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Blog 95742
 

DO YOU REALLY KNOW HOW MUCH IS IN YOUR BAND??????????????

O.k. so today I went for my second fill, on my fist fill I got 1cc so I'm thinking I only got 1cc in my band so the doc decided to take all the fluid out to see exactly how much I really had, I had 5cc & 1-1/2cc added today so I have a total of 6-1/2cc so maybe I will have some restriction now,I have lost 43-lbs,my surgery was Oct.18,2010.
lnhardemon

lnhardemon

0
justplaintired's Blog
 

Last appointment with surgeon today. Lapband in 3 days!

Well, today's appt was very good. In fact, I brought a little index card with questions and he answered them all. He's a very nice surgeon and makes you feel very comfortable.   Another vgt is that I have lost 5lbs since my one week pre-op diet began. So, that's five less I have to worry about!   I find myself getting very cranky being on a strict diet. I miss the bad foods, I guess. I think I am also getting some carb detox headaches. I believe that I am addicted to food so that is what I am referring to.   I haven't exercised yet but I'd like to start doing something soon. I just haven't been up to it yet!    
justplaintired

justplaintired

1
Blog 68347
 

I'm back and I'm ready to shine

So, I realized I was being ridiculous. I was doing nothing right. I wasn't eating healthy...and the majority of the time I just wasn't eating. I haven't been exercising and I've been stuck at an 85 pound weight loss for about three months. I'm done feeling sorry for myself because I need to get my butt back in gear. I did not pay nearly $15,000 out of pocket just to sit here and be disappointed in myself! I need to get back on track because I'm still at the point that whenever I look at my body in the mirror I cringe a little. I'm not okay with that! So it's all or nothing. I need to get off my lazy butt and take care of myself!
Katherine19

Katherine19

6
Blog 103501
 

Liquids again

Is it wrong to start liquids again? I was banded November 4, 2010 and had two fills so far. I have not loss any weight since the surgery. I blame myself since I can't stop eating the bad stuff. I am not being that person I thought I could be, disciplined. I have decided to put myself back on the liquid diet for two weeks to catch up on weight loss since I feel that I am less hungry when I was doing the high protein shakes than I am when eating food. I know it's my mind since I can sit there and eat and not listen to my body if I'm full or not. Well, I hope with my third fill I have no choice but to control. Third fill Feb. 18th.
Inez013

Inez013

4
Jen's Jabbers
 

3 weeks post-op... visit with the surgeon.

So today makes 3 weeks. Again, it seems like only yesterday but also like it was 6 months ago! I have my full energy back. I am back on the beginner levels of my elliptical at least four days a week and I am still maintaining great meal choices! Another 3 lbs gone this week. For a grand total of 14lbs since surgery and 53 lbs all together. HOW EXCITING! I came out of the washroom yesterday morning after getting ready for work and the hubby looked up at me from the kitchen. "Wow, you look like a different person". Did he just say that? The man that sees me more than anyone else? He never notices. Not that it is a fault of his but they say when you see people on a regular basis, you are less likely to notice. I wasnt expecting that but it sure made my Monday start off on a good note! *sigh* He is sweet!   I had a follow-up with my surgeon yesterday. I have been a little nervous about the two upper incision sites as over the weekend, my sports bra was rubbing on one and it seemed like it was getting infected. Sunday night I had a bath, cleaned the sites well and dabbed a bit of polysporin on them. They were cleaner by morning. I had a few questions for Dr. Birch. I wanted to know when I could get back to practicing roller-derby (not like I'd ever make a team), skiing, full on work-outs and all of that. He suggested another 3 weeks. Keep doing the cardio and light weights but suggests holding off until the 6 week mark before diving right back in to everything. 6 weeks, that's it?!?!? I can live with that! Dr. Birch also asked if I had been feeling any restriction. This made me panic a bit. Am I supposed to be feeling restriction? I know my band is empty! I explained that I have been eating small portions and not pushing anything to the point of feeling any restriction. I thought for a moment that maybe I had done something wrong, that I wasnt eating enough.... NOPE! He smiled, high-fived me and told me that for such a young woman, I was wise. I shouldn't be dependant on feeling the restriction, I should be controlling my portions. IT WAS A TRICK QUESTION! Ah, that cheeky little monkey. So I left the clinic feeling awesome and booked my first fill for March 21. He said that 2 weeks would be ideal BUT I have a week-long conference in Toronto the 2nd week of March and then... as a thank-you for pulling up my socks, rolling up my pants and carrying the laundry up and down gift, I bought tickets to St. John's Newfoundland for Steve and I for a week following. There is somehting about Newfoundland that is magical. Someone told me once that no matter which walk of life you may arrive from, part of you will feel "at home" in Newfoundland. This is an understatement. We haven't visited his family there for a year and a half. So, no worries about getting a fill and heading off to a conference with colleagues for a week and trying to adjust. This also made me feel fantastic. I wont have to worry about ANYTHING but staying on track!   So, BRING ON ADVENTURE PACKED MARCH! I am ready for it!     My first dip in the Atlantic Ocean - 2007.   The view from Signal Hill, St. John's
EdmontonGal

EdmontonGal

2
Let's do this!!
 

My First Blg Ever!!

I have never blogged about anything but what better way to start, then to blog about something that is life changing and exciting!! I am currently on my way to a better and healthier life….Day 7 of my pre op diet and let me tell you, a week ago I thought that I wouldn’t make it this far!! But here I am 7 days in, 15 more to go and 11lbs down already!! Don’t get me wrong, I still find it hard. These shakes are horrible tasting and there are times in the day that I feel like I’m going to Ralph, but I keep thinking about something that someone on here said to me when I first started researching this…..”Nothing taste better than Skinny feels”. I know we have probably all heard this before, but this is now my motto and I tell myself this when I feel I can’t do this!!   Well I think I’m going to continue this blog thing, it kind of helps with all those thoughts that go through your head!! So here I am….7 days in 11lbs lighter and 15 days till surgery!! I am ready for this….bring it on!!    
carli

carli

3
LUCK's Blog
 

4 Year Anniversary!

Hello Fellow Sleevers! I am almost four years out from my surgery. I have gained back about 10-15 pounds, depending on what you consider my lowest weight. I am working at taking it off right now. I have never exercised or watched what I ate (oops) but am now starting to realize that maybe I should heed the doctor's advice from 4 years ago. I still feel great and have zero regrets. I have referred several people who have all had the surgery with zero complications and no regrets so you that have not had the surgery yet just wait...you will have a couple of rough spots but it is so worth it. I changed jobs and have been sitting behind a computer A LOT so I think that along with seasonal Reese eggs/Christmas trees/valentine hearts are to blame. After a few years, your realize what you can and cannot eat more of (bread vs. crackers) and you will probably put on a few pounds from your lowest weight but the tool is there and it is much easier to lose. I am just now starting a diet and it will be much easier to diet with the smaller stomach. At the time of my surgery it was private pay only since it was brand new and it was $12,000 and I hear now it has gone up quite a bit. BTW, I was a size 16 and am now a big 6-8 (was a 4-6 and will get there again...). I lost a total of about 75 pounds..just in case anyone is curious.   Have a great day!   Luck
LUCK

LUCK

3
Ellen's Band Journey
 

Third Fill

Well my 3rd fill was on the 1st. It actually went better this time than the past 2. I am feeling alot of restriction and am totally loving it. Now I am starting to see the real work that the band can do. The only thing I have noticed is that I am not tolerating milk products very well. But I will just have to see if it passes or if I won't be able to handle it at all anymore. I am having to wait 8 weeks for my next fill (if needed) due to a month long class for work. To be honest I would rather see my doctor than go to this class. Everything seems to be going well and I am not as frustrated as I have been. I am looking forward to continuing losing the weight,
ellenmarie

ellenmarie

0
Kiskis' Blog
 

Day 15 pre-op & 1 day before banding!

I am feeling really good. Down another pound. I have been exercising and following the pre-op diet. I can't beleive that I haven't cheated. This is the first diet that hasn't derailed. I have my husband to thank. He did the same diet. He has had meals here and there. Not to mention popcorn & a big bag of chips. The movie popcorn that I love, instead I bring jello to eat. I am already counting the months that I can have a kernal or 2. August is the 6 month mark. On the weekend. My hubby bought a huge bag of Maui chips - one of my favorite. It didn't bother me as he ate them in the car beside me. I said the smell is so great I feel like I am eating them. I have truly turned the corner!   Right now I have tears of joy. Yes, tomorrow is the start of my new journey when I take my life back! I am scared of failing. I am a very positive person and can always visualize the future of what I want but sucess is the truth. I have to complete this goal or I won't live very long. This path of self destruction is not healthly.   Here I come!
Kiskis

Kiskis

0
Blog 76073
 

Nutrition Approval!!!!!!

FINALLY!! We're getting somewhere! I had my 5th one-on-one nutrition visit today and it couldn't have gone better! I lost 6lbs from my last visit, showed up with my protein in hand, got checked off on everything! The dietician went over the pre-op and post-op diets with me and said that I have a couple weeks to lose 14lbs to avoid the pre-op liquid diet! I couldn't be more excited! I've been working so hard lately and trying to be patient. From here the "case manager," so to speak, gathers all of the reports from me pre-op testing and nutrition visits, then the whole group will sit and discuss my case and decide whether or not we should move forward, and from there they submit to the insurance company. I should be getting a phone call from the "case manager" within the next day or so to let me know if I am missing any testing (which I shouldn't be) and what I can expect next. I hope everything comes together fairly quickly, as I've been waiting for this for so long! She should also be able to give me a rough idea of how long the insurance company takes to approve surgery, but once they do so the surgery could be within a month (or so the dietician says..). I am so excited, I practically skipped out of the office today and headed for my treadmill. I am going to meet with the dietician again on March 7th, just to weigh in and re-evaluate whether or not I need to do the liquid diet. I hope that at that point I'll either be awating insurance approval, or I'll be awaiting my surgery date. I wouldn't really mind being on the liquid diet for two weeks, because I know it would help me shed some more pounds, but I'm going to work even harder to lose the next 14lbs, just to show how committed and ready I am. Today was definitely the pick-me-up I've needed since starting this program last July, and it has me motivated to continue to work hard. My husband seems to have finally dealt with his issues and come to terms with the fact that I am GOING TO HAVE surgey, not considering it, but I am GOING TO HAVE wls. He still doesn't like it, and isn't very supportive and understanding of my need for time to exercise, but I think that he's learned that I am going to do what is best for me. AHH! Finally a positive, exciting update! Hopefully I can post a couple weeks from now and be nearing my surgery date. I'm keeping my fingers crossed!
PinkFish

PinkFish

0
Kiskis' Blog
 

Day 14 pre-op & 2 more sleeps to be banded - yipee!

Glad things are going well. I am pre-op day 14 down 11 lbs & 6.75 inches. Just got my surergy time of 10am for wed to be banded. I have worked out every day. I just had some yummy veggies that I stir fried with balsamic vinegar. I am really excited about the next phase. 2 more sleeps & 1 more day of work before the big banding.
Kiskis

Kiskis

0
sunny2010's Blog
 

The BIG Day!!

Well.. Tomorrow is finally here. Only a year of a very long process and then a month waiting for surgery. I cant complain though it has givin me plenty of time to think about what I am doing. I started the magnesium citrate.. Fun stuff. The first 10oz bottle made me vomit after about a half hour. Not sure if thats normal or not. Had the second on about a hour and a half ago. Thats something I would like to drink with some tequila. JK I hope I never have to drink that sweet, salty, fizzy stuff again. I am glade my boyfriend finds humor in it though.. PS. Might have to mix him some with tequila. Had my pre-op appt. today. Nothing that I expected. I was told the nurse doing it would be telling me more info than what she did and for every qestion I had she didnt seem to have the answer. Anyway.. My surgery is tomorrow. I have to be there at 845 and my surgery is at 1045. I hope things all go very smoothly. I have been reading surgery stories that others were so nice to share and I think that helped calm me down some. Hope anyone else being banded tomorrow has an easy procedure
sunny2010

sunny2010

4
Blog 104000
 

Way too slow

I was banded Nov. 5th of 2010, just 3 months ago. I have lost only 21 lbs. since Oct. of last year when I started this journey with the liquid diet. I have lost only a few pounds since my surgery. Today I was filled for the 3rd time. I now have 3.5 ccs. and I really hope it gives me a lot more restriction than before. I lost only 3 lbs in one month and have read so many of you losing so much weight much quicker. I am careful of what I eat and exercise and have even learned to cook better. I am not going to give up, but it is discouraging not losing weight like I have heard many of you have. I pray that I soon get restricted where I start losing a lot of weight soon. Best wishes to all of you for a successful journey.
knoebelcamper

knoebelcamper

5
kathy111's Blog
 

overfill pouch stretched

I didn't really mean to create a blog just to post. I have been banded since August 2009 and have had a lot of trouble since near the start, it always seemed to be hard to do a fill as I was sensitive and a small fill would result in pain and taking some out again and being hungry again so it's been very up and down and never arrived at a comfortable place where I could just lose weight without drama. Today I saw a new doctor who said you have most likely been over filled for ages and the pouch has stretched and that's why you feel hungry. It was a light bulb moment like why did no one ever say that before, they just kept adding more then taking some out. This doctor said it looks like I skipped past the right spot and have been overfilled ever since, feeling miserable like a failure because I either couldn't eat anything or i ate ice cream just to eat something. I have been told, you aren't having enough water, not chewing enough and I know I did it right. Today I had 2 mls taken out and will wait 6 weeks for things to settle doctor said I might have to fight the hunger and weight gain but have to go back a few steps. Anyone else had these issues, would love to hear from you. This is a bit of a rant but been so frustrating and now I hope this is the answer
kathy111

kathy111

3
chriper's Blog
 

Clothes are Tricky!

So here I am on my weight loss journey. I'm doing pretty good if I say so myself. I'm losing at a healthy weight and that's whats most important. I've learned to take the good comments and forget the bad. Yesterday at church someone said to me "every time I see you, you look good and gooder" I smiled and said thank you. Then today at work someone actually mentioned how big my clothes were and asked if i was looking weight. Again I smiled and said yes and thank you. Even though I think she was being snide, i took it in stride. I still don't know what clothes size I am though. I've had a lot of things taken in becuase when I go to the store, I buy the smaller size and its snug. The larger size is too big, I guess that means I'm in the middle. The Goodwill has become my location for transition clothes. You'll be suprised of the great finds. I actually got a Jones NY black pants suit for $9.50! It's perfect for work. OK I guess that's my only updates today. talk with you all soon.   Oh PS I signed up to walk in the Avon 2 Day walk for Breast Cancer here in Chicago. I hope some of my fellow bandsters are able to help me reach my fundraising goal of $1800. I'll post the site once I have my log on.    
chriper

chriper

3
PJbanster's Blog
 

Wow Factor

I went to a baby shower this weekend and I haven't really seen a lot of the people in the last 8 months of weight loss. It was the first time I have really gotten this since I've lost weight. I thought that they would notice but I did not expect the OH MY GOD that was yelled at me as I walked in the door. People came from other rooms to see what the yelling was about. I have to admit it made me feel good. I guess people do notice the 109 lbs I'm missing. I can't believe I've basically lost my sister. Now when I tell people I want to lose another 77 lbs they look at me like I'm crazy and tell me they have no idea where it's going to come from. Well I do... but it's still nice to hear it.
PJbanster

PJbanster

5
Blog 2207
 

February 7, 2011

KabinKitty's Blog KabinKitty's Blog     February 7, 2010 [Edit Post] posted 43 minutes ago I am now 5 days Post Op. My surgery on February 2nd actually went better and quicker than the surgeon expected!   The day began by driving about 25 miles through the snow and sleet in the dark to the hospital. I had called the night before to make sure the surgery wasn't cancelled. We arrived safe, but 1/2 hour late.....SORRY! Oh well... The prep nurse did not check the messages as I called to let them know we were on the way, but about 1/2 hour late. She was stressed!   She was a sweetie and we got through the prep quickly. I was wisked down the hall after the anestheologist told me he gave me something to relax me in my IV. I chattered all the way down the hall, went through some double doors and then I was waking up to the voices telling me, "Jean, your surgery is over". The only pain I had was in my left shoulder (I was warned by the anesthelogist before that this happens often) due to referred pain from the diaphram being irritated.   I had a very easy recovery, minus the times the nurses woke me at ungodly times all through the night!! I was exhaused and couldn't wait to get the heck outta Dodge! I had to stay an extra night because I didn't use my bipap machine one night and my heart rate dropped. My surgeon had a cardiologist look at the results and he said he wanted me to stay an extra night. BUMMER! Take your machine people and use it!   They only gave me 2 ounces of nasty, salty broth and 3 ounces of Crystal Light for my meals. I finally told one nurse about my surgeon telling me I should have something in front of me all the time!! She said, "Well, you can have popsickles". I ate  and ate and ate as many popsickles as they would give me. I even had hubby tell them to keep the broth and Crystal Light, I'll just eat popsickles.   I'm on full liquids till my follow-up visit at two weeks. So I've been enjoying juice, popsickles, yogurt, protein drinks and pudding. Today I'm going to puree some soup!! That should taste good on a cold February day (she said with fingers crossed).   I feel like I am blessed to have this chance to attain a normal BMI and rid myself of some dangerous comorbidities!
KabinKitty

KabinKitty

0
PPPBand's Blog
 

OFFICIALLY 1 WEEK POST BANDING!!

The days are getting more tolerable and I'm concentrating on getting as much protein in my body.... up to 30 grams. Still get such a full feeling after drinking and or protein but I try to walk it off..My brain is starting to snap back into place..made some business calls and answered some e-mails...spent some time hanging with the family and tried to just relax...Not sure when I'll go back to school and I'm not pressing it either...i have an appntmnt to see my physician today and have some minor questions...it will be good to go out...also planning on buying myself something that will make me smile...these next few days will be short lived bc once i go bk into the rat race...its tough to come out so i plan to enjoy them as much as possible...
PPPBand

PPPBand

6
Mrs.Mustang's Blog
 

Superbowl and pre-op diet . . . not such a good mix!!

I've gotta say I think it is much easier to be a man!! Typically, they get to sit back and just eat what is served to them. They are not the ones who have to put together meals, holiday feasts, and Superbowl spreads!! It's just a little frustrating when the hostess with the mostess (me) cooks up everyone's favorites and lays out a virtual smorgasboard of game day goodies, but I can't partake!! I am only THREE MORE DAYS away from being banded, and there is no way I am going to cheat. The last thing I want is to be the cause of my own complications in surgery; how stupid would that be?? So the alternative, I have actually had to leave the room and shut myself in my office while I sip on my protein shake pretending it is all my favorites. I read in someone's blog recently that 'nothing tastes as good as skinny feels', and I keep repeating that to myself. The first two days of the pre-op diet were tough, but after that, I thought I had it down . . . until now. I actually wondered why I was being banded when it was so easy to diet. Now I remember why!! I will get through this, because there is no alternative, but it does help a little to have a place to come and vent. :-) GO STEELERS ! ! ! ! !
Lauren825

Lauren825

1
justplaintired's Blog
 

Second day of pre-op diet...protein drinks, protein drinks, protein drinks...

I appreciate everyone's comments regarding protein drinks. I think I will try out the premier at costco.   I got samples from a local store and so far I like the ISOFLEX Chocolate PB and Chocolate Mint. It surprised me because I thought I'd be a vanilla gal. I also tried Vanilla from Dymatize 100. In fact, I bought it but it is still sealed. I think I might exchange it for some of the ISOFLEX ones. I also tried UNJURY vanilla, UNJURY chicken soup. I was shocked that the chicken soup wasn't bad. It was a nice break from sweets, sweets, sweets. I tried some orange kind that was NAUSEATING. Literally made me want to vomit. NEVER AGAIN.   My thoughts on day two of this pre op diet is...hmmm, I thought protein was supposed to make you not hungry? Ummmm...notsomuch. I feel hungry and unfulfilled. I remember someone saying get through 3 days and you will be fine and no longer hungry. I'm only one day two so I will reserve my judgement.   All that being said, I WILL NOT cheat. I know it is too important to do what the doc/nut tells me to. I won't go through surgery and only commit half-a##ed.   I can't wait until surgery day and the rest of my life!!
justplaintired

justplaintired

1
Angela's Blog
 

Super Bowl Sunday eats and treats, do or don't?

Do, Definitely DO!! Why deprive yourself of certain treats and foods? I mean as long as they don't get stuck. The band is a tool and as I see it, I use my tool I don't work against it and I also don't work against my brain. My brain wants something and by golly I give it what it wants just in moderation. That's where the tool comes in. It helps me to eat less. My brain in return makes better choices or makes my regular recipes a little healthier, if possible.   Today I have chicken breasts roasting in the oven for white chili and buffalo chicken dip. I am looking forward to both. I eat a lot of regular foods and not always low fat foods. The fact that I eat much less than before allows me to have what I want. If I am eating MORE of those not so good for your foods then I know it's time for a fill. So far its working for me. To each his or her own I guess.   What are your favorite Super Bowl Foods or regular meal foods? Recipes? http://thelapbandexperience.blogspot.com/p/recipe-collection.html
anglov

anglov

1
Lam's Blog
 

5th day

Hi all     I'm not a blogger but i thought why not give it a try and vent a bit today is my 5th day and I've lost only 2 kg (not complaining)   My decision to do the surgery was kind of hasty, i didn't read about it or anything, my doc was like u wanna do it let's do the tests today and the surgery tomorrow!! I do not recommend this way to anyone at all!! I don't know what was I thinking rushing into it like that. I guess it had to do with my sister wanting to do this surgery and talking about it for the past couple of years so I know she has done her homework!! but not me!!   I'm still under shock and it gets worse when I try to move or drink   Woke up this morning crying my heart out, just too depressed cuz of the pain.   Then decided to do my research though it is kind of late.   It felt good to find this forum, it kinda calmed me down. the fact that there are people out there who are going thru the same thank you all   I'm still finding my way, wish me luck
Lam

Lam

0
New Cindy's Blog
 

2 weeks to sleeve...

So I am 37 yrs old, I have had some monumental life decisions in my time. I have two kids, which means at one point I had to determine if I was ready to be a mom. I went back to college to finish my Bachelor's degree, then I had to choose to take that time away from my family and make school a priority. However, I can honestly say that making this decision to have the VSG has been one of the rockiest emotion wise of most of them (maybe not my first child).   Deciding that it was time to be healthy again wasn't the hard part. Choosing what to have done or even which Doctor, shockingly wasn't hard. Figuring out how to pay for it was fairly easy as well. What has been hard is that everyday since I booked the surgery and bought the plane tickets, there has been some test of me. At first I realized it was just my perceptions of what matters, but the closer I get to it the more the little problems have started to take their toll on me.   Now I am just determined that not only will I get this surgery but the little problems do not own me and they will be there regardless either way. I will deal with them as I need and forge ahead to the new me!!
New Cindy

New Cindy

0

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