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LilMissDiva's Corner
 

From: Weight Loss Surgery DO's and DON'Ts

WLS Do’s and Don’ts     DO remove the word ONLY from your vocabulary. Ex: I’ve ONLY lost 10 Lbs in 2 weeks… Now let’s look at this again without the word ONLY: I’ve lost 10 Lbs in 2 weeks!! See what I mean? Perception is reality folks!!   DON’T assume you’ll never eat all of your favorite foods again. This is just an excuse your brain has designed to allow you to indulge. You WILL eat all your favorites again someday, just much less but find it to me more enjoyable. Which leads directly into the next:   DON’T do the “last meal” syndrome. You will only sabotage your weight loss you might have pre-surgery or set you back further from your ultimate goal post-op. This surgery is very serious and is for the serious minded. Use this time wisely to get the feeling of how life might be like post op.   DO learn all of the rules pre-op that you will endure post-op. Such as, no drinking with meals, using smaller utensils and plates, engaging in some type of workout routine, limiting your sugar and sodium intake, joining as many WLS support groups as you can.   DO celebrate every single pound lost! Imagine one pound of butter. Yeah… that’s gone from your body forever. It is noteworthy and worth every bit of a pat on the back as any others that may go along with it.   DON’T compare your successes and losses to others. Chances are very high that you will only come out on the short end and only find yourself disappointed. Everyone’s journeys are their own…   DO keep track of your losses in many different ways than just the scale! Examples:   DO keep one set of your largest clothes you’ve ever worn. Make it a point to try them on, especially when you’re having a down moment. You will find this will really pick up your spirits! This is a real rollercoaster of a ride, and anything that will keep you positive is what you should do!   DON'T keep any other fat clothes around. Get rid of them ASAP. You're never going to fit them again, right? So... off to donations they go. DO take photos of yourself just before your surgery. Keep them close. Again, having a bad day? Look at them and compare them. As a matter of fact, take photos of yourself often. You will also find that the more you lose, the more you will want to take pictures. Nothing wrong with that!!! That goes with celebrating your losses.   DO take measurements of yourself often. Keeping track of all your inches lost will really keep you on the right track when your scale is being stubborn!!   DO reward yourself every time you hit a mini goal. Make some more worthy than others. I like to go shopping when I hit a goal, it is my favorite thing to do now. DON’T let the scale define you. Great majority of us will endure many fluctuations and stalls in this journey. It is what it is… patience is the key here. Meditate and envision yourself months down the road at your goal. Smile, then move on!!   DO find out about measuring body fat! It’s more than just weight loss, FAT LOSS is the real goal here. Keep in mind that the BMI scale is greatly inaccurate and most Health Studies do prove this. According to the American Council on Exercise (ACE) our body fat % ranges should be average: 25-31% for Women and 18-24% for men. Any higher is considered obese. However it does go more in depth, according to ages and more. Everyone has different genetic make ups, frame sizes and fitness levels... even a different ethnicity can post differences.   DO have many goals in sight. Having only one, especially a simple weight goal you will find can be difficult. Have many MINI goals along your journey, and more than just ones that involve the scale. Such as, clothing size goals, body fat% goals, fitness or workout goals, dietary goals, etc…   DO challenge yourself always!! Whether it’s a global challenge with others, or personal challenges... It will keep you motivated and always willing to go further than you ever thought you could!   DO have a mentor! Find someone that you can trust and confide in, and that you know has “been there”. Preferably someone you know in person. You will find many folks in your life who have been there, for obesity is worldwide now and there are so many who have been able to defeat this demon. It’s not easy! It quite literally is the toughest feat I’ve ever had to endure. I can say this too, my job will never be done. This is for life!   And finally…   DON’T ever beat yourself up! We all make mistakes, and dare I say not one person on this Earth is perfect. I try hard to be, no doubt! I always admit that I’m a perfectionist – but I’m far from perfect. I just try to be… The only thing you can do is pick yourself up, give yourself a pep talk, perhaps contact your mentor for reassurance and move on!!! Again, this is for life. Every day you wake up is a second chance.   DON’T EVER GIVE UP. I don’t think any explanation is necessary here.     Good luck to all of you. This journey is a tough one, but if you are here, then you believed in yourself enough to give yourself the life you’ve always dreamed of. YOU WILL BE successful. Always keep that in mind.     Source: Weight Loss Surgery DO's and DON'Ts
LilMissDiva Irene

LilMissDiva Irene

3
Blog 74571
 

August 19, 2011

I can't believe I haven't "officially" been back on this site sooner. Life has been busy. Shortly, after my surgery my mom took a turn for the worse and until May 12, 2011. My days were work, family and mom. Taking care of her was one of the hardest things I have ever done. Watching a loved one suffer is heart wrenching. My life was consumed and now since she is dancing with the angels I am slowly trying to put my world back together. The empty space in time and in my heart haven't been so easy on the new lapband life and I admit that I could have done better but I'm back. I've lost 80 pounds as of today and would like to lose another 40. One foot in front of the other - one day at a time.   I can't figure out the new site so for all of those July 2010 bandsters and my friends. I send you love and good wishes.   The reality of all of this process is about love - self love and then our love for one another. Say it often.   Blessings! Elizabeth
EEE3

EEE3

2
PhatGurl80's Blog
 

A Fresh Look....

So August was definitely not a great month. Dreams of being sleeved on August 11th quickly faded with the death of my grandmother... 10 days later, an uncle died. Luckily getting surgery in Mexico is very flexible because I was able to call my coordinator (and since I am paid in full), she was able to reschedule me for September 14th. Things didn't go as planned this month, but i'm looking at this chain of events in a different light. I am a firm believer that things happen for a reason so there must have been a reason the powers that be kept me from leaving the country when I did. I have accepted that and made peace with that. Days before my scheduled surgery I was freaking out and worried that I hadn't done enough pre-op, but now I have an extra month to kick myself into high gear and start doing that things that will help make for smooher surgery. I've continue to drink my protein shakes for breaksfast and lunch. I continue to drink loads of fluids (mainly water) every chance I get. I've been walking more and soon, I think i might start up some Yoga classes for the next 3 weeks. (I bought a 30 day pass off Groupon for only $20!) So, I feel pretty good right now.... Anxiety has decreased to a more manageable level and the change in date even allowed for my fiance to take the trip. Originally he wasn't able to come with me.   Now, the only other thing I need to do is do my grocery shopping for Post-op dieting and I'm all set...   Wish me luck everyone!
PhatGurl80

PhatGurl80

5
PhatGurl80's Blog
 

Sad that you had to go...

My original date was August 11th however a few days before leaving for Mexico, my grandmother passed away in her sleep while at a nursing facility. She's my mother's mother and the center of the family. Last year, living alone, she suffered a terrible accident while getting out of the shower which caused massive head trauma. That, led to two strokes back to back after going through surgery on her head/brain. But, she was so strong she didn't let that take her away from us a whole year ago. Surgery after surgery, infection after infection, she still prevailed. Left unable to talk and move, we still saw the emotion in her face every time we went to visit her at her bedside. My grandmother, the strongest woman I've ever known. She passed away at 9:30pm on a Saturday. She had a few visitors from the family through out the day. But by this time, everyone had left and it was just her, the nurses, and God. No infections were plaguing her...no irregularity of her vitals... She simply made a decision that it was time to go and be among the angels. The Dr's could give no reason that her heart stopped beating...only that it did. Although I am so painfully missing her and saddened by her loss, I can't help to think that once again, her decision to leave this earth was for all of us. She was telling us all to get back to living our lives, take care of your families, be at peace. With that thought and the fact that hers is the blood that runs through my veins, gives me comfort.   I love Grandma.   Ruthie Mae Benjamin - 6 children, 14 Grandchildren, 5 Great grandchildren Sunrise 02-20-1945 Sunset 08-06-2011    
PhatGurl80

PhatGurl80

0
NJGirl32's Blog
 

Last Days of Summer and Temptations!

The last 2 weeks of August are goingto be tough! I just came back from Atlantic City (2 nights) and I did pretty good -not great but I okay. We had free passes to buffets. I don't like buffets-all the food tastes the same and I hate eating all the combinations at once so I did pretty good-except dessert wise.   This weekend I am goingto my grade school reunion with my BFF down the shore. We don't get together too often so it will be a girl's weekend away! There wil be drinking-that I know. I only see her about 3-4 times a year and we are way overdue.   On a positive note I have been working out 4 times a week and I did the treadmill for 4 miles today 60 minutes! Woo Hoo! That's a big accomplishment for me.   Monday I have a doctor's appointment for a fill. I have 3.5ccs and I am really hopingto get another.5cc -I just feel like I really need it prior to going on my cruise next week. I just feel like I could use a little more help from the band. I really did go back and forth with my decision. The doctor might not do it since it would have only been 11 days since my last one (which did absolytely nothing). So I'll give it a shot and see what he says.   September will be a much better month for me. I will be back to work (teacher) and be back on a routine. September will be less festivities too and I feel like I will be better diet-wise. I would really LOVE to be in Onderland by the end of October-we'll see.   One thing I do know for sure is that joining the gym is the best decision I have made. Don't get me wrong-I hate going-but I feel so much better after I go. I have more energy and I am noticing that my size 18's are getting looser on me! I even squeeze my ass into a size 16 suit-tight but loaded and locked!! lol   So tomorrow if my grade school reunion-last time I went (2 years ago) I was almost 40 pounds heavier. I feel a little more sexier now and more confident too. I am even looking forward to getting on the airplane for New Orleans next week-I know the seatbelt won't be as big of a stresser for me!   Have a great week in Bandland!! I'll let you know how my Monday appointment goes and my reunion!!
NJGirl32

NJGirl32

0
Charmane's Blog
 

How I got here....

I have been in this forum for a couple of months and I am finally having my consult with my doctor on August 29th. To be honest I can not wait to get this started. All my life I have been a yoyo dieter and in the end the results are always the same, lose weight only to gain it back plus more. Growing up we were taught that you must clean your plate, so if you took too much you were made to eat it. Even though I am an adult now it is hard to break that habit. It seems my mother always had us on a diet growing up but she didn't know any better and would cut us back on our food intake or try one of the fads diets that were always prone to failure. I have tried exercise and lifestyle changes only to lose a few pounds and get frustrated, until I heard about the Lap Band. My husband is also very overweight and has sleep apnea, his doctors told him about a year ago that he should look in to the Lap but he put it off. Well we aren't getting any younger and to be honest I do not want to be my parents. In their 70's and on more medicines that I can count on one hand. I am almost 50 and I can feel the effect my weight is having on my feet and knees, I feel I am to young to feel this old... LOL... Well 6 years ago hubby and I quit smoking together and we really want to do this together. We are each others support but haven't told anyone that we are checking in to the Lap. I believe that he will have not problems being approved for the surgery because of his health problems but I am just over the 40 BMI and don't really have serious health problems. So I am hoping that the insurance approves me. We have BCBS of New York. So if anyone has an information about that insurance to offer it will be greatly appriecated. I am so looking forward to starting our new lives together.
CharmaneFischer

CharmaneFischer

0
Rizzi1120's Blog
 

Starting over

Hello All i have had the surgery a few years ago, and needless to say I have gained my weight back since i didn't go to the doctor to get a adjustment on a regular basis my word of advise is please if you feel you can eat everything and then some its time to get a adjustment. Well now since i finally got an adjustment I am on liquid diet for two weeks i was wondering once i get back back on my regiment what meal plan can anyone share with me so i can do this the correct way again???    
rizzikk

rizzikk

4
Blog
 

Seminar Day

Today was a pretty amazing day. I attended a weight loss surgery seminar hosted by the surgeons of KMC Bariatrics group. I went into the seminar, (which is a requirement before scheduling an initial consult with the surgeon) with a negative mindset, thinking that there would be nothing further for me to learn about the surgical options. I was kind of impressed by the questions that were asked by the audience, and some of them I never would have thought to ask. I was expecting to be off work for 4 weeks minimum, however the answer to that question was 1-2 weeks. I am a registered nurse and my job can be kind of strenuous at times so that was great information. I also wasn't expecting to stay in the hospital for 2-3 days, I just assumed it would be overnight. The other thing that I was surprised about is there is no pre-op diet. My next step is finding out what is required by my insurance company for approval!
riggsrn

riggsrn

0
Shonda7911's Blog
 

STRESS

HELLO, HOW IS EVERYONE? WILL FOR ME I AM STRESSED ? MY OLDEST DAUGHTER IS LEAEEN WITHOUT MY LEAVING FOR KANSAS ON SATURDAY. I HAVE NEVER E BEEN WITHOUT MY CHILDERN. I AM HAPPY FOR HER AND THANK GOD THAT HE GRANTED HER WITH A SCHOLORSHIP . TO PLAY BASKETBALL FOR GARDEN COMMUNITY COLLAGE. I DID EXERCISE ON SUNDAY AND MONDAY BUT HAVE NOT DONE NOTHING BUT TRY AND GET HER READY FOR THIS LONG RIDE WE HAVE TO TAKE. I DID PICK UP SOME SWEETS (NOW THAT IS BAD) BUT I'M STILL EATING REALLY GOOD. HELLLLLP!!!!! GOT TO DETOX OFF SWEETS AGAIN . WHAT SHOULD I DO? HAVE NOT HAD MUCH BUT SOME
Shonda7911

Shonda7911

2
Grey Cat's Blog
 

Protein Shakes/Bars which is the best kind?

I am down 14 lbs. and have been eating Adkins products, bars and shakes… Does anyone have any better alternatives? The morning Breakfast bar is still making me sleepy after i eat it about an hour of breakfast. I do not get sleepy if i just drink the shakes- but its not enough to fill me up. What does anyone think? I am 7 weeks post op. Had one fill last week so far. I have taken your comments to heart because Success is learned and taught. It does not just happen! - catina )
Grey Cat

Grey Cat

8
LeeLee76's Blog
 

Looking at the bright side

Decided enough was enough, no more moping around the house over my failed relationship. By no means will it be easy but I'll do what I need to for me. I even have two dates set up for this weekend. Yikes! haven't "dated" in over 4 years lol.   I think I have found a cardio kickboxing class near home that has early morning classes so I'm excited to check that out. I hear its a tough workout but great for total body sculpting and firming which I want of course.   I finally stepped on the scale this morning and I'm down a total of 22.4 lbs since my surgery date on 7/26. By no means is i a ton of weight but it sure is a start! I have my next appointment on 8/24 and back to work on 8/25. I don't have any fluid in my band and won't get a fill for at least another 2 weeks. Hopefully I feel some restriction when I switch to solid foods even without having any fluid in the band.   Hope everyone has had a great week and have an even better weekend!!
LeeLee76

LeeLee76

0
bandedchick's Blog
 

7 days post op/Menu Please!!!

Ok I'm doing pretty good with the diet but every now and then I think why did I get this? Yes I really want to lose weight but I don't want to not be able to eat bread or shrimp or a slice of pizza or the one that might just kill me FRIED FOOD!!!!! I have a question and hope I get alot of responses for my own sanity...WHAT TYPES OF FOOD CAN YOU EAT WHEN YOU ARE OFF OF RESTRICTION AND WHAT TYPES OF FOOD ARE VERY HARD TO EAT? PLEASE LET ME KNOW LOL
bandedchick

bandedchick

5
cantw82loosew8's Blog
 

Started my Pre Op Diet....

Well, I'm 3 days into my pre op diet. I am following the plan to the letter but finding that I'm still hungry. The Lean Cuisine meals aren't bad but they could stand to have a little more flavor and a little more to them. I keep telling myself that I won't feel hungry like this after the surgery, that's what is keeping me going. I stood on the scale this morning and found that I lost 2.4 lbs since Monday. That was nice to see, I must admit. I have been invited to a birthday party for one of the people that I work with this weekend and I declined, I know that if I go that will be it for the diet. I was told that I could have all the vegetables that I want which works for me simply because we have a huge vegetable garden with everything from squash & zuccini to 5 different types of tomatoes. I do wonder if it would make a difference if I were to pan fry the squash in a tablespoon on coconut oil? I had watched "Banded Wendy" on youtube and picked up on some great pointers which I'm going to try. I just can't wait until the surgery is behind me and I can start moving on with my new relationship with food and ultimately myself, It will be nice to look into the mirror and like what I see for a change.
cantw82loosew8

cantw82loosew8

2
genesishanna's Blog
 

Day 5 on my journey - Your body is your forum

So, my day 5 ended in the Emergency Room. Every day I have been in these forums trying to get answers on how to relieve gas, and all things related to the land band. Well I am thankful for the many replies I've received from my fellow-banders based on their experience, but not everything is for everyone. I got up yesterday and said that I would go outside to the stripmall and do some much needed walking, since that was clearly the cure-all for the gas pain I was experiencing. However, when I came home my gas was not relieved at all, actually I came home and threw-up because I was so damn nauseous from all the gas. Regardless, of how much I hear of others complaining of the gas, I knew that there was something not normal about this, especially since the night before I woke up at 2 a.m. to bow-down before my porcelain thrown. In all my years of being a big-girl, I knew that being bulimic wasn't the way to shed the pounds, so the idea of getting to this point in life, doing a six month supervised weight-loss program, and undergoing surgery was not going to results in me all of a sudden losing weight by throwing up all my foods (or liquids) in this case. This is not the way. I have managed to lose 9 pounds in 5 days and under different circumstances that would be cause to celebrate, but this was not the way.   So about 4pm I called my Doctors office and they told me to come in and I did. He asked no real questions, he just had his needle ready to remove the fluid from my band. Remove the fluid from my band, WTF?! Okay, so when did he plan on telling me that I had fluid in my band? We talked about this before surgery and I knew that my first fill wasn't until 9/14/11.It may not seem to be that bad for some, but for me, I felt a bit violated. I am not that hard up for weight loss that you can just do anything with me without telling me, especially something that would make me sick. I knew something was wrong because I had no appetite at all, and drinking water made me full and nauseous. I mean don't get me wrong, I don't want to be able to go back to eating sandwiches and burgers, but if you tell me to drink 64 oz. of fluids, I want to be able to do it painlessly.   So after he removed all the fluid, he said that I should feel immediate relief, but I didn't. He advised me to go to the ER to make sure I am not having a HEART ATTACK! You know how they say that when your facing death your whole life flashes right before your eyes? Well in this case, my how big-girl existence and reasons for choosing this surgery flashed before me. I began to question whether all of this was worth it. I mean, okay... I've been a big girl all my life... yeah it has limited the places where I can shop, but overall I was not unhappy with myself. Honestly, I had no co-morbidity ( nor have I ever heard of it) until I started this program and that was obstructed sleep apnea. Which I am starting to believe every person at least 20 lbs overweight has it. I mean honestly- was it really worth it; a heart attack?   I immediately went to the emergency room. I was seem immediately and the did the whole million-dollar work-up on me; EKG, bloodwork, X-rays etc... they gave me a different kind of medicine for my nausea, and and IV. But guess what? They had nothing for the gas! I never had any regrets prior to this. I contemplated this surgery for 3 years before I committed to it, so in my opinion that was well thought out, unlike other things I jumped into without thinking about.   I can't say that I have regrets now, because I don't; however, I can say that while I sat on the hospital bed for about 10 hours, only 10 slimmer than when I started this journey, I began to rethink things. I am okay. I like myself. I love myself actually and there is nothing that has changed about me on the inside. Whenever I make any decision on my life, I have to remember that, because honestly, all the reasons for me doing this surgery were non-existent for those 10 hours. I am not saying that I made a mistake, I am not saying that I wouldn't do it again. I am just saying that I would re-evaluate my reasons and learn to be content where I am, because there is a high cost for the price of beauty.....   In conclusion, since the fluid is gone and the band is more loose, I am able to pass the horrid gas easier (Thank You Jesus)! I also learned that I do not want super restriction on my band because I do not want to be sick. I can deal with a slower weight-loss, its not worth my heath. I also learned that my body is my forum. It will tell me when something is not right, and that is who I should be listening to instead of these LBT forums. I am thankful this morning for the experience. I am especially thankful that since I had that IV last night I am well-hydrated . I am going to complete this journey, one step at a time.
genesishanna

genesishanna

12
Sassygirl06's Blog
 

learning that my stomach is different

well my surgery went off very well. i had no hernia, and my gallbladder didnt need to be removed. the whole surgery took less then 45 minutes. i felt great 2 hours post op. the doc gave me plenty of drugs to zap the pain away. then yesterday sucked bad! i was in more pain then the first day. the doc switched my pain meds again, and i am feeling better again. i am currently awaiting a leak test. i thought that i was going to get one yesterday automatically, but apparently my doc only has you do it if you have excess pain post op like im having. i have a high threshold for pain meds. what most people take to knock them out makes me wired. so they should be in here soon for the swallow test, and then hopefully i will be able to be discharged today (early)   So im just wandering is neck pain after this surgery normal? ive heard of shoulder pain from gas, but i havent had that, as a matter of fact i havent had any gas at all. no farts he he   i didnt realize how different my stomach was going to be after the surgery. i think that i sugar coated the procedure for myself. . i swallowed my water way to fast, as well as my broth and it hurt bad. it also made me burp and then have the hicups. that one sucked hard, lesson learned.   well im gonna try to catch some z's before the swallow test c u l8er!!
Sassygirl06

Sassygirl06

9
Paul11011's Blog
 

Wow look at me...I'm Obese!

With my latest weigh-in on Monday I have now dipped under 40 on the BMI scale. So now after being Super Obese and Extremely Obese...I am now just plain ole Obese. What a silly label to be happy about huh? The other realization that I have come to and still trying to come to grips with is that this very likely will be the label I stay at. When I get to my goal weight, I will still have a BMI north of 30, so my prospects of getting to Overweight are pretty slim....man I hate puns.
Paul11011

Paul11011

3
hotdognabeer's Blog
 

Today was my consultation

I was looking forward to this appointment for over 2 years. It was 2 years ago I went through all the channels for the lapband surgery but doctor wouldn't do it because my BMI was too low. I had to commit to quit smoking, an appointment with a shrink, a dietician/ nutritionist, xrays and some labwork only downfall was it's almost positive insurance won't cover any of the cost due to the low BMI. So for me it's either out of pocket or stay feeling and looking miserable.
hotdognabeer

hotdognabeer

3
HeatherMae26's Blog
 

Let's try this again!

Hi everyone!   So this is my second real attempt into the beginning of getting Bariatric Surgery. I have visited this option for many years now, but it has never been something that myself or my family ever considered to be a smart or reasonable option: not until this past winter did I ever bring it up to my family and tell them that I really wished to do this. I am 21 years old, a senior in college, and weigh 300 lbs. This is the highest weight That I have ever been at and I have decided that this will always be the highest weight I will be at.   I think starting from the beginning will probably be easiest for me (maybe not for you, lol) but I hope I get some people to read, give me some feed back (good and bad).   I don't remember a time not being overweight, I see pictures of myself when I was heading off on the first day of school and that was probably the last time I saw a skinny version of myself. In every school picture I have I see myself getting bigger and bigger as I get older and older. It wasn't til 4th grade did I finally realize something wasn't right. I was the only child in my class who wasn't wearing the cute outfits and didn't have lots of friends; In fact I was the only kid to get made fun because I couldn't run as fast as the others and I was purposely picked last in games because I was fatter and slower. 4th grade was the first time I started to diet to try and lose the weight. Obviously It didn't last very long and my life growing up was a vicious circle or 1 step forward 3 steps back. I have tried about every diet out there; medifast, atkins, weight watchers, nutrisystem, the new weight watchers points plus, weird diets i found online, liquid diets.....so on and so forth. I've also wasted hundreds of dollars on gym memberships in which i attended for about a month and then gradually went less and less till I was just paying to have a tag on my key chain. Once I hit high school I just began to ignore the problem, I was a size 20 and could care less about it. I had the mentality that I was invincible, I was fine just the way I was and if someone said something about it they could (in my teenage angst voice) "suck it". 3 years out of high school and I have gained 80lbs....I have gained over 100lbs in just 8 years....wowwwww. ha, Yea this is not okay.   After my last and final "diet" program is when I confronted my parents and told them that this is something that needs to be done. Though they were very displeased with this because of the risks they knew things were going to get worse if i didn't make this change. I am already at a weight where I have restless sleep, terrible knee pains, I have a hard time bending over to pick things up, not to mention my asthma is getting worse...I now have to do this awkward side back bend to pick something up because my knees and back just arn't doing what they should be at age 21. I also visited my OBGYN about my period being so off schedule; she told me it was because of my weight and that my body is confused and thinks my rapid weight gain is because I'm pregnant. The thing that made me most upset to hear from my OBGYN was that I am at such a high weight and am considered morbidly obese that If i even tried to have kids there was GOING to be complications.....Now I am NOT trying to have kids in the first place, but If I have gained over 100 lbs in 8 years what is my weight going to be in another 8 years when I am ready to have kids?   I visited a seminar on WLS about 3 months ago, and I began the process about 2 months ago....I got as far as deciding I wanted lap band, and going to see the nutritionist the first time to meet her and get paper work started for blood work and my psychological evaluation. I think I get nervous and gave weight watchers point's plus a try, I lost 10 lbs but then had a hard time with tracking and gained it all back. I am now getting ready to go back to the nutritionist and talk more with them about what to do.   I am pretty sure That I have to start over from square one, but that's okay because It gave me more time to realize that I no longer want lap band, but feel that the VSG is a much better fit for me. I want a permanent life style change, so I want something that Is going to permanent. There is no easy way around this, I am ready for something to finally kick me in the ass and force me to make the decisions I need to make. Now I know this surgery will not make my brain want carrots and peas but If I can slowly retrain myself to eat as well as to like new foods then that's how It needs to be. I am already trying new foods and cutting back drastically on fast foods, eating out, and have practically quit smoking. I have been on and off smoking for about 4 years. I haven't bought a pack in 4 months, and have only had about 6 cigarettes in those 4 months. I honestly don't feel the urge to smoke anymore! .....now to quite drinking diet pepsi.....I hate coffee and tea so idk how i'm going to get my caffeine fix!!   so to conclude this entry, I believe I am ready to try again and actually go through with this.   My question for all of you who actually sat here and read all of that.....what were some of the worst things you didn't expect after surgery? how many of you had 2nd thoughts and/or even backed out like I did? why? did you go through with it? Also did anyone have issues with cigna insurance covering this procedure?   Thanks for readying everyone, sorry if it got kinda lengthy. (I will also apologize now for this blog's and any other blog's gramatical errors...writing is not my strong point! lol) -Heather  
HeatherMae26

HeatherMae26

7
MsAnn6550's Blog
 

Aug 17, 2011

I'm not doing well with this. I have not lost any since my second fill on the 3rd. I find myself sneaking food so my hubby won't see. I am so full sometime it hurts and yet I still seek something to eat. I am such an addict. I am so ashamed. I am reverting back to old habits of sleeping a lot and not leaving the house for days. The girls were here this weekend and I did not eat right or drink right. Why can't I do the things I am supposed to do? Have tried to get support on the chat line, but I can't bring myself to tell what I have been doing or how I feel. How do I tell someone I feel like such a failure. I do have more energy, but I choose to ignore it. I don't want to leave the house for two reasons: 1) I really don't want anyone to see me and 2) I don't want to explain where I'm going to hubby. He is still somewhat supportive but he is also getting critical. And with his size and health problems, that is like the pot calling the kettle black. His short term memory is getting worse and I have to remind him of things constantly. I thought my depression was getting better,but apparently it's not. I would say that I don't know what to do but I do. I need to suck it up and get my mind back in order. But that is easier said than done. If anyone has suggesti9ons< I'm open.
MsAnn6550

MsAnn6550

6
LeeLee76's Blog
 

No appetite..

I'm sure its probably been due to my mood but I have had absolutely no appetite for the last 4 days. I am attempting to get my protein in but am falling short. Also, I was ok'd to start mushies last week and have yet to do that. Has anyone else stayed on strictly a liquid diet even though they were given the go ahead to move on? For some reason the idea of pureeing my food or eating baby food just does not appeal. I have managed some soup but not more than 3 oz at a time.   I'm definitely going to try and get more protein in and try for more mushy food. I'm back to work next week and will probably have to start with solid food and I'm nervous my body won't be able to handle it.
LeeLee76

LeeLee76

2
zil's Blog
 

I'M GONNA DO IT

I have been reading all the messages for the past few days, and I am very inspired. I will join the ranks of the banded this Friday and I am very excited. My husband is being super supportive (He had gastric by=pass about 10 years ago and is literally half the man he used to be), so much so in fact, that he said if insurance wouldn't pay, we would, so we did.   All of the information I have been reading is very informative. You all area so supportive of each other.   I do have one question tho, what kind of protein drink did you use when on your liquid diet? I have been drinking EAS advantEDGE and wonder if it will be OK to continue with that, or should I try something else?   I am eager to hear from anyone and WISH ME LUCK. I will keep you posted.          
zil

zil

2
I'm losing it!
 

I can do anything for 2 hours!

Today my trainer is finally back! He texted me this morning and told me to be prepared for a kick-ass cardio night. At first I was scared but then I realized I so need it and I can do anythign for 2 housr! I have been so lazy without him. My original plan back in April was: to get a trainer, use him through the summer, get in the habit of it, join a gym and keep up the workouts on my own by the Fall. Him being away taught me I am so not ready for that! I need him to keep me going and motivated. Not only do I get a better workout with him, I also workout more without him. I mean if I see him twice during the week I am more likely to work out more the other days. So now I am going to try out a new plan. I am going to set my alarm for 6:30 and get up and walk/jog 3 miles every morning before work. I am hoping that this gets me exercising everyday. I also hope that it tires me out and gets me to go to bed earlier so that I don't stay up and eat!!! There is a method to my madness! I am writing it here so I am somewhat accountable. I will start tomorrow!   On another note: I've been doing really well with food. I have really watched my protein intake and made sure I am taking my vitamins. I wasn't doing too well with those lately! I still am plagued with the night eating but I'm getting better and trying to make better choices. I also need to make sure there are plenty of healthy snack choices available.   I am having trouble getting my water in. I am so not a water drinker. This weekend we ran out of crystal light (decaf iced tea), I wasn't in the mood for water so I drank a half gallon of orange juice over the course of the weekend. So ridiculous. I've always been a big soda/sweets drinker so that has always been my downfall. I could easily drink a 12 pack of soda a day in my before lb days. Any of you have any tips for getting your water in?   I will post tomorrow how my workout tonight and tomorrow morning goes! Wish me luck!
TracieR

TracieR

2
genesishanna's Blog
 

Day 4 on my journey - This gas is a pain in my a**!

I want to start with the positive - the weight is coming off pound by pound. That is my primary objective; therefore, all else should be well, right? Wrong! This gas is no joke. The end of day three, which was when I was allowed to progress to full liquids, I wound up throwing up, which I hate to do. The positive thing is that gas came up with it, that sounded like something out of a horror film. Have you ever thought about the way gas sounds? Its abnormal! Anything that exist inside of you and sounds like a monster just can't be right. Okay, I'm rambling. So anyway, I went to sleep and woke up on day 4 which was okay except for...of course, that damn gas! I wish I had something spectacular to share, but I honestly don't. The pain had me in bed the majority of the day. I tried to walk around the house, but I was unsuccessful because my house is not that big and going around in circles would have made me depressed. I would have went outside, but unfortunately we were under the threat of rain so I did not want to chance it. Something great did happen, I made some very thin cream of wheat with 1% milk and 2 packets of splenda. Honestly, I thought it would be nasty because usually I use sweet condensed mik, whole milk, and a lot of sugar for my cream of wheat to make a fatty, tasty, creamy, lumpy treat. Having to modify it to fit my new way of life was a scary thought; however, after tasting it, I enjoyed it just the same. It tasted so good that I thought I would eat/sip too much of it, but I didn't. So I must say that I learned a small lesson here. We can enjoy the same things in life post-op as we did pre-op, just with a little modification. We conditioned ourselves to enjoy in fatty sweet treats, or platefuls of food for satisfaction. The funny thing is that we can condition ourselves to enjoy healthier, smaller portions, and receive satisfaction just the same. I am thankful for the small things now. Its amazing how a few spoonfuls of cream of wheat can do that to someone. I know there will be more to come, just taking it one step at a time.
genesishanna

genesishanna

4

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