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CVWillis' Blog
 

7 Days Until Surgery ...

I'm scared for soooo many different reasons. Here's what I am thinking ....   1. I've gained 8 pounds since my initial appointment (9/7/11) and I have my pre-op appointment on Friday (1/6/2011). 2. This 2 week low carb/protein diet is a little challenging.But I think it has helped me lose 2 of the 8 pounds I've gained. I know I gained the weight due to me having to take depo shots. 3. I need to lose 6lbs in 2 days ... who does that???? 4. My co-workers don't know what type of surgery I am having so, when I go back to work how many pounds lighter what am I going to say????? 5. Where am I going to get $$$ for new clothes??? 6. Will this REALLY work??? 7. I REALLY want some cookies ... lol!!!! 8. Who will I be after I lose weight????? 9. I feel like I am mourning the lost of food ... Isn't that crazy??? I was looking at a Red Lobster commercial thinking "I'll never be able to eat there again!!" And I don't even eat at Red Lobster! 10. Typing Red Lobster makes me want sushi ... lol!!!   Luckily, I have GREAT support from my family and friends! I love them dearly!
CVWillis

CVWillis

3
Smilecharmer's Blog
 

1st Day Of Pre-op Diet

This is my first day of my pre-op diet. It has not been that bad. I managed to drink my crystal light, but I forgot to get some protein. I called the Nutrionist today she stated I could eat 4-6 0unces of lean meat, so I had 1 chicken strip and green beans. It took me 30 mins to eat trying to get into the habit.   I went to Walmart and boy did I want so much of the junk I used to eat, but I passed it by. I was proud of myself.   I am looking forward to ths journey and really want it to work. This is truly a test for me. I sometimes wonder if it is really what I want to do. I know if I want the results I need to do the work. My surgery is scheduled for 1/18/12, i am more excited than scared.     I will stop rambling...   Thanks
Smilecharmer

Smilecharmer

5
Casey's Countdown
 

Cant Be Much Longer......can It??

Went to both hospitals today, as well as the clinic and got copies of all documentation related to my weight. Also got the results from the general health screen showing no endocrine dosorders. I have to attend the seminar/consultation tuesday, then all thats left is scope, ecg, and psych eval. I should be able to have surgery by April right? Sooner? Later? I just started my Journey monday..monday i contacted surgeon,today i did all that...i
brownie012

brownie012

4
I'm in control now.
 

Rough Night

So, last night I had an adrenal attack. Basically, I have a panic attack, but without the mental aspect of it. It lasted about 12 hours. Its extremely painful and the only thing that seems to ease the pain is extremely hot water. Even the hot tub wasn't hot enough. I'm extremely exhausted now because of the lack of sleep. Its amazing how much pain something so small as an adrenal tumor can cause. After I have my sleeve, I'll be scheduled for additional treatment for the tumors. I cannot wait for that to happen. This surgery has more of an effect on things than my weight. My doctor is hoping that it will help to restore my thyroid function as well as help with the PCOS and allow better treatment for my insomnia and endometriosis - most of which was caused by the steroid treatments I was on for years. So here's to getting all of this started and solved!
circa

circa

3
shadowstacey's Blog
 

Hiatus Hernia

Hi guys..   During my surgery the surgeon found and repaired a Hiatus Hernia. I was wondering did this happen anyone else and did they get any advice on what this is and food to avoid?   Thanks   Stacey
shadowstacey

shadowstacey

8
Kmomjj2's Blog
 

Trying To Make A Decision

Okay. I have a weight problem. I have had a weight problem all my life. I was a 'chunky' kid, a chubby teen, and ballooned with my first child. (Somewhere I got the idea that I was eating for two. imagine) I gained 75 pounds with my first kid....bounced around, ups and downs, but never over 210. Well, I had a second child....didn't gain as much (39lbs) but then I decided I needed to quit smoking. Well we all know what happens then. I am up to almost 300 lbs. I have to do something. My insurance won't pay for surgery. Total exclusion for all weight loss methods. I have 2 people I work with that have had the lap band surgery. One would re do again in a heart beat, the best thing she ever did, loves it, has lost her goal weight, has not even had to have fills in the last 2 years. The other, said "if I had the chance I wouldn't do this again. I am miserable, yes I lost weight, but I can't stand being banded, the fills after the first year are expensive and it is not worth what I have gone through for what I paid for the procedure, plus I miss bread". I have set up an appointment for the 16th of this month. Since insurance doesn't pay for it, I don't have to go through all the 3-6 month diet plans/pyshc exams etc....but I am still not 100% that this is the right thing for me. Any ideas that might help me decide one way or the other before I spend the price of a small car on this?     Decisions........
Kmomjj2

Kmomjj2

7
KayyyBeee's Blog
 

My Life After Being Sleeved...

Just yapping about the changes I've noticed since being sleeved. Some NSVs, some new revelations.     My relationship with food is more enhanced. Since my portions have decreased so much, I really have to savor and enjoy the food that I’m eating. I used to scarf my food down like I was afraid someone was gonna take it away from me. Now I actually TASTE and appreciate the food I’m eating. I used to taste it before too, but dining is now an experience for me where as before it was a task. Does that make sense to you? For example, I’ve been making Spinach Lasagna for my family for years, and they all rant and rave about how good it is. Before I didn’t really eat it, but this past New Years, I had a spoonful, and actually tasted all the herbs and different flavors of the cheeses. That was a great EXPERIENCE for me and my tastebuds.     I LOVE going to the gym. A year ago you couldn’t even pay me to step foot in a gym! I guess with the weight loss and the boost of confidence, I’m no longer worried about looking like a fat person trying to lose weight. I get to Planet Fitness, plug my headphones in and I become one with that treadmill, or bike, or ellipticall machine. I have never been this amped and motivated to get in shape. I think getting in shape is the key to this – I’m not focusing on losing weight because that is happening any way. I’m focusing on toning my body and getting my endurance up and seeing that progress makes going to the gym a very enjoyable experience.     I don’t know how to shop for clothing anymore! It’s like I’m a stylist trying to give someone a makeover! I’m not complaining because it’s fun! I’m trying on clothes that I would never have considered in my pre-sleeved life. I got so accustomed to going right into Lane Bryant and the other big girl stores and settling for all the oversized blouses and tent like dresses they offer us. I’m not necessarily ready to shop in a skinny girl store for all my clothing yet, but it’s nice to be able to walk into a “regular” store and have the option to wear some of their clothing and not just the jewelry. I loved to shop before, but now that my options for stores to shop in have doubled, I’m in heaven!!!     On another note, my ass and boobs have left the building. I wasn’t a Dolly Parton Kardashian candidate before, but now my profile looks like that of a door. You gotta see how I’m going after that glute machine in that gym. SMH. Been looking for “booty pop panties” on EBay and Amazon.     New adventures in grocery shopping too! I was never a label reader up until about 2 years ago. Even then I was really only focusing on finding foods that had aspartame in them because I’m trying to stay away from it as much as I can. I would also glance at fiber content, as I like to know that my fam is eating foods rich in fiber. Now I find myself comparing everything to see what has the most protein in it.     I am losing my hair. It’s coming out at the root. It’s my fault though because I’ve been neglecting my vitamin regimen as usual. I know, I know. Gotta get my vitamins in, it's essential to my well being.     I can see my pubes. My stomach hung so low before that it covered my lady parts.     I have gotten comfortable with telling people that I’ve changed my eating habits when they say “What are you doing to lose the weight?”. I tell them that my portions have gotten way smaller, and I’m more aware of what I’m putting in my mouth. I tell them that I’m also going to the gym, trying to get to a healthier place. Who says I have to mention the part about being sleeved?     I sat in the movie theatre with my sons to watch the Chipmunks movie the other day. The seat was comfortable. Its usually to snug and I end up having to scooch my self forward to get out of the seat without bruising my hips. Now, no problem. Will definitely be going to the movies a lot more from now on.     I have to brush my teeth several times a day. I guess since we have to chew our food so much that we’re more susceptible to plaque. I just know that I hate that feeling – the cheesy film that you feel when you run your tongue across your teeth. Instead of twice a day, I’m up to 4 to 5 times for toothbrushing. Flossing is becoming more frequent too.     I have to get my wedding rings sized. They look like hula hoops when I put them on my finger now.     Everytime I see someone who is obese I want to run and tell them about the sleeve.     I’m realizing that since I’ve gotten more accustomed to my sleeve, the less I get on to VST and the less I have to vlog about on Youtube. I now understand why so many people are all in for months at a time, and then they just disappear and return a year later to announce their “surgiversary.” Once life with your sleeve becomes normal, there isn’t much to report.
Sleevie WonderLand

Sleevie WonderLand

7
Fabulous Sasha's Blog
 

First Fill - I Freaked Out!!!

I went in for my first fill today. Everything went wonderfully; however I assumed they were going to just add around .5cc no more than 1 cc to my band considering I am feeling restrictions and my band is closed in the morning and open at night. Well to my surprise she added 2ccs. When she told me how much she added, I really freaked out. I know the nurse thought I was insane. I have read so many blogs about the red zone I was afraid of getting too much, etc. Because I was so hysterical, she then took out .5 ccs. I left and then returned about 15 minutes later as I still didn't feel comfortable and it felt as if I could not swallow my spit (just me being insane). They did the barium test when I returned and everything looks fine. The nurse was in shock because she indicated people usually ask her to put more in and for me to freak out about her putting too much in was a first LOL. Needless to say. I am feeling fine and now laughing about what I did - looking back, it was definitely an embarrassing experience. First time bandsters, reading these blogs are a good thing; but please always take into consideration that every individual is different. Don't take the contents here into the doctors office as I did and look like an idiot.
Fabulous Sasha

Fabulous Sasha

6
KayyyBeee's Blog
 

No Regrets! (well Not Anymore)

October 18th, 2011 was a monumental day in my life. The three months leading up to that date were anxiety filled, and I spent every waking moment on VST and YouTube gathering all the information I could about being sleeved. No matter how much research you do, you're still never fully able to comprehend how much your life will change - in my case for the better.   While in the hospital after being sleeved, things weren't so bad, in fact I was expecting to be in a lot more pain than I actually was. I anticipated that it would be excruciatingly bad, but in comparison to my 3 sections and one natural birth, the pain was minimal. I was able to walk by the second day (very slowly of course) and didn't experience any of the gas issues that people talk about during their experience. Even my nurses and surgeon mentioned how I was doing so well. Physically, I was the ideal post op patient. Mentally however, I was a frickin MESS!   My first couple of days home were a little rocky as I was having issues with my acid reflux meds. The omeperazole they prescribed for me didn't agree with my system, so I had to go on Nexium. No big deal, I had a rough day and a half till we worked that out. But the real issue I had with getting sleeved was the restriction. I knew that I signed up for this surgery because restriction would be the ONLY way that someone like me could ever lose weight and keep it off. I don't have enough will power to stop myself from eating for no reason. Even as a sleeved woman, if there is a piece of food near me I have the urge to eat it - not because I'm hungry, but because its there. With the sleeve though, I have to make a conscious decision before I eat anything or suffer the consequences. Am I willing to eat that food and suffer from "dumping" or feeling overly full for several hours, or even vomiting because it doesn't agree with my new tummy? These are the things that go through my head now before I stuff my face for no reason. My sleeve has made me a conscious eater.   Although the restriction is just what I needed, as you'll see in my previous blogs, I resented this sleeve for not allowing me to be greedy and eat any and everything I wanted. I resented this sleeve because I couldn't just take it back to the store and get my old tummy back. I resented this sleeve because I wasn't in control. I had to do what my sleeve liked. I had to submit to my sleeve and finally after a little over 2 months I can say my sleeve and I are a team. We're in sync. I'm not holding up my end of the bargain as I should with my protein counts, but Im working on it. As long as I keep my sleeve hydrated and give her some stuff to eat every few hours, she's good. No belching, no vomiting, no gurgling, no problems.   I said all this to say that loving my sleeve wasn't necessarily an easy road to get to. Sometimes when you read the posts of those people who have been successful with their sleeve after many months, the "bad" stuff tends to get left out and you're left with these expectations of happy sleevedom and when you do get sleeved you wish you'd never done it. It happened to me. No one told me about the resentment stage and no one told me that I might have buyers remorse in my first few weeks of being sleeved. No one told me that I would feel trapped, and angry, and want to stay in my bed for weeks until it all got better.   I hope this note helps that person out there who is nearing their surgery date - know that the road to recovery may not be easy at first, but when you do get accustomed to your sleeve and new lifestyle it will all be worth it in the end, and you'll be able to pass the info on to the next new sleevester..
Sleevie WonderLand

Sleevie WonderLand

9
legnarevocrednu's Blog
 

Picture Update

Figured I'd post a couple of pictures...they are not good ones at all. I don't think the side shot is accurate. The shirt I'm wearing flows out so it looks like my belly is making it do that, but it's really not lol. I figured I need to keep pictures posted somewhere so I can visualize my progress. Anyway, these pics are me at 225.
legnarevocrednu

legnarevocrednu

3
legnarevocrednu's Blog
 

First Fill!

So I went to the doctors office yesterday for my first fill. Actually, I wasn't sure if I would get a fill or not as I've lost 19 pounds since my surgery. However, I told him I had yet to feel restriction so he gave me a fill anyway. 4 CC's. He had to feel around for my port for a few seconds, I felt a pinch, and then it was over. Painless. It took me about 20 minutes to drink 4 ounces of water though. I could literally feel the water going down which is a really weird feeling. I was told to follow the post op diet, 1 day per stage as tolerated. Last night I had chicken broth and I sipped it slowly and it went down okay. This morning I'm drinking my carnation instant breakfast and it's taking a while. I can DEFINITELY feel a difference. Not that I'm going to be sick. Just that I can feel everything. It's very odd. I'm hoping it passes because not sure how I'll manage real food at this point. Everyone was real happy with my progress. I am too! The band is a wonderful tool! Just gotta work it!
legnarevocrednu

legnarevocrednu

6
A Year of Possibilities
 

Pre-op Day 4: What's This I Feel?

So I made it through my last day of work before taking off for surgery at 8:30 tomorrow morning. However...   All week I've had less energy, but thought it was because I started my liquid pre-op diet. Yesterday I woke up sweating, but thought it was because I accidentally left the heat on when I went to bed. Last night I couldn't get warm, but thought it was because I had turned the heat off during the day and the temperature here in the desert decided to take a dip once the sun went down. This morning I woke up with a not-exactly sore but I think it may be sore left side of the back of my throat, but thought it was because I finally got a decent night's sleep since resuming work after winter break. Now, I'm concerned that I might have a cold.   I don't know if it's a cold. I'm trying to convince myself that it couldn't possibly be a cold because if it is a cold then I won't be able to have surgery in the morning, right? I know I have a thermometer somewhere in my flat, probably the top drawer of my dresser, but who knows if it still works because I never use it because I NEVER get sick! How ironic it would be to get sick for the first time in I don't know how long the DAY BEFORE I go in for surgery.   Maybe it's just nerves.   In other news, I finally stopped by the little chicken man and picked up not one, but two rotisserie chickens to make a giant pot of loveliness. If only I could actually eat the chicken. I dream of eating the chicken, but don't dare do anything that may mess up getting my band tomorrow. Like getting a cold. At least I'm saving all the meat to make awesome chicken salad for when I move onto the mushy stage of my post-op diet. Let's hope that stage comes sooner than later...
meloney

meloney

2
blackanese25's Blog
 

This Week Is Just Not Starting Off Right-- Week 3

Ok so lets start with stats Heighest 270 Surgery: 238.1 Current 223.2 * I actually gained 4 lbs in 3 days* Height 5'7"   So let me start off my saying... BLAH!!!!!!!! OK so here goes.. I thought I was doing really well.. I was going to the gym 5 days a week, staying motivated, drinking all my fluids, and trying my best to stay on the program..   Don't get me wrong im not perfect and I did cheat.. normally I don't regret it because I really work my butt off at the gym, but recently I think because I've been justifying my cheat with a "well ill just work extra hard at the gym" im actually seriously sabatoging my progress. Let me say though funny part is im not cheating my eating foods im not supposed to eat.. but because i work in a bar im having a drink instead.. SO NOT A GOOD THING as im only 3 weeks out of surgery. Why am I telling you this... BECAUSE I AM GOING TO HOLD MYSELF ACCOUNTABLE!   Now here is the kicker... TODAY I WENT TO THE HOSPITAL FOR SEVERE ABDOMINAL PAIN ON THE LEFT SIDE... I was in the ER for 11 hours, and they still have absolutely no idea why i have this pain .. i don't honestly think its because of the alcohol, but it scared me enough to realize that even a small cheat can be DETRIMENTAL to my health.   As of now i am still in a considerable amount of pain, docs did an iodine test to see if i have any leaks and a CT Scan, all which came back normal.. SO why the pain? If anyone has the answer to that... PLEASE LET ME KNOW.   From now on though.. im stickin to the plan cuz one thing i do know.. even though the alcohol may not be causing my ab pain... It sure as hell is contributing to my WEIGHT GAIN! And it is wayyyyyyyyyyyyy to early to be gaining weight! I mean ive heard of the the 3 weeks stall... but the 3 week weight gain.. GET REAL!   So here is my pledge.... I will abide by the rules, i will still hit the gym, and i will hold myself accountable!
blackanese25

blackanese25

5
mars411's Blog
 

2 Weeks And The Drain Is Still In

I had the sleeve on December 20, and after my 1 week post op appt, the doc felt that there was still too much blood in my drain tube and said I had to keep it in another week (sigh). I can't wait to get this out because it is such a pain trying to exercise with this little grenade bumping up against me all the time. I see the doc tomorrow, so I hope he takes it out!   On another note, I have stalled in this second week. I have read that this might occur, so I am hopeful that the cycle will break soon, but it's hard not looking at the scale every day. I lost 10 lbs pre-op and another 10 lbs the week after my surgery, but NOTHING since then! Oh well.
mars411

mars411

1
Smilecharmer's Blog
 

Liquid Diet

Hi, I am new to this site. I have my VSG scheduled 01/18/12. I am just curious what you can eat/drink on a liquid diet. I have read several thing, just curious what everyone else enjoyed on this 2 week journey. Thanks ]
Smilecharmer

Smilecharmer

2
ginajeans' Blog
 

Week Four From The Loser's Bench

Today is Day 28 Post op. I pretty much feel back to normal. My energy has come back and I my incisions feel completely healed. I am supposed to be on clears still. I advanced my diet so I could make it through the long shifts at work. My nutritionist recommended this. I just started out with greek yogurt and refried beans. I also made an egg drop soup which was so delish.   Good news!!! I finally found a protein shake I like, it's the Premier Protein Shake from Costco. Doesn't taste chalky to me at all. I have only tried the chocolate but will try vanilla next time I go. I am getting a little over 60gms of protein a day from the shakes and food. It is a huge relief since I was fearing dealing with a heart condition while being completely bald since I was having such a hard time getting shakes down.   More good news, the scale finally moved. I am down to 225.8 which is a 24.2 lb loss since surgery. I haven't really been exercising since I had zero energy and had been sore. Now that I am feeling better I am going to look into getting a gym membership to hopefully get the weight loss going again.   Overall, I feel more comfortable with my sleeved body. I do occasionally worry that any little twinge I feel near my stomach might be the start of a leak. I am not as apprehensive as I was initially though. I look in the mirror and see my face and body just can't believe how much it has changed at 24lbs. I can't even imagine what I will look like at 100 lbs down. I can't wait!
ginajeans

ginajeans

0
Yanet Lopez's Blog
 

For Women's Only

Im very surprised that no one have asked this question ,have any of you women's had your period during or before surgery? I'm having my surgery done this Friday and I just had my period .
Yanet Lopez

Yanet Lopez

7
Kelly23's Blog
 

Average Weight Loss

Hello everyone   I am a newbie and trying to figure out what I am doing. I had my lap band surgery back in August 2011. Can you tell me what the average weight loss for five months would be? I am hoping I am doing well.   Thanks!!!
Happy days ahead

Happy days ahead

5
shadowstacey's Blog
 

Burping!

Hi everyone...   Ive had lapband surgery on November 12th and ever since then even though I do not drink any fizzy drinks, only water I find I burp all the time.... I never used and sometimes it hurts.   Anyone else experience this?   Thank You   Stacey
shadowstacey

shadowstacey

11
Karrie88's Blog
 

Dear Bandster Hell....you Suck!

Day 19 post-op and I do have to say this thing called "bandster hell" is actually....wait for it....hell. I have actually gained about 5lbs after surgery. Why, YES! I WILL have some sweet and sour chicken with crab ragoon! Oh, your ordering pizza? Yes, I WILL have 2 slices thank you! I do have to say that I haven't had any bread OR soda. Carbs and I just don't get along and the doughy goodness has brought me to where I am now. And even though I would love me some Big Gulp Mt.Dew, I just can't get into that habit again. It's been exactly 30 days (who's counting right?!) since my mouth touched a crisp, yummylishes Mt.Dew bottle but like my ex-friend Carbohydrates, soda just doesn't cut it anymore. SEE YA! Oh and excersise isn't a naughty word anymore. It's only frowned upon now. I still fight with myself every dang day trying to get my wobbly behind out for a walk and I can think of a MILLION reasons why I don't have enough time to take 30 minutes out of my day. My excuses include, but not limited too, "Oh, I need to give our dogs a bath." "I need to rearrange my cubbords", "I need to color cordinate my clothes in my closet." and my favorite, "I can't go for a walk outside! It's too windy/rainly/snowy/sunny/hot/cold/humid out." I'm sure by this time next year I'll be running 5ks and making exercise a priority. But until then, I'm going to throw a hissy fit while I put my shoes, sweat pants, long sleeve shirt, coat, mittens and stocking hat (that are all color cordinated)on and take my wobbly behind (and thighs mind you) out for a walk. Grrrrr!
Karrie88

Karrie88

5

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