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I'm happy that I'm doing this
 

I Am Going To Do This

Well, I've never blogged before so I hope I'm doing this right.   This life altering decision to have the lapband procedure is a step in the right direction. I feel a sense of pride in myself for doing this for me. I am a wife and mother of 2 boys. Our oldest is 8 and the youngest is almost 3. Like most women, I don't usually take time for me, or do things just for me. But I've thought about this for a long time and this is something I want to do for ME. Of course my family to. I have a long line of family history health problems. My dad died of Heart Disease at 54. My grand parents all died of either Heart Disease or Cancer.   I'm (soon to be) 40 y/o, 252 at last weigh in, and 5'5. I am so unhappy with my weight, appearance, and lack of energy. I work for a major retail store, in the Womens Clothing Department. So, I am reminded daily of the nice clothes that I can't buy and wear because they don't come in my size. I'm tired of that life. I want to change that.   And I want to do what I need to do to ensure that I will be here to watch my boys grow up and have families of their own. And I want to grow old with my husband : ) This is the start of making that happen.   My insurance company will pay for the procedure if I fit the 6 guidelines required. I have to follow the 6 month diet/exercise with my doctor, and then I was told that I need to be checked for sleep apnea. That would be a health condition to help me qualify for the procedure.   So December was my month #1. I'm starting my month #4? I honestly feel lost in this. I had a consult with the doctor who will be doing the Lapband for me, he agreed with my family doctor that I need this done. But didn't really go into any other details with me. I was told to call their office the first part of May, and say that I am ready for the final steps. Maybe they feel if I get to that point, then I a serious about this and then they will give me more info. I only found out by reading this forum about some of the doctors and clearances that will be required.   If you've made it this far in reading this, thank you! I hope I can meet some new friends who know how I'm feeling and what I'm going through.
This is for ME!

This is for ME!

6
Sandfluffymama's Blog
 

To Be Or Not To Be? That Is The Question! Cogito Ergo Sum.

We had our school carnival last weekend - kind of nice...we made milkshakes and raised a fair bit of cash. The money goes towards the girls' graduation fund thing.   So one of my homeroom students has been absent for a while and turns out that she had surgery...she spoke to me in the hospital. I asked her how she was and she told me that she had 3 laprascopic (sp?) holes and was doing ok - it dawned on me that she had had a sleeve! I asked her very quietly - turns out she had the same doc and surgeon that I am going to have! I wasnt sure whether to be shocked or supportive. The girl is 14...FOURTEEN!!! and by NO means overweight (and I dont mean by my standards, I mean by medical standards!) Her sisters are very slender but still...then I remember that there is hardly any criteria for this kind of surgery. So many thoughts were running through my head - was this ethical? (then I remember where I live...)   She seemed ok at the decision so I told her I was going through the same thing soon, how proud I was of her for taking control of her life and there are a few people in our school who have been through the same thing so if she wanted to talk about it, she could...what else could I do? Its a bit late for me to show my shock and disdain! Then I remind myself that there could be all sorts of reasons for this action - although I do have my suspicions...perhaps her family have a history of obesity and heart disease or anything...I must learn not to be so judgemental!   I saw my lovely friend who had her surgery on sunday - she looked really fab and seems to be managing so well. I am super proud of her - I dont really know her that well - in fact I know her via another friend but I am sure that we will become friends soon - she is so nice!   Anyway, she is off school for another week or so. I told my boss that I would be having surgery today and I am taking a couple of days off - she was totally sound about it - I just need a doctor's note to cover the couple of days that I will miss before the start of the holidays. Then I will have 10 days to recover before getting back to school. She guessed I was having a lap band - I said that I wasnt and I would tell her one day. To be honest, my boss can be a pain in the butt (like all bosses!) but I like her and have a good relationship with her.   My husband, on the other hand, is being a jerk - let me tell you, cross cultural marriages (I'm sure like any marriage!) can be TOUGH! He doesnt believe that I am going to have this surgery - and I totally hate him at the moment for not having any faith or belief in me. Sometimes I think that I married the wrong man - I get all these pent up emotions, and then they explode (usually via BBM). Ah well!   Anyway, ranting over for today! I sincerely hope that everyone is well. Love and light to everyone xx
Sandfluffymama

Sandfluffymama

6
CAsleeve's Blog
 

7 Weeks Post-Op - Some Thoughts...

Had a some rough food times from week 6 to now week 7 post-op. I tried to move from the pureed phase into more solid food and was not very successful in keeping any food down. I was having to throw it up, which is something that is quite foreign to me. However, in just the past two days, I've been able to eat more solid food with no issue.   I've lost 39lbs in 7weeks. I think this is fan-freaking-tastic! However, I have noticed the weight loss is slowing down a bit. I am also working out pretty intensely to taking long walks 5-6 times a week. I am also down two sizes and finding I don't have very many clothes I can wear in my wardrobe anymore. Believe me, I am absolutely not complaining about this!! I am so ok with buying new clothes, however, I'll likely buy just a couple items along the way until my final resting/goal weight! I've got a huge amount of great clothes from size 22-18 that are all bagged up and ready to be given away or donated. I might try to sell some at the Buffalo Exchange (resale shop) as I still have tags on several items.   So, I still find lots of comfort going back to the protein shakes and I think they will be a standard in my diet from now on. I'm craving raw veggies and a nice mixed greens salad! Can't wait to be able to have that and keep it down.   All is wonderful. I am so happy that I got sleeved and I can't wait to rock some cute Spring and Summer clothing (rather than dread the 'skin showing seasons')!!! I am actually looking forward to wearing cute skirts, shorts and a bathing suit!!! I turn 50 in August and you bet I'm going to be on the beach in a bathing suit and struttin' it! It is so weird to actually be able to look forward to that, when I thought I would never be able to get there before.   One Love.
CAsleeve

CAsleeve

2
jfaulk71's Blog
 

Starting Over With The 5 Day Pouch Challenge/test

Ok, so It's been several months since I've visited my page or been compliant with my lap-band. I've been so off track since December. I had lost 83 pounds in 8 months and since December I've gained 27 pounds back! I've been pigging out on slidder foods or "eating around the band" as my surgeon calls it. I haven't even been to see my surgeon since October because I'm embarrassed about my weight gain. I feel like a complete looser and physically feel worse than when I weighed 323 pounds. I'm not sure how to start over or get serious again but I'm definitely going to try. I need to place my focus back on me. I have a treadmill, elipictal, free weights and an exercise bike in the guest room collecting dust! I'm making a public and personal committment right now to get back to being on track. If anyone has experienced anyone like this or has any suggestions on assisting me in my struggle please don't hesitate to comment or e-mail me.
jfaulk71

jfaulk71

4
m27ve's Blog
 

Heartburn

Help has anyone had heartburn 4 weeks out from surgery? I am 8 weeks banded and take it anymore. I take an antacid every morning and nothing is helping. What have other people done? Do I need to have my band removed:(
m27ve

m27ve

2
Lyra's Canto
 

Sad

*sigh*. My last class before getting my surgical date is next week and I was hoping to have the surgery at the end of March. That way I could have the two weeks off and go back to work for Easter weekend (I'm a cake decorator). I just found out that the first week of April is blacked out for time off. Which means that unless my surgery is 4/9 I wont be able to take 2 weeks off until May because it would interfere with the other decorator's vacation. Damn it. February has flown by and I know March will too....but I'm just so bummed. I just want to have the surgery and get this done. I know that in a few months everything will have worked out...but right now I'm just a little sad. It doesn't help that I've been working crazy long hours dealing with some real wackos lately and am very hormonal right now. Why do people feel the need to treat customer service like crap? I get treated like I'm an idiot when I have as much, if not more, education than many of my customers do. What is wrong with people?
Lyra

Lyra

1
FitBottomedGirl
 

Family Goals

This leads me to family goals. I’m inadvertently very close to my immediate family, (mom and 2 brothers), mainly because we all still live together under the same roof. We often drive each other crazy, but have come to an agreement to change our bad eating habits and start being active. As a family, we’d like to take part in a race (walk or run) for a cause. It’s an idea that will not only help us meet our physical goals but also raise money and awareness for an organization. We’re thinking the Avon Walk for breast cancer in October for my grandma and aunt who are survivors. I’d like to do one for heart disease, which has affected my family greatly. Another family goal is to celebrate big occasions, holidays, and birthdays in other ways than just a sit down dinner with a tremendous amount of food. This Easter I would like for my entire family to help out a local soup kitchen. We are so blessed in our lives and should share our good fortune with others. Another idea is do some sort of activity, like walk over the Brooklyn Bridge or visit the Natural History Museum. Yes, we have to eat, but we don’t need to be stationary the whole day. Also, healthier choices can be put on the menu during family meals when dinner is inevitable. Sugar plum fairies will no longer be invited to our Christmas festivities.   Change is a process, and family traditions will probably be the hardest to evolve into healthier forms of celebration. I know it’ll be worth the effort!
fitbottomedgirl

fitbottomedgirl

0
FitBottomedGirl
 

Support

Family: During winter break, I spoke seriously with my mom about considering the option of surgery. It’s not that I needed her permission since I am an adult (even though I’ll always be her baby), but I will always want my mom’s approval on anything I do in life. Heck, I needed her to ok my bedroom paint color before I could decide! She’s never stood in my way with anything I really wanted if she felt it was sensible and appropriate. She was initially weary (still is) but has become my greatest supporter from the very beginning. She knows how badly I want/need this tool to live my life properly. I was a little worried about telling my brothers because they are big-mouths But I know they could be a great source of support. My oldest brother is thin and never had to struggle with his weight, whereas my middle brother had yo-yo’d a bit while he was in college and undergoing a lot of stress in his life. He is at a healthy weight now, but I know he would like to be more active. He has become very interested in my journey since the beginning and has pledge to be apart of the healthy eating in our house. I’m shocked to see how involved he has become in my progress, and I couldn’t be happier. I haven’t told my older brother because he hasn’t been home recently, but I plan to eventually. I truly hope that my weight loss journey will become a family-lifestyle change that will prolong our time together.   Friends: I love my friends like family, and we are motley crew of personalities. Yet, I never spoke to my friends about my weight, even with those who have struggled with their own weight. I just never felt compelled to go in depth about my issue, though we would sometimes workout together or share low-fat recipes. Maybe we will begin to share our war stories, but I don’t feel the need to explain to them my reasoning behind going through with the surgery.
fitbottomedgirl

fitbottomedgirl

0
FitBottomedGirl
 

My Motivations

My age and stage-in-life is one of my biggest motivations for me to start living a healthy lifestyle. I hope my bad habits, like overeating and laziness, will be easier to break if I start now, rather than wait. I want to really start enjoying my 20s and stop being held back by my weight. At my heaviest, I was 298 about 2 yrs ago and have yo-yo’d from that to my lowest at 255 (when I was abroad). Now I am around 281.   Health: Another motivation is my health and the health of my family. As of now I have no co-morbidties, but with a BMI of 44 they are bound to creep up on me. My family history consists of heart disease, diabetes, and cancer: unfortunately, the lives of my loved ones were taken too soon because of weight issues. My dad passed away from a heart attack when I was 7 yrs old. He is a big motivator looking down from heaven. He is a great reason why I want my family to change our eating habits and activity level. Since I still live at home with my mom and one of my brothers, it means so much that they are ready to support me by changing and living healthier too. We have already made family goals, like run/walk a race for a charity next fall together and instead of celebrating birthdays with food, we will do something instead. At dinner, we’ve cut out ice tea (filled with sugar) and traded it to diet tea and water. We’ve stopped eating white bread and never bring whole milk into the house. I think these are great steps to prepare our kitchen for life after surgery.   Energy: I have been chubby since birth, but my mom made sure I was active: I did swim team, dance, gymnastics, T-ball, basketball, and lacrosse. It didn’t help my weight problem, but it kept me actively running around. Since high school, I have stopped any form of activity other than some gym memberships, here and there. Now, I get winded walking around campus and feel like I’m going to die trekking up flights of stairs to get to class. I’m ready to be active and finally have energy.
fitbottomedgirl

fitbottomedgirl

0
FitBottomedGirl
 

Approved And Surgery Date!

Back tracking a bit—I was approved on February 10, 2012 which made it a one week wait to hear back from my insurance company. I have scheduled my surgery date for March 15, 2012! Equally excited and nervous. Now, I am preparing myself and my home for post-surgery.
fitbottomedgirl

fitbottomedgirl

2
FitBottomedGirl
 

Goal Weight

Goal weight @ 5’7’’ = 160lbs   I chose this number because to have a healthy BMI I would need to be around 150lbs. I read somewhere that in order to not feel like a failure if I don’t hit that number, I should raise it a little so as to not set myself up to fail. Therefore, if I go pass 160lbs then I’ll be thrilled! But I honestly want to keep some of my curves. I’ve kind of become accustomed to them—just not so much of them!
fitbottomedgirl

fitbottomedgirl

0
FitBottomedGirl
 

My Medical Team And Program

Seminar: I first heard about WLS (specifically vertical sleeve) in October 2011 from my mom's co-worker who had it done over the summer and having wonderful success with weight loss. In December, I attended a seminar at the same program he attended where I learned about the different types of options and met the medical team of the program. began researching through the internet for more medical info, personal blogs and vlogs on Youtube, and anything I could find about WLS.   Consultation: My consultation with the doctor was a bit abrupt because he was distracted with his little son in the office. (I just hope he’s not distracted when he’s operating!!) He apologized for the craziness that was this appointment and spoke with me and my mom briefly about how the surgery would enable me to take full advantage of the opportunities in life. I was already set on having the procedure, but my mom needed a little more convincing. So she searched for as much medical information on the surgeon as possible. She was very impressed with his credentials and how long he had been working in bariatrics.   Nutritionist: I had a meeting with my nutritionist over the phone for about an hour. We went over my current diet, how to make smarter food choices, the specific diet I will be on after the surgery, and the list of vitamins I will be taking. She was fantastic and speaking to her assured me I was doing the right think within the right program!   Insurance: It took me about 2 weeks to get together all information I needed to send to my insurance to get approval for the surgery. I collected: a letter from my past nutritionist with the dates I attended and daily food logs; Weight Watchers receipts and points logs; past gym memberships; and weight charts since I was in grade school.   Psychologist: My psych evaluation was quick and painless. He had me fill out a questionnaire about different emotions I was feeling at that time. For the most part, I answered very positive because that’s just how I felt in general. I told him that if I had taken this assessment back when I was a senior in high school and had initially thought of WLS, the answers might have been different and a little more negative. At that point in my life, I wanted it for all the superficial reasons because I was very worried I wouldn’t be accepted or make any friends in college. Now, after looking back, I have matured greatly and know that I want to go through the surgery for the chance of a brighter future. I couldn’t be happier with my experience in college and am totally more optimistic about where I’m headed in life. Now, I just want my lifestyle to reflect that. He said I was psychologically sound for the surgery.     As of now, I wait to hear back from my insurance company. Finger crossed!
fitbottomedgirl

fitbottomedgirl

0
FitBottomedGirl
 

About Me

Let me introduce myself..   Hi there! You have stumbled upon my blog about my experience with vertical sleeve surgery. If you stick with me, I promise to have frequent status updates, funny anecdotes, and pure honesty about my journey from thick to thin, flabby to fit, hot mess to hot stuff!   I'm a 22 year old New Yorker with a lot to lose! I’m a senior in a college in the Bronx with only three more months until graduation: super excited (even without a job lined up for afterwards). I know I shouldn't rush it, but I can't wait to get out into the real world. I've been blessed to go to a great school, travel/study abroad each year, and work hard to earn everything I have.   I want to keep this blog as journal to remember the steps I’ve taken to change my unhealthy life and be able to look back on how far I’ve come. I want to share my story with others who may be thinking about starting their own journey to a healthy and happy life. What will be included: my weekly happenings, weight loss goals, healthy diet change- ups, fun exercise ideas, family love, one furry dog, and tons of funs!
fitbottomedgirl

fitbottomedgirl

0
HarajukuSunday's Blog
 

Endoscopy Down!

Just had my endoscopy done and feel like i'm on the ball. I had one before so I knew what to expect. What was a first for me was when the Gastro surgeon stated I had Polyps in my stomach. I was nervous at first just because I had something that was not normal to ME! He explained to me that they were not cancer forming and that he removed them. I was happy to hear that, but now I am waiting for a two week follow up appointment on how to keep the polyps down or atleast gone. Eeewwww
HarajukuSunday

HarajukuSunday

2
DSC1970's Blog
 

11 Days Post Op

Wow! Woke up this morning with so much energy. Had my post op appt yesterday and to date have lost 18 pounds. I feel fabulous! My first fill (under fluoro) is scheduled for the 22nd and am kind of looking forward to it. I've had absolutely no issues and am so pleased with my decision to do this. My clothes are fitting better and I actually see a little difference. I'm just so excited! My Dr. said I should lose another 20 pounds by the end of summer which is pretty slow, but I'm okay with that. In my head, as he said that, I'm thinking....omg when I lose 20 more pounds I will weight what I did in college....holy cow!!!!!!!
DSC1970

DSC1970

6
Sherry Bellingham's Blog
 

I Love Quote This Had To Share It!!

There are two days in every week about which we should not worry.Two days which should be kept free from fear and apprehension. One of these days is yesterday with its mistakes and cares, Its faults and blunders, Its aches and pains.   Yesterday has passed forever beyond our control. All the money in the world cannot bring back yesterday. We cannot undo a single act we performed. We cannot erase a ...single word we said. Yesterday is gone. The other day we should not worry about is tomorrow. With its possible adversities, Its burdens, Its large promise and poor performance. Tomorrow is also beyond our immediate control.   Tomorrow's Sun will rise, either in splendor or behind a mask of clouds, but it will rise. Until it does, we have no stake in tomorrow, for it is yet unborn.This just leaves only one day . . . Today. Any person can fight the battles of just one day.   It is only when you and I add the burdens of those two awful eternity's -yesterday and tomorrow that we break down. It is not the experience of today that drives people mad. It is the remorse or bitterness for something which happened yesterday and the dread of what tomorrow may bring. Let us therefore live but one day at a time. "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." - Matthew 6:34  
smileyxo

smileyxo

2
Blog 1536
 

Been Awhile

Hey all,   It has been forever since I have been in here. Why? Cannot really tell you all, but I have been successfull in keeping all of my weightloss lost LOL! I had the VSG May 10th, 2010 and went from 277lbs to 175lbs. I have managed to keep the weight off...even in my "down" period. Got rebellious after suffering a hand injury. I had a rough last few month but am back on track now. I hope everyone else is well. I will update more later...this is just a flyby for now. Hard to type when ya have 4 kids looking for daddy's attention LOL! peace! Rob
PhatmanWalkin

PhatmanWalkin

0
jen and matt mommy's Blog
 

Day One (Again)

I have felt so tired for months, this has been such a long road.. I had my band put in June of 2010, so i have had it for 18 months now, and i am the same weight i was before. Back story is going to make you laugh. I had lost over 50 pounds in the first 4 months after and then---I got pregant, wow was i suprised , last thing i was expecting. We had 3 misscarraigers over the past 2 years and after the last one we said that is it we are done, we could not get pregant on our own we had used meds to get pregant the last 2 times. we used protection but you always hear, it was just one time. Well just one time and bang baby boy 9 months later, He is our blessing and i am thankful for him but i gained back all i lost and was so messed up after the pregancy i could not excerise for months after the birth.   anyway i have finally gone back to dr and am refilled and ready to start again. I dont want for this all to be a waste, i know i can do this, i need a swiff kick in the butt to get me going. if anyone has been through something like this or has any insight please let me know. thanks all enjoy your night!!!
jen and matt mommy

jen and matt mommy

4
YellowRose88's Blog
 

1 Month Anniversary!

Today is my one month anniversary! Wow time has flown by and I can't believe it has been 30 days. I am feeling great and my clothes are getting too big! Now that is exciting news (jumping up and down)! LOL   Looking forward to the next 30 days! One step at a time...
yellowrose88

yellowrose88

3
2 Long a Livin Large
 

Pre-Op Appt Today

Since my surgery is paid for by Tricare (military insurance) I have worked with a bariatric team until I finished all of my pre-requisits for surgery. Today I met my actual surgeon. He seemed very nice and informative. He completely agrees that the sleeve is the best option for me. I got lots more information on the things I will doing before and immediately following my surgery. I will meet with my anethesiologist on March 27 and have the surgery on March 28.   I'm getting anxious now but I am so ready for this change.   Cynthia
faddisc

faddisc

4

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