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sassychica's Blog
 

A journey to my new life

On March 22, 2011 I began my new life with my lap band!!! yay finally! Here is what I have gone threw in the past 5 days. The day I got home I was totally out of it but I did manage to eat my soup 1/4 cup 3 times that day and slept alot. The next day I was feeling really good and even went to the book store to get some books, my hubby drove! lol I thought wow this is not as bad as I thought, although a little dizzy if I stood to long. When I had my galbladder removed it took me forever to recover. 3 day I began to eat cream of wheat of wheat 1/4 cup and plain yogurt not quite 1/4 cup felt full, then at 1230 the same but I began to feel light headed and not sure what was going on. I did take calcium and vitamin D liquid that morning. My husband took me for a short drive and I was just not feeling it so I decided to take a shower. I told my little girl to stay close by because I was just not feeling right. I was in the shower and it felt so good and then I felt like everything was getting dark and really light headed. I yelled for my little girl. I couldnt stand so I layed on the bed and had her turn the fan on. I tried to stand and well not happening. I just layed there and let it pass and prayed I would not pass out. By the time my husband got home with my son it has passed. I went back to sticking with broths and no liquid vitamins just my flinstones with iron. 4th day (friday) Husband decided he needed to stay home with me just incase. He wanted me to go for a ride with him to get me out of the house. So I went and I felt really good just not all there. I ate some soup and yogurt in the am and sipped on protein shake all day and water. 5thday (Sat) I ate the same stuff but felt hungrier. My husband said it was a good thing because that means I am healing. But I felt like eating whatever BUT I didnt! I just had protien shakes and jello. I went to mass that day and while kneeling I began to feel dizzy so I sat down. Today is 5th day (Sun) and I am feeling a little more like me now! YAY!!! I got on the scare and I am at 247.2 day of surgery I was at 258. I have had lots of gas and been burping a lot...Can anyone tell me why I am burping a alot what can I do to prevent it? Also I cant sleep good since I am used to sleeping on my tummy. I know in time things will pass and I will be back to living a normal life well except for over eating. I am going to keep a daily diary on here because I want to help people that do it and have questions. Please add me as your friend and begin a new life with me.    
sassychica

sassychica

2
Jebellah's Blog
 

The Big Day Finally Arrived!!

March 22, 2011   Tuesday morning arrived like any other. After all the time I'd spent worrying, planning, and preparing, it came so fast I had hardly anytime to panic. Some... but not much.   My appt was at 10:30, got there right on time, signed in at the front desk and settled in to wait. The waiting was excruciating, I thought I would faint as I sat there twirling my surgical bracelet. One cool thing that happened while I was waiting, I ran into a girl I met at the nurse's class. She is getting sleeved next week and was there for her pre-admission testing. She was super bubbly and positive and distracted me from my near-suffocating panic for a few minutes. lol.   Finally someone came and got me, told me to leave my bag and family and come to the back. I went to a little room where a nurse was waiting. She asked me all the consent questions again, had me put on a hospital gown and tucked me into the bed. Over the next ten minutes two more nurses, the Anesthesiologist and eventually my Surgeon came in to check on me. He was short with me but full of confidence as always,and somewhat more sensitive than usual telling me to 'stop crying' when I teared up at leaving my mom. The good news was the IV had been started and and pretty soon I wasn't worried about a thing. They wheeled me down some halls and looking up at the lights passing I told the nurse I feared I was chickening out but she just laughed and slid me into the operating room. I remember one look at the surgical table, all the camera equipment, people milling around (does it really take a team of 10?) and then... nothing. Whether it was fear induced or just a strong dose of sedatives I don't know, but I was out in a flash.   I woke up in the recovery room about 3 hours later. There was a brunette nurse talking to me, telling me to relax. I tried to tell her I had to pee and she kept trying to convince me I had a catheter in and could go anytime I felt like it. Despite trouble speaking I tried valiantly to argue against this scandalous lie because my Surgeon assured me I wouldn't have a catheter. When I calmed down a little, a nurse Anesth. came and checked my breathing. He was very sweet and called me beautiful. After the most harrowing day of my life, no make-up, sticky sweat and a bag of pee trailing around after me, I'm certain this was another scandalous falsehood but I took it with much less resistance.   After some time (10 mins? who knows, its super fuzzy) I was rolled into my hospital room. My mother says I said something angry about the catheter to my two nurses but I don't recall this either lol. The next 24 hours were filled with intravenous pain meds, constant vital checks, and forced walks around the corridor. I remember going down for an x-ray and trying to tell the tech my stomach was only about 3 ounces and I COULD NOT swallow all the dye he wanted me to but he insisted and it came right back up. The one and only time I puked, I'm proud to say. Also, luckily, the x-ray came back clean, no leaks, no bleeding, no nada.   On the 2nd afternoon I was discharged when my Surgeon saw that I had no fever, steady oxygen levels, could tolerate clear liquids and was managing my pain. I did regret going off the IV dialudid to the oral Roxicet (not nearly the same punch) but I was excited to get home. We waited about an hour and then a volunteer came and wheeled me out the front door. The ride home was brutal and I shambled/ran to bed. The most difficult day ever drew to a close and I gratefully succumbed to sleep.
Jebellah

Jebellah

0
My Secret Journey
 

Post Plastic Surgery

I know I've been gone a while. I was banded in October 2008. I have lost over 100 lbs. I may not have hit my goal in fact I have been the same for about 2 years give or take 15 lbs at times. Not unhappy. In fact I ran my first 5K in September. I am ready to get back to running in the next 4 weeks.   I just wanted you to know that I am post PS by about 10 days. A few months ago I finally decided that I didn't know what it would take but I would get it done. Sort of the same way I finally moved forward with band surgery. I had a breast lift and Tummy Tuck. I almost cryied today looking in the mirror. I still have 4 drains. One in a breast and 3 in my tummy. I am having to pack my belly button to help it heal but I tried on a few pieces of clothes today. Why am I crying? Because I look normal. I am still a good size. I have a ton of swelling still and I have been about a size 12 but of course with all the extra skin and such I have been wearing undergarments to try and pull in the layers and rolls. I didn't do this to look sexy (not like a model or anything) I did it to feel better about myself, be able to look more professional in my top level meetings, and feel better about myself, but at 10 days post op I am looking in the mirror and all I can say is I look normal. I finally look normal. That sounds so mild but I am jumping up and down inside. (not on the outside I would pull something). Before PS I didn't even want my husband to see me without my clothes on and now I am so happy. I can't wait to get the drains out. I am back to work in a week. I wanted to share...I LOOK NORMAL with or without clothes on. I feel like I have come full circle. Couldn't be happier.
julie.ann

julie.ann

6
Life with VSG
 

brief entry from the 10 freeway

I am driving home with my mother after going to AZ (I am from CA) for the Lady Gaga concert. I have seen her twice now and she is PHENOMENAL. I had surgery 10 days ago. I was standing on the ground floor and spent the entire concert with my arms wrapped around my tummy out of fear of getting shoved in the stomach, which happened once. I had a great time. Watching everyone drink and eat was very difficult. It would have been nice to have a beer or margarita.   I packed yogurt, baby food, and apple sauce in a cooler and that was my food all weekend.   We stopped at a subway in a truck stop and I got some soup. I teared up watching them build sandwiches. I can't wait for two more weeks to go by.
Sarah S

Sarah S

0
Thomas Moore's Blog
 

Frustrations And Working Around Issues

When I started all this I tried to ask all the right questions. That said not all of the answers given were completly true.   Frustration Number One - Eight eight hundred callories a day. Not a problem most days it's hard to get that much down. However if I eat anything less than 1000 callories I don't loose weight. However I have noticed if I eat 1000 for 2 days and then drop down to 8 for 2 days I loose weight. My body is on a weird loop and it's driving me crasy.   Frustration Number Two - Eight 80 Grams of Protien a Day. 2 months ago not a problem today, huge problem. I can not stand most shakes the idea of them makes me want to wretch. EAS shakes are bareable once daily, but thats all I can stand not mention holy cow they are expensive.   So heres what I am doing;   Breakfasts at this time are first thing EQIS Strawberry Shake. One of my favorites. They are nice they come in a box, I keep them in the fridge they are best cold. like really cold. They are 17 grams of protien and only 2 grams of carbs and are 110 callories. Best part they count as twenty percent of your daily calcium requirement for one of them and they keep me running for a couple of hours. I then two hours latter have two boiled eggs, soft boiled, they go nice and easy. This is another 140 callories, and 8 grams of protien. Putting me in at 25 grams in the morning. Adding the eggs was essential for me.   I am carnavore by nature so I have started encorperating soft turkey meat, lunch meat style and pickles. Four small slices of turkey meat or equal to 3 ounces and one pickle cut into fourths and thats my lunch. Thats 135 callories....pickles have none. With a whooping 24 grams of protien. Often ill have about half ounce of cottage cheese, sneeking in some much needed calcium and another ten grams protien putting me at the end of my lunch cycle at 59 grams of protien.   Dinner, i've noticed chicken breast works great for me in the evenings. 4 ounce of chicken breast, not I throw tabasco, or red hot on mine. One helps me slow down my eatting process and two I like hot food. Gives me my final 359 callories for the day. Putting me in at 859 for the day.   Often ill use my last bit of callories in drinks like a flavored tea. A small serving of v8 or something.   Another frustration for me is I was told I could get my first fill although im doing amazing at this time was two weeks and could be filled at any fill location. Wrong! I got banded in Mexico which means there is one and only one company that will fill my 10cc band one! Which is fill centers USA, which the closest one to me is Albequerqe, NM four almost five hours from me. We I havent been there and so getting to finally go will be a bonus. However, thats a lot farther than the one that is here. The cost for my first fill is 359 dollars and each additional fill is 165 which does not enclude travel costs. As this location is so far away I do not want to get a fill and head home, all to have a problem that night. So we will have to grab a hotel, and spent the night meaning doggie and kid sitters again! Worst part no fill in two weeks! No fill in 4 weeks, they will only do a fill after your post op for 6 weeks! Okay, this is not what I was expecting. I am doing well, and continueing to lose weight, however if it were not going better than expected then I would PISSED! My first fill date is actually set for May 4 which is 37 days away which will actually put me and 7 weeks post op. I will survive and lets hope I continue to lose weight in the mean time.   Going to work on a different menu for this week but so far so good. All and all not bad. Not going to update my weight here for a few weeks. Working on a bit of shock value...you will be amazed!        
Thomas Moore

Thomas Moore

2
astericks*'s Blog
 

Cheers and Jeers

I've joined this site a little less than a week ago, looking for some insight into this whole process.   But the story doesn't begin there.   The story begins about a year and a half ago when I called my crappy insurance company at the time and asked about weight loss surgery. I couldn't even get the rest of the sentence out before the representative on the other end advised me in the most abrupt manner that this was not covered under my plan. I hung the phone up...pissed as all get-out because I am dealing with a serious medical issue and I NEED HELP.   It was not so much the fact that it was not covered that had me all out of sorts, but the fact that it has taken me over 14 years to admit that there is something that I could not do on my own and required the assistance of another person. I've always grown up to believe that the only person that anyone can ever depend on is themselves, as we are all aware of what our limitations are. I've always known with a firm assertion that I could always conquer this weight thing...it's an essential equation of mind over matter. In the very beginning, I believed that I could just do the cabbage diet for a week or two to jump start my metabolism and since I was in my early 20's the weight would fall off.   And it did.   I lost 35 pounds in less than 6 weeks...got down to a voluptuous size 14 and was able to run a mile in about 10 minutes.   I don't need anybody's help.   I did it on my own.   The weight loss battle continued....I'd lose 25 pounds...to gain them all back. And to never be out done, I always added another 10 pounds to keep it consistent. I tried Weight Watchers over ten times with some success...all to give up when I hit a plateau. I caught the occasional blessed stomach virus (I'm probably going to hell for admitting this...but I welcome a stomach virus and a hearty bout of the flu with open arms) all to go back to being heavier than I was in the beginning.   I look back today at all those times..and now realizing that this volatile battle with weight has been a never ending war over the past 14 years. And 160 pounds later, I realized that it's a whole lot more complicated than I thought it was or ever thought that it could be.   About little about me...my family primarily consists of my mother and my brother, and they know I have struggled with my weight for a long time. I have always been a big girl...and always got the you have such a pretty face and a beautiful smile...but ....and I've always wanted to say But what? Say it! Say it! even though I knew that meant that you're pretty, but your big. I don't know how I would go on if I ever heard the answer, but part of me wanted to hear somebody have the nerve to say it. Because I was always overweight, I was never viewed by my family as a person who could be loved or seen having a family or those things that most women assign their value to. So I've never pursued them. I'm embarrassed to say that I am 33 and have never been in a serious relationship where the love has been reciprocated. I was always viewed by my family in terms of my accomplishments. So my entire being has been focused on my career and climbing as high on the ladder as I could possibly go. I realized this was true when I turned 30 and was asked at a family event if I wanted a family or if I would ever get married, I found it interesting that the response was a resounding no and I never opened my mouth. That was so hurtful...but I kinda shrugged it off as I didn't care and laughed it off. What...because I am obese I cannot WANT to be married and have a family? Can I not be EXPECTED to be married and have a family?   My closest friends really don't believe in weight loss surgery. They are all just a tad overweight...and when you are my size, I hate to admit this...but I could care less about people who are struggling to lose 25 pounds to get to their goal weight. I know everyone's weight loss struggle is different...but for some reason, it irritates me in the worst way. I would secretly get angry at Weight Watchers meetings when I saw a room full of thin, beautiful stay-at-home mothers whining about losing 20 pounds. I wanted to pull an Ally McBeal, slap them all in the face and stand in the front of the room and remind them that there are bigger things in life to worry about than trying to squeeze in a size 4. I mean, c'mon! I get frustrated when my friends want to go shopping....and I am only limited to shop in 2 stores: Lane Bryant and Target. I can sit watching them try on clothes for hours in The Limited, Express and Forever 21...but when they have to sit in Lane Bryant for more than 15 minutes, everyone has somewhere else they need to be when it's my turn to shop.   I don't think they know what it is like when you go to a restaurant and the booth is cutting in your gut because you barely fit in it.   They have no idea what it is like to fly on an airplane and you whisper for a belt extender...and the flight attendant brings it to you and everyone looks at you with disgust.   I doubt they know how it feels to have a host of male friends who call you to tell you about all their dates and heartbreaks with beautiful women who are fit and trim...and you know in your heart of hearts that you can love them better than any woman could ever love them...but know that you are never afforded that 'opportunity' becuase of how much you weigh.   I dread being in weddings...because if they decide on a bridemaid's dress it has to come in a larger size to accommodate me and not be backless to exploit my dredded 'backfat.'   I can't cross my legs.   I haven't seen my no-no in years...and if I so desire to take a peek, I need a mirror to give me the story secondhand.   Having sex is like playing Twister with arms that are too short and legs that are too long...you can reach one spot with no problem, but none the other spots that you need to in order to get a good score. Not to mention you're playing incomplete darkness, so you don't know what dot you're aiming for...you're just trying to get to something.   I talk to my friends regulary and they look at me and always say that I have the life they want: I have a really good job, have a nice home, nice car, very well educated and single.   Well, I doubt if anyone is dying to get at the head of the line to deal with cystic ovarian disease, peripheral vscular disease, sleep apnea and hypertension. Yes, I have a lot of nice things and a ton of accomplishments, but they are...   all.   just.   things.   I'll die of a massive heart attack before I get the full opportunity to enjoy them. I live alone, and my dog hasn't learned CPR (I don't doubt that she can...she's almost human) so by the time they find me, I'll be all stew and maggots. Oh, and I have this horrible fear that I probably can't fit in a coffin or when they carry me out the hurst the handles will rip off of the coffin and my body will topple out...so that's another embarrassment from the grave.   I don't want anyone to get the impression that I have bad friends or family. I love them and all their flaws. They are exceptional people because they deal with me...and sometimes I can be difficult. But I want anyone who reads this to understand that no matter what your friends and family may think, feel, believe or say...sometimes you have to have to take full ownership for your life and the cheers and jeers that are contained within it. As I write this for everyone to see, I say the following statement to myself over and over again: the instant that you take full ownership of your life is the moment that you fully acknowledge your obligation to do what you must to preserve it. I have no idea what the future holds for me, but I do know that I've made the first step to assure that I'll at least get a glimpse of it by meeting with my surgeon on Thursday for my first appointment.    
astericks*

astericks*

0
Kris' VSG Blog
 

Week 11 Surgiversary -- Size 16 Jeans -- WOOT?!?

I have been a bit down in the dumps lately because the past few weeks' weight loss has been really slow. But this week was great -- over 3.5 lbs. lost! I am now down to 192.2, very close to being in the 180s and so excited about that!   I had a NSV today, too. About a month ago I went shopping for some new jeans, since my size 22's were getting pretty loose. I was really happy to find out I could fit into size 18WP jeans, even though they were a little snug. I bought two pairs of jeans. I am very short and the jeans were still a couple of inches too long, so I needed to get them hemmed (I can't sew at all!). I had a lot going on the past few weekends, so kept putting off taking the jeans to get hemmed, but today I finally did it, because the size 22s are so loose they are going to fall off any day now, and just *have* to go. So I went to the seamstress to get the jeans hemmed, and put on the size 18s for the seamstress to measure, and I was quite gratified to notice that they were looser than I remembered when I bought them. The seamstress made me stand on a little dias so she could get the length right and I was facing a large full-length mirror. At that point I noticed the new size 18's were actually already pretty darn loose in the legs, and comfortably loose around the torso. I started wondering if maybe I was getting close to fitting into a size 16WP. So, after I finished with the seamstress, I headed on over to Macy's and decided to try on some new jeans. I picked up a pair of Levi's size 16 short, the Macy's house brand of jeans, and a pair of size 16 capris. When I got to the fitting room, I picked up the Levi's first and was aghast because the size 16s looked really, really small. I didn't think I could even get them up over my thighs ... but I did. I even got them buttoned and zipped up, to my amazement. OK, I have to admit, they were tight, and I wouldn't have felt really comfortable wearing them, so off they went. I nearly bought them just to measure my weight loss progress, but decided to hold off for a few weeks and come back and try again in a month or so. The Macy's jeans, however, fit perfectly and so did the capris. I took my new size 16 jeans to the seamstress and had her swap out one of the size 18 jeans (which I will hem using that magic hem stuff I bought from Walgreens). So, I am officially able to wear size 16! Woo hoo!   I ended up buying a couple of new bras this weekend too -- the balconette style from Lane Bryant, size 42DDD. I was pleasantly surprised at the nice shaping they provide. My girls are hangin' low, so to speak, so they need a strong support and shaping bra!   Now I will be brutally honest -- I look like total crap with clothes off. I have horrendous cottage cheese thighs right now -- not just the normal cellulite area, but everywhere down to my knees, front and back -- ick. And as I mentioned, I pretty much have the breasts of an 80 year old woman. And I still have a big old gut and butt. And, I am sporting a rather nasty wattle on my chin, making me look years older. Every day I put bio-oil on my chin hoping to moisturize and firm the loose skin, but it doesn't seem to be working that great. My body is definitely smaller than it was, but by no means is it a body I would be willing to parade a bathing suit around in!   But, all in all, I am totally thrilled with my sleeve and feeling better and more confident every day. I am really looking forward to the summer, when hopefully I will be down in the normal size clothes range, and will look and feel even better. I talked to my husband and we are going to try the couch to 5K program this spring, and sign up for a local 5K race this summer. That will be a HUGE NSV for me, to finish a 5K!   I am really excited about the future!
Kris

Kris

0
Jenn1214's Blog
 

My Story

Hello, my name is Jenn and I'm a food addict. I'm not really sure how this unhealthy relationship with food started, but it has been a lifelong battle. I believe my parents overfed me as a baby because they were afraid I wasn't eating enough, and their fears soon passed on to me. Some of my earliest memories are of my pediatrician telling my parents I needed to lose weight and to buy me toys as a reward when I did. Of being scolded in front of others when I tried to eat something I shouldn't. Of hiding my eating from my family because I was so ashamed of what they would say if they saw me. My weight has been up and down all my iife. I would win the battle for a few years at the most, at the least a few months before the weight crept back on again. It was always the same: get gungho about a new diet, lose some weight, get sick of the diet and gain all the weight back plus more. Every failure made me feel less and less hopeful that I would ever succeed and win my family's approval. Every conversation with my father somehow went to my weight and every time I hung up the phone I felt worse than ever. I even had a coworker ask me once, "What happened to that diet you were on? You look heavier than when you first started." I felt defined by the numbers on the scale and on my jeans, not what was inside. Food was my main source of comfort, even though it always caused me so much pain and embarrassment. Any time I had any stress in my life, it was off to the fridge or the nearest fast food restaurant for 10 minutes of happiness and an entire day of shame and guilt. The bigger the problem, the more weight I gained. The death of my mother, my stepmother's suicide, my abusive relationship with my ex boyfriend, all reasons to eat and eat and eat. The more I ate, the worse I felt. The worse I felt, the more I ate. I was trapped in a vicious cycle I couldn't escape from. I didn't feel human anymore. I felt constantly empty, physically and emotionally. I just wanted to be invisible, and for the most part I got my wish. I had few friends, if any, and men wouldn't look twice at me. My fat was like a wall separating me from everyone else, and I guess subconsciously I wanted it that way. Besides the heavy emotional burden food put on me, I have physical problems stemming from my weight. My back hurts almost constantly, I can't stand for long periods because my knees and feet hurt, I have PCOS, acid reflux, and depression. Yet all that couldn't stop me from eating. My body was crying out for me to stop and I didn't listen. I met my fiance in August of 2009 and while it has been a very happy time for me, my weight has suffered because of it. He is obese too and we often fueled each other's bad eating habits. Meeting him made me realize that I want to be around to have a life with him and I knew I had to do something I hadn't done before. I decided to look into the Lap Band, and on March 14th I had the procedure. The physical recovery is coming along well but I know my emotional recovery will take much longer. I'm hoping that sharing my feelings here will help. Every day without my drug of choice is a struggle...but now I realize it's not only a struggle for my self esteem, but for my health and my life. Let the battle begin!  
Jenn1214

Jenn1214

6
Angela's Blog
 

101 lbs gone!!

I am definitely a success story in the making. I have reached a major milestone in my life and one that I would not have made without the lap band. Please see my blog about my journey so far and click to follow. http://thelapbandexperience.blogspot.com/   I was banded 10 months ago and cannot believe where I stand today. I never dreamed I would hit this milestone in less than a year. My surgeon had a goal of 40 lbs a year with a total weight loss of 120 lbs over 3 years.   I have always shopped at places like Lane Bryant and Woman Within (when I could no longer buy off the rack at Lane Bryant stores). I have gone from a very tight size 28/30 in pants to a size 18/20. I went from a size 4x/5x (30/32) top to a size 1x/2x (22/24) at a regular store not the specialty plus stores like Lane Bryant. I am shopping at Old Navy and saving tons of cash on clothes. I now shop at least 2-3 times a month for clothes. I am LOVING it!! That is definitely something I would never have thought I would do again.   I still have a long ways to go but I know without a doubt I will get there. I am not eating bird-size portions. I don't eat fat free. I eat a salad plate size portion at each meal. I eat eggs every morning pretty much for breakfast. I don't exercise as much as a I should. Frankly hardly at all so I know that if I were to change that I would probably have been at my surgeon's goal already. The key here is I am happy. What I am doing is working for me. I don't obsess about food. I only recognize the foods I cannot eat. Other than that, all is fair game. I have come to realize my whole problem was portion control. I can choose healthier items if I want but I would eat really huge portions of everything. Now I don't.   Another milestone for me is that I have not had a single soft drink in a year. March 25, 2010 was the day I stopped drinking soft drinks. I only drink Vitamin Water Zero, milk, juice. That's it. I have no caffeine at all.   May 12th will be my 1 year bandaversary. I can't wait to see where I will be at that time.    
anglov

anglov

5
Blog 93073
 

Anniversary

Yesterday was my anniversary. (Went from a size 24 to 14). I went to Victoria Secret and got some body lotion. Tried on a few of there bra's (didn't like the way the fit)---Playtex 18hour fits much better). But definately enjoyed my day. I also went to a health store and got a slice of cholcolate cake. Now I'm ready to work on my final goal, which is to lose 3 more sizes (size 8). I'm going to to be realistic. I will say by the winter I should be in my size 8.
blossoming

blossoming

3
My Life As Liz
 

Exciting stuff

Today while shopping at Lucky's I was offered a sample of a fresh baked chocolate chip cookie and I did not take it.   For that I think I deserve a cookie. Not a literal cookie, mind you.   I did buy a pair of sun glasses, earrings, hand lotion, and nose studs for $2.17 b/c my local Icing is going out of business. So I don't feel guilty for spending money on things I didn't need because I evaded the cookie sample.   =D
My Life as Liz

My Life as Liz

0
Blog 98337
 

WHOOT WHOOT.... 5 More DAYS.. i will be BANDED APRIL F@@LS DAY..

Gosh where do i begin... well i started my Liquid diet on 3.18.11 @ 336 and today i weigh 321.... WOW... im sooo EXCITED... its hard... but its going to be WELL WORK IT.....   my STARTING weight was 380..... i think im doing GREAT...   Im L@@king for APRIL BANDSTERS....   and   some advice from recent Banders like this month (MARCH) what shall i take to hospital.. and what shall i expect after d/c,,,,, what can u eat after d/c and when ur home... i guess EVERYONE is different i read some BLOGS and everyone reacts differently... well i cant wait... Much Luv~ SHELLY
shellydaisy86

shellydaisy86

5
Life with VSG
 

First day of blogging, Day 9 post-op

I'm not sure if anyone will read this, but I don't really care- I need a place to write down and journal my everyday experiences as a new, and ultimately permanent, VSG patient.   Day 9 is better. I have felt like myself since about day 5. I've been going to work since Monday, 4 days after surgery. I think this was a smart idea because it keeps me busy and I don't have time to sit around and think about my decision. I have found myself questioning the significance of having this surgery. It is PERMANENT and that is terrifying to me. I can't go back to my old lifestyle. I think and dream about all of my favorite foods that I ultimately cannot fully enjoy anymore. I told my friend the other day that I enjoy eating food and that I enjoy eating A LOT of food. It makes me happy. Unfortunately, I don't have this safety net anymore. I decided somewhere in my mind that being skinny and healthy was more important than enjoying large amounts of food. I am currently having this debate in my head, even though my decision is permanent and I can never go back to eating large quantities ever again. I'm excited about the prospect of eating real food again in a few weeks. I already know the first thing I'm going to have and drool just thinking about it.   I feel silly, walking around with only a piece of my stomach left. Like I made some kind of material, superficial decision and abused my body for ridiculous reasons. Could I have lost all the weight on my own? Probably. Would the process have been long, defeating, excruciating, and depressing? Probably. Would I have gained the weight back? Yes, probably, especially since I like food.   And now I'm sad because I want to eat something, but can't.   At least I can express myself on here. So far I'm not happy with my decision. I pray for my sanity that these feelings change.
Sarah S

Sarah S

6
My Life As Liz
 

Bad news I'm afraid

... sort of?   About 2 years ago I had what I and then ER people thought was a gallbladder attack. I had eaten terribly (chicken fajitas, the onions and peppers cooked in butter and oil =x on top of over eating) and started feeling sick. You know that, 'if I could only throw up I'd feel better' feeling. Well, I started throwing up and couldn't stop. So we went to the ER (which at the time was 20 miles away, before they finished building the one in my town, not that this is a necessary detail). They gave me morphine, IV fluids, contrast solution for a CT scan, and other exams. They told me my gallbladder looked "sludgy" and told me to have my PCP make me an ultra sound appointment. My PCP at the time (I have a different one now) said that a CT was more accurate than an ultra sound and wouldn't schedule me one. Fast forward to last week, Wednesday. The supposed GB attacks I had didn't last long (10/20 mins each), but we figured going to the ER couldn't hurt just in case, so we went. It was a surprisingly pleasant experience. The ER doc said it seemed like it's most likely my gallbladder. I told her that my old PCP wouldn't schedule me an ultra sound, so she scheduled me one for the next day. Since it's been a week since the ultra sound and I hadn't heard back from the dr, I called them this morning and my PCP called me with the results: my gallbladder is fine. My liver is huge. Over twice the size it should be. I can't remember what she said the size of a normal liver is, but I'm pretty sure she said mine is 21cm (I could be wrong, but I do remember then twice as big as it should be part).   I fought off a panic attack and losing it at work. I saved that for when I got home. My PCP ordered blood tests, that I got then done after work today (apparently 4th times a charm). I should get an email with the results by Monday (hopefully). Once the results are in, we'll go from there. If the tests don't show anything, a biopsy may be necessary. Today I also called the dietitian at Kaiser for pre-op meal plan advice. This feels like my 'scared straight' moment.   My PCP said I should eat healthy and exercise. That they are vitally important at this point. So maybe I'll dance around (and cry) a little before bed.   Being the person I am, I googled 'enlarged liver.' And because I'm such a medical expert (I am so not!), I'd like to think a few of the pages I've read apply to me. And if they don't, that's fine. It just gives me peace of mind. Like, I've been feeling this way, liver problems can make a person feel this way. Oh, ok, I'm not going crazy, there's a reason for the way I've been feeling... for example. Plus I don't drink. There's non-alcohol alcohol like liver disease. Most likely cause from being fat. But I'm getting ahead of myself. Still, knowing that is relieving, though.   Guess this means I can't get trashed on my birthday next month. Haha. Said the non drinker. When I do drink, if I do drink, it's an average of 4 times or less a year. Even if you double that in case I'm lying, I doubt that's enough for alcohol related liver problems. A fatty liver makes a whole lot more sense to me. I don't think people believe me when I say I could go the rest of my life without ever having another drink again. I just don't like drinking. Like how people don't believe me when I say that I don't watch tv. (which is different from watching shows I like on my computer.)   Either way, though, it puts a damper in my surgery plans. Surgery or no surgery, I have to lose weight. Period. In all seriousness, they won't operate if you've got a fatty liver. It could break in half and that could end very badly. I'm not terribly concerned right now since I'm still processing what having surgery really means. I just wouldn't want to be on the table, cut into, my time off work all arranged, and no surgery b/c of my liver. That would be incredibly frustrating. I wonder if they can test for that to avoid this scenario. Really, I just need to stfu and wait for the results.   I should go to the gym after work tomorrow.     Uh... wat?   4th times a charm?   When I was in the ER last week it took them 4 tries to get the IV in for blood tests and fluids. I still have a bruise on one failed spot. Apparently I have hard to get to veins. The first nurse couldn't find a vein to use, so they brought this other nurse in who stuck me 3 more times and did a super tight double wrap (makes you realize how hard it would really be to cut off your own arm; 127 hrs) and had to hit my hand pretty hard to get a vein to show. Today wasn't as bad, but the guy did try 4 spots before finding one, but at least he only stuck me once.   Cry?   It's like I can't handle happy. A couple hours ago when I was warming up my dinner I danced a little to a song I liked and I felt like crying because I was happy to be dancing to a song I like. Like the happy is too much to handle so tears come out. If that makes any sense.   I tend to over-explain things.   AND   Isn't it kinda fucked up that I can be having a panic attack and no one can tell? I'm so good at looking fine when I'm not. That just seems so wrong.     ... sort of?   Like I said earlier, this was kind of like my come to Jesus moment. So even though this isn't necessarily good news, it's good that I now have a sense of urgency to take care of my health. Sooner rather than later.
My Life as Liz

My Life as Liz

0
Blog 98799
 

Mar 25 - 222 days post surgery - 75 pounds gone

So I still haven't hit my second goal and the scale has slowed down dramatically. I went in for a fill yesterday, so maybe it'll pick up again. I was told to basically "Quit my bitchin" because loosing 15 pounds in the 2 months since I've seen him last was right on track. I can't help it, though. I guess I'm an immediate gratification kind of gal. I want to see steady decreases every day. I'm still 10 pounds away from my second goal, but it feels like I've been here for a while.   I've really begun to notice many little things that I either hadn't noticed before or just plain didn't expect. Examples, you ask? Of course... my shoes are too big! I expected my rings to get bigger, but my shoes? I guess I didn't realize I had fat feet, too. Another example? I had to move the car seat forward to drive comfortably. Did my arms and legs just get longer? Oh wait, no, the butt padding got smaller, so now I'm farther away from the steering wheel and pedals. It took about a week for me to figure out why my arms got tired and my legs couldn't reach when I was driving the car. My third ground breaking observation is that my bra straps don't fall off my shoulders any more. I'm still working the "Why?" of this one out. Last, but not least, regular trouser socks don't feel like they are going to amputate my legs below the knees. I've worn ankle length socks for so long because of that pinching, that it feels strange to wear the cute knee length ones again. But I like all the designs and color, so I'm glad.   Last time I mentioned that I had gotten rid of all sizes larger than 24 because I was in a 20... Now I'm in an 18. I've started pulling out clothes from the back of the closet. The clothes with dust on the shoulders, because they haven't been worn in so long. I don't think I have any clothes (even buried ones) that are smaller than an 18. My Mom wears a16, though, so I'll raid her closet for some clothes. Then I can give them back when they get too big. Won't THAT make her happy... :devil_smile:   All in all, life is good.
clohse

clohse

5
Blog 76073
 

6 More Days!! Day 8 of liquid diet..

AHHH, it's almost the 30th! I'm so excited! Today is day 8 of the liquid pre-op diet and I'm down 13lbs. THIRTEEN POUNDS IN 8 DAYS.. I'm shocked! Dieting like this hasn't been hard for me at all, knowing what's coming The other night my husband's family (they're very selfish people anyhow..) ate CHINESE FOOD in front of me.. I suppose I could have gone in the other room, but I sat at the table and sipped on my protein shake and ate my jello! I've been very surprised with myself and how much will-power I have right now. And I can't wait to see how the weight comes off after surgery! It's just melting away right now When I told my sister that I had lost this weight her response was "See, it's easy for you to lose weight.." I don't think she realized it, but that really irritated me. Anyone consuming less than 600 calories a day is going to lose weight... and doing this "diet" isn't easy. And it certainly isn't something that can become a lifestyle. To be honest... I am STARVING! I want a huge chef salad. Haha... alright now I'm starting to get side tracked. Anyway... I'm feeling good right now! And I just can't wait!!!!! I had my pre-admission testing done yesterday and everything is good to go, just counting down the days! 6 DAYS! AHHH!    
PinkFish

PinkFish

3
phonex4change's Blog
 

Any suggestions?

Hi everyone I'm new. I had my surgery last friday the 18th and though I'm glad I did it its a struggle. I have recently been feeling tired and run down. I can't get all my protien and luquids in and I think that seriously contributes to my sluggish nature. If anyone has a suggestions or has been through this to please comment with you experience.      
phonex4change

phonex4change

1
Blog 80125
 

How to save $13 dollars a week

Hello So I had a wonderful idea...I have been going to weight watchers since Jan (and have lost 26lbs) because I started to slack a little and need the motivation and the accountability...On the other hand I have the band and know what I need to do...and Weight Watchers is $13 a wk and we are trying to save to buy a house! So anyways I was thinking that I would weigh in every Thursday and post it on here as a blog just so I know that someone will see it and it will keep me in check! I hope no one minds ....SEE YOU NEXT THURSDAY!!! 1st Thursday weight 176.8
Theresa'sMom415

Theresa'sMom415

4
Blog 79244
 

Another unfill (throwing up and the onset of heartburn)!

Last week I was experiencing a lot of difficulty getting things down, and I started throwing up "a lot"! That was my warning sign that something was wrong, and I needed to see my doctor. I prayed to struggle through the weekend and I gave the office a call first thing Monday morning. Thank God, Dan the PA was able to see me that afternoon. I explained to him some of the things I had been experiencing with throwing up and that awful stuck feeling with almost everything I placed into my mouth. I was advised due to the throwing up and pressure of things getting stuck my band was swollen and very irritated due to the forceful trauma I was putting it through. He took out .2ccs and immediately I was given relief!   Every single person is different when it comes to their fills and the amount they are able to tolerate in their bands. I happen to be the type of person who’s not able to tolerate a lot of fluid in my band. I am 8 months post band and I only have a little less than 5 ccs in my band. I had my hernia repaired and in eight months I was free of zero signs of heartburn, but this week that weird feeling of heartburn has begun to linger in my upper chest area. That is very disappointing for me, and I feel like it's due to all the throwing up I experienced last week. My PA explained the acid from the throwing up cause’s damage in your esophagus which results in the feeling of heartburn.   I honestly thought heartburn was apart of my life I would not have to experience never again. Thank God- I did not throw away all of my acid reflux medication. My symptoms are nothing like I had before, but it's just the fact I have any heartburn symptoms at all.   I do thank God for things being as well as they are, but I just feel a little down hearted about the thought of experiencing heartburn in any way. So far so good- I have not had any more major throwing up episodes.   So many people on the outside think having any type of weight lost surgery is the easy way out, but OMG they don’t have any idea of the many ups and down we all go through.        
shonette

shonette

3
aNew_KB's Blog
 

Night b4 my Surgery

A lot going on in my mind. Its the night b4 my surgery.   Im happy and very nervous.   Wishing I had more support and friend to talk to. My friend dont want me to have this surgery, they love me the way I am.   But this decesion is my choice and my health, and I know Im making the right decesion for me.   All my friends see is a happy-go-lucky young lady. They dont see the pain and hurt inside.     Talk to you guys soon, when I got home from surgery!!!!
aNew_KB

aNew_KB

4
KarinB's Blog
 

Almost there:)

Hello, well I started this journey in November 2010 and three weeks ago everything was complete and submitted to the insurance company for approval..they just came back with approval for the lap band as outpatient. They say it is not a medical necessity to stay overnight in the hospital. My surgeon's office is appealing. My Dr. will not do it as outpatient. Has this happened to anyone? Any suggestions of what I can do to help speed up the decision?
KarinB

KarinB

7
roseyposey's Blog
 

SLIMING

Well it happened to me today! I thought I would try out a packet of tuna without the water as I have never had it before. Well not thinking, I ate it without moistening it first. Well it didn't take long until I was in total miserable pain of being "stuck". I thought I would die. After about 5 minutes of this torture, I started sliming and then totally throwing up. Lesson learned - do not eat dry packaged tuna without moistening it first. Sometimes I can be so stupid it seems! Lol    
roseyposey

roseyposey

9

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