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mscarla123's Blog
 

Day 3

Day 3 of the liquid diet and you guys & girls were all correct. It's getting better I want say I have complete overcame the shakes for some textured food. However, i think I am going to live on day one I didn't think I was going to make it. LOL   I must say this protein shakes are keeping me gassy.But other than that I am have no complaints. Come on June 8, 2011..   As I travel this journal I am learning more about my love for food...    
Determine-Gem

Determine-Gem

1
MV ROCKS' Blog
 

Checking in

Accountability what's it mean to you? What dies it mean to me. While I have none. I try to have it but it doesn't matter I will find every excuse in the book not to do what I'm supposed to do. I want to change that so badly. I want to be successful at everything in my life. Or r least try and try harder than I am. I'm good at my job and honestly I think that about sums it up. I'm not good at much else.  I'm an all or nothing kind of person.  Being like that is a bad thing because you get tired of the all then I give nothing. So that's not a good way.  I'm spiraling out of control and I need to do something and fast. It's like I know what to do so why is it so hard to do. I would say take it one day at a time but maybe I should take it one hour at a time just make it through an hour an then worry about the next hour. I don't know the answer I guess if I did I wouldn't be where I'm at right now.  
mmv671

mmv671

2
"AmyRose"'s Blog
 

What would you do?

Ok so here it is. I have everything I need done just need paperwork sent to insurance. I have spoken with them many times. The lady I spoke with yesterday has had lap band as well. She told me “once you do what we require for pre certification we are very quick to approve you for lap band”. So my question is I already have to have my gallbladder taken out and that is set for Aug. 4th. I have flare ups but I can live with it most days. If I get a call that says you have been approved you surgery is in 3-4 weeks what do I do. I have to have 6 weeks between the surgeries. Would you move your gallbladder surgery and have lap band done sooner or would you wait and have lap band done at the end of Septerber or October?    
"AmyRose"

"AmyRose"

4
Catmo's Blog
 

Day 3 Post Op

Day 3 and feeling much better. Incision is feeling a lot better. I took a pain pill last night but probably didn't really need it.   Last night was a bit hard. Kept wanting to eat something that crunched in my mouth. I kept hearing the pretzel sticks calling my name from the kitchen! I finally had a whole Odwalla protein drink (12 oz.) and felt better. Probably more than I should have had, but it was that or the pretzels!   Dropped another 2 pounds! Very exciting and motivating! I keep picturing the fat "melting" off of me! Great feeling!   Found a lot of recipes for protein shakes on one of the forums. I'm going to try a couple of the more liquid ones and save the mushie ones for after Tuesday. Going to a wedding this weekend and the nurse said I could have a couple spoonfuls of mashed potatoes! Sounds like filet mignon, at this point!   Hanging in and hanging on--ODAT!  
Catmo

Catmo

0
Wheelchair's Band Journey
 

First day of the rest of my life.

This is me. June 3, 2011. The day of my surgery.       Current Stats: Weight: 260+ BMI: Who cares... Pants Size: 38~40" Shirt Size: X-Large, XX Large   Goal: Weight:<170 Body fat: <11% Pants Size: <34" Shirt Size: Large - X Large   Fitness Goals: Benchpress: 225lb x 10 reps Military Press: 185lb x 10 reps Lateral Pulldown: 240lb x 10 reps Bicep Curl: 40lb x 10 reps Tricep Pulldown: 60lb x 10 reps
Wheelchair

Wheelchair

1
Banded_Kris' Blog
 

Post-op

Okay today was two days post-op and I'm finally feeling okay. Sorry I'm just getting a post up but the last two days have been rought to say the least. I came home from the hospital feeling pretty decent on Tuesday. I came home and went straight to sleep because I had to be at the hospital at 430 am. I was exhausted but feeling pretty good. When I woke up I was even feeling a little bit hungry so I decided to try to eat a bit of jello. That was definately a mistake. I immediately starting getting sick, and because I didn't have anything in my stomach I was dry heaving like crazy. After about three hours of vomitting everything I tried to drink I decided to just take some pain meds and go to bed. That first night was miserable. No matter how I layed, sitting or laying I was in a lot of pain and uncomfortable. I had decided to stay at my parents house so I would have a little help and I have to say that was the best thing I could have done. I was hurting so bad on post-op day 1 that I had to get my mom to help me out of bed. I was affraid to eat anything either because of what had happend the day before but knew that I had to. I was able to keep down a little water, chicken broth and one protein shake that day. Even though I was hurting I knew I had to get up and walk so about every 3 hrs I got up and walked for 10 minutes straight. I found that if I stayed still too long I would get more stiff and be in even more pain. This day I stayed ontop of all my pain meds too. I took it as often as I could to keep it in my system. I went to bed and I have to say I actually got a decent amount of sleep and woke up feeling a lot better. I think walking and the meds were the key. Today was the post -op day 2 and I had a pretty good day. I am still really sore but overall I can move around alot better. I was also able to get down 3 protein shakes and some clear liquids. Lets hope it just gets easier from here.
Banded_Kris

Banded_Kris

1
LovetheNewMe's Blog
 

No Regrets

I started this journey 7 months ago and yes it has been a journey. I had my appointment with my surgeon today, it was 4 weeks post a fill and slight unfill of .4 cc's. I had lost 10lbs since my last visit. I am down 56lbs since surgery now and have dropped from a size 24 to a size 14. I really am enjoying the new me, I went to the beach last week and actually was not embarrassed to wear a bathing suit. My husband and I had so much fun, it was great not to feel short of breath or have the pain in my knees I had the summer before. We road bikes, walked on the beach and had a wonderful time. It is the first time I can actually say I went on vacation and actually lost weight not gained weight. But back to my journey. This journey has had it's ups and downs, I have had to learn to listen to my body and what my band is telling me. Eating early in the morning is just not an option for me, I drink protein. I have learn to be creative with my protein drinks and use unflavored in my coffee or lattes from Star Bucks and call this breakfast. Unfortunately I was one of those people that thought weight loss surgery was a cop out, but believe me I have changed my opinion. This has been one of the hardest journeys of my life. It truly makes you learn to make healthy choices or pay the price. I have paid the price along the way when I have tried to eat pizza or pasta. Yes I can eat them but it is a painful process and they sit in my stomach like a piece of lead as the digest. I have found new loves, vanilla protein shakes with peanut butter powder, I consider this a treat, a little crushed ice to make it thick and I think I am drinking a milkshake. Yummy! One of my favorite desserts has always been German Chocolate Cake, last week I found, chocolaty coconut, Biggest Losers Protein Bars. I told my husband, you know you have crossed over to the other side when a protein bar is the best tasting thing you have eaten for a while. He thinks I am crazy most days, but is one of most devoted supporters. Life post lap band surgery is truly a journey and a new beginning to a better life. I ask my self daily, why did I wait so long to do this, I could have been so much further than I am. But honestly I was not ready emotionally. The emotional part of weight loss is probably the most difficult for all of us. I mourned the loss of food in the beginning and really did not realize how much I had used food as a coping mechanism until I could no longer use it as a crutch. Food has much less importance in my life now, I see it as nutrition for my body and not something to run to when I am frustrated. My family sometimes has difficulty dealing with my honesty and so do co workers, but if it is between me binging or purging my thoughts, the thoughts are coming out. I have learned in order to be successful in this journey, I must listen to my band and not to the emotional eater that hides in the shadows waiting for me to let my guard down and find a weak place in the armor. I will not fail in this journey, this is for me, I do love the new me and I love the commitment I have made to myself to give this journey 100% of my ability to succeed. As I continue I need to challenge myself to increase my exercise. Actually I need to get off my butt and exercise daily. I am making a pledge to myself today to increase my activities by taking the steps instead of the elevator, walk from my car to my office instead of taking the shuttle, spend 20 minutes each day doing some type of physical activity. I will be successful in this journey!
♥LovetheNewMe♥

♥LovetheNewMe♥

7
nana4290's Blog
 

Introducing Nana

This is my introduction to the Sleeve world. My name is Nana I am a 37 year old and I have just started the process of changing my life. I have been super obese since 1994.   I have been taking care of others in my family for my entire life and when I looked up I noticed that I was neglecting myself. Where did I go wrong? I know this fat was making others feel comfortable but this is unhealthy. Do you know how comfortable the world is when you are big. Yes, they are very negative and that's because we give them the all the power. We say they are more important when we care for them and neglect ourselves.   Well I am finally saying what about me, darn it? There is no reason that I do not have the attention and the self love that I deserve. Well I tell you I am taking my power back. I could care less how they feel. I am very proud that I have decided to take my life back too. I think everyday I will just add to this and when I get it all out it should be the time I see my life change!
nana4290

nana4290

0
Shawna's new journey
 

Almost that time..

So today I had my Psych evaluation so now I'm just waiting for the Docs to call so I can schedule the day for surgery. Right now I'm feeling really excited with a side of nervousness... I'm so ready to do this and change my life for the better. Its going to be a tough change... but im willing to do it. Just a few more weeks hopefully and I'll be on my way to healthy!     -S
smacbeth

smacbeth

0
Day Dreamer's Blog
 

Pre Surgery Thoughts

Well here it is.. my day is quickly approaching. June 6th, Monday and the countdown is on. OK well the countdown was on since approval LOL but this is the T-minus 72 hours type of countdown!! So my knees are knocking - well as best they can with these wonderful thick thighs blocking the way hahaha! My feet are tapping like mad under my desk. My mind is racing with thoughts - some good, some scary. Debating whether or not to write my final good-bye's - just in case! I mean, there is so much going through my head right now. It is really a roller coaster ride and it is about to peak!   Start to finish, this has been a long journey. I started looking into WLS many years ago - off and on - losing insurance multiple times and resetting the journey. This time it was quick. I mean WOW that was quick type of quick! Seminars in March, approval, pre op labs and test and surgery in June. That is not as long as it felt. And I felt saying I can't wait till my surgery. Well Heather, here ya go! Your day is here and now you are a big chicken. (MMM chicken.. curry chicken... fried chicken... General Tso chicken..mm.... sorry.. shake diet does that to ya.)   So this weekend I will be gathering my thoughts and getting my house post op ready. I need to stock up on SF Jell-O and SF ice pops. I have my 2nd order of Syntrax Nectars in route and should be here tomorrow. My heating pad is lovingly placed next to my side of the bed. Although being a tummy sleeper, I will have to learn to sleep on my back!! (I don't have a recliner.. Boo!)   This is it. A farewell to Tula - my tummy. Tula has been really good to me. We have been through a lot together - thick and thin. Tula allowed me to enjoy many things in life and sometimes she was a bit fussy but overall she was a good tummy. So Tula, I love you and I will miss you but part of you will always remain with me (hehe).   Side note: you guys are the best. Believe it or not, VST is like a lifesaver to those of us with weak support systems. I have learned so much, got so much support and felt so much love here. These boards are very helpful - in fact, they are priceless.   Ok enough mushy stuff!! <3 Heather   6/6/11
Day Dreamer

Day Dreamer

0
SkinnyInside=)'s Blog
 

New blog

Ive started a " real " blog to keep up with my journey . If you would like to check it out .. its   http://asmallerass.blogspot.com/     Hope to see you there =)
SkinnyInside=)

SkinnyInside=)

0
Blog 105691
 

7 months post op!

Well I have been doing amazing I have lost 60 pounds and feeling amazing! But a few days ago I was talking to someone who had their band slip and now I'm worried sick I go on the 15th to have an up gi and see my doc! I just really worried does anyone else worry about this or had it happen to them?
swieners

swieners

4
freelance frog's Blog
 

Flat butts and other stuff..

Seven weeks and one day... and I have ZERO regrets about making the decision to get my lap band! I have been faithful about going to the gym and I'm already starting to see the payoff. Not in pounds on the scale mind you, but in the way I feel, and the way I look. I've lost a few pounds too, but I've decided that isn't nearly as much fun as losing these inches! My lap band and Curves work quite well together, and I'm so excited about that!   I had fill number 2 yesterday. I was quite pleasantly surprised that it was relatively painless compared to my first one. I was prepared to be far more brave this week.. I wasn't about to be called a pansy now! But it turns out that it wasn't necessary at all. About the only thing I felt was the quick stick of the needle. I asked Nurse Dot why it was so much better this time and she said "Because you're losing weight, and next time, it will be even better!" Apparently as the fat disappears from around the port it can do a better job of embedding. I just LOVE disappearing fat!   I have a good bit of restriction right now from the fill. (Restriction, for those of you unfamiliar with lapband speak is basically the ability to feel when you are eating too fast, or too much at a time. There is definite tightness and sometimes pain associated with restriction. The opening between the pouch that fills as you eat, and the rest of your stomach is smaller with each fill, and it's definitely possible to get too much restriction.. to the point that you truly can't eat much of anything without literally getting sick. The trick is to find the "sweet spot", and that's what we're looking for.) I will go back in two weeks for fill number three... exactly one week before I leave for the beach. I was pretty happy about that. I look forward to cooking and eating at the beach with my girls, but knowing I have my band as a "guardian" to keep me from over-doing it is sweet peace of mind!   Yesterday three people made comments to me about my weight loss. Exciting stuff to me.. it's fun to know that other people see it and it's not just me motivating myself with some wishful thinking! Hearing it from other people is super motivating to me and I love it! I need to remember that wearing clothes that allow people to actually see a change is helpful..(duh)... I've been hiding my body in huge sweatshirts for so long that I actually got used to wearing them even in the summer sometimes. I still find myself wanting to hide my stomach and arms.. even though both are shrinking.. and I have to say that this is one of the things I look forward to the most ~ not hiding anymore. I'm still a sweatshirt loving girl.. probably always will be, but wearing them to hide behind and wearing them because I'm chilly shall be two very different things!   I have to admit here.. I am a little worried that "my other butt" is going to be a lot flatter than it used to be! I don't know why I think that.. just a feeling. It may well just be an unfounded fear. But still, I'm working out each day with that in mind. If My Other Butt is FLAT I might scream. Just so you know. It didn't used to be flat. It used to be *rockin!* If i do say so myself.. but the "girls" used to be perky and a lot smaller too...   I promise not to be obsessed about it though.. so what if I have to wear a butt pusher upper...   Thanks for stopping by!   http://www.myotherbutt.blogspot.com
freelance frog

freelance frog

5
Catmo's Blog
 

Day 2 Post Op

Yesterday was a strange day. I never realized how many food references there were on TV! In the shows, the commercials, even the news! I knew it was bad when I saw a guy on Man vs. Food trying to chow down a triple-decker sandwich with about a pound of cheese on it and it looked good! I think I probably ate (drank) a bit more than I should have. Feeling a bit bloated and gassy today. Went to the doctor's about the bleeding. He said it was OK. I had bumped the port site on the kitchen counter, which probably aggravated it. Feeling a bit stronger today. Found out I wasn't drinking enough water to keep hydrated. The post op instructions had said 3 oz. 3 times a day. I didn't know that I was suppose to constantly sip water (or juice or Crystal Light). Having my 3 oz. of Special K Protein drink (strawberry) for breakfast. Down 2 pounds from yesterday (positive sign!)  
Catmo

Catmo

0
Blog 105691
 

Fill or is something wrong?

OK well two weeks ago I had a fill it was my 5th fill and before this I had an unfill well after the 2 days on liquids and stuff when I ate I had the fullness and it felt like my band was tight and at the sweet spot also in this time I take pills in the AM and it is hard to take them but I have to take them and I can't brake them in half well 3 days ago I realized I could take them with no problems and I can eat and I do not feel the same tightness or fullness like before is it that I am just getting used to my band or do I need another fill or is there something wrong I am very confused I called my doc today and they said I just might need another fill and I go back on the 15th but I don't think so has anyone else had this problem?
swieners

swieners

3
agmg2011's Blog
 

Surgery yesterday

I had my surgery yesterday. I had to be at the hospital at 6:00 am and my surgery was at 8:00. We arrived and they took me back within 10 minutes. I had to change into the hospital gown and put compression hose on my legs. They asked me some questions and tried twice to get my IV in while I was in this room. Apparently, they only try twice and then let someone else try in the holding room before surgery. I got a shot to prevent blood clots and then they took me to the holding room. There I met the anesthesiologist and some nurses. They were able to get my IV in this time and gave me something to relax me even though I thought I was relaxed already. My doctor came in and prayed with me. That was nice. I had been praying already, but to have the surgeon pray with me was comforting. I don't remember much after that until I woke up in the recovery room. I remember wondering if it was over because I wasn't really hurting. Then I heard the nurse say that she already gave me something for pain because she saw my face wincing before I woke up. They carried me to my room where my husband was waiting. I had a great nurse while I was there. She checked on me quite often. I was never on a pain pump, but she gave me a pain pill that she broke in half so I could swallow it easier. I slept on and off for 1 1/2 hours then went for my swallow test. I guess I passed that and came back to my room. After this I was really hurting from the gas pains. I was very uncomfortable. I got up to go to the bathroom and realized that I felt so mucg better standing up. My husband pushed my IV bag around while I walked around the room first and then around the nurses station. When my nurse saw me walking on my own, she began getting my discharge papers ready. The 45 minute drive was painful because of the sitting. The whole thing really hasn't been as bad as I expected. I only lost 3 pounds on the pre op low carb diet. I didn't cheat at all, but I'm sure my portions were too big, I am ready to get the scale moving, I know it will be a few more weeks though.
agmg2011

agmg2011

1
kamay1234's Blog
 

1st day of June, and a new Journey

Today is June 1st It is also the first day of a long and winding road. My life feels like it has been rolling downhill, out of control. I am ready to put a halt to this path, turn a corner, and discover something new. I'm looking for a new, healthier, sassy woman who weighs 160 lbs. The problem is that the person walking on this road is 350 lbs and feels trapped in a body that can't move.   I decided to look into gastric sleeve surgery after speaking with my PCP. I have seen the internist, surgeon, behaviorist, GI doc, and the sleep specialist. I have been scoped upper/lower, labs drawn, ekg done, and after speaking with GHP (dr's office) I have been approved. I will find out my surgery date tomorrow.   I have informed my sister of this decision, but no one else in my family. I am not ready to discuss this with anyone else until the date is set. I am going this for me, I want to have my new path set, then I will include the kids, siblings, and parents.   I am looking out into my back yard. The leaves on the trees are dancing in the wind. The sun is shining, it is 73 degrees and windy. It is a perfect late spring day. It really feels like I am starting something new today. It hasn't seemed real until today.   It is the first step of a new Journey.
kamay1234

kamay1234

1
ttny007's at the top of the slope with the ski's on!
 

Lots happening

Ok so I had a come to Jesus meeting with my husband about my surgery. He finally understands and is supporting me but it was an up hill climb. Went to the nutritionist today for the last time before surgery and she was very helpful and supportative. Can't believe my date is almost here!!!!!!       Im thankful I have school to keep me very busy ortherwise I would be climbing the walls. lol
ttny007

ttny007

2
KatDub's Blog
 

This or That...Lumbar Fusion anyone?

Be patient with me...first blog I have ever written   Well a lot has gone on in my life recently. And although I am not one to reveal all of my business in the public eye and of course be vulnerable, I have learned that many of you on this site are truly supportive. I feel the need to write a little bit about what I have been going through for the past several months...   Like many of you I have been overweight it seems like my entire life. There were times in which I had lost weight, felt great, and looked good. Well, here I am, only 30 years old facing the hardest decision of my life. People who know me probably would not understand this as I had my son at a very young age, 14 and my second son at 21, was able to be a great parent to them, finish high school, go on to college right away, graduate and have become pretty successful overall. I have been through so many things in my life which on the outside appear to be much more complex than my decisions today. In the past I have had boyfriends and husband who physically, emotionally and financially abused me, but all the while managed to keep the kids away from it, and left. I say all this to tell you the following... I underwent 2 back surgeries in my lower back, my lumbar spine at the same level I had two discectomies about 5 years ago. I felt great even lost 45 lbs last year and thought I could do everything on my own. I began to slowly pack on the pounds again and in February of this year, 2011, I fell suddenly on ice and things progressively got worse. Now at the age of 30, when I am suppose to be young and energetic, playing with my boys and excited about the future I am now faced with these decisions.   After I fell I progressively got worse, my right leg was going numb, my back in major pain, I bent over twice and got "stuck" in that position and was in agony for the next few days. I went back to the doctor who did some testing including an MRI, nothing was on my nerve, thought this was great news...that night both of my legs stopped working for what seemed like an eternity, maybe 30 minutes to an hour, I swore I was paralyzed forever. Come to find out that because of this fall my back was now unstable and will most likely need a fusion. My doc referred me to an ortho surgeon. This ortho surgeon took a look at my tests, but never physically examined me and said yes you need a fusion, but you need to have physical therapy first to see if it works. I thought that this would be great I'll show them...I will get better with PT, boy was I WRONG, I got even worse. So bad that at the end of my 3rd week of the 6 weeks, my physical therapist told me I needed to go back to my ortho. So bad that my supervisor pulled me to the side and said that I needed to take action that I was looking like I needed to be off of work and gave me the name of her ortho as I complained that mine was not listening to my complaints. Well her surgeon was great and figured if they were going to tell me I needed a fusion which is very involved I would want at least 2 to 3 opinions. He put me off of work, luckily I have great benefits and although I'm a single mom, I am still getting paid. With the first surgeon, he referred me for an epidural steroid injection, that did not give me any relief at all really. The second surgeon did a whole slew of tests and yes actually looked at my back and where I was complaining. This surgeon also concurred that I needed surgery, but interestingly he recommended that I have a choice, I can either have the surgery (but my family lives 1000 miles away so 3 months of recovery would not be fun) OR lose a "significant amount of weight and gain core strength for my muscles to take on the work of my spine" So here I am, I am applying for lap band. If my insurance doesn't cover it, I cannot get it. One would think that in order to save money it would be a "no brainer" to the insurance company to pay for a lapband vs. lumbar fusion. We shall see. Either way my weight loss is needed, with a long family history of Type II diabetes and back surgeries I will need to do it.   In addition to the above, I found out I developed something called Cushing's Syndrome from the injection I recevied. I found this out as now I have developed a "buffalo hump" which is a large osteoporosis type bulge at the top of my back now. Although I am larger, I have always been beautiful (well so I have been told). To be 30, single, and have this hump on my back which is a result of the over production in my body of the hormone Cortisol, this too can only be taken away with weight loss and a reduction of steroid medicaion.   So I say all this, on the day of my discogram this morning, which was pure agony, to say that I went into this week believing that if I can get a lapband, I would avoid at least 2 surgeries that have long recovery periods and regain my life back for my children and myself.    
DrmBig4Evr

DrmBig4Evr

3
"AmyRose"'s Blog
 

And So It Begings...

I have my first appt with my Surgeon in one week. I am so excited I can’t wait. I have already done all the stuff the insurance makes you do to get approval so now it’s just meet the doc and wait for approval. Does anyone know Dr. Malley? If you do let me know what you think of him.    
"AmyRose"

"AmyRose"

0

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