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Blog 85448
 

Shock & Awe?!

So...big church BBQ last weekend. Lots of family and friends including one who had the LapBand last fall...and has lost 85+ pounds...SINCE the procedure i.e., not including what this person lost in prep for surgery. There were whispers and it wasn't good as this rapid weight loss coupled with this individual's love of tanning beds has resulted in a look that someone described(unkindly but accurate) as a "...cross between a dried prune and a boneless walnut.."! Couple this with this bandster's free admission(but not to their doctor or surgeon) that they often going on nothing but a cereal bar and some yogurt as a once daily meal...oh, and they've been in the ER twice in the past two months for illnesses directly related to improper nutrition/hydration, and a very different face of this potentially helpful procedure emerges. It also put me in the hot seat as some wanted to question why I haven't lost as much(in 4 months - are you serious?) and why don't I look "sick" like X. If seeing the other side of this journey wasn't enough, I was blown away when my fellow bandster announced that after the last trip to the ER, a call was placed to the bariatric facility. Apparently the bariatric facility didn't feel that the ER doc(at a major medical center doing angioplasty, stroke intervention, chemo using ports...) was "qualified" to remove fluid from the band. So - rather than sending a nurse or PA to the hospital or arranging to meet the patient at their PCP's office, a NP met the patient at a convenience store and withdrew all the fluid in the band in the parking lot...and told the patient they'd lost too much weight!:thumbup:
RavenClaw779

RavenClaw779

5
Blog 90804
 

I am a Bandster.

I was banded yesterday. One night in the hospital and home today. Things just couldn't have gone better. The hospital staff was great. I'm walking and snoozing and drinking and doing all the things I am supposed to do.   This IS the first day of the rest of my life - here I go!
marw

marw

1
LoseIt!'s Blog
 

Tgif

Hi all! It has been a super busy day at work today. Busy is good though since I hate being bored. Plus, I'm so ready for the weekend! I slept quite well last night so I'm not so tired today.   Tonight I'm going to Master Bruce. I will have to be careful not to aggravate my back, but I'm sure we can still work out a good work out.   Tomorrow is a busy day. I'm Jazzercise class managing at 9 AM, then having lunch with my godson. I have to grocery shop in the afternoon, then church at 5 PM with a pool party after. Whew!   Sunday, though. Sunday, blessed Sunday, will be lovely. My friend & I are taking another friend's 14 year old daughter to see Eclipse, but that is all that is planned. Sweet!   Monday I should be nice and refreshed! Have a WONDERFUL weekend, my friends!
LoseIt!

LoseIt!

0
Blog 1738
 

Day #24 Post Op

For anyone who ends up on compounded liquid levaquin, ask the compounding pharmacist to add SOMETHING to it. Anything, it does taste like chemicals like nothing I have ever tasted- 6 teaspoons per day. You would never know it from this blog, but Im not a whiner. Try to be positive and find the silver lining 98% of the time. I sure hope things turn around soon. No real improvement that I can see or taste with the thrush. Tried to eat some mashed up hot tamales (canned) and probably wasnt my best idea. 27 more pounds though and I will hit the 100 pounds lost mark if you include pounds lost with the band. I have to admit, I am very psyched about this. Numbers I havent seen on the scale in well over 6 years. Since things seem to be moving along well, I am having some anxiety over what if I gain it back. My only answer to myself so far is not to engage in any eating behaviors that will help me gain it back. I know, there is more to it than that. And I have another 100 to go, but I am determined to ride a horse again before I die and of course, not kill the horse. Besides snowmobiling in Breckinridge, that is the most fun Ive ever had! Oh and add hot air balloon ride and a trip to Tahiti and Jamaica. I am so ready!!!:tongue_smilie:
fatnomore50

fatnomore50

1
Blog 95799
 

1 week and counting

I have one week to go, next Friday by this time I will have had the procedure done! I am nervous but must admit this web site and all of your stories, posts, blogs and so on have helped! Everyone stories are so unique and different but they all have one common goal, to lose weight in order to be healthier and happier. So Thank you for all of the positive feedback. We can do this! :thumbup:
wecandoit

wecandoit

1
Blog 96470
 

Nervous but excited

Well I go August 3rd for my very first consultation. I am nervous but excited to finally get started on my new life. I have been heavy all my life, I have lost-gain-lost-gain. I cant wait to get started.
jeff2ang

jeff2ang

1
Blog 89559
 

TGIF and TGIB

I am glad its Friday because I get up at 3 am during the weekdays to travel to a gym by work.   I'm glad I'm banded because having the procedure has moved me to change my lifestyle -- eating habits, exercise, what I do and the energy that I do it with. I don't have much restriction (if any), and I haven't lost 30 lbs a month since I started, but I'm proud of making the changes I have in my life.   The changes have improved my overall health -- I don't take blood pressure medication, I don't pant walking up stairs, I have much more energy.   My clothes are big and I've lost a significant amount of weight toward my goal. I have a long way to go, but I'm looking to add the band (restriction) to the mix over the next month (two fills scheduled) which should help.   Until then, and after then, I'm so grateful that I was able to take this step. Its changed my life A LOT.   :thumbup:
sandradee0124

sandradee0124

0
Blog 96888
 

Ibuprofen

DOES ANY ONE USE IBUPROFEN? AND IF YES ANY PROBLEMS WITH IT? HOW MUCH DO YOU USE AND IS IT LIQUID? THANK YOU
KATHLEENH

KATHLEENH

0
Blog 92116
 

Ear Ache....

my ear hurts and i keep sneezing/blowing .... I'm going to the doc in about an hour...funny thing is, this is the Doc that did my pre-op work, so I'm actually looking forward to going so that I can jump on his scale when no one is looking!! :thumbup: I just think that's so funny---->> I'm anticipating the scale more than medicine for my hurting ear! :thumbup:
J_BandRanger

J_BandRanger

1
Blog 93702
 

Recipe Of The Day! Smoke Turkey Sausage And Black Beans Fiesta

This is one of the most easiest and fastest recipe I have. Do not blink or you will miss it. That's how quick it is. I love this recipe a lot for it's taste and flavors and great for a fast meal. ENJOY!   Makes 4 servings Prep Time: 2 mins Total Time: 12 mins   290 calories per 4 oz of sausage and 1/2 cup of beans   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 96604
 

Hey

Hi im Laila and i live in a small town in the UK. I havent been banded yet but im off to see a consultant next week and hopefully be banded a few weeks after..... im real excited in having this done , i know its going to be the begining of me starting to live life better than i have been in quite a few years. I was born with a malfrmed hip therefore i have had restrictions in my movements. I have struggled all my life with my weight, I am recently divorced , i was married for 18 years and have 2 great boys age 17 and 24, of which im so proud of. I post some pre op pictures. Thanks for reading my blog. Laila:thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:
layloo

layloo

0
Blog 95883
 

Nausea

I have had the surgery about a month ago (July 9th 2010) and I am down about 40lbs. since. My doctor said there was no need for a fill since I was doing so well. Well..........recently, I have been extremely nauseated and it is unbearable. Although I am not vomiting, the feeling will not go away. I'm not in any pain at all. Is this normal/avoidable? Please help!!!!!:thumbup:
Ephraim

Ephraim

2
Blog 87110
 

3rd Fill And Feeling Great!

So, made my trip to San Diego to see the dietician and my doc. Things I need to work on are - no drinking during meals and portion control. Hopefully, my 4.5 cc's will help me with the portion control. The last couple of weeks I have slowed down a bit loosing. This is due to my fav - Mexican food!!!! So, once I loose 5 lbs or so, I can go there...or eat 1/2, not the whole dang thing. With my current fill, not sure if I would be able to eat the whole thing now anyway. Hopefully not! After my fill, I had a great smoothie (no malt which sometimes I do because I am starving) and cannot find anything on the road to eat.   I really feel great! Down 35 lbs. My pants are baggin on me, so need to throw those sizes out! Fitting into pants I bought 2 summers ago (brand new). Loving it! People at work at starting to notice....good feeling. I am able to walk 30 minutes - no problem, so need to start walking 45 minutes. Doing situps (great little tool from Walmart $20.00) and bench presses (with arms close into the bar handle) to work the flab on the arms! I am more active and feel lighter when I walk which is amazing. It will feel so good to get under 200 lbs! Soon....   Going to the beach for a week, so that will be great fun. Stocking up on chicken bowls for lunch, bars or protein drink for breakfast and then dinner protein and vegetables. Need to also buy some fruit. Will have to partake in some vino of course, but will try to control that. Will walk on the beach and get my 45 min in. Swimming, playing with my nieces, instead of sitting the whole time.   Surfs up! :thumbup:
neyad

neyad

1
Blog 74571
 

4 Days and Counting

My first entry. I've promised myself to write often. A place holder for all these thoughts and feelings. I have secretly lured in the corners of others thoughts on this site during my journey to surgery - to the other side of fat (hopefully). What a gift that sharing has been.   Tomorrow we are burying my best friend (of 22 years) ex-wife (who was also a friend and the mother of two children I watched grow up). She was fat too. Fat and sick. I'm lucky because right now I'm only fat. Well, fat and injured. Tomorrow won't be easy. Sometimes pain is tangible.   A week ago, I sat in the hospital until 2:30 in the morning. I held her children as they laid on her dead body and cried over and over "I want my mom back." It doesn't matter that they are 22 & 26; they are children and no one ever loves us the way our mothers do. I watched my friend swallow his grief and honor his children in a way so few men do. I was and remain humbled by his love.   Tomorrow I start the required three day fast. I haven't gone shopping yet for supplies. I haven't finished the laundry or cleaning my house. I haven't written my will just in case something happens and I feel a tad overwhelmed and a lot afraid of the biggest looming question . . . am I am strong enough to do all of this? We minimize ourselves with such ease.   All I can do is step back and look at the year journey to right here and now. All I can do is know that Monday morning at 5:30 a.m. I will be in a hospital gown or as a dear child I know calls it, "a sick gown". Why do they have to be so ugly? :thumbup: I will be waiting for the beginning of the second half of my life. Maybe this half will be as a thinner person. Will that be different from the first half? Time truly does tell all.   I am praying a lot this week - not for me but, for life and for the healing of a lot of people - mostly those motherless children whose age is irrelevant.   Namaste.
EEE3

EEE3

2
Blog 91752
 

Ulcerative Colitis or Proctitis

Need help! I know this is gross given the diagnosis but has anyone had the band that was diagnosed with Ulcerative Proctitis? I was all set and the doc told me he would not do the band today because i have inflamatory bowel disease. Anyone else exp this? I dont have full blown colitis just a swollen butt. lol Sooooooo upset:crying:   Mona
Monaleza

Monaleza

0
Blog 92124
 

Post Op Appt

Hi Everyone,   I had my post op appointment today and it actually went well. I'm losing at a good rate and my first fill will be the first week in August. Dr. Marsden said I'm doing very well and I'm on the right track. He gave me the picture of "my" band and I was like wow. I'm excited for my new journey and he seems to think that I'm going to be successful. I will keep you guys posted!!
CamiC

CamiC

1
Blog 94694
 

Need some motivation or advice!!!!!

:thumbup: This is my first time blogging. I was banded March 29,2010 and have lost about 30 lbs. I find myself slipping and going back to old habits of eating out and eating the same old fried crap that helped get me this way.Is anyone else struggling with this or anyone that has overcome this temptation? If so I would like to know what helped you.. ..If there is advise or tips that helped you please let me know of them..... Good luck to everyone on their weight loss journey.:thumbup:
Goodgirl81

Goodgirl81

5
Blog 96813
 

I choose to live!!

Hey everyone so I am new to this, and I am so glad that a co-worker referred me to this site. I appreciate all the stories of everyone's outcomes. I'm at the beginning stages i have a consultation on 07/30/10. I'm both excited and scared. I've never gone through something like this before. I've always been able to drop the pounds with no problem but for the past 3 yrs its been piling up and still going.   I've decided to take this step mainly because of health issues that have arised since the weight have been piling up. I've already had 2 family members who lost the fight with obesity.:frown: I'm tired of being tired and I've decided that I want to live and I'm gonna do what ever it takes as long as I have anything to do with it.   Thanks to everyone for sharing your awesome stories it truly motivates me. And once I get the ok from my surgeon and my insurance I will definately post before pics so til then everyone have an awesome day.   :thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:
PM82

PM82

0
Blog 90427
 

I chose Lap-Band - Yea for me!!!!!

I am so happy I chose the Lap-Band and not gastric bypass.   I originally thought the gastric bypass was the answer. I went to the meetings but was very nervous when I heard not reversable, hair loss, dumping syndrome, 6 weeks no work, only 1 year to lose your weight and $25,000. My insurance company was going to approve it, right? Wrong. The day before I met with the surgeon, I got a call from his office to say my insurance company had an exception to my coverage and wouldn't pay anthing for weight loss surgery.   So I went home and cried. I thought I would have to live my life miserably fat and on every medication you would imagine a fat old broad would have to be on. The sleepless nights caused by my sleep apnea, the diabetes, the high blood pressure, the high tri-glicerides and high cholesterol, knee and back pain, and on and on. I was heartbroken. But I decided to start saving and hoped that one day...   I started hearing about Lap-Band and actually knew someone who had it. She was so happy and excited and started looking and feeling really good. So, I went to some meetings to see what I could learn about it. I met my surgeon and decided this was the surgery for me.   I started saving every penny I could. Then, in May of last year my mom passed away leaving me a small inheritance. So I was scheduled for December 21st for lap-band.   Well, as you all know I had been diagnosed with breast cancer in October and had my mastectomy in January. Which of course meant I had to postpone my lap-band. I rescheduled it for my birthday. The greatest gift I could possibly give myself on my re-birthday.   Yes, I was sore the day of surgery, but got around pretty well on day 2. By Wed I was up and moving without very much discomfort and the rest is history. I never looked back.   Well a young woman who worked for me scheduled her gastric bypass for the week following my surgery. She spent 4 days in the hospital, in pain all of the time. Then after getting home, she ended up back in the hospital because she was dehydrated. When I spoke with her today, she was still having trouble drinking water!   Lap-Band - life saving tool. A couple of days of discomfort and a lifetime of good health, normal weight, and happiness.   I am so glad I made this choice.
Bklynike

Bklynike

5
Blog 96888
 

Back pain

I HAD MY SURGERY JUNE 8TH. THE BAND IS WORKING FINE. I HAVE LOST 46 POUNDS ALONG WITH MY PRE OP WEIGHT LOSS OF 12 POUNDS. I AM HAVING A PROBLEM AND I AM HOPING SOMEONE OUT THERE CAN HELP ME WITH THIS BECAUSE THE PEOPLE AT THE WEIGHT LOSS PROGRAM I GO TO ARE ACTING LIKE I AM CRAZY. I CAN FEEL MY BAND AND ALONG WITH IT I AM HAVING DISCOMFORT IN MY BACK. RIGHT BEHIND WERE THE BAND IS. THEY CHECKED FOR PLACEMENT AND IT IS FINE. THEY TELL ME TO GIVE IT TIME AND I MAY STILL HAVE SWELLING OR SOMETHING. BUT THIS IS MORE THAN THAT AND IT IS NOT GAS. HAS ANY ONE OUT THERE HAD A PROBLEM WITH FEELING THERE BAND AND HAVING BACK PAIN? PLEASE LET ME KNOW....
KATHLEENH

KATHLEENH

3

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