Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Blogs

 

My BIG Day is tomorrow!!!

My life will change tomorrow morning at 7:15am when I am scheduled for my LapBand surgery. It has been rough the last couple of nights.....I feel like I haven't slept because I lay awake and all these thoughts run through my mind. I am scared out of my mind about surgery but more so of the "unknown." Reading stories and posts on here has helped me a lot and all I can do now is leave things in Gods hands for he knows all. When you have a free moment please say a prayer for me that everything turns out well and I have just as much success as all of you! God Bless.

daisy0923

daisy0923

 

It's Official

Today is 1 month and 4 days since my Lap-Band surgery and I have officially lost exactly 20 lbs. I am so happy and excited.   I was at K-Mart yesterday and they had a huge sale on short sleeve, light-weight summer tops. Living in Florida, I wear these all year round. So I purchased some 2X tops - I hate passing up a good sale lol. I got home and tried them on but they were a little snug. Oh well, I'll just have to wait another 1-2 weeks before they fit comfortably, but that's not bad when you consider I have been wearing 3X and 4X up to this point.   I am looking forward to my first fill on Thurs. I think I am now ready for it. I find I am able to eat a little bit more than I have been in the last couple of weeks, but still keeping within the guidelines the doctor and nutritionist have set up for me. I get my protein down first and I am drinking as much as I possibly can during the day. Sometimes I can actually hear myself slosh as I am walking, but I guess I am not alone in that.   I am so curious as to what the restriction is going to feel like. I think I am a littel nervous about possibly having something get stuck or throwing up - 2 things I would like to avoid for the rest of my life if I have anything to say about it. But I will be brave and have the fill. I was nervous about the needle, but after reading other people blog about it, I am not nervous about it anymore.   I am happy to be on this journey with so many wonderful people. As the process continues, my enthusiam goes up. My excitement keeps growning leaps and bounds and I am so happy. I wish this great feeling on all of my bandster friends.

Bklynike

Bklynike

 

3 Week Stall

Well, I just made it through the dreaded three week stall. I knew it was happening when I was going through it (even before I weighed) because I could tell that my body hadn't changed and that my clothes were fitting the same. Against my better judgement, I weighed myself at Walmart, since I don't plan to buy a scale until close to goal, and sure enough it hadn't budged since my last weigh in a week earlier. Man was I pissed off! :tongue_smilie: Despite the fact that I had read countless stories about the 3 week stall, I was still mad for a couple of days. But, I got over it and didn't weigh again until I felt some changes in my body and saw changes with my clothes. By the end of my 4th week, I had lost an additional 2 pounds. Geesh! Couldn't it have been more than 2 lousy pounds?:closedeyes: Oh well, at least we're back on track now.   Another member on VST suggested weighing once a month. I've always advocated no more than once a week, so even for me that's a little radical. But, I think I'm going to give it a try. I'm much more interested in feeling better and seeing changes in my clothing and sizes than I am with how much I weigh. So, why stress myself out with scale numbers that don't move as fast as I want them to? I'm going to shoot for the beginning of the month for my weigh-ins and hopefully whatever loss I see then will be motivating enough. We'll see how it goes...:thumbup1:

educationrulz

educationrulz

 

Day 2 Post-OP

I did it! I came home yesterday, we choose to stay over night because my blood sugar was very high and they gave me two different types of insulin, I didn't want to get home and have a situation with my blood sugar being to low and then have to get back to the hospital. I also thought I could rest, which didn't happen at all, the nurse that night was not very responsive, maybe she was having a bad night, I don't know , nor do I care that isn't my problem. Sounds rough but that is what it is. That was the only negative thing about my experience so far. And if that is the worst thing I am doing GREAT. I feel like I have been kicked really hard in my stomach and I do have some gas discomfort. I am big on choosing from pain or discomfort, discomfort isn't pain, while it can be uncomfortable it isn't the same thing. Like playing sports, are you hurt or are you injuryed? Two different things. So, that is all, I am proud of myself for listening to my ques and knowing when I am full. I am being extra careful because I don't want to get sick, if anything, I know I need to drink more water, I felt a little weak and dizzy this morning but I think that is because I was a little on the dry side. I have a wonderful husband who is making me do my IS at least 8 times a day, which is wonderful for my lungs and asthma. Over all I feel really good. Before I started the meals I was at 263 the day of the surgery I was 249.5 so down, 13.5 pounds, I know I have a long way to go until I reach my goal weight but this is the first step. I am trying to take one bite of my elephant at a time... tee hee. We are going to get the baby up from her nap and go for a walk. I was up and walking in the room when I was able and then the halls that same afternoon, WALK WALK WALK...you will feel so much better. Even if you don't want to, if you can you need to! We Can Do It~

wecandoit

wecandoit

 

* My Journey *

April 8, 2010 Today I had a visit with my pcp. We were on vacation in Gatlinburg the week before. I felt terrible the whole trip...headache, nausea, shortness of breath. I made an appointment the day after returning home. I had already decided I would ask his opinion about weight loss surgery as an option for me. He was not against it, but he did not offer much encouragement.   April 15, 2010 Today I had the test done that were ordered by my pcp. First was an intensive stress test. He said no surgeon would operate without it. I doubted this and should of let the surgeon decide if it was necessary.   This was the second time I've gone through all these tests. I had to have a cardolite IV. It involved walking on a treadmill and pics taken by a machine that gives images of the arteries in the heart. The images take 20 minutes (two sessions) of laying completely still.   Then it was on to the echo cardiogram. Basically it was an ultrasound of my heart. It's interesting to watch the screen and see the valves in my heart working!   Next it was on the lab to have blood drawn. The tech was a newbie and since my "good" vein in the right arm already had an IV in it (for the stress test) she called a veteran tech to poke me in the left. It hurt like heck...she said she must have hit a nerve...I'LL SAY!   My loving hubby came into town and took me to breakfast, then I went back for the second injection of cardiolite and the second set of images. It all went really well. The tests results showed no problems.   Later in the day I called a nearby hospital in Bowling Green Ohio that has a well known weight loss program to register for one of their seminars. They were totally booked for the two seminars in April. I am registered to attend the one on May 15th. I'm hoping my hubby can go with me. They are a Center of Excellence hospital so I feel confident with them. Also, I know of at least 3 people who had bariatric surgery done there.   April 21, 2010 Wednesday morning I got my test results. All the heart and stress tests looked good. The stress test tech noted that I tired easily on the treadmill. (I would of liked to put her on there with her smokers breath to see how she would of done )   My blood test came back alright, but my BP was up a little more. He had suggested in Jan. that I add a 3rd BP med and I had resisted. Now, I'm ready...bring it on! Add another co-morbidity link to the list.   I called Anthem yesterday and grilled them to see if they covered the Sleeve Gastrectomy. The rep said it is included along with all the other WLS as long as the diagnosis is morbid obesity and I meet all the criteria. Looks like I may be on the way!   I registered and got the ball rolling with the surgeon by going to the seminar at Wood County Hospital.   May 15, 2010 Today dh and I went to the seminar in Bowling Green Ohio. It was held in a meeting room at Wood County Hospital. The surgeon, Dr. Lalor, was the first speaker. He explained all the different surgeries he preforms, sharing all the good and bad. After the seminar we got to talk to him one on one. It seemed to me that he really is sold on the sleeve gastrectomy. He likes the fact there isn't any malabsorbtion involved. He even mentioned that BC/BS is not approving many sleeves, but since I've had 4 open abdominal surgeries and already had surgery on my colon that they might consider the sleeve for me! Then the dietition spoke and lastly the ins rep for Dr. Lalor's office. Doc answered every single question he was asked through his whole presentation, which impressed me! He stayed and answered questions till the last person finally left. I have my surgeon's consultation on June 17th. I feel really good about him, his staff and the facility!!   May 24, 2010 I decided to attend one of the support meetings at Wood County Hospital Mon. May 24th. I was waiting outside with some supper when hubby got off work and I kidnaped him and took him along. Bless his heart! He just finished a 12 hour shift, was tired and dirty, but he seemed anxious to go. The meeting was okay, it was sort of disorganized. They sometimes have guest speakers. Two women took control of this, meeting talking about all their personal problems. [Note to me: Remember to talk with the appropriate person at the appropriate times about personal problems.] Nothing to do but wait and worry till my surgical consultation June 17th!   June 17, 2010 This was my first surgeon's visit. The nurse took me back and had me step on the scales. Then she had me take my shoes off to measure my height. So, I got to weigh with my shoes on, but measured with them off, making me weigh heavier and measure shorter! YEA!! I was worried about my BMI not being high enough so this was important to me! She asked me a ton of medical questions and we talked a little about which surgery I was leaning toward. I said the sleeve I thought was the best choice for me and that I would not have gastric bypass, due to the malabsorbtion issues.   Next the doc came in and he asked me some more medical questions and questioned me alot about my previous surgeries. Then we discussed the sleeve and he said he would fight BC/BS if necessary to get me the sleeve. He said if they tried to push gastric bypass he would tell them that he felt it would be alot more risky for me.   My impression of him is that he is very careful and very honest. He took all the time I needed to answer all my questions, which were numerous!   He took me to the front desk and went over all the paperwork that included the tests I needed to schedule, the visits with the nutritionist and the visit with another doctor, who interprets the tests results and does a more thorough medical workup and physical.   Next I went down the hall to have my first visit with the nutritionist. I will have a total of 3 visits, to satisfy BC/BS for a 3 month surprised "diet" to satisfy their requirements. I was really impressed with Beth. She gave me alot of information, answered all my questions and we worked on goals. They like patients to lose 5% of their weight before surgery, which is 10lbs for me. Doesn't sound like much, but I have so much pain in my hips and my feet that it will be a struggle.   July 13, 2010 Today I met with the shrink. He basically had me go through my whole life history starting with when and where I was born. We discussed my weight issues along with family and even school issues. Then I had to do a personality test with over 100 questions...it took forever! Oh well it's done and over with and I think I did well.   Next I went down to Dr. Lalor's office (same building) and met with Beth for my second nutritionist visit. That went really well again!   I find myself becoming obcessed with WLS websites (this one and Obesityhelp.com). I am reading stories and looking at before and after pictures. I think it helps keep me going until I am approved and get a surgery date. Looks like the end of September or October would be the earliest I could have surgery.

KabinKitty

KabinKitty

 

Measuring Success

I have lost 44 lbs so far and I don't see a difference when I look in the mirror and I don't see a big difference when I put on clothes. Why? Because 44 lbs, while a huge loss, is only a drop in the bucket for what I NEED to lose so the clothes difference is not happening all that fast. It is a little discouraging when no one notices that I have lost weight too. I wonder if they don't notice or they feel since I had weight loss surgery I don't deserve to hear it since it was surgery and not dieting. That would be the ignorant ones who think this surgery is an automatic fix all. But that is another blog topic all together. To combat that, I take notice of small differences other than the scale or clothes. My blog at http://anglovato.blogspot.com/ gives my accounts of small differences I am noticing that, well, give me the boost I need when the scale or clothes aren't. Start keeping track and you will be surprised at just how well you are actually doing when other measuring means do show it. :mad:

anglov

anglov

 

Home from surgery

:thumbup:I am home from surgery! Had a horrible recovery room experience but the rest of the time was ok... Had some trouble moving around and was just a little sick... But overall recovery was ok... not a walk in the park but not horrible.... Surgery was on Tuesday was surgery, today is Sunday and i have lost 10 pounds already! Yay me! :tongue_smilie:

Ambryant

Ambryant

 

SOOOO soon!!

I got a call on Tuesday confirming that my Pre-op appointment was on Monday, August 2nd and that my surgery would be on Tuesday, August 10th (of course, with approval from Tufts...which they will send the paperwork on August 3rd...the last date of my I Can Change Program). They said that I have to be at the hospital at 11:30AM for a 1:30PM surgery time. I was hoping that I'd get an early surgery....so I'd get it over with right away. I am SO excited. My doctor says that we have to take 2 weeks off from work....and I was a little bummed b/c I didn't really want to use 2 weeks of vacation time to recover. I was hoping that it would just be 1 week and that I could go back early. However, I have just found out that I can use short -term disability, so if I end up really needing that 2nd week, I can stay home and focus on healing...and I won't need to use 2 weeks of vacation time....just the first week will be taken from my vacation time. :mad: :cursing: Yayyy !! That means I can save it for when I am skinny...and go to some exotic island in my [not yet purchased] teeny bikini! hahaha.....Pipe dreams right now....but hopefully in a year, reality!   Anyway, b/c I'm not just using vacation time and I will be out for the full two weeks, I ended up just telling my boss and my co-worker what I was doing. I made sure to let them know not to say anything to anyone; as I wasn't even going to tell them. I think my boss was a little hurt when I said that b/c she said, "Why??" and I told her that it was a really personal thing for me...and I didn't want to have that extra pressure of lots of people knowing and examinging me. My co-worker said, "You aren't THAT big?? Why do you want this?" After I explained to her that I was unhappy and showed her all about it, she seemed very happy for me and I think will end up being really supportive. My boss, who I knew once I told her, was going to do some extensive research on the LapBand did exactly that....and promptly informed me the next morning that it was FDA approved and that b/c of that, she approved. Hahah...she is so funny...and she really does care about me more than from just an employee standpoint, which is nice. Anyway, now 4 people are in my little circle...and I do not feel inclined to tell anyone else.   I think my boyfriend will be bringing me for surgery....and I think he will even stay the day with me. He works a ton and it is hard for him to get time off without his boss bitching and moaning...so I am happy that he cares enough about me to persue it.   I start my pre-op diet a week from today. YIKES! I'm so nervous!! I'm still trying to research some good protein drinks and unflavored protein to add in to things. Anyone have any suggestions? I'm nervous that I won't even be able to make it the 10 days! Anyone have tips to help sustain them through this time???   ~Jen

jennay5180

jennay5180

 

Day Two Liquids

After being without air last night, I think I am full from sugarfree Kool-Aid! But this morning I will have some clear soup and more sugarfree Kool-Aid. As soon as the ac tech get here I will go run my 3 1/2 miles and do my weights.   God bless!

sheilamj1fan

sheilamj1fan

 

Recipe Of The Day! Mexican Fish Baja Tacos

Delicious Mexican Fish Baja Tacos. A Easy Mexican Recipe for your next party. Share them with your friends and family they will thank you.. ENJOY!   Makes 4 servings Active Time: 10 minutes Total Time: 25 minutes   382 Calories Per Serving (382 for 2 tacos)   Note: Recipe serving size is two tacos per person.   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

 

Low Potassuim Danger!

I have been doing very well with my weight loss - lost 102 pounds so far. I am working out - exercising so I can decrease the amount of extra skin sagging - so I try very hard to stay on track. However, for a few days, now I have been feeling a little weak and not quite myself.   Friday morning, I was into my usual routine - I had just gotten dressed for the day, and I was going to walk my dog.Then I began to get some pains in my chest - at first I did not think much about it, until it started radiating down my left arm - my arm and fingers began to get numb. I sat down to relax, but the pain stayed with me for 10-15 minutes. After the pain passed, I took my dog out for a walk, but I still did not feel quite like myself so I came back home.   About an hour later I went to the store, but the pain started again and I drove myself to the hospital emergency room - I thought I was having a heart attack. I was examined, and they admitted me to the hospital for tests. They found that my potassium level was way too low. It should have been 3.5 - mine was 2.5. So they gave me some potassium - I could not take the pills, of course, because they were too big for my LAP-BAND® to permit. The other choice was by IV, but I was told by both the doctors and the nurses that this would be very uncomfortable because it would burn. So I asked them if there were a 3rd choice, liquid, and they said yes.   So I started taking this liquid potassium, which also burned going down and tasted terrible. I asked my doctor why the potassium level was so low, and what caused the problem that brought me into the hospital. He does not believe I had a heart attack, and he began telling me why potassium levels go down. As he was talking, a light bulb went off, and I realized what was happening. He mentioned that not enough food as well as vomiting could cause this potassium deficiency and numbness in the arm.   I have been throwing up when I eat something that does not agree with my band, so this seems to be the problem. Also, I'm not eating enough food. All the tests I took in the hospital came back negative for a heart problem, fortunately. The answer for me is to increase my potassium intake - unfortunately, I hate bananas and orange juice does not agree with me because of the acid. So, I started my first banana in the hospital - making that face that children make when eating something they hate, and I ate 1/2! YEA! LOL. I ate 1/2 not because that was all I could eat, but because it was all I could stand! YUK.   So what I am trying to say here is if anyone out there is throwing up a lot, and also not eating enough, have your potassium level checked. Potassium is called Natural Diuretic as it easily gets absorbed by our body and almost 85-90% of it is excreted from our bowels and kidneys (urine). Because of its alkaline property, it is a very important mineral which helps our body system to maintain of pH level balanced and also to maintain proper level of water inside body. The most important function of Potassium in human body is to keep blood pressure under control and help in intra-cellular nutrient transfer. It also helps in keeping acne, some type of allergies, fatigue, kidney stones etc. problems at bay.   It is very important to take healthy and Potassium rich diet everyday in order to keep our body functioning properly and feel healthy.   I'm ok - this is something I will have to deal with - I will start eating yucky banannas and drink diluted orange juice. Maybe one day bananas will grow on me and I will be able to tell you I love them.

Debra G

Debra G

 

3 More Days!

Yay! Only 3 more days until I'm banded! I can't believe it's finally going to be here...   I'm getting nervous... Constantly questioning myself... I hope that's natural and normal. I have support from my fiance, stepfather, and sister-in-law, but I've had a hard time winning over my mom, brother, and dad. I find that a little strange that blood relatives are not so ok with this. Or I suppose the strange part is that my non-blood relatives (if I may call them that), are so keen on the idea. It's not that my family is telling me not to do it, they're just asking me if I'm really sure this is what I want to do---over and over and over...   I believe in my heart that I'm prepared for this journey. It's always been in my nature to rebel. I don't think they understand that this is not an act of rebellion, but an act of liberation. My family is overweight to obese, each and every member. I don't want to continue to live this way. I'm miserable unless I'm eating and eating leads to more misery...that vicious circle from which everyone suffers.   Now the pre-op diet, on the other hand, may be the death of me... I'd kill for a steak or a cheeseburger, lol. :cursing::mad:

AggieAmy

AggieAmy

 

Finally getting better!

Alright everyone, so the last time I posted something on here I was having a really hard time but I'm happy to report it's finally getting better!!! I'm now able to have a little more since i'm in the 3rd week post op. I'm still not eating that much but being able to have more of a variety has really helped. The only frustration I currently have is I don't think I've lost more than 5 pounds and that includes the pre op diet i was on for 2 weeks. They tell me once I have my first fill and actually have some restriction I will start loosing the weight but I'm still in the pre surgery mindset that if i'm on a diet i should be loosing weight and i'm just not! I'm sticking to the post op diet to a T and especially watching portions and i just don't get it. i'm taking in so much less than i had been but no weight loss? I've been reading posts on here where some people have been loosing like 5 lbs a week or more and had the surgery about the same time as me...? any thoughts?

southernb116

southernb116

 

Try Try Again Liquids for Two Weeks

Today is was day one of the liquid phase. I am trying to get that momentum back if at all possible. SO! I had 52 grams of Whey protein and sugarfree juice and one popsicle. And I went running in probably 99-100+ degree weather. I pray I can continue...but I do have another fill scheduled for Wednesday the 28th of this month. This fill will be number five in over three years. Until tomorrow, Keep the Faith.

sheilamj1fan

sheilamj1fan

 

Its happening

Well I found out I can get around my CRAPPY PCP so yeaaa!!!! I am seeing a psychologist Tues, so wish me luck, every time a brick wall come up before me & this surgery it gets knocked down,so I beleive this surgery is destiny, now on to my next question, has anyone went into surgery for a lap-band® & got a sleeve instead,after attending the seminar I'm leaning toward the sleeve now. prior surgeries & scar tissue also I take NSAIDS for arthritis.

lnhardemon

lnhardemon

 

4th day Preop diet

I am thinking that something is really wrong about the protein drink. Every time I drink it I get really nauseated and woozy and I get a headache. I did some research and thought that it might be lactose intolerance or a whey protein allergy. I purchased some lactase and some gasX and this evening I took the lactase before I drank the drink and then took a gasX. About 10 minutes after I finsihed drinking, I was extremely nauseous and felt terrible. I sat really still and did a lot of deep breathing and it settled down after about 20 minutes. I walked around a little and belched several times and I feel MUCH better except for a burning stomach. I took a TUMS and I think that worked. If I am allergic to Whey protein what will I do? I know there are veggie type protein drinks out there but they don't have as many grams of proteins and I dread the taste. I am calling the doc first thing on Monday. Hopefully I can get some alternatives. But what to do tomorrow...I don't know if I can drink the protein drink knowing what will come after. I knew going into this that food choices might be a problem. I like what I like and if I don't like it my throat won't swallow it. If it happens to get by, I generally throw it right back up. :cursing: I had quite an episode of diarrhea this morning. I got some benefiber even though it has a few carbs in it but I think the diarrhea:blushing: is also a symptom of my intolerance of the drink. I lost another 2 pounds though. :mad: I might just be back to my pre summer weight by the time the REAL weight loss starts. Hanging in there.

belld

belld

 

Cheers to a new Beginning!!!

My first blog of my new adventure!! I was banded on Tuesday, July 20th 2010. So far i've been ok, told i was feeling the usual aches and pains for post-op patients.   I am sooooo excited for this new adventure and a new way of life!!!

Joie85

Joie85

 

Leaf, Turning, etc...

07/24/2010   Today my husband and I were supposed to go on our road trip to Kansas, but first the solenoid went out on the drip system, then the pool pump died. Gad! Is this a sign, or what? I think normally I would have gotten all stressed out about it, but I just took it in stride and worked for 4-5 hours at home and we will just leave tomorrow. I am sure in the past I would have used this as an excuse to overeat or over drink something, but I am getting myself "psyched" up to have the lapband and to use the skills I am learning from everyone on the lapbandtalk.com. Thanks, all, whomever you are!!!

higgikd1

higgikd1

 

Happy and Sad

First, I want to say how much I appreciate everybody's support and feedback yesterday. I have truly found support here and I can't communicate enough how much that means to me.   I realize I am happy and sad at the same time. This week, since I'm newly filled and very restricted, I'm not really eating any solids and I think although I'm excited to be getting closer to the sweet spot, I'm depressed because I'm so USED to chewing and eating and not having to take so much longer to eat. I am mourning my old habits, in a strange way!   I weighed today at the gym, as every Saturday. I'm overjoyed at the weight loss, and excited by the fact I can exercise, climb stairs, enjoy being active more than I have in a long, long time. I have fun working out, and even more fun feeling good when the workout is over. I'm not sad to give up sitting on the couch or playing farmville for hours lol.   I mailed off three suits I sold on EBay this week -- the first of many sets of beautiful clothes I've accumulated over the last five years. Again, happy they don't fit, sad to see them go.   I wouldn't trade where I am in this banding journey for anything. I look forward to shopping for new clothes next spring, and feeling even better every day.   Thanks for listening. I'll try to be there for all of you any time you need me.   - Sandy -

sandradee0124

sandradee0124

 

Kind of in a rut.

Well today is the first day I have ever PB'd. I've had food stuck before and have felt quite a bit of pain during it, but never pb'd. It wasn't a good feeling especially since after I was still feeling quite a bit of pain. I've been in a rut for several months now. Not gaining weight but also not losing it. Quite frankly I feel like people are looking at me and thinking "Yup another one of those lazy people who thought weight loss surgery would fix it." The problem is that I'm not lazy and I have tried to fix it. I have been using food to make me feel good for so long that now it's so hard to let it go. It's hard to let the weight go. I feel miserable being overweight. I'm going to start with my liquids again today, because I don't want my band to get too irritated. I'm going to try harder and snap out of this rut I'm in. Going back to the basics. It's been over a year and I've lost 38 pounds. Ugh it needs to be more. I need to feel more accomplished than that.

TKDMAMA

TKDMAMA

 

Ulcers????

Well almost here my date of July 30th is surgery day.Have been doing good on the pre op diet....I did have a stomach scope thing last Friday thou and he took 2 biopies & of yesterday still no results I am on pins & needles afraid it is something and can't have surgery.wonder what can be in there but ulcers ...do they do a band if you have ulcers?? anyone have something like this??? Penny

PLD

PLD

PatchAid Vitamin Patches

×