Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!
$99 Yearly Supply Alert! 🎉 "1 per Day!" Bariatric Multivitamins

Blogs

Blog 93219
 

Protein drinks

I discovered that I really like the Strawberries and Cream Muscle milk. I am struggling today because I know that it will be weeks before I will be able to have food again. I guess it really is a mind thing.
dallen

dallen

2
Blog 86212
 

Post-op Update!

Well...here I am on the 'other' side! I'm half happy about it and half, well, not so happy. Let's go back: Surgery Day (5/21): Scared out of my mind! Got to the hospital at 5:15 am. I was taken back to get ready for the surgery...IV in, leg contractors on. And then, the tears came! I was given something to help 'relax' me, and from then on, everything is almost 'dream' like. I remember kissing my husband good-bye. Being wheeled into the OR, and a mask being placed over my face and being told that it was oxygen and to take a couple of deep breaths....and that was it...lights out for me! The next thing I remember is being told that the surgery was over and I was fine. Woo-hoo...I survived!!! The first day I was feeling pretty good...not as bad as I thought I would. I spent the night in the hospital and I slept well considering being woken up every few hours. Day 1 Post-op (5/22): Morning came and I was feeling awful. Light headed, cold sweat...just not good. The nurse took my vitals and said everything looked fine. I did lots of walking.....it turned out to be a decent day. I was discharged at 8 pm (my choice), crawling into my own bed was divine! Day 2 Post-op (5/23): woke up feeling great! Did lots of walking. Lots of gas pains in my shoulder and tummy. Constant grumbling and gurgling....when will this end? I'm trying so hard to burp to get rid of this gas, but I just cant do it....so frustrating! That night I was even able to sleep on my right side a little bit....so much better than sleeping on my back. I can't wait until I can sleep on my left side! Day 3 post-op (5/24): Woke up feeling like crap! Again, lightheaded, slightly nauseous, cold sweat...ugh...I don't like this! I took my temp and BP...everything was good. I stayed in bed ALL day and slept! Maybe I over did it yesterday. Day 4 post-op: (5/25): Feeling a little better today...again, I'm going to take it easy. I'm starting to figure out the whole eating/drinking thing. It seams like the hunger pangs never really go away though. And I still have this gas in my chest that wont seam to go away. If I could just let out a really good burp, I know I would feel better. I'm also starting to pull back a bit with the pain meds.   o.k. So now I'm caught up...I'll try posting everyday!
sophieownsme

sophieownsme

2
Blog 78583
 

feeling crappy

so im not banded but i really want to be.   i try to loose weight on my own but once i dont see any change i loose motivation. i dont know what to do to. i feel like crap most days bc of how i look. Im always called the cute girl and that i would be so pretty only if i was skinny. all i want to do is cry today. im having a terrible pain in my back and it might be kidney stone. i dont want to go through my life with medical issues. I want to be healthy but i just cant see myself doing it. i wish i could be on the biggest loser but without all the cameras.
MellBell

MellBell

4
Blog 73771
 

Stuck? Too tight? Not sure.

The last several days have been a little frustrating and I am not sure what is going on.   I hit the magic sweet spot 3-4 months ago and the weight loss was going perfect, with the exception of about a week's worth of hormones and water retention. Until..... mid May, I was expecting water retention and it didn't come. Instead, I started having issues with acid reflux. The nurse said I may have to have some fluid removed if it persists.   Since then, it seems like I am eating much less, get full much quicker, and when I do get full, I get this tightness in my chest, similar to an anxiety attack.   When I do manage to eat, I am full for hours and hours..... sometimes I can't even take a drink even 3-4 hours after a meal.   I have been giving it some time to see if all of these sudden changes were hormone related, but after a couple weeks, I am almost ready for that unfill. I am just scared, because I am finally to the point of being smaller than I have been in YEARS and I want to keep seeing progress.... I am scared of the progress stopping.   Is it normal for the sweet spot to become too tight? Or is this what it fills like to get stuck?   If I have to get an unfill, will I eventually be able to get the fluid put back in?         :thumbup: Follow me on Twitter.....http://twitter.com/lifeafterband
viking_girl

viking_girl

6
Blog 89559
 

Its the day!!!

:thumbup:I didn't sleep all that well but I am organized that's for sure. I have everything ready for coming home and spending a couple days just resting and recuperating. My surgery is at noon, but I'm leaving to be at the center at 9:30 for a 10:00am checkin. Its only 3 hours away.   Had some time so I decided to keep a pictoral journal of this journey.     Loving life!
sandradee0124

sandradee0124

0
Blog 91736
 

I got stuck again

Well after the shrimp episode I said I would never do that again. So yesterday I had about a cup and a 1/2 of cottage cheese for lunch. I didn't drink before so I thought I would be ok. Eating slowly and chewing well. That didn't work, by the time the food caught up to me I was so full I thought I was going to bust open. My jeans just put more pressure on my stomach so I pulled them up to my boobs. Thank God I wear the elastic waist old lady jeans. So I figure today I will have about 3/4 a cup of cottage cheese and 4 pieces of pineapple in it and that should be good. I just need to take 30 min to eat so the food can get to my stomach and signal that I am full before it is too late. So much for learning the hard way.
khunt719

khunt719

3
Angela's Blog
 

Focus

My goal now is to focus. Since I don't have restriction I need to focus on what I am eating and doing. Sometimes I wonder if the band is even there because I feel nothing. I am then reminded when I am eating meat and rush it. It gets stuck and then I feel the pressure start to ease and food slides on through. That is the ONLY time I am reminded I am banded. Everything else just glides on through.   I am simplifying what I eat. I tried to mix it up and I think that got me in trouble so I am back to basics. I have realized I am a plate grazer. When I eat, I don't eat eat thing one at a time on my plate. I take bites of everything on my plate. BIG MISTAKE! This means I don't eat all my protein first and then move on. I move on as I eat my protein. I have to have ONE thing on my plate otherwise I won't eat my protein first.   I am still hungry all the time. I am hungry about every 3 hours still. No matter what I eat I am hungry in 3 hrs sometimes less. The hardest part is at work. I have to bring lots of food, well, lots meaning several band servings since I work until 8pm. Last night at work I didn't bring enough and by 7pm my stomach was actually hurting because I was so hungry. It was painful and I have never had that happen before even during my pre-band days. And...what happens when you get that hungry? OVEREAT! I had to reign it in to keep from overeating. You also eat too fast which I did and some food did get stuck which actually is a pleasant reminder I actually have a band in there since I don't feel restriction otherwise.   I carry an insulated cooler bag with me always with ice packs in it. I have bottled water and food like chicken salad or something I grab and eat if needed. Just make sure you have enough is all I can say.
anglov

anglov

0
Blog 1837
 

Feeling great!

I am feeling good and getting more in tune with the whole process. Big big change, don't drink when I eat, don't eat fast, chew 100 times etc. It is like learning to walk all over again. But I am so pleased with my progress so far and feel better than I have in a long time. Still get tired but that's what naps are for. Think I am down about 30 lbs. My clothes are all bagging, just call me the "Bag Lady"
The Bitter Bandster
 

Yes, I'm still alive

... and doing great. I've lost a total of 121 pounds since September 18 and 26 since being banded almost 3 months ago.   I've been away from this site for a while because I have OCD and got caught up in that retarded Farmville game on Facebook. The weather here has also been great. So, I have been spending a lot of time outside, walking the dogs and cavorting with neighbors.   The weight loss has slowed from the 3 pound average loss I was doing weekly but it is still dropping. I even gained a pound or 2 in a few weeks only to lose it the next. I didn't let it get me down.   I am at 244 now, that just happens to be the lowest I have gotten to both previous times before gaining it back. That is not going to happen this time. Phyl (my band) won't let it.   I had my second fill on Friday putting me at 7 cc in my 14 cc band and I may be a bit premature in saying this but I think I may be at my sweet spot.   It let's me eat enough and hammers me hard if I over due it. Also, I learned that drinking while eating not only washes food down but more often it reconstitutes what you just chewed the hell out of and makes it get stuck.   I spend quite a bit of time sliming these days because I am not doing what I know is right. Live and learn.   I've been contemplating a tummy tuck. I brought it up with my nutritionist and he said that a good PS wouldn't do it until I was at or near my goal. My goal is 170 pounds, which is next to impossible. I think I am going to hold out until I get down to 215 - 220. I am guestimating that I will lose an additional 20 pounds with that surgery.   Well, I'm off to bed if I can there without stopping at Facebook.
btrieger

btrieger

6
Blog 2489
 

Why am I so anxious?

For some reason I can't get my head in the game. I'm just anxious and excited and can't focus. I'm so super ready that I feel like I should start counting down days. The only benefit of this spastic energy is I'm working out more so I guess that's a good thing. Is it bad that I've already bought my hospital robe, slippers, going home dress, and flip flops? I'm all shopped out so now what??
Bit of a Diva

Bit of a Diva

0
Blog 2553
 

Help..sleep aid..

I was wondering if anyone knows if it would be ok and not harmful to the sleeve and healing process to crush up a tylenol pm..or simply sleep in some liquid for sleep. I just had the sleeve a week ago but am having trouble sleeping I know I need to rest more but can't seem to fall asleep at night . I know I need more sleep for the healing process..Please, if you are knowledgable respond. Thanxs..
Bevanne

Bevanne

1
Blog 90427
 

On My Way

I had my final meeting at the surgeon's office today. Everything checked out just fine. I am doing well and on track for my surgery. I am off to NY this Memorial Day Weekend to visit my twin sister, and when I get back the fun begins. Blood work, medical clearance, nutrition visit and another visit to my oncologist just to make sure everything is good to go. These next couple of weeks are going to fly by until the big day arrives. I hope I don't have too much trouble with the liquid diet, seeing how I am diabetic, but thousands have lived through it and so will I. If I don't get back on this week, I wish everyone a wonderful Memorial Day.
Bklynike

Bklynike

1
Blog 86954
 

Should have posted again sooner!

It's been just over 1 month since I was banded in Toronto! I am 15 pounds down and am feeling great! I was scared to take up normal foods again, so I stayed on the pureed phase a little longer than recommended, but I'm fully switched over now. I will hopefully be getting my first fill in the next week or 2. Looking ahead and not behind!  
jaymie

jaymie

1
Blog 93141
 

1 week to go and feeling swell!

I can't believe that in just one week, my life will be forever changed! I am currently on the liquid diet and it is not as bad as I thought it would be. I am so ready for this new chapter in my life to begin! For the past 10 plus years I feel like I have been in hibernation - trapped in a body that was ever-increasing in size. Now I am just a week away from getting the tool I need to re-awaken myself and I cannot wait!
Angie-B

Angie-B

1
LoseIt!'s Blog
 

Today is a good day for a change!

So, my profile picture is officially updated. Maybe after another 40 lbs., I will update it again!! So, this will be the last time I have to look at this picture unless I choose too.   [/url] I gained 1/2 lb last week and nothing seems to be coming off this week, but I'm still feeling pretty good. I have a plan. Log food, go on vacation, have birthday, get fill. Ha! If I can maintain through all of that, I should probably consider it a victory!   I'm looking forward to vacation. I'm visiting my parents and they are watching their diet right now so we should be good influences on each other. Plus, I plan to buy a couple new outfits. YAY!!   The good thing about not being tight is that I'm definitely getting in my water. Plus, I'm keeping up my exercise. I did 1/2 hour on the elliptical at lunch today.   Tonight I'm meeting a friend for dinner at Spaghetti Warehouse. I'm sure I can find a good choice there!!   Have a great week everyone!
LoseIt!

LoseIt!

1
Blog 92039
 

Pushing through..

I meet with a behavioral psychologist on a regular basis who works with the doctors who ready us for the gastric procedures. Today I meet with him, Dr Peterson, and I was in a bit of funk. I've not been eating well, and I know i feel different. Turns out that I've gained a few pounds, which actually only motivates me more. I almost felt like he was a bit disappointed. I know he wasn't, maybe I was just projecting. All this is, is motivation for me to get back on schedule, back on track, and push through. I'm ready for the surgery. I know that it's the right decision, I just need to stay motivated, and continue to make wise decisions! 3 weeks away!!!
asteenho

asteenho

0
Blog 52881
 

Not successful......discourag ed.

I am very disappointed with myself. I am contemplating having my band removed. I was banded in 2007, lost 57 pounds until last year, 2009, when I gained 30+ of my pounds back and cannot get them off. My adjustment is correct and I am having a lot of vomiting and tightness every time I eat anything. Does anyone have words of wisdom? I want this to work, since it took me a year and a half to get approved for the surgery. I want this weight off!!!!!!
helpmeplease

helpmeplease

4
Blog 89474
 

2nd fill on friday

I cant wait till friday. I will get my second fill. :cursing: I am also going on a cruise in June. I am really nervouse about that because I have never been on one and dont Know what to expect. I am also worried about what Im going to eat to stay on track . It is a five day cruise and when I come back the very next day I go to the dr. to get my third fill. Dont want to be gained. If anyone has any suggestions let me know? I need all the help I can get.
rhonda2010

rhonda2010

4
Blog 76599
 

back to the "band"wagon for me!

There is no pity-party here! I seem to be in a holding pattern with my weight loss, but I know why....IT'S ALL ABOUT ME! The scale is not moving...and why might that be? Well, lets talk about it.....my hours have changed this month at work, making it harder to scheduled in gym time ( I am down from 4-5 times a week to 1-2), I am eating later at night (since I am home now at 8 instead of 6pm) and some of my food choices really are not the best for me. So, NO pity party for the scale not moving, no blame on my band, no blame on my doctor (who is wonderful by the way) - the responsibility for all of this falls directly on MY shoulders. I have one more week on this horrible schedule - and then my life will be back to normal, as will my gym schedule. I am committing to returning to the gym 4-5 times a week, and I am also promising myself that I will eat at a regular time, and eat the foods that are best for my body. I had this surgery for me...and I have to lose weight for me. No one else is going to be impacted by my good and bad choices, and I need to get back in control of my diet. Gastric banding is not a magic wand....it's a life changing journey that only works if you work with it, and for the last few weeks, I have not been a good bandster. I am getting back on the "band"wagon, and re-committing myself to this way of life.
1019Joanne

1019Joanne

2
Blog 91855
 

No Fill Yet and Afraid to Step on Scale!

Almost one month post-op and I have been on regular food for about 10 days. I'm terrified to step on the scale because I just haven't had much self control this past week. Went to dinner on two occasions at friends houses and wasn't able to show much restraint. So much food available. I much prefer to meet at restaurants where portions are limited and you only get what you order. Can't wait for my first fill. I hope there is some restriction. I know in my gut that the scale has probably gone up a couple of pounds but can't "face the music". I've heard that this time is called "bandster hell". My husband is looking for results! He is supportive but at the same time wants to see results for the $16k I spent on this (like there isn't enough pressure already). Of all the "addictions" to have, I had to pick food! Getting desperate.
Blog 77306
 

Struggle

Hello i had the surgery on March 1 and it has been a struggle. i have only lost 21 pound since i had the surgery and i did not lose any before the surgery i am really thinking that i should not even had it done. can anyone give me some advise on what i am doing wrong. i have had 2 fills and a total of 6cc put into the band i do feel a little resistance but i am not losing the weight......ANY INFORMATION WOULD BE APPRECIATED.
missyes i

missyes i

5
Blog 79473
 

Underfilled and overfilled!

Today I finally went back in for another fill. After being reprimanded for seeing another doctor (who was unable to give me a fill), my doctor decided to continue working with me. I only went to see another doctor because his nurse ABSOLUTELY despises me and though she tries to hide it, I can sense it everytime I am there. Anyway, my doctor decided he was going to add 1 cc to what should have already been 5cc. I asked if he would take the fluid out to see if I actually had 5 cc because I had NEVER really fely any REAL restriction. He agreed and after struggling to even access my port for 15 minutes, he attempted to empty my band and realized that just as I had told him for the past 3 months, my band was pretty much empty!! I STILL managed to lose a total of 19 lbs by changing my diet and exercise. Anyway, rather than admitting that they had made a mistake all of the previous visits, they made up several theories as to why my band was empty...maybe my band had a leak or kink in it. MY theory was maybe you weren't actually accessing my port the past 3 visits! I came up with this conclusion when I went to another doctor and after nearly an hour and a floroscopy machine, he was unable to locate it. That made me wonder if my doctor's nurse had actually been accessing it. This time, my doctor gave me the fill, and I can actually tell it's here. It is actually too tight! I am afraid to go back, but I don't know how much more of this I can take. I am only on liquids today, but I am having problems getting them down. "If it ain't one thing, it's another!"
Ms. RJ

Ms. RJ

4

PatchAid Vitamin Patches

Bariatric Forums

For Patients

Health Professionals

Search Surgeons

Bariatric Surgeons: Want to research a weight loss surgery surgeon? Enter their last name below to start!

×