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Blog 1569
 

I did it !!!!! I did it !!!!

Well I had the sleeve done - This is the story. Left for Vegas on Tuesday got off the plane and headed for my appointment for Pre-surgery - everything was a go. So my wife and I hit the strip and I played black jack and won.... not much but still won. We ate normal and I did not drink alcohol. Went to bed on time for a 7:00am surgery at a surgery center. We had signed up on one of those package deals where the hotel is included. So we were up and headed to the center (by the way rent a car it is better to have the freedom to go) I went in and filled out some more forms and headed to the prep room. Met the anesthesiologist he went through a few items and the nurses were wonderful. Then I saw my Doctor (Thomas Umbach ) not long after that I was being wheeled to the surgery room. I was give something that made me feel very sleepy but could understand everyone. Then told to breath deeply two breaths and I don?t remember anything except being woke up saying surgery went fine and it is done. This was about 10:30 or so I think. Surgery was about an hour and recovery 2 . I took some pill for pain and they started me walking. It did not hurt to walk so I kept going after hearing everyone on this site telling me how walking really helped. Dr Umbach also installed a pain drip system that hung around my neck and had some small tubes planted around where the surgery took place, with a big ball that would dissipate in 3 days, this provided a pain free experience. I was released at noon to go back to my hotel which I walked and slept and drank water (very very very small sips) the fist night I had some small discomfort felt like acid reflux so I called the doc on his cell phone which was nice about 10pm and he said I could get some pepto or any over the counter acid reducer I wanted. My wife drove out to get it and also got liquid Tylenol which I recommend very much. I burped a lot and had to raise my arms when drinking water to get it down. The doc said for the first day my stomach would be swollen and until it went down it would be a bit tough. It was, but by the end of the next day it eased up. Sleeping and walking is the trick and the Tylenol made everything right as rain. On Friday we went back for a follow up with the doctor, and everything was perfect so we said our good bys and we headed for the Hoover Damn wanted to see it. I even drove ? I don?t feel the surgery hardly at all it is the drinking that lets me know it is there. So we got back from there and got our flight out back to Kansas City ? Because I have traveled so much we both were in first class so that was nice, bigger seats if you know what I mean. This is the first day back home and since the 2 weeks prior with the protein shakes to today I am down 27 lbs. I am just starting to feel hungry this whole time prior I have not had a desire to eat. I have force the drinking because I know that is good for me. I hope this helps with those who have not taken the plunge yet. I plan to keep you up to date on the progress. My doctor told me to walk everyday so my wife and I are headed to the gym in a little while, course I will be on slow mo for a while. Thanks for listening and hope it helps someone else.
Thinmint

Thinmint

10
Blog 80623
 

5 months post op

hi all   so i am doing pretty good...i am 5 months out and about 46ish pounds lost which is amazing...i am however hitting a wall its seems...i'm not really loosing as much as i would like. i am going for an adjustment...my 3rd.... i was also looking for good food advice... i feel like i'm doing something wrong... i eat pretty good but on occasion i eat something i shouldn't...i have controlled myself with that for the most part... sometimes i feel however that once i cheat its like i instantly gain a pound or two and that my exercise is not doing anything! i dunno i think most of it is psychological but who knows...anyone have any advice?
mellowyellow1102

mellowyellow1102

3
Blog 86790
 

Pre-Op Diet Day 4 and a little about myself

My name is Ashley and I'm a 25yr old mother with a wonderful son and a amazing husband. My husband loves me the way I am but sees that I need to get healthy and get some of this weight off. He sees that it is starting to affect me. As a child I was never overweight until I hit puberty then it all went down hill. I was very athletic and fluctuated between 160-180, until I got pregnant with my son when I was 20. I have never been able to get the weight off. I have been at my highest these past few years, 275lbs. My self - confidence has always been an issue for me, but i have been working on it and all i want right now is to lose this weight and be healthy, being skinny wouldnt be a bad thing either. :smile: My weight hasnt caused any other health problems yet but i dont want to give it a chance to. The only thing that it has affected is my ability to get pregnant. My husnband and i have been trying to get pregnant for 4 years now with no avail. :thumbup: My insurance makes you go through a 6 month diet program and if you miss one visit, bc you have to go every month, you have to start all over. needless to say that i have had a rough time bc when i started the program eveything was great at home then my husband lost his job and with only 3 months left to go i had to start the 6 month diet program all over again. so i started my journey back in 3/2009 and i just finished the 6 month diet program and got approval. my dr. requires a liquid diet for 2 weeks before the surgery with the optifast shakes and i am on day 4 with the shakes. all you can have with the shakes is sugar free calorie free drinks, popsicles, and jello. have you ever taste sugar free jello? its disgusting!!! i can also have broth if i get lightheaded or anything. the first day was hell for me. all i wanted to do was eat. i was exhausted and felt like crap. i went home and my family was having bbq chicken and yellow rice. i stuck my finger in the bbq sauce then made a cup of broth and cried myself to sleep. my husband is very supportive of me in doing this. he knows its something that i want BAD. so he was there to comfort me and tell me i could do it and it will be ok. it has gotten easier with each day but yesterday i wanted a smoothie soo bad i was good and didnt get one. when i got home i went with my husband to the store and he ran to bk. i told him i didnt want to go bc this is soo hard but we went ahead and went and my husband asked me if i wanted anything. i just looked at him and started crying and then it dawned on him what he did. he kept apologizing which made me cry even more and then i was able to calm down but as soon as i went home i went to bed. i dont blame him for it and i know he didnt do it on purpose but it still hurt somewhere inside. todays day 4 and like i said its gotten easier with each day so im hoping todays a good day.
Countrychic

Countrychic

6
Blog 82394
 

Losing Toooo much weight on 6 month diet

Good morning,   I'm worried about losing too much weight on the 6 month medically supervised diet. For some reason I'm rolling on this diet (South Beach). I've lost 7 pounds alone this week. Don't get me wrong, I need the band. I have these phases that I go through, during the year when I become serious about weight loss and some diet actually works and I lose weight. The problem, is that it works temporarily and I end up gaining all the weight and thensome back. Partly because I feel starved, loss motivation and the diet becomes too hard to stick too. Anyway how much weight is too much weight to loss in order to get insurance approval. We first weighed at doctors office I had a 40 BMI, I'm sure it dropped a little. What's a safe amount of weight to loss, or safe BMI range to be in, in order to still get insurance approval. I have BCBS TX Anthem, they are require 40 BMI, initially or 2 co-morbities (don't have any) and the 6 month diet.   Anyyyyy suggestions or incite is welcome
losethemess

losethemess

5
Blog 82709
 

Giby97,3rd Fill Feelings, Results-27 Feb 10

What a day! Traveled to Seoul, and had some training from the wife on using the subway-preparing myself to make the trip by myself--I got the subway system down now. First the bus ride, 3 hrs for $12.00. Then a short walk to the subway,paid $2.00(subway), could have spent (for a $10.00 taxi ride). The subway company gives you $1.00 back-cool so it actually costs a buck to ride the subway. Made it to the doc's and weighted in. 111.3 kg. Good News as doc was impressed. Next came the injection phase. Went to a room and laid on the table on my back. Next came the video picture of my LAP-BAND®-all was well. Two days ago I had my first episode of pain in my stomach-food pain--hurt so bad, thought someone was hitting me in the chest with a sledge hammer. After two days the pain resided. The doc said all was ok and that I was ready for my 3rd-2cc injection. Immediately upon injecting me, I felt the tightness. I got up and went to the waiting room to confirm I could drink WATER. I could drink so I did not have any complications. Now I have 6 cc's in my llcc band.Tight feeling too. Went to eat lunch-soup/fish and could only eat one half of a cup, I was going to explode. We made it to the bus terminal and shopped around for two hours before we made the trip back to our home,3.5 hours drive. At home Ihad another cup of soup and rice--1/2 cup and full again. Guess the next few days will be soup city and water. Where I am at is: started at 123.1 kg and now I weight 111.3 kg. BF loss since 4 Jan is 5 percent. :thumbup:Weight loss since Jan has been an average of 4.35#s a week for a total of 7 weeks. Last two weeks I averaged 2.3#s specifically. This 3rd Fill should enable a good weight loss for the next three weeks, untill my next doctor's appointment.:smile:
Giby97

Giby97

2
Blog 64154
 

Onederland

I'm finally in Onederland. I must say the weight has come off slower than I anticipated and it has been way harder than I originally thought, but when I hit benchmarks like this it makes me so proud of how far I have come.   It's funny because I weigh 195 now and it makes me happy; back when I was gaining weight and I saw 195 on the scale for the first time it made me so angry and sad. It's just interesting how your perspective changes when you're seeing a number again but coming from the opposite end and going down, rather than up.
milwif

milwif

3
Blog 86845
 

Lap-Band in Mexico, scheduled for 4-29-10

Since being denied for WLS by my insurance in early Feb. 2010, I have been in a major depression about my weight and desperate to do something about it. I scheduled a Lab Band surgery in Mexico for the end of this coming April. However, I am having a lot of mixed emotions because my husband and close friend are completly against me going out of the country for this surgery. And If I do go through with it I will be traveling alone with no support. I am so emotionally torn because I desperately want this surgery but I am very afraid of the risks of being out of the U.S. Can anyone please share your experience if you've been to Mexico for this procedure. I appreciate it very much. :smile:
tengibbs

tengibbs

4
How I lost 100lbs
 

Feeling FABULOUS!

Let's call it metamorphosis - the closest thing I can liken it to is a caterpillar cocooning and turning into a buttterfly. Except my cocoon has mirrors and I allow the occasional visitor. I'm definitely undergoing a transformation, my fill is working, I'm rarely hungry and when I am I eat small portions. I'm officially a size 22 dress which is for me a BIG deal, even though I've been a size 22, 20, even an 18 in jeans, I haven't gotten below a 24 top. So my dresses were always in the size 24-28 range depending on the cut and store.   Officially a size 22 which is for ME a HUGE deal, I feel GREAT.. I feel fantastic.. I feel....FABULOUS!   I'm definitely in the middle and midst of something great and I can't wait for it to continue.   NSV this week - Down from a size 48D to 40DDD - yes they actually got BIGGER! lol.. Down from a 24/26 dresss to a 22 Double chin has almost vanished completely! Taught myself how to do "professional" looking makeup. Rocked absolutely everything I wore... And then ran into an old friend who just CHEESED when he saw me and couldn't get over or stop saying how great I look. That was just amazing (especially since he's the best friend of an ex boyfriend lol) this is absolutely 100% the BEST thing I ever did for myself.. I know I'm experience God results and my change is rapid and I'm SO thankful for it. Praise Him!
Yvette1026

Yvette1026

13
Blog 85488
 

3 Days Post-Op and I'm Hungry!

I was banded Monday 2/22/10 as well... I am very hungry!!! I am totally sick of the liquids... I hope I can start on mushy food next weeks. I haven't had the cream soups, they want us on thin liquids. No puddingm or yogurt.
punkin1

punkin1

2
Blog 85699
 

Its been 4 weeks since my lapband surgery!

:scared2:I feel great but I don't know what to expect at my first follow up appointment with the surgeon next week. I know I have lost at least 10 pounds but my eating habits are almost exactly as they were before the LAP-BAND®. I get full on less food but I don't follow the suggested diet (protein/veggies). I have never been a meat and veggies eater so its hard to get into that habit. I hate the protein shakes so its hard to suppliment the protein with those. I need some suggestions. Also how am I going to feel after I get a fill? Will I get full on even less or what? Please let me know :smile: Thanks all you Bandsters!
tcurrent

tcurrent

3
The Sweet Spot
 

2/26/10 Goal!!!!!

Yes, I FINALLY reached goal!!!! It's all gravy now!   Blogs this week Here: http://bandgroupiethesweetspot.blogspot.com/   -Lookie Here -Linner- Sides and Snacks -My DH has an addiction -We interrupt your regularly scheduled programming -Really? Nobody?
Band_Groupie

Band_Groupie

11
Blog 40740
 

snow day

protein shake 170 3 girlscout cookies 210 shrimp w/ lobster sauce/brown rice 400 tea w/ milk/sugar 30 popcorn 200 = 1010   spent morning sledding, afternoon on playdate.
Gildy

Gildy

1
Blog 80601
 

Day 3...not so much fun.....

I've been home for 2 days and today I don't feel great. Lot of pain I'm assuming where the port is, but I can't be positive since everything is still covered up. No real desire to eat anything, had a protein shake earlier and a few spoonfuls of mashed potatoes. Went to the store with my husband and kids so I could walk around a little. Walking is supposed to help. Done with pain meds, just taking Motrin for discomfort at this point. Feel like I can feel something in my chest, but I know that between the gas they fill your belly with and the band, there is nothing to worry about there. Looking forward to tomorrow..... New day....new adventures....
jennerbrenner

jennerbrenner

1
Blog 80601
 

The first day of the rest of my life.....

Tuesday, February 23 was the day. I arrived at the hospital around 11:30 a.m. and the show started immediately. The took me right in and the games began. IV in, gown on, TONS of anit nausea meds administered and one last trip to the scale before going under the knife. Woke up in recovery and was doing okay. INCREDIBLY sweet nurses taking care of me, making sure I was okay at all time. Up to my room, settled and then Shawn went home. I did okay. Pretty tender throughout the night, but I had a pain button to help with that. Didn't really sleep at all that night. Next morning they came to get me, went downstairs for the barium swallow, and got to see my band on the big screen!! Looked pretty bizarre, but everything looked great. Came home Wednesday morning and have been pretty much in bed or on the couch since then. Slow to move, but know it'll get better each day. I'm moving as much as possible and have been taking in as much as I can.
jennerbrenner

jennerbrenner

2
My Band Life!
 

2-26-10

Posted a new blog today! It's got some questions I'd like everyone to answer so if your interested, you can find it here: :smile:   My blog link: 2010's New Life 4 Me!!!
sdh5463

sdh5463

1
Blog 85392
 

Surgery date

I finally got a surgery date March 30! Im so excited to start my new adventure and a little nervous. I have tried sooo many diets in the past that it is almost embarrising to list. I always did good the first month then down hill from there. I know this is not a fix all, but i hope its the tool i need to stick to it. I want to be healthy and keep up with my kids :thumbup: they have alot of energy! Im not telling many peolpe at first that im having this done, the only people i told are my husband, mom,siste,and a good friend. Im not ready for all the opinion..I start the liquid diet march 15, any suggestions?:smile:
trisha lynne

trisha lynne

1
Blog 85769
 

day after surgery

I had my surgery yesterday. I got to the hospital at 6:00 am and was in the pre-op area until about eight. My surgean team came in to see me before time. they were awesome. A bariatric representative came in to inform me of local groups to join. When the surgery started I was unware. I only remember them taking me into the surgery room. When I woke up, I had to keep asking if the surgery was over. I couldn't believe how great I was feeling. I thought I was going to vomit when I made it to the restoom but only a big burp came up. They took an x-ray of me swallowing some chalky like liquid to ensure that everything was in place. I experienced no gas pains, only soreness at the port and other incisions. The only thing that caught me off guard was the fact that I have about six incisions. On the first day, I drank some water a an eighth cup of broth. Today has been similar, but I will make a shake to drink some time today. It's what my doctor wants. I will see my surgeon in a month. I don't know why I was so nervous. It was a breeze and overall I feel pretty great. :smile:
jmunks2000

jmunks2000

10
Blog 86799
 

The Battlefield of the Mind

It was a long night. 50/11grillion things running thru my head. A plethora of feelings and mixed emotions. Very little sleep. I’m having 2nd and 3rd and 4th thoughts about this entire thing. Yet another reason I decided to blog the journey – accountability. And the fact that once I let the blogosphere know my plans, by obligation and not wanting to looking foolish, I know ill persevere.     what will become me??         I’d be lying if I didn’t say that a lot of my concerns are about vanity. What the man in my life will think of my appearance sans clothes in a year from now. After all, he’s been here with me thru the thick of it. Or fat of it, as it were. I’ve gained about 30lbs since we met… most post-baby. (Ironically, so has he) But for the most part, I pretty much look the same.     He’s used to my fluff. And he’s a boobman. The fullness of my breasts (which happen to be my 2nd best feature – the first is my awesome firely red mane!) are bound to be the first thing to go. There may be some hope for them, because even at my smallest, I’ve been busty…but I somehow doubt they’ll shrink up “nice & perky” (from training bra to C-cup over the course of a summer…and from there, I rested comfortably at a full D/DD until the last few years as I’ve picked up weight). I’ve seen & heard what happens to the boobs when you lose a lot of weight, and I’m not looking forward to it. There. I said it! *eyeroll*     Now, the other part of my body where I carry the most weight is my thighs. I shutter to think what will become of them aesthetically. But it will be kinda nice to wear a pair of stockings/tights without the burning of my delicate thigh meat from the incessant rubbing together as I walk. I might even be able to cross my legs all lady-like for the first time. A definite bonus! But, will I look like a 97 year old woman? Of course Bertha the Belly is bound to go missing. But will she go missing hanging down around my knee caps is the question. *face twisted*     I know. I know. I KNOW that this is about health. But my own thoughts about this process are leading me to want to do a lot more research on the mental/emotional space of folks who have lost a drastic amount of weight. I know I’ve gained roughly 50-75lbs over the span of 10 yrs. And it will be nice to be back down to a “respectable” size. But will I be depressed because my body won’t look the same as I did back then?     I’m pretty solid. I don’t have a big Buddha belly. I’m compact. Fairly proportionate. And until I blasted my weight for the whole world to see, most folk don’t have a clue I weigh so much. So I’d like to think that I carry it “well”. But how “well” will I be carrying this smaller figure 365 days from now? That remains to be seen…     All I know is I need to go ahead and buy some stock in the company that sells SPANX, because imma be a foundation/compression wearin fool. *hmmmmm* Maybe if I wear those for the duration of the process, it will help my skin be tighter? Just a thought. Though ill miss my days of traipsing around the house butterballbooty bucketnayket…a smaller me, may make for a more modest me.     But somehow I doubt it! *lol*
vanishingvixen

vanishingvixen

3
Blog 86799
 

Phine, RE-defined... (cross-post. original date 2/25/2010)

10/2009   Take a good look. This is what Morbid Obesity looks like.   Let me preface this by saying that at first I was going to keep it all a hush-hush big super secret squirrel secret. But I figured blogging would not only help me chronicle my journey, but serve as a sounding board. Of course I run the risk of opening myself up to criticism and negativity. But I figured…they talked about Jesus they’ll talk about me too. And what’s more is – I really don’t give a rat’s sweaty nads. *shrug*     With that said… I’ve never had a problem with being full-figured. In fact, I’ve embraced it. It’s a part of the me that I’ve been proud to be. Even flaunted my curves. And its not like I’ve been starved for attention. Most…well, a lot (only basing on what I’ve been told) of men (women too) think that I’m (are you ready for this?) SEXY. I’m not bragging at all…but can you imagine? Me, at 298lbs…on a 5′3″ frame. What doctors frown at in disapproval. What some people in public look at in disgust…but yet others…desire. To this day. As recently as an hour ago.   8/2008       *smh kinda confused* Admittedly, I’ve thought the same thing for a long time. My self esteem has remained in its proper sometimes over-elevated place. The men folk (husband included) never seemed to have had a problem with it, so I never had a problem with it…     Until now. I’m at my biggest ever. Almost 30lbs more than I weighed when I was 9 months pregnant (2 years ago). I’m uncomfortable. I don’t like what I see in the mirror any more. My feet hurt. My knees ache. (ironically enough, the VERY reason why working out has been such a chore – that aside from time: 9-5 job, jewelry biz, almost 2 year old daughter, and a hubby that works nights/weekends). And now, my once high (sometimes too high) self esteem has taken a nosedive. So what to do??     9/2002       I’ve done the diets, the shakes, the cleanses, the “lifestyle change”, the pills, the work-out regimen, etc… Something has to be done. NOW. So after about 6 months of mulling it over, I’ve opted to have the LAP-BAND®®® surgery. In fact, that’s the entire reason for this blog. My goal is 75-100lbs. Realistically, at 200lbs, I’ll still be +size…but ALOT better off than I am now.     I’m making a decision to better my life, and thereby, my family’s life. I will learn healthier habits to pass on to my daughter and share with my husband, as well as actually be around a lot longer to see her grow up, and grow into the olden golden years with her daddy. This vixen, is about to change her game up, for good.     I have my physical exam and initial info session at the Bariatric Surgeon’s office on Monday. Then comes the consult to chart the path forward, counseling, etc. I will join the Million Pound Challlenge to help get me started on the right track. But that’s Monday – and it’s going to be a life-changing day. So this weekend, I’m gettin it in. *lol* I’m gonna eat what I want…probably for the last time (at least for a long time); Celebrate my 35th bday (late, bc of all the snow) and celebrate in anticipation of a new life and a new, even sexier, healthier me… I’m excited.     I can only pray that by sharing this journey, it will garner some support & encouragement from friends, acquaintances, and strangers alike. But even if it doesn’t, it’s no skin off my teeth. I’m CERTAIN that my words will touch or encourage SOMEONE out there.   1/2010     Beauty can be found at ANY size. From a size 6 to 26. However, HEALTH cannot. And that’s all its about for me. Taking off some pounds to add some years to my life. Phine, re-defined… *sexy grin*
vanishingvixen

vanishingvixen

3
Blog 64737
 

Nine months out!

:thumbup:This Sunday I will have been banded 9 Months. I can tell the weight loss has slowed down quite a bit. I feel blessed and am still very grateful for the surgery but I wish I could get the rest of the weight off. I have lost 72 pounds. Still want to lose 31 more. I would do it again in a heart beat. I have lost 20 something inches and about four pants sizes. I have been a real slacker when it coms to the excercise. It is really hard for me when the weather is cold. I like to walk in the park but the when it is cold, it is hard for me to get motivated! If any one has any ideas to get these last 30 pounds off I would love to hear them. It seems so strange to be asking. I cant beleive I am here. This close to my goal. I never thought I would get here so quickly, I had failed so many times before. I feel so blessed. Hope every one is well. God bless!
NewMechelle

NewMechelle

3
Blog 61341
 

99 Pounds of Fat on the Wall?

So I sit at 296, 99 pounds of fat from my goal weight. I am sure you can hear the song ringing in your head so here is my version…   99 pounds of fat to fall 99 pounds of fat Lose one pound, it hits the ground 98 pounds of fat to fall…   Ok it’s dorky, but I am in one of those moods…Keep on singing 
Cingulus

Cingulus

3
Blog 61341
 

First Fill Freedom

I have been anxiously waiting for my first fill, which I got today. I went from 3.5 CCs to 5.5 CCs. We will see how that feels. I am glad to report the first fill was simple and uneventful. However, the real reason I am excited is I been cleared to start lifting weights and pushing the exercise limits beyond the elliptical or stationary bike. I know the 4-6 weeks after surgery is the norm, 4 weeks in my case, but I really feel like I have been missing something in band journey without the ability to really rev up the exercise. Needless to say I am thrilled. So tonight I feel like I can finally begin the real fight to slay the weight dragon and drive towards my goals weight and clothes sizes. Attached is my work out plan for any who are curious, I also plan to drop in 2 spin classes a week as a cardio option.
Cingulus

Cingulus

1
Blog 43709
 

one tear

well it has been a year I have lost 102 pounds , but now i am having trouble sticking to my diet .:smile:
bigfish54

bigfish54

1

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