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My Second Chance
 

Dear Food: You Suck! ....and I Love You...

Dear Food, I know you think I'm stupid for talking to you because...well, you're food and you can't hear me. I just want to tell you that it's been quite a ride these last 42 years. We've had our ups and ups and ups and ups and downs and ups and ups. It's time for our relationship to change. I'm not breaking up with you, because I still need you to live, however, our relationship has to change now. And really....believe me when I say...It's not you. It's me. I'm the one with the problem, so don't ever blame yourself. You're really sweet. And salty. And delicious...OH WHAT AM I SAYING....how can we ever part?? NO!! We must part for a time. Two weeks- no more than five, I promise. When we come back together- things will be different. You must hide your sweetness from me. Don't tempt me further with your refinements. I want to see the REAL you....the one with all the vitamins and minerals and protein...yes...I said protein. Hey, I told you things were going to change. And for pete's sake, stop bringing your friends around! But don't worry...you'll always have a place...sorta...close to my heart...         No, I didn't have a mental break. I start liquids Monday. (siiiigh)
Dooter

Dooter

9
2 Long A-livin Large's Blog
 

Almost All Pre-Req's Conquered

Today is January 27th. I am very close to being finished with all of my prerequisites involved with getting the Lapband. I only have remaining:   2 Nutritionist Meetings 1 Support Group Meeting   I have been reading these posts for awhile now. I am just as determined as I was before joining this website but I do have a better knowledge of the fact that this is not a "sure" thing.   When I first knew I was qualified for this surgery I began eating whatever I wanted and stopped exercising altogether. There was a large part of me who said, "you will have surgery soon, eat and do whatever you want". That attitude has lead me to more weight gain and left me feeling very down. Plus, none of my clothes are fitting.   But things have been different this week. I have begun to make some small changes.   I met a friend who needs to lose weight even more than I do. She refused to even walk as far as my house, which is only a block away from hers.   I have inspired her to start walking with me. We have begun to walk from here to there and even went to the gym together this week. I hope that helping her will help me to help myself as well.   I saw the same doctor earlier this week. He repeated what he had said before about bariatric surgeries, "I would guess that 50% of patients who received bariatric surgeries gain the weight back after 5 years".   I told them that his words have made me more determined to make lifestyle changes which are necessary to keep the weight off.   I pray I can do this.   Cynthia
faddiscc4

faddiscc4

1
ready for my journey to be's Blog
 

Think Iam Ready ???

well went shopping today went to gnc got my protein powder,chewable multi vitamin,and could not find a chewable calcium citrate,but did find a liquid calcium magnesium citrate hope it is the same, lots of liquids as well,soup broth jello,suger free popsicles got my bebefiber and tums ..tuesday cant get here soon enough !!!!
I'm in control now.
 

S-L-E-E-V-E-D!

I'm one day post-op and I feel like a million bucks. I'm sore of course, but I haven't taken any pain medicine all day - I figure if my menstrual cramps were this bad, I wouldn't take pain meds for them, so why for this? All in all, I feel pretty good - its hard to get comfortable for me because i'm a stomach sleeper - well - at least I won't be for a while.   We checked in at the hotel and its a beautiful room - just kinda haning out - hubby is snoozing - I took a little nap. Time seems to crawl by - I have to be back at the clinic for a checkup at 5- they come to get us.   I swear if the peope at the clinc were any nicer, they'd melt in the rain like sugar. I can't get over how they are so genuinely sweet. They don't condescend to you, they don't forget about you. They're really there to take care of you.   I'm now to the point where I can sip water, but I still feel pretty hydrated from the iv's.   I cannot wait to take a shower. Hopefully that will be tonite.   I'm still a little gassy, but nothing spectacular. I'm hoping to sleep through the night, but don't have any expectations to. Again, that's just me - I'm an insomniac.   Oh - and everyone at the clinic is just gorgeous. Inside and out.
circa

circa

3
sandymax's Blog
 

The Good, The Band And The Angry

So... I'm constantly reading around on the forums for support encouragement, inspiration and experiences. Lately I've come across so many angry and negative experiences and comments that I have to admit I actually lost some sleep. Hek... I even called the doc and was about to ask for another fill without weighing in to check results on my first fill. I know we are all individuals with different results. Even extremely varying results, but it seems a lot of posts blasting the lap-band don't really tell the full story. What did these people eat? Was there any other medical conditions? And if it truly did not work I don't believe it was the lapbands fault. Sometimes things are beyond our control. Sometimes things are written down in detail right under our nose and we choose to ignore them so we don't step out of our comfort zone. I have also read many post about people giving up on the band and getting gastric bypass. This is extremely shocking to me. My brother had gastric bypass 10 years ago after stepping on a freight scale that read 590 lbs. I have watched him go though hell, still over eat, need supplements for all vitamins and minerals (because with gb you only absorb
sandymax

sandymax

4
SecondChance's Blog
 

Day 3 - Going Strong

I went to the Doctor last week for a consultaion about the GSV surgery. At age 27, my BMI is 62 with a height of only 5'7". Doc said if I do not do something drastic, I will not live to see 40. That not only scred the crap out of me, it has acted as a super motivator. Exercise = life!   I am on day 3 of my new diet, hight protien, high fiber, low fat, low sugar, low carb and exercise daily. All is going well, even though I have been tempted, I have to think of my ulimate goal which is to get healthy and live as long as I am ment to. I want to be a motivating factor for my family and give my nieces someone to look up to!   My dad told me a good quote the other day that has stuck with me. "A body in motion tends to stay in motion, while a body at rest tends to stay at rest" - Newton   So I know if I get home and sit down to relax, thats it, I'm done for the day. So instead, as soon as I get home I hop on my eliptical and knock it out! This seems to really help me. I am always exhausted and sore afterwards, but a little time goes by and I get a big energy boost. Aside for the energy, exercise makes you happier in general! Ah the wonders of the chemistry that makes up our bodies - amazes me sometimes.   I am still working on financing for my GSV procedure and hope to finsh this up Monday so I can get a date. I thought I might as well get a jump start while I am waiting so I am eating right and doing my best to exercise and stay motivate.   I love the support the members on here have given me in the last few days and find it contagious, I want to help motivate others as well. I think this will help me stay motivated as well.   Hope to here some of your stories soon. More to come....
SecondChance

SecondChance

0
CDox53207's Blog
 

1Wk Post Op-Severe Pain?

I was sleeved on 1/19 and have been concerned that I have been over doing it. When I got home on 1/21 everything was fine, there was no pain, I (thought) I was getting in all my water and doing everything on my own. Its like everything seemed to take a turn for the worse. On Tuesday I started feeling severely dehydrated(my anxiety probably amped it up more) so I went to the ER to get fluid. I left there feeling back to normal. The next day I walked a mile and worked out for like 45 mins. I made a huge mistake in thinking since I could handle more water without any problems that it meant I could move to stage 2 of the diet, which is small cottage cheese size consistancy. It wasnt until Thursday when I woke up and had SEVERE sharp stabbing abdomanal pain which would only get better if I applied tons of pressure. At first I blew it off thinking it was just a little pain from working out so hard yesterday and that I should not worry. I proceeded going about my day as normal and then pain increased drastically. I decided at that point to call the doctor and he reccomended going into the ER to get checked out. When I got to the ER they did blood work and found my pancreas was inflamed but that was from surgery and not from an underlying issue. They were unable to pin point the problem of my pain because it didnt hurt at all unless I was using my stomache muscles (sitting, standing, walking...) So I was released with the orders to follow up with my MD on Monday. But that does not make any sence to me. They ruled out an abdom hernea, with the possiblity it could be a muscle tear. I dont get why I would have new pain a week post op. Now I am at home unable to do the basic stuff due to the excrucating pain. I dont know what to do anymore. I contacted my doctors office and they stated the pain could be caused for eating the wrong consistancy (which I have since went back to the pureed diet). Has anyone experienced this before or is anyone going through this?? I am so frusterated because I cannot do anything. I am stuck in my house and cant even load the dishwasher or go for walks or anything. And to top everything off I weighed myself when I went to the hospital on Tuesday and thought I was doing AMAZING on my weight loss because I was down 18lbs since my surgery date and like amped myself up and all. Only to realize a few days later that it was wrong because I was so incredibly dehydrated which would make me weigh so much less. So now I am trying to reitterate to myself that I didnt gain weight but that it was an inacurate weigh-in... I am just going through a tough time right now... What the hell! its only been ONE WEEK!!!
CDox53207

CDox53207

4
CAsleeve's Blog
 

Day 11 Post Vsg

I have figured out the ticker and my ticker slider keeps going down...I mean going down in a good way - in LBS!   My husband is rather freaked out that I haven't eaten anything in 11+days - from the perspective that I would never miss a substantial meal and snacks prior. I keep telling him that these 'delicious' protein shakes are food and I am getting nutrition and calories. am looking forward to the pureed phase, which is just two weeks away. He is very supportive and has been more conscious of what he is eating also. Love the boomerang effect.   I'm going back to work on Monday and looking forward to that.   It is nice to be able to lie flat in bed without any tugging or pain and this has been so for the past three nights.   Going for a walk/hike today along the coast in Pacifica, CA. One of my favorite places.   Seems strange that I have lost 20lbs in 11 days and I'm not starving nor hungry. I'm in shock that I am under the 100lb marker of how many more lbs until my goal weight.   Life and how I am starting to feel about my body is good, no...pretty darn terrific.   One Love.
CAsleeve

CAsleeve

1
Gerry Juarez's Blog
 

Been Kicked By A Horse Lately?

I have...at least that's how it feels right now, but at least I have my band. Surgery took about an hour, no hernia to fix and I'm told my liver was shrunk nicely. Also, I hit my pre op weight loss goal of 20 lbs., score! I cant say I'm digging the soreness right now, but i will say there is no way I'm going back to fast food after this; its not worth the pain.
Gerry Juarez

Gerry Juarez

3
Mamma Bellino's Blog
 

Im Back

Well Here I am back to the support group. I dont know how many people are left from when I was here last. I was banded in 2005....thats a long time ago. It has been a whirl wind life since then, where I actually almost reached my goal. Granted that time in my life was prolly not the most healthy....but then a wonderous thing happened. I got pregnant with Haven. She brought so much into everyones lives, but also I allowed the pregnancy to bring along alll the weight I lost... well almost. I started this journey at 289 and I just weighed in tonight at 260. I have been bouncing around the idea of gastric bypass, but I am recommitting to this band before i deside on ANOTHER more radical surgical procedure. I have set a goal for myself..... 16 pounds by March 4th. Thats eight weeks....the weight loss goal is NOT unreasonable. I can do this.....Pop was such a supporter of this endevor...and hes not here any more. Doesnt mean his love and support dont carry on....WE CAN DO THIS~
Mamma Bellino

Mamma Bellino

2
Banded Bunny Blog
 

Are Those My Cheek Bones I See? Things I Discovered This Week..

So after a bit of a stall in weight loss, I hit a milestone today. I am now down a total of 40 pounds from my start weight. The last two pounds took their sweet time comng off but today I was so excited when I got off the scale I was jumping up and down -naked, in my dining room. Thank god my kids were still asleep. Now only 80 lbs more to go. I am third of the way to my goal and I'm use over a month post op. This week I made some discoveries I want to share:   First- If I'm going have any money left to buy nice clothes by the time I reach my goal weight I need need to figure out how to get clothing now for my change body that doesn't break the bank but I still feel good in. I bought a pair of size 18 jeans two weeks ago-$25 on sale - too big now. All my other jeans too big to wear out of house cause if I move around too much they fall down, or they look too frumpy because too big. So...I found a new second hand store that had just open near by a friend of mine took me too on Wednesday. It was nicer then most and had some really nice clothing for cheap. I got three pairs of designer jeans-one still had original price tag of $65 -size 16, all for under $20 TOTAL! - They were really tight on Wednesday, had to lie down to get zipped, but not so bad today. I actually got them on and up while standing up with no problem.   Second- Oikos Key Lime Greek Yogurt-If you crumble up a small bit of graham cracker on top, It tastes very much like a Real Key Lime Pie. 11 grams of protein and 150 calories. I felt like I was being so bad but I wasn't.   Third- When I was putting makeup, to go to meeting at kids new school, on this morning I noticed I had cheek bones again!!! So cool. I actually skipped to my friends car in my new not too tight jeans.   Take care everyone.
suzbuni

suzbuni

8
stac7975's Blog
 

Surgery On The 31St And I'm Getting Anxious

I finally decided to post after I've been looking around for a couple of weeks! This site is so awesome and I'm so happy to have stumbled upon it. I think it is going to be very helpful for me to have support from people who are going through the same things I am. I am scheduled for surgery on January 31st, 2012. I'm very excited that my journey which started in the late spring/early summer of 2011 is finally going to become a reality in a few short days. I'm excited and anxious, but also very nervous. If anyone has any words of wisdom...it would be greatly appreicated!!
stac7975

stac7975

12
sexymomma001's Blog
 

Need A Fill Quick!!!!!

I am starting to get hungry, and look for food!   I had surgery on December 1st 2011 ...I had only 1 fill on January 5th....I am hungry....but when i feel that way I just eat a bowl of special k red berries and that usual takes care of it but im getting scared....no weight gain, but no loss either in 2 weeks ????   I am so ready to call pizza hut an order a thin crust veggie pizza right now....     HELP !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
sexymomma001

sexymomma001

7
Ellen's Band Journey
 

New Year New Stressors

A lot has been going on since September. I moved back home due to some health reasons, got out of a really unhealthy relationship, got a cat... but the one thing I have hated is I had to get all the liquid out of my band and have my gall bladder removed...   I never thought it would be hard to stop loosing weight if I ever had to get fluid out of my band. BOY WAS I WRONG!!! Not only have I not lost weight but I have started to put weight back on. My worst nightmare! I have an appointment in two weeks to get a fill and I could not be happier. I never realized how much I was relying on my band. I am hoping that this year starts to turn towards the better...   I have also had to start looking for a different job, which is a huge stress. But no matter what I am going to get back on track and keep on track
ellenmarie

ellenmarie

0
Lyra's Canto
 

I Did What To My Hair?

This isn't specifically VSG related, but in honor of deciding to do this life changing procedure I cut my hair. I've had long (down to the bottom of my shoulder blades) hair for years and I told the stylist to cut it off. Yeah, I told her to Cut. My. Hair. Off. I didn't think I would panic, but when she started snipping it off my heart started to pound like crazy! The women out there totally know where I'm coming from on this! Everyone always said how pretty my hair was, and I think I grew it long because subconsciously I thought it would take the focus away from my weight. It's kinda weird how crazy our minds can get. So now my hair is a little bit longer than my chin and curly as all get out! When it was long the weight just made it very wavy, but now I have shirley temple-style curls. Who would have thought? Another upside is that the cut also makes me look a little older. Granted, it is nice to be told that I look like I'm in college (I turn 30 this year), but after awhile it gets irritating having to constantly prove how old I am.   Even though I'm still in shock that I did this, I also feel strangely free.   Did anybody else do soemthing life affirming, celebratory, or crazy before your surgery?   ~Lyra
Lyra

Lyra

5
elgrande's Blog
 

7 Months And 100 Lbs Down

Its been 7 months since I started my weight loss journey. I had the Lapband surgery and I'm happy to say I'm down 100 lbs. What I been learning along my journey is slowly but surely if we don't give up and follow the Dr. advice.
elgrande

elgrande

4
Merydia710's Blog
 

This Is The Begining!

I officially have a date Feb 15th. With Dr. Jawad in Ocala Fl. This has all happened so fast. I had my first appt with the dr today and because I'm self pay I was able to go ahead and set a date! Crazy. I just have to have the blood work and gallbladder ultrasound and I'm good to go.. Yay I am so excited and nervous.
Merydia710

Merydia710

4
NYdad's Blog
 

16 Months Out

well I'm almost 16 months post op and I'm still at it. I have a tough time losing more weight but I did manage to make it to 215 pounds now. My goal is around 200 pounds. Its been a ton of work, I run 2-3 miles each day and now added weight lifting. Believe it or not the adding of weight lifting has transformed so many different parts of my body and also bumped started the extra 6 pound weight lose. I've started to firm up the flabby areas. I manage4d to run my first 8k on thanks giving. That was the first time I ever ran 5 miles. I did it though. never stopped once. For anybody who here the comment "you took the easy way out", tell them oh yeah, lets go to the gym and maybe a little run, We'll show them how easy this is.
NYdad

NYdad

1
legnarevocrednu's Blog
 

Gym=No Weight Loss

Since November 11th, I have been losing about 4 pounds a week on average. A week ago, I joined the gym. I have gone a total of 6 times since then. This is the first week I have not lost ANYTHING since surgery. It really makes me upset. I thought starting to work out would help with my weight loss but it seems to be doing the exact opposite. Are there any medical reasons for this? Am I gaining muscle maybe? Retaining water? As you will see in my previous post, I have been eating more on gym days because I felt like I needed the extra calories because I would be burning calories. But maybe that's not the right thing to do. I have not once gone over my calorie limit either. I'm taking off from the gym tomorrow. I'm hoping when I weigh myself on Monday, I will have beat this little plateu. If I haven't, I'm going to have to do something. Sooo frustrating! I feel like I'm busting my butt at the gym for nothing
legnarevocrednu

legnarevocrednu

4
My Band Journey
 

6 Month Pcp-Done

January 26th was my last PCP visit for the required 6 months insurance requirement. Thank goodness! Now to get the ball truly rolling. I have to admit it all has been pretty smooth so far, paperwork/detail wise. However, as soon as I think Im in the clear and on my way my PCP office wants to be difficult. A little vent if I may. I am not sure why they do not understand what surgery means. I need the paperwork faxed to my surgeons office so it can be sent to the insurance company. They sorta have to approve it BEFORE my surgery date which was already set. Now, if it was sent on time and something happen with the insurance company fine we will have to reschedule. But you are telling me it will take you 2 weeks to fax some paperwork?!? I love love love Wendy from my surgeons office she has been unbelievably wonderful through this whole process. I can call her for what I think is the stupidest thing but she assures me it isnt and answers the questions with ease. We are both motivated to bug the hell out of my PCP office so they will fax my paperwork at a more appropriate time frame.   I in no way mean to bash doctor office staff as I have been a filer, paperwork handler, appointment maker for the last 10 years and know how it works. However, there is no way I would put off a fax, knowing the importance, for that amount of time.   Anywho.....Onward we go. February 15th is the surgery date, hopefully it stays that way, and I am so very excited. My pre op diet starts next Wednesday so this weekend I am going to go and get all the liquid based "food " I will need for the next couple of weeks.
batiircabur

batiircabur

0
shues138's Journal
 

Nsv (Kind Of I Guess?) Also Goals, Food, Etc....

This morning after I got out of the shower, I wrapped the towel around me, usually it comes undone the minute I move, oh, anywhere, but it stayed around me until I had to get ready, I guess this is some sort of a nsv (if it is than yay!!!)   Which got me thinking about goals. Also it got me thinking about how oblivious men are. Before Christmas, my co-worker was telling me about these rings that she gave her son's girlfriend for Christmas, they're called stackable expressions (google it!) so I tell my boyfriend about them (and not for nothing they are not that expensive!) for a Christmas idea and sure enough, guess what I don't get?? But he did give me a nice necklace.   Okay back to goals, so I've decided that with every ten pounds I lose I'm going to get one ring. Of course I'm not going to buy them every time I lose ten pounds, but for example, when I lose 50 I'll go to the jewelers and pick out five, cannot wait!   If I look at another shrimp again I'm going to be sick. I'm all shrimped out and that is one of my favorite foods, oh well they always have it at the grocery store. Next week I'm getting a fill and the mds requirements are two days of liquids two days of mushies and then solids by Friday, I totally forgot about this, so I guess I'm going to have to freeze the meatballs I made last night and also the corned beef and cabbage I'm making this weekend, but hey it's always good to have meals on hand!   Last night I went to the gym for 45 minutes on the elliptical. I like love to listen to music while working out, I have the iheartradio app on my phone, and I put it on to the spin cycle station, which is great club music and NO COMMERCIALS it keeps me motivated enough that I don't even realize that my time is almost up.   By the time I got home I was too tired to pack a breakfast and lunch for work tomorrow, so I had to resort to the cafeteria here, which is okay. I had a veggie egg white omlette with a little cheese it definetly filled me up.   I've realized I cannot be so obsessed about how many calories/protein I consume a day. If I eat something and I'm full, then I'm full. I'm going to try that for the next couple of weeks and see how that goes. Can't give up on my chobani though!   Have a good day!
shues138

shues138

0

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