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Blog 105633
 

LOW PROFILE PORT WITH THE SPIDER PROCEDURE

OK, so post op appointment went better than I could have hoped. My port site is fine, I chose to have the Dr. use the "spider" to do my surgery, which involves 1 incision thru the belly button. When he uses that machinery, the port is low...next to the belly button, BUT he uses a low profile port which is about the size of a nickle. Everything I'm feeling at my port area is completely normal, and will subside over time..(swelling tenderness etc.) WHEW. I feel relieved.   Next, they told me I'm basically on a "canned food diet" meaning if it comes out of a can, and I can mash it, I can eat it. Protein first, then other carbs or starches. So last night I had canned chicken breast mixed with plain greek yogurt. My boyfriend thought it sounded nasty...but he admits he has not been on liquids for 2 weeks, so our ideas of good/bad taste may be a bit different! It was good, went down very easily, and I probably over ate, it was about a cup of food, and I felt as though I could have eaten more easily after. Wasn't starving, but wasn't full either.   SO, I assume I'm entering bandster hell. I can probably eat a lot more than I should, without getting sick or pb or sliming. BUT..I made a committment to myself to "eat like a bandster" until I have restriction. Which means...I need to limit my portions to 1/2 cup at a time, take 30 min to chew and consume food, and eat only 4 times daily. (three meals and snack) Protein first...then other macronutrients. I just have to make it until Dec 17 for my first fill. I can do anything for 2 weeks!   Emotionally, I'm just raw. Feels like someone has taken my skin off, and just left nerves exposed for all to touch and mess with. Food really did stuff down any strong or undesirable feelilngs I had, and I'm just going to have to get used to FEELING. Not having the numb hangover of a binge all the time. A mean lady at work gave me grief over something minimal yesterday, and I started CRYING. I would NEVER have cried before!!! But I'm so RAW, exposed, tender right now. I don't think I'm describing it right, but I always understand how people on the biggest loser cry and show emotions at the slightest provocation. Take away my m&m's, put me in a sports bra, and weigh me on national television...I'd cry too.
laura71

laura71

2
Ellen's Band Journey
 

First Fill

Well I had a really bad experience with my first fill yesterday. They were looking for my port and it took them three tries to finally find it. I am hurting so bad today and I am all bruised. If this is what is going to happen everytime I don't want to do it anymore. I got 4 CC's put in but don't have alot of restriction. I hope this gets better because I don't think I can deal with it much longer. Not regretting my decision but trying to get over the complications I have had.
ellenmarie

ellenmarie

0
ajohnston316's Blog
 

Inspirational

Well I was banded in March of 2010 and just ran my first 1/2 marathon. 2 hourS and 16 minutes-YEAH!!! I have lost a total of 91 pounds and feel better than ever. My biggest advice to new lapbanders is start walking as soon as you feel well enough and make execise a part of your lifestyle forever. I started as soon as the doctor said it was OK and I would have never thought I could ever run, much less 13.1 miles. I hope someone will be encouraged by this and decide to make the change in their life not only with eatting because when you get the band it is a given that will change. Make sure to incorporate exercise into your life. I have 3 children so if I can make the time for it so can you!!!
ajohnston316

ajohnston316

1
Blog 102133
 

Granny Boo

Just wanted to share our news ) We are going to be GRANDPARENTS!! Our oldest son Michael and Lora, Congrats kids...your going to be amazing parents. We don't have a due date yet, I will let everyone know when we find out! Yay...he he he I'm going to be a Granny )
Boo_68

Boo_68

2
Blog 90135
 

2nd Fill...WOW?!?!?!?!?!!

So, I went in for my second fill on Monday. It was 2 months to the day of my surgery. When I stepped on the scale at the doctor's office, I was happy to learn I had dropped 4 pounds over the past two weeks without really trying. I was ultra bad on Thanksgiving, caved in, and had 2 rolls....eek! Those went down fine, so when i went to the doctor's office, with 3 cc's in my band, of course I told him I could use another fill. He filled me with another 1.25 cc's and sent me on my way. I had a few sips of water in the office that really went down okay. However, by the time I got home, I felt soooo nauscous! Luckily, since the rest of the family has the stomach bug, I had some anti nausea meds on hand that I took. I did try to eat mashed potatoes and those came back up. I had a sinking feeling I was overfilled. But, I blew it off as swelling and tried to get liquid down in small sips. It was crazy. I would take a sip of water and feel stuck for 20 minutes. Since my baby girl came down with the stomach bug really bad Monday night and Tuesday, I couldn't get away. But, after waking today with an incredibly thirsty body and not being able to even drink, I knew I had to go today. The husband stayed with the baby while I made the 40 minute trek to the doctor. He wasn't in, but his nurse practitioner was. She took me back to unfill under the big fluero machine. She first unfilled me completely. We were both shocked to find that I wasn't at 4.25 cc's...I was at 7.5 cc's! My band must have been partially filled at surgery and there was no record of it. So, she took out 1 cc, leaving me with 6.5 cc's. I can get water down now, FINALLY! And, did I mention I lost 5.5 pounds since Monday? Probably from being so dehydrated! So, I think I should be good here for awhile. I felt a little restriction before and, once I add full foods again, I'm hoping I will be at my sweet spot. Word to the wise------if you think you might be overfilled, go see your doctor ASAP! On a plus side, I'm now under 300 **applause** Have a great day, everyone!
qtney1

qtney1

3
I'm With the Band
 

Sleep Study. CHECK

So that's done. The "apparatus" wasn't comfy but it was much better than I thought it would be. It came off once during the night and the thing woke me up and told me to put it back on. Pretty cool I thought. Much better than having to go to a sleep clinic but I was glad when it was time to take it off. I did have a dream that Sally Jesse Raphael was my therapist. Hopefully it didn't pick up on that. lmao All in all, a painless experience.
amberakamom

amberakamom

0
{Tammy}'s Blog
 

December 1st

This is a little weird... I have never blogged before. I really don't understand the concept, but I want to journal my experience with this weight loss so I never go back to that person again. So far I have had A filter put in prior to surgery...because I have had blood clots in the past. That was 10 days prior to surgery. Then VSG was performed on November 22nd. Now tomorrow (December 2nd) I am having the filter removed. I sure hope all of this surgery crap is almost over with. I started this journey at 298lbs and I am now 250.8lbs...I am feeling more energetic everyday. I am starting to not know what to do with myself, because my old self usually ate something when I felt bored or nervous. So as weird as it is... I have started cooking when I feel bored or nervous... It calms me down. It's funny because I couldn't even boil water before surgery, now I am cooking anything and everything, by smell-not taste, I make my kids taste everything to tell me if its good or not. So far every thing has been pretty good. Cooking also settles my stomach...it is very weird but the smell of food cooking is very soothing to me. Since surgery my sense of smell has been overpowering. Every bad smell turns my stomach, even the smell of my own breath(in the morning) makes me sick. But when I cook...the smell of food makes me feel so much better. This is weird but if I can just smell food I am satisfied. I have always believed that the smell of food was so much better than what it truly tasted like. So I still enjoy food just on a different level. Needless to say this freaks every one around me out. For instance, My favorite part of going to the movies is to smell the popcorn cooking.
Tammyrvt

Tammyrvt

1
Blog 104951
 

10 Days post op

So I became an official bander on November 22. I am recovering nice from the surgery. I have lost a total of 21 lbs, 13 of those pre op. My band was put in with 2cc and I have my first fill booked Jan 4. I stayed on the liquid diet for the first week, and as of monday moved on to blended foods. I am having trouble getting my protien up because I can not handle another shake. Instead I am trying to eat high protien foods like non fat cottage cheese, low fat tuna, and egg salad. Im starting to get more energy, but that has been the hardest thing.   The only problem I am having is that since the surgery I have been numb in my right hip area. It was really bad for a few days after because it felt like razor blades. I just figured it was because I was laying on it, and placing my weight different because of the pain, but now Im starting to get worried. The razor blade feeling has gone away and so has the tingling, but when I scratch I cant feel it. Is this a normal side effect?   Any ideas?    
Susieq82

Susieq82

4
Blog 99331
 

Holiday Recap

Well the Thanksgiving Holiday went out without a hitch... paced myself on the eating front and had no complications.. and no stuffing.. I have definitely broken up with bread, but not crackers etc... I am ok with it.. becuase there is still gravy!! ha ha Anyway I was very careful and able to enjoy the entire day with our friends. Went home friday and my Mom joined us for the rest of the weekend. All was fine.. still no comment on my 35lbs that I have lost... Are ya freakin kidding me!!! I made a nice dinner of Lamb Chops and Polenta.. was only able to eat one chop.. my husband quickly took the other one off my plate so my mom would not notice.. too cute... love that we have this little secret together.   Anyway.. the next day my Mom and I went shopping. I bought a skirt at Talbots... a 14petit!!! Excuse me but is has been a LONG time since I have been in that size... still no comment from my mom!! Now she is a size 10.. but would look great in a 12. She refuses to go up a size up.. all her clothes are so tight!! She still is a lot smaller than me and has no boobs... which she continues to remind me of.. I tell her that I was blessed with Dad's genes!!   So that night she babysits the kids and my husband and I go out to dinner with another couple. I was good.. I thought. I only ate some of my salad then when the dinner came, started with the protein ( chicken breast over pasta ) After two bites I needed to excuse myself!! Thank god there was no one in the ladies room!!! Returned to the table and played with my food ( as to not bring attention to me not eating ) and asked for the rest of if to go. Had a cup of coffee after dinner all seemed fine... then this spitting up episode happened.. It seems after everytime I get sick.. I get all foamy.. Very weird.. it passes after awhile but makes it difficult being out with friends. I am getting pretty good at not bringing attention to myself.. and my husband is wonderful in knowing my signs etc..   Sunday I was able to eat again, no uncomfortable sitiuations.. my daughter and I made a big batch of chowder and we decorated the house for the holidays. I still need to figure out what gives me issues.. like I have mentioned bread and rice are my only known enemies.. but I am sure there will be more. I have noticed that pie and creamy desserts go down with no problem.. that just ain't fair.. ha ha Stayed the same weight after all the holiday celebrating and for that I am thankful... now on to dropping another 5lbs before Christmas!!
BandedNellie

BandedNellie

0
Karen's Blog
 

Six Weeks Post-Op

Hello Fellow Bandsters:   I am six weeks post-op and seemed like the six weeks have flown by so fast. I have really sailed through, until about a week ago ( around Thanksgiving ). I have not gotten my first fill yet. It is scheduled for mid December due to scheduling and location. This week I have wanted to eat alot more than I have in the previous six weeks. I find myself wanting more and more sweets which hasn't even been on my mind before this. I have no restriction due to no fill at surgery. I know when I get some restriction that will help. I have already lost 50 lbs in about 4 - 5 months. I lost 34 before surgery. I know I am doing very good, I am just so afraid of going back to old patterns of eating large amounts and feeling so defeated. I have had more energy and had a sense of my old, old self (before I became very obese). I am taking more pride in my appearence. Made a conscious decision to start wearing make up again, dressing in a nicer and more fashionable manner, and really cherishing and taking care of myself and my health. All these decisions have paid off in so many ways. I just know what a hold food and over eating has had on my life in the past and do not want to go back that direction. I had a lot of help to get to this point.....family that helped me come up with the money for surgery, and support me in so many ways. I am blessed!!
Snigg

Snigg

1
Blog 105633
 

ONE WEEK POST OP APPT TODAY!

And boy oh boy do I have some questions for my DR. I love him and his staff, they have been amazing. BUT!!! 1. My port is not where they said it would be, and that upsets me. 2. Port location? Right of my bellybutton. 3. Port size? GOLF BALL...huge...sticking out...prominant as dogsballs! 4. Port tenderness...to be expected, not horrible 5. Shallow Laura's main concern...I plan on getting SUPER FLY...hot...smokin (lmao) and I also dream of wearing a bikini in some tropical location. My dream did NOT include a big lump next to my Belly button. 6. Is my bedroom a tropical location? hee hee. NO. Hawaii...I want to goto Hawaii when I reach goal. 7. What is my goal? 125 lbs, I am 5'5" and weighing 125 pounds will put me with a BMI of...21. RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF NORMAL.   I've never been in the middle of normal. Closest I've gotten to a normal bmi was my third or fourth round of weightwatchers when I clawed my way down to just barely overweight. And that lasted a month.   8. Pounds lost thus far? 16. (pre op and post op diets) 9. Pounds to go until I reach goal? 53. 10. General mood---more HOPEFUL about the future than I've been in a long long time.   LIVE WILD, Laura
laura71

laura71

2
hopee's Blog
 

Oh man...What did I do...

I'm almost 2 weeks post -op and have (or I thought) very little restriction...I had dinner tonight and was able to eat 2 tacos (not like my usual 4-5 pre band)...But, still more then I want to be eating. I'm guessing I need a fill. About 4 hours later I went back for some of the leftover beef (x-lean)...NOW I'm dying - I feel SOOO overfull, my tumy hurts, gas, pain going in my chest - OUCH! Why did I do that...Any suggestions on easing this??? I don't want to throw up incase my band slips...So I'm here typing away in hopes to going back to bed...It's 12:10am and I need to sleep (work in the morning). Is this bandster hell? I'm learning, and I will never overeat again...I will eat slower...Please pain go away!
hopee

hopee

5
lkindle's Blog
 

What is Bandster Hell?

I'm new to this, so forgive me. My surgery is next Tues, Dec. 7th....YaY!!! But would someone explain to me about bandster hell so I know what to expect. Thanks....
lkindle

lkindle

9
I'm With the Band
 

all my ducks in a row

On Thursday I have the last of my testing. Upper GI, Lab work, and Nutritionist. It's going to suck not being able to even drink water until after the Upper GI! It's an hour and 15 minute drive. blah! I will be so glad to be done with everything though! Tonight is my home sleep study. I get to wear one of these lol.     I will let you know how it goes.
amberakamom

amberakamom

0
♫*•♪♫ MaRiA ♪♫•*♪
 

♪♫*♪ It's been a minute...♪♫*♪

But I'm back!!!   Hey guys... I've been out of the loop for a while. I guess I've just been busy getting to know me . I've been spending a lot of time at the Y and around the city with my family. I just want to be everywhere all the time. And thankfully that "emotional roller coaster" is coming to a stop. But I will tell you that getting stuck is no joke, lol... when they say chew, chew, chew...DO IT! I've had my fair share so far, lol.   Oh, another thing... My confidence is peaking. I don't want to sound conceited but I LOVE looking at myself. I love fixing myself up everyday and taking pictures. You know, If you look good, you feel good. So I take that extra time for myself everyday and fix myself up, even if its just a coat of mascara and lip gloss. Its a huge confidence booster .   For those of you who want to know if you'll be able to ever drink again: Yes, yes you can . For those 20 somethings who still have yet to experience life and the club/bar scene doooooo iiiittttt!!!! (Just know you're taking in a large amount of empty calories so plan your day accordingly) I had a blast this past weekend at my cousins bday party. Although I can't hang like everyone else anymore, its ok. Before it would take a good 9/10 shots of tequila to get me... now, sadly, its 3..lol. But its cool, its way cheaper now, lol.   So quick update: NOTHING in my closet fits ( not even my bras & panties...tmi i know) but its freaking amazing. Last week I went to see Pauly D (yumm!) and I had to buy a whole new outfit. The only thing that really bothers me is the extra cash I have to put up to buy and buy and buy. I went from a size 24/26 to 18/20 so I need the clothes. Ay dios mio, tengo muchas problemas... (in my sarcastic voice)   As far as eating goes... I really don't have much restriction anymore. I go for my second fill tomorrow so I'm excited about that.   P.s: Im living life... who would have thought? "If you never did you should. These things are fun and fun is good" -The incredible Dr. Seuss
.Maria.

.Maria.

2
lonnie200t's Blog
 

Need some answers please

So today I started my 14 day pre op diet and I have saw post where people are blending everything. My Doctor told me to do stage 2 and keep it under 1,000 calories but I am not blending the food should I be? This morning I had egg beaters and fat free cottage cheese. For lunch I have light tuna and crackers and yogurt is this wrong? I am just doing what the book says and for dinner I am having baked fish and spinach and mushrooms. Should this stuff be blended even before the operation???
lonnie200t

lonnie200t

2
Blog 104709
 

November 30, 2010 back to the gym

I haven't been to the gym in over a year. Going to the gym a year ago is what prompted me to look into the lap bad because I was putting on muscle but the fat was sticking around, no matter how well I ate and how much I exercised. So today I got to the gym and reminded myself I couldn't start where I left off. So I went on the Treadmill and it killed my knees and hips but I pushed through the discomfort. I wasn't in PAIN I just felt loose everywhere. I did 20 minutes on the weight loss setting. My legs were wobbly and then I had to walk back and forth to my car twice because I forgot my daughters coat. LOL She loved playing with the other kids and wants to go back tomorrow so she will be my motivation to go to the gym so she can play with the kids. Very thankful for them watching the little ones which will let Alexanderia get much needed interaction with other children.   I am thankful to be holding steady with weight and not putting on weight despite the fact that I have no restriction and no exercise.   Onward, my wound seems to be healing pretty fast now.
Cangel76

Cangel76

0
LoseIt!'s Blog
 

Thanksgiving

Hi everybody! Thanksgiving vacation was SO much fun and in even better news, my weight held steady. My goal was to lose 5 pounds this month and I lost 4. I will take that. Especially since I'm "taking a break". I have one more week like this, then I have my partial deflation on Monday. I will have a couple days with the ability to eat anything which I'm not too concerned about. I'm going to try and be good, but I guarantee you I will be having some pizza in there somewhere!! Tonsilectomy is on Thursday, 12/09 and after that, I'm guessing eating will not be an issue for quite a while...   North Carolina was BEAUTIFUL!! I flew into Atlanta on Wednesday evening and drove up to Murphy, NC with my dad. The drive up the mountain was a little scary. It felt like the car was going to flip over backwards!! It was so good to see the family! Thanksgiving day started with a trek down the mountain which was steep so it was tough but highly doable. The walk up was MUCH harder, but I made it! I tried not to be annoyed with my nephews and SIL who RAN up. HA! Just kidding...they are some of my biggest cheerleaders.   We had a bit of fun with dinner because the oven didn't work correctly. It was bad news for the turkey but everything else made it with success. I only cared about the mashed potatoes and noodles because that was all I needed for a yummy Thanksgiving!! Other than a short trip to explore the town, the rest of the day was spent watching the football games.   Friday was quite chilly. We drove to Anna Ruby Falls and hiked up to see the waterfall. It was extremely beautiful. Then we went to Helen, GA for lunch. Helen is modeled after a German town and the downtown buildings all have a distinctly German fascade. We had to sit outside for lunch. Since it was cold, I think it made some people cranky. We walked around for a bit, but decided to leave soon. We headed Babyland General Hospital, home of the Cabbage Patch Kids. I love dolls, so I thought it was a neat little stop. It was a packed day, but we all slept well!!   Saturday, we went hiking around Fires Creek. We had an absolute ball with the kids as they climbed around like mountain goats. In the afternoon we went to the movies. The group split up and I saw Tangled with my brother, nephew and niece. It was cute. Afterward, we went home and played games I had prepared. They were Minute to Win It style games and we had such a blast! My nephew Sam was crowned Family Showdown Champion!   Sunday it was time to leave and I was ready for my own bed. It was a wonderful vacation!! Now I'm back to work to get everything I can possibly accomplish into the next 7 working days!   I will check in before the surgery, but until then...Make every day a great day!!   Beth
LoseIt!

LoseIt!

2
Blog 105633
 

SO MUCH HOMEWORK...

AND yet...I hang out here blogging! And today I have 8million (ok, exageration there) appointments at work and will be exhausted come nighttime. Had to fly to Kentucky and back yesterday...and the smoothie king in the DFW airport makes a MEAN protein banana strawberry smoothie! I love terminal D! I know right where the Smoothie King is, (It shares a space with the Dunkin Donuts. Which one would have I frequented BEFORE the band?!! Give you one guess. I'm the woman who once had 2 YES TWO extra large McDonalds fries while waiting for a flight...just walked the terminal until I found two different McDonalds. SIGH...those are not my proudest moments. Flight was bumpy and got a bit nauseous, but it passed and I survived. I will say ginger ale sounded nice...but I just sipped some cold water and all was well.   Down another pound! I will feel so much better when I get on a regular exercise schedule, and I think that will help with the weight loss as well. Right now, just walking a bit when I can...but it's been cold, (FREEZING) and haven't had much desire to be outside. Suppose I'll have to hit the treadmill sooner than later.   Hunger? I'm 6 days post surgery, and I do get hungry, but my protein shakes satisfy quite well. I didn't expect to, but I'm a bit bored. Will be nice to chew something. Been on liquids for 2 weeks now. Not as long as some...I know! Kudos to those of you who do liquids for a month or more! Post op appt is tomorrow, and I'm hoping to be cleared for mushies. Cottage cheese and Cream of wheat sound delightful right now. lol. (not together)   Emotions? I loved nothing more than to settle down with a 2lb bag of peanut m&m's and write my papers which come due on a weekly basis...sometimes more often. Last night, cranked out 1006 words with nothing in my mouth. It was...different. I just had to force myself to do it...before, the candy was my "prize" for working so hard...lol. NOW the prize will have to be the GRADE or FEELING OF COMPLETION, or maybe a pedicure after a beastly paper is finished that is due Wednesday!   I feel good, have been isolating less and less and have more hope for the future than I have had in years. We'll call this the Bandster Honeymoon, which must come before the Bandster Hell!   LIVE WILD, Laura
laura71

laura71

0
Blog 105633
 

From: band�ed, band�ing, bands--verb--To assemble or unite in a group

What a great group of women...I've enjoyed reading your posts, and your positive supportive attitudes. I'm laura from Texas and was banded on 11/24/10. Self pay low bmi, and I haven't told my kids. So in this Sawyer, we are alike. I don't consider it lying, lol elfie, our family didn't do the whole santa thing either! I just consider it extreemely private. Like my sex life...I have one, I just don't talk about it with my kids. I didn't want them to know...   1. didn't want them to worry, and 2. I've never spent this much on myself in my life, and we don't have a lot of extra money around, and I guess I still think I should somehow be spending this money on the kids. (I paid for this by cashing out my ex husbands 401K that I got in the divorce...It's totally worth it to me to have to work a few extra years in order to get quality of life NOW...but, teenagers may not see it that way) AND 3. I did NOT want my ex to know, and I didn't think it was fair to ask the kids to keep something like this from him.   So the "burden" so to speak, rests upon my shoulders. One thing I have mentioned to my boyfriend, which may or may not help with your dear man, is "please don't talk about my eating or food at the table" I know what I can and can't handle, and if I need your help, I will ask." I know they are concerned, but we are big girls (HA!) and are in charge of our bodies. FINALLY!   Source: band�ed, band�ing, bands--verb--To assemble or unite in a group
laura71

laura71

0
Blog 95458
 

Four things....

#1 - I do not like this new version of this website.   #2 - Why is my blog now titled "Blog 95458"? Can I rename? I want to call it "Lemonchick's Blog" or something like that.   #3 - I weigh myself everyday at the gym, before I work out. I weighed myself on Wednesday, before being off from work until today. ...and when I weighed myself today, I've lost two more pounds!!! ..am so excited. It seems like things have been slow, but realistically, I've done really well.   #4 - At the thrift store this weekend I tried on a pair of pants in a size that I haven't worn in almost 15 years. They fit!! Only another pair in the same size and two a size bigger, didn't. I didn't care. I bought them all anyways. I'll fit in them soon enough.   So, that's all for now. Short and Sweet.     Lemonchick, over and out!
nomorejellybelly

nomorejellybelly

5

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