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Just Stay Positive...?

So...they say nothing good in life is easy coming? Well that certainly is the case with trying to make my gastric sleeve surgery a reality. It seems that everytime I get 'just that close' something pulls me back two steps. I started this process months ago, and while procrastination did play a small part, these bumps in the road are getting quite annoying. First, it was necessary for me to get an EGD done - not fun, but not so bad. Then the stress test - no joy in that one. And most recently, the heart catheterization - definitely could have done without that one! Between the procedures and being mercilessly poked while trying to find a 'good vein' (as opposed to a bad one?) I'm feeling a little like I'm fighting a losing battle. Insurance co-pays, deductibles, co-insurance, out-of-pockets - who knew? My head is spinning and my arms and hands look like I ran into Pinhead from Hellraiser.   I want this - need this, to help me in my struggles to lose all this extra baggage and to find "me" again. It seems that I've lost myself in here somewhere under these layers of fatty goodness. My normally confident, funny, easy going self is in hiding. It took several years to lose me, but hopefully it won't take nearly as long to find me again - for good. I'm hoping to get a final clearance for surgery this month so that I can begin my journey back to me.

creolebeauty

creolebeauty

 

Post op day 1

:redface:Yay! Surgery is over. I am stil in the hospital and will go home it a little while. I am one day post op. Surgery took an hour and a half and then I went to recovery for an hour and then came up to my room. I got up and walked around the floor a couple of times yesterday and walked. I had an IV, Catheter, Oxygen and a O2 monitor. THat was cumbersome but ok. I slept most of the time. (morphine) This morning I went down to radiology for a swallow study to see if there were any leaks in my band. There wasnt so I got to start sipping on water. Then I got jello and broth and for lunch I got a little cup of carnation instant breakfast and a littl cup of creamy soup (very diluted) It has all gone down well. I am sipping on my water. I met with the Bariatric surgery coordinator and the dietician came in to talk to me. I will go home soon. I have five port holes. One is more painful than the rest. It isnt the port one but just more tender. Wish me well. I will check in again soon..

Mishay36

Mishay36

 

Yay today!!

Got my 2nd fill yesterday and today I'm 215, YAY! :thumbup: I'm still doing liquids today, tomorrow mushies. First thing this morning I noticed I didn't wake up thinking of food :confused:, that's strange for me. I'm sitting here right now and my brain is saying you should have eaten by now but my stomach is saying no way.   I still have the pain in my left side (not port side) and my surgeon says it's muscle, I need to stretch more before working out and take Advil.   I am so happy I got banded, I really feel this is going to work well for me. I feel to good when I put on my clothes and they are getting bigger, I'm shrinking!!!  

tavimew

tavimew

 

5 Days Post Op

The first day back to work yesterday was okay. I lasted about 7 1/2 hours out of 9 then called it a day. I took ibuprofen with me, but it wasn't cutting it. I was so happy to get home and take my pain meds!   I fixed some thin, instant potatoes last night as yesterday marked the first day I could eat thicker, full liquids. They were so yummy and I'm not even a potato person! I had a serving of that and a serving of tomato soup for dinner and it was actually quite filling (I'm on high alert for portion sizes these days!). A couple hours later, I enjoyed a small container of actual pudding, which was a welcomed step up from popsicles (I need a tiny break from them).   Today, I had a protein shake for breakfast, leftover soup/potatoes for lunch, and I figure i will drink another shake this afternoon so I can get my protein in. I think I might puree some leftover taco soup for dinner tonight.   I am trying hard to at least get 1000 calories in. I haven't been doing that after the surgery and I find I don't have very much energy and my weight loss stalls out. I actually gained 4 pounds from the liquids during surgery, but lost it (and one more, too) as of this morning. One thing I make sure of is that I take my chewable vitamins and get my protein in. That is a must. Thank goodness for sparkpeople to keep me on track!   My incisions feel better today, too. Not as sore and I was actually able to move around from my back to side last night without realizing it. Usually, I wake up to change positions because it hurts. It is also easier to get in and out of bed. I still have a bit of a sore throat, but it is so much better! I think it has healed from the surgery but what is left is from this cold I am trying to shake. The kids have it, too, so I will be glad once it leaves the house. I am thinking that my throat probably hurt worse than it should because I had drainage on the day of surgery, which I'm sure didn't make the tube situation better.   I did bring my pain meds to work today. I took them shortly after arriving at work this morning so it'll be worn off by the time I drive home. Luckily, I have desk job and a position that will allow me to take pain meds and still perform. They are helping 100%. It is so hard to sit upright during the day, all day long, at the moment. I know it'll get all better and I'm hoping to be off of pain meds completely in the next couple of days. Each day,I fell better and better!   How is everyone else feeling since surgery? Any additional weight loss? What does your diet look like now (even if you are months post op, what do you eat?)?

qtney1

qtney1

 

Go, go, go!

Just got my flu shot, so I'm ready for Fall! :confused:   Last night I had a few moments of thought about my journery. I'm in my "small" range. I'm within 10-15 pounds of my lowest weights as an adult. I wondered briefly if this could be it for me. I mean, I look pretty great! I've gotten into almost every "skinny" piece of clothing I have. What can I really expect?   And then I started looking at some pictures. My SIL was finally able to send me pics from my 5K. As I was looking at them, I realized that if I can do THAT...I can do MORE! It might take 3 years, but who cares? I'm loving my life right now and I'm going at a pace that I can continue for as long as I need. Sometimes, I guess I just need to remind myself. :thumbup:   Speaking of my 5K pictures, I have attached a few. As I mentioned before, my SIL was absolutely awesome! I'm truly not sure I could have done it without her.   Today I'm committing to running 2 miles at lunch and Jazzercising for an hour tonight.   Fun NSV: I was able to wear a dress today that I have had for YEARS, but it hasn't fit. It looks really nice and I've gotten several compliments!!   Have a wonderful day!!

LoseIt!

LoseIt!

 

Cal Pozo, Exercise and Fitness pioneer

Cal Pozo is a fitness instructor, choreographer, director and producer of best selling exercise videos. He was born in 1946 in Cuba and moved to the US in 1960. Though he has been dancing since his early teens Cal made sure education was a priority, attending both Bowling Green University in Ohio and New York University in New York City. After college, while living in New York City, Cal became a dancer in Broadway musicals, including a revival of the original musical West Side Story, which also starred Patrick Swayze. It was during this show, in the late 1970s, when Cal suffered a serious hip injury. This ironic twist of fate was to be Cal’s springboard for launching into the fitness and exercise video industry. Before suffering his debilitating hip injury, Pozo had been a serious dancer with no interest in the exercise and fitness instructional video industry. After suffering through the injury and subsequent rehabilitation, his doctors advised his dancing career was very likely finished. Refusing to accept such a diagnosis, Cal decided to take over on his own rehabilitation program and mixed various dancing and exercise disciplines into a system all his own. Successful completion of his own style of rehabilitation program, which included an approximately forty pound weight gain and loss, started Cal on his path to fitness stardom. Visit : http://www.vitadigest.com for more details. :confused:

vitadigest

vitadigest

 

Recipe Of The Day! Duck Pomegranate

Diabetes appropriate, Low calorie, Low sodium, Heart healthy, Healthy weight, High potassium, Gluten free.   Duck breasts may seem too fancy for the average weeknight, but they roast up beautifully and quickly. This preparation, with its luscious ruby-colored sauce, is definitely one that will impress. Easy to cook, tastes great and juicy, this dish will impresses the person you are cooking for. ENJOY!!   Makes 2 servings   Active Time: 45 minutes Total Time: 45 minutes   272 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

 

I dont want the sleeve.!

SO THE DOC. SAYS THAT IF I WANT TO LOSE 200LBS THAT THE BAND ISNT A GOOD IDEA THATS JUST PUSHING IT HE SAID THE BAND IS GOOD ONLY LIKE FOR 100-150LBS..?IS IT TRUE?HAS ANYONE LOST MORE THEN THAT???:confused:

BIGGZ

BIGGZ

 

The Unthinkable!!!

Kay, my last fill was in July and felt I had good restriction able to have from a cup to a 1/2 a cup per meal.Shoot!I would have to say thats really good!! I'm down 80lb since surgery in March from my last fill in July to date I went down 30lb which I think is really good around 10lb a month.Until a couple of days ago. I'm not sure what I did or whats going on, but was only able to take a couple of sip of water or whatever drink I was having and only having a couple of spoon full of my meals and at nite was not so good also would wake up Shocking on my slim or whatever it was..NOT GOOD!! I tried to go to liquids and hope that would help a little.thinking I might of just Irritated it a little but come Friday it didn't get better same slime was getting worse.I called my Doc and scheduled to see him first thing Monday morning. the weekend dragged I wasn't doing that bad but the only bad choice I made was to go out of town to see my sister.I try to enjoy myself but it wasn't the same. So Monday is here and I headed out to see my doc. I'm the first one in, He looks at my chart and says ("WOW" your doing really good why are you here for a fill ) I told him I was here for an UN-FILL. He looks at me and says why? I started to tell and next thing you know. I had my un-fill. "the whole thing"!! I looked at him a said HUH the whole thing? then I asked him " how long? and he said I want you to get an Upper GI and let make sure you don't have a SLIPPAGE!! So here I am having to wait to see the specialist for my upper GI..Lets all pray I don't have the UNTHINKABLE :confused:.

marig1104

marig1104

 

The begining....

I decided to start a blog or web diary about my wieght loss post op with the VSG because while i am home recovering from my surgery which was last Tuesday, I am experiencing a lot of emotions that I need to write down and process.  This journey has been 4 years in the making since I first started considering WLS.  In the early days, I was so uneducated.  I was ignorant and thought it was an easy way out.  I was one of those people ha! When I saw the results of a woman at my job who at the rny I was curious.  I found Obesity Help online and started researching different procedures and risks.  That was the begining...   So here I am sleeved and there is so many things that are going through my head.  I had a good expereince so far its 6 days out but I relize that I have a lot of major issues that need to be addressed.   1.  I am bored. My sedintary lifestyle is extra noticable now that I cannot eat. 2. I was eating to remedy my boredom. I cant eat now so I am really miserable 3. I dont have many freinds. Me being a virtual recluse for the past 2 years has made my small circle of friends even smaller. 4. I dont have anyone to confide in. I have one freind that can totally understand what im going through but he is a man and i feel its inappropriate to speak with him all the time since im married 5. I am unhappy with my marriage.   I knew this already, but its enhanced now like 500 times 6. I need a life. what does this mean? I hope I can be enlightended while i write this blog lol   anyway i will try to write everday and if you have comments please feel free to leave them.   so... today was hard.  I made dinner for the family. I felt like I needed to do something I am so bored.  I wish I could have tasted my teriaki baked chicken and bow tie pasta & veggie alfredo mix.  the kids said it was great.  sigh...   as the days pass, i relize that food was my life and without it, i feel empty, alone, bored, and a little depressed.  I know this stage will be gone soon and i will be on purees, but it depresses me that i was so attatched to food.  It satisfied me it pacified me I am an unhappy woman and food was a way to ignore what was wrong.   whats wrong?  not sure i have some theories though.  I need a more loving and romantic relationship.   my husband is not a very lovey dovey person.  i barly get hugs or kisses from him.  I dont feel like im in a loving relationship.  its been like this for years and it hurts so bad.  for a long time i felt like he acted this way due to my weight.  i have a feeling that my wieght loss will end our relationship.  i have so much resentment and anger inside.   anyway im gonna end it there so i want go to bed a blubbering mess lol   till next time   xoxo roro

meltingcoco

meltingcoco

 

Monday 10/4 Update 3 days since surgery

Wow! Thanks to everyone for their comments and words of encouragement. This site is the best thing I could have ever found! I am feeling really good today and am totally stoked about getting the band. I really feel like I've made a great decision for myself. I know I can make this work for me. I want to be a healthy skinny person! I probably sound like a crazy person but I don't even miss the food right now! I'm so happy I finally have a chance to lost this darn weight! Thanks again to everyone for their posts. Tomorrow is my follow up with the surgeon hopefully it will go really well.:confused:

rhyanon

rhyanon

 

sept 24th to oct 4th

Sept 24th to Oct 4th I have officially hit a stall hope it doesn't last too long. I contribute it to having my period, and the normal weight gain that attributes to it.

mightymouse

mightymouse

 

2nd Fill Today!!

Got my 2nd fill today, 1.5cc. Feels really tight now, Yay! Trying to drink protein drink right now and can only take small sips. Fill went much better than last time, doctor hit the port with 1 stick, and stick was less painful, Yay again! I've lost so far 22lbs since 8/17/10 and I think this band is really working for me

tavimew

tavimew

 

hurry up...but not too fast

I wish that October 15th would come quicker, but at the same time it is good that it is still almost two weeks away so that I can lose more weight before my appt with Dr. Baggs. I weighed in this morning at 279. Hey when Kaiser weighed my a week from today I was 291. And when I weighed myself at home in the afternoon a week from today I was 293. I think that I am doing good!!! Makes me wonder if I can lose the weight with just sticking to this diet? Then I think, I have done this before, lost weight and then gained it all back plus some. I need more help than just myself. I need the sleeve to assist me in making the right decisions and eating less. Though I have to say that I am waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay nervous about having the surgery. I have only been under anesthesia once and that was when I had my wisdom teeth taken out. I am nervous about complications and how much pain I will be in afterwards. Also, is there going to be a drain sticking out of one of my incisions and will my BF be grossed out having to take care of me? He wants me to be home and says that if I can get the surgery during one of his weeks off (he is a teacher) then he will be my personal nurse 24/7. I just don't know that I want him to see me all yucky! I have never broken any bones or any other big injuries so I am not sure how I am going to do with the pain. Why am I worrying about all of this now? When I still have at least a couple of months before I get the surgery? I am a worrywart. I looked at some people posted pics of them after surgery in the hospital with their tubes and incisions and yuck, then I read about how some people were in so much pain. I am only planning on taking a week off work. Then if I have to then I will work half days the following week. So I better not be one of those people who is in pain and misery for 2 weeks straight!!! I mean I know that I am still going to be in pain, but I want to be able to function. I know that I will be getting part of my stomach removed, wow, that is very weird to say or write. I will be getting part of my stomach removed. Easier the second time. So obviously there is going to be pain for awhile. I just don't want any complications or problems....does anyone? Sometimes the more I research something the more freaked out I get. I know its supposed to help me understand what I soon will be going through and to be honest it is better to know than to go in blinded. But still, too much can be a bad thing as well, at least for me. But yet I continue to view this website daily and see what is going on with everyone. It is almost a compulsion that I can't stop! I wish that I was already a year out from my sleeve surgery and I was back to normal and did not have any problems during that time. Don't you wish you could just "poof" and make it happen sometimes? I sometimes picture myself skinny or thinner I should say. I have wanted to be back to a "normal" size before I turn 30. I am 28 right now with a birthday in April. I know that I just need to be mentally tough in regards to the surgery. Right now the eating is fine. I am losing at a steady pace of at least a pound a day. There has been cookies, pizza and junk food around me all weekend long and I did not have the desire to have any of it. So my mind for food in mentally tough I just have to not worry so much about the surgery itself but the results and outcomes of that surgery. A month or two of suffering is worth it!

hugsamber

hugsamber

 

Need to stop weighing myself everyday!!!!

I am so frustrated! I know that I shouldn't weigh myself everyday but I do! :thumbup: Then i get discouraged when my weight fluctuates (which I know is normal) I actually asked my husband to hide the scale today, So I dont get this feeling. I need to tell myself the weight will not come off overnight. BUT I WISH IT WOULD! I have 32 lbs to loose before they will do my band. Sorry guys...had to vent. :confused:

Malasis1977

Malasis1977

 

4 days Post OP

I am feeling great!! I have minimal pain and am moving around well. I havent felt very hungry. I kind of have to make myself keep up with my food, protine & water. I am excited that this journey in my life has begun so well. I never realised how wonderful it feels to burp also... LOL I go to see the doctor 10/6 ready for my nest step. :confused:

Raychie-Rach

Raychie-Rach

 

4 Days Post Op

aka "Back to work day". I probably should have taken today off to just sleep, but there always has to be a first day back, right? My throat pain has gotten a lot better. Unfortunately, it seems like a chest cold is settling in with my drainage. I was super freaked out about coughing and slipping, but my surgeon's office just told me it would be okay and it will get better :-) I have another dose of pain meds being called in (thankfully) and can't wait to get home, put on my pj's, and rest. My incision area has felt really good, considering, and is just sore due to some coughing.   I hope everyone is doing okay..I have managed to escape most of the gas pain and I feel extremely grateful for that!   Back to work and trying to remind myself to get up an move every hour!

qtney1

qtney1

 

I'm going to Tijuana

I'm going to Tijuana   Posted Today at 11:56 AM by lena9800 Updated Today at 01:25 PM by lena9800 (need help) Tags   :confused:Hello everyone, I have a surgery date for Oct.18 with Dr. Ortiz in Tijuana,I'm scared and nervous about all of it ,my husband thinks i'm crazy but no doctor here in the US will do it, My BMI is 33 and no health issues.why am i scare ?you may ask, I'm scared of the unknow,I'm getting the gastric sleeve.My question is, has anyone had Dr Ortiz for the sleeve? I've research him for weeks,I read a lot of possitive blogs but some really bad ones too.What is your opinion about him? please be honest.Thank you all.

lena9800

lena9800

 

Day 1 - A new beginning

Today is Day 1 of my new beginning. I see the new me on the horizon. I know I will have to take many steps to get there, but I'll get there!   I begin 3 days of liquid pre - op diet today. I am having lap band surgery on Oct 7, 2010. I know I am lucky to only have 3 days of this diet, many others have had long pre op diets.   Many people say "it's the easy way out" or "the lazy way", whatever lol. Why do you care how I lose weight? If it is easy, I say GOOD !! I've been dieting my entire life. If this makes it easier, then good!   Actually, I wish the lap band would be easy. But the reality is that it will be work. It will help me control my portions, but I will have to watch what I eat, exercise and have self control. With the help of the lap band, I hope to finally lose the weight and keep it off.   I have heard some people call it "cheating" and I really don't get that. Who or what am I cheating? Death? Am I cheating you by having a lap band? Am I cheating myself? No and no. So all I can say is get over it and go look in your own mirror, I am the only one who has to look in mine.   I am ready for my new life, I have been preparing for almost 10 months with pre op insurance requirements. I'm ready to get this party started!   Woo hoo! A new beginning sounds full of promise.   The year 2010 has been full of prepping: I attended initial weight loss seminar in January 2010. February 2010-July 2010 I had visits with a dietician or nutritionist monthly for 6 months. I passed my psych eval. I went to a support group. Vanderbilt faxed the request to my insurance July 19, 2010. I received Approval July 22, 2010. My surgery is scheduled for October 7, 2010. I wanted to post all of this here so I don't forget the steps I had to take. Here I come new life!

PuppyBandit

PuppyBandit

 

I'm going to Tijuana

:confused:Hello everyone, I have a surgery date for Oct.18 with Dr. Ortiz in Tijuana,I'm scared and nervous about all of it ,my husband thinks i'm crazy but no doctor here in the US will do it, My BMI is 33 and no health issues.why am i scare ?you may ask, I'm scared of the unknow,I'm getting the gastric sleeve.My question is, has anyone had Dr Ortiz for the sleeve? I've research him for weeks,I read a lot of possitive blogs but some really bad ones too.What is your opinion about him? please be honest.Thank you all.

lena9800

lena9800

 

lost and gone forever

Well It has been 8 weeks since my surgery and I have lost a total of 40lbs!!! I can't even believe it!! I was so proud of myself that I got up at 8am and went to the gym!! I never get up that early! Let me tell you it felt really good! I have always put everything and everybody else's needs in front of my own and for the first time in 26 years I am changing that! And I got to say it feels really good!! Well to everyone that has recently got there lap band just remember that know matter what just keep fighting and it will work out for you!! Good luck to all!:confused:

frybeattie

frybeattie

 

Enjoy the Good Life!!!

:smile:A Good Life is a choice!!!! There are guidelines for a good life!!!! There is a world full of peace and joy for all of us. Blessings will chase you and find you wherever you are!!!   If you are a Christian and believe that is true, you believe what the Bible tells us and that there is a God Above watching over us! I DO!   The Bible contains guidelines for that good life! God has PREARRANGED and made ready a good life for you!   Psalm 4:7-8 You have put more joy and rejoicing in my heart than(they know) when their wheat and new wine have yielded abundantly. In peace I will both lie down and sleep, for You, Lord, alone make me dwell in safety and confident trust.:confused:

janetsjourneytoslim

janetsjourneytoslim

 

Back to the real world!

First, let me tell you about my AWESOME vacation! Thursday night we landed in New Orleans and made our way to our hotel in the Quarter. After we checked in, we walked the 2.5 blocks (great location!) to Cafe du Monde for some decaf Cafe au Lait and beignets. When I was there in July, I was able to eat one beignet VERY SLOWLY and it was uncomfortable. After I was able to wolf down one super quick this time, I knew I was in trouble! :confused: Then we headed over to Pat O's and the dueling pianos for a Hurricane. One Hurricane is PLENTY for this girl! After a quick walk down Bourbon, we settled in for the night.   Friday, we slept in a little then went to Mother's for a late breakfast. I had the special which is two eggs, biscuit, meat (I had debris & gravy) and grits. I only ate half the biscuit and barely any of the meat. The eggs, grits & gravy were AWESOME! I didn't think I even liked grits. Ha! After we took the ferry over to Algiers. We had some coffee at a cute little coffee house then visited a glass blowing place. That was REALLY neat and I picked up a super cute hand blown perfume bottle.   After we headed back to the French Quarter and went to Yo Mama's. This, my fellow Bandsters, is where you put your hands over your eyes and shriek! My friend & I shared a Peanut Butter and Bacon Burger. I will let that sink in... Now, I will say that I was only able to eat half and I was quite satisfied. So, if I were in my maintenance stage, I'm actually in a very good place. But I still have 50 or so pounds to lose! And I know that I would not be able to keep my hunger in check at this restriction (well, at least not enough to continue to lose weight.) So, duly noted.   I will say though that was the MOST DELICIOUS burger I have ever had. My friend agreed. Anyway, after lunch we went to the casino where we both lost $40 in less than an hour. Nice. By then it was time to make our way back to the hotel to get ready for the evening.   We met my friend's brother and sister-in-law for dinner on Frenchman Street. It was delcious! I had grillades and grits...grits twice in one day! Crazy. Then we went to a couple of different bars to listen to some live music.   Saturday, we grabbed some coffee and headed to the Mardi Gras World museum. It is at the company which makes all the floats and it was a really neat thing to see! After, we had lunch at an authentic Po Boy place. It didn't even have a sign, but the line was out the door! I had half of a catfish Po Boy and again...this is the first time since my surgery in January that I have had real bread.   After lunch, we walked around Magazine Street for a few hours then headed back to the hotel to freshen up. We had dinner at the Gumbo Shop and it was one of the best meals I've had in a long time. I would STRONGLY recommend the place! After dinner we took a Haunted History tour which was a lot of fun. After that, we walked around Bourbon for a while taking in the "sights".   Sunday we got up and went with brother & SIL to tailgate for the Saints game. I will say that New Orleans has some of the most dedicated fans I have ever seen. The place is COVERED with Saints colors and signs and you can't get a block without hearing "Who Dat?" or "Geax Saints!" As a Colts fan, I can appreciate it, but I had enough!! :thumbup: The pregame was fun though! We watched the game from the airport bar. Darryl Johnston was at our gate when we left! But I don't think he was able to make it on the plane.   It was very nice to be home! Since my doctor wouldn't allow a fill for another week, I can't regret not getting one before I went. And quite honestly, I think the vacation was worth the small amount I was up this morning. I have no doubt it will be gone soon enough. It did make me realize that I still need a lot of help to get to my goal! But it also made me realize that I have a life to live in the meantime and I HAD FUN!   I have another vacation to Indianapolis this coming weekend. In the past, I would have used this as an excuse to continue my vacation through the week and get back on it when I return. But I'm a different person now! It is back to the routine for 4.5 days. 4.5 days of focus and work, then I can enjoy another vacation with NO GUILT!!   I hope you all had wonderful weekends as well!!

LoseIt!

LoseIt!

PatchAid Vitamin Patches

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