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Blog 85309
 

How I've been....

I need to do two posts. First, I wanna talk about how I've been since the surgery. I'm still dealing with gas pain. It bloody hurts. When I change sides while sleeping, I can feel the gas move too. Now I've realised, if I'm sitting up and start to feel the gas, if I stand up straight away and walk around a bit, it doesnt hurt as bad as if I kept sitting. But the more I eat, like soups, or yogurt, even water, I can feel I'm swallowing air. And that means more gas in my stomach, more pain. I'm afraid to drink my liquid food. I'm afraid to drink water. The problem is I'm only getting about 15-20g of protein in, and not even 2 glasses of water. And even if I wasnt afraid, my stomach isnt letting me drink more. I tried to have some water last night, and it led to a serious vomiting episode. I spat up water, saliva and blood.   I'm just hoping everyday gets better, and I'm waiting for the time I can feel good with my band. I mean, it's not like I can do anything else.... but please let me feel better soon!!
amanda3t

amanda3t

3
Blog 76546
 

What is that.....

A week ago, I was eating bkf. scrambled eggs on wheat bread. I was half way when I realized that my chest was hurting. "Call me crazy". but I had forgotten that I had the lap band done. I was thinking that something was really wrong. I was going to go to the hospital.. All I could say was What is that. What's wrong with me..... After about 5min. It went away... I realized that it was restriction... I am so crazy at times.. I just have to laugh at myself.......
AppleG

AppleG

5
Blog 40740
 

Day 2 continued

So I have been to Costco (That was an experience. Forgot my debit card. Had to apply for an amex card. Wasn't going to let an hour of dealing go to waste. have to cxl that amex card asap.), purchased the protein drinks.   It was an interesting experience focusing only on buying food for my family and not for myself. I am so conscious of feeding them all healthy food and have gotten into such bad habits for myself.   I really let the band drive and took the backseat. Not making healthy choices, just easy choices.   I had a headache. Wasn't sure if it was from no coffee or no food. I had a 2nd protein drink and it helped so it must have been no food
Gildy

Gildy

1
Blog 81481
 

In the Healing Process

I am back at home and taking it SLOWLY!! To be honest I am feeling okish but not in the mood to get back into the normal routine, ie school. In a sense i have let go. Time has changed, Everything has changed. Any previously constructed outcome i had imagined is now non-existant. I don't want to go to school, not interested in having to do anything else besides take care of me... Yes there i said it. I don't want to worry about an ounce of responsibility. i enjoy sleep, my dreams have been out of control and wild. My energy levels fluctuate and a general sense of surreality looms around me. I am watching myself in the most literal sense. Cool. May only the highest good befall unto me!:thumbup:
Jadeite

Jadeite

2
Blog 85870
 

2.16.2010

Okay, i have decided to try blogging about my LAP-BAND® experience so I can remember where I started out, what I have gone through, what works and doesn't work and just for memory sake!   My weight problems started back in the 3rd grade for me. I have fought weight my whole life. When i got married back in 2003, i was at 160 pounds. Not too thin but bearable. Since then, i have had 2 kids and ballooned up. I have tried all the crazy diets and pills. Even illegal ones that worked until i stopped taking them. Crazy and I have had enough. I have a family history of obesity and without some sort of help, i will continue in that category as well.   I have thought about the band for the last year or so and went to an introductory meeting on January 5th, 2010. I took all the info, brought it home, discussed with the Hubs and family and decided to go for it with both feet in.   I had my first official appointment on January 27th. I weighed in at 224 pounds. Ughhhh. My highest yet. Because I am only 5'2", i am over the 40 BMI and qualify for insurance purposes. I filled out the paperwork, talked with the nurse and made all my appointments. Here we go!   My next appointments are as follows:   2.18-Psych evaluation Cardiac Echo 2.19-Blood work 2.23-Support Group 3.01-Dietitian Apt 3.09-Support Group 3.16-Surgeon Apt. (Hopefully I will get my surgery date) 3.23-Support Group   I have read many successful blogs and it has me really excited. So, on January 27th, i weighed in at 224 pounds. Today, I am down to 219. My presurgery weight goal is 213.5 pounds. I started the Atkins diet yesterday, since that has been the most successful and quickest diet for me in the past. With a little bit of exercise thrown in, i should have no problem losing the last 6 pounds.   My ultimate goal weight is 150 pounds.
Jilly29

Jilly29

1
Blog 52574
 

Don't want to jinx myself, but I think I might be...

either at my sweet spot or very close to it. And, I never expected it would happen this fast. I've had two fills and am at 4.5cc in a 10cc lapband APS. I just can't get over how great the band has been working for me since my second fill (last Wednesday). There isn't anything I CAN'T eat, but I'm getting full w/small meals and not hungry between meals (which is my doctor's definition of a proper fill level). So, if this restriction stays and I keep losing 1-2 pounds per week, then that may be it. Really, I have a goal to lose 2.5 per week, but I'm willing to exercise my booty off (literally :thumbup:) to get there.   Or, if I do need another fill, I think it will be small at this point (maybe .5). I really hope this level of restriction will work for me, though, because I don't really want to develop a long list of foods I can't eat (like some who have their band tighter). Right now, I have a healthy fear of bread (just doesn't go down great, but I CAN eat it if I eat it slow). I'm noticing some healthy proteins are getting harder to get down, though (like salmon, chicken breast, meat in chili). Really, I just have to remember to chew them thoroughly, though. And, I haven't PB'd anything at this point. I just have discomfort if I don't take my time and chew well.   I THINK this means I am at my sweet spot or very close to it. I am going to a support group meeting tomorrow night so I am curious to hear what others have to say about it there.   Once again, though, I was able to eat dinner last night and then NOT eat anything AFTERWARDS without being hungry when I went to bed. Woohoo!!!
adagray

adagray

5
How I lost 100lbs
 

Mother Nature vs. The Band

As with most women, the week before my period my appetite increases and the cravings hit.   I'm two days shy of being two months post op, 2 fills down, feeling restriction and all is going well BUTTTTTTTTTTT.... Man if mother nature isn't tryin' to go 12 rounds with my band.   At my current level of restriction I'm almost never hungry. But when I do eat it's hard to stop... I've gotten so full it's almost painful because mother nature/cravings can't seem to get enough of the taste. Not the amount of food, but the taste of it.. and carbs...OMGosh CARBS.. pasta...pasta..pasta and cheese. I need to get back on track or I'm going to gain and that's SO not on the plan.   On the recent episode of Supernatural there was a guy who ate so much he burst his band... I just thought OMGOSH what if that was me.. cause when you DO eat too much it hurts.. I couldn't even imagine. I know it's overly dramatic but as I sat there watching, realizing I had eaten nothing but homemade mac & cheese for the day I let my mind drift and get wrapped up in that.. Ugh mother nature why must you treat me this way.. lol   I must be strong... every time I want to eat I should go work out... but then the cramps and ugh...
Yvette1026

Yvette1026

3
Blog 851
 

Family issues

I had a very difficult weekend with my husband and his daughter, who can do not wrong. We've been married 17 years and I also have a daughter, close in age to his. Long story short, his daughter has gotten a college education/ condo money for downpayment and the hands off treatment and I mostly just go along with it. My daughter has been through a lot growing up and has had problems with my husband but he never sees her side. I'm not saying shes perfect for sure but not the shining daughter he has. His daughter said some hurtful things about me and when my daughter told me I said "thats enough". Before I would have swallowed it and hoped it smoothed over, certainly never confront my husband. Well....not any more. I think this surgery has helped me be a person whos opinion matters, I had a big problem causing fights and avoided them at all costs, with the result of stuffing myself with food. Well...not any more. The roof shook and it felt SO GOOD!!! I told him I would not be second to anyone and he could go live with her, well you get the idea. I was spitting nails. We have had several talks since then and I stood by my opinions and he backed down, told him I would always voice my thoughts whether he liked them or not and not stuff them again. The same thing to his daughter. I am sure she could continue to cause trouble and know these things break up marriages but it is his decision to live with that, not mine. Long story but I just wanted to tell you that you will change if you push your new boundaries and believe in yourself. No going back.
Itstime

Itstime

1
Blog 71737
 

this is what happened

I called admitting to find out the time of my surgery which was scheduled for feb.1. they told me i was not on the schedule and to call harriet the office manager. i called her , she called back and told me dr. would not be doing the surgery and she is not at liberty to tell me why. I get a letter stating dr. patient relationship is broken. I do not understand what he is refering to so i call harriet she tells me she can't tell me and to go to dr. braithwaite. i tell her i can't do this because of insurance. believe me he was my first choice because he has a phenomenal reputation and that is the kind of dr. i want but i had to settle for this self promoting quack. So anyway I'm getting bored of my own story just trying to help others so they don't make the same mistakes.
angel1

angel1

11
Blog 61243
 

February 16th...my new life begins

I am VERY excited. I have been home for 3 days. Surgery was early the 12th. And I feel GREAT!!   The pain was never really more than very uncomfortable. The liquid Percocet though bad tasting, I am sure I have paid for worse, did the trick. Only had one incident of nausea, they gave me some meds thru the IV, and it was gone. Have not had that since.   I would say muscle soreness is the pain I feel. Pulling from my collar bone down to my incisions. Which are very small...and will heal up nicely--then a cute tattoo to cover them   Food...so far I have been on clear liquids. Though Monday I was really hungry. Eat my arm hungry. So I braved some SF Jello. mushed it in my mouth...was fine. I also went back to my EAS Low Carb Protein drink. Cant drink a bunch of it, but sure helps get that edge off. Finally I HAD to have something from the next step... so loose mashed potatoes, not all buttered up..just fairly bland and not thick. They really helped. Ate REALLY slow--this is a challenge. lol I guess I am so used to shovelling in the food. So I do have to think don't rush...don't rush...relax. And a few bites and I have tamed it. So that too is very exciting to me.   Let's see what else might you guys want to know. Can't think of anything else...lost 10 more lbs since coming home! Whaaat you say!!?? YES. Crazy!   Can't seem to get my darn Ticker to be on here (not real good at this blog thingy) but it makes me 278/266/255 goal...yet to be determined really. Size 10/12 would be good. lol   Can I say--NO REGRETS!! NONE NADA ZILTCH! A healthier me is coming. More energy, more umph,fun with the family and fitting in the #%$^ seats on planes and at the movies..oh and at the kids schools! UGH! More soon.
Hotenuf2

Hotenuf2

4
Sunshine2's (Tonya's) Journal
 

2/16/10

My latest fill is still pretty good, I think I might need just a tad more then I will be done. I'm so glad he finally listened to me and quit taking all the fluid out each time. My way is working!!!! I am finally getting some restriction!   My menu today:   bfast 1/2 grapefruit, green tea   Lunch - saute'd grape tomatoes, with 3 oz of grilled chicken breast   Snack 2 melba toast, sliced apple   Dinner 4 oz of talapia (grilled) cabbage - steamed
tonya66

tonya66

1
Blog 1645
 

Day Before Surgery

Okay, it's the day before my big day. I stopped by Whataburger for a farewell breakfast that included a cinnamon roll and cherry pie. Funny that it wasn't as good as I had expected. I am more excited thinking about making permanent lifestyle changes. I will post "day before surgery" pictures before I leave work today. Thanks to everybody for their wonderful words of encouragement!:w00t:
shellshell

shellshell

1
Blog 40740
 

Day 2

I am going to Costco today to get the protein drinks to start liquids for a week. I wonder if I should try to find a better blender that really grinds up ice. Mine always leaves big chunks. I will see what they have.   I will also look for sugar free/lo-cal gum and candy. I am so orally fixated. I have never been able to lose weight w/o something to chew on. When I was 18, I lost a lot of weight and got in great shape. I chewed Hubba Bubba grape sugarless gum constantly. It was sweetened w/ I think moxital or something like that. Not calorie-less, but I was on a pretty lo-cal diet anyway and ran a few miles a day.   I would like to get back into running. That gets me into great shape. Scary to think of going back to that life. It was great, but when I started to slide away from the good habits, I lost all the approbation that had come and felt like such a failure. I never want to feel that way again. I think I am more scared of losing and gaining it back than not losing at all.   For exercise today, I will do 30 minutes on the elliptical when my dh comes home. Or take the kids sledding.   No coffee today. that will help manage the sugar swings.
Gildy

Gildy

3
Blog 68671
 

Easter 2010 Challenge

http://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?k...tVXcwd0E&hl=en   Hello Everyone,   I thought I'd start an Easter 2010 Challenge. I have attached the link. Everyone is welcome and encourage to join. I would like to have our weigh in on FRIDAY'S. This is the 1st time I create the spreadsheet on google, so I hope it works. You can put in your start weight today and our 1st weigh in will be on 02/19/10.
kdee

kdee

4
Blog 68671
 

Easter 2010 Challenge

http://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0AtJHinfw3ya3dFFUVUd5NVhreklrV3p1RlItVXcwd0E&hl=en   Hello Everyone,   I thought I'd start an Easter 2010 Challenge. I have attached the link. Everyone is welcome and encourage to join. I would like to have our weigh in on FRIDAY'S. This is the 1st time I create the spreadsheet on google, so I hope it works. You can put in your start weight today and our 1st weigh in will be on 02/19/10.
kdee

kdee

1
Blog 64098
 

Food Tracking Site

Tried to get on chat but wouldn't load. Can someone give me sites where you track your food consumption? The one I used has changed and I don't like it.   Thanks!
Arb

Arb

5
Blog 15025
 

Advice Please

I have been thinking about LAP-BAND®® since 2007, yet I still havent made any moves towards having it done. I was about 240lbs then,and 3 years later I am now 270 lbs. so, I need to do something asap....What's your advice for someone contemplating surgery .....   -pros and cons?   -what was your diet like in the begining and what is it like now?   -how often do you exercise?   -did you have anyd difficulties?   -can you drink alcoholic beverages (not a big drinker, just curious)?   -did your insurance cover surgery, and if so what did you have to do for them to agree to cover the surgery?   -what has been the hardest part with having LapBAND?   Any extra info you would like to offer would be great! THANKS!
cass3057

cass3057

7
Blog 85904
 

Loosing weight slowly Help

I had my lap band surgery on Dec 21, 2009. My 1st fill was on 1/27/10. I weighed in at 194lbs. My start weight was 211. I am now feeling more hungry than ever before. I use to not eat all day and eat dinner and be fine. I try to eat 6 small meals but it's sometimes hard to do. I will eat and of course a small portion and be completly full. then in an hour or so I'm starving again. Do I need another fill or wait until my next appt which is a month and half away?
angel32503

angel32503

3
Blog 85488
 

Feb. 23rd!

Hello... Im getting banded 2/22/10 and Im excited... I am down 10lbs. Im not going to lie, I have creating alittle on my 2wk liquid diet. 20lbs already??? You are doing execellent.
punkin1

punkin1

2
Big Blog Girl
 

Nearly done in by a Dayquil Liqui-Gel Capsule!

Sometimes life is just a trial. We are flying out tomorrow morning at 6am for vacation. Today I woke up with a bad head cold and proceeded to have a rather bad PB/vomit incident and now, it's snowing again!   If anyone can learn from my problem and avoid doing what I've just done, then maybe it was worth it... NO WAY! I wish someone had told me....   This is the first cold I've had since I got restriction a couple of weeks ago. I'm congested, have a bit of a cough and feel just sort of blah. On the way to dinner this evening my husband popped into the corner store and bought a pack of Dayquil Liqui-Gel capsules. Even though I know the liquid would have been better I decided to take a chance and have one with dinner because I feel that sick. Big freakin' mistake. The damn thing got stuck straight away. I had to ask for green tea, hoping to melt it a little and let it pass. It seemed to work so I had a few bites of beautiful soft tuna but then I got the hiccups and the trouble really started.   Ran to the bathroom once with a mouthful of slime that came out with a big cough which seemed to dislodge the pill. Went back to the table, sipped my green tea a bit longer and realized I was clear so I had one, ONE, one piece of California roll, chewed meticulously to a fine mush and that was all she wrote! Apparently the pill was still stuck because I had to run to the bathroom again, this time for a full on vomit in the sink ! But, the pill didn't seem to come up so the vomiting must have pushed it through the other direction.   Rinsed my mouth and went back to the table where I could sip my tea with no problem and was able to eat the avocado out of my sushi and even some boiled soy beans. Amazingly, I was still quite hungry having had only a couple of ounces of lentil soup for lunch.   I think this does it -- I was really hoping my band wasn't too tight but it sure seems that it is given the trouble I've been having. Unfortunately, I can't make it to the doctor before my flight to get an unfill so I will be living on yogurt, soup, beans and fish while I'm in Mexico. Hmm, actually, that doesn't sound so bad. I do love fish and it seems to be really easy to digest for me.   I'll chalk it up as yet another learning experience with the band. Here's what I learned: 1) Dayquil Liqui-Gels are gigantic and will jam in a stoma that might be a little tight 2) Avocado and soybeans are quite easily digested and even soothing 3) Don't wait if you think your band needs an adjustment or you could end up on vacation at an all inclusive resort being unable to eat properly 4) Snow is beautiful but really stinks when you've got to fly   On that note, I'm off to bed so I can get up at 3:30 for the taxi. Hope everyone has a great week and can use some of my hard-earned lessons.   B
BarbaraWM

BarbaraWM

2
Blog 40740
 

Day 1

Well, I would love to be posting with excitement and enthusiasm. It is there, bubbling under the surface. It wants to come out. I just have to be careful. I have started so many many times before. I remember sitting in a weight watchers meeting in a basement of some office building, being led by a woman wearing a dress that looked like it went out of style 20 years before she lost the weight she was when it first fit her. I remember the sadness I felt being there and the desperation and sense of failure that must have driven us all to sit on these metal folding chairs in this basement, getting weighed and hoping some of the words the leader said or one of us said would be the thing that would make it happen and we could be thin and happy.   So here I am again. 5 years post-op. I finally came to the band believing that my weight wasn't my fault and I didn't really need to have control. That my body's desire to be fat was genetic and biological (see all my fat relatives?) and really I had to admit that and to stop trying to diet to be thin. I lost about 65 lbs, mostly during the liquid diet stage and a few months post-op. But then I started some bad habits and also developed some complications and then got pregnant and then had really bad complications (throwing up bile every night in my sleep). So I got the band repositioned and thankfully have not suffered that symptom again. But I also have not gone back to the eating with the band that helped me lose weight. I still use food as my entertainment and comfort and choose a lot of sweet and carby food. So I gained about 20lbs back. I would need to lose 90lbs to get to my ultimate goal weight.   Can I do that? I haven't weighed that little since I was 9 years old. To lose weight in a healthy way, I would need to seriously reduce my calorie intake and increase my exercise. To get the ball rolling, I am going to start a liquid diet. This will help me to reset the clock, take the focus away from food and give me time to plan menus.
Gildy

Gildy

3

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