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Blog 26601
 

Are you taking the right supplements?

I am post op 2yrs. I was unsure and misinformed to which supplements to take after WLS. So I researched and found Usana supplements. End the guessing game take the Free Health Advisor. www.usanahaa.com and take the supplements your body needs. Place order at ecisneros.usana.com Feel free to contact me at etcisneros13@gmail.com if I can be of any help. Good Luck on your Journey Usana made mine easier. :smile2::wub:
pinktweety

pinktweety

0
Blog 104709
 

One thing I realize

I realize that getting this band, often times people say, "this is the wasy way out." It isn't really. Sure it helps with the weight loss but if you don't learn to gain control of what it is that got you to this point, or your connection to food, you set yourself up for failure. One must truly be committed to understanding if they were an over eater and why, or what it is that makes them want that chocolate shake on the way home from work every day. Getting this procedure only ensures weight loss and only for a short period of time. We can stretch out our pouch, we can eat the wrong foods and become super unhealthy. We need to really focus on the why I eat what I eat portion of this.   I have hypothyroidism and PCOS, though food isn't what brought me to banding, as much as my medical issues. As I sit around thinking about what I am going through I question myself, how much of me is going to miss having those brownies when I am PMSing. How am I going to fill the void? Why is it when people tell me I can't have something I want it more? Self evaluation for self control.   This journey isn't easy, but neccessary.
Cangel76

Cangel76

3
Blog 104882
 

Week 2

I am almost to my 2 week mark and I've lost 13lbs. I've read some of the forums and I feel comfortable with that loss. I was a little worried at first I wasn't losing enough. My Dr. is Awesome! I wouldn't have picked a different Dr. and I did the research for Dr.s where I live. He is however STRICT! Not mean, not abusive, really very nice, extremely knowledgeable, just expects you to follow the rules! Then again maybe all Dr.s in this area are. I did follower the rules but I felt like I was constantly drinking protein shakes, which my Dr allows the first 2 weeks and I would have gone CRAZY hungry without. I start to drink my slushy protein shake and be half way done when I remember I had a band. :cursing:CRAP! So I thought I was eating/drinking too much and hadn't lost enough.   My husband just left this morning for Iraq will be gone for a year :sad:and I came home opened my fridge and again realized I have a lap-band® and that I can't stuff my face with food to make me feel better. So I crawled into bed, cried, and now I'm writing because I have a year by myself and I really want to lose as much as I can by the time he comes home for R&R. Not that he cares he thought I was beautiful overweight but wanted me to be healthy. I just want him to be proud of my weight loss. Not my looks, I'm pretty cute chunky or not:tongue2:, just want to see the look on his face when I can stop telling him to pull into wider parking spaces so I can get out of the car without hitting the one next to us:blushing:!   Let the Journey Begin!:smile2:
crystalmarble00

crystalmarble00

6
Uncencered and not always polite!
 

What helped me the most in my decision...

Well, first of all, I am NOT banded, YET!! This is my first blog, and though I doubt many people will ever read this, or even reply- this is my outlet.... this is yet just another TOOL to help my in my trip... Just in case anyone does read this, I shall introduce myself... I am Ryan, and I am a 27 year old single mother to an amazing 4 year old daughter. I am a college graduate, and from the Savannah,GA area. I've been over-weight since I was 5 years old. I, like many others, have tried almost every diet/exercise plan I could even imagine. I look at pictures of me at my daughter's age and I look just like her- tall, thin, and happy. Then I see pictures of me from a year later, and it's like looking at a completely different person. It makes me sad, but only because I know that that little girl went through to get to where she (I) is today... Being picked on, not only for having a "boy's name"- but also for being over weight... having to shop in PLUS sized women's clothing sections.... Wearing a women's size 16 since 5th grade... I could go on and on and on about everything I've gone through, the tears I've cried, the multipule times I've felt heartbreak, but this isn't meant to be a depressing blog- and I'm sure many MANY others have gone through the exact same... I am 27 years old, 5'9", and 267 pounds. I've been up to size 22, and down to 15/16s - back and forth for the last 10 years. When my daughter was born, (:wub:) I couldn't have been happier.... until 5 days later I couldn't breath, I had a horrible fever, could barely walk, my legs had become swollen, etc.. come to find out, I was having congestive heart failure.... at the age of 23?? Sure, I've done my research and know that this could have happened to even skinny people... Fast-forward to today... I've been looking into the lapband for a few years.. But just never thought it was a possiblity for me. I read and read and read, talked to many people, and still- wasn't sure it was for me. I wasn't sure I could make the change... etc. Wasn't sure I could afford it or that my insurance would even help... Well, I went to the informational meeting, went to the assesment appointment, got cleared by my cardiologist, and am scheduled for my psych eval... I was told my out of pocket expenses were going to be around $800+ (not including the actual surgery and all)... $150 for assesment, $350 for psych eval, $30 for nutrition education, and $275 for program fee... Sure, compared to those who are self-pay, this is nothing... but I'm a single mother who already has to work 2 jobs to try and provide for my daughter.... how was I supposed to come up with that much money?! :eek::crying: I believe in signs, I believe in fate, and I believe in God. Well, my insurance paid for my assesment, and just found out that they will also pay or my psych assesment!!!!!! :thumbup::smile2: Everything seems to be falling into place- as if it's all signs pointing to going ahead with the lapband.... December 1 is my Psych evaluation and my nutrition education class... I can't wait!!! May God continue to bless me through this path in my life that he has so graciously given to me, and also reminded me that he may take from me at any moment. May God continue to be by my side as I try to make sure I can be at my daughter's side as she continues through her life, and hopefully I may do so as a healthier me...
RyanTheGirl

RyanTheGirl

8
Blog 97014
 

3 fill just might be the charm!

October was not a good month for me. A lot of stressfull things happened and I returned to some bad habits with out even realizing it. I only lost 2 pounds, so I scheduled another fill and it snapped me back on track! I need to dig deep and figure out why it was so easy for me to not take better care of myself. Another step in the journey! I am going to try and post a before and now picture...hope it works!   [ATTACH]439[/ATTACH]   [ATTACH]440[/ATTACH]
Seanamw

Seanamw

4
Blog 104988
 

Calorie counting with lap band

I thought you didn't necessarily have to count calories after this procedure was done..I haven't lost ONE pound, Even after my first fill i'm still hungry alot of the time. I've been losing inches but i want the numbers on the scale to go downk...............this sucks.
sunnydee1976

sunnydee1976

7
Just another day. . .
 

Sleeve research links, dietary guidelines etc

LapSF Two Year Study LapSF Five Year Study - abstract only LapSF Five Year Study - presentation (requires Windows to play) Literature review on the sleeve - requires $$ to get the full text unfortunately Sleeve best for over 50 crowd Video of a sleeve with lots of education discussion Video of a sleeve that is more about the operation Ghrelin levels after RnY and sleeve Ghrelin levels after band and sleeve Diabetes resolution in RnY vs. Sleeve Comparison of band to sleeve - literature review   http://www.iabsobesitysurgery.com/Media/Forms/SleeveDietGuide.pdf   http://www.cornellweightlosssurgery.org/pdf/dietary_guidelines_sleeve_gastrectomy.pdf   Some of this is outdated, but some of it is great information: http://www.sleeveguide.com/   http://www.ssat.com/cgi-bin/abstracts/08ddw/O4.cgi   http://www.hopkinsbayview.org/bin/c/a/nutrition_sleeve.pdf   Eglin surgeons use small bougies so this is just for informational purposes: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18098398?ordinalpos=4&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_DefaultReportPanel     http://www.medpagetoday.com/MeetingCoverage/ASMBS/20937   http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2791490/vertical_sleeve_gastrectomy_pg2.html?cat=5     5 year post-op stats http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20094819?itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum&ordinalpos=1   http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20338286
Tiffykins

Tiffykins

0
Blog 102447
 

Don't understand why I can't lose..?

It's been almost 3 weeks since I was band. Well I'm starting to feel a little down. I haven't lost any weight in the last week. What am I doing wrong? I'm getting my protein and eating a small portion and drinking my water. HELP...!!
dooney

dooney

4
Blog 104709
 

Officially Day 5

Well, today is officially day five.   I slept too flat last night and now my chest is killing me, it is taking forever to burp out the pain. I miss sleeping on my belly. I miss that sooo much. If I tried that now I would scream and cry.   So I have been drinking a 160z bottle of water daily and most of the rest that I drink is protein rich.   Yesterday was Myoflex, wonderslim chocolate shake with a banana, Wonderslim Gran Grabe cold drink, broth, milk, and, well something else I can't remember. Oh and I licked a chocolate covered cherry. I bought them for my Dad and they are a favorite. I don't tend to over indulge in such things even before banding, but I wanted a taste of the chocolate and cherry. It is a almost a holiday tradition in my house.   Well, I am off, I am going to go to the grocery store today by myself. Still can't get my stupid pants on because of the bloat and sensitivity. Will try something else today. Good news is the weight is starting to finally show on the scale.   I check myself every am before I eat or drink. That is the only way to have a accurate fortelling, is to check the same time and place every day. Do I need the scale to prove weight loss, normally no, but right now because I am still bloated, yes, it is reminding me that my body is changing.
Cangel76

Cangel76

0
Blog 93702
 

Recipe Of The Day! Almost Homemade Sage Stuffing

This recipes has the traditional old-fashioned sage stuffing favorites, taste like it's made from scratch. Wonderful for your Thanksgiving Turkey, but welcome any time you need a savory side dish. Start with a package of unseasoned stuffing mix, add onion, celery, ground sage and ground thyme -- the result is delicious stuffing that's perfect for the holiday table or a casual dinner. This delicious stuffing is the recipe that I use when making stuffing. ENJOY!!   Makes 6 (2/3-cup) servings   Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 35 minutes   221 Calories per serving   CHECK OUT MY BLOG FOR MORE INFO ON THIS RECIPE AND SO MANY MORE:thumbup: http://life-after-lap-band.blogspot.com/
Debra G

Debra G

0
Blog 79676
 

baby after PCOS is here now its time to get in gear!

Happy to report to you all that I had my first baby! Its a girl. She was 9.9 pounds and 22 in long. I love love love her. I always wanted to be a mother and was terrified I would never get the chance due to my own body. I have PCOS and type 2 diabetic. I feel such relief and gratefulness and love. I became pregnant a month after being banded. I think it was being banded that allowed me to get pregnant. Well the entire process of being banded. The counseling, the change in diet, the rapid early weight loss. I also switched to soy, got lots of exercise, and prayed like crazy. Thank you to all who have shown me such love and support here. And now that my little girl is born healthy and safe its time to GET IN GEAR! Time to start following some of the old rules I've let slide for the last 9 months. Time to call my Dr and get a fill :smile2: and time to live healthy all around. I'm so ready for this!
bandster

bandster

8
Blog 101229
 

not feeling like a ninja

Today is Saturday and I had sugery on Thursday - I feel like I have been hit in the gut by Chuck Liddell for about 1000 times. AND, am exhausted - I just cant stay awake for crying out lout. Pain is eh - still taking the pain meds - havent been hungry AT ALL -and am still sick of soup. My hubby is taking good care of me, as are my boys - went to watch the last football game of the season today - didn't think I would make it all the way through, but surprised even me! Hopefully I will feel better tomrrow. Down 16 pounds from initial weigh in.:smile2:
huskertransplant

huskertransplant

5
Blog 73848
 

Unabashed Love of the Band

On my last blog, which was in July, I said I was hoping for a 100 lb loss by my bandiversary which was August 31. Well I didn't get there but I am at -95 and still happy as I can be about this band. Just recently I had occasion to ponder about this. I flew to Las Vegas for a business trip - the seat belts fit easily AND I was able to put the tray table down with 6 inches to spare between my belly and the table! Woo whooo!!! The other thing that has really hit home to me is that 3 of my friends have decided to get banded (one of them did just last Friday) and this was with no prompting from me at all. This has all made me feel very grateful and proud of all I have accomplished this past year. So, I want to tell all newly banded people - hang in there, the pain of surgery will go away, "bandster hell" will end and you will change your life forever! :smile2:
grizzlyrider

grizzlyrider

6
Blog 104678
 

Saturday after Thursday Surgery

My surgery was Thursday. That day I was only able to have ice chips. I did really good. Found that if you go ahead and get moving you will feel better. The worst part of the surgery is the gas they use to inflate you. It causes the bloat and the pain you feel after surgery to lessen. The more active you are the better you feel. I would like to know more about people's port. Where my port is there is some swelling. I would like to know if it feels like it is protruding from now on. Friday I had the upper GI. Wasnt as bad as the pre op UGI.....I guess. At least it isnt chalky and you dont have to drink as much. Slept good Friday night. Doesnt hurt to lay on my side which is a good thing. Ate creamed etoufee today that my husband cooked. It was SOOOO good. He is a treasure to be so creative. Best meal in 10 days!!!:smile2:
KDe628

KDe628

3
Blog 102470
 

Hanging skin

Well, first of all, I am getting my first fill this Wednesday. Woo-Hoo!!!!!! So excited! Especially since the last week I have been behaving like I am not a bandster. Shameless, I know. When I first got on solids again, I was careful to make sure that I ate a small portion. ate slowly, didn't drink with meals. I was the perfect rule follower. But, I have this problem with rules. So, gradually, I have reverted back to my old ways - I have allowed myself to drink a few sips while eating, and have eaten just a little more than I should at each meal. Believe me, the scale has given me a wake-up call. I've only gained back a pound but that's enough. I'm going to follow the rules to get ready for the fill. Last week, I went to dinner with a friend at a place called the Boiling Crab. $9.00 for a pound of shrimp cooked in garlic and butter and lemon. So good. Only trouble is you have to work for your food. Pull the heads off, pull the tails off, and even clean out the little canals on these little buggers. They come with little red potatoes, which I couldn't eat too much of, cuz they're really filling. So, after dinner I went to the restroom and they have these super high power dryers for your hands. As I was drying my hands I noticed that the blower was blowing the skin on my hands and arms into little folds, and basically, wrinkles. Yuck. This made me really worried about my future. Was this a premonition of what I could expect the more weight I lose? Will I have folds of skin wrinkling around all over my body?I wanted to put my face under the dryer and get a good look at that to see what that was all about, but I couldn't see my face in the mirror. This is scary. Will I be trading fat for sag? And will my face go from puffy to .....old? :eek: I decided rather than think about it too much, I will just stay away from high power blowing machines and focus on my journey... :smile2:
cnewstine

cnewstine

4
Blog 97778
 

What is the point of this blog?????

I don't understand why no one ever comments people back on this blog? I have a question about my port still being sore after 8 weeks. But if i post it no one will comment to help me out anyways. Does anyone feel like i do?
juliecook

juliecook

9
Blog 104000
 

Should I be upset?

I was banded yesterday and today I was having a lot of pain. I was assuming it was gas. However, I am extremely afraid I will get constipated. I had back surgery 12 years ago and I have been on a narcotic for as long. Well the surgeon that operated on my back never told me the narcotic he prescribed was constipating after I came home from the hospital and I got impacted bowels. I am so afraid this will happen again. So, just for safety and to feel secure, my husband called my surgeon who did the band surgery and asked him about the pain and was there anything that I might be able to take for constipation? I know there wouldn't be too many bowel movements due to the fact I am on a liquid diet, but I wanted to be prepared. My husband told him I was having pain. This was the surgeon's reply, "She shouldn't have any pain because I did it laproscopically." I take one narcotic in the morning and one in the evening before bed, a total of 10 mg's per day. The surgeon said to my husband "Isn't she on a ton of narcotics already?" "She shouldn't be having any pain." Well I have chronic pain in my back and I have noticed that other people are having some pain from the band surgery as well. Mine isn't excruciating or anything like that; however, it does hurt plus the back pain and I was just concerned about getting impacted bowels. Should I be upset at what he said. His bedside manner sucks! Please excuse me if I mispelled words. I don't feel like looking them up. Thanks. Any input would be greatly appreciated.
knoebelcamper

knoebelcamper

4
Blog 104709
 

Dear Blog

Dear Blog, (and anyone that reads)   Today I woke up and took my levothyroxine with 6oz of water per the usual. I waited my hour and took my protein shake. I nearly threw up. I just am starting to have a hard time with the shakes and think it is more psychosamatic then anything wrong with the shakes.   So blog, if you could please have a talk with my mind and body, explain the rules, I would be appreciative because they are not listening to me.   Dear Mind and Body,   It has become evident that there have been some big changes. Stomach lets start with you. You have officially been married to the entire body. You see that ring around you? That is to remind you how important you are. How important it is for you to feel full, stay full and digest food so that the rest of the body and mind can stay healthy. We apologize as the ring will get tighter until you get to a point that you understand this job completely, once reached we will stop squeezing, promise. Enjoy the liquids and not having to work too hard on digesting, you almost get a little mini vacation. Imagine the warm liquids like the warm sun on you, with the waves rushing by. Relax stomach, things will be better.   On to you mind. Poor stomach is trying to accept the new roll that was placed on them and you have to go make it difficult. The protein shakes and meals that stomach needs to help body are neccessary and will help stomach be more helpful to you and body. If you do not allow stomach to take in and digest these elements you will become nothing but a pile of mush and body won't have the energy to even pick up that book and read. Celeste won't be able to let you complete your school work, so stop and enjoy the protein, imagine it's a piece of filet mignion. Thanks.   Oh and Body, a few more weeks and you will start feeling and seeing the difference. Put faith in stomach and tell the mind to shut up and all should be good. Now I know you have always had a pretty light gag reflex but you need to get that under control for just a few more weeks. You are doing great. Oh and Body, yes it was normal to get so tired after grocery shopping in a wholesale club, those places are huge. So rest easy you are doing well.   Much love, The Blog that has to listen to all the complaints about you guys not listening!   Dear Blog,   Thank you for the letter, I can not be sure that the notes will help this system to work together, but I can hope.   Love, C   :cursing:
Cangel76

Cangel76

3
Blog 99141
 

2 days Pre-Op-Fighting temptation

It's Saturday, I'm at work for the last time before my surgery. Feeling ambivalent about that. I like my job (most days) and will miss my co-workers while I'm off. Tomorrow I start clear liquids. Have to get more SF Popsicles. I've munched through my supply during my pre-op diet. These have been a blessing. I really like crunching and being able to munch on a popsicle has kept me away from the Pringles (now banned from my house). Today, I'm struggling against wanting to get "one last" goodie before I start clear liquids.   Yesterday a well-intentioned aquaintance brought me a little present from a new bakery that opened nearby. It was a chocolate dipped croissant and it looked and smelled heavenly. I have no idea how it tasted. I gave it to one of my co-workers. Yay me. She also brought me a menu from the place, which was worse that the treat. They have these things called papa rellenas (potato balls). OMG...I've been looking for these things since having them at a party 5 years ago. They're these little balls of mashed potato filled with seasoned ground beef, then lightly breaded and deep-fried...mmmmmmmmmm. I REALLY want one. Really, really want one. I keep trying to justify going over there and getting just one to satisfy the craving. I feel like, if I have just one I can stop obsessing over it. But I also realize that, if I allow myself to have one, I set myself up for allowing myself other things. I know it's best to just stick to my plan. I'm going to try.:cursing:
cherluvsdan

cherluvsdan

3
Blog 103317
 

Dear Fairy Godmother...

Over these last few weeks, I've been completely consumed of LAP-BAND. Recently I've brought more books and been to more websites than I ever have before. I feel as if I know this procedure like the back of my hand now, even though I would never perform it. I didn't expect for days to fly by. I keep thinking about how each second takes forever and then I look up and its been a week. I go to random shopping websites just to check out the clothes that I can't fit in now. When most people see an obese person they say, "Why do they need surgery? They can just go on a diet?" Well that may be true but I've always gained my weight back just like many Americans have as well. When I was little I didn't dream of forbidden places or being a princess, I would look at girls my age who did that and wish I was was them, with their skinny bodies and pretty faces. My first diet I would have to say started when I was in maybe the second grade and had escolated ever since. I've come to learn over the years that fairy tales don't exist. No handsome prince is going to come and rescue you from a towers. I've learned that you must make your own sacrifices and just live on. Take what you can get and just keep holding on to it. No one can put me down anymore nor can they make me feel less than I am. I'm ready to take the next step, not for some handsome prince that will never happen or for my mother, who I love to death. This is for me, as well as seeing the rest of my future. This is my ticket to that place. Some Questions for my Benefit that No One seems to Answer: If someone could please help me and answer these, that would be awesome and amazing of you to do so. Thank you! 1. Why do doctors want the liver smaller? 2. Why do doctors sometimes want patients to go on a diet before surgery? Websites I've looked at and are helpful: These are just a few :cursing: www.livestrong.com/article/15571-what-eat-after-lap-band/ www.obesityhelp.com/ www.lapband4u.com/default/lap-bad-surgery www.obesitylapbandsurgery.com/ www.occforum.com/index.php?act=idx
kourtany93

kourtany93

2
Blog 73771
 

Lab work one year post op....

So, there are really two things today. First is just a basic update. I had an unfill, and I immediately put a few pounds back on. A week ago, we put a bit back in. Only this time, we took a look at the numbers. Each time I had an unfill, my band was at 2.25 and 2.5 CC. So, we filled it to two and we will see what happens.   I have restriction in terms of how much I eat at one time. But I am still hungrier than I want to be throughout the day. I really need to journal what I am eating.   But the BIG news.... with a drumroll please.....   I was diagnosed with diabetes in 2002. Pre-surgery (2009) I was on two medications. I was able to maintain good numbers throughout the day but no matter what I did my fasting blood sugar each morning was always high.   My doctor had just recommended a third medication.   My mom and dad recommended the Lapband.   Within two days of surgery, my blood sugar was under control and I was able to go off meds.   I just had my HA1C drawn for the first time since surgery, and I have to say, I am thrilled.   Pre-surgery, I was over 7.0..... just dont remember the exact number.   As of today, my HA1C is 5.3 percent...... NORMAL!!!!   Of course, I know enough about diabetes to know I am not "cured" ...... I have a strong family history of the disease. It will not go away. But the longer I can keep these numbers in check, the longer I can prevent some of the horrible pain my grandmother went through before she died.   That makes it worth the rough days when I am too tight.   And did I mention.... I really miss my grandma.
viking_girl

viking_girl

1
Blog 104940
 

Live in South africa and love this new disc website.

I live in south africa and was banded on 3 Aug. It is not a very common op here and I only know one person here that is that has been banded. I have only lost 10kg and have reached a platea. My surgeon wanted to wait 2 months before having the first fill and then another 3 months for the next. I am feeling a bit down as it does not feel that the band has made any difference at all. I am always hungry. I called and made the fill earlier and am booked for 16th Nov. How long till I feel different???
South African Beauty

South African Beauty

2
Blog 103501
 

Just Got Banded

Hello all, I just got banded two days ago, I'm feeling ok with the exception of having air and gas pain. Im taking my walks and trying by best to sip my liquids very slowly. I had also gotten the hiccups and wow that was painful. Well, Im looking forward to my new life with the band and pray that all this gas and air pain go away.:cursing:
Inez013

Inez013

4

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