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MsAnn6550's Blog
 

July 31, 2011

I am home now. Got home yesterday and the house is still standing. I stepped on my scales and I have gained 3 lbs. I thought I had done better than that. I figured I had at least maintained at her house. Weigh in Wednesday is not gonna be good. It was really depressing for me to see the scale. I found myself searching for something to eat. I found the bag of cheese puff and kinda pigged out on them. Afterward the guilt set in. What a vicious circle this is. Will I ever defeat it. Right now I don't feel confidant. all I can do is try again.
MsAnn6550

MsAnn6550

0
Shonda7911's Blog
 

over Two Weeks Post - op

Hell, I am over 2 weeks post and i really feel great! My childern and I have played basketball and tennis every day. Saturday the whole family went to the court . Well i twisted my ankel. I good now little sore. I don't really have a restriction but i go for my first fill in about 2 weeks. I don't know if I am loosing but. My clothes fit different. I happy though.
Shonda7911

Shonda7911

2
bandedchick's Blog
 

PreOp Diet=Pray 4 Me!!!

Wow, really? Am I really sitting here watching the Food Network wishing that was me on the other side of the television...yes, yes it is! So sad but so true *bows head in shame* Ok so today is ONLY the 2nd day of my pre-op diet and good lord almighty how in the world do people who want/need lapband actually get through this???? I woke up with a massive headache (I'm assuming my body is going through food/soda withdrawals) and lets just say I'm not a happy camper! My family all keep saying they want to stay away from me lol I guess I'm acting like a monster...I'M ALIVE!!! So if anybody could give me some advice/motivation before my family and friends dis-own me it would really be appreciated!!!
bandedchick

bandedchick

9
LUCYCAT's Blog
 

D DAY

I can’t believe it is finally here. After months of patiently crossing items off of my to do list, psychological evaluation, PCP meetings, Dietitian meetings, blood work, ekgs. The list was endless.   I am here.   This afternoon my mom and I will make the 2 hour trip to the city where I will have my surgery. I have to be at the hospital at 8am and they should start cutting on me at 9.   Maybe it’s cold feet- or perhaps pre-surgery jitters. I find that I am not as excited as I thought I would be. I find that I worry. I worry that I am at least an hour away from any medical facility that knows squat about VSG. Our local healthcare is a joke.   I worry that I will have complications, and have nowhere to go…and no one to take me.   It will be fine. I am sure of it. My surgeon does bariatric surgery exclusively. He has done hundreds if not thousands of VSG surgeries. He seemed to think that mine was going to be ultra easy. I hope he is right.   I am nervous. I worry about my mom. She isn’t in the best of health herself. And she gets lost easy. I worry that she will get lost in the city. I worry that she wont eat or take her meds right and she will crash again. I worry more about her than I do about me.   I cannot wait until this is over.    
LUCYCAT

LUCYCAT

0
Ellen's Band Journey
 

9 Months Out and an Unfill :(

Good news is I lost 9 pounds which brings me to 82 pounds lost Bad news is that on Thursday they took .5 CCs out of my band. I was unable to keep anything down including water. I found out that due to my Fibromyalgia my stomach swells and causes the band to be too tight. PERFECT!!! (add sarcasm) I hope that this horrible disease does not effect my goal of being healthy. I am already not able to excercise as much due to the constant pain. This is only another stepping stone in this process, I would do it all again if I had to with NO REGRETS!!!!!
ellenmarie

ellenmarie

0
brendac40's Blog
 

Here I go...

Well today is day 2 of my 2 week pre op diet and so far so good just wondering how everyone made their soup for it I used the veggies from the list and then broth to taste hope I don it right? What are some of the things others ate besides the 2 shakes a day? Good Luck to everyone!!
brendac40

brendac40

6
Shawna's new journey
 

A new beginning...

So I had my surgery on Wednesday, July 27th. I'm not gonna lie, i thought it was pretty brutal the first few days. The nursing staff DID NOT listen to me when i was trying to tell them that my pain meds were making me sick... Well untill i started throwing up everything. STUPID STUPID! It really pissed me off. Caused more unnecessary pain and more anger from my end since im miserable and in already alot of pain. But today makes 4 days out- and tmrw i can start my phase 2 liquid diet. Basically "full liquids" so i plan on having some yummy sugar free pudding and some thinned mashed potatoes and cottage cheeeseeeeee! EEK excited. Although it takes me like an hour to eat one jell-o cup. NO MORE FAT KID!   I finally bought a scale so i could keep track of my weight loss- As of today i am 217. 18 more lbs till ONEDERLAND! Yippie! I've lost 13lbs since like the end of May when i had my consultation with Dr. Katz. Also- keep in mind i just gave birth back in January also My lil guy will be 7 months old the 8th of Aug   So I'm really excited i decided to do this. I do have staples instead of stitches... they look pretty disgusting if i might add along with 5 incisions with the biggest one to the left of my bellybutton. I go to get those removed on tuesday morning and will be then going back to work tuesday after my appointment. Hope I do okay Dr Katz called me last night to check up on me- Told him the pain meds they sent me home with were still not staying down so just stopped it altogether. He said to try just regular liquid tynenol. I'm allergic to viccodin so i didnt get sent home with that- they gave me liquid tynenol 3 instead but just smelling it made me nauseous. So I guess im being a trooper Its not soo bad just sore. Definitely cant bend over to shave my legs in the shower- so pants it is for a few weeks LMAO!   Looking forward to seeing the changes coming up! Thanks to everyone for all the support.   -S
smacbeth

smacbeth

5
dreamscancometrue's Blog
 

Over 2 weeks out and all is well

Well I went for my 2 week checkup on Thursday and they said I was doing very well. I have lost 19 pounds and am walking 2 miles a day. I cant wait to get back in the gym but I have 2 more weeks until the doctor will release me. My incisions are healing great. I am hoping that once they completely heal there will be no signs of the surgery. I am loving the comments from all the naysayers before surgery about how they can already tell I am losing weight. I just smile and think haha.   I think the hardest thing has been cooking my favorite foods for my family and not licking the spoons. I made the mistake of making chicken salad and licking the spoons as I was finished with them. By the time I finished the chicken salad and cleaned up I was not even hungry. Lesson learned.   Overall life has resumed back to normal. Since surgery I have been to 3 concerts, the comedy club, a company lunch and church every Sunday(All this in addition to work every day). It amazes me how much energy I already have. I am so optimistic that I even volunteered for a position on a committee at work that will include me flying to CA and TX. My goal is to be small enough to skip the seatbelt extension before the travel starts. Before surgery I would never have considered it.   One other thing I have learned is that when I add a scoop of the protein shake to my yogurt it is easier to get my protein in. Also taking my vitamins is essential. I missed my vitamins one morning and thought I was going to fall asleep driving home from work. I will not do that again.   I know this post has been all over the place but I wanted to make sure I posted all the things I have learned up to this point.
kbowlin74

kbowlin74

1
One Salted Slice at a Time
 

Rationally Irrational! Stall continues…

OMGosh, I’m going to be the ONLY sleever who never loses another pound!   (SHUT UP! )   It’s truuuuuuuuuuueee.   (I said, SHUT UP! You are not…it’s virtually impossible. NO, it’s TOTALLY impossible!)   What am I doing wrong??!   (Nothing! Would you stop?!)   (Are you crying??!)   …*sniff*…no….   (Remember when pastor said, “Picture two dogs fighting. Which dog is going to win?”)   Yeah   (Remember the answer??)   Yeah, “The one you feed.”   (Good girl, DO NOT give in and feed the fear!)
SeattleSue

SeattleSue

3
MeliV254's Blog
 

24 Hours Post Op

About 24 Hours ago I got out of surgery , I feel a little better than I did yesturday , the Gas isnt as bad and trying to maintain that with taking Gas X Strips . Having some pain in my stomach from the surgery , I just really feel like I got beat up by a Giant Gorilla . I want to try and take some more walks today and have more liquid intake . Maybe ill try some Jello today instead of just the Sugar Free Popsicles and Ice that ive been sucking on since yesturday . Anyone else have some 24 Post op Stories ?
MeliV254

MeliV254

5
ldpbell's Blog
 

Five days Post Op!

Over all I'm feeling pretty good. My stomach still bruised up and draining some where pump was..It is healing though. I'm so glad the surgery is in the past and I have began the healing process. I was so obsessed with learning all I could about the surgery before hand. My husband said i was way to obsessed. I guess I just wanted my life to get better. I was on the liquid diet three weeks. I lost 23 pounds before surgery. Then at weighing in time before surgery I had made it from 343 pound to 317 so I was already off to a good start. I am 310 today. I am proud of the results so far. Just hope it keeps going. My husband is preparing to have the gastric bypass in a month or two so he will be experienceing the same feelings. He was so very optimistic about me going to Mexico for my surgery but so far all is good. I have no complaints with Dr. Mario Almaza Reyes.. Everyone there in Tijuana were very attentive to our needs. The recovery house was very awesome. Everyone was awesome! My cordinator Louise was so very helpful every step of the way. She is very good at her job. I would be able to recommend them to any one that was contemplating the surgery. I think at the time I was there there were five of us having surgery the same day. I was the largest out of them all. I am so glad it will not be like that always. Soon, I will be able to fit into the normal category. This is going to work. I am going to use my new tools to my fullest ability. I thank all of you that are there for my support to make this happen. I will be updating my progress hopefully pretty frequently even if it's just for my purposes.. It like writing myself a letter reminding me of things I have done. As far as the eating goes. As for now, I haven't been eating much about one meal a day..about a half a cup of broth. Everything else pretty much liquids..Water, juices, popsicles. I am content though. I haven't been feeling hungry at all. I still have the fullness feeling. So all is well in Lisa's surgery land ..I am happy..
ldpbell

ldpbell

0
MsAnn6550's Blog
 

July 29, 2011

Today has been a good day. not only did I beat my daughter in Scrabble twice ( as well as the two times last night and the three times night before last), I went to the movies and did not a tub of buttered popcorn and large soda. I snuck a bottle of water in and just had part of that. It worked out well. Then we spent 2 hours in a traffic jam trying to get home. We finally got to Full Moon BarBQue and I got the half chicken. That gives me chicken for tonight and for breakfast in the morning. I did cheat though. I had fried onion rings too and I ate 2/3 of them. I also had some ice cream last night. I am doing better but not good enough. And I know it. Food addicts. It is hard.
MsAnn6550

MsAnn6550

1
2FIT2BFAT's Blog
 

MUCH BETTER NOW

Hey Folks...Sorry for the initial blog entries, however they were exactly how I was feeling at the moment. I guess some things should be left unsaid or NOT...Anyway, I am doing much better with all the support I have found on this site and have a new and better attitude towards starting my life over with the Lap Band. I has been extremely helpful to read the message boards and listen to other who feel the same and those who have already had the surgery and had such great success with it. One common thought is that the Liquid Diet might the worst of this whole process. Surgery seems to be a breeze. So I say this 4 days out from surgery and know that Come Tuesday I will get a RE-Do on the last 15 years I have been overwieght. I look forward to making them the best.
2FIT2BFAT

2FIT2BFAT

2
Americhoice/United Healthcare
 

Other requirements and clearances

The doctor's secretary stated that I would need to see a cardiologist, pulmonologist and a psychiatrist for medical clearance and I was fortunate enough to have all my appointments completed this week. If anyone is looking for a psychiatrist, cardiologist or pulmonoligist in the Northern NJ Bergen/Passaic County area, let me know. More than happy to reccomend. Each of them were great and all accept United Healthcare/Americhoice.   The cardiologist had me undergo a stress test and echocardiogram. They also did blood work and checked my thyroid levels. The pulmonologist is sending me for a sleep test which wasn't a requirement but I am going to do it in 2 weeks. It will help address my snoring which has increased since my weight gain. As of today I am 268lbs. I also met with a psychiatrist whose main goal was to really determine if I have given real thought to the process of the lapband and if I FULLY understand the changes I need to make in my lifestyle and eating habits. He was very kind and after going over my history and making sure that I knew what I was signing on for with this surgery he did go ahead and aprove me.   My recommendation to anyone would be that it should not matter if your insurance requires these steps or not. You should undergo them for your own safety and peace of mind not just for you but your loved ones as well. I think a whole lot about my family especially my kids and how they would be affected if somrthing unforeseen were to happen to me so for that reason alone I am taking all the precautions and making sure that I am clear on all angles.   Dr. Vasquez is one of the few that requested these tests not just for his protection but mines as well. I have spoken with some people who had the procedure who said that they had the surgery without even having clearance on their heart, breathing or otherwise. Not good, not good I say. But I am glad things worked out for them. At any rate ...take the extra steps! the life you save may be your own.
chubbykins

chubbykins

0
Americhoice/United Healthcare
 

Americhoice NJ/United Healthcare requirements

The requirements for Americhoice now known as United Healthcare in NJ for lapband is really simple: Acquire pre-authorization from a qualified surgeon in their network See a nutritionist Thats it.   I checked with them to see how many visits were required with the nutrionist and they said there are no minimum number of visits so virtually as long as you have met with one AT LEAST ONCE, you are ok. Dr. Vasquez did ask that I see one for at least 6 months during my initial visit, however I wonder if that is because it seems to be the standard amount of time with most insurance companies.   I did go to a couple of session with a licensed nutrionist about 9 months ago and found that even though I did make substantial changes to my eating habits, the wait loss was minimal and I really didnt feel any better about myself self esteem wise.   Since that was months ago and in speaking with the insurance company who recently underwent changes and they said that no minimum number of visits was necessary i decided to go ahead and move forward with my plans.   The pre authorization I expect will be put forth on Monday when I visit Dr. Vasquez. I hope it goes through without a hitch.    
chubbykins

chubbykins

0
ukgrad89's Blog
 

From: What about beer?

I've never been much of a beer drinker. I'm actually slightly allergic to hops, so I couldn't drink much anyhow. Losing beer wasn't a big deal. But, my staple was bourbon and coke. Now, no more coke. So, guess I'll be sipping bourbon slowly, maybe with water. I think vodka and cranberry is possible, though I'm afraid that might be a little girly. Bloody mary's also are on option, low calorie, never really drank those much, guess I will try once I get okay after surgery. I also like gin and tonics, that may be an option. But I will definitely miss my margaritas, hurricanes, daquiris, etc. But, no pain no gain, right?         Source: What about beer?  
ukgrad89

ukgrad89

7
It's a Different World
 

So here's the scoop - this is me:

Here I am presenting myself to the world for all to see. I'm sure that for those of us on here because we have had, will have or are contemplating having the surgery, you will know just what I mean feel. For others- they can only imagine. -Looking in the mirror and wanting feel sexy but just can't quite figure out how you can be -Wanting to do normal things like go for long walks, stroll on the beach in a swimsuit without the cover up just feeling free and uninhibited -Being able to shop where you want because you have options -Not questioning why you are eating, how much you are eating adn what someone else may think   The list can on but it needs to stop. I have to take control of how I feel. Feel about me. Feel about the future. I had thought about having the surgery many times before and now I am going to go for it ! I'm just tire. Tired of it all. So a new me is on the way. Can't wait.
chubbykins

chubbykins

4
ukgrad89's Blog
 

Post-Op Reflections

I had my AGB surgery yesterday. Whew, what a day! I wanted to document my experiences for others and myself when I reflect back on the day I got banded.   The surgery went well according to my doctor, Dr. Minkin. The pain was not as bad as I expected. Noticeable-yes. Unbearable with massive pain killers-no. The last thing I remembered as I was being wheeled into the operating room was looking up at the big light and how it felt like being in a mad scientist laboratory, then....nothing.....until I was in the recovery room. One thing they keep telling you is to take deep breaths. My throat was a little sore because of the breathing tube. I didn't feel hot or cold. I remember just looking at the wall clock and doing deep breaths in time. Inhale for 15 seconds, hold for 5 seconds, release slowly for 15 seconds. Did that I think for about an hour. I felt a sense of relief when they were ready to wheel me up to my room, meant to me that things were going good.   I don't like IVs. And I hate catheters. More about catheters later. They had trouble getting an IV started in me in admitting and later in pre-op, but I noticed I had two IVs started, but only one was connected when I got back to my room. The whole concept of being forced to ingest stuff just doesn't sit well with me, but I understand why it is necessary.   I knew it was important to get up and walking. So, I was constantly monitoring myself for when I felt okay to get up and start walking. I asked the nurse for something for nausea, and once I got that, I think it was around 4 or 5 hours later that I was asked to be helped up so I could walk around. No ill effects, I was able to walk pretty easily.   A word to the wise: make sure you bring someone with you to the hospital that will help you. I brought my mom, and she was a tremendous help. For example, shortly after I got back to my room, I wanted to start sucking on some ice chips. Obviously I couldn't ask a nurse to do this. My mom did a fine job helping me do that. You need to start taking in fluids. One, because your throat will be dry from the breathing tube. Two, because you need fluids in order to urinate, since you are essentially dehydrated.   If I have a a hate in my life, something I despise, its catheters. I don't think its as bad for women as it is for men. The fires of Hell were felt when I tried to urinate. I screamed like a little girl, I'll admit it. I think its because you are dehydrated as much as the fact that something foreign got inserted where nothing should be inserted. Men, you will know pain. I can tell you it will get better once you start urinating semi-regularly. Just go to that spot that tells you you are a man and by God you will take the pain, and go ahead and scream like a banshee. It will get better   I had five incisions. I think they're all healing well, no discharge. I took photos of mine.   I've heard some comments about the gas pain. And to be sure, it exists. I think the sure fire cure for this is to get walking. And walk. And walk. That's what worked for me. The more you walk, the less you'll have an issue.   Crushing pills is disgusting, they taste like crap. Have some decaf tea or protein shake while you are sipping them down, it won't be as bad.   My doc gave me suppository for nausea. I am not a fan of suppositories either, same as catheters, without the pain. Not fun sticking them in, but they work.   Well, that's about all I can think of for now, feel pretty darn good for having had a surgery under GA less than 24 hours ago. Isn't modern medicine great or what?
ukgrad89

ukgrad89

4
LeeLee76's Blog
 

does it get better??

Ok, so today is day 3 post-op. I feel worse today than I did the day after my surgery. I can't seem to shake these gas pains no matter what I do. Debating on whether I should pick up some gas-x or something. Don't want to waste the money if its not going to work. I've been taking little walks and last night took a half mile one around the block. I guess I need to be patient which isn't my strongest trait. I'm not used to sitting around with nothing to do, it drives me crazy lol.   I'm excited to see how I do after I start feeling back to normal. I can't wait to get back to the gym.   Guess that's it for now, not too much else going on. Hope everyone has a great weekend!
LeeLee76

LeeLee76

7
AmyH33's Blog
 

Hello Beautiful World

28 weeks since my lifestyle change, wouldn't change it for the Powerball jackpot! (its a lottery game and the jackpot is like 130 MILLION!) has it been 100% easy, no, worth it? HELL YEAH! Highest weight 282 current weight 212 give or take a few, depends on the day. Clothes aren't fitting, underwear are falling off, bras dont have enough to fill them up, but I am feeling GREAT!!!
AmyH33

AmyH33

3
Bobi's Band Journey
 

6mos. later 70lbs lighter and i still feel fat......

I don't understand why i can't rejoice in losing 70lbs, I feel like i will never reach my goal of a 215 before november. i got 35lbs more to lose. but for the past 2months i have been up and down, and along with that my emotions have been doing the same. at times i feel like i am a champion and others a failure........    
bmendoRNurse

bmendoRNurse

5
Andy's Articles
 

Update

Been a few weeks since I blogged, but not much has happened except that I broke 290. Still in my pre-op period. From my initial visit with my doctor(June 9th) for my letter of medical necessity I am down 25 pounds. I have met the insurance company's weight loss of 5% in a 2 month period. I am down around 13 pounds from my Bariatric appointment on July 5th(though it is hard to tell I was fully clothed at that appointment and when I weight myself at home it is usually after I get out of the shower). I have gone from a tight 46 size waste pant to fitting comfortable in a 44 although they are a little loose. I think in another 10 I should be able to get back to my 42's. I can button the 42's at this time but they are a bit tight. I have also gone from a 4X scrub to a 3X scrub at work. Not sure when I will be ready for the 2 X scrub. I imagine not till after my surgery.   I am still in my pre-op period. I have a lot of stuff scheduled for the week of August 8th and will have my next support group meeting. My bosses are being great and supportive. They have allowed me to change my work schedule on weigh in days that will start on August 19th. I will only have to take a half hour off to get to those appointments on time. I have enough comp time built up to cover that time. They have also approved me to be off for the month of October. My doctors group prefers a 2 week time off from work and at that point allow for 20 lb lifting restrictions. After 4 weeks there are no weight lifting restrictions. I can only return to work when I have no weight lifting restrictions. There is no light duty at my job unless you are hurt on the job.   I have been able to exercise and to be honest I do feel better when I exercise. I did have to hold off when we had the heat wave for fear of passing out when riding my bike, but now that it has passed I am out on it. I have a 10 mile route that I have mapped out that starts from my house and only puts me on busy roads for a short period of time.    
AMayo1

AMayo1

2
Deakay's Blog
 

Emotions all over the place

And that seems to be the theme for today. I'm seeing my surgeon later today and may have to ask him about it. His nurse has dropped the ball and not sent the paperwork for any labs since my surgery, even though I have called twice to ask if they were planning on doing any follow-up. I mean why go visit the doctor just to get weighed and say "hi". I have huge bruises that just seem to appear from nowhere, I'm sure its a vitamin issue but have no idea which one I may be lacking.   And I'm hormonal dammit! And headachy (which apparently isn't even a word). I need some male attention VERY SOON that doesn't involve batteries.......lol Did I mention I'm hormonal? One thing about getting older, my sex drive is insane! and it doesn't help that I live alone.   Gawd, I'm getting depressed and bitchy just reading that. Ok, will manifest some positive energy   On the upside, I have been going to free outdoor concerts with a girlfriend on Wednesday nights in Bay City......very fun! Sometimes its nice to get out in public and get your freak on! And I'm almost positive a VERY attractive man was hitting on me last night (and that wasn't just the hormones talking). My girlfriend noticed it too! But I'm not sure why he would be so blatant about it while still wearing his wedding ring But at least he wasn't trying to cover it up I suppose......and I guess some women may not care, but I couldn't go there, EVER.   And it's a new moon on Saturday, I am soooo ready for the waxing moon to start. Time for growth! May have to make preparations for some ritual-type activity It couldn't hurt and may make me feel better......Happy Lùnastal everyone! It is a time to harvest! Someone needs to mention it to my tomatoes. lol
Deakay

Deakay

0

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