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Blog 1107
 

3 weeks out

and the scale is moving again. I am down 32 lbs.   I have moved to mushies today and I seem to be tolerating it well. I had some ground hamburger with cheese earlier and it was really really good. I didn't put it in a blender like my doctor suggested. Instead I just chewed the hell out of it. Everything went down fine and I had no discomfort.   Some days are good, others not so good. Some days I feel great, others not so great. Mentally it is the same way. I just keep chugging on and hoping for it to feel better for days on end. I hope that it comes soon.:w00t:
excited2lose

excited2lose

1
Blog 85309
 

operation story

I guess there are many people who are looking to get this surgery, and reading other peoples blogs helped me make my decision to get the surgery. So I hope my information helps somebody in the same way. So I'm putting all the details I can remember, sorry if its too long.     I woke up 6am to get a shower in, pack my bag, get my baby's stuff packed up, as hubby and 2yr old were coming to the hospital with me. (I felt later how crazy I was for taking him, but we didnt really have anyone else to take care of him, and I felt like I needed my husband. And we had a private room)   We arrived before 8, and I got changed. Next, they did the laproscopy? The camera down your throat. I was fully awake, I could feel that, I was gagging, and they held me down. I was so shocked, I didnt expect that at all. The whole process was over in 45 seconds, BUT it scared the %$ out of me!!   I said goodbye to baby and hubby, and went to the surgery room. I laid down, and I remember hearing them talk in Korean, but soon I was asleep.   I have no idea about time, I was totally out of it after surgery. I had barely slept the night before, I have 2 year old who likes to wake up in the night. All I wanted to do was sleep. I remember waking up in the recovery room and them asking me to walk to my room. Somehow I did. I was in and out of sleep after that. I told them I was so hungry it hurt, not sure if it was true, but it felt like it. My baby was knocking things over, crying to be with me, and didnt understand why I wasnt paying attention to him. I asked my husband to take baby and do something else for the day, since I wanted to sleep.   They asked me if I wanted pain medication, and I said yes please!! I fell asleep and woke up many times, it felt like I had slept ages, but I checked my phone and it had been only an hour. So I slept more. I woke up suddenly with uncontrollable gagging. Nothing ever came up, nothing in my stomach, but it hurt like hell, and I wanted it to stop so badly. This happened until I fell asleep sitting up.   The girl who had her surgery after me, left at 3pm. I felt stupid and weak, but with more dry gagging, I couldnt give a shit. I got more pain relief, and went to bed for the night. I havent gagged since the first day.   In the morning, I was ready to go home. My doc put me under the xray to show me my band and port. it looked normal, but strange to see inside myself.   All my body was hurting from gas. The car ride home was torture, every bump hurt. It wasnt my wounds, but my body, from the gas. Shoulder?? I still dont understand why my shoulder would hurt, but it did, all my insides hurt.   The doctors told me to walk, so I walked around the shopping center buying some band friendly foods for the next few days. But after that I could barely move, I hurt so bad in every position. Until... I farted. TMI, but the truth is, the next few hours my life got better with every fart. I couldnt burp even though I knew I wanted to. I feel more myself today, day 3. I woke up with another few good farts. I think I have one or two more to go, and then I'll be gass free.   I'm scared to eat. I mean, that dry gagging was horrible. I dont want to do it again. EVER. I've had corn soup, apple juice, water, drinking yogurt, and my mashed up medicine in water. I dont feel hungry, but I've tried to drink something every few hours.   I can sleep on both sides and my back. my port is directly above my belly button. It feels itchy, so I'm doing my best not to scratch. im still wearing my belly brace because it feels good. When I took it off to show my hubby the incisions (4) I felt like my guts were falling out. So the brace was back on pretty quickly.   I'm scared for my fill next week. I hate needles. Do I need to have a fill so fast? I havent felt any restriction yet, but thats because I havent eaten any foods. And when I'm drinking liquids, I always stop myself from drinking too much because I'm scared I'll hurt myself. I hope I can find out my limits soon. I asked my doc about the fill, he said i have a 10 cc band, and its standard for him to put 3ccs for the first fill, because I dont have any restriction yet. Could I be healed enough to get a fill?? worried.   The first 2 days, I kept asking myself, am I crazy?? What was I thinking?? Today, I'm feeling better and I know I can make it work once I'm 100%. I was so down at the start because of the pain and gas, even last night I was too negative, but now it's going away, I feel like it will be okay soon.
amanda3t

amanda3t

4
Blog 85396
 

What do you mean... "I am supposed to be selfish"

Ok.....so, here is is my rant for the day. I am sure most of you can relate. I can remember for most of my life I was always told...."Don't be selfish"--- "the kind thing is to put others before yourself". I am starting to think my parents maybe went a little overboard. Cause I have gave, gave , gave so much of myself and locked all of my feelings inside and I used food as a deadbolt. Now I have people telling me to be selfish....put my needs first for a change and stop using food as a way to keep all of my feelings inside. I realize that there is a fine line between how we should be. Sometimes though...I just wish things could be simple. (By the way....I believe that at a certain point in your life as an adult, you are in control of you life, no matter how dysfuntionable your enviroment was as a child there comes a point that the responsibility of your life becomes your own) I know how to eat healthy. I know how to exercise. I also can realize at what point I have had way too much pizza...but I continue to eat because 'I just LOVE pizza'. In my quest to be approved for LAP-BAND® surgery....I am not only looking to be "approved" by my insurance. I am looking forward to this new life that being "selfish" at times is appropriate....... My inner child is gonna love this. :confused:
ShellieBell

ShellieBell

2
Blog 1569
 

Small Cold Need some advice

I am a week and half away from getting the sleeve and have a small sore throat. I am mad but worried about what to do.... trip is planned I hope it goes away but any help out there...... I don't want to take anything being this close so. What would the Doc say.....
Thinmint

Thinmint

4
Blog 85732
 

Pre-op doc visit soon

Doctor pre-op doctor's visit is getting close. I go Tuesday....Do you guys have any trouble throwing up? I have heard some people do. Do you begin to loose weight right away or do they leave your band so open initially that there is not a lot of change? I know I'm full of questions.:confused:
Neverquit

Neverquit

2
Blog 82421
 

confuse about fills and average weight lost

I was banded on 12/29/09. My starting weight 228lbs I've had two fills. My first fill was on 01/19/10 for 2cc weight loss of 14lbs, My second fill was on 02/01/10 for 5cc. My weight is the same no weight loss or gain. I have my third fill on 02/15/10 I really haven't felt much restriction. I have not tried to push the boundary either. My band only holds 11cc I only have 4cc left so I hoping the next fill I'm able to loss more weight.:confused:
sweetee1

sweetee1

5
Blog 52574
 

So excited about my new found restriction!

I know I already posted about this yesterday, but it just keeps getting better and better. Last night, I had a small bowl of chili at around 6:30pm for dinner and was not hungry at all for the rest of the night. And, I am a big big late night eater, so this is big for me. I absolutely hate going to sleep on an empty stomach, but for once, my dinner actually kept me satisfied all the way until bedtime.   This morning I ran out of time to have b-fast so I grabbed a zone bar to have in the car on the way to church and I could barely finish it! Unbelievable!!! Usually I would just eat one of those to keep my stomach from growling. I don't actually get any 'filling' sensation from them even after my first fill. But, w/this second fill, oh yeah! Woohoo!!!   I also lost another pound this morning so a total of 21 pounds since surgery on 12/17. Its so so hard for me to believe this is even real that I could lose 20+ pounds in 2 months. And, not even being perfect about it. Usually, when I had done WW, I had to be absolutely perfect to lose anything and many times it would be a half pound or less.   Now I have been contemplating my behavior w/the band and how I really have not been working it as well as I could. Specifically, I had started slacking off on exercise and letting more liquid calories (as in cocktails and wine!) slip back into my life. And, I've asked myself is this what I really want... to do the band half-assed? And, the answer is NO! Clearly, its doing its job for me and its time for me to get more serious about doing my part.   So, now I think I am ready to make some goals. A friend of mine is getting married on April 2nd and I am making it a goal to lose 15 more pounds by her wedding so I can feel cute dressed up (instead of frumpy). I am 221 right now so that would put me at 206. To achieve this, I am going to:   1) Attend Jazzercise at least 2x per week   2) Walk for 30 minutes at least 4x per week (on the days I don't do Jazzercise)   3) Limit alcohol to only 1x per week   Wish me good luck and persistence! :confused:
adagray

adagray

5
Blog 72623
 

Ex issues and eating

I had/have some unresolved issues with my exhusband. Things (my fault) came to a head 2 days ago and I have been eating such garbage.   I love my boyfriend. He is such a good, handsome man. So why do I keep fighting with my ex?   I had such fire, passion with him. What I have with my new man is wonderful, comforting, LOVE. Why can't I just let go of someone who has hurt me more than I have ever allowed anyone to hurt me?:confused:
minimeme

minimeme

1
Blog 71737
 

Dr Gabriel sucks

Do not go to this doctor he will waste all your time and change his mind 2 days before surgery. Now Ihave to find another doctor and redo all my tests. The only up side is I went to Bobby Vans and dined on filet migon , wine and champagne for v-day. I'm still mad but my husband is buying me stuff to make up for ruining my surgery. I think this dr. has a napoleon complex. I know what goes around comes around. Karma is a bitch. Gottta go people coming for dinner.
angel1

angel1

5
Blog 908
 

Two month anniversary!

Well, I'm down 50.2 pounds since December 1 when I started my preop diet and 34.2 since my December 14 surgery date. I'm very pleased with my progress and ready to cross another milestone. I'm at 248.8 today, and I don't want to EVER see 250 again!!!:w00t:
twobluecats

twobluecats

0
Starting Over
 

28 pounds gone, 6 weeks post op

I am so excited, I am actually losing weight. I am using the band and it is working. Since Nov,09 I have lost 28 pounds. Since Jan 4,10 I have lost 16 pounds. That is 2.5 pounds per week. My clothes are getting too big so I am buying a few new things. Some to fit me now and some to fit me next month when I am down another 10-15 pounds. I love shopping and getting new clothes. This is gonna be a great year for me. I am buying things on clearance and that are cheap because I know they will be too big for me again in another month. I had my first fill 2/9/10. It went really well. My doc was very happy with my weight loss so far. He gave me hell at my post op appt because I didn't lose enough. But this one went really well. He had no trouble locating my port. I did forget to ask how much he put in but I don't think that matters much because it is very different for everyone. I am eatting about a cup and a half of food right now but it doesn't stick with me very long. I feel I need to eat more often. I know I need more of a fill but I will have to wait till next month. I can't complain either, it feels great to get on that scale on see I am no longer 260 pounds. I keep looking at old pictures of myself and I can't believe the difference I see in my face. I went this weekend to Orlando FL to meet with some other lapband ladies from LBT. We had a great time. I have learned so much from these ladies in th past 3 months. It was wonderful to meet them and see their successes and struggles. We had so much fun. I wish I could have stayed longer but life is calling, right? I am going to visit my brother in April. I hope he will be surprised by a 40-45 pound loss. He lives across the country from me so I don't see him often. Last time I saw him I believe was october. I was at my highest weight at that time. I also will be flying. I am hoping I will not be crowding out the person sitting next to me. We are also planning a trip to Disney. I want to be down enough by then that I can fit in the rollercoaster and rides. I went to an amusement park in July 09. It took 3 people to get me into one of the seats of a rollercoaster. Hopefully I will be in onederland by then. We are going camping and motorcycling in the mountains in July. I am looking forward to being able to ride longer without the weight. After a few hours I start get alot of pain in my back and butt. I think with the weightloss my hubby and I will both be more comfortable. Right now we are a little squished together and it makes it uncomfortable for him because he can't lean back like he needs too. School is going great. I took the entrance exam for the nursing program and did great. Doing well on my exams. I do have a paper to write this week for my film class ( which I am dreading). I have to find common themes in several movies and write about them. I am thinking about doing it about childrens animated movies and how they appeal to children. I just took a development (psych) class and I think I could put some of that in the paper. Something about why children like animated films and how it works with their development. I don't know alot about films but I do know children and have seen alot of animated movies with my son. I have so much to look foward to expecially now that I have the band.
JeweI

JeweI

4
Blog 61341
 

They Say Old Lovers Can be Good Friends?

I was reading a thread today by Arnaz…asking if we missed food. One of the responders made a great point about the answer will probably vary a great deal based on where you are in the Lapband journey. As many of you will note most of my blogs reference books, movies and songs. Earlier last year, I wrote a blog entitled, “Food…I Want a Divorce!” I was angry at myself and food. As I read the thread I was reminded of an old song from the 70’s by a guy named Paul Davis, I Go Crazy… that had the immortal words, “…they say old lovers can be good friends…” this kind how I view my relationship with food now.   Food is no longer a lover that can be indulged with unbridled passion. I must keep some distance and boundaries. It is not to say that on occasion I don’t feel a twinge of desire and remorse, but it is fleeting and not filled with true regret. Under the heading of be careful what you ask for…The LapBand is making sure I now have a friendly relationship with food, not an amorous one. I am working with food in ways my intellect always told me I should, but my heart failed to let me execute. It would be safe to say, that food is a lover I/we thought to be secret and sought out in private, but our affair with it was displayed in public on our bodies.   So in this case do I think my old lover can be a good friend? The answer has to be an emphatic Yes! If we don’t find a way to bridge that gap we will all surely fail. Food is like the child(ren) in a divorce. Regardless of your other feelings, you have to suck it up and find a way to get along so you don’t hurt the people you love and those that have supported you through this process. It will be very, very hard at first, but with a little patience and practice the balance can be found because food is never going away. You have to build a new friendship with your old lover.
Cingulus

Cingulus

6
Blog 85631
 

Day 4 after surgery (banding)

Today is day 4 and what a difference a day makes. Today I was able to get up without any assistance (although it took a bit - mental thing - not at all physical). I am feeling much better and have a lot more energy. Got up, did some general clean up in my home, bit slower than usual but was able to make the bed, sweep, do the dishes and pick up a few items off of the floor (all in the knees, of course). Haven't felt hungry yet, only thirsty. Every time I have my protein shake my stomach bloats up all over again - still have lots of gas/ air in my body. Haven't taken anything yet - read Gas-X is good from all of you.   What I need to do is start exercising, walking I guess is the safest way to start. Really cold and icy out so I guess I will do it in my home. I haven't done any real exercising yet I guess I am behind. - Shame on me. Will do some now. I'll let you know how it goes.:confused:
Lynn2988

Lynn2988

4
Blog 1419
 

denied, now playing the waiting game

hey guys, i am so dissapointed, i probably shouldn't be i guess i kind of ecpected the denial but i guess in the back of my mind i was hoping it would be approved. The letter says this is not a denial of service, so i take that to mean i do qualify for WLS just not the sleeve because they consider it investigational. Several people on this site have shown that some companies are now approving this so i'm hoping to win this by appeal. my letter is all ready to go, Tuesday i will fax it over to Anthem BC of CA and pray that they will approve it. Fully intend to take it even further if i have to i just hate all the delays. thanks for being there and wish me luck, jeani
sleevegenie

sleevegenie

1
Blog 85309
 

Banded!!

I guess I'll write more later, but at least, its done. I dont think I had an easy time, but its only been 36 hours, so I'll wait until tomorrow to see how I feel. But yes, recovery is harder than I imagined.
amanda3t

amanda3t

5
Blog 62103
 

Happy Bandiversary to ME!

Well, today makes one year! Yay! I remember just getting out of surgery thinking you just gotta make it through the hard part - like a year from now, everything will be good. Just keep thinking about a year from now!   Well here we are - one year later. Let's chat about what has transpired over the last year.   Well as of a few minutes ago I've lost 69 lbs! Yay! Now had you asked me how much i would have lost a year ago - I would have said at least 100 lbs or more. I must say - though I am very happy with my weight loss - I am a little dissapointed. I had hoped to lose a lot more - a lot faster. I remember being 2 months out - having lost 20 lbs and well on my way to that 100 lb year end goal - reading blogs of people who had lost 100 lbs in 10 months thinking that's gonna be me soon! It has not been me.   I feel like I'm just in the transition from feeling circus freak obese (I'm sure I'm not circus freak obese), but I am quite large and on top of that I'm 5'11 - which just makes me an unusually large woman. So, I've transitioned from feeling circus freak huge to just normal fat. Which has been great. I still weigh just over 300 lbs - 303 to be exact. It would be nice on my bandiversary to say that I'm under 300 - that would be a nice benchmark.   Anyhoo, some other changes. Am going to the gym regularly a minimum of 3x a week. Minimum - often 4 x and sometimes 5x. Its become a total habit.   My clothes have changed - though there are no clothes that I just absoultely positively CAN'T wear anymore - they are definitely way too loose on me. I have clothes that I started out a year ago and could not squeeze in to at all - that are now too big for me. That's awesome. I've raided the too small for me clothes box in the garage and many of those are now too big as well.   I feel better, have more energy etc., etc. I'm currently awaiting an appt to consult with my Plastic Surgeon for a tummy tuck - that's awesome. Things are well. Things are good! Things are very good.   I must say this is, thus far, the best decision I've ever made. Just imagine how I'll feel in another year! :confused:
PrincesaJenE

PrincesaJenE

4
Blog 85448
 

Getting in the Pre Op Diet Groove

I've been struggling since my Pre-Op MediFast start date of 2/1... The first three days I dropped three pounds but by that weekend I was covered in hives and running to the bathroom. Soy allergy. Between the cringe worthy beef broth and the awful tasting MediFast I lapse into - No, not non-nutrious eating - but eating real(GASP) foods. Back came the three pounds. Now I'm using Jillian Michaels' Whey Powder(same counts as Medifast, trace soy, taste is passable) and it seems to be clicking. Switched to "Kitchen Basics" Veg Broth - acceptable and am sticking to the plan. Oddly enough, I feel okay and actually feel like I have more energy. My poor husband is trying to eat what I do for dinner(except more) - tonight's fare (salmon,steamed broccoli and a cup of lettuce) didn't do it for him. Do we have any frozen pizza in basement freezer?!:confused:
RavenClaw779

RavenClaw779

1
Blog 81481
 

Happy Valentines Day to Me!!

Today was nice. Feeling much much better today. I am feeling 100% better than Friday after surgery. I felt good enough to walk around the mall and shop a little. My mom is great. She has helped me so much. This is the greatest gift anyone could ever give me. I am so grateful to my mother for giving me this gift of a better life. Today we got pedicures and enjoyed each others company. Im loving the new band.. Little sore but waning off the pain meds. :confused:
Jadeite

Jadeite

5
Blog 85631
 

Day 3 after surgery

Feeling Better than Yesterday...   Today is much better than yesterday. I am pretty much able to get up with little or no assistance now. (My bed is kind of high - didn't realize that would be work). I could always walk around and even go up and down stairs right after surgery. Soreness has been replaced with a feeling like a muscle that has been really worked out. The only thing that is still a bit problematic is cleaning myself well after using the bathroom. I can't fully stretch yet. Thank goodness for showers and the fact that my wounds closed up with some sort of "superglue" so they can get wet. Sorry if that is a bit more than you wanted to know, but there are lots of things that I didn't really consider. I was always thinking long term, never week one after surgery.
Lynn2988

Lynn2988

4
Blog 61243
 

It is DONE!! yeah!!

Ok this will be quick today.   So I had my surgery yesterday morning, everything went great.   I feel like I was kicked by a Mule, but over all I feel good. Fluids, not too many, and WALK! The keys for sure.   I am home today--Tricare decided they wanted me to stay over night...which worked out great. No stress, pretty quiet and Carteret General and ALL their staff was SUPERB!! Could not have hoped for better care.   Ok..more tomorrow. I am off to maybe sleep some more. :confused: Thanks for all the good wishes and Prayers! I appreciate them all!
Hotenuf2

Hotenuf2

1
Blog 72020
 

Who is that in the mirror?

Oh my, it is me! I am on my way back to being someone I recognize! Hello Gorgeous!! (lol) I can't believe it, as my face is thinning it is revealing the old me! I am on my fourth day post-op and I am starting to feel half way normal. This is due to my DH's ”miracle broth”! He made a homemade chicken broth and beans, then he pureed them in the blender and ran them through a sieve (I am on a liquid diet), this is the heartiest thing I have eaten. I actually feel as though I am being nourished, he is so sweet I am lucky to have him. :thumbup: My pain is almost gone; hardly any stiffness in my legs and my tummy is feeling better. I was wondering what I had done to myself the first day after surgery. I thought I made a big mistake by doing this, but now I know I am doing the right thing and I am excited about my future. This will be a future I am a part of, not just a bystander! I feel as if I am taking back the control of my life and it feels wonderful! :confused:
miss_seeann

miss_seeann

1
Blog 85732
 

Prep for Surgery

Why do I feel like I need to eat to everything I can before my surgery. I am so mad at myself because I know I'm over eating right now. I think it is nerves. :confused:
Neverquit

Neverquit

7
Blog 85732
 

Preparing myself for surgurey

Well I have been reading for a while, but now I'm finally brave enough to post. I have been approved for my surgery by my insurance company. I have my pre-surgery visit to my doctor on Feb. 16th and my surgery is scheduled for March 1st.   Have to say I am both excited and scared. I had told myself at one time that I was just going to have to accept that I was a larger person and learn to live with it. However, I started developing more and more health issues: High blood pressure, sleep apnea, high cholesterol, back pain.....It became evident that I needed to do something in order to make sure that I am here to see my children grow.   If anyone has tips they can give, please do. I an use all the recommendations I can get. :confused:
Neverquit

Neverquit

3

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