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Christina L's Blog
 

I Was, In A Free Wls Contest

Thank you for visiting this blog. Many of you will be able to relate to my story. Just a few months ago I was in a very low dark place when a friend sent me a text. It was a link to a contest for a free lap band surgery. In my negative mind set I thought "yeah right! Like that would ever happen!" Well, three months later I received a phone call from the surgerons office telling me I was a finalist!! I couldn't believe it! There is light at the end of the tunnel! So here is my plea....The contest winners are determined by voting. The two with the hightest amount of votes wins. Please vote for me Christina L.   UpDate: 4/17/2012   I believe it was the American Author Greg Anderson that said "Focus on the journey, not the destination.."   By now most of you are aware I did not win the contest. It's true, one week ago today I received the phone call from the contest rep that began with "Unfortunately....." It was not the call I had expected. As you can imagine this has been a long emotional roller coaster ride. Though this adventure in my life's journey has come to an end I will reflect on the lessons learned and tell the funny stories for many days to come. Like when my mother and I tried to use one of the computer labs at my sisters college. Apparently it was very obvious we were NOT students and it was our FIRST time using that Mac computer. A chipper young student named Tuesday busted us but kindly help us "old folks" figure it out rather than reporting us to the "Lab Watchdogs". (yes it was a Tuesday and yes her name really was Tuesday)   Most importantly though, I want to sincerely thank each of you for all your encouragement and support.   Thank you all so much!
Christina L

Christina L

0
W K S' Blog
 

Just Want To Know

I had a fill two weeks ago I have 10 cc band . It has 6cc in the band and went down to 5.8 and they put 7cc in and I went for one week could not drink or eat I lost 15 in one week ,I went back to my doctor and he put me back to 6cc it has been1 week and i have gain 8-10 lbs back , Is that normal to gain that much back. I'm thinking about going on liquids for a few days to see if that will help .
Sham

Sham

2
yasmine3785's Blog
 

27 Weeks And Having Some Stomach Pains And Pulling

So I had my surgery on the 6th of september of 2011. Needless to say we tried to concieve a second child for about five years after our first son was born. So to my surprise I thought I was just healing from surgery and was feeling alittle under the weather due to that process and it being the winter weather coming.   So I decided that the first weekend in November I should take a pregnancy test and to my surprise it came back positive. My glass was half empty due to all the false test over the years. I was in shock!!!!!!!! So i concieved around the 20th of September two weeks after surgery how crazy. It could be also contributed to the fact i had two periods that month so that means twice the ovulation and time frames of conception doubled.   In the beginning I was able to eat and maintained my weight which post surgery I was up to 310 and by the end of my waiting period and dieting and after surgery I came in around 270. I have gained about six punds give or take and was able to wear my normal cloths up to five month pregnant. Some people still cant tell im expecting.   So in the last couple of weeks I have been having very odd stomach pains like my insides are being pulled up and down side to side. My doctor says this should not hurt the baby but what about my insides and the band port. Im thinking it may be that my body was just starting to heal when along came my sweet pea needing so much and its causing the scare tissue to hurt. Just looking for some other peoples opionions and experience.   I am very blessed to be having a second mircale but i am so motivated to get on with my fills and back to working on my goals. I have only had 2 cc of fluid put in before we got the news!!
yasmine3785

yasmine3785

0
dee257's Blog
 

From The Mouths Of Kids

good afternoon all....   I have been upset since being banded I have not seen my scale move more then 3 lbs.... I have been walking miles every day and just not being a couch potatoe at all....eatting all good things...trying not to eat to much of it...but not always good there...but still the scale wont budge...( waiting for my first fill) This morning on the way to church my 10 yr old yells as only a 10 yr old can...WOW MOM YOUR BELLIE DOESN`T TOUCH THE STEERING WHEEL ANY MORE !!! I had to take a moment and smile and rejoice in his excitment and my joy .....God is Good !!! and who needs the scale !
dee257

dee257

3
chrissylu's Blog
 

Learning To Wait...not Weight

I've been kinda down the past couple of days because I've been seeing the scale either not move at all...or move in the wrong direction. Of course, I'm chalking it up to PMS. You know, water weight and all.   I'm also really bad about stepping on the scale every freakin' day. I have to stop that.   Instead of going to church today, My son and I stayed at home and watched Dr. Charles Stanley on television. His message today was about waiting on God's best for you. Wow! I needed that reminder. You see, when we don't wait on God...when we move ahead of Him, we step outside of His will and His plan for us. We can wind up hurting ourselves or others. We can get frustrated, distracted or disappointed. But mostly, we lose out on His BEST for us. Sure, whatever we get might be okay or even good. But when we move ahead of Him, we lose out on His BEST.   That really hit home for me. Learning to wait, to be patient and knowing that everything, especially this LB journey, takes time. I didn't get my body in this shape overnight, and I'm not going to get it healthy overnight....but I am taking steps to get there.   I'm just going to trust Him and this tool He gave me, to get there in just the right amount of time...and stay there this time around!   I pray God blesses you all richly and abundantly!
chrissylu

chrissylu

2
J. Fabulous' Blog
 

The Third Rail

As I get dangerously close to weighing 280 lbs, my brain is trying to figure out ways to try and sabotage my efforts. For the last week I have not lost much weight. As a matter of fact, I actually … Continue reading →
Jack Fabulous

Jack Fabulous

0
Rhapsody's Rants
 

Week 2 Update

Overall, I feel good. I have a lot of energy, I'm healing well, and I'm still feeling restriction.   Scars I've been using Scarguard MD, but it's only been a few days so I can't tell you if it works. However the reviews have been good so we will see how it goes   Food My doc advanced me to mushies. I've pretty much been eating exactly how I was eating before surgery but in smaller portions sans carbs, breads, veggies, fruits. I chew until liquid like I'm supposed to and I haven't had any trouble. My tummy tells me when I've eaten too much or when I've eaten something she doesn't like anymore. The biggest change has been lactose intolerance. I switched to GNC Lean Shakes and I haven't had a problem since. The biggest obstacle has been head hunger. I'm physically full but mentally I'm starving   Weight loss I've hit the infamous stall. I've been stuck at 246 for a week now. I was mentally prepared but it doesn't make it any easier. Taking it a day at a time and hoping it will break soon.   I've been super busy with school. I'm in my last semester of nursing schoola and we have a big comprehensive test this week. Wish me luck!
Shemy-away

Shemy-away

6
Lost 125LBS' Blog
 

Fill In Fill Out!

Call me crazy! but i met my goal weight last year in 2011 got the band in 08 im down 125lbs and has bin same weight for over a year! 140 lbs! I play with my Band! Love my band Tight ... when I go on Vacation I go to the Doc. and say Its to tight Take some out! So I can eat On Vacation... and have a good time when i get back i go to the doc and say its way to loose! please i need a Fill and I loose the weight i put on... from Vac. Call me Crazy?
Lost 125LBS

Lost 125LBS

1
Blog 93073
 

2 Year Anniversary

TODAY IS MY 2 YEAR ANNIVERSARY. I'VE LOST ALL TOGETHER 75LBS. (30 MORE TO GO). I FIND MY BIGGEST CHALLENGE IS WATER WEIGHT.   EVERYTIME I LOOK AT MY PREVIOUS PICTURE, IT LOOKS LIKE I LET GO A PREVIOUS PERSON.   I LOVE ME MORE TODAY AND THANK GOD FOR SEEING ME THRU IT ALL.
blossoming

blossoming

4
desertmom's Blog
 

Blessing!

So,what I thought was a problem might turn out to be a blessing.   I dont know how big or how small the dr made my stomach...what can I do about it at this point anyway?   The fact that I can drink so much more and with such ease might turn out to be a blessing.I think if it is difficult to drink that in the long term,people will drink less.   In summer it gets up to 50 degrees celcius ( 130 farnheit) here in Dubai and you need plenty of water to not cook in summer.   I also know that I will use the next 12 months to teach myself how to eat and apreciate less but quality foods,for the rest of my life.   In the next few weeks I will join OA and I will seek the help of a therapist if neccessary.   This will not be just another food limited low carb diet.   At the moment I am struggling to do the protein.I am still on full liquids and the yogurt,soup and protein powder (1 scoop) does take me to 600 cals or more but not to 60g of proteins per day. Must say,eating will be better for getting the amount of protein per day. 9 oz of fish,poultry and meat or eggs per day will give you the right amount of protein,I think.   You live,you learn!I dont know how to stay in the calorie limits.I DONT KNOW WHY!
desertmom

desertmom

2
Phoenix Rising's Blog
 

The Scales!

Hi Everyone,   Well another good nights sleep. Yesterday I managed to clock up 84 ozs of fluid. Woohoo! I am really pleased but as I said before a little disconcerted. Especially when I read of so many struggling to get half of that down. Thanks for the comments ladies.   I am pleased but beginning to think I must have a way bigger stomach left than everyone else. I finally got on the scale today too. (Weird, before surgery you couldn't get me off the darn thing) I knew (again from reading on here) that you could gain weight from the iv fluids etc that they pump you full of in hospital. Also, because I retain water I was kind of expecting to weigh more. Well, I was not disappointed to find I did weigh more, but didn't expect it to be quite so much more. I must be a full 7lbs up on when I went into hospital!!!!!! I am also 6 days out from surgery so had hoped to have lost some of it (if I am honest, I thought I would have lost all of it by now).   So, although I am not too downhearted I am hoping to hear lots of people chime in and tell me the same thing happened to them and within days it will all disappear. OK Ladies that is a very large hint, please.   Apart from the weight, I am still happy that I did this, still feel well, and content.
Phoenix Rising

Phoenix Rising

2
Sandfluffymama's Blog
 

Pre Surgery Jitters, Bags Of Nerves, Bad Dreams And Oh So Very Tired!

Haven't blogged for a while - ten days til I go for surgery. I am so scared. So very scared. Roosavelt said "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself"...well I am fearful of it!   You know the thing I am most afraid of? The lack of energy and the pain. My little one has just started teething and I am sad that I wont be able to pick her up in the night and give her a cuddle.   I still havent told my mum - she thinks that it is an extreme method and to be honest I am so scared of telling her. I still feel like a failure.   My husband on the other hand is fully on board - I am usually the really strong one and to be honest, it is pissing me off that I am feeling so weak. I am so very tired too - trying to get this dissertation done; reports to write; department head stuff to do then a spring break of pain from this surgery.   Is it going to be worth it? My friends wanted to throw me a food funeral - I just dont feel up to it - I am trying desperately to look at this as a beginning, not an ending. I am forever in the positive - I deal with people's **** so much every day. And today I just feel like telling everyone to F&*k off...I think I am due for my period which does not help matters - neither does the 3 hours sleep that I am surviving on.   I keep having bad dreams that the anaesthetic wont work. I am scared of being alone. Still, I know that this surgery will be worth it in the end. I just hate having to pass through the darkness to get to the light.   You know, we have a different mentality, us addicts. Sometimes I think on the verge of insanity...or is it genius? I know that there is a fine line twixt the two!   Am I just being swept into the moment cos so many others around me have done it? Are we going to be ok? A friend of mine, who recently had the surgery said "What if they find out that we really need that part of the stomach one day?" (Eww...my Omega 3 oil has just popped in my stomach and I can taste salmon oil...lol)   What about God? Or in my case, Allah? Well, as far as I am concerned, God is God is God, no matter how you choose to connect with Him/Her/It...Do you think he is going to be pissed off with me for removing some of my body?   Arrrgghhh!! thoughts are everywhere!!!
Sandfluffymama

Sandfluffymama

4
Weighty Wagey's Blog
 

3 Days Away

So, just finishing up regular liquids and moving to clear tomorrow. I'm sooo used to starving at this point, so it is much easier. I lost the weight I needed to and then some, so everything is set. My only slip up on my liquids has been that I haven't excercised as much as I would like. I feel so drained that I have a hard time really hitting the cardio. I did do the eliptical for 30 this week. I like to hit at least 3 workouts a week and usually do 4-5. I am going to get in a Zumba class tomorrow though. I think my big struglge this week was going to the movies with friends and having no popcorn or soda. I made it though, and it felt really good to have that small triumph! Well, the next time I blog I will probably be a newly banded person. Yipee!
Weighty Wagey

Weighty Wagey

3
Lyra's Canto
 

That's It, I'm Divorcing My Imagination.

I don't know why I'm freaking out right now. Maybe because it feels that for the past two months I've been living and breathing VSG surgery and right now I'm in the Insurance Limbo From Hell. Until I hear back from them there is nothing I can do. I really do not like not being in control of my fate. The longer the limbo stretches the crazier the ideas are that pop into my head. On top of work shenanigans (we're super busy) and relationship stress my mind is blowing everything out of proportion. I know that this is what's happening, but still. I've been so busy lately that I feel like I haven't had any time for a healthy outlet that's not work, VSG related, or sleeping! Obviously I have enough problems without having my imagination working overtime!   Tonight I was talking to my mom and she said that my dad (who had VSG about 1.5 months ago) is now a terrible cook. He was cooking her dinner but she asked him to stop because it was (in some cases) inedible. Cooking has always been a big part of my family (and obviously a big part of the problem!) and my dad and I LOVE to cook. I adore combining different flavors and just feeding people. I get great enjoyment out of it. This is why I went to culinary school. I have a career based on my ability to bake! So now I'm freaking out that somehow after surgery I will lose my ability to cook/bake. That not only will a huge chunk of my stomach be cut out, but also my culinary ability. I mean, what happens if instead I gain the ability to make anything explode? Next thing you know I'm in the CIA and working in some cesspit and using vanilla extract to blow stuff up only to later be snuffed because I know too much. Okay, so that probably wont happen, but you get the point! It's so stupid to be so worked up over this and to invite trouble before I even have surgery!!   Today at work somebody told me that "I'm the spoon that stirs the pot" and that work is so much more interesting and fun when I'm there and that I put other people in a good mood. It made me feel warm and fuzzy...but sad, too. At my last job people were thoughtless and backstabbing and didn't really like me so it really surprises me when people tell me how glad they are that I work with them. I think the correct word is 'baffled'. I worked in that toxic job for so long that I think I started to subconsciously believe that I wasn't a good person. I was stressed all the time and hated life. I've been so happy at my new job but I'm thinking that I need to do something soon to stretch my wings. Teaching would do that but dang, that's a scary thought! Intriguing, but scary!   I think right now my emotions are going in every which way and I'm trying really hard for them not to impact upon my relationships. I just want this done and over so I can move on. I LIKE being cheerful and fun. I want to go rock climbing so badly I can taste it! I don't like feeling so discombobulated and out of sorts!!   Sheesh, I thought my emotions would be on a roller coaster AFTER the surgery, not before!!
Lyra

Lyra

3
morris45's Blog
 

2 Years Out An Want To Encourage New People

I just wrote a note about my acid problem but I do want to encourage the new people on this site. I would not change a thing. I am so happy with my lap band and I know all will be ok and I will be like I have been for the last 2 years. These 2 months is something I brought on myself and now I will have to get it corrected. Hang in there it is all worth it. Be strong and do all your doctors tell you. Good Luck to you all
morris45

morris45

0
morris45's Blog
 

Having My Esophagus Dilated

Friday I will have my esophagus dilated for the 4th time in 2 months. They are doing more this time Hopefully for the last time. Maybe a stint. I really do not want to have my band removed. My family doctor and my lap band doctor does not think it will have to be removed. I will let all know how it all comes out. Thanks for any comments you can send me. Encouragement would be greatly appreciated.
morris45

morris45

2
Phoenix Rising's Blog
 

Made The Magic 64 Ozs

Hi Everyone,   Well yesterday I did manage to hit the 64oz mark Hooray! I felt really proud of myself, how daft, to be proud because I can drink fluids!!! Oh well, it must be because I am still on an incredible high, I can't believe how positive and good I feel. Hope this feeling carries on forever.   Another good nights sleep last night and I even slept some of the night over on my side (not quite all the way but enough to give my poor butt some relief).I have been doing a few things about the house but not much. I feel full of energy go and do something small...and the next minute I feel worn out, weary and in need of a rest. I know my stamina will build up as I get further out from my op and start taking on more protein etc. Luckily my husband is taking care of anything that I don't feel able to do. Mmmmmm...I wonder if I can convince him that spring cleaning is absolutely necessary in the next few days!!!   The burping is easing off, and not all day like it was at first. Now it tends to be when I have a full drink, like chicken soup or protein drink. It is still pretty impressive but I don't think I would win gold now! Oh well, there go my hopes of an olympic medal. I am getting in as much walking as possible but in short bursts. I can only seem to do about ten minutes at a time at the moment. I am hoping that will improve as I go along.   Things are still good for me and I hope everyone else has a good a time of it as I am having.
Phoenix Rising

Phoenix Rising

5
Madam Bones and the Prisoner of Obesity
 

Chapter One: It's A Date!

Hello. I just got my surgery date today, and so I thought it might be a good time to start writing down the story of this journey. I'm scheduled to have my VSG done on April 9th. As soon as I got off the phone with the surgeon's office this afternoon, I ate a piece of chocolate. So, yes, I'm a little nervous about it. Chocolate, cookies, or cake, preferably with milk -- these are my coping mechanisms of choice.   The past five days or so I've been experimenting with the pre-op diet. A day on the pre-op diet involves drinking a couple of high-protein shakes, eating one low-carb/high protein meal, drinking a lot of water, and following a schedule of multivitamins, calcium, and iron throughout the day. (7:00AM - multivitamin, 10:00AM - calcium citrate, 12:00PM - calcium citrate, 2:00PM - calcium citrate, 5:30 - multivitamin, 8:30 - iron with vitamin C) The pre-op diet also means avoiding fats, sugar, and sweets, not snacking between meals, and steering clear of carbohydrates in general -- no bread, pasta, rice, or potatoes, and no fruit, fruit juice, or (gasp) sweet tea. So what's left that I can eat? Well, it's quite a lot like the low-carb diet I used to do way back when I lost 122 lbs., and before I gained it back again. That is, I can eat green vegetables, small quantities of lean meat, a little cheese, nuts, sugar free pudding, and...um...I think that's it. After about two days of this pre-op diet, I was careening around the grocery store in a weak and dizzy state ogling the boxes of frosted cookies and coming to terms with the idea that very soon I will never ever again be able to eat the things I love, at least, not in the way I have done for the past thirty years. Do I really want to undertake the horribly difficult challenge of a major lifestyle change? Most of the time, I think the answer is "yes," but that day in the store, face to face with the cookies, something deep inside of me shrank back and cried "nooooo!"   Madam Bones is a very minor character in the Harry Potter series, and while I do admire the character and her role in the books, I chose to use her name in this forum because to me the name "Madam Bones" brings to mind, of course, the word "bony." Not the skeletal kind of bony, but the kind of bony where you can tell that the person has cheekbones and knuckles, ankles and elbows. A strong, slim, healthy, kind of woman who enjoys participating in life. She can run, tie her shoes with ease, sleep without a CPAP machine, and climb the stairs without huffing and puffing. There is a Madam Bones lurking somewhere inside this prison of obesity, and I'm going to set her free.
madambones

madambones

3
Thyckness718's Blog
 

Please Stop It!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

As you guys know, I am just getting started on this weight loss journey. I have my doctor's appt the 13th of April and meet with the surgeon on the 27th. I know this is a big decision and for the most part I am so excited. But now people are telling me that I shouldn't have surgery because it is dangerous and blah blah blah. Not for nothing it is really pissing me off and I don't know what to do. Any advice?
Thyckness718

Thyckness718

14
legnarevocrednu's Blog
 

Too Much Attention And Stranger Rudeness

I am a customer service representative at a bank. I see the same people quite frequently. I have to say, that I am getting sick and tired of all the comments/questions/and attention coming my way because of the weight loss! I don't mind responding to these types of things when it's coming from friends, but from people I barely know?? I can't stand it! I have people grilling me on how I lost the weight, asking me what size I'm wearing, how much weight I've lost etc etc. I know this may seem odd to some of you, but I just don't like it. Why can't people just say I'm looking good and leave it at that? But noooo....An elderly woman commented on my weight loss today. I don't even know who she is! And she was like "How did you do it?" Not "how are you doing it?" like she suspected I had surgery or something. I don't tell strangers about the surgery, so I just responded that I was counting calories...which isn't a lie because I am! She then proceeds to give me a look like she didn't believe me and then was like "It makes you look pretty." Ummm excuse me? I know, I know, some of you might be thinking that this is a compliment. I believe that I was pretty before my weight loss. Now I'm just healthier AND pretty! It upset me and pretty much put a downer on the rest of my day. All of this from someone I don't even know! She wasn't even a regular customer! I've also had people tell me I need to buy new clothes...well DUH!! Sorry guys, I just need to vent this out. Does anyone else feel the same way? Some women may be soaking up the extra attention, but not me. It just makes me uncomfortable. Like I said, I don't mind a simple compliment, but I've discovered that people can rarely leave it at that. I'm just frustrated. I feel like a day can't go by where I don't get into a conversation about how I've lost the weight. Okay...I'm done now. Excuse this rant! Haha.
legnarevocrednu

legnarevocrednu

4
My Second Chance
 

I'm Feeling A Little Like Frodo.....

Ok folks- I'm going to expose my inner nerd a little here, so don't go telling anyone that I'm not as cool as all that, ok?   I finally broke the 300 lb. barrier and am soooo excited to be in the 200s again. Ok, I'm only at 296, but that counts. So as I lift my eyes to look across the span of the next 100 lbs, I'm feeling a little like Frodo when he and Sam finally get into Mordor and look across to Mount Doom. (After all the spider trauma, of course;) ) All they see is a vast wasteland filled with threatening foes waiting to take them down. But, on the other side....Frodo knows that freedom from the burden chained around his neck awaits.   I know the freedom from this weight is coming. It just looks so daunting right now. Such a loooooong.....rocky....journey. But I'm ready. I know it's not magic, and it's going to take hard work. But when I get there, the relief will be soooooooo SWEET!!!!! I can't wait to cast it into the fire!!   Nerd moment over. Carry on.
Dooter

Dooter

8

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