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The Dude's Blog
 

Day 9 - Post Op

So I've been told that I have to be on this liquid diet for twoweeks after surgery. My post-op exam went well, and I was told that I couldslowly migrate from liquids, to soft foods, to regular foods before my firstfill. I have fallen into this ‘hungry’ stage, where it feels like I don’t evenhave a band. I wish my PA or doctor would have told me to expect this, becauseI feel that this could cause problems adjusting to ‘real’ food. If I don’t haveany restriction when I drink my liquids, and none when I eat my soft foods, Icould become complacent and not pay attention to me chewing my food. Just myworry, because I’ve read the articles and blogs of others who have experiencedthis, and who were reminded that they do indeed have the band, when they getfood stuck.     I've decided to accelerate and push myself early.     I decided to do this because I feel that I'm healing very well,and very quickly from the surgery. The surgery went well, and I'm back at worknow full time. Although I'm pushing it with the food, I’m still taking it veryeasy with the weight I lift, although I still walk about thirty to sixtyminutes each day.     The past few days I’ve been experimenting with the soft foods.Namely cheeses. Oh what a joy it was to eat cheese after all those shakes. Lastnight was my first night going out to a restaurant. I’ve tried to avoid thatuntil I was totally comfortable, and confident in my new eating abilities, butit came as a surprise. Up until then, I only had eaten cheeses and a few soycrisps. Always keeping within my protein, fat and carb intake. I was fortunateenough to go to a restaurant that had a ‘carb friendly’ selection! So, I ordereda bacon cheeseburger with salad. It came without the bun. I ate a couple leavesof lettuce from the salad, making sure I chewed very well. A couple times I gotengrossed in conversation, and swallowed a large bit of lettuce. I was panickythere for a moment, but all was well. I had to remind myself to chew chew chew.The burger came and it was wonderful. I didn’t eat the whole thing, although Ithink I could have. What I realized was that by chewing slowly, I took a longtime to eat. So I was only half way done with my meal when everyone was anxiousto get the check. I didn’t feel full. I also didn’t drink anything with dinner.My first time trying that. (I personally think that is going to be the hardestthing for me to get over, as I always have drinks with meals.) Once I got backinto my car, I did feel full. That lasted for a few hours. I just wondered whyit took about ten more minutes for me to feel that way. Again, the hardest partwas trying not to drink anything after the meal. I failed. I keep a full water bottlein my car, and I stopped myself from drinking from it twice, but the third timeI wasn’t even paying attention and had a few gulps. Oh well. I’ll keep ontraining myself.     Today/this morning. I feel great. What I noticed about the surgeryis that the scars/cuts were what hurt most during the past week. Either whenthey get rubbed up against something, or when they snag on a t-shirt. Today,nothing. I can feel them from outside my shirt, but no mild pain at all.     Instead of a shake today for lunch, I went out and bought some veggiebuffalo wings! A nice little treat to get away from the shakes. To top it off,one serving is a lot less than a shake in all regards (carbs, calories, fat,protein), that if they don’t fill me up, then I can have a half a shake andstill keep within my eating plan.     I’m definitely not a vegan in any sense, but I thought I’d pick up some veggiestuff for my ‘soft’ foods stage. I’ll let you know how they taste.                  
finallygettingthere

finallygettingthere

8
♫*•♪♫ MaRiA ♪♫•*♪
 

Help me Vote!!! Please :)

My son was diagnosed with Sensory Processing Disorder and we need to raise as much money as we can for research to help all Sensational kids diagnosed with this disorder. Not asking for monetary donation... all you have to do is click on the link below and vote everyday. The winning organization receives $1.25 million!!! So please vote with the link below LapBand Familia. I appreciate it!!!! <a href="http://My%20son%20was%20diagnosed%20with%20Sensory%20Processing%20Disorder%20and%20we%20need%20to%20raise%20as%20much%20money%20as%20we%20can%20for%20research%20to%20help%20all%20Sensational%20kids%20diagnosed%20with%20this%20disorder.%20Not%20asking%20for%20monetary%20donation...%20all%20you%20have%20to%20do%20is%20click%20on%20the%20link%20below%20and%20vote%20everyday.%20The%20winning%20organization%20receives%20$1.25%20million!!!%20So%20please%20vote%20with%20the%20link%20below%20LapBand%20Familia.%20I%20appreciate%20it!!!!%20%20%20<a%20href=" http:="" www.vivint.com="" givesbackproject="" charity="" 1022"="">">My link   <a href="http://www.vivint.com/givesbackproject/charity/1022"><img src="http://media.vivint.com/www.vivint.com/en/images/givesbackproject/givesback_banner_728x90_version_1.gif" alt="Vivint is giving away $1.25 Million to charities. Help us win!" width="728" height="90" /></a>
.Maria.

.Maria.

3
Jen's Jabbers
 

21 Weeks post-Op: The Twisted Port, The Revision Debate and The Emo In Me

I weighed in at 189lbs today. Down .4 of a lb. The scale moved and in the right direction so I am game!   I made a vlog yesterday. My first one ever. Yesterday was just such a BAD day that I didn't know how to write a blog about it today and couldn't wait to vent either. I was really depressed for a while thanks to the TOM, Work Stress and the grey day. After a chat with the Mister and the Besties, a good sook over the traded workout for a bag of SMARTFOOD (I call BULLSHIT) popcorn, a TV marathon on the couch and a good night's sleep, I'm optimistic! I woke up at 6:00, had my usual good start with breakfast and got back on the elliptical. Back on the wagon. Nothing will stop me. Win the mental fight. I'm still not 100% sure of my decision but whatever it is, it will be the best for me! Here is my first VLOG!!! http://youtu.be/5bd78k06aPA TO CLARIFY, I DO NOT HAVE A LAP-BAND. I HAVE A REALIZE BAND P.S. A super big shout out to LapBandGal ( http://lapbandgalsjo...y.blogspot.com/) for her comment last week! You inspire and motivate me! Thank you for sharing!P.P.S Where my Besties? I love you betches, our framily and your Jazz Hands! Best Bday gift ever, you spoil me!   CHEERS!!  
EdmontonGal

EdmontonGal

2
Simone_Says' Blog
 

The Unfill

I never thought this would happen. It happened.   Yesterday I almost fainted at work - left, was instructed by my doctor and was told to go to the ER - my pulse was out of this world and I was just ... ick. I was dehydrated. Explained that my band was probably too tight, I haven't been able to keep much down. My ER here locally couldn't help so they sent me about three hours away to Wichita Falls to a doctor there.     First let me say: DR. WARNOCK YOU ROCK THE HOUSE! I loved this doctor and although he took all the fluid out of my band, I loved this doctor and the whole experience. I have never felt more... encouraged... than I did when I met with him and left his office.   So - no fill - he wants to see me again in about 4 weeks and we'll do an x-ray and such at that time to see if band placement is an issue or if we can begin filling my band again slowly.   I feel good about this. Didn't think I would, but I do.   So - here's the plan, I'll get up tomorrow, excercise with these fantastic new vibram five finger shoes and get to work with my feet on the ground, head held high and a reminder that I'm making this body my own... because it was mine (not the food's) all along!
SimSim

SimSim

3
mom's Blog
 

Amount of food to eat

Hi fellow sleevers, I had my surgery on 5-2-11. Everything has gone quite well with the exception of apparently having stomach bug on a 103 degree day we had. I thought i was dehydrated cause I was only getting in about 40 oz of water per day. I certenly am getting the full 64 in now. My question is how much food were you guys able to take in at one meal ? My instructions are to only take in about one tbsp. per meal and at 3 month post op I can take 3 tbsp and increase every 3 months to eventually one year out can take one cup per meal at a time. But ! I am just at 6 weeks post op and can eat more then that . For instance, for brfk I had my protein shake with my pills and can dring it in about 10-15 min. Then like 3 hours later , have a full small container of greek yogurt and about 5 triscut crackers. Then about one hour later I had a weight watchers ice cream bar. Hour later I had a few grapes. Then 2 hours later I had supper and had almost half of a brat and about one half cup of macaroni and cheese. In between all this I am getting in the 64 0z of water. After eating these amounts each time I just start feeling the fullness and stop . That feeling only lasts for about 10 min and its not bad just a full feeling. Is there anyone else out there that can or could eat as myuch as im eating at 6 weeks out. ? I have lost 30 lbs so far since the morning of surgery. Am on a plateau right now but im not worried cause I know this happens and even with the amount of food im gettng in now is probably only about at the most 500 cal per day.. Would very much appreciate your kmowledge, thanks everyone, mom
mom

mom

2
Day Dreamer's Blog
 

Un-break my heart

You get this surgery because you want a better life for yourself and your family. But what happens when your spouse doesn't want a better life for anyone except themself? How much do you take before you just throw in the towel?   I had my VSG on Monday 6/6/11. Things were rough, I stayed in the hospital 5 days instead of 1. During my 5 days in the hospital I saw my spouse maybe 45 minutes total. He was too busy swimming at the hotel, shopping at the mall and eating out. He says he was keeping the kids busy. Ok. Getting liquids in is a real pain. But you know what, I am a fighter - so I am finding ways!! I sit here across from the one person that is supposed to be my biggest cheerleader and well, to be honest, he is my biggest critic. It is getting old. Many of my friends have said "once you lose weight, you will leave him". I blew it off as rubbish because I love my husband. But the more he curses at me, the more he yells for no freaking reason, the more he sits around complaing about everyone and everything - the more I have to wonder - how long can you kick an injured dog before she bites the $%*@ out of you!?!??!   I am so close. Right there on the verge of just saying, you know what, pack you %$ and leave. If we didn't have kids maybe it would be easier. The surgery seems to have added stress to this situation 10 fold. He asked me what time my appointment tomorrow is and I said I don't know but the slip is on the fridge. He then progressed to curse me out for not remembering and told me that I should drive my @)#($&% self to the appointment - which I am not supposed to do - because he has a "hot date". yeah the whole "hot date" thing came out of left field. I don't know what his issue is. But seriously, I am so over it. I am here trying to heal, trying to take care of my kids and he acts like the 3rd child.   He has not mentioned the 24 lbs I have lost already. He has not made any mention of any changes - and I can see it in my face. I mentioned how much I lost and he just blew me off. He continues to eat junk food right in front of me. Ok so what.... I am ok. I have been sucking it up. I will grab a SF pop or leave the room. I shouldn't put my families eating habits on hold because of me. I did say one night that I was so hungry and he looked at me said, "Too f)(**&^ bad, that was your decisions to have the surgery." OK WOW... blow me away. I knew he wasn't totally on board but he knew I had a mass inside my stomach that needed removal anyway. So the surgery was going to be bariatric or to remove the cancer mass. So why not both? Either way I would be losing weight because I wouldn't be able to eat normally for while.   Why write this? Well I have no where else to vent I suppose. This is my blog and I am not one on not saying what is going on. Maybe I will look back on this entry and think I over reacted or maybe I will be divorced and wonder why I didn't leave earlier. Maybe I will shake my head because the same thing will be happening and I will have done nothing. No big shocker there either. Hopefully, I will look back and see that he was having issues and didn't know how to communicate very well - or at all.   One good thing.. my VSG is totally preventing me from falling into a pile of alfredo pasta or pint of ice cream. Now I have to deal head on with my issues. If you think VSG will make your marriage better, think again. You will have to learn to deal with the issues in a new way, preferably with communication. I suppose this is one of many reasons post ops go into a deep depression. Who wants to bother your friends or family with this BS? Not me. So learn to process it and keep moving on.   Will I go to my appointment alone tomorrow? If I do, damn sure there will be hell to pay. If not, good for him. He is safe for one more day from the dog bite.   Cheers/
Day Dreamer

Day Dreamer

7
Banded_Kris' Blog
 

Two week check up!

Ok so I had my two week follow up today. Things are good. I've lost a total of 27lbs. Yeah!!!! I'm still a little sore where my port is but they said it's because I had a hernia repair there so it will be sore for a little longer. Bad news is that I was supose to go back to work tomorrow but they are not going to release me for 2-4 more weeks. Weight restriction. I can't lift more than 10lbs for up to 6 weeks and I'm a L&D nurse so there is no way I can go back to work and not expect to pull or lift on someone. I feel really bad for my work. I hate leaving them short staffed but I guess I better be safe than sorry. I'm just kind of bored to be honest. I'm not use to sitting at home and doing nothing. I also get to start my soft and pureed diet today. I ate some broccoli cheese soup for lunch and had some chicken salad for dinner. I tolerated it just fine. I definately need some creative ideas for food to eat. Anyone have any ideas.
Banded_Kris

Banded_Kris

1
Debora Anne's Blog
 

WELL IT IS DONE~

And I couldn't be happier- Surgery June 8th - WHOOP WHOOP - Made it thru the 10 days of liquid diet with no issues (except the first 2 days I was so wanting to eat especially when I woke up in my hotel room to the smells of BACON!!) Surgery went well - so I thought I would post for anyone else gettign prepared to view my journeyis only iof they want -   SURGERY- Day 1 - SLEEP SLEEP Hubby just kept feeding me my Pain med's- walked a teeny tad around the house   Day 2- Off and on sleeping - I checked emails from work (due to fuzzy head was very cautious in replying took pain med late afternoon and at bed time- No real gas issues or pain except when I tried to turn or bend etc.. Walked throughtout the house and deck several times   Day 3- feeling good - went to Walmart with hubby to walk around for awhile and get out of the house (I have a tendency to get restless) came home and did feel very tired - took nap - feeling good overall pain minor like I said when turning - bending etc NO PAIN MEDS AT ALL!   Day 4 - WOKE UP FEELING GREAT! Some soreness but amazingly little - Sat outside with my feet in the pool drove myself crazy because I wanted to swim so nicked that idea and went back int he house - overall had a great day!   Day 5- WOW I FEEL GREAT! Used my stationary bike for 30 minutes!!!!! BUT WAIT sometime around 2 the GAS PAIN STARTED OUCH worse pain i ever felt took my breath away WOAH~~ However it only lasted about an hour - heating pad /tylenol/Hot tea and Biofreeze and ALL GONE~ No more than a few nagging aches the rest of the day   Day 6- Can you say hip hip horray I feel so darned good it is scary~ Rode the bike again - was able to start on "sliders" so at least had some "tastes" in my drinks   Day 7 just a reapeat of 6 but even better!!!   I am so glad I have done this I have not weighed myself and its a struggle not too ~~ But I see my Doc tomorrow and will see how much weight I may have lost since Surgery day! And I hpe he tells me I can SWIM~ I love the pool and doing my excercises in the pool is much better than sweatign it on a bike or eliptical machine - save those for on the road and winter days   So that is all for now But its been wonderful so far and am hoping it continues this well~
Debora Anne

Debora Anne

2
LovetheNewMe's Blog
 

Habits

How many days does it take to break a habit?   A post from the internet: I always hear the statistic that it takes six weeks to make or break a habit. That may be true in cases like turning off the porch light in the morning, but I haven't had the same success in life when it came to overcoming various destructive habits of mine.   Often I gut it out through those six weeks only to either give up, or quit that habit but replace it with something just as bad. I likened the experience to a stress-ball. I squeeze it really hard in my hand, and it may even squeeze through my fingers. Did the material in the stress ball disappear? Nope. What happens when I release the ball? It all goes back right where it was before.   Compulsive and/or destructive habits seem to work in the same way. Why does it seem that every time we identify a bad behavior in our life and work to chop it down, that another takes it's place almost immediately?   That is because we are attacking the evidence that there is a problem, not the problem itself. Identifying the root issue takes time, but it is well worth it. When I say "time", I'm talking about anywhere from a year or more.   That's correct – to truly break the root cause of your destructive habits or addictions will take at least one year. Don't despair though, because that can and will be a very good thing.   I am seven months post op and there are still some days when my eyes do not listen to my brain. For me I think food and eating is no different than anyones, addictive habits, mine was just legal and more acceptable to society. But honestly is it? I wake up each morning and remind myself that this is a journey and I did not wake up Fat one morning but did this to my self one forkful at a time. I am trying so hard to break old habits and develop healthy ones. My scales have not moved for several weeks now, this happens to me every time I drop into a new set of numbers. I know hat I need to do is exercise, I sometimes wish that people would tell me I was fat instead of "You look great!" I need the push to make me do what I know I need to do. Today I went to see my family doctor, we discussed my BP meds, I take 3. My BP was 128/80 for me this is awesome. I used to be consistently 140-150/90-100 on meds and over 200 without. We discussed reducing my meds, I told her I would like to drop 20 more pounds before we do this. I think part of me just wanted to make sure I was going to be successful. Kinda like been here before but didn't stay. So to all of us our their trying to develop new habits and change old ones, Good Luck!
♥LovetheNewMe♥

♥LovetheNewMe♥

1
Cathy1982's Blog
 

Day 4 after surgery....

As I had mentioned before, I have bipolar disorder and I'm starting to feel it right now.... I feel depressed and confused asking myself why I did this.... Maybe I could have lost the weight some way.... I know my dr said not to weight myself but I did and I know i've lost 16 lbs in only 10 days which is great, but I'm just not excited right now. I'm still having horrible gas pains that wake me up in the middle of the night. I am not asleep more than 10 minutes sometimes that it wakes me up. The most i'll stay asleep is maybe 90 minutes max... that is really making me tired and because I'm not eating much I don't have much energy. I do walk around my house a lot to try to metabolize the gas like the DR said, but it doesn't take it away. I get hiccups which hurt too. I still have diarreha and the imodium is somewhat helping. We'll see how the rest of the day goes. I go back to work full time tomorrow and I hope I can manage....
Latin_Nena82

Latin_Nena82

2
icuingme2's blog
 

Day 2....of my life long dream to a healthy me.....

Could this ever be a reality? I hope so....   I, as many of you, have had weight issues my whole life. I have tried the "diet & excersice" routine religiously in the past....and well I'm here today so I'm sure you know the outcome and how successful I have been in t he past.   Funny enough though, I decided a couple of weeks ago to take Oprah's stance on it (after yet another failed attempt at a similiar version of the Atkin's Diet) I decided that I "would not be defined by my weight". You know one of those attempts to pacify our mind so that maybe we can stop torturing yourself with the unrealistic goals. But as always that to never last.....   My last straw .....(that moment when you give up on your own ability to control your weight and seek help from anyone or anything) happend just recently on June 9th, 2011.   In a conversation with my boss about me finding a new doctor now that my insurance has kicked in, I asked who he uses(just a family doctor).....the conversation (one sided at this point) went a little something like this......   "oh my Dr. is great but he isn't what you would expect from a Dr. He so fat. I mean when I say FAT I mean really FAT. How unhealthy should a Dr. be. It's rediculous! He so short and dumpy. Just to give you an idea of what I'm talking about, and no offense to you, but he's shaped like you."   Let's just say that I cried for hours when I went home for the day.....He said it like it was a KNOWN FACT....no big deal he just called me short, fat, and dumpy. :'o('' and later I was told that his "culture" doesn't see anything wrong with.....wait for it.....the truth. Oh thanks for that one too!   So now a few short days later with a wonderful supportive husband by myside, I have been in touch with my insurance company and signed up for a required seminar to try and start this process.   so to say the least I am excited, nervous, scared, worried, and anxious all at one time....but all with reservation because it's not hard to remember how it feels to be disappointed each time you feel your dreams are within reach to only fail again........I don't want this life anymore.   Keeping my head up and hope to be posting more blogs in the future about my "journey" to my healthy me!    
arnetta

arnetta

4
exoticheart's Blog
 

I remember why ............

I woke up this morning and took a look at my under arms which I could swing and hit a home run with and was reminded immedietely why I looked into this weight loss option last year in the first place. I cant wait to be able to wear a tshirt and look and feel ok in it, I always wear a long sleeve under neath and even though its hot and miserable I have never dared to leave the house without one : Heres to new tshirts and summer time without a long sleeve shirt
exoticheart

exoticheart

1
Blog 98380
 

Fills/ Unfills/ no weight loss

Well after 10 months of fills and unfills and only losing 30 lbs I have decided to just have some fluid taken out for good. I work out very hard 5 days a week and I cant get enough calories in for my workout. I am unable to eat anything before 3pm and end up throwing up most of my dinner. Im sick of it. I had a fill expecting to lose more weight but that just isnt the case. Im very conscious about fitness and nutrition and at this rate Im only doing myself harm. Ive been so jealout about the people around me lately. My family and friends are doing the 17 day diet and losing crazy amounts of weight!!! Meanwhile, I work out, eat right and have a band around my stomach and still nothing happens. On the 17 day diet, they dont workout either - mainly because the calories are so low. It is only recommended to walk for 17 minutes. Please!!! Im so disappointed.
kelly111

kelly111

6
freelance frog's Blog
 

Cute Levis and Go Karts! Week 9 and Life is Goood!

It's been 9 weeks since my surgery! So many positive changes have taken place in my life in those short nine weeks and life is gooood!   In two days I will have my third fill. I feel like I'm in a fairly good place right now with eating.. but I'm not opposed to having a little more restriction and letting this band do it's thing! After this next fill I should be pretty tight when I am at the beach the following week! I think that will be a very good thing!   I weighed in at the gym this morning. I had set a goal three weeks ago to lose ten pounds this month, and at weigh-in I was down 8! I still have a week to drop those 2 pounds, and I'm pretty sure I will do it. Because I haven't really known exactly what to expect as far as weight loss, that goal was the first and only concrete one I've set for myself so far. It feels awesome to be on track to meet it~ and now I'm thinking that this is the best way for me to navigate my way through this journey.. very small goals and one at a time.   I had a chance to shop a little bit at TJ Maxx on Saturday. I found a pair of Levis that were sooo cute! I looked them over.. stuck them in my cart.. pulled them out.. looked them over again, and said "what the heck, I'll try them on" They were a junior size 15. I swore I wasn't going to buy anything new for quite awhile... knowing that I'd keep losing weight and inches, and they would be too big in time. But gosh they were cute.. and they were cheap. So... I tried them on, and they fit! Oh. My. GOD! I had to have them. So I bought them along with a couple of scarf/cover-up thingies that I can wear over my swimsuit at the beach. I wore the jeans to work today because... well, duh.. they're new, and I've gotta say it.. they look awesome! I hadn't even thought about how much fun it was going to be to slowly melt away. So let me say it now.. if you're thinking about having surgery, or are in the very first few weeks and you haven't thought about that either.. just know ~ it's SO MUCH FUN!! And I know it's going to just keep getting better!   I'm enjoying having enough energy to play with my grand kids! We had so much fun in the mountains at a Go Kart park over the weekend. Losing weight has given me energy and along with it more desire to play! I'm starting to remember how much fun being active can be. My health played a huge part (especially in the past 2 years) in me not being able to do as much as I used to. I've always loved to dance, but when you feel like crap it's hard to remember how much fun that is. Losing weight has already had a pretty big effect on my health, and I feel so good these days that I'm almost afraid to say it out loud!   Leaving for my beach trip in 9 days and yep, I'll say it again ~ Life is GOOD! Thanks for stopping by!   Follow Me @ http://www.myotherbutt.blogspot.com
freelance frog

freelance frog

2
mickp24's Blog
 

End of week 5- 33 and counting

End of week 5 is here, I ate at 2 favorites yesterday- Eppes Essen (a local deli) and Cafe 88 (Chinese) I brought my own fat-free cream cheese, my own cracker and had 4 oz of nova as well as 2 pickles.Oh-oh! A wee bit too much but I made it. Dinner was 5 oz steamed shrimp and 5 oz steamed broccoli and string beans.   Follow me at my personal blog: http://michaelwasfat.blogspot.com/
mickp24

mickp24

3
Journey to Healing
 

Working Hard for the Prize

I must admit, I am very proud of myself for having such a successful last week. I went to the gym EVERYDAY, I did not miss a beat, after about day three of consistency, I found myself in automatic mode, it was just like getting up and brushing my teeth. I found myself accomplishing a little more each time. I even graduated to jogging on the treadmill, riding the spin bike, riding my mountain bike, and walking up the stairmaster, I even did a little weight training yesterday (which was probably a no-no). I was motivated to get that scale moving in the right direction.   When I started the week off, I was between 221 and 222, my goal was to get in the teens. When I got on the scale yesterday I was 216.5. So what that proved is that everyone's theory about the band is a fact, it is only a tool! I've always had to work extra-extra hard to see results, I'm just excited that I have the help of band to keep my eating at bay.   I'm sure I probably over-extended myself on the workouts because, I'm not feeling so hot today, but I am excited to be getting my first fill manana! My eating has been decent since I've been on real food, but what I have found is that I don't really eat my first meal until late late afternoon, and by then I'm really hungry. I do drink the protein shots immediately following my workouts and they seem to keep me relatively satisfied until the eve.   I hope everyone has a fabulous day, thanks for reading! Happy Travels, Kym
Kymbethin

Kymbethin

2
exoticheart's Blog
 

The Journey

Well just thought I would post what my thoughts are, they are quite short and sweet. I was thinking in December when I started this journey that this is going to take forever and why cant it be next week.............Well I will tell you my surgery is less then 2 weeks away and I cant believe how fast it got here. Soak everything in and try not to rush it , because by the time your surgery date is scheduled, you havent really processed all those emotions that come with it and they end up smacking you in the face all at once. Then you think your crazy, what am I doing. But when you read others blogs on here you realize its normal its just not fun normal ...........Have a great week
exoticheart

exoticheart

0
The Dude's Blog
 

One Week after Surgery

It’s been one week since my banding! The novelty has dieddown quite a bit for me. Here are my observations:           I don’t feel like I have a great deal of restriction-   I am able to drink relatively easy and without anydifficulty. I’ve taken a couple Tylenols caplets for headaches (which I figuredout was a caffeine withdraw – I don’t have much caffeine, but I guess enough tocause a withdraw headache. A Crystal Lite Tea alleviated that.) I was a littleconcerned about taking the caplets, as they would have been the biggestobstacles which my new pouch would have faced. I accidently took two at a time,habit, but they went down okay and I didn’t feel anything. I felt as if theywent straight through. When I drink my protein shakes, those do seem to fill meup a bit. I actually have had to reduce the amount of liquid that I mix myshakes with. I used to do about 20 ounces of milk-like-product (Hood CalorieCountdown), or just water. Now I’m down to about 10-14 ounces of liquid withthe mix. Those will satiate me for quitea while, enough that I’m able to just do three shakes a day, and then maybe acup of broth somewhere in the middle of the day.       Pain-   The only pain associated with the band right now for me iswith the cuts healing on my chest. I seem to rub them against t-shirts, and bumpthem against everything whenever I move. The ‘gas’ pain that I had only lastedfor the first two days. After that, each time I hiccupped, I would feel somepain just under my ribs (the surgeon did repair a hiatial hernia), but that toohas subsided to just a discomforting twang of a reminder that it hurt much morelast week.       The Port-   When I went for my post-op check up last Friday (Day four),my PA asked me if I felt my port. I didn’t, because I really didn’t go lookingfor it. Why? Because I know that my stomach area is bloated and filled withliquid from the surgery. Also, because I have a lot of bruising from thoseanti-coagulating shots I had to give myself twice a day, so I just left thatalone to explore another day. She did point it out to me, and that answered aquestion I had in my head about some swelling where I would have guessed myliver was located. I thought, from what my research suggested, as well as whatmy doctor told me, that the port would be located to my left side of my navel somewhere.My port is actually located to my right of my navel (as I am looking down atit). There is a small swollen bump over it, and I do worry that it might bemore prominent or visible in the future as I lose more weight.       Weight Loss-   I started the shake/protein/liquid diet at the beginning ofMay. Just about three weeks before my surgery. I was 320 at that time, and myweight at my post-op check up was 292.       Diet-   Right now, my doctor has me on the liquid diet for two weeksfollowing the surgery, then on to soft foods, then on to more advanced foods.My next follow up appointment would be for my first fill, and my PA stated thatI might not need a fill if I’m losing weight as is. The PA stated that thedoctor put the smallest band on me, and it could be possible that I might notneed a fill. We shall see. Personally, I don’t know if that will work, asyesterday and today I find myself hungry between shakes. Not an uncontrollablehunger, but I know that if it keeps up, I will have to put another shake, orcup of soup in my diet to satiate me. I’m quite eager to start the soft foods,and feel that I could introduce something of more substance than ‘jello’ rightnow, but I might introduce that later this week, maybe a couple days earlierthan planned, depending on the hunger. Right now, I try to keep my calories as close to 1000 as possible, myfat below 30, and my carbs as close to 30 as possible. I used to worry about myprotein, as I use the Isopure shakes, and they have about 40-50 grams ofprotein a serving, but in talking with my dietician and PA, they told me that Idon’t need to worry about too much protein. I’m 6’2, so they said that tallerguys will need more protein in any case. So, I’m going to roll with that. Myaverage day is 900-1100 calories, 20 grams fat, 30-40 grams carbs, and about140-170 grams protein. I keep track of all my foods and exercise on my iPhonewith a free application/program from www.fatsecret.com.I’ve found that to be the easiest and best program for me to keep track ofeverything.       Work –   I’m back at work full time now. I knew it was a bit earlylast week, but I thought I’d try it in any case. My PA yelled at me (tongue incheek) saying that she usually tells her patients to take three weeks off. But,I work in a place where I can take it easy and type on the computer all day ifI need to.    
finallygettingthere

finallygettingthere

5
Simone_Says' Blog
 

Short & Sweat

Darn computer - wrote out my first blog, hit submit and it was gone. ARGH! This will be a short one - mostly because I have to get off to work.   Tried out my new Vibram Five Finger shoes this morning when I got up at 545 to get a speed walk in - it was less speed and more walk - but eveyone says it takes time to break in the shoes and your feet. I have to admit I'm digging these shoes. It's becoming obvious to me (and it's really obvious to everyone) that to be successful in this I have to excercise. Hmmn... instead of excercise, I'll call it moving - I have to keep moving.   Still having a heck of a time keeping food down and I spent most of the night last night waking up from choking and coughing - I need an unfill. I'm going to work on talking to doctors in this area and if worse comes to worse, I'll just have to drive the 200+ miles to a doctor who will see me. Lovely.   Boost is becoming a main-staple in my house. I am out of protein powder and boost seems to have just enough protein in it to make all the calories seem worth it. Let's just hope I can keep it down.   So that's it - I'm normally a bit more wordy, but a quick shower and work calls.   Making it beautiful today - and moving - gotta keep moving.   Much love.   §
SimSim

SimSim

0
Dig It Dog
 

Farm work, Breakfast with the Family and Chasing Grandma's puppy.

I am sore all over! I had farm work at school today (yes, even over the summer months) and i was in the pen with the sheep, and the one male is a but-faced-miscreant! He rammed me with his head, into the gate then jumped up on me and scratched my back! sadness. Before that i had a breakfast with my family. We went to this little Salvadorian restaurant by our house. Now, my whole family is to some degree fit, and in their normal bmi's except for me. I'm the fat sheep in the family. Well, myself and an older cousin. Everyone else is a full fat eater and maintains their shape rather well. Sucks for us! Anyways, while Salvi food is delicious, its also super heavy on the fat and greasy. I tried to stick to plantains and beans, but the tortillas were hand made and fluffy and yummy! i admit that i had two. It was making me wonder how everyone else deals with eating out? With friends, it seams like they understand more, and don't criticize your choices, yet when i'm out with my family, they all nit-pick about what i order, telling me what i should eat, while they don't exactly set a positive example. (*sigh*) Its hard to make good choices when everyone else is making bad ones.   While i'm not banded yet, i'm trying to lose 10% of my body weight, about 27 lbs I read a long time ago that doing so would help me bounce back faster after a surgery or injury! I hope it helps, but either way it can't hurt! One good and easy way of doing this is by training and chasing the new puppy i got for my grandma (she lives with us and was so lonley, so its been a great thing for her!) We've been trying to learn how to play ball, so not only do i throw the ball, i run for it bring it back to the starting position, then praise the puppy for doing a good job! All of my other dogs get into the game, so if i'm not chasing the ball, i'm chasing them to get the ball back! ha! Its all fun and with summer starting i'm going to start jogging again at the beach! I better take advantage of the mellow weather and get conditioned before full summer hits!
Tanya_cotto

Tanya_cotto

0
LilMissDiva's Corner
 

From: Diva's journey to GOAL

Today is day 4 and I have 95 days to reach goal.   Wow!!! I haven't posted in here all weekend, sorry for that!  I've been busy and I find that my weekends are usually that way.  I did take some new photos for my 9th month post op (check my photo gallery).  Yay!!  9 months out -- WOW!!!!!!!   So I was 281 Lbs at the start of my pre op diet.  I was 272 on surgery day.  On my last weigh in I was 191 Lbs!!   My largest sizes I wore was a VERY tight 28W and 3-4X tops.  On surgery day I was wearing 24W and 1-2X tops.  Today I can fit into sizes ranging from 8's and all the way up to 14's.  14's are my max though, anything larger is simply too big.  I am almost out of 14's though and I have to wear them with belts.  I just don't want to give them up!   My largest bra size ever was a 44D and I was wearing 40D on surgery day.  Today I wear a 34C.   Panties, largest ever were 13's!!!!  On surgery day (iirc) I was wearing 10's.  Today I wear a 6.   My ring size largest ever was a 9.  On surgery day I was wearing 8.5.  Today I wear a 5.5.   All that said, I actually have not been feeling too good lately.  Every time I eat I feel kinda nauseated and just... blahhh...  So I read my post op instructions because it's been awhile.  I guess I don't remember seeing it before but Dr. A suggests if you're feeling like that after every meal it's best to go back and do one day of clear liquids.  So I put my dinner aside after feeling sick after about 5 bites.  I pulled out my Unjury chicken soup and heated me up a mug.  It was delicious and it made me feel so much better.  So from the rest of today I'll just drink water.  And I'll finish it off by doing clear liquids tomorrow.  After that I'll do full liquids on Tuesday.  Then hopefully by Wednesday my stomach will be feeling much better.     Who knows, but something I must have eaten did upset my stomach.  I've been eating more beef and pork actually the last few days and seeing I don't really eat those, that might be the reason.  Ever since, every time I eat anything I can only eat a few bites and then I'm feeling yucky.  :(So, it's back to square one!  Not because I want to but because I HAVE to.  That's the only way I'll do those liquids... LOL   I didn't workout at all today, and I won't tomorrow, nor Tuesday really except maybe a little bit of something.  Nothing too strenuous because it's hard to do any major training and do liquids for days.  I'll get too hungry and I'll fall off the liquids and I really need to stick to it.  Once I get back to solids I'll get back on to doing my morning runs.  I might just do a 30 set on my spinner, kinda light - just to get the blood pumping a little bit.  Gotta do that at least.   I do still need to create a new workout schedule, but priority one right now is for me to feel better.  Gawsh no more pork or beef!!!  They just don't agree with me at all.  My stomach is so sensitive anymore.  Oh well it's what I signed up for and I am forced to follow the rules.  It's working for me that's all I know!!!   See you all tomorrow.     Source: Diva's journey to GOAL
LilMissDiva Irene

LilMissDiva Irene

0
More2Love's Blog
 

1st fill and gym change! Oh boy!

Well, tomorrow I'm getting my first fill. Shouldn't be that bad. I'm guessing. I'm a bit nervous about the needle part, but I'm looking forward to have somewhat restriction - though I heard the 1st one doesn't always give you the restriction most people desire. This Wednesday I'll be exactly one month post-op. Wow, this month flew by. So far I've lost 32 lbs. Not too bad. Ya know, it took me 22 years to put this weight on, so I don't expect the weight to just melt off. It takes time. Though I wouldn't mind having the weight just melt off! I'm excited to finally just get it off and become "normal." I want to do normal things and not have my weight slow me down. I want to go to Disney World and ride the rides w/o being scared I won't fit. I want to go on dates with guys. And someday I do want to have kids. I just want to be labeled as normal. I switched gyms this weekend. It wasn't that I didn't like my old gym, i just felt a bit out of place. My old gym was mostly for men who wanted to work on their muscles. Everyone was so strong and no one was overweight. I just stuck w/ my tredmill, watching them with wide eyes. These men were huge and most likely were gymnists sometime in their lives - wouldn't surprise me...especially considering where I live. Walking into Serena/ Venus Williams or Celine Dion (etc) on a daily basis is normal here. So I'm guessing these guys are working on their stamina. So I joined a gym (farther away) but it is a non-judgement facility. It's great! I feel so much more laid back there compared to the other one. I've being listening to The Airborne Toxic Event and it's been keeping me occupied while walking on the tredmill. I need to start toning my arms, but I can't lift anything more than 10 lbs because I'm still healing. I'm going to make the gym a daily habit. I know it will be hard, but determination will get me through this! Soon I'll be a size 8 Until then, where are my keys because I'm off to the gym! But anyway, getting weighed in tomorrow so I hope I've lost more. Keeping my fingers crossed!
More2Love

More2Love

7
MsAnn6550's Blog
 

June 12

Nine days since being banded. When I write it down, it make me realize how short a time it has been. I feel great.Finally had a good BM, and according to my father, that should make you feel really better. Diet going OK. Had cantalope and cottage cheese for breakfast and five pieces of BBQ flavored Chicken chunks for lunch 4hrs later. Also had some Chocolat pudding about 2hrs ago. OK! OK! So it wasn't sugar-free. I promise to do better. Hubby has gone to help daughter with her house reconstruction. Will probably be up there thru Friday, so I plan to be good. Having a hard time with Head hunger Vs real hunger. Maybe I'll get motivated and start a project to get my mind on other things. Will write more later.
MsAnn6550

MsAnn6550

0

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