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myownjourney's Blog
 

Orientation In 2 Days

I'm so excited to start this journey. I have been overweight my entire life. It has never really been a problem. I guess you can say it all started when I went to college. I started being able to go out for the first time and I must say the options of clothing for "big girls" is depressing lol. All of my friends were skinny but that never really bothered me. The "problem" started after I lost a bunch of weight. I started to become more confident in myself. I was still big but I felt big and sexy lol. Then I came home and started eating everything that wasn't nailed down. I wasn't in school and I wasn't working so I would just sit at home all day and do nothing but get bigger and bigger. I thought that I would use my time to work out to try to lose more weight. well, that just ended with me gaining more weight. Before I knew it, I was 300 pounds. I would look in the mirror and not feel like a 300 pound woman. I felt sexy but I still understood that I needed to lose weight. One day I was at the bus stop and this random lady was telling me how she was going to get the lap band surgery. She told me everything about it and the next week I went to my doctor and asked if I could get it. He gave me a referral and now I'm going to orientation in 2 days. I'm so excited. The more that I think about it The happier that I get. I know I'm young, but I do not want to spend another day being obese. I don't want any health problems. I just found out I have pcos. This was devastating. I want to be not only a new me but a healthy me. So going forward I'm going to work my ass off (literally) getting this pre-op weight off so that I can start my new life as a healthier, happier me =)
myownjourney

myownjourney

1
legnarevocrednu's Blog
 

First Date Went Well!!

I'm pleased to report that the first date went well last night. Although, not sure if I could actually call it a date because he didn't pay. But that's okay. We played three games of bowling (which I severely kicked his butt in all 3!) and then we sat and talked for well over an hour. He hinted that he wanted to hang out again. He also texted me later to tell me what a nice time he had. I'm hoping it's a good sign! I felt very comfortable with him and we had tons to talk about. I haven't seen him in 14 years (since grade school) and he added me on facebook a couple of weeks ago. So, guess I'll see how this plays out! Either way, it was fun!
legnarevocrednu

legnarevocrednu

2
deedee72's Blog
 

Happy New Year! 13 Months Post Op!

Hello and Happy New Year! It’s been awhile since I blogged, (since October!) I guess because not much has really changed. Last you heard from me I was in a size 14 jeans. I’m happy to say that I was able to get into a size 12 over the weekend!! Yay!! As far as exercise goes, I have signed up for a ½ marathon in February. I have been in training since November. I’m currently logging 21 miles a week. I’ve run three races since October. When I’m not running, I’m doing step, kickboxing or HIIT. One thing that is incredibly frustrating is that the scale is not moving! The nurse told me that once you body loses so much; you have to really change things up to get it going again. So…I have decided to pay more attention to carbs and protein. I did in the past, but I’m going to really focus on that. I have been pretty good for the last 3-4 days. I’m on my fitness pal if anyone wants to friend me. (slimndiva) I got my last fill in November and that put me into the green zone. I have to really chew my food and pay attention to how my band is accepting it. It can be finicky at times. I now have 7cc’s in a 10cc band. Took me a while to even feel restriction, but I’m there now!   2011 was a good year for me, but I’m determined to make 2012 even better. I got rid of a sorry boyfriend that was stressing me out and I’m looking forward to dating again and living a stress free life! I know my worth and I’m definitely worth more than that!   Good luck fellow bandsters! Wish me luck with this journey and I will do the same for you!!
deedee72

deedee72

2
doit's Blog
 

Every Fill Liquids After?

After every fill do you have to go on liquids for a couple of days? Had my first fill and so far cannot tell too much of a restriction. I know it will take a while but I want 80 lbs gone now
doit

doit

3
Is that a Fat Joke?
 

Yes, My Co-workers Will See Me Naked!

Well, it's about 10:16p St. Louis time. After nesting like a pregnant mother getting ready to deliver twins, I have successfully cleaned the kitchen, done ALL the laundry, finished my business tasks I needed to get done, swept, dusted. You name it. Has anyone else experienced that? I'm sure my husband is thinking, "You should get surgery more often and our house would be cleaner!"   Kids are all tucked in, I'm getting ready to hibacleanse scrub and then I think I'm hitting the sak. I was not required to do a pre-surgery diet at all, but felt it would be best. At first I was going to do all hard core, but I really did protein shakes, and high protein meat. No bread (except at Maggiano's once) and I've quit soda cold turkey. I've lost 9lbs pre-op. Today I did egg whites with spinach, 2 pc turkey bacon. Then an Isopure for lunch, and I've had two protein shakes. Not as hard as I thought leading up to surgery.   I'm fortunate enough to be a nurse in the surgery center world, so I already know who my CRNA will be. Kind of weird though now everytime I see her I will think, gee she saw my big NAKED fatty-boubaladdy self! Oh well. I guess there could be worse things right.   Super excited to start feeling better. 0930 can't get here soon enough! I don't even care about skinny clothes or looking, "hot". I want to be able to bend over and tie my shoes without being out of breath. I want to get up in the morning and not have to lug around an extra 200lbs. This fat chic is ready to be healthy!
mags2u

mags2u

9
jennifer G's Blog
 

Peanut Butter Cracker!

It is my fifth day out and I have been trying to reacquaint my stomach to my head, it isn’t easy. I feel like I have been doing well on the liquid diet and really don’t seam to have an appetite right now, however I am now craving a peanut butter cracker and I think this is so strange. I haven’t even been able to figure out when I am full or when I am really hungry. I seam to be acting very cautious with volume of food and haven’t had to give any of it up which is one of my goals, because I cant imagine how that would feel on my very sore stomach.   After thinking about this PB cracker for two day now I did just give in and ate it very, very slowly, making sure it was going to pass for a liquid. I will see later if that worked however now I do feel satisfied, is this crazy or what?
jennifer G

jennifer G

3
manda05's Blog
 

Consult With Surgeon - Not So Happy With Him - Help!?

Well today I had my consult with Dr. Von Rueden and his team. Everyone on his team is awesome! HOWEVER, I have very mix emotions about him. Everyone I've talked to say he is an excellent surgeon, and he is rated one of the top bariatric surgeons atleast around here. But when we met with him, he was not very personable, and just gave of negative vibes to me. It was something about the way he talked to me and looked at me, not sure how to explain it but I didnt feel comfortable with him like I felt meeting the rest of his team. I am not sure how to take this. Do I look for a different surgeon? Is it just a misconception on my part b/c of personality differences?? I am not sure how to really deal with my "feeling" about him ... any advice or similar experience and how you dealt with it would be greatly appreciated!! My thoughts are I could change surgeons? ... Or stick with him .. I mean I am mostly going to deal with the dietician,nurse,and other people apart of his team MORE OFTEN than him. It sounds like unless theres really any issue I wont see him again until right before surgery, during and then post-op and for fills.   On another note, I am so PROUD of myself for going to the consult, REALLY getting this started and can't wait to see where this journey takes me!
manda05

manda05

5
Caribear's Blog
 

Physician Supervised Diet: Month 1

Today I went to my family doctor and started my first supervised diet visit. It went pretty well.   The nurse asked me some questions, updated their files, filled out some of my paperwork, and checked my vitals. When the doctor came in, he said that he has done quite a few of these supervised diets. His way of doing them is to have me journal all of my food, exercise five times a week for 30-45 minutes, and meet with a nutritionist to discuss the actual diet aspect. I told him that I have already put myself on a diet and lost 10 pounds, so it shouldn't be a problem. I don't know if I came across as being contentious or what, but he seemed to get a little defensive and said that the nutritionist will make sure that I'm on the right diet.   He seemed pretty surprised that I have to do nine months - he kept asking me "are you sure?" until I showed it to him in the packet that I got from the surgeon's office. I guess six months is the usual amount of time, but not for my insurance company. I called the nutritionist when I got home and scheduled an appointment for Wednesday, so everything is moving along pretty smoothly.   The only problem I have with his instructions is the exercise part. Normally I would have no problem with this. In fact, I used to love to do pilates and kickboxing. But since I have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia, exercise is a little bit of a balancing act. I get fatigued very easily, and if I push too hard I will send myself into a "flare." I already go to the YMCA three times a week and do their aqua program for arthritis, and that seems to be just about what my body will handle. Flares are not fun, and a bad one can put me in so much pain that I can barely walk for about a week. But I will try to push a little harder and see what happens.   One down, eight to go...
Caribear

Caribear

2
CVWillis' Blog
 

I Feel Real Crackish Right Now ... Lol!

In less than 2 hours I will be on liquids only and ALL I can think of are Hot Krispy Kreme doughnuts ... LOL!!!!!   I am sooooo thankful and grateful for this forum there is nowhere else I would feel comfortable saying that without judgement. I just pray that I make it through the night without breaking down.   EVERYone pray for me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
CVWillis

CVWillis

4
Smilecharmer's Blog
 

5th Day Of Pre-op Diet

Hi, just checking in to see how everyone is doing. Day five and I am feeling great, I am handling the liquid diet like a champion!!!! I can tell in my face that I have lost weight. I went to a support group today and everyone seemed so happy with their decision. I can't wait to be sleeved.   I hope everyone has a great week.
Smilecharmer

Smilecharmer

3
MissTiffany203's Blog
 

First Blog. Please Read.

Hey everyone (: My name is Tiffany and I am new to this site. I recently signed up for lapbandtalk.com. Today I went to my seminar and they mentioned the lapband, bypass, and the sleeve. I had my mind set that I wanted the lapband but now that I found out about the sleeve I'm interested. I wanted to write this post to hear about your journeys. Please let me know your journey whether you've got the sleeve or didn't. I would also love to hear more information about the sleeve, so tell me anything you know lol I look forward to reading them. Thank You (:
MissTiffany203

MissTiffany203

9
JoyceReal's Blog
 

Just Updating

Well I am nearly three months out and 28 pounds down. I feel good, but I always felt good, Changes are happening, I am down one size in clothes and even my ring size is down one. lol My doctor visit last friday went well and I may get another fill Wednesday. My biggest gripe right now is my baggie pants keep pulling my underwear down lol
Joyce Real

Joyce Real

1
Brandi's Blog
 

Dr. Appointment Visit 12/21/11 To Current

Well, had my Dr. Appointment Dec 21, 2011. I was 294 pounds. Wow! He does not expect/forsee any issues. He did look at my history and sad that since I gain weight quickly I get to do 14 days of Nutrimed. Get my weight down before surgery. 1 week of Nurtimed down. I was STARVING the first 5 days..lol Still hungry but not as bad. I have found if I eat when I think my stomach is about to growl it seems to last a bit longer. I know it is all in my head but whatever works. I have got my kidos squared away and as far as taking off work..I can only do what I can.   I am so nervous I could throw up! I don't know why just nervous. Can I really do this? Is this really happening? How is life going to be at a healthy weight? Will I be able to run? Can I go on Fair/Carnival rides with my kids?     Scared ME.
Branhardin

Branhardin

1
Brandi's Blog
 

The Journey Begins

Hi Everyone,   My first blog about my Journey. I am so excited! Well lets see. I have been battling the bulge as an adult forever. Seriously, within the past 5 years. At my highest weight I was at 330 back in 2006. That was my slap in the face. I had no idea. I worked my rear off and got down to 290ish before I ever went back to the doctor. Then the scale stopped! What I mean as in the scale was not moving it was not going anywhere. I was up to 3 miles @ 3.5 mph, walking fast, jogging a little for months, this was about 4-5 times a week. No soda, no coffee, no candy.. nothing. I hit that brick wall hard! Went to my PCP and he put me on prescriptions. Did those for 6 months at a time for the next 3-4 years. The first go around was great lost 40 lbs. But, sure enough within 2-3 months there it was with avengence. Same thing again the next year. This last year I told my PCP this was it..I could not do this every year. And, we decided that i would do one more 6 month physician evaluation period and if I was not happy he would have no trouble helping me explore bariatric surgery. Well, I looked at my two page spread on what my insurance wanted and got very discouraged. Didn't know what I had done what I needed to do. Came across a great nurse who helped me translate the red tape and come to find out I had done everything already just needed a note from my doctor about me not being crazy. REALLY! That's it. My insurance approved it first try. No anxiety, no frustration. That wonderful nurse told me right before Christmas I had been APPROVED!! OMG! What to do What to do.
Branhardin

Branhardin

0
jennifer1's Blog
 

Are Me And My Band Crazy Or Just Me? Ijs!

well happy new year all. i hope everyone had safe holidays. well it's been almost a month since my 5th fill. it's kinda been crazy. so days i think i need a slight unfill and then with in that same day i think i'm fine. the scale is finally starting to move. i have upped my gym time from 4 days to 5 days a week. i dont know if this is normal, but like i said some day i can eat what i feel is good for a bandster and some days i can barely get in 2 teaspoons. i have decided that this is how my band is going to be. I'm content. I just never expected it to be so different from day to day. I wonder if others experience the same thing. I thought when i got goo restriction it would be the same all the time(well except in the am i cant eat anything solid till after 10am), but not to change so much even within a day. i mean one day i eat something and the next day it wont go down. Are me and my band crazy or is this normal?
jennifer1

jennifer1

6
legnarevocrednu's Blog
 

First Date After Lapband

So, tonight I have my first date after having lapband surgery. To be honest, I haven't had a date in a very long time. I'm excited and a little nervous. I purposely asked that we go bowling instead of out to eat or something because I didn't want the guy to think I'm weird. He can think that later if he wants lol but first impressions matter! I'm sure some of you can relate, but men don't normally pay attention to me. Not quite sure why. I don't think I'm disgusting to look at (even with the extra weight) and I'm not a psycho or a weirdo. I have decent self esteem (I have my issues but everyone does). But for some reason, I just haven't done well in the men department. So tonight is like starting a whole new venture for me. It may not lead to anything with this specific guy, but I still feel as if I'm taking a step in the right direction. I am down 36 pounds as of today. People are constantly remarking on how "skinny" I look. That's obviously not true, but it makes me happy. Anyways, I'm posting a couple more pics of me at 222 pounds! Don't forget to add me on myfitnesspal SN: legnarevocrednu
legnarevocrednu

legnarevocrednu

7
h0pefullh3art's Post-Op
 

Almost A Month Post-op

Well its been almost a month since i had surgery. it has been kinda low key. Im back at work. I will says it has been kinda disappointing because i have been following my diet plan but havnt last any weight in two weeks. Im down almost 20lb since prior to surgery, but i have been sitting here for the past two weeks, I have been active, i dont know if its because this is a far as im going to get until i get my first fill on friday or if im doing something wrong. If anyone has any input it wud be helpful, because i am very discouraged right now because of it. -Katie
h0pefullh3art

h0pefullh3art

4
muller1223's Blog
 

Dr. Visit Today

Today I am visting my dr and I am not sure if I am asking the right questions. I am being sleeved Feb 6th. I have a lot of questions about complications because I am stating to have a lot of fears about the surgery lately. I have questions about vitamins, gall bladders, eating timeline, heartburn.   I feel like I am forgetting a bunch of stuff.   BTW This board has been a lifesaver for me. I am learning so much!!!
muller1223

muller1223

1
I'm in control now.
 

First Official Weigh-in

Okay - weight this morning was 374.4 I was hoping for less, but dinner was salty last night. I'm feeling a visitor coming along too - oh well, as long as I'm doing the right thing - what the scale says doesn't matter - its gonna be singing a different tune very soon anyway.
circa

circa

0
My Second Chance
 

Giving Away My Scale! (temporarily;)

I am 31 days, 20 hours and 6 minutes from my scheduled surgery (but who's counting?!). So, as I scour the forum here for advice and information important to pre and post op, I'm seeing something very clearly. Once the surgery is done, it seems that one tends to become quite myopic. The big picture quickly narrows to a tiny pinhole of that exact moment and circumstance and it would seems that life will now only be that way. Let's look at the dreaded "3 week stall" for example. The more I read, the more I see that the body is trying to cope with its new configuration and trauma of surgery, and when the body is trying figure out what's happening to it, it will often start clinging to fluids or fat or whatever it thinks it needs to keep you alive. The fact that everyone goes through this just confirms that in my mind. Once you are healed more, the body can relax and start running on a regular rhythm again and let go of excess. I'm not a doctor or any kind of medical or health professional, but it's starting to make sense to me seeing it from a distance. It is for this very reason that I am going to take my scale to my mother's house right before the surgery and leave it there for a month. Sounds crazy huh!!! Well, I know me, and that's the only way I will stay sane. I can tell how much I weigh by the way my clothes fit anyway. I think if we back up from the scale and the daily "how much do I weigh" routine, it gives us a chance to settle into the reality of "this is my life now" and realize that the weight will come off. Just let it happen. Relax. It doesn't help to obsess over bouncing up half a pound between losing four more. Let go of the minutae of it. Wait a while to see a bigger result. Broaden your scope and just let it happen.   I'm telling this to myself more than anything....
Dooter

Dooter

2
bluetigereyes' Blog
 

2 1/2 Weeks Post Op

I have to say, I feel great! I am not having any issues. I went for my first post-op visit last week and was told that I can start my mushy stage this week. So, I'm looking forward to a little more solid foods. I do have to admit, I have cheated a couple times and had 'real' food with no issues. I was careful to chew extremely well and take small bites. Other than a little gas, I felt normal. I am concerned since my appetite has returned. I am looking forward to my first fill. I know that I need the restriction in my band because the hunger can be oerwhelming at times. And a protein shake only lasts for about 4 hours before Im starving again. I know this is normal, and just take each day as it comes. I'm happy with my progress and know that when I start getting my fills I will feel much better and not so hungry. Thanks to all of you on this forum, its great to have people of all stages of this process to bounce ideas, comments, and suggestions off of. I have learned so much and appreciate you!
bluetigereyes

bluetigereyes

2
I'm losing it!
 

Are You Drinking Your Water?

The new year is here. I would assume the gym is busier than ever. I wouldn't know because I have been since last year! I will be there tomorrow though. I am such a lazy bones since the holidays. We are going on vacation next Sunday and in my head I'm like "I 'll get back on track after we get back". Why wait? I will go work out tomorrow and Wednesday and Friday! On another note I am so excited for vacation. We are going to Florida. Visiting the in-laws for a few days and Disney with some friends for a few days. I am so excited for Disney. I am so excited that I am 110+ lbs less. I will be able to keep up with everyone. I'll be able to ride the rides with my son. My feet will hurt less. I already scoped out where the gym is in the resort. My goal is to at least make it there twice during the week. I stocked up on my favorite quest protein bars. I figure I can have a shake for breakfast, snack on my bars in the park and then a good dinner. Save money and eat healthy.   I also have to come clean about something. I am the worst water drinker in the world. I really have not been getting my 64 oz a day. I do drink crystal light and decaf coffee. Well, lately I've been getting these really bad pains in my back. I think it is my kidneys. When I get them I stop what I'm doing and try to get down a big glass of water. It seems to help the pain subside. I mentioned it to my doctor. She gave me a script for blood work to check kidney function. I think I was scared straight. I also read up on the benefits of drinking water. It could also account for the dry skin problem I have and a while host of other things that are wrong! So I am on the water drining bandwagon and am aiming for 100 oz per day. This is what I found online.... Top 11 Health Benefits of Drinking Water     You will be amazed of the benefits of drinking water as follow: Lose weight: Drinking water helps you lose weight because it flushes down the by-products of fat breakdown. Drinking water reduces hunger, it’s an effective appetite suppressant so you’ll eat less. Plus, water has zero calories.
Natural Remedy for Headache: Helps to relieve headache and back pains due to dehydration. Although many reasons contribute to headache, dehydration is the common one.
Look Younger with Healthier Skin: You’ll look younger when your skin is properly hydrated. Water helps to replenish skin tissues, moisturizes skin and increases skin elasticity.
Better Productivity at Work: Your brain is mostly made up of water, thus drinking water helps you think better, be more alert and more concentrated.
Better Exercise: Drinking water regulates your body temperature. That means you’ll feel more energetic when doing exercises. Water also helps to fuel your muscle.
Helps in Digestion and Constipation: Drinking water raises your metabolism because it helps in digestion. Fiber and water goes hand in hand so that you can have your daily bowel movement.
Less Cramps and Sprains: Proper hydration helps keep your joints and muscles lubricated, so you’ll less likely get cramps and sprains.
Less Likely to Get Sick and Feel Healthy: Drinking plenty of water helps fight against flu and other ailments like kidney stones and heart attack. Water adds with lemon is used for ailments like respiratory disease, intestinal problems, rheumatism and arthritis etc. In another words one of the benefits of drinking water is that it can improve your immune system.
Relieves Fatigue: Water is used by the body to help flush out toxins and waste products from the body. If your body lacks water, your heart, for instance, needs to work harder to pump out the oxygenated blood to all cells, so are the rest of the vital organs, your organs will be exhausted and so will you.
Good Mood: Your body feels very good and that’s why you feel happy.
Reduce the Risk of Cancer: Related to the digestive system, some studies show that drinking a healthy amount of water may reduce the risks of bladder cancer and colon cancer. Water dilutes the concentration of cancer-causing agents in the urine and shortens the time in which they are in contact with bladder lining.
Can you see the importance of water to your body after understanding the above benefits of drinking water?     I will report back how the water drinking is going....Good Luck to all for a lighter month!
TracieR

TracieR

1

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