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Smilecharmer's Blog
 

One Day To Go.....keep Me In Your Prayers

As I write this, I have so many thoughts going through my head. The one thing I am not, is scared and fearful. This is the first surgery I have ever had and feel like it is one ot the best choices I have ever made for myself. I have the weird thoughts about what if I don't wake up, but my mind tell me this has been done so many times and so many people have had such great success, that GOD will make sure I am in that number to.   This forum has been so helpful to me. I have learned alot and know there is plenty more to learn. I read blogs some make me laugh and some have even had me in tears. While on this journey I plan on making it a positive and motivating journey, not just for me but hopefully for some of you as well.   I will always remember the "Big Girl", but I am ready to embrace the skinny girl with open arms.   Keep me in you prayers and, I can't wait to be on the loser side. Good luck and prayers to all the future sleevers.
Smilecharmer

Smilecharmer

9
Is that a Fat Joke?
 

Wanna Spoon?

Wow, I can't believe I'm seven days post-op! For a few days there I didn't think I would ever start feeling better. Started this morning off with 2 lightly scrambled eggs (1/2 c.) giving me 14g of protein off the bat. Then I met my mom & dad at a local mall to walk. It was GREAT. The Mills Mall in St. Louis was all the rage when it opened and now its a glorified walking track. Found it hilarious that my parents were waving at everyone, saying hi to new friends they've made as if they were local celebrities. Of course we had to stop twice for my mom to poop- guess thats where I get my obsession with poop from? Its all coming to me now.....hahaha. Then I thought I would spice it up acting like a crazy excersise lady raising my arms to and fro as if I was holding weights, clapping, saying loudly, "yeah, feel the burn, whoooo!~"   So proud of my parents- although I must be adopted because I certainly didn't get any fat genes from them (they are both relatively normal size), but my dad was recently diagnosed with diabetes. It was definitely a wake up call for everyone in the family. They still party it up drinking at the local "tavern" with their friends, but their diet has COMPLETELY changed. They walk everyday with two of my aunts at the mall. If they can do it, so can I. No excuses.   My find of the day were a set of 8 really cute baby spoons! I know the things that excite me in life, right? My husband commented on the fact that he thought I was eating too fast. Listen here buddy, you try eating liquids for a week and then when you are blessed with a 1/2 c of ANYTHING tell me YOU wouldn't eat it fast. Funny though, contrary to him thinking I DON"T listen, I took his words and purchased baby spoons. Let me tell you- that was a fun shopping experience.....do I go with the Transformer spoon, Cinderella, or the Dora. Choices, choices........then I spotted a package of 8 various colors NO CARTOON spoons and the handle is long! PERFECT.   Enjoying my greek yogurt with my new blue spoon. Life is good.
mags2u

mags2u

3
I'm in control now.
 

Holy Crap. 10 Days!

Wow 10 days to go - I've kinda got butterflies in my stomach. I was trying to remember back to how I felt with my last surgery - I had a very large tumor removed from my breast a little over a year ago - there was so much other crap going on tho, I didn't really have time to worry about the procedure - and I was awake for it. I also was in my hometown and went home 20 minutes after the procedure - (I sat up as they were wheeling me to recovery, enjoyed the ride and had some crackers and ginger ale literally on the ride from the OR to recovery. They monitored me for 10 minutes, I got dressed and left. I'm pretty good at the recovery stuff. I know it won't be that easy this time, but hopefully, it'll be on the easier side   I'm wondering - for those that have had the sleeve - do you actually feel like...empty? Like you're missing something physically out of your body?
circa

circa

4
Vanishing Vixen - The Journey!
 

"vixen Wuz Here..."

See that gal on the left? Yeah, that’s me. Oh – NOT the big gal in the picture, per se’. The vixen on the t-shirt that the big gal is wearing. Yeah. Vixen. That’s me!   Ok, so…I’m lying a little bit. They’re both me. Actually…all three (Left, t-shirt, Right) are…me. *duh* As if you didn’t know… Now, under normal circumstance, I would never post a pic of myself in my skivvy’s. (note: the obvious photo editing was to make it a little less tacky, and a little more artsy *lol*) But I was going thru some clothes this weekend and came across my very favorite t-shirt – which is the one pictured – and remembered exactly WHY I bought it, and why I love it so…and why I will HATE not being able to wear it this summer b/c it’s now 10 sizes too big. (But I digress – as usual) When I purchased this shirt approximately 14 years ago, I immediately fell in love with the woman on the shirt. She was OWNING her $h!t! Every bit of who she was…beautiful, obviously sexy, unapologetic…ALL OF IT. I felt that She was Me…on the inside, at least. What I realized while primping and preening in the mirror getting dressed yesterday, was that I am truly becoming her. In every sense. Like, WHOA!   Now, I’m not so high on my own supply that I can’t see my obviously flaws like my belly flap & cheezy thighs in the aforementioned posted pic…but upon closer inspection, I’m like DAMN, Gina….that is…YOU! Every day, one step closer to my overall goal of getting to & maintaining a healthy weight (for me 165-170#)…but also to have a figure that is obvious, and not cammoflauged by the “[fat] suit” I was wearing in the picture on the left.   Now, for those who might be offended by the term “[fat] suit” – please don’t be. It’s no dis to anyone, or even myself. But the more I start coming out of denial about where I was with my health, that term really accurately describes how I FEEL/FELT when seeing “pre” pictures of myself. Like my inner vixen - or the true essence of who I have always thought myself to be/look – was being hidden…like I was wearing a suit. Might not make sense to some, but that’s the best way to describe it. I mean, WTF am I thinking by even posting a pic of me in my drawls, anyway?!?!? I’ll tell you what. This day…it’s about acceptance. And re-learning to love what I see in the mirror. Because even though what I see is no where near perfect, it’s real… A real woman.   With stretchmarks, cellulite, saggy skin, and… determination.   I see a woman with curves. I see a woman with courage. I see a woman who I done being afraid to take off the “[fat]suit”. Hell, one day, I might even be bold enough to post a pic of myself in something and not have it so blurry! Or not… *shrug* The jury’s still out on what is T.M.I. for me *chuckle*   So, anyway… here I am. Love me, or hate me (or a little of both) – it is what it is…I am who I am…and gonna be who I’m gon’ be.   I’m ever thankful for this journey, and those I’ve met along the way who help me keep my course. I would NOT have been able to make it this far without the support system I’ve had. Even hoping to meet a few of you in person in 2012!   Here’s to progress, realizations, determination…and HEALTH. Healthy mind, healthy body, healthy spirit. *cheers*   P.S. Yup! Never in a GRILLION years would I have dreampt it could be. ME – running!!!!
vanishingvixen

vanishingvixen

1
Yes!! Its alll about me for a change
 

Sabotage

Good Morning Band mates, It has been so long since I have added an entry and I will do my best to keep up with my entries. Well, lets start with the math. Surgery date 7/27/11 279, current weight 219. goal 165. I am very happy with my progress and I think the more I see the numbers change the more I push myself. My goal is to get to 165 by my 34th birthday which is March 30th. I work hard and I know if I continue the path that I am on that I will meet. it. Now down to my topic of the day Sabotage. I have read some blogs and once again I am reading about not losing any or not losing as much as they would have like. I think that some people are self Sabotaging themselves. I am reading things that makes me wonder why did you chose to make a change in your life by getting the surgery if you weren't going to make the necessary changes for the changes to occur? I make a choice to now eat right and to work out 4 times a week, everything is about the choices that you make. Stop with the Sabotage and look deep within yourself. I workout with a friend of mine that also had the lapband done and I think because she is going through the same thing I am going through it make us both work harder to get to our goal. The more you say that you can't the more you won't. You are what you think, change your thoughts about yourself and stop comparing yourself to others and enjoy the journey you are on right now. You may have bumps in the road and you may have a set back and that's just life. How you chose to deal with your set backs are totally up to you. when I work out I listen to Joel Osteen and I listen to the positive things that he says and I apply them to my everyday life. You are a beautiful person and you have so much to offer, you have to believe it within yourself.   Until tomorrow   MsOutlaw.
msoutlaw378

msoutlaw378

1
The Sweet Spot
 

1/17/12 Food Addiction

If you didn't see 'Dr. Oz' the other day, the topic was 'Can you really have an addiction to food?' I know, you're all screaming 'YES!' right along with me. It was interesting as the polls of people were pretty split as were the expert's opinions. The Nutritionist's view was that over-eating is behavioral...driven by emotions, learned behavior, and will power. OK, umm, as a yo-yo dieter now skinny b*tch I can personally tell you that anyone who has ever lost big weight dieting has WAY more will power than the average skinny b*tch...When did they ever white knuckle off 50 pounds while starving and shaking waiting for the next meal (I still wonder why I don't get the shakes now on this teeny amount of food). Anyway, the Doctor's view was that there are certain foods (four of them...at least at this point) that trigger the release of natural opiates in our brain that make us feel good and want to come back for more. I think it's a combination of both addiction and emotions.   One study used a medicine that is used to help heroin addicts from overdosing by blocking receptors in the brain that the heroin attaches to. They gave it to chocolate addicts and found that 'chocolate hijacks your brain chemistry, triggering the same receptors that heroin affects'. Great...I'm officially an addict. Apparently those around me knew this before I did...Here's a present I got from my SIL for Christmas this year:     You can read the Doctor's article and see the three other foods that are addictive on the Oz site HERE.   Come follow me on my blog HERE
Band_Groupie

Band_Groupie

3
legnarevocrednu's Blog
 

40 Pounds Gone In 2 Months!!

I am proud to report that as of today, I am now 40 pounds down since November 11th!! I couldn't be happier! I have had another stuck episode since my last post. It was with grilled chicken!! I'm so confused :/ That was on Saturday and I've been good so far. It's just completely random. It was around dinner time. I barely ate a quarter of my food and I ate slowly and chewed well. I guess if it happens again, I'll mention it to my doctor. It's just so hard for me to pin point what's causing the problem as I have yet to note a pattern. Life is going so well and I'm extremely happy. Feeling really blessed. I get comments from everyone, if not on the weight I've lost, than on how much more confident I seem. I am a huge advocate of the lapband now!!
legnarevocrednu

legnarevocrednu

7
jennifer G's Blog
 

Ouch!

Today is day eleven and I have been telling people it has been two weeks. I feel like I have been sleeved much longer than eleven day, and I am not sure why this is. As a result of this I think I have been adding some foods back a little to early. At my Dr apt he said I could start on soft foods like egg and cheese. I did the egg and it was good and had no issues. Today I went out to lunch with my kids after one of their DR appointments to Panera Bread. I choose the potato soup. I have been doing well with soup at home and even had potato soup at another restraunt with no problems.   The soup at Panera just about killed me! I have had very good luck with all food so far but the soup there made me bend over double and my stomach cramped like I have never felt in my life. I called my Dr office and ask Mary the nurse if my stomach was going to bust open or what. She said not and to give it a bit of time then call her back to let her know if it passed. After about 15 min of spasms and cramping , noises coming from upper and lower stomach and a stop to a bathroom just in case it did subside for at least 20 min until I got home and had to run to the bathroom again. Around ten min in the bathroom and both kids wondering if I was going to be able to make it to the pool , it was gone. I Never want to have that again. The nurse said it was probably something in the soup like high fat or oil content. AllI can say is I am leery to try cream soup ever again. I will say it again Never will I ever want to have that happen aging.   So my question to any one who read this post is what have you had issues with when it comes to food?
jennifer G

jennifer G

3
h0pefullh3art's Post-Op
 

1+ Month

I cant believe it has only been a month and 3 days since i had surgery.. Thing are unfortunately still looking pretty discouraging for me, going on week 3 of no loss. Had my first fill on friday it went okay. I will say My Dr is amazing cause he knows how to make ya relax.. But like i was saying the biggest part that is bothering me is the no loss, yea i have had no gain, but i guess im just gettin very impatient with it all because i eat what im suppose to and it seems like its not working, im staying active. And with my last semester of nursing school starting up tomorrow Im a nervous wreck from that too. I would just like to see some progress i guess =/
h0pefullh3art

h0pefullh3art

6
LB4E's Blog
 

Support

I am getting the sleeve on the 30th of this month. There is only one person that knows about it (my wife), I havent told my other family members because of fear of what they would say. I care what they (specially my moms) think and say but I still want to keep it between us. What should I do?
kljbd

kljbd

7
libby's Blog
 

Considering The Sleeve

My name is Libby and I'm 48 years old. I have always struggled with my weight through my pregnancy's. I would love to get advice or opinions on the sleeve, lap band or gastric bypass. My mother had the stomach stappling 31 years ago and it worked. My sister had the gastric bypass. I'm not sure what way to go. I just want to be happy and healthy and be able to play with my grandchildren and not be out of breath.
libby

libby

5
Here's to new beginnings....
 

Final Appts This Week....

I am completing the final appts for my clearance this week. I had the last regular weigh in with my PCP today. She is signing off on my clearance letters and sending them to the surgeon. The Pulmonologist is signing off on clearance as well. I have a stress test and echocardiogram on Thursday, ultrasounds on Friday and the endoscopy on Tuesday. Final bloodwork and urinalysis was completed today.   It's getting real now. I expect to sign consent and submit the package to insurance sometime next week. . If all goes well, my Valentine's Day date will be my surgeon and my gift to myself will be a lovely little stomach.     We went out to dinner tonight and I definitely overdid it. I feel ridiculously full and uncomfortable, like Thanksgiving dinner full which is not good. I am looking forward to starting the pre-op diet. Hopefully, it will feel like a cleanse and get me ready for this surgery and what's to come.   Hope everyone else is doing well. I will update when I get clearance and a date.
Smontgomery

Smontgomery

1
Brown Kameleon's Blog
 

1 Week Post-Op... Can't Burp

So tomorrow will be one week post-op... All things considered I'm doing well. Still slight bleeding from port but no signs of infection and surgeon's office said not to worry. Pain is very minimal BUT biggest problem is I can't burp and I feell full all the time. I'm not getting in my required liquids and protein. AND yes I've walked, done arm windmills, received back rubs and used gas x.
Brown Kameleon

Brown Kameleon

3
Lindy's Blog
 

Determined To Be A Healthier Person

5 years ago I found myself 24 years old, 322 pounds, and minserable! I decided to have the lap band surgery with the help and support of my family. I successfully lost 90 pounds and my GERD, but couldnt keep up with the frequent and expensive band fills and eventually gained back 25 pounds and the GERD returned. I became demotivated and couldnt stick to a diet long enough to make much progress. Then, last year by eldest brother had the sleeve gastrectomy and went from being 280 pounds and unhappy, to an active marathon runner and happier than I can ever remember seeing him. Not to mention how handsome he looks! Needless to say, that inspired me to do my homeowork on revision surgery and reach out to my "family bariatric surgeon" Dr. James A Davidson (he complete my mother, father, brother and my surgeries). I was concerned that after my emergency gall bladder surgery 3 weeks ago that I would have to push back my surgery due to the weight loss as a side effect of the gall bladder illness. I started a protein shake diet to boost my health and it worked, Dr Davidson approved my bloodwork results and I had surgery on January 13th! The surgery was slightly longer and a bit more invasive since he had to first remove the lap band equipment, so it feels more painful than I remembered. On the bright side, the staff at Forest Park Hospital (Dallas, TX) were very compassionate and informative and the hospital itself is beautiful. I left feeling prepared to handle any issues that might arise and very optimistic. Its only 3 days post-op and I am feeling better everyday! I cannot wait to see my progess in a few weeks, months and especially in a year. I am also starting to put together an action plan. I want to participate in a marathon, learn to scuba dive, buy a bicycle and join a gym! All the things that I was either too embarrassed by my size or just too overweight to do!
lindydenise

lindydenise

0
LosingitinVT's Blog
 

1 1/2 Days Before Surgery

The day is almost here. I am excited and yes a little scared about going under the scalpel. So far I have been on the pre-op diet full liquids for 9 days and done surprisingly well considering I didn't even think I would make it this far without real food. Surgery in a day and a half. Then it is onto five days of clear liquids, back to two weeks of full liquids. Then a week of blended foods, a week of soft foods and by March real food. Today I was down 18.5 pre-surgery. My doctor wants me to weigh 167 which is 63 pounds away. I have asthma, sleep apnea and degenerative disc disease. I am hoping that these things will get better. I didn't excercise as much I would have liked, but I am prone to injury and I was trying to avoid getting hurt before surgery. I want to enjoy excercise and take dance classes again, but I don't want to be a gym rat or an obsessive fitness nut. So many people I know who are trying to lose weight go on these excercise binges for months, talk about what they have done constantly and in the process lose any personality they ever had. And some quit. I most of all hate the lecturers and the Zumba nuts. Sorry if you like Zumba!   I just want to do what I have to do and then move onto other things. I don't talk too much about my weight at work or about the surgery. I figure if people ask me about my weight loss or compliment me. I will just say thank you and move onto other topics. I guess this is because I am afraid of failure,   We shall see.
LosingitinVT

LosingitinVT

2
Is that a Fat Joke?
 

It's A Beautiful Day!

Tomorrow will be my week bandiversary. Over this past week Ive felt good, Ive felt like crap. Ive cried, Ive laughed (while holding my stomach!) Ive RUN To the bathroom, and Ive come to this site alot. Ive walked to the end of my road and back so much that I think my neighbors think Im stalking them. Several of the recent January Bandsters said "hang in there, come day 6 or 7 you will turn the corner. Boy where they right! I feel amazing today!!!! Still having left sided pain when i breath in too deep but I can live with that.   At my 1ST follow up, my scale matched the doctors, so 16lbs down (11 from surgery date). It was nice to review things with the nurse educator after I saw the Dr. I keep reading over my material to make sure im on track. Today I graduated to mushies! And I have to say 1/2 c. Cottage cheese never tasted so good to chew. Im finding creative ways to get my protein in without drinking a protein drink. My yogurt was 8g protein so i added 12g protein powder giving my plain yogurt some flavor all while getting in 20g protein!   I think another imperative spirit lifter was seeing my co-workers today. Everyone knows i had surgery so Im not in the "fat closet". It was great having everyone tell me how great i look and how my boobs have shrunk! ( guess that was a compliment?) Lol.   Today was a beautiful day! Im looking forward to many many more!
mags2u

mags2u

5
Tesse's Blog
 

Sick And Tired Of Being Sick And Tired

Hi everyone,   So Wednesday will be officialy a month since I had my VSG...I have only lost about 16lbs...I know it's a lot but i'd say most of that weight was lost in the first two weeks. For the past two weeks I just dont see any lose at all...my scale goes up and down but pretty much stays the same. Im tired and i feel icky most of the time, Im walking and trying to be active because I can totaly see myself getting depressed. I'v been told this is normal, but i don't think hearing that is helping at this point. I guess Im scared I'll be the first person I know that has this done and doesn't actually loose the weight...i'm still having a hard time getting in my fluid and Im only getting in about 35-45 g of protien a day...I burp so much when i eat or drink that it's making me not want to do either...im taking the pepcid and vitamins and now fiber chewables but it's not making a difference with my burping...I know ppl who went back to work after two weeks, i couldn't imagin going through al this and have to work a full day...im going to water arobics tonight hoping that will boost my mood...anyone else out there feeling the same way?   Tesse
Tesse

Tesse

4
Maddy's Blog
 

Getting Around Eating Out With Friends And Family

Hi everyone good chatting with so many of you and thank you all for all your wonderful comments and suggestions to me. One topic that folks keep asking me is how im doing when it comes to eating out. True, not an easy task when you first get started. Here are a few good tips I have learned along the way.   Tip One - Always chose your protein first. I prefer to stick with chicken or fish when I go out to eat for a few reasons. One, im able to digest fish and chicken a whole lot easier than meat and 2nd there is alot less carbs and cholestrol with fish and chicken.   Tip Two - When chosing your side dish try to keep in mind that it usually comes with a potato or rice. For go the empty carbs and go with a side order of fresh veggies. Ask the waiter if they can steam or saute in very light oil to keep the extra calories from mounting up.   Tip Three - You dont have to finish whats on your plate. Remember 2oz of protein is all you need and 2oz of veggies is more than enough to satisfy your hunger. Keep the extra 2 oz for fresh fruit for dessert.   Tip Four - When you are full stop eating. Put your fork down. Over eating or pushing yourself to continue will only make you feel sick and the issue of stretching your stomach. When you are full, your done!   Remember do not drink any fluids 30 mins to hr before eating and 2 hours after eating. You want to keep your stomach full from dinner.   Tip Five - Try to walk after your dinner. This helps your digest your food and its a great way to get your daily exercise in.   Eating out is an enjoyable experience and it doesnt have to change because you have the sleeve. Keeping these simple tips in mind when you are eating out... And most of all... enjoy your food.
Maddy

Maddy

7
E-girl's Blog - Pre-surgery
 

To Sleeve Or Not To Sleeve...

I have 22 days to go and I am up and down on my decision. It seems crazy to think that I am not 100% sure. Today, I searched the internet for an alternative. One of the website said that calories don’t count!!!! Can you believe it!!!! Anyways, I started thinking yet another fad. Then I came across an article about the health benefits to WLS and Cardiomyopathy…and that changed my mind about the whole doubt thing. I know that once my day comes, I’ll be ok.
E-girl

E-girl

6
I'm in control now.
 

Pre-Surgery Checklist

1. Protein powder ordered and actually on its way. 2. Mini toiletries - getting tonite at Walgreens 3. Liquid diet items purchased for both pre and post op 4. Gas-X strips finally found! 5. Comfy clothes chosen 6. Carry on bags found. 7. Decide which technology to take. (I'm thinking just phone and kindle 8. Flights confirmed 9. Need to make hotel reservation for San Diego 10. Passport cards in hand! 11. Doggy-sitter arranged! 12. Ready to go!
circa

circa

3
Nicole76's Blog
 

Dreams

I been having wearied dreams.. Mostly about my Sleeve.. Over eating! its stretching! just strange dreams ..   I do feel some time I am over eating !! but can I possibly be over eating?? lol
Nicole76

Nicole76

2

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