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Blog 89474
 

stress and old habits

Well I am still learning with the band. I guess that is a never ending process. I have been under a lot of stress here lately with my son. I know he is 24 but he is my baby and its hard to let him learn things the hard way. I have always been there for him with what ever he needs and now I just am not able money wise to help him. I cant keep from feeling guilty about spending so much money to get the LAP-BAND® surgery.   I do feel that if I didnt get the LBS done that I wouldnt be around much longer. I was having so many problems health wise. I have noticed that with all the stress and guilt that I feel a little sick to my stomach and at the same time I want to eat something sweet all the time. I have not give it to that though because I know it is just the old way of trying to feel better.   I go this Friday for my third fill. Just in time I wasnt able to go on june 18 because my doctor was out of town and then on june 25 I was suppose to go and they said he still wasnt back in town. Then they asked me to come in on my next schedule appt. on july 9. This is suppose to be my fourth fill.   I guess Im still doing good though because I have lost 56 pounds so far and on july 8 will be my three month bandiversery. Thanks for letting me get all this out. I know what I need to do it is just hard right now.:frown:
rhonda2010

rhonda2010

3
Blog 89559
 

Suprising Support (And Lack Thereof)

I read a lot of postings and blogs this morning (took short time to get ready?), and I'm thinking a lot about support -- who gives it, who doesn't, who I think should and who suprises me.   I've said it before and I'll say it again. This website is an amazing find and an incredible source of support for me every day. I can always find information and someone that has/is/was going through what I am/did/anticipate and its been a Godsend.   My mom and my daughter are not supportive at all. My mom is just an anorexic old lady who said yesterday "I'm prejudiced against obese people. I can't wait until you are skinny". Jesus. I let most of her negativity roll off me and its actually taught me a lot about how I act and what I say. My daughter is just spoiled and self-centered so I let that go.   My friends are mixed between semi-supportive and non-committal. I'm fine with that and I don't really need a lot of support from the group that isn't.   I am my biggest supporter. When I get down I either self-talk myself into the positive, allow myself to be down for awhile, or find something on the site to bring me up. I pray a lot; I have a strong faith. Or take a walk or even work out. I can count on me to help; I'm never sure I can count on anybody else.   This is my battle to save my life. My blood pressure, heart, lungs, joints, bones. All suffered under morbid obesity. I am arming myself with the tools to fight the battle. The band is a big one, exercise is another. One of those is my mind, my attitude, my ability to let the negativity slide off me and not bring me down.   It won't always be good, easy, upbeat. But at the end of the day, its me and God.   Hugs and peace to everybody............
sandradee0124

sandradee0124

4
Blog 96235
 

First post

Hi Everyone...   This is my first entry, I just signed up on the site, and here is where I plan to document my journey. I am a 41 years old, married for 20 years, and have 2 daughters 13 and 9. I am a pharmacist, and my wife is a pharmacist, we met in pharamcy school. We graduated in 1990 from Univ of Mo Kansas City. I live in Springfield, Missouri, and have for 20 years. I am 6 feet tall, and weigh about 375 lbs. I say about, since my doctors scale only goes to 350 (how embarressing to be "ots" ) I have tried alot of diff. things to lose the weight, as we all have. WW's, atkins, LA weight loss, and others. Currently, I am in the pre-planning stage of my lap band. I have been told that my ins. will not help me pay for the surg, so I will be on my own with that part. I have an appt with my PCP dr today, to ask him to send in a referrel to the bariatric surgeon. So, until I know more, I will stop for now. Later !! druggist :frown:
druggist

druggist

3
Blog 1017
 

Questions asked of surgeon at PreOp appointment

I was supposed to post these questions awhile ago. I didn't write the answers as we talked so I can't remember everything he said, but I think I remember the answers to the important stuff.   1. Number of VSGs done? can't remember this one, but I think he said over a hundred   2. What size boughie used? 40 french   3. Impact of boughie size on maintaining goal weight and not losing too much weight? I think he said this is different for everyone and more related to changing your eating patterns when you reach goal, not so much the boughie size.   4. How much stretching of the sleeve can be expected? the sleeve will not stretch unless you overeat and push it past capacity.   5. Number of leaks you have had? 1   6. Treatment for leaks? go in and reinforce the leak area. then treat as needed in hospital/at home with fluids, etc. until leak heals. risk of leaks with VSG patients is greatest because there are more staples placed. (obviously this is a more complicated issue. this is just the gist of it)   7. Worst case scenario for leak not healing, i.e. loss of stomach functioning? leak will always heal eventually with proper treatment. should not expect to lose your stomach due to a leak.   8. Other complications you have experienced? occasionally incision site infections, but rare.   9. Risk for ulcers? no more so than general population.   10. Is esophagus at risk duing surgery? there is some risk but not a significant concern since staples are kept as far from esophagus as possible. (there was more to this issue that I can't remember)   11. Difference in type of staples used? there really is no difference (can't really remember how I phrased this question, so there may be more there to explore if it interests you)   12. Sew over or buttress staple line? yes, either a sew over or organic (think that's the term he used) reinforcement material is used on the staple line.   13. How do you decide who gets sew over vs reinforcement material? it depends on what is available in the OR. if the reinforcement material is not available, then sew over is done. (of course, this made me want to call the OR and tell them to have that stuff available on my surgery date, but I restrained myself. :crying: I didn't go into which was better as it seemed to be more a matter of convenience to have the reinforment material versus having to do the sew over by hand. I figure with only 1 leak, he's perfected both methods.)   14. Should I expect issues with scar tissue from prior surgeries that might impact this surgery? no   15. Issues with finding a hernia/gallbladder problems? if a hernia is found, it will definitely be fixed during the VSG. the gallbladder will only be removed if it is significantly diseased.   16. Is single incision VSG possible if a hernia is found? can't exactly remember the response to this but I think it was that the single incision will depend on ability to fit necessary instruments into stomach area, not on the hernia.   17. Will I need meds for gas/heartburn postop or for lifetime? this varies by individual (can't remember this part too well but I think more was said)   18. What are some good natural food protein sources for immediately post op? the immediate postop phase is about survival. it is more important to get in fluids. no one is able to take in the recommended protein. (how true!!! it's amazing that I remember this part very clearly but still ended up getting dehydrated. ) :scared0:   19. Recommened vitamins for postop? any store brand multivatim is fine. will need to supplement calcium. (this part was discussed with the nurse when getting all of my postop diet info).
educationrulz

educationrulz

1
Blog 1017
 

2 Week Post Op Update

Well, today I am officially two weeks post op and still not quite sure how I actually feel about the surgery. I definitely don't regret it, but it hasn't been a breeze. :scared0:   I struggled quite a bit the first week and a half with being able to drink and eat. I ended up having a hiatal hernia repair with my sleeve surgery and I think this increased my pain level post op. It also made my esophagus very sore and restricted, making it painful to drink and eat. Getting that hot poker sensation every time something went down my throat was NOT conducive to me getting in my fluids. So, I ended up with a slight case of dehydration a few days after coming home from the hospital and it was not pretty. :crying:   I discussed this with my doctor's office on several occasions and was always told there was nothing that could be done about it. I'm not convinced that is really the case since I've talked to at least one other person online who was given medication for esophageal spasms. But, at two weeks out, I have improved significantly with my ability to get liquids and foods down, so I don't feel the need to push the issue anymore. I just hate it when doctors and medical people are misleading, for whatever reason. It's insulting to my intelligence.   Anyway, I've been very lethargic feeling even though my body is clearly healing well. I can tell that everything is fine on the inside, so the lethargy was either from PMS or from a developing sinus infection. I hope to see a big improvement by the end of week 3. I haven't been walking nearly as much as I need to because I've felt so weak and lifeless. But, last night when I went walking at the park, I noticed a big difference in my stamina.   I think it's also related to me not getting in enough nutrients to support my body. But, my food intake has increased over the past few days and I can now get in a decent amount at each sitting. I started out being able to get in a couple of teaspoons of food. Now, I'm at about 2 tablespoons of solid food per sitting. My postop diet progressed pretty quickly, so I'm able to eat most foods now, but I don't push it by eating anything too extreme.   I've also discovered that I like the Isopure protein drinks and I'm really excited about that because I know I wasn't getting in enough protein. I've only tried one flavor so far, but I plan to get some more today. Even though some people feel they are expensive, I've saved so much money on food since surgery, that it'll still be a bargain to just buy the ready to drink Isopures. As I understand it, the Isopures have the best quality of protein, the whey isolate, so this is good news for me and one less thing to worry about.   As for my weight loss, it is definitely coming along. I lost about 14 pounds on the preop diet, which is amazing. As of the last time I was weighed, I had lost 7 pounds since surgery, but that was last week. So, I should have a bigger loss to report this afternoon. My 2 week followup appointment is later today. I'll probably come back and update this blog with the outcome of that appointment.   Overall, I know this surgery is what I needed to do for myself even though it still seems drastic to me sometimes. I have had some food regrets since surgery, but nothing that has lasted more than a couple of minutes. I've been able to talk myself through those moments by reminding myself of why I did this and the outcomes I expect in the end of the process. I have had some dark moments, but it does get better each day as my body adjusts to the changes. I guess you just have to keep on pressing on and deal with the changes as they come. I certainly don't want to discourage anyone from doing this surgery by not painting a rosey picture of life post op. You just have to be prepared for a few rough times post op and know that it does get better. I thought I was preparing myself for that preop, but there's nothing like the actual experience. :ohmy:   Update: My 2 week followup appointment was uneventful. The doctor was not in the office so I talked to the nurse. She said my incisions look great and I'm cleared to take baths. I will have to wait until all of the scabs and surgical glue fall off before I go swimming. I am cleared to do light hand weights and elliptical, which is great because I want to start working on these arm flaps when my energy level increases. We reviewed what I had been eating and my supplements. She said I am right on track with about one pound a day of weight loss. I'm sure that won't hold up, but that's okay. I'm determined not to stress about the stalls that will be forthcoming. I did ask about the medication for the esophageal spasms and gave the name of a drug that someone else said they are taking for it. She said she would ask the doctor about that. I really don't expect an answer. I just want them to know I'm not a dummy.
educationrulz

educationrulz

1
Blog 93702
 

Recipe Of The Day! White Barbecue Sauce Grilled Chicken

A moist and juicy summertime dish. Prepare this dish for your friends and family am sure they will enjoy it. This recipe is great for those of you who can eat chicken. ENJOY!   Active Time: 15 minutes Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes Makes 8 Servings   359 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 93702
 

Recipe Of The Day! Beef And Chicken Broths

I make these broths for many of my dishes or just to have when I am in a broth mood. They are teasty and delicious and so full of flavor too. And for those of you who can not eat solids yet this is for you... ENJOY!   Beef Broth: Ingredients: 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 pounds beef shank cross-cuts or soup bones 5 cups cold water 1 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme leaves 1 medium carrot -- cut up 1 medium stalk celery with leaves -- cut up 1 small onion -- cut up 5 peppercorns 3 whole cloves 3 sprigs parsley 1 dried bay leaf   Directions:   Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook beef in oil until brown on both sides. Mix remaining ingredients in crockpot. Add beef. Cover and cook on low heat for 8 to 10 hours. Remove beef from broth. Cool beef about 10 minutes until cool enough to handle. Strain both through cheesecloth-lined sieve; discard vegetables and seasonings. Remove beef from bones. Cut beef into 1/2-inch pieces. Skim fat from broth.   Chicken Broth: Ingredients: 1 whole chicken (3 to 4 lbs. cut up) OR 2 chickens, bony parts only 2 teaspoons salt 1 small bay leaf 1/2 cup celery chopped up fine 1 small carrot diced 1 small onion diced 6 cups water   Directions: Place chicken in pressure cooker. Add all remaining ingredients and cover cooker. Cook at high pressure for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to sit for 20 minutes. Remove cover, strain chicken broth. Freeze or use immediately.   CHECK OUT MY BLOG FOR MORE RECIPES OF THE DAY!:frown: http://life-after-lap-band.blogspot.com/
Debra G

Debra G

0
Blog 92116
 

Daddy's "LITTLE" girl...

(yesterday) I told my dad that i lost 18 pounds (b/c he is VERY displeased w/my weight gain) His reply: "hmpf! from where?!" so that let me know that i'm so fat, the 18 pounds isnt even noticable! I know that i should ignore him and i know his comment was mean but he's still an important person in my life. he is a big reason that i want to loose weight. he really doesnt like me fat. i think i even embarrass him around his friends and our family.....:frown:
J_BandRanger

J_BandRanger

10
Blog 94821
 

It's official, I'm an August Bandster

I am soooo excited. I found out today my surgery is set for August 13th. Yep, that's on a Friday. Friday the 13th!! Guess what my first thought was?? OMG, I need to go to Columbia's and eat the special just one last time!!! I love the steak there. That's soooooooo stupid, but I guess that's a food addict for ya!! Did anyone else do that??
ebtkm5

ebtkm5

2
Blog 2980
 

Day 2

Day 2 of my pre-op diet was not so easy. At your head start school we have family style meals. Today for breakfast there was eggs and toast with grape jelly. Well I just started making a plate. When I put the plate down I thought "what the hell am I doing?" It is going to be hard to break old habits.:scared0:
TexasQueen

TexasQueen

2
Blog 75823
 

Haven't posted in a while...

Well I've been banded now for almost 10 months...WOW has the time gone by fast. I'm down about 43 pounds and even though it's coming off slow...I'm still happy that it's coming off. I go back Thursday for a follow up apt. I had gotten a 1/2 cc fill a little over a month ago which put me at 6.5 cc's. It's tight but I haven't decided if I want him to take it back out or not. I've lost 8 lbs since the fill and was averaging about 5 a month before that. So I may keep it right where it's at for now. I haven't been on this site for quite a while and I've been reading through everyone's blogs...I'm so proud of each of your accomplishments and cheer you on each and every day. Take care everyone and God Bless. :frown:
Sara09

Sara09

5
Blog 90427
 

1st Post Op Visit

Today was my first follow-up visit to my surgeon. It has been 2 weeks since my re-birth and it was even better than I thought it would be.   First, I was asked to get on the scale. I was at the doctor's office on the Thurs before my surgery (6/21 surgery date). At that time I was 254lbs. Today I stepped on his scale and weighed, drum roll please, 238.4. Yes you are reading this correctly. I am actually out of the 240s for the first time in years.   He said my incisions (3) have healed so nicely that you can barely see them. I have to say I do heal rather quickly. My new "diet" has been good for me. I am more energetic, feeling better and sleeping better. I was an insomniac, but now I can actually sleep in bed all night. I can now eat regular foods, no more pureed or mushy.   He wants me to stay away from sugar, which not be a problem for me because I never cared for sweets and carbs. Now carbs are where my problem has always been. I am a french fry and pasta-hollic. He said to lay off them for about a year, then if I wanted to add a little bit every now and again I could. But if I work my ass off to lose all of this weight, I am not going to want to add anything that could jeopardise my loss.   Further, he said I can start lifting weights, just not to hurt myself. I AM SO EXCITED!!!!!   I am not going to kid myself and think I will lose weight each and every time I step on the scale, but I believe that if I continue to do what I am supposed to do, the weight will eventually come off.   The funniest thing happened this past Friday night at the gym. I got on the scale and couldn't imagine why I was 2lbs heavier than I should have been. Well, then I realized I was wearing my breast prosthesis for the first time to the gym, which must weigh easily 2 or more lbs. When I went back on Sunday, I didn't wear the "boob" and my weight was back on track.   Dr. Bass, Hollywood Bariatrics, Hollywood, FL said I should make an appointment to see him in 2 weeks, but if at the time I don't feel I need any restrictions, I should make it in 3 weeks. I have a 14cc band and he usually inserts 2cc a visit. I may need a fill by then, or not. Because everyone is different, only time will tell.   Best of luck to my fellow bandsters.
Bklynike

Bklynike

9
Blog 94210
 

Loving the LapBand

So Im a week away from my 6th month LapBand Anniversary, and I've lost 50lbs. I am so excited. I've gotten frustrated, thinking i am never going to lose the weight because it is a slow process but boy when you step on that scale and realize that you are losing and you've lost 50 lbs, its an amazing feeling. so totally worth it. :frown:
Sfain

Sfain

6
Blog 92116
 

one picture = so much damage...

i WAS really excited about the 18 pounds that i'd lost... i WAS really encouraged to "keep going"...i really believed that this lapband would finally help me to reach my goal... and then someone took a picture of me at the beach this yesterday....actually, they took 3 pictures!!! I look horrible!!! i look fatter than i even knew i was... who am i kidding? this band isn't going to work...it's just been an even bigger waste of money and time than anything else i've tried.... nothing is going to help me loose 100 pounds... I dont even plan to return to my doctor anymore.... no more fills, no more waste of time & $$$. I give up! :frown:
J_BandRanger

J_BandRanger

12
Blog 95551
 

Two weeks tommorow!!

I still can't believe that it is past the 4th of july already. The heat here is crazy- and i thought living in the mountains would be cooler than the beach~ HAHA really cant go walking just way to hot- i did head over to the mall yesterday and did a few laps, i am sure that will count some but not like i want it to. I go next tuesday for a weight in and to chat with the dietian. I have only been drinking water and my protion drinks as per my dr. i have not gotten on the scale all week and its driving me crazy- i had to put it away, i was on it everytime i went to the bathroom. really dont want to get ocd over the weight loss. I can see that would happen fast. my husband says he can feel a difference already, i'll take it!! Later all!!!
darleneo

darleneo

1
Blog 95551
 

Two weeks tommorow!!

I still can't believe that it is past the 4th of july already. The heat here is crazy- and i thought living in the mountains would be cooler than the beach~ HAHA really cant go walking just way to hot- i did head over to the mall yesterday and did a few laps, i am sure that will count some but not like i want it to. I go next tuesday for a weight in and to chat with the dietian. I have only been drinking water and my protion drinks as per my dr. i have not gotten on the scale all week and its driving me crazy- i had to put it away, i was on it everytime i went to the bathroom. really dont want to get ocd over the weight loss. I can see that would happen fast. my husband says he can feel a difference already, i'll take it!! Later all!!!
darleneo

darleneo

0
Blog 2900
 

I did it!!!!!

Sleeved on 7/1 in Monterrey Mexico, missed my flight, arrived in a hurricane, went straight to OR as soon as I arrived, Spent an extra day due to the fact that my surgery was so late. Finally home in NJ, tolerating my clear liquids, I never thought orange jello would excite me...........NOW the work begins!!!!!! :scared0:
nightingale

nightingale

2
Blog 87928
 

6 months out

Six months have come and gone and I feel great. I have had my ups and downs, but in general I have done really well I think. I know have the ambition to do something. I love playing with my kids. I have lost 60lbs to date and can't wait to lose more.:frown:
borntobealoser

borntobealoser

1
Blog 64737
 

Does being thinner make you look older?

:confused:As I move closer to my goal it all feels a little unreal. When I started my journey a year ago in May My goal was to weigh 155. I was 164.5 this morning. Last week my boss told me I was looking too skinny and I needed to start eating. Me? Need to eat? Is this a joke? Then over the weekend I had a friend tell me I looked "older" with out all the fat. Now I realize the fat did help fill out all the wrinkles but I wasnt real happy with that comment. I wouldnt go back. Wouldnt change it for nothing. In all fairness this man is a big jokester and picks on every one. He is also 515 pounds. I tried not to get my feelings hurt and just take it as a joke but I do see much more age on my face now. Honestly it is still worth it. I am more heathy now than I have been in 15 years. If I never lost anoher pound I think I would be okay. I am happy to b 93 down and still love my band. God bless to every one!!
NewMechelle

NewMechelle

8
Blog 89559
 

OK I Feel Embarassed

So I hurt myself Sunday morning. Really pulled something, even made a popping noise, and still have significant pain. I spent all day yesterday "laying low" and planning on not going to work today or working out.   Sleeping hurt on either side, I did not imagine the pain which I still feel, by the way. But now, I feel more embarassed than anything.   I called the doctor first thing this morning AFTER driving to the gym and doing 60 mins on the elliptical. It doesn't hurt when I'm on the machines, only standing up, getting up from sitting and laying on my side(s)? (Who knows).   She calls me back. It has nothing to do with my band or my port at all. Probably pulled a muscle that was torn up during surgery. I felt pretty embarassed with that one.   My band is in the center of my abdomen between the rib cage, about 4 inches above my belly button. My port is to the right (my right), just above the belly button on the right. The pain is on the left below my rib cage. She told me to go ahead and start core workouts by the end of the week which should strengthen some muscles and hopefully help me not do this again!   I've never been so concerned with not getting hurt, or damaging a band which is far more protected by layers of fat than my wrist, or teeth, or knee!   I wish I could just take back the last couple days and not have gotten so dramatic with it. I apologize to all of you as well!
sandradee0124

sandradee0124

4
Blog 89488
 

Holiday Failures

I hear confession is good for the soul. This was my second holiday since being banded on May 17th . Well I have slink back to my old habits. Hot sauce and chips and mexican food, dessert with dinner, a hot dog and scoop of ice cream on July 4th. Pizza with the grandkids yesterday. Oh and I forgot the vodka and cranberry on saturday night. Drum roll please...... I am three pounds heavier today:cursing:. All I can say is why did I do this. Tomorrow I have my second fill. Today I am detoxing myself with plenty of water. Have a good day everyone and thanks for letting me vent.
mterry

mterry

6

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