, before the surgery, now, shes 234 pounds. and that's after she had a baby. i am very proud of my mom and all she has accomplished in her journey to get where she is today.   two years ago, i was really looking into these weight loss surgeries, three to be exact. gastric bypass, gastric lap band and the gastric sleeve. i had come to the conclusion that, i think the gastric bypass is a bit extreme and i don't really want it. you have to be at least eighteen years old to have the lap band done and who wants to feel that thing inside of you. then i realized that since the gastric sleeve surgery was so new at the time, the doctors and professors were unaware of the death rate.. that scared me enough to the point where, i completely backed down, from all of them.   but, here i am two years after the fact.. i have a ton of medical problems, some include; diabetes, bladder issues, fatty liver disease, PCOS (polycestic ovarian syndrom), depression, high cholesterol and high triglycerides. and a bunch more. i've had these medical problems for quite some time, but they have never been this out of control.. i take at least 14 pills a day to try to control these problems.. but it seems as if they're not working like they should.. my pedetrician asked me this very question the other day, "have we ever thought about gastric weight loss surgeries?" "i feel like, we should look into them again, since you have diseases that won't allow you to lose weight as hard as you try, maybe we can try to get rid of them altogether by having a weight loss surgery" she said. I'm not going to lie, i got pretty exciting, here i am, not only getting rid of my diagnosises, i'm also not going to be that, 198 pound 15 year old girl, nobody wants to hang out with. (: so, as of right now, i have an appointment with healthy weight and nutrition at childrens hospital in columbus on july 23rd.   i'm excited, but i would like some advice from people who have actually had this gastric sleeve surgery before, message me on here or feel free to comment below. Thanks! -Sierra.

Sierra 0103

Sierra 0103

 

Made It Thru!

I had my surgery July 10th. Learned that the Dr. had a hard time getting the tube down my throat. But other than that everything went well. No nausea or throwing up. The first day was spent in bed. I am a wimp when it comes to pain so I used the pump every 15 min. I had more discomfort that pain though. I did have a moment or 2 where I thought "What the heck have I done" but it passed and I was ready to start the healing process. The second day I started my liquid diet and was able to walk. No issues there. I was released Thurs. at 10am. So 2 days post-op and I'm doing fine other than a little gas. I just have to make sure I get enough fluids in because I do not want to get dehydrated. Well I'm tired and will rest now so I will keep posting how my journey is going.

tjloser

tjloser

 

After-Care Dr. 45 Min. From Home!

I found a Dr. that will do my aftercare/fills that is 45 min from home! I thought I was going to have to drive 5 hours each time! My best friend who had lapband surgery 3 years ago's dr agreed to take me even though I'm having surgery in Mexico! He's very well know in our area, as there aren't many bariatric dr's at this time (we're out in BFE as some would call it). HAHA I'm really sure now that lapband was the way for me to go vs. vsg. I almost opted for the sleeve because of problems with f/u care/fill dr's being scarce. But now I don't doubt I'm doing the right thing...He charges 450.00 for 1st post op visit, then 200.00 for each fil, whick seems hight, but I was going to pay more for the dr. that was 5 hours away, so I feel fortunate to have this Dr. to take care of me... Thanks for reading my jumbled thoughts, Just a waitin'...

slojo67

slojo67

 

New Computer

Well, yesterday I traded my eldest son a desktop that was 4 years old, for a good laptop that was 4 months old! I didn't rip him off either!! haha Well, maybe, but I bought both of them anyways, so... He wanted a desktop (don't know why), and I needed a laptop to take on trip to mexico in august, and to take to work etc... I had an awful time getting on lapbandtalk.com yesterday, you might say I was going through lapbandtalk DT'S! This is the first time I've ever blogged or forumed before...But, now I see why people do it. You can learn alot. And it's awesome to talk to others having same experiences. i've always been a pretty private, (non-social) person. But this interest in WLS and improving my looks/health (not necessarily in that order) has sparked my social-side. Gotta go, Just a waitin!

slojo67

slojo67

 

Introduction To Nutrition

Well I had my second appointment yesterday with a nutritionist. Its so much information. I'm really starting to get excited about the possibility of surgery (still have to wait for insurance approval) but sometimes I think about all the things I'm going to miss...I'm convinced after discussing what the nutritionist said with a co-worker (she had weight loss surgery 8 years ago) that its not going to be as bad as I thought. Also I believe most things that were discussed during the appointment is just about life right after and not necessarily for the future (if I am wrong please let me know) I was told no soda/caffeine/coffee among other things. The thought of going my whole life not EVER having a soda or coffee again is a bit scary. My co-worker said she has coffee/soda and eats/drinks at the same time so that makes things easier. I really thought about it though..I have been struggling with my weight for as long as I can remember and then I start to think of all the things I'm going to gain...such as less lower back pain/joint pain..more energy to play with my son...no shortness of breath going up stairs...being able to shop anywhere without worrying if my size is available...being more comfortable on the airplane..just to name a few...so if I have to give up soda/coffee or anything else that is such a small sacrifice for everything that I will gain. I still have some things that I have to get done on my own..I still need to get a medical clearance from my doctor and a psychiatric appointment to prove I am sane..also blood work and have my esophagus checked (excuse me for not remembering the name of the procedure) Well I still have a ways to go to say the least...

melwins81

melwins81

 

Addiction

Oh, the struggles. I have had a rough couple of days. I have been VERY busy at work (140+ hours in 2 weeks) and it is getting to me mentally. I am tired and stressed and in my past life : ) this meant that I needed to hang out with my friend FOOD! So I am trying to work through this and I feel like a drug addict trying to kick a habit. I know I shouldn't be hanging out with my user friend bu I JUST WANT TO. I want to surrond myself with a table of FATTY food. All the delicious things I find comfort in. I feel like it is progress that I have identified my trigger, which helps me to try and work through it. I have eaten some bad things but not in the quantities I used to. To try and get back on track I made sure to excercise today and stick to my healthy packed lunch. So yes I did struggle through the weekend and Monday and Tuesday but I think things are looking up. I think these are the important parts of the journey to be succesful in long term results. To learn and alter my behavior.

Weighty Wagey

Weighty Wagey

 

My Husband's Handy Work

After posting my blog about my toe, I decided that it would be a great idea to post a photo of my husband's handywork. This is why I like him taking care of my wounds. He seems to know how to make them look all pretty. Sorry you have to see my feet and my really small little toe nails. Also, sorry for the bad polish removal. Ok, I think I am done with my sorrys for the day.    

tmorgan813

tmorgan813

 

My New Life Journey And Adventure!

My journey started 8 yrs ago. I had no insurance and I needed to do something about my weight. I had 4 comorbidities and I wanted to get healthier for myself and my family... so I did some educating myself online and found I could go to Spain and have the sleeve done there for cash MUCH cheaper than here. Found Dr. Baltazar and spoke to him regarding my needs and we scheduled my surgery for January 2005. In August of 2004 I had a diverticulitis attack that caused me to have a colon resection. Hense my sleeve was postponed for a year. During that time I went to work for our local school district and WALA I had insurance. I have continued to be interested in having the sleeve done but every year I would end up having some other surgery ie: knee replacement, both shoulder cuffs repaired 1 year apart, additional knee surgeries, ( I have had a total of 38 surgeries in my 57 years of life). Which brings me to 6 weeks ago. My brother had his sleeve done. His family doctor told him if he didn't do something about his 300+ lbs... he wouldn't live for another 3 yrs. Now, I weight 220 lbs and my BMI is 35.....true,, that is on the lower end of the spectrum, however, I do have 4 comorbidities. My brother is doing great having lost about 38 lbs since his surgery...and well beyond where his doctor expected him to be 6 weeks out. SO his success has inspired me again to "get healthy with the help of the wonderful tool called the sleeve!" I scheduled a visit with Dr. Carlos Ferrari in Houston on 7/9/2012. Met with him and have started all my pre op tests. Have done the ultra sound on gallbladder, bloodwork, echocardiogram scheduled for tomorrow, and edg scheduled for 7/17/2012. Had my nutrionalist and psyc. appointment today..... SO after next Tuesday I should be ready to go for the gold!!!! If anyone has any information about Dr. Ferrari please let me know. I can't use my brother's dr. due to insurance reasons. So PLEASE fill me in on the pros and cons if you can. I am excited about my future and my journey to a healthier life. BUT I do have to work on my eating habits.LOL

kwickklip

kwickklip

 

It's A New Day...

So, been a few days since I have posted anything. Feeling remarkably good. Have my tired spots - out of energy by the afternoon.   Jumped back into life by attending workshops all week as well as assisting with provctoring make-up exams. Feels good to be inthe swing of things again.   I have gone on-line and ordered a variety of protein shooters. I have tried being creative with creamy vanilla - adding a piece of banana, adding some cinammon, using strawsberries...I gag everytime. Tried chocolate, orange... Let's face it. I am not a sweet eater in the mornings and pretty much throughout the day. I would choose salsa and chips over sweeets 99% of the time...a good cheese cake? Take the cheesecake LOL Anyway, I also ordered saomecoffee flavored protein drinks - looks like a Starbucks drink. Looking forward to trying thosse as there are 3 flavors.   Had some incredible itching episodes this week. Dr office recommended Benadryl. Started it a day ago and have seen major imrovement. Redness almost gone and significantly smaller. Trying to figure out what I was reacting too in regards to the surgery.   Thankful for this website. Have met a new friend, Ann, who had her surgery at the beginning fo the month and we live about 30 minutes away from each other. Planning to meet up one day next week. How cool!   Take care all...the light gets brighter with each passing day! My blessing was the ability to drink ice water without it hurting. I have been able to do this since Monday - YEAH BABY!!.

Just Keep Swimming

Just Keep Swimming

 

My Toe Didn't Do Anything To You!

Last night, I was making myself some dinner as well as making my husband a PB&J sandwich. So, I went to the fridge, pulled out the jelly (who am I kidding, it's "fruit spread"), and BAM it happened. The "jelly" flew out of my hand and went straight down. It was like a missile locked in on my big toe and once it left my hand, it found it's target. I did the whole, "OUCH" thing and cursed and jumped around on one foot for a few seconds but then I saw it. The blood. LOTS OF BLOOD. Where is THAT coming from I wondered. I decided it was now a good time to take a better look at the fruit spread's target. There it was. The top of the spread (the very hard plastic part) landed smack dab in the middle of my toe nail. This in turn caused my nail to break straight across and at the same time cause the broken nail to cut into my skin under the nail. Hence, the blood.   So, I did what any intelligent, independent, take charge woman would do. I picked up my cell phone and called my husband, who was driving home from work. Now, I know there was nothing he could do for me, and I knew I could take care of this by myself, but I didn't want to. I wanted to be weak and I wanted him to get home ASAP so he could fix it. Just my luck, he was forty minutes away. That means I have to be the independent woman I know I am and take charge and deal with it. So I did just that. I cleaned it up, and wrapped it up so that I could get the bleeding to stop. I knew I would have to wait for him to get home to make it look all nice and pretty so I took the time to finish making my dinner (not his). I wasn't going to give that missile another shot at my other foot.   So, my husband finally comes in. I'm sitting on the loveseat with my foot up (big bandage on it), a plate on my lap and just as happy as a lark. He took one look at me and said, "really, I rushed home for this?" Then he saw the toe. And like the wonderful husband he is, he babied me for about 5 mins. I enjoyed every second of it.   Now, I told you all that to tell you this. That cleaning I was supposed to get done today...let's just say it hasn't even started. I woke up at 9am like I planed. Then I laid on the couch to wake up while I watched T.V. Apparently, it took me until 3pm to wake up. I slept the WHOLE day away. How is that possible? Now I am trying to figure out what I HAVE to get done and what I can just leave the way it is.   I am going to blame the fruit spread for this one. IF it hadn't of jumped out of my hand (yes, it jumped) and landed on my toe, I wouldn't have had to recover from the trauma it inflicted on me and I wouldn't have slept until 3pm. Plus, it's easy to blame something with no feelings....but I'm still upset with that spread and if it's not careful, I may just squeeze it all out and throw it away. that will teach it a lesson. LOL

tmorgan813

tmorgan813

 

:/ What Do I Need To Buy To Start (Phase Ii)?

Hi VST friends, please give me a list of things anyone might think I will need to start my diet... I go to the doctor tomorrow and when I come home I will need to measure food and I have never done that...lol or maybe what did anyone bought to prepare for post op... Thanx

JUDY1458

JUDY1458

 

Im Ashamed Of Myself.....not Really!

Kind of funny and very short story.....   I eat my kids food!   They are only 1 and 2 years old and they are both boys.....and when I tell you they can EAT! OMG....Yes even at that age ....the two year old likes to feed himself, so he sits at the dining table and eats ...the 1 year old sits in his high chair and eats off of the little table thing or sometime I will put it in his little plastic spiderman bowl and he eats .     And what ever is left over I eat :ph34r: I guess that is good because sometime its only about a cup or less when I combine it together     This is because I eat lunch at work around 12:30 or 1 pm ....so when I get home at 6pm im still not really hungry ...but I have to make dinner for my husband and kids.....sooooo when i eat thier left overs im good ...........

sexymomma001

sexymomma001

PatchAid Vitamin Patches

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