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Jen's Journey
 

Food Drama!!!!

Breakfast - 7am - "Isagenix shake" (2 scoops of high protein isagenix mix, 4 ice cubes, 4 frozen strawberries, one frozen banana, 8 oz water) 7am - Vitamins (biotin, iron, multivitamin, calcium, vitamin D, B12 and a chewable fiber) <240 calories w/o frozen fruit. I'm guessing 300 calories with?>   7.30-8.30 my drive to work, and I usually have a small coffee with sugar free creamer, and a 16.9 oz bottle of water. <90 calories>   8.30-12 - 16.9 oz of water, sometimes an 8 oz low calorie gatorade. <70 calories>   Lunch - 12 - can of College Inn chicken broth, sodium free, 99% fat free. I add dried onion and italian seasoning to it for a little "jazz". I also have a snack sized sugar free mott's apple sauce. I know this isn't liquid persay - but my DR said it's okay. <30 calories>   12.30-5 - 16.9 oz of water   Dinner - 6.00 -can of College Inn chicken broth, sodium free, 99% fat free. I add a sprinkle of fat free grated cheese, just for something different. <30 calories>   <Is it possible this is really 520 calories a day? My PCP is approving this, so I'd assume it's okay?>   ----------------------------   Tomorrow is the woman who I'm replacing's last day. Of course, people are throwing her a "good bye" party, which involves cake, sweets, pizza, wings and chips.   HTF am I gonna manage tomorrow? The other woman in the office told me "Ya know... you can't just drink your soup tomorrow. You're HR, and people will think you're a snotty brat if you don't join them in the lunch room and have some party food."   (She said it laughing and jokingly, but I'm pretty sure there was a serious tone in there.)   Not sure what I'm going to do about tomorrow. I still plan on bringing my broth, water, fiber tabs and gatorade. Maybe instead of apple sauce I can crunch on some veggies? (Hoping they send carrots with the wings?)   I'm not really sure what to expect if I put actual FOOD, that I have to CHEW and DIGEST in my body after 4 days of nothing but liquid. I'm hoping if I just eat the veggies, and no dip (or other crap) that I'll be okay and my stomach won't protest too much?   Thoughts? Suggestions?
jen043454

jen043454

2
ChaChaBurch's Blog
 

First Week Sleeved

It's hard to believe that a week ago I was in the hospital getting my lap band removed and my sleeve done. This past week has been really amazing, and in some ways really surreal.   I'm feeling really good, not having any issues with anything that I've eaten so far, and I get to start my "blended/puree" phase tomorrow (1st thing on the list is soft scrambled egg).   If it weren't for this website, and the friends that I've made, I don't think I could have been nearly as successful.   Really looking forward to week 2 and the new things I'll learn!
ChaChaBurch

ChaChaBurch

2
Lyra's Canto
 

Have You Done Your 5 Min. Of Cardiovascular Swashbuckling Today?

Things I plan to do after surgery:   1) Jet skiing in an actual bathing suit 2) Go to an amusement park and not fear being too fat for the rides 3) SHOPPING 4) Buy knee high boots (the ones without the 'expansion panel') 5) Restart taking martial arts and ballroom dancing. I miss them! 6) Get the tattoo I've been wanting for my 30th birthday- but have it also mean victory over being fat 7) White Water rafting and ziplining 8) Go on dates, Meet men. Have a real relationship. Have Sex. All. Night. Long. 9) Not be scared to flirt with someone because 'how could they be interested in someone like me' 10) Take a glass blowing class. Standing next to the furnace sucks when you come equipped with your own plushy, non-removable insulation!   11)...well, 11 is the hardest one. I've realized while going through this process some uncomfortable home truths about myself. That my attitude has kept me from really connecting with people who haven't known me for years. It was hard telling my friends why I wanted to do this. To open myself up to them in that way. It made me realize that I've used humor to keep my distance from people. To distract them from my weight and my insecurities. Don't get me wrong, I love making people laugh. I like the fact that I can make someone smile and perhaps brighten their day. I've been called quirky, funny, witty, and individual. I'm the one making the crazy puns, singing even though my voice is horrible, dancing just because I can and laughing at the world around me. I adore life and all its myriad craziness. I love causing people to rise above the humdrum of everyday life and to smile when I ask, "Have they done their five minutes of cardiovascular swashbuckling today?" or "What is their philosophical standpoint on foam in their latte?" Why be sad when you can smile? Except somehow the philosophy changed and morphed into something less wholesome. It became my defense and barrier because who looks deeper into someone who is laughing and smiling? Who notices the fat when someone is funny? One of my oldest friends put it best when he said, "You've always laughed, smiled, and dared the world...but there was always this undercurrent of sadness that you rarely let anybody touch."   There was this feeling of sadness that I buried so deep inside of myself that I rarely acknowledged it. I wasn't (and am not) depressed or miserable, but sometimes I would feel wistful. Is this how my life would be, slowly slipping by? I had friends, but many of the things I wanted to do were denied to me. Where was the life of love, family, and adventure that I felt sure would be mine when I was in high school or even college? Would I have to let pieces of myself die as I slowly became resigned that this is all there was? Would I let my fear of failure rule over my entire life? One of my biggest fears was always that I would become one of those people whose spark has been beaten down by life. I do not want to become one of the faceless ones who have given up all hope. Life is so beautiful, and I dreaded becoming bitter because I felt trapped.   Yet it is hard to open yourself up to the world. Even with our friends, because they have the power to hurt us the most. Our culture eats the weak and it is rare when personal pain is able to touch the hearts of others and bring help instead of humiliation; Understanding and hope, instead of sneering and cruelty. Even with my closest friends sometimes it's easier to make a quip instead of talking about emotions. I also think I learned early that if society would not value me for my looks (and would often be actively cruel about them) then I would be valued for my personality and my mind. That I would not be ignored as insignificant and shoved into a corner. That my brain was not somehow worthless because my body was not a size 6. I would not be ignored! And I'm not. I would not change my quirkiness, but I would like to be someone who can be more open to other people. I would like to know the woman who can be both funny and thoughtful. I would like to know what it feels like to not feel confined by a prison made of flesh. To not feel like I have to smile, smile smile. To actually believe, to the very depths of myself, that I am beautiful and worthy of a life of love and adventure. To be physically able to live that life. To actually know that life is not over, that it's just begun, and that there is an entire world waiting for me.   The hope for a better future is a powerful thing. It's gonna be hard, but that's okay. I have a lot of work to do on the inside as well. I am thankful ever day that I heard of this surgery, that I qualify, and that I'm schedule to have it April 25.   ~Lyra   ps- Dear Site Designers: Once again I had to rewrite my entire post (I am seriously pissed at myself about that) because I clicked Add Entry (I tend to write the title of the post last and the button is right there) and my entire post was deleted. Hitting backpage did nada to retrieve my entry and I think my scream hit the stratosphere. Is there any way that ya'll can add in a line of code that allows you to retrieve your unpublished post (instead of just deleting it) if Add Entry is accidentally hit?   Thanks!
Lyra

Lyra

0
ready4changein2011's Blog
 

Coming Up On 4 Weeks Post-Op

Well tomorrow is the day that I'm officially four weeks out. Each day has gotten better. I am scheduled to return to work on April 15th per my job. I'm scheduled for my first fill tomorrow and yes I am nervous and scared. I'm hoping that if I need one they will hit it the first try lol. Overall life has been great, i have more energy, I started going back to the gym and I'm managing getting my protein in finally. I can say the soreness of the incisions and getting the protein in has been my biggest task. I have dealt wit the ups and downs of being newly banded. Have had dry heaving episodes x 2 early post-op but none since then. I'm tolerating regular foods without difficulty and have lost 30lbs to date. I am very proud of myself this was the best thing that I could have done for my self. Although when I look in the mirror I don't see what others see but it feels good when someone says girl you looking good the weight is really coming off. I have gotten my calorie intake up also averaging around 800-1000 calories a day and between 40-60 gm protein. It really feels good to not think about food all day, now I'm able to focus on other things. I can watch others eat and it does not bother me. I do eat low calorie snacks occasionally. If I want chocolate I eat the skinny cow wafer bars they are great and for chips I eat baked only and I just satisfy the craving not the whole bag. I have better control now than I have ever had in my life. I love being banded.
ready4changein2011

ready4changein2011

2
desertmom's Blog
 

Positive Vs Negative

It often seems to me that people make things up as they go along.Very often,depending on who they are talking to,the story changes to suite the audience.About events in their lives,about the way they feel about thing and the way they have experienced it.Human beings are great at self deception and deceiving....not always on purpose either.Often to make things seem better.Often to make ourselves look better and often because we just dont remember things the way they happened.I have friends that had this surgery and the way they remember the early days now is not the way I remember it at all,and I did go through this at some small level with them...what they ate,how they felt,how they reacted to things.   The purpose of my blog is to expose the way having a surgery like this makes me feel.What it does to me physically and my reactions to it.How it affects my every day life and what my expectations are.   Now,I live in a country where no one is prepaired to admit they had this surgery.Support group is in early developmental stage and my great therapist left abruptly in the middle of last year sans a 65 pounds regain from me and the surgery as a result.   I do not work outside of my house and I have a full time live in housekeeper.I have 2 kids,one at uni and one going to middle school next year.I have a lot of free time on my hands at the moment as a whole lot of my close friends left the country last year and the friends I have left are the people that we mostly eat with and have coffee mornings or tea with.That in itself is slightly challenging for me at the moment.Eating out,going to Friday "brunch" (lunch like on sunday) going to lunch with friends and eating cakes at coffee shops for some reason,mostly peoples birthdays or going away teas, are big passtimes for us here.o,when we are not to heavy or ashamed of the weight gains we also exercise together when we can agree on which class to do.Life as an expat is different.life in the middle east is different.It is a good life with lots of disposable cash and no family support structure and a lot of heartache over good friends leaving.It is a trancient society where no one ever really gets to know anyone too well...they will leave again so you just dont invest too much of yourself in people anymore...10 years experiencing all this teaches one how to protect your heart.All this might seem very trivial to some but I do not need to defend my life or justify the way we live anymore.This was the first thing I now had to overcome.This is my life and it is great.   We are blessed beyond believe with a wonderful church and wonderful people in church.Our kids are healthy and doing great.We have enough money to travel a lot and life in general...just great.   This surgery is a big thing in my life.I believe I am as positive as I can be about it.As for my feelings about the long term outcome.I know I will have to make this work.At the moment it is still a little overwhelming to me that it is school holiday and insteat of going to stay at a beach resort we will stay home...the eating thing is just to complicated for me at the moment.Summer holidays are coming up in little less than 3 months.This is the time of year we go back to our home countries for 2 months or travel to europe to holiday,how will I cope with that?The lack of routine always gets to me during summer and the family back home do not know about this surgery.   I am,and will go through all 120 different emotions every day and I will acknowledge each and every one of them.Pay attention to the good ones and let go of the bad ones.That is the way I will earn to deal with the new me.The me that cannot eat away pain.The me that constantly think about food.The me that realize that my hunger has always been in my head,and it feels no different now.   This is how I will overcome using food for fun and learn to be normal.I can feel all this and not react to it.Not act on it.Not give in to it.I will be honest about everything I eat and feel. I will win this battle to become normal.  
desertmom

desertmom

0
Sleeved by Dr. Kelly in Mexico
 

At The Hospital - Part 2

Got sleeved last night. I remember getting wheeled in and then I was put under. The next thing I know I am trying to get into the bed with some prodding from the nurses who got me from surgery. I remember being VERY nauseous. They gave me something to get sick into but I managed to get through that without getting sick. I remember the light being VERY bright (almost migraine level intolerance to the light). They got pain and nauseous medicine in me and I remember laying very still waiting for it to kick in (again like a migraine where you are afraid to move and have the searing head pain). I had no trouble sleeping on my side (either side...which is good because that is how I sleep). It seemed like the nurses were coming in every 15 minutes to take vitals.   My mouth was super dry. I was told I could suck on the ice chips but not to drink the water down. I'm guessing that was a last night thing because this morning they said I could.   I have not experienced any horrible gas pains like some people have reported. I have gotten up to walk a bit only because I don't want any blood clots to form!   They are making me do lung exercises with a breathing "toy" with balls in it. That is super annoying because they want it done for 5 minutes at a time and the deep breathing is making me light headed.   I've gone to the bathroom several times without any issues (peeing not...you know )     The on call doctor said that we would be taking our leak test tomorrow so basically I'm getting in some marathon sleeping today (which is fine with me!)
mrsteacher

mrsteacher

7
J. Fabulous' Blog
 

Six Weeks Post-Op

I’m six weeks out and I’ve lost almost fifty pounds. I went to my surgeon yesterday. He was thrilled by my progress. I told him that my weight loss had slowed down considerably. He told me that it was normal, … Continue reading →
Jack Fabulous

Jack Fabulous

0
madisonPA's Blog
 

Finally...my First Consult

Finally after what has been seeming like years.....I have my first consult this afternoon. .Im sort of nervous but Im so ready to start this process. After reading most pple blogs/profiles its seems as if the whole process takes about 6 months (for people who didnt need the 6mos diet requirement) .I am beyond ready. I have a million questions for this surgeon so hopefully Im his last patient for the day.lol. I have my fingers crossed and wishing for the best.
madisonPA

madisonPA

2
PAenergy's Blog
 

Liquid Diet

Okay. This liquid diet is kicking my butt!! I'm one week in and haven't really cheated. I say "really" because I'm not using protein shakes soley from the list the nutrionist gave me, but I made sure they closely compare to the listed shakes in terms of calories, carbs, and fat content. I'm feeling really jealous of those pre-op patient who get to have one "sensible" meal. I CAN DO THIS!!!
PAenergy

PAenergy

1
Jen's Jabbers
 

62 Weeks Post-Op; By George I Think I Got It And A Wedding Post

This weeks weigh-in: 172.2lbs - HELLS YES - 90lbs down! I've been away for a few weeks so this is going to be a long one! SORRY ahead of time. I had a realization about my band Saturday morning. The besties and I were headed out for a day of bridesmaid dress hunting (yes I know, less than a month away) after a late St. Patrick's Day night. I rolled out of bed and figured that we would hit up a drive-thru on the way since I felt kind of like death. I am a coffee fanatic! I neeeeed a cup of joe in the morning before I even open my eyes. My regular routine is to have a few sips before my shower and getting dressed and then I eat the same oatmeal type concoction every morning. Same time, same portion, same everything. I never have problems in the morning. Since my last fill, I have had a few issues when I am on the road. Twice now, the Mr. and I have checked out of a hotel without coffee or breakfast and stopped in at McDonalds or Tim Hortons on the way since it is such a long drive home. We are in a hurry!!! Because I do not drink and eat with the bad, I have made the mistake of trying to eat first without the coffee. Things that would never get stuck, do. I couldn't figure it out and thought that it may be my band reacting to alcohol (for shame Jennifer, for shame). Well, this Saturday - BING!!! the light bulb came on after throwing up into a take out bag in the front seat of Sparms' new car while Mama G sat unfazed in the backseat. Totally embarrassing. They are both totally supportive and have really taken this journey with me but it sucked making them pull over to ditch my bag of slime. Then, it came to me - COFFEE LOOSENS MY BAND! I should not be eating anything solid in the morning until I have had a warmish liquid in there first. I have heard and read about this with many bandsters but never thought that it applied to me. Well, now I know. Over a year out of surgery and I am still learning and adapting to my ever-changing band! Work is nuts!!! Wedding stuff is even more nuts and life seems to be whizzing by! We leave in 12 more sleeps. Both of our suitcases are packed, the passports are locked and loaded and my dry whiter-than-snow skin is just dying for some sunshine and some humidity! I get my hair done today too! I've never had my hair done by a real professional. I stop by at the local strip mall for a chop here and there and because I have curly hair, no one can ever tell that it is a shitty job. Not today friends. I am hitting up a real professional! I am going to wait to put up this post so that I can include a pic. I'm hoping for something natural looking.UPDATE- The trip to the salon was worth the head message alone! Really liking how soft it feels. He even straightened it too! I felt like a special lady all afternoon. Over the last few weeks, the wedding odds and ends are being tied up. Saturday night, Sparms Bestie and I went to my Mom's house. Mom is a scrap-booker, card maker and crafter extraordinaire. We made gift tags for these gorgeous little ditties that we are sending home with guests: (this is not my photo, nor our guestbook). Collectively, the tag dream was materialised! They turned out better than I ever expected. This proven by the fact that we used none of the things that I purchased specifically for them! Thanks Mom and Sparms! Mama G Bestie braved make-up and underwear shopping with me. I have to admit, stores like that were really intimidating for me before. I don't wear make-up often at all. Partially because I have always purchased crap that I don't use more than once or twice. Mama G took me in to Seph*ra and wrangled a shop girl to test a bunch of powders on me.(Who wants sweat lip shiny wedding shots?) I would never insist on this alone. I would do my best to pick the one that I thought matched my colour and be done. After that trial, I know that I am completely clueless. I would assume that my skin was pink, not yellowish. What the hell do I know? Obviously nothing! Left the store with some great stuff and a little bit of an interest in make-up. I always believed that I would never be able to buy something from "V*ctoria's S#cret". Pssh, who cares? That place is STOOPID anyway! HMPH. Well, I hate to say it... I couldn't have been more wrong. These bras are like little silk memory foam pillows for the girls! The straps are made out of some kind of anti-slip material that feels like money on my skin! I was floored. I wanted one of everything! Mama G stood beside me and was my courage. We had so much fun chatting and browsing that all anxiety went out the window. I flipped through the drawers looking for a white strapless for under my wedding dress. They didn't have it in white at the one location but I found the style that I wanted and they held it for me at another location. The next day, the Mister and I went to pick it up. The Mister totally enjoyed the store more than he would ever care to admit and he bought the bra and a bottle of a perfume that I had been raving about. It's called "BOMBSHELL". *cough* *cough* HELLS YEAH I AM! I am also a very lucky girl! I love my friends and family... and they love me too... most of the time. lol.
EdmontonGal

EdmontonGal

2
Phoenix Rising's Blog
 

Couldn't Resist That Scale

Hi Everyone,   Well, you guessed it, I couldn't resist the lure of the scales and just had to weigh myself again today. Not counting my extra water weight that I lost, I am now down 4lbs WooHoo. I did promise myself that I wouldn't weigh myself all the time and I will try harder to keep to that. Once a week is more than enough and gives my body a chance to really lose some too.   I am still very happy and high in spirits, we are having a very early and warm spring here and everything in the garden is lovely which is making me feel good too. I am now starting to see the difference in myself too. Not huge differences, just little things. Like, it is easier to climb my stairs now. I can bend easier to do up my shoes and I actually have a neck (who knew!).   Now I must go and change my ticker, if I can, I have been having a problem with that. It may be the computer or more likely is that I am doing the wrong thing at the wrong time in the wrong place. Wish me luck. Phoenix
Phoenix Rising

Phoenix Rising

0
Shelbi's Blog
 

No Weight Loss After Surgery?

I am so confused I dont know if I am doing something wrong. Since I transitioned from liquids to food I havent lost any weight In fact I gained a pound. It has only been 1 week but I am sticking to 800 to 1000 calories a day...(most of the time at 800 or a little under or a little over) and I am very active. I eat 1/2 cup of protein and 1/4 cup veggies and 1/4 starch like the doc told me. Has anyone else experienced this or am I over reacting? I have not had a fill done yet..but it seems to me that eating that few of calories I should be losing something not gaining. It does feel like my pants are getting looser but no pounds lost only gain. Any insight?
Shelbi

Shelbi

7
Lyra's Canto
 

I Hear Tell There's Gonna Be A New Sheriff In Town!

HA! I have vanquished my evil foe, Ye Olde Insurance Company and it quivers under the might of my Sword of Righteousness! We have parleyed and it has given over approval for my surgery! Huzzah, I tell you! Huzzah and Woot!   That's right, boys and girls, Lyra is going under the knife on April 25! Ladies and Gents, there will be a new Sheriff in town! My stomach, who will soon be called "The Sheriff" is gonna be a spur-and-chaps wearin', six shooter tottin', topped with a ten-gallon cowboy hat fighter of fat! Together we shall eradicate my engorged lipid cells to the far reaches of the planet, never to be seen or heard from again!   And now, I am off to watch some Monty Python: The Search for the Holy Grail! Or perhaps a giant, mutant alligator going crazy and attacking townspeople movie!   Thank you to all and to all a kick-ass night!
Lyra

Lyra

3
ChaChaBurch's Blog
 

1St Post-Op Follow Up

Didn't sleep but 3 hours last night, so after DH went to work, I took myself right back to bed! Slept about another 2 then just got up.   When I weighed this morning, it showed I had lose 15lbs since my pre-op liquid diet! I will start the "mushy/pureed" diet on Friday, and then from that point I will only weigh on Fridays. Don't want to become too obsessed with the scale just now. The Surgeon hasn't set a weight goal for me, but the NUT did ask me, when I went to see her, how much weight did I want to lose. I told her that I didn't really have a good idea yet of where I wanted to be. I want to focus more on my over all health, and not just a number given to me by a square piece of metal that I stand on. I'm thinking I'll set a goal weight in about 3 months -- we'll see.   My follow-up with the Surgeon went great! They removed my drain (just burned a little), removed all my bandages, said the incisions looked great. They were really amazed at how well I'm feeling. Told me I had 2 more weeks before I could begin to resume my "usual duties" - riding mower, gardening, and all the other things I do around here on our little homestead.   So, starting tomorrow, I am going to focus on smaller goals: 1) Get as much protein, liquids, etc that I can each day, and sticking with the Post-Op eating plan; 2) Learning better/healthier ways to cook - being from the South, if it ain't fried, smothered in gravy, or slathered in butter, we just don't cook it -- going to search online for some great cooking classes (via DVD's). 3) Work on increasing my activity and working out sessions. For my 50th BDay, my girls got me the Zumba fitness DVD's, and a beginner's Yoga DVD - that's that I told them I wanted. So I can start the Yoga now, but the Zumba has to wait at least 2 more weeks.   I'm still struggling with eating enough, as I am not ever hungry - not even head-hunger pains. It's a really strange feeling, but I know that as my tummy heals, those things will start coming back.
ChaChaBurch

ChaChaBurch

3
Jen's Journey
 

Started My New Job, "fibbed" About My Eating

I started my new job today, and didn't have much time to think ahead as far as what I was going to eat/drink through out the day. I ended up packing and drinking (from the time I left, until now - "dinner time")   (2) 8 oz gatorade low calorie berry rush (1) snack size apple motts (2) 16.9 oz waters (1) can low sodium chicken broth (1) can low sodium beef broth (1/2) coors light   I'd like to say that I won't be drinking beef broth again. It's just... YUCK! I couldn't even finish the whole can which I had for dinner. Yuck Yuck Yuck! I didn't finish my coors either, mainly because I felt bad for drinking at all (since my DR made it clear it's not allowed after surgery).   My first day at work was a nice change of pace from what I'm used to. For 5 years I was told that I'm not good, smart, quick or friendly enough to be promoted to director, and would always stay a manager. Here? They welcomed me with open arms, embraced the fact that I haven't been a director but they're willing to help me learn. It's odd how everyone besides my previous employer thinks I'm friendly. I was actually called "personable" by the owner of the company today, which was nice.   Lunch time rolled around and both women who are training me ordered out. One had a cheeseburger with fries - the other an Italian chicken sandwich with chips and a pickle. I LOVE PICKLES! Some people have a weakness of sweets or icecream or pasta. For me? It's pickles (and starch) but mostly pickles. I LOVE the crunch, the vinegar taste and the satisfaction I get from eating one.   I had my chicken broth, apple sauce and a water and gatorade. I'm not even sure if the apple sauce is allowed on the liquid diet (anyone know?) since it's technically not a liquid but more of a mushy. I feel like I cheated by accident.   When the women saw what I was eating, they asked what was in my thermos. I "fibbed" and told them it was chicken soup. I felt like if I told them it was chicken broth it would totally freak them out and start the rumor mill. Don't need that!   I made it though the day feeling okay - hungry - but okay. I'm still trying to convince myself that drinking something will keep me full. So far, I think it's a mind over matter situation. I hope it gets easier...   -Jen
jen043454

jen043454

1
Jen's Journey
 

New Job And Explaining My Eating... Er... Drinking...

03/27/12   Day Two: Liquid Diet   8 oz water 2 isagenix scoops 4 frozen strawberries   1/2 large jello vitamins 16.9 oz water   chicken broth 16.9 oz water   chicken broth 8 oz water   ------------------------------------   I miss chewing. I know that sounds crazy, but I miss CRUNCHING on things. I start my new job tomorrow. Should be interesting to "eat" lunch in front of others...
jen043454

jen043454

0
Sleeved by Dr. Kelly in Mexico
 

At The Hospital

I got picked up at the airport and it turned out to be my fault that the driver couldn't find me! I bought my tickets through United but they put me on another one of their carriers U.S. Airways so that messed up the pickup location (because I said I was coming United in my email to them). It all turned out well (thank god for cell phones!). I tipped the driver $20 only because I am sure she doesn't make that much. She tried not to take it but since I budgeted for it I made her   It took about 40 minutes to get to the hospital and getting into Mexico was a breeze. I didn't need to show ID or Passport. However, the line coming OUT of Mexico was HUGE! I am assuming that is where I will need my passport. The driver said it is very busy for a three hour gap of time (which is when I guess most people are leaving).   Love the hospital it feels cozy and less intimidating then our hospital back home. Staff has been great. I've met with Dr. Kelly and another (female) doctor. I've been attended by two female nurses and one male nurse (and one male aid...he wheeled me to xray). I'm trying not to flash my naked behind too much   Dr. Kelly asked if I would be willing to have my sleeve today instead of tomorrow - he had the space and I've fasted. I said, "Sure, why not!" So I am literally an hour away from being sleeved. I was going to go out with SexySlims friend who accompanied her but that got changed with the operation being today. Right now I am trying to stay awake. I am super sleepy from being up very early today and dealing with the three hour time change.   Dr. Kelly met me in the room and answered any questions I had. I gave him the cashiers check at that time. I was asked to give a urine sample and I spent longer then I would like to admit trying to figure out how to get the darn hospital gown on! I filled in more paperwork and had blood drawn and an IV put in (I didn't think my veins were that hard to find but apparently so!). I rode in my first ever wheelchair to get my chest xrayed. That went super fast. A nurse came in to take my vitals and put on compression socks (to prevent blood clots during the operation). Dr. Kelly said the operation only takes about an hour (in case anyone is wondering). They gave me slippers when I came in as well so that is what I will be wearing when I final walk the halls.   I just had another doctor come in to take an EKG and check my heart and lungs (very nice man). Dr. Kelly just popped his head in and said I am next.
mrsteacher

mrsteacher

4
Tinnessa's Blog
 

My Butterfly Process

I started this journy seven years ago, and at the time I was with a guy who I let talk me out of it because his self esteem was jacked up and he took mine with him while we were together after I stopped the process for surgery. Fast forward to 2010 I realized that I would be 40 in two years, and after having two strokes before the age of 40 I decided I wanted to Fabulous, Fierce, Fit, and Forty. I went for my yearly physical with my regular Doctor who is the best freaking Doctor in the world and I can't wait to see him in August to show him whats been going on since my physical early in January. I returned to the same Doctors he sat me up with seven years ago because he didn't want me to go to anyone who would "butcher me" as he said. This time around I was going through with the process because I have an 18yr old daughter to think about. I hit the ground running with pre op appointments was banging them out left and right making sure all of the reports were faxed to my Doctors office in Westchester.   Most people only go for one cardio clearance but I ended up going for two visit pretaining to my upcoming surgery. Because of my history of clots and strokes I had to see a Hemotologist and she requested I have a TEE echo cardiogram which is when they stick a tube down your throat and look at your heart. I am SO SO Grateful for her ordering this test because it found the small hole in my heart which is the reason why I had two strokes back in 2007. Its small enough that it doesn't need surgery but big enough for clots to go through. I had a few set backs lost some weight getting me excited that I was getting close to a surgery date and then gained a few pounds making my surgery date look and feel so far out of my reach. Fast forward to 2012 I did the gaining of weight one more time with a surgery date already scheduled for March 20th 2012. It was nothing but the grace of GOD and CrAzY determination that I lost 4lbs in one week when I went back for my pre op class I was a few pounds below my target weight but I made it!     I thought I hit another roadblock with the weight when I went for my pre op appointment with Dr. Cerabona when he dropped the bomb on me that my choice of Gastric Bypass as my surgery wasn't safe for me because I'd have to go back on my anticoagulant and aspirin which would put me at risk for ulcers and possible bleeding. I couldn't do the lapband because my insurance would only pay for 3 and the others would have to come out of my pocket, and the sleeve my insurance company hadn't approved. Again my surgery date was a week away and I was about to give up. Dr. Cerabona and his staff went to bat for me to get my insurance company to approve me for the sleeve. I was seven days away from my surgery date and was so nervous that all of my hard work was about to go down the drain. My pre op appointment was on the 13 of March. On the morning of the 15 of March I got a phone call from his office and I was so afraid to pick up the phone but I closed my eyes and did, and I'M SO GLAD I DID because they got my insurance company to approve me for the sleeve! I was so happy and my eyes were filled with tears of joy because I had finally got to where I've wanted to be.   Then the anxiety set in and I almost called off the surgery but my daughter who is the best kid I could ever have and wouldn't trade her for another one gave me a pep talk putting my fears at ease. March 20th was a big day and my day started at 3am because I was catching the first train from Poughkeepsie to Tarrytown and then a cab the rest of the way. I panic because I had to switch trains in Croton -Harmon. Everything went off without a hitch. I paid the cabbie and got out of the cab and walked into the hospital to start the second part of my journey. I thought it was the best thing in the world for my surgery date to be the first day of spring because everything starts new and I was starting new. New life, New Me, New Stomach! I'm now one week post op and I'm beyond happy because I'm shedding 16yrs of weight and hurts. The weight was like a cocoon sheilding me but at the same time it was killing me. I'm happy with how my butterfly process is going and I'm looking forward to all it has for me. I've found myself actually looking at food labels now when I do shopping before I'd make a list go buy and go home. Now its different because this way of eating will keep me alive. I consider myself an expert on medicine taking since after my strokes I've been taking different medicines so adding a few vitamins to the mix was like nothing. I know those vitamins will keep me healthy as I heal and continue to lose the weight. I'm happy with the option that was provided for me because the insurance company could've said no, and I would've just continued on the regiment that the nutritionist put me on the help me get rid of the last couple of pounds and loose the weight on my own. I'm still in the liquid stage of things which is 9 ozs a day 3 ozs for breakfast, 3 ozs for lunch, and 3 ozs for dinner. Trying to prepare myself for my first blenderized meal now so I can have all the ingrediants on hand because I like to plan ahead right down to the last detail. I hope it goes off without a hitch. I know that its all about portion control because I know someone who's had GBS and they've gained plus than what they were before surgery. They are a constant reminder of where I don't want to go or be. I'm looking forward to heading to the gym in the upcoming months to tone myself up so I won't have to have plastic surgery to remove excess skin in some places. We'll see what happens come next year this time if the Lord is willing.
Tinnessa

Tinnessa

0
jennifer1's Blog
 

Who Is She Talking Too?

I finally went to Lane Bryant to get fitted for bra's. I"m so sad that the girls are disappearing! UGH! one effect i didnt want. well anyway she helped my find my right size and she asked how i was losing weight and i gladly shared with her about my lap band. She thought it was great. She asked me what size i wore now and i said 12's/ she told me you are too small for anything in our store! I COULD HAVE KISSED HER! never in a million years would i ever think someone would say this to me. And normally i woiuld reward myself with food, but this totally motivated me to hit the gym as soon as i left the store! WOW that felt sooo good!!!
jennifer1

jennifer1

9
lkn412luv's Blog
 

Side Tracked!!!

So I got alittle side tracked..Ok alot side tracked..But I can say that I have learned to eat alittle slower and the sweets have been cut way back..prolly not as back as I should but alittle...I think my challange is the whole eating every three hours...Anyway...back to the Dr for a fill and then 2 days of liquids and 2 days of soft...what a better place to do that but at a friends...Goin on a Mini for me vacation to the old neighborhood...lol I can do this!!!
FndSum12luvme

FndSum12luvme

1
Best1's Blog
 

60 Pounds Gone!

Just thought I would post in the blog. Haven't posted in a while. Today I weighed and I am down 60 pounds! Very pleased considering I had failed at every diet out there. I will say the band is not an easy way out, it definitely requires a mindset change and lots of committment. I will say though that having support from family is the best thing ever too. However, I don't think I have support from my dad. He's never really been around and when I do talk to him on the phone it was always a lecture about my weight. Well I talked to him the other night and he says to me..."you havent given up have you??...I'm like on what? And he says to me "on losing weight". He says he hasn't seen a picture of me for a couple of weeks and so he was checking to see if I have given up. Are you serious? A couple weeks he hasn't seen a picture of me and he thinks that??? Needless to say I was a little crushed by his comment. I wanted to scream to the heavens...I have lost almost 60 pounds in 3 and half months for goodness sake! Some people are never happy I guess! Well enough about him even though it did take me a few days to get over his comment because then I would just look at myself and begin the doubting part. But today I am better, the scales moved again downward of course and I couldn't be happier. This journey so far has been incredible and I don't regret the band one bit. Well, that's enough rattling on for me for now. Hope everyone has a great day and good luck to all of you as well!
BB12

BB12

10
LilMissDiva's Corner
 

The Secret Of My Success

I'm always being asked how or what I did to get to where I am now. I'm always happy to answer any questions anyone brings to me, because I completely understand. I mean, I've been through it - the ups, the downs, the in-betweens... and I had even considered writing up a huge novel-like post to spell it all out.   But life got in the way, and here I am today.   Time got away from me and my project fell off the map. That's okay because I think that made the picture in my mind that I was trying to canvass a lot more clear. I'm seeing the forest for the trees now - and I have to tell you, the secret of my success is far more simple than I ever thought.   Finally early this morning as I was getting ready for work I started to simplify all the things I did that worked for me, and here is what I came up with: The 5 P's to my success: Positivity. Patience. Persistence. Push Fluids. Protein First.
Minding my Q's: Quit the Salt. Quit the Sugar. Quit the Excuses. Quit the Denial.
Avoiding the C's: Candy, Crackers, Cakes, Chocolate, Cookies, Chips, popCorn, iceCream.
When it comes down to it, these are the things that got me to where I am today. Seriously, nothing more and nothing less. I mean sure, I worked out and a lot - but I've got that covered with Persistence AND Quit the Excuses...   Blessings to you all. You'll get there, just keep doing all the right things!! I know, I say that all the time, and you ask - "well, what's that"?? Now, I've got "All the right things" written out on your screen.     Source: The Secret Of My Success
LilMissDiva Irene

LilMissDiva Irene

1

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