Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!
$99 Yearly Supply Alert! 🌈 "1 per Day!" Bariatric Multivitamins

Blogs

FitBANDit's Blog
 

Pre-op Is Boring And Uninteresting

In all my research of banding I have rarely ever watched a pre-op video unless I'd already seen the results of what the person had accomplished before they were banded. I do wonder if they're hopes and fears are like that of my own, or how they got to where they were in weight and how had they struggled with it.   Sigh...   The stories are so unbelievably the same and so are the emotions. There's sadness, depression, pain, sickness, hmmm, it kind of sounds like I'm describing the side effects of a prescription drug HEY with all the med's we fat folks have to take due to obesity related issues I wouldn't be surprised if these emotions actually ARE side effects!   Anywhoo, I'm writing this because I hope to be able to look back in a years time and remember pre-op me. Remember my state of mind and body and think 'Wow, look at how you've changed..' Aaagh to daydream...  
KhadijahRose

KhadijahRose

2
ashash21's Blog
 

What To Bring In??

soo im going to fresno here on dec.16th to meet the doctor , i think its the surgin doc... but its my first time what should i bring in with me ?? i can use alllllllll the info i can get thank u
ashash21

ashash21

5
VSG journey
 

Still New..

Well yall, this is my first post and I just wanted to let everyone know that I'm so excited for this surgery and it can't happen fast enough. I went to my first seminar on 12/07/11 and decided that the gastric sleeve was for me. I have my initial consultation with the surgeon on 12/21/11 and I have no idea how long it will take after that. I'm hoping to have the surgery done by late January-February, but I'm not sure if this is even possible. Let me know how long yall's process took (insurance, appointments, surgery, etc.) and what I should expect. Thanks!   Blessings, Chelsea <3
ncstatebabe

ncstatebabe

5
h0pefullh3art's Blog
 

Less Than 2 Days....

Well Its Sunday. Surgery is at 1045 on Tuesday. I dont have to be there till 915 which is fine by be since Im pretty much still a kid and enjoy sleeping in. Nerves= going crazy, not because of just the surgery but i also have a final exam tomorrow which is very stressful. I kno part of it is because of the surgery because i have always been healthy, just overweight my life. No serious health problems and never been in the hospital other than my nursing clinical rotations for school. So as far as being a patient its going to be a whole new experience for me, which is what is making me the most nervous. For those who have gotten it done already... Did you bring anything to occupy your time, like puzzles, or books?.. or were you on the move a lot n didn't have the time? Im trying to figure out exactly what to pack in my overnight bag. As nervous as I am i still an very anxious and excited to start this new chapter of my life, along with my last semester of nursing school. My goal is by next summer before i turn 23 to meet MY goal weight, the Dr. has it set a bit higher for me because he thinks i would look "sickly" if i weighted what i should for my height. I Have 12 days down of the pre-op diet n when i went out n bought a new scale and weighted myself i couldn't believe i had lost almost 10lbs already , so I made my mom weigh herself as well and she said it was right for her. I know a few days ago i wasn't in the best mind frame, that went away and now I honestly can't wait. Dont know if ill post before surgery or not.   Lastly, Just wanted to say thank you for everyone who has helped support me, give me their knowledge and experiences to see, it has helped tremendously in the start of this life long journey. I was concerned that since i am quite young that people may judge me on this decision, but so far i haven't and it gives me hope that no matter what age you are there are people out there willing to help and accept you and your decisions. Thank you, All of you <3
h0pefullh3art

h0pefullh3art

4
banditmarie's Blog
 

Pre-op Liquid Diet

My surgery date is 12-20-11. I can't wait. This surgery will change my life forever. This being said I'm on day two of this liquid diet. I'm starving!!! I'm a very picky eater. I don't like yogurts, cottage cheese or even soups. I'm living on water, crystal light and protein shakes. Does anyone have any suggestions on how I can get a slight "full" feeling?
banditmarie

banditmarie

6
cdwalters65's Blog
 

Others Comments

I went to church today and I told a few people that I have been doing the liquid diet and had lost 15 poulds already. They siad it you can do that, then why have the surgery. I told them I had tried every diet under the moon, and when you come off of it. You gain it all back plus 10. So I was sticking with this. I guess I need to stick to positive people. My feelings didn't get hurt, I just thought you have no clue!!! LOL
cdwalters65

cdwalters65

5
ashash21's Blog
 

Gasrto Or Lapband??

im wonder what is bettier lapband or gastro bypass ?? and if you go in to meet your surgen to talk about lapband could he jus say gastro bypass is a bettier option ??\
ashash21

ashash21

4
BrownDoesAll's Blog
 

Trip To Red Lobster

Well I'm 5 weeks out, recently started soft diet. Glad to be able to eat "solid" foods and not pureed everything. Of course my first outing is to Red Lobster with out of town family. It was a victory for me. After waiting an hour I was actually hungry,, which is not usually the case. I shared a bowl of clam chowder with my hubby. No drinking during meal is still hard but getting used to it. Its funny telling the waiter.. no thanks nothing to drink for me.. not even water. For diner, I thought to eat from hubby's plate (he's good and lets me do that), but I really wanted grilled shrimp, so I ordered the grilled shrimp and brocolli. Cut up each shrimp into little small pieces and enjoyed!!.. Then becuase we waited so long for a table the manager gave us deserrts on the house. Most deserts in RedLobster is a la mode, so I had a few spoonfuls of icecream and I was totally satisfied and had shrimp for lunch the next few days. I had a great time with family, friends and my sleeve!!
BrownDoesAll

BrownDoesAll

4
manda05's Blog
 

Starting This Journey!

I have chosen to have the lap and surgery after 2 years of contemplating it. I don't know if I was scared or just not ready to change myself. At the highest weight I've ever been, 315lbs., type 2 diabetes since 2007, high blood pressure since 2008, and PCOS since 2007, I HAVE to make a change. I'm only 24 years old and I have my whole life ahead of me, I don't want to lose my life because I didn't get myself healthy. My fiance is unsure of the way my surgery will affect our relationship, and I have pushed our wedding back another year so I can lose as much weight as I can before the wedding.   I am worried about my willpower in the long run of this decision. I just hope I can keep myself strong and stick to the right way to eat.
manda05

manda05

4
Pookeyism's Blog
 

Thought My First Entry Would Be Different...

...perhaps a bit more profound, lol.   I am just feeling like this isn't going to happen. Like something is going to go wrong and all of this will just be wasted. Sooo much emotional energy and effort - and the distraction it has been to my normal activities, all for nothing. I wonder what this is from. I am not this much of a worrier.   I just tell myself that nothing is going to stop it - possibly delay it, but not stop it. I will preservere! Grrrrrrrr! lol...?   Deep breath, all is well, all is well, all is well....
Pookeyism

Pookeyism

8
Best1's Blog
 

Day 1 After Lap Band

First day after surgery and I'm sore. I have sneezed today and boy does that hurt too. I have been up walking around the house but thats about it. Just up and down today. Fluids have been well today. Been keeping track of my intake and output. Breakfast: 2 ounces Nectar Protein Shake 2 ounces Gelatin Drink. Then every 20 minutes eating some ice chips. Lunch: 2 ounces of Broth 2 ounces Propel Zero. More ice chips between. Dinner: 2 ounces protein drink 2 ounces Broth. More ice chips. Able to keep it all down. No nausea today. I have been voiding well too so I must be getting enough fluids. Day 2 tomorrow will probably be about the same. Going to try and include some sugar free popsicles tomorrow to change it up a bit. I got on the chat in here earlier and it was very informative. Looks like Im doing what I should be. Hoping tomorrow will be a less sore day for me. Have a great night!
BB12

BB12

3
brendap's Blog
 

Day 3 Postop

finally some of the soreness has gone away!. I guess I pushed myself up in the hospital bed so much that the backs of my calves were screaming at me! All is well, and i was up and around today. Has hot cider for breakfast, chicken broth for lunch, around 5 I had hot cider and 1/2 cp of chicken noodle soup. I mashed up a few of the noodles and was very careful to make sure that it was small enough to go down. Down 6 pounds in 3 days... yey me! still having trouble getting cold water or jello down though.
brendap

brendap

2
NewLifeToday's Blog
 

7 Days Post-op ... What To Expect Now?

Well, I'm officially one week post op...I'm so sore, I feel like I've been kicked by a mule. I guess being 49 doesn't help either. I'm now trying soft/puree foods along with applesauce etc. . I'm finding it hard to get enough protein in my daily diet. Yes, I'm drinking protein shakes. I really don't care for "Whey" powder mix. Any suggestions at this point?
NewLifeToday

NewLifeToday

3
LUCYCAT's Blog
 

The Nose Knows

“You have such a pretty face….if only you would lose weight.”   I’ve been overweight my entire life. From the time I was a baby until now. My other overweight friends would complain bitterly about being told they had a pretty face, if only they could lose weight. I noticed no one ever told me that.   I chalked it up to the fact that I have a rather unusual personality. People as a general rule do not make observations about my appearance. I have thought perhaps a life time of being overweight has made me a bit prickly and intimidating to my fellow humans.   I’ve lost 50 pounds since my surgery. 65 since the start of the year.   I have discovered the more weight I lose the bigger my nose gets. It is funny; I never noticed the giant Italian snozz that graced my face when I was 260lbs.   I have come to the saddened conclusion that people didn’t tell me I had “such a pretty face”….not because of my personality type…but because I really do not have a pretty face.   I am honestly not sure which is worse. To be a total “B” that people fear- or to just be not very attractive.   The good news is I have bought a pair of size 12 low rise jeans. They are made for someone much younger than me…but I have to admit my butt looks fabulous.   Whenever I catch a man looking at me these days…I have this almost overwhelming urge to yell out- “Wait- don’t look at my face!! Look at my butt! Look at my butt!”
LUCYCAT

LUCYCAT

7
My Life As Liz
 

Yatta!

As of today I am 101LBS down and according to Wii Fit I am no longer obese. I am now over weight. Yatta!   I've gone from a 24/26 (more like 26 but I was kinda in denial and would squeeze in to 24s or not buy anything at all) on bottom, and 18/2x on top down to 16 on bottom (depending on brand and cut) and M - XL on top (I'm M or L at Old Navy, but their cloths seem to run big, XL in juniors, Threadless and Woot shirts.) My boobs have deflated. I just bought a 36D and a 36C at Fredricks. Down from popping out of my Lane Bryant 38/40 D/DD bras. I can still fit into my LB bras but there's a ton of room in the cups. I can fit my whole hand in there. I still have underwear that fits and I just bought some from Avenue on sale that are a little snug, but I'll get into them soon enough. But once those get too big I'll have no idea what to do. I haven't worn non plus sized underwear since I was under 18. My feet have not changed one bit. I was hoping they'd shrink a little. But there's still time. I'm only 3.5 months out.   I would like to thank Kaiser (without them I wouldn't have this amazing tool to help me get where I am and where I am going to be), myself (it's pretty awesome that I've come this far and done all of this on my own (with Kaisers help). I stuck with the meal plan, I changed my habits, I'm doing this. A few years ago I wouldn't have imagined I'd have changed this much), Erica (if she hadn't gotten the R&Y, I wouldn't have known that Kaiser did WLS), Angela (for encouraging me to get back into the program and have the surgery), Jess (my wonderfully supportive boyfriend who loves and encourages me every step of the way, and helps keep me in check when I'm feeling tempted), and all those who have supported me.   At my 3 month post op class the nutritionist gave us an assignment. She said to write down this that have happened that we didn't expect. So I'm going to do that along with a few other things as well.   My facial skin has completely changed. Before it was like an oil tanker capsized on my face. Now I'm hardly oily at all. It's quite nice, but it threw a wrench into my makeup routine until I figured out the best way to adjusted it. At support group they said once the weight loss stops and I am maintaining instead of losing my skin should revert back. Same as how your hair is supposed to grow back.   I hardly sweat anymore. That is very nice. I wasn't expecting that at all.   I was expecting to be cold but not this cold. I can wear leggings, pants, 2 pairs of socks, boots, a tank top, regular top, a fleece pullover (the old navy kind) and a hoodie and still be cold. Now that's crazy. Inside I'm usually ok except for at work where I'm layered on bottom as listed above, but only have a tank and a top on on top.   Before surgery I thought I'd be more thrilled to get to different mile stones. Now I'm just like, 'woohoo... now moving right along.' I thought I'd be more bitter. I'm glad I'm not.   Exercising doesn't suck as much as it used to. I can do it easier now and enjoy it and feel less self concious doing it. Now getting motivated enough to actually do it is still a challenge. But I did go to the gym the past 2 days and today I did Wii Fit.   Speaking of exercising, I don't need to use my inhaler much anymore while exercising. Which is nice since I always forget to bring it with me.   Jess can pick me up without killing himself!! I can sit on his lap without killing him. When he hugs me he can touch his elbows. SO AWESOME!   Sex is weird. I think I'm having hormonal issues, I need to contact my ob. But it's easier to do now.   In general I hurt less. I can wear my boots all day at work and my feet are fine. I couldn't do that before. My back hardly hurts anymore. It's been sore lately because I've started working out, but nothing like it would have been before. I'm less sore at work too.   Right before surgery I was able to move my seat in my car higher up. And a couple months ago I was able to move my steering wheel down a notch, and I moved my seat forward.   I feel like there are more things I'm forgetting, but this will do for now.   ~Liz
My Life as Liz

My Life as Liz

1
new chapter in life's Blog
 

Bought A Scale Today!

I actually did it!! I voluntarily bought a new scale today...wow!! thats a big change right there. According to my new "friend", I am down 12 lbs since I started my pre-op diet on turkey day & had my surgery 12/6. Im pretty pleased with that! I made it to the gym--only did 30 mins on the treadmill, but it really makes a difference in how I feel. Started my pureed food diet----I did chicken w/mayo & seasonings--turned out like a pate---not too bad!! 3 tblsp each meal---I can do this! I have a long journey ahead of me---but when I look back to when I started this past April, this time seemed like it would never come. At times I feel slightly loser-ish that I had to have surgery just to lose weight----but I couldnt stick to a diet & I didnt want to continue down this path. So for now, Im just telling people that I had hernia repair surgery (which I did!) & its none of their business.
new chapter in life

new chapter in life

1
MsKelly's Blog
 

3 Week Surgiversary

So today is my 3 week surgiversary. I have lost 22 pounds and have gone down one jean size so far. I am still eating soups and yogurts because of the tight feeling I get when I try to eat anything thicker. I have really started to want a glass of wine. Just to relax some nights. But Im scared. Everything I read says 3 months or more.   Socially it has been weird too. Some people ask why Im not drinking alcohol anymore or at a meeting when lunch is served, I have to make excuses. One friend always declares how bad something tastes in my presence as to make me feel better about not being able to eat whatever she's eating. So there has been lots to get used to but at night when I get home and I see how nicely my cheek bones are becoming defined, I don't care about the excuses or the giant chocolate chip cookie I wasn't able to enjoy.   I had my surgery in Monterrey, Mexico. I live (because of work) in Mexico City. I will be going home (to Chicago) in a week to see my family for the first time since the surgery. I know they are going to look me up and down for changes. Hopefully, they can see them right away. I fear hearing...you look the same.   Anyway, these are just my random thoughts I have been having. Stuff I don't bother telling my friends because the novelty of my surgery and it's little issues has worn off for them.   Happy holidays all!!
MsKelly

MsKelly

2
putasleeveonit's Blog
 

Ups And Downs

(Don't read this if the mention of food triggers you...)   Tomorrow, I will be 9 weeks post op. I've experienced a lot of ups and downs since getting the surgery...   Right now, I'm under a LOT of pressure. One of my best friends is getting married in February, and instead of getting measured for my dress in person, I told them to order my dress in size 10! Mind you, I began my journey at size 16/18.   I expected that by next February, I would be at least 45 lbs lighter than my pre-surgery weight; and in the past, I wore a size 10 at that weight. So I'm really worried about screwing up things by not being able to fit in the dress.   Of course, whenever I feel stressed, my inner saboteur emerges. I've tested the limits of my sleeve in astonishing ways. I'm ashamed that I reverted to certain behaviors so soon after surgery. For many days, I've felt like a complete failure--like I had myself chopped up for no reason.   I learned that my sleeve can tolerate just about anything. Prior to surgery, I was hoping it would stop me from eating most foods, especially the ones I like. Unfortunately, that is not the case. The one thing I haven't tried yet is bread, but I've tried pies, desserts, ice cream, and even pasta!   After feeling sorry for myself for a few days, I decided to pick myself up and try again. Unlike before surgery, the damage from my trysts with junk food was minimal--although I'm sure my momentum was thrown off quite a bit.   The first thing I had to do was hide my scale for a while. For some reason, I get thrown off--regardless of what the scale says, good or bad. So I took a break from the scale.   Secondly, I had to remind myself that everyone warned that WLS required work. People worked their butts off to get to goal. It wasn't going to come easy. So with that in mind, I've cleaned up my act. It's only been a few days, but I feel really motivated and I'm avoiding traps that have taken me off track in the past.   The thing is, I know I'm impatient, but the popular way of eating to get the goal around here didn't seem to be working for me (Atkins style eating with 60g protein/less than 30g of carbs). Maybe I just needed to give it a few days, but the stalls sent me spiraling out of control. I ended up having to modify my plan to low calorie, low fat, low carb, high protein. I know that way of eating is controversial, but it works for me and I'm taking the proper precautions (potassium supplement every few days, vitamins, and plenty of fluids). I hate that it feels like I'm on another crazy diet, but at the same time, it takes a lot just to get in the little bit that I eat. I couldn't eat more even if I wanted to while on this plan (for me it's an either or thing---either I'm all on plan, or completely off with no concerns for protein intake).   At some point soon, I will have to get counseling. I've been putting it off. The woman I want to see is also a hypnotherapist... I don't think counseling alone will be enough.   OK, I'm done blabbing for now!
putasleeveonit

putasleeveonit

6
jennilamb007's Blog
 

I Have Lost 5 Pounds So Far

I have been on the pre-surgery Optifast 800 liquid diet for 3 days and so far I have lost 5 pounds. Being the third day today I have been struggling, but getting on the scale and seeing that drop has renewed me and I CAN DO THIS. So, while everyone at work is eating popcorn, chocolates and so forth, I am happily munching on my sugar free strawberry jello and thinking happy thoughts of this 5 pound loss and my surgery date on December 22nd. 2012 is going to be a great year.   Take care, Jen
jennilamb007

jennilamb007

5
kath109's Blog
 

Post Op -- So Excited To Be Working On This Last Piece Missing From My Puzzle :)

Well, closing out post op day #4 and doing really well. Haven't needed to take the pain meds much at all; no nausea or vomiting at all, passing gas without problem and today I had first bowel movement -- so all in all I feel so fortunate to be recuperating so well.   I have so much to be thanful for - a wonderful husband and 3 incredible children; a successful career and a comfortable lifestyle. I have had it all for so long and yet ....I was eating myself to death. Why? I have spent years trying to understand why and have yet to find the answer but I did finally reach the point of clarity where I saw that the reason is not as important if y desire to overcome it is strong enough. And that desire has become overwhelmingly strong   This surgery is giving me the opportunity to put that last puzzle piece in place -- the healthy me piece!! I have a long road to go but I am confident and will work to be patient with myself. Some back ground:   In March 2011 my orthopedist said I needed a Total Knee Replacement but he would not perform the surgery at my weight (298-300lbs). He asked me if I ever considered weight loss surgery and I was shocked...I assumed reputable docs would consider weigth loss surgery drastic and dangerous (I knew NOTHING about it yet had a stereotypical view of it). I left the office and we started researching. I say "we" because my husband was in same boat I was in except for the knee issues - but he had many other medical issues to warrant it.   In April 2011 we went to the 1st mandatory Info Session with the surgeon in my area and that began our ride. For the next 7 months we took every step we were supposed to and secured the approvals.   Nov 7, 2011 - my husband had his lapband placement   Dec 5 2011 - I had my lapband placement   We are both so excited. This has become something that has bonded us in a way I never would have imagined possible. I can't wait to see our successes -- to set the stage for us to be around to enjoy our lives together -- to watch our kids get married and have children, to travel, to be active and enjoying life to the fullest.   To date hubby has lost over 30 lbs and I am down a total of 18 using my highest weight of 300 from this summer. I know there will be ups and downs as we progress and that is why I am on this site....I have been reading entries for some time now and it gave me so much support just to read of the successes (and struggles) of others and to see the support everyone has to offer each other.   I feel like this is the missing puzzle piece I have been searching for!   Kath
kath109

kath109

2
Pats Fan in MA's Blog
 

So I Never Followed Up Here After Surgery...because I Didn't Want To Scare People

Okay, It's December 9. One month to the day when I was scheduled for my Lap Band surgery.   While I didn't lose much weight on the 2 week pre-op diet (only 6 pounds!), it did get much easier. By Day Four I had none of the hunger I'd been feeling on the previous few days and I wasn't cranky. I dealt with those feelings by going to bed early- nice perk to not having kids! I stayed at just around 1000 calories, flew down to South Carolina to shoot a friend's wedding, had no cigarettes (I will fall back into old tendencies when I'm around friends who smoke:() I had no alcohol, and brought all of my shakes and protein bars with me. I even worked out in the hotel gym- I've never done that!! My one transgression was a small slice of wedding cake and I knew I'd be okay being almost to surgery day and knowing how compliant I'd been.   I was so busy in the ten days leading up to surgery I didn't allow myself time to be nervous. I packed my overnight bag, got my paperwork and healthcare proxy together, showered with the special soap and went to bed.   The next morning E (my sig other) drove me to the hospital at 7:30. My surgery was scheduled for 9:30. They got me into the recovery area and gave me a gown to put on and I got on the bed/gurney and they brought me a warm blanket. I forgot about those! The only other time I'd been to the hospital was a few years ago when I had a kidney stone. I got to the ER and they put me in a similar type of room, and that warm blanket was like the comfort of a mom. I was glad they brought me one this time as it was a little chilly, and I'd forgotten how soothing it is!   E was looking very nervous and I reassured him everything would be fine. Cindy, my nurse, put the IV port in my arm and took my blood pressure and did some other things. Even though it was two hours between arrival and surgery time, it all went so quickly. The anesthesiologist came by to introduce himself and explain what he'd be doing, Dr. Schneider (my surgeon) came by to say hello and before I knew it I was about to be whisked away to the OR. Before they took my bag and locked it in a locker for safe keeping, I remembered to put on the lip balm!   They had given me some kind of sedative because I remember being really relaxed as I entered the ER, and there was the anesthesiologist with a mask he put over my mouth and nose and asked me to take a couple of deep breaths. I took the very deepest breaths I could and the last thing I remember is him saying "wow, I don't think I could take a breath that deep!"   Of course, what seemed like seconds later, I was back in recovery with my nurse Cindy. The first thing that came to mind as I was coming to was, "Did they put it in? What happened?" and then being a little freaked out because I couldn't breathe- that would be the breathing tube. I gestured wildly about the tube and they pulled it out, which was quick. It was a little scary waking up with that thing in my throat!   I had a weird feeling. I felt like something had gone wrong. Then again, I'm all messed up on drugs so what do I know? Cindy touched my arm and told me there was a complication and the surgeon would be by to talk to me about it. I asked if they didn't do it and she confirmed they didn't.   I am woozy, confused, and now terribly disappointed and weepy. What the hell happened? (and how did I kind of know it even though I was under anesthesia- weird)   Well...   I flatlined on the operating table. Asystolic. For 30 seconds "give or take", according to Dr. Schneider. Poor E. He got a text from the surgeon about what happened and while they successfully "brought me back", he was still freaked out, sitting in that waiting room. They brought him down and I asked him what happened and he just told me everything would be fine. HE, did not look fine!   Dr.Schneider came soon after that. He sighed, smiled, and said "You gave us a bit of a scare there! But you gave the observing interns a good show!" He explained that they had just started; made the incisions, filling abdomen with CO2, when my heart rate kept dropping....and dropping....until nothing. They gave me Atropine and Dr.Schneider did the chest compressions to get the drug moving through my veins to my heart so it would start working. As I said, he did this for about 30 seconds until my heart began beating again. (Phew, right?!)   At that point they made the decision to not continue with the surgery, even though he said they could have. He decided to err on the side of caution as he did not know why my body did this, and wanted to rule out any cardiovascular abnormalities, etc. and felt that was the safest thing to do. As he explained all this to me it I felt enormously relieved that a.) I was still here! and b.) I had a surgeon who made good decisions. E was on the verge of tears thanking him for the job he did. My hospital is a teaching hospital affiliated with Harvard Medical School, so they had a cardiovascular team including several fellows review the "tape" (your heart rate readout throughout the procedure), the reports and asked me numerous questions about my family history, any heart issues in the past, etc. I have a family history of heart disease, but I know my heart is healthy because I've had lab tests, tests for arrhythmia/murmurs, and an ultrasound of my heart a couple of years ago when I was worried I was having a heart attack (turned out to be GERD) and all tests showed I have a healthy, normal heart.   I was kept in the Recovery Unit for several hours while all this was going on and the more I came to, the more I wish they had moved me to a room; there were people all around me (some I could see because they were across from me as opposed to on the other side of a curtain) being wheeled in and out for surgeries, coming back, waking up and retching into pans....it was a little crazy. Cindy took excellent care of me and gave me sponges on sticks to suck on, then later ice chips. E sat with me until I told him eventually to go home and get some rest and let the dog out. I didn't get taken up to a room until after 6 pm.   They kept a heart monitor on me all night that was hooked up to the nurses' station and was recording. In the morning the team reviewed it and found nothing abnormal. When the surgeon came in to visit me, he asked me a bunch of questions about fainting: Do I faint easily or often? Do I get light-headed and feel like I'm going to faint but don't? When and why have I fainted in the past?   Well, I did have a few episodes this past summer come to think of it. I felt super lightheaded and came really close to passing out. Couldn't put a finger on why, so I kind of just brushed it off. This happened on three different occasions this summer. I also fainted from the kidney stone episode (the pain was brutal and I think I passed out from that), and before that, when I broke my leg/ankle and when I got sun poisoning as a kid.   Their conclusion was that I had what they call a "Vasovagal Response". Huh? Apparently the Vagus Nerve is a major nerve that runs from the brain to the abdomen. Among other functions, it contributes to regulating the heart rate, and can react to a trauma, such as (though I was unaware of it) the pain caused from cutting into my stomach wall. It also may have happened when they tilted the table. My surgeon said I was his first patient to do that, but statistically it happens in about 1 in 300 patients. I don't understand it fully, but they did say I would still be able to have the surgery, and that they would plan for it this time. My understanding is they are going to raise my heart rate before beginning the surgery to compensate for the drop that will likely happen again. It may even drop to zero again (I really hope not), and they've assured me they will be prepared for that and once my heart rate is stable they will follow through with the banding.   It was such a disappointment to be sure. It was also a major inconvenience as I left my contract job to have the surgery, thinking I would be ready to work again at the beginning of December. Now I am not having the surgery until 12/21 and I did not plan on that financially. I had chest bruising from the chest compressions and the three incisions to heal from- all that pain and nausea and no band to show for it! I also will be banded right before the holidays and while this kind of makes me a little depressed that Christmas won't be the same at all (I mean, I'm going to feel pretty crappy and I can't have even one cookie!) But I suppose this is trial by fire: I've always cooked up a storm and ate whatever I've wanted (and drank too much!) during the holidays, and I'm going to have to learn what it means to enjoy traditions without the food element.   The few people I've told about the surgery have been more freaked out than me about what happened. I think they think I'm a little crazy for rescheduling and trying again. But I have to make this decision rationally, not emotionally. I trust my surgeon. He was an ER surgeon for years before becoming a bariatric surgeon, and he's done hundreds of Lap Band surgeries. I live in Boston, where some of the best hospitals in the country are. I've done my due diligence and I'm not turning back now. And you know what? **** happens. I could get hit by a bus tomorrow. With all the information I've been given I know I'm being smart about my decision.   I am still at the weight I was at a week after surgery. I think the fact that I've maintained is pretty good. I could have had a good month of getting in those last suppers! They told me my liver looked great, and since I haven't gained any weight, I am doing the preop diet for only one week this time. I already shrunk my liver so I'll be doing it to get my mind in the game and to lose some motivational pounds.   Am I scared this time around? A little...well, definitely more anxious. I was so calm and collected going in on November 9. I had no idea what could happen back then! But I am determined to be happy, healthy and live up to my potential. I've spent too long being uncomfortable, unhappy and knowing there was a better life out there for me, and have come too close to give up now!
Pats Fan in MA

Pats Fan in MA

7
Matt Z's Blog
 

Week 3 Post-op Wrap Up

So today is the end of my 3rd week. Saw the doc on monday and her scale said I was 321.6. Not sure exactly how my medical scale (with weights and slide) compares to her digital one. The 321.6 was weighed with shoes and all, so I don't know. I haven't weighed myself today because I returned to work. So lets start the weekly break down.   Physical: I've noticed a very large increase in energy. To the point where my wife is getting very happy because I'm doing stuff around the house, not just sitting there tired. I've had the energy to move around and get stuff cleaned up and what not. I can take a flight of stairs with no issues whereas just 6 short months ago it would have winded me. I actually took the 2 flights of stairs to my appointment rather than take the elevator. I started to "feel" the stairs at the 1.5 flight mark. It slowed my pace down, but It didn't take all the wind out of me or put me into a sweat, which was a huge NSV for me. I used to be a VERY active person, always on the go and wanting to do stuff, I could walk forever. I'm happy to see that I'm getting back to that. My pants are not fitting anymore, I used to wear my pants under my gut, now I can't if I do that they fall down, so I've been resorting to wearing them around my actual waist up on my gut over my bellybutton. The only side effect is that now when I walk too far, my underwear falls off my butt! More funny than anything else, my own personal inside joke. My sex life has greatly increased as well, the energy and stamina I have now are getting noticed lol. The downs, I have to wait until the 28th to get my fill and I've been hungry often and if I chew properly I can get anything down in larger amounts than I would really like. I've been doing good with my calorie intake and burn, averaging a 3550 daily burn with a 1170 intake. So I'm tossing 2380 calories out the window each day on average or 1 pound of body fat every 1.4 days. Not too shabby, I guess we'll see how well I'm doing when I weigh in later today.   Emotional: I'm feeling SO much better emotionally for the most part. The being stuck in bandster hell has put a damper on my spirits a bit, but I've been keeping things in check with my food log and trackers. I just have to stay strong and tough it out. I'm glad to be back at work. My wife has been extremely happy lately and that is just making things so much better overall at home. I have felt slightly defeated when I stepped on the scale and saw a weight higher than what I had the week before, but when I checked at home, I was the same weight as the week before, so I'm not going to focus so much on the numbers right now, I'm going to keep things in perspective, I'm just starting out and even at a mere 2 lbs a week, that's 110 lbs in the year. I can deal with that. I've actually wanted to exercise more. I take the long way to the rest room at work and even started taking the stairs down a floor than back up on my way to or from the rest room. It's been a icky week weather wise, so I haven't been able to get out and do some walking but I'm finding other ways to make sure I keep my burn rate up.   Other: My boys are starting to show some weight loss, even though they are not specifically on a diet which is fantastic. My wife is smiling and happy both for me and about my overall increase in spirits and health. Things have been getting better each day and I love it.   Now I did get stuck the other day and I'm sort of glad I did. I was eating an orange (LOVE ORANGES!) at work and I went to bite a piece off a section of 3 lobes that were stuck together, I went to seperate 1 half of a lobe when the whole 3 lobe section broke in half in a way that sent it straight to the back of my throat and my bodies automatic response was to swallow. I freaked a bit, but when I didn't feel anything, I figured that it was small enough or soft enough to pass through my totally unrestricted stomach. I waited a few minutes knowing from reading that I might have to let it back up so I preped for the run to the rest room. Nothing. So I finished my orange. A good 10 -15 minutes AFTER finishing the orange I felt this odd sensation of food moving back upwards, not the contraction like a purge, just stuff trying to work it's way back up. I tried to burp, no burp. I sipped some water, stood up, put my hands on my head and walked around a bit, nothing, the feeling was still there. I sipped a bit more water and it was very hard to get down my throat, this triggered the feeling of needing to purge, still no contractions. I bolted to the rest room, took the handicapped stall and stood so that my stomach was above my mouth and I just let the food work it's way back up with no assistance on my part, it was very odd, I knew not to enduce a purge reaction for risk of causing damage to the only 2.5 week old surgery, I did have 2 instances of purge contractions, but I quickly forced them to stop, I got a good amount of orange, but not the piece that caused the problems. I was producing lots of saliva, but after the pieces came up, I didn't have the purge feeling or the uncomfortable "moving up" feeling, I still felt odd/sick the rest of the day, I drank a bit more water and it went down but slowly. So I kept it liquids for the rest of the day and was feeling fine the next day. Some have asked "why are you happy that it happened?" the answer is pretty easy, with any fears, you don't know what exactly is going to happen, now I know, I know why it happened, I know how to prevent it from happening again and I know that in the off chance it does happen again, exactly what to do. Plus, I really do not want to repeat that feeling ever again. So that little negative reinforcement is a good thing.   I will update my weight (good or bad) later when I can weigh in.   Until then, Thank you for reading, I look forwards to reading your replies and comments and STAY STRONG!   ***UPDATE*** Weighed in at 316. w00t!
Matt Z

Matt Z

2
brendap's Blog
 

Day 1 Post Op

Banded day before yesterday, and yesterday the nurse said it was still considered day 0 since I was still in the hospital. So today is day one. Ooooo doggie, my tummie hurts this morning from my incision and its just a rumblin and grimblin in there. Still, I got up and cooked my husband breakfast which consisted of scrambled eggs with ham and I am sipping on my hot apple cider. I know it has 80 calories in it, but it really goes down easy and help with my pain. I am going to try to walk a little at the gym today. Hope everyone has a great Friday!
brendap

brendap

1

PatchAid Vitamin Patches

Bariatric Forums

For Patients

Health Professionals

Search Surgeons

Bariatric Surgeons: Want to research a weight loss surgery surgeon? Enter their last name below to start!

×