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Rambles

Not the healthy kind, mind you, that involve long walks over varied terrain where you can breathe the fresh air and move your muscles all in the embrace of nature's beauty. No, I'm referring to the kind of rambles where I attempt to disguise the fact that I have nothing new to say, but feel the need to vent the same old whining on you poor people yet again. Feel free to ignore me. I ignore me half the time.   1) This has not been a good week, loss wise. Despite getting my first fill a week ago today on 2/29, I do not have restriction. Well, barely any. I am able to eat way too much (though admittedly exponentially less than before the band) and my scale is showing me the un-love by reusing to creep downward. If I'm lucky and my daily spot checks are accurate, I can expect to either stay the same, gain a few ounces, or lose at most 0.2 lb when I officially weight in tonight. I find this very discouraging.   2) I made an appointment to return to my dr for another fill as soon as my three week waiting period is up. 3/23 will be fill number two, and I have my fingers crossed that this will give me at least a little restriction. Well, I should be honest. I think I do have a teensy-tinesy bit of restriction now, because I do notice that I stay full longer after eating than I did before my first fill, but I can still eat a cup or more of food at a time, easily, and that's too much. I also have had no trouble eating anything I've attempted from bread, to pasta, to rice, to chicken breast. It all goes down. I need more help here.   3) I'm struggling really hard to keep all of this in perspective and not have a hissy fit over how much weight I'm not losing at the moment. When I see posts form people who've lost 25 lbs since surgery without even a single fill, it takes me a minute to climb down from the clocktower and stow away my rifle. I know it's not helpful to compare myself to others. Everyone is different. Everyone loses at their own pace. I myself have a whacked out metabolism. I know this, and I get a reminder of it everytime I take a dose of sinus medicine or a sleeping pill, because even if I halve the regular dose, it take at least 36 hours for me to work that stuff out of my system. I also have PCOS, which I know makes weight loss slower for most people. but damn it, I want to be losing! That's why I payed for this dratted surgery and went through the process of being knocked out, cut open, and banded. I want the loss. NOW. *picture me stamping my foot and sticking out my lower lip like a three year old being sent to bed early*   4) Last night was my first social special event since being banded. My housemate's coworkers threw her a wedding shower, to which I was invited. I enjoyed attending, but I did overdo a bit on the food. Not horrible (I only went about 70 calories over my high calorie goal for the day) but I still felt like a bit of a failure. I was able to limit myself to 1/2 a glass of wine and 2 buffalo chicken niblets, but someone had made spinach artichoke dip, and I'm a sucker for that stuff. I mean, it calls to me in the seductive tones of a stubbled, sweaty, banged up hockey player (did I mention I looooooooooove hockey? and hockey players... it's a sickness) whispering in my delicate shell of an ear about love and passion and eternal bliss. I ate about a quarter cup of it with crackers and chips. And a few strawberries. And about a teaspoon of brie. And part of a pinwheel wrap. And three bites of cake. Lord help me. I know I should be keeping in mind that I ate a LOT less than I would have pre-band, but my mind just wants to linger on the things I did wrong instead of the things I did right. I hate that.   So anywho, like I said nothing I've said here is new or earth shattering, but I have a little bitty problem with patience. Not standing in line patience, or waiting for a package to come patience, but patience with myself when I think I should be reaching a goal. At the moment, my goal is to get back under 200 before my birthday (4/22) and I'm starting to wonder if I'll make it. Trust me, I'll keep making the old college try, but at the moment, I could use a little encouragement.   (Hear that, Mr Scale? Throw me a bone, why don't you????)

morelgirl

morelgirl

 

Hard Day!

Having re read my first entry, I knew it was too good to be true! Today has been awful, I have felt hungry all day and my stomach has been growling and complaining fit to be tied. I am still sticking to my milk diet, but oh dear me, it has been really hard today. I have a constant headache, and just feel terrible. (including feeling really sorry for myself). I have another 12 days to go and although I know I will do it (I must) it will be a very long 12 days. So what does everybody else do to distract themselves when they feel this way? I have tried some exercise, reading, doing sudoku and crossword puzzles but all my brain wants to think about is food.   My husband had a curry tonight as he knew I was struggling and also knows that I cannot stand curry, bless him. His way of helping at the moment is to eat only things I hate. Isn't that sweet of him. Trouble is, I feel so hungry that even his curry looked inviting!!!!!!   I know this will pass eventually, but waiting for that to happen is really tough.

Phoenix Rising

Phoenix Rising

 

Terrified Of Failure

Thank you to those of you who responded to my last blog. Some very encouraging thoughts. However; I am so scared of failure after I am banded. Everyday (pre-band) I wake up wanting fat and sugar. Does this go away after the band, or will I always be fighting this? To be thin is something I've wanted my whole life and I feel I am inches away from my dream. But am I strong enough? In all other parts of my life I am a rock, but when it comes to food I cave everytime.

carlamcgrath

carlamcgrath

 

Doctor Said No Fill :-/

At my appointment yesterday, my doctor decided I did not need a fill. I had lost 12 pounds in a month. I'm extremely nervous now! I told him that sometimes I felt restriction, but sometimes I don't. It's not consistent. And the reason I've been losing weight is because I watch my portion size, stay away from pasta and bread, and work out like crazy. I just feel like a lot of pressure is on me now. I have to be even more careful. I don't think I'm in the green zone yet. I go back next month, and if needed, he will give me another fill. However, he said if I keep losing at the rate I have been, I will only have to see him once every other month instead of every month. That's kinda cool because it costs me 25 bucks every time. Has anyone else been told they didn't need a fill even though they knew they weren't in the green zone? I probably could have asked for one, but I figured I'd see how it goes. It's only a month!

legnarevocrednu

legnarevocrednu

 

1 Month Post Op

Hi Gang. Well I had my first follow up appointment and fill. Received 1cc. To date I have lost a total of 31.9 pounds. Wahoo! I have been diligent in following everything to a "T". Still on pureed foods which has not been bad at all. In fact, I have been able to tolerate more fruits and veggies than ever before. Excercising 5 days a week even if it is just a 45 minute walk outside. The weather has been gorgeous. I am finding that my clothes are quickly becoming too big and I will need to do some shopping before returning to work. My familiy and friends are super supportive and I am so blessed. Life is good.

miracleshappen

miracleshappen

 

Band Vs. Capsules

Hello everybody! Last night we had another great support group meeting with our Lap-Band® patients, and an interesting topic was discussed. I wanted to see if there are any suggestions out there for pills in capsule form getting “stuck.” Basically, without having any other restriction issues with medications or food, this individual is getting capsules stuck in the middle esophagus, creating nausea, dry heaving, until the capsule has dissolved. What this individual has tried already: Lots of water when swallowing
Warm liquids (tea)
Opening capsule and putting inside into apple sauce (yuck)
Are there any other suggestions for swallowing capsules? Any information is helpful and I'll be sure to sing your praises!   Thanks and have a great week!

LAP-BAND Liaison

LAP-BAND Liaison

 

Delayed Restriction...yup I Haz It!

I got my last fill (a total of 2.75 ccs in a 4 cc band on February 27th). This morning actually just now, I had a crustless quiche (which is 1/4 of a pie plate about a cup total) it has eggs (duh) deli ham, swiss cheese and onions and yesterday I probably could've eaten more. Today right now at this moment if you put another slice in front of me I'd probably push it in your face and make you eat it (in a loving way though, because I love you whoever you are). So, yesterday when I was thinking "boy I don't feel restriction" to this morning of "holy crap I'm full" is a big differnce. So, the lesson is to you noobs and veterans out there, don't get discouraged, sometimes there is a delayed reaction for me it's approximately 8-9 days after a fill. I'm going to keep track of this next month as well.   Actually to think about it last night I had some homemade general tso's tofu, broccoli and brown rice, ate the whole thing, and the rest of the night had a pain in my shoulder and left side maybe that was a signal to stop eating, and trust me I didn't eat for the rest of the night, just a glass of water to clear out my pouch (IDK why I do this but I've been doing it lately lol).   I was a bad girl and didn't go to the gym yesterday, it was only for weights so I will do my weights tonight after c25k (grrr).   Oh and some NSV this weekend: Didn't eat my whole meal the times we went out to dinner
Fit into pants I didn't fit into in September
Realized that my bra straps that go around me don't hitch up and chafe my side parts, they actually lay nice and flat now
I don't buy junk food when I grocery shop and I grab a water out of the cooler at the supermarket and drink it while I shop (don't worry I pay for it!)
I can wrap a regular towel around my body when I get out of the shower (even though there's some side boobage showing
Also, whereas I thought I had some good luck yesterday turned out to be bad luck. I was looking at a vending machine near my office that has "healthy options" aka a 100 grand bar (really is that healthy???) and I see on the machine that there's a credit for $1.00 so I'm like "hey, pay it forward, right?" so I pick a granola bar (Nature Valley) OMG I looked at the nutritional info and almost died! I could've had a candy bar instead! I usually have a Kashi TLC granola bar thing right before I get out of work to hold me over between then and the gym (for some reason I'm starving late in the afternoon) I'll have this for a snack but never again! WTH do they put in that stuff?   Anyway lovelies, have a wonderful day and if anyone is paying attention only 17 days until I leave for Key West!

shues138

shues138

 

Yeah My Life Sucks! Updates

Hello!   Well I found out last month that on 06/15 I will be laid off! This couldnt have came at a worse time with johns health problems and all. I cried like a baby and went on a eating binge for 3 days. My weight loss came to a screeching hault for a while. I was in a really really dark place. I feel better now, but still worried about work. I do get severance which is great.     on 03/13 my husband will be released from rehab. I am so happy!! He wont be able to walk, which sucks, but I'm just so happy to have him home. He has been in the hospital since 11/27/11. He is in good spirits and I have to take this weekend to get everything ready. I gotta clean my house, car and buy some stuff for him. Like a cart for all his medical supplies. He needs to have bandage change every 3 days. There will be a home health care nurse and rehab specialist coming over almost everyday. I'm also trying to set something up with a state funded program that has someone sitting with him while I am at work. Until then, I will be taking vacation time.   As for work, I am kinda looking here and there for a new job within my company. My impending layoff on june 15th has me kinda frantic, but to be honest I look forward to my severance pay and taking a break. I need a break. I realize that when I move I will take a 3-4 dollar pay cut which is huge since I will be the only breadwinner for a while. I had an interview yesterday, but I'm not positive I will get it. John wants to return to some kinda job, maybe his old one, but he isnt strong enough for all that. He will walk again, it's just one week at a time,   As for my weight loss. I did hit the 6 month wall. All weight loss stopped. Partially it was my fault too, I ate too much and didnt work out a lot due to stress. I have found that stress halts all my weight loss efforts and when I'm not so stressed the weight has been coming off again this week. I've stuck to my diet and I am proud of myself that despite all this I am still standing and standing in size 14 jeans!

Texasbandit

Texasbandit

 

Day 21 Post Op: Appetite, Hydration, Movement

this third week of being banded has been pretty uneventful! i feel that i am continuing to heal and get stronger each day.   my eating has fluctuated and is different each day. most days i am not hungry but still try to get in small meals. there were 2-3 days last week when i ate under 600 calories and didn't feel good about that because i know that getting in all my meals helps my metabolism. the weekends, especially friday and saturday tend to be snacky days for me and i find that i have no problem eating although i feel no physical hunger.   i spoke with a nurse from my insurance company yesterday who makes calls to check on progress and offer support and advice. she reiterated the importance of me getting in all of my protein and water. i have no problem with the protein piece, but i am still having issues with the water. she suggested that i set a timer to go off every hour and drink 2-4 ounces each time the alarm dings. i tried this for the rest of the day and seemed drinking seemed more manageable. she told me that becoming dehydrated could result in a trip to the ER and slow healing...this info will be my motivator...   i started my strength training regimen last week and have been using 5lb weights every other day to work on these arms...i am so afraid that the bat wings will be with me for life. so far i'm doing about 5 different exercises targeting different areas of my arms in 3 sets of 10. i'm still walking about an hour a day, but i am thinking that i'm going to have to step it up soon to get better results...   since i last wrote, the scale has moved once...at times i feel inpatient about the process because i feel that i am eating next to nothing and moving daily. i still wonder how it's all going to work out when i start getting fills...although i do not notice a difference in the mirror, i can tell in some of my clothes...there are one pair of jeans in particular that i can now fit comfortably and it feels good!   joined mfp yesterday so please feel free to add me. i am still getting used to the site as i have been logging on fitbit...i'm phatkatblue!   hubby gets banded next week

phatkatblue

phatkatblue

 

Im New To The Site :)

On May 18th 2011, I had whats called a sleeve gastrectomy.   My weight gain was due to something called polycystic ovarian syndrome. I couldnt lose weight and it was affecting my metabolism. Then in December 2010 I was diagnosed with sleep apnea. And the weight was putting a strain on my heart. Not including all the stress I was under with the mindless, useless drama that invaded my life and is now finally over. After everything I started researching options, talking to my Dr and was then referred for a surgery consult. I ended up at Balboa in March after starting the process outside of Balboa in December, it took 5 mos total of classes (nutrition), tests, etc before they would do the surgery. Its very in depth and a lot of information.   I weighed 240 in March when I saw the Balboa surgeon and was a size 20-22. As of 3.6.12 I now weigh 143 and am a size 6. I am currently 3 lbs from my goal.   This surgery was explained to me that it will eventually replace the lap band because of its effectiveness and its way safer than a bypass. If it wasnt for the medical necessity I probably would have kept trying exercise and all the fad diets, but they just werent working.   Now I walk alot, eat better, feel better and am starting to return to my old self. I look forward to chasing my kids around and exercising with my Wonderful Husband who has been one of my biggest supporters as well as my Amazing Family. Before I was afraid to tell anyone, but then I thought why? It was to help me and for me to be around for my kids and family

Xrystyl

Xrystyl

 

Here It Goes!

So, my name is Michelle and I'm new to this whole blogging thing. I'm hoping this will be a way to help me through this new journey I'm beginning. I'm still waiting for insurance approval to be banded. I've got to complete a three month diet/exercise journal and work with a nurse educator through my insurance. I've finished about three weeks of it so far--- already having trouble keeping up with the daily food journal--- just can't get into the habit! I haven't been overweight my entire life but it has always been a struggle! I was pretty active in high school--- cheerleader and played softball--- but after I had my kids it became harder and harder to fight and then I had to have a hysterectomy a few years ago and then it REALLY piled on. Since then I just have felt like I was drowning with no way out! I feel like the lap band is my last shot at getting back to really enjoying my life, my husband, my boys, and my job(I'm a kindergarten teacher)! I'm hoping to make some friends who are or have been in this same boat and help me get through this and in turn help others as well! I'd love to hear from somebody! See ya!  

Browneyedbandit

Browneyedbandit

 

Three Weeks Post-Op Tomorrow

I am finding that the band works so different for everyone. One of my co-workers was banded in September and she has lost about 40 pounds. She has 7 ccs in a 10 cc band. She said she was hungry by two weeks out and that she was already eating regular food at the point I am at. I was so surprised. And she had 4 ccs in her band at the time she went for her first fill (odd)I really can not understand how she can eat regular portions and food. She vomits every other day, and after her last fill she thinks she is too tight, because she is struggling getting down small portions. But she eats a lot of junk food she told me. I asked her why she decided to go this path if she was not going to be compliant. She does not exercise and eats crap. She said she thought it would help with her overeating and the weight would come off. Sigh.....I could only try to educate her on what I have learned here and from my doc. Hopefully it will help.   I am getting ready for my first fill next week and also I am spending Spring Break out at the rodeo carnival on Wed. with my kids and heading for my first road trip with my band on thursday. We are taking the kids to San Antonio and will visit the Alamo and the Riverwalk. I am looking forward to it.   Question for everyone out there. Did you have any fill placed at the time you had surgery? If so how much was there?

sweetsoutherngirl

sweetsoutherngirl

 

Here I Go...

Hey all,   My name is Jennifer, I'm 28 years old, and I am ready to change my life.   I'm just starting the Lap Band process. JUST starting. As in, I've made up my mind and am attending the informational seminar tomorrow. I've been overweight my whole life ("She takes after her fathers side" is what they would always say - they're all over 300 lbs). After successfully losing 55 lbs at the beginning of last year, then gaining it all back after changing jobs and buying a house (hello Stress Eater!) towards the end of the year, I've made up my mind that Lap Band is what I need.   I'm happily married, have been for over 8 years, with a very supportive, loving husband. He's never mentioned my weight more than telling me how beautiful or nice I look. It wasn't until a converstation with my doctor two years ago when I was complaining about PMS bloating, and that my weight would fluctuate between 230-240 lbs that he suggested I try to lose 40 lbs, because wouldn't it be better to go between 190-200? I was honestly shocked. I need to lose weight?!   I never really saw myself as overweight. I don't eat badly. I don't eat all day long. I just RARELY feel full.     So speed up to current day, having tried many different diets over the past two years and epically failing, I'm ready for the Lap Band. I've done my research. I'm mentally ready. I've figured out my insurance coverage - even though the Nurse Coordinator assured me that she will do all of that. I'm lucky enough that my insurer covers it as your every day outpatient surgery, covers all pre and post-op care, you name it, they cover it once I hit my deductible which thanks to a few trips to the doctor, some PT for my husband, and lab tests, I'm almost there. My BMI is only 38 (below my insurance requirements unless a co-moribitiy) but luckily (yay for me!) I've had uncontrolled high blood pressure since I was 15 years old, and take medication daily for acid reflux. I've also had a borderline sleep study. I'm no stranger to surgery, as a matter of fact my ONLY spare parts are my tonsils (okay, I could spare one kidney and part of my liver but I'd realllly like to keep those if I could).   My goal is to get the band placed within the next few months. My goal weight is 155 lbs. That's only 80 lbs and I KNOW I can do it.

jen_1381

jen_1381

 

Hungry As Hell, But Scared To Eat. It Hurts Going Down!

So, I've finally progressed from liquids to soft foods -- pudding, yogurt, eggs, etc. I was eager to eat but find it extremely unpleasant. I can feel the food traveling to my stomach and it's a very unpleasant feeling. I really feel it in my chest. It settles eventually, but not without much discomfort.   I know the surgery affects people differently, but I was wondering: Is anyone else experiencing this? And those of you who are 2, 3, 4 months or more out, did you experience it and how long did it persist?   I dread the thought that this could be a forever thing. That would really be depressing!   Sleeved Feb. 27, 2012

amencorner

amencorner

 

3/6/12

Did 45 minutes on the elliptical today, non stop, back and forth between an 8 incline and a 4, and back and forth between 200 resistance and 60 aww yeah! 30 minutes on the treadmill, at a speed of 3 and a 5.0 incline   And very reluctantly 30 minutes on the stationary bike, in hill mode.   Yet no scale movement! sigh...I guess on the plus side, this morning in the shower, I noticed my calves have slimmed down substantially.   I'm on my special yogurt and apple diet yet again, have to be less than 317 at appointment on friday!   Feels like I'm getting discouraged!

bbbanded

bbbanded

 

Starting Over

Hi Everyone. I'm new to the blog but not to the band. In Feb 2009, I was banded, 1 week later, I found out I was pregnant. Baby came in October, Surgeon was "disgusted' that I did not lose but 30lb while I was pregnant, was rude and had terrible bedside manner..... Long story short, I KICKED HIM TO THE CURB. Since 2010, I had not seen anyone about my band ( gained 20lbs back). This year I wanted something new, so I did some homework and found a wonderful doctor who has taken over my care. She has given new hope. I went to see her to discuss everything and make sure I was in good hands and yesterday I recieved my first fill since 2010. 3cc. I ate clear liquids yesterday and today. I'm terrified to move forward. I have a lump in my throat( probably fear)........ Any suggestions/advice on how to move forward?? After my situation, I just want to be sucessful

startinoverin12

startinoverin12

 

My First Blog Ever

Well, here goes, this will be mainly my ramblings about my vs journey. Never done a blog before so this is another first for me.   I started my pre-op diet on the 1st March 2012. This time around it doesn't seem so hard. I am not sure if it is because I know what to expect now or because at the end of it I get my op. I have lost another three pounds since starting it, but I know that I may not lose much more as my body retains water (on medication for it) and will only let go every so often. I will lose a few pounds then stay still for ages then eventually when I think it will never happen again I lose a few more!   My husband is being truly wonderful and supportive, in fact I have never known him to be this supportive before, but I am loving it. I think the hoops I have had to jump through to get this far have impressed him, and he has decided to be as helpful as possible. I am having my op on the NHS and they are very strict about a ten per cent weight loss and maintaining it before surgery. (We have been married for thirty years and I have been overweight for all of them, but seriously overweight for the last twenty).   I am a regular reader and lurker on this board, but have posted now and then. I have found so much useful information and help here, and have researched all I can, that I feel I am ready for this operation and will do everything I can to make it work. I know from reading other people's stories that it will not be a walk in the park, and that I will probably have to work harder than I ever have before, but I am ready for that. I also know that if I am worried, or down, or just wanting to share good news, I will be welcomed with open and non-judgemental arms here.   So, my posts may not be educational, erudite or that interesting to anyone else, but I will feel the benefit of unburdening myself and who knows, I may be able to help someone who may have felt what I felt, or will feel what I may feel in the future.

Phoenix Rising

Phoenix Rising

 

Very Disappointed In Myself... :(

I am so very disappointed in myself. I was so excited to start this journey when I had my surgery back in December. Once I got past the "scared" zone of thinking anything I ate off of the meal plan would make me explode and ruin my surgery, I find I am slipping back into bad patterns. I am certainly not eating as much and I started off with such great intentions....they actually stuck for awhile. I have gone from absolutely no carbs to having small amounts of pasta, Subway sandwiches, rice crackers, Chipotle burrito bowls, Panda Express and high carb soups. I just keep moving in the wrong direction!   What is wrong with me? My weight is on a rollar coaster and at the end of the month, I am LUCKY to have lost 5-6 lbs for the month. I know our weight fluctuates, but how can a person weigh 9 more pounds on Monday than they did on Friday? I was around 1500 calories a day and walked 3 miles a day both Saturday and Sunday, so what is wrong with this picture?   I am so very disappointed in myself for now trying to cheat the band. All I am doing is cheating myself. How can I do this? How can I fall back into the same bad eating and drinking patterns that put me here? I am 291 - wait that was Friday.... Today I am 296 and have a very long journey ahead of me and I am already failing. This is just like my "old" life.... I know what I am supposed to do, to eat, to think.... but I just don't do it.   I also have 5.5 cc's in a 10 cc band and do not feel the restriction much. I know I am eating too much, but I haven't felt the uncomfortable feeling of fullness or any vomiting. My next fill appointment is 3/22, maybe the additional fluid will help me??? I need help. I really need to help myself. What can't I do that?

caligalles

caligalles

 

Walking

I need to start walking more so I downloaded an audio book to my ipod. I am hoping it will make it less boring. Has anyone else tried this? I am doing pretty good with my food choices, but sometime I feel like I am eating too much, which seems kinda silly when I know I am eating way less than I used to. I only weigh once a week so have to wait until Thursday to see how I have done this week.

Tracy Bloodgood

Tracy Bloodgood

 

Feeling Overwhelmed

Just two weeks ago, I was excited about getting the approval and now that I have it, the feeling of being overwhelmed is setting in. My Pre-Test is in the morning at 8am and I haven't gotten all the information. I don't want to seem a pest to my bariatric coordinator, but I haven't received any information and she stated she mailed the document. I'm trying to be calm but i feel overwhelmed.

Ready2BFit

Ready2BFit

 

Lapband To Sleeve Is It As Good As Everyone Says?

ok so i am new to this so forgive me if i dont do or say something correctly.. I am currently banded but going in on the 16th March to have it removed and a sleeve revision done later in the year but I am so worried I am doing the wrong thing, I have been following a lot of posts over the last year and doing lots of research but i guess what I am asking for is the reassurance that the sleeve is so much better than the band.. would love to hear from others that had the revision and why?? cheers

petal

petal

PatchAid Vitamin Patches

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