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LoseIt!'s Blog
 

Thinking before eating...

I know I have already blogged today, but I thought this was funny. Today was to be the first day I would eat solid food "in public". My company has a team lunch the first Friday of each month. This month we had BBQ which will be great after I am on the full post op diet, but I'm still working up to that.   I contacted the food orderer before and asked what was being served. After I figured out I couldn't eat anything, I decided to bring a potato and just heat it up in the microwave.   So I am preparing my potato and I add some shredded havarti and some sour cream and to spice it up...some hot picante. Yum! The first delight was absolutely delicious. And then it occurred to me that I can't drink anything. Ha! And oops. I ate it and it was wonderful, but I was sweating bullets during the meeting portion of the lunch!   At least the meeting lasted long enough that I could go get a nice big glass of water as soon as it was over. I guess I will have to be a little more careful with spicy food!! :drool:
LoseIt!

LoseIt!

2
Blog 82709
 

Giby97, Today's the day for FILL #2 DOWN 21.1 LBS

Today, Sat, I am headed to the doc for my second FILL-just 22 days after my first FILL.:confused: Down 21.1 lbs and feeling fantastic, more energy than ever. :biggrin: Been getting up at 3 to 4 am everymorning, just ready to begin a new day. I look forward to my trip today, nearly 10 hours traveling by bus, taxi and subway in the crowded city of Seoul, Korea. :thumbup: One could get lost you know cause every place looks the same, but I have a fix for that, I am taking my Korean wife with me, Yes. :drool: She is also my interpreter if need be. I am not nervous, but excited, cause I want that feeling of fullness again. I guess when it wears off you tend to be more hungry-which I have been fighting some the last few days, but maintaining. I want to succeed and will, I can see 165 to 170 lbs in sight. :cursing: I am prepared for this journey. Feeling great mentally, and physically now, lots of energy in the a.m. Not winded going up 3 to 6 flights of steps either. Love my LAPBAND!!!:thumbup:
Giby97

Giby97

5
LoseIt!'s Blog
 

20 lbs & 2 NSVs!

It has been 10 days since my surgery and I'm really starting to get back in the swing of things. If you read my earlier blog, you know that I was having esophageal spasms that hurt tremendously. Well, as the swelling has gone down, the spasms have almost fully gone away. Yay! I hope that means that I won't have problems with fills, but I will definitely keep track of it. As of today, I am down 21.1 lbs. I include my pre-op diet pounds in my total because it is all part of the process. I am a little worried that I will gain some now that I am eating solid food, but alas, that is part of the process as well. I had TWO non-scale victories today. I am a HUGE Colts fan and my best friend is a HUGE Saints fan. She mentioned a couple weeks ago that she was planning to wear her cute little women's cut Saints jersey to work today. Well, my XXL men's Colts jersey hasn't fit for months. I tried it on last night and it doesn't look half bad! YAY! So, I can represent! That is NSV #1. NSV #2 - I haven't worn my rings in several months. I kept telling myself it was because I was "swollen". Heh. Anyway, they are a little snug, but I'm wearing my rings (that I wore everyday for about 10 years) again today. It is only the beginning and good things are just flying at me!! Hope you all are having a bandtastic week!
LoseIt!

LoseIt!

5
Blog 1118
 

Weigh Day...10 weeks out

Yay!! Down 4 more pounds!! 44 pounds down! This week I've been under a lot of stress with work...not doing well with protein although I did buy some protein bars. One thing I've noticed this week is that I'm just NOT EVER hungry. Not necessarily a good thing for me, I find myself working at my desk and its noon or 1 o'clock without anything but coffee...yikes! Also, I'm thinking of switching from Prilosec to something else...I find that I am getting sort of a upset stomach, maybe its a little heartburn, not sure but annoying. I have started drinking Carnation Instant Breakfast to get me some protein, maybe not the best choice but I like it. I'm finding ways to cope with eating so little. My fiance' and I share entrees or he eats what I can't. I'm still only able to eat maybe 1/2 cup, depending on how dense the food is. I just don't care about food anymore, this has been a big emotional issue for me. I've lost my friend. (sigh) I think it will take me a long time to adjust to that part. Its a daily struggle. Last night when I was cooking, (and I LOVE to cook) it was like I was just going through the motions, weird, not satisfying or fun...just a task to complete. I realize now that the journey is complex, the physical part is nothing compared to the emotional part. An everyday struggle. I'm finding that, though I'm happy about the weight loss, this feeling of loss of my (food) friend is greater. I know it will balance itself out sooner or later, I know I will adjust as I have with everything else in my life, just a bumpy road for now...Stay Tuned.
Shontel

Shontel

4
Blog 60647
 

Surgery Day (2/3/10) and the day after

I'm so excited that I can finally write this blog! I did so much research before having my surgery so I'd be ready for everything that could possibly come my way. I was excited, nervous, scared, all at the same time. Kinda like the first day of school. You know it's for the best and you need to do it but at the same time getting stabbed 5 times is inevitable.   My friend Joanna came and picked me up at 5:30am and we arrived at the Surgical center at 6:15 to check in. We didnt wait long before I was being called back to get prepped for surgery. My hot nurse Troy gave me a pregnancy test, put in my IV, gave me a shot to thin my blood and flirted a little. Soon after my anesthesiologist (The Candy Man) came in and introduced himself. I must have been asked 20 times by 5 different peope if I'm allergic to anything. The Candy Man explained what anesthetic he was going to use and assured me that he was going to put me lightly under so it would be easier to wake up and would cause less nausia.   Just before I was wheeled back, another nurse came in and gave me a pill to prevent nausia (I think it was called Advent or something). Once I arrived in the OR Candy Man was there and he put something in my IV. This stuff was AWESOME!! I was stoned out of my mind. I dont remember ever being that mellow and relaxed in my life! Apparently that was supposed to knock me out and I wasnt yet so they decided to give me gas as well.   Next think I knew I was trying to clear my throat but my left side hurt like hell and it was hard to catch my breath. I couldnt open my eyes, I couldnt move my arms... I figured that I was out of surgery so I just stayed still and waited a little bit. Coming out of the anesthetic was very hard. I couldnt open my eyes without being very dizzy. I never felt nausious... just really dizzy and disoriented.   I soon realized that Joanna was there too. I tried to joke but nothing would come out. I heard her say something about a hernia. I found out later that while they were placing the band they found a hiatal hernia and corrected it at the same time. So now I have more internal stitches than the average lap-band®® patient where they had to repair my diaphram. This is why I have a little trouble taking a deep breath. This also explains why after I had my second baby I never stopped having heartburn and acid reflux. It's likely I developed the hernia during pregnancy. It was never bad enough to send me to the Dr... so it's possible that this surgery saved me in more ways than just the one.   Waaaaay before I felt ready to go they were having me get dressed so I could head home. I had only been awake for about an hour and I was still very dizzy. Joanna and Hottie nurse Troy had to help me with my pants and then I was in a wheelchair and then in the car. I slept almost the whole way home. When I got home Joanna stayed with me until my husband arrived with my pain meds and the anti-nausia meds. I took the liquid hydrocodone and went to sleep on the couch. I would wake up here and there to sip water. After 2-3 hours of this I felt the need to move. I had read that the best way to deal with the pain from the gas they inflate your stomach with is to move. I cant even TELL you how bad the gas pain was. The pain meds dont even KINDA deminish this. It's way worse than I thought it would be. But walking and moving REALLY REALLY helps. Soon you burp a little... then a little more. A little toot... a biiiiiig toot and you start feeling like a normal person again.   I didnt feel much like drinking or eating anything. I forced myself to drink water. Later I mixed in a little gatoraid into the water to help out with my electrolites. I didnt want any broth but I managed some green tea in the evening. When I woke up the next morning... I was feeling 100x better!! The pain in my chest and shoulder was still there but not nearly as debilitating as the day before. I was able to get up with out either someone helping me or five minutes of working up to it. By the end of the second day I didnt need a pillow under my stomach if I layed down. Im amazed by how much better I feel as time passes. The key is to keep moving. Take walks!! Seems like a small thing but even going to the curb and back helps A LOT! I have had a little work out with every visitor I've had so far. It's a good excuse to get out of the house and you're not going alone in case you get dizzy or queezy.   I really feel lucky. I read a lot of other people's surgery blogs and almost everyone talked about dry heaves or vomiting... I did NONE of this at all. I did feel a little like I might today after having some Carnation Instant Breakfast mixed with protein powder and heated. It was yummy but I think I had a little too much. You know... a whopping three tablespoons. I stood up and moved around a little. After a burp I felt better but still very full. I cant get over how such little food can make me soooo full. I seriously felt like I had just gorged at a Vegas buffet.   Now I look forward to being able to post update photos. I'm also getting anxious to be allowed to start riding my bike again. I miss my morning rides. I have still been waking up at 4am and since I'm sleeping on the couch and my bike is in the living room he's been stairing at me. Poor Zeus... We'll go out just as soon as I get clearance buddy... promise!   I'm a little nervous about going back to work. As of today I'm absolutely not ready but I still have 3 days before I'm expected back. I know I feel better every day but the thought of standing all day scares me. I'm also trying to work out how I'm going to eat at work. But I'm sure I'll be fine. I'm just a control freak and the not knowing makes me a little nuts.   So that's my surgery story everyone. Stay tuned as I plan on posting regularly on how i'm doing, feeling, recipes I've come up with and of course... weight loss updates!   Debi Banded 2/3/10 Start weight 258 Current Weight 240 (Lost 18 lbs on pre-op diet) Goal Weight 130   Created by MyFitnessPal.com - Free Calorie Counter
SewKnotty

SewKnotty

6
Blog 1536
 

Reducing My Meds

I had my first appointment with my doctor since this whole process has started. He was excited to here that I was contacted and have already been through the pre-op exam and education. I told him that with a decrease in calories and increase in exercise I have begun to have several blood sugar crashes and lows. He told me to reduce my Minidiab by 5mgs so that means one less pill on the days intake hehe. I was very glad about this. It was my evening dose I took away, and this morning my blood sugar was 6,4 which is about 117 on the American scale. I am happy with it, because I had a bowl of pea soup before I laid down last night. YAY! I eat often and in little meals....trying to teach my body to accept the smaller meals early on, and it seems that metabolism likes it to. More pre-op weight loss to come. :001_tt2:
PhatmanWalkin

PhatmanWalkin

3
Blog 80730
 

On my way

Well it has been a little over 2 weeks.. glad I did it. No regrets at all. Today I have been hungry but all in all it has not been difficult. I have lost 13 lbs so far. I can really feel a difference, not to mention I am starting to look different. I am off all of my meds which is great! Eating applesauce, oatmeal and grits. My fav has to be the grits. Can honestly say I am starting to dislike sweets (where did that come from?) I thought I loved sweets. I can tell this is going to give me a new lease on life. Wish I had done it sooner. :drool:
taybjb

taybjb

2
Blog 1291
 

Regain?

I am starting the process for WLS so I am doing alot of reading about all the differant surgeries. I think the sleeve is the way to go but I still read everything I can get my hands on so I was on OH and I saw this blog written by a girl that had RNY and how she had gained all her weight back and several people commented on her blog and they too had gained most of their weight back. Most of them had RNY there was 1 who had VSG but I was surprised @ how many people had regained their weight! These people were like 4yrs out...I am concerned because this is a lot to go through to turn around in 4 yrs and gain all the weight back! Is this common? :001_tt2:
erika9498

erika9498

2
Blog 85083
 

pros and cons

any information anyone can share will be greatly appreciated. I am meeting with my surgeon on 2/26. what should i expect and what questions should i ask?:drool:
TDUPREE61

TDUPREE61

2
Blog 79919
 

Insurance Appoved!

A great day has come for me! :confused: My insurance approved surgery! March 3rd is the date but I have a ton of appointments to get to first. I feel very blessed. This is my year and yours too! :drool: Vios Con Dios!
kleinow01

kleinow01

6
Blog 295
 

6 Month Surgiversary!!!

Time sure has flown by these past 6 months. I feel so blessed that I was given this opportunity to get healthy and have ZERO REGRETS that I had it done. I've gotten a few private messages asking about my experience, so I thought this would be a great time and place to post a recap (as well as I can remember it). These thoughts are pretty random and just share the ups and downs of my journey so far.   I began my journey with researching wls in April of 2009. Attended a seminar with my surgeon in May, and set up my consultation visit for June 24. At my consultation I weighed 238 lbs. (down 3 pounds from my all time heaviest). I started my pre-op diet (modified Atkins) in July 2009, and had my surgery on August 4, weighing 222 lbs. Today I weigh in at 149 pounds!   My starting clothing size was a woman's 22-24. I am currently wearing a 6-8 and actually just bought yesterday a size 4 dress that fits beautifully (it obviously runs large). I never dreamed, planned, or hoped to be this small and still don't see this person. In the mirror I still see the same larger person with flaws and scars, but when I take pictures and compare them I can tell the difference.   My biggest struggle as an early post-op was with protein consumption. I was lucky to get in 30 grams of protein per day the first month out (some days I did well, but not consistently). I had a very difficult time finding protein drinks that I could tolerate. I found Chike Orange Cream and thought it tasted pretty good, but early out it would give me such bad cramping. I then found Bariatric Advantage Sangria flavor around 3 weeks post-op and did pretty well sipping one each morning.   Another struggle I faced (and still do to some extent) was with constipation. There was one time that I was constipated for like 8 days. Adding in apples and spinach seemed to help in that area.   Around 3-4 months post-op I decided to try to lose the remainder of my weight following a more balanced diet...up until that point I was pretty much sticking to no more than 30 carbs per day. The weight loss definitely slowed down when I upped the carbs, but for me it was okay. I figured if I could lose weight following a more balanced diet, I wouldn't have to worry so much in maintenance about gaining much weight back (who knows if this will actually be the case). As of today, I am still 1 pound away from my goal weight and if I don't hit goal in the next couple of weeks, I plan to low carb it for a while.   One of the BEST things I think I did during the post-op process was to establish a good, solid exercise routine. Each day from 1 day post-op, I walked A LOT. During the first month I walked the boardwalk and built up to 2-3 miles per outing. When I was cleared for exercise (4 weeks out) I started back to Jazzercise and signed up for water aerobics. The water class did not work out for different reasons, but I stuck with Jazzercise and by two months out was attending 5 days per week. I have now added a tap class (my favorite) into my schedule and have cut back one day of Jazzercise to accommodate. Each month I notice myself getting stronger and capable to do more (my energy levels are through the roof) and I feel I owe this to the exercise routine I've got going on. During this last month, although I haven't dropped much weight on the scale, I've definitely noticed myself toning up a lot more. Again, I attribute the exercising to this.   I feel so blessed that I have this tool and just want to say again, I LOVE MY SLEEVE!!!
deedee

deedee

7
Lapband LaLa
 

Week 38...GOAL...115lbs Lost

Well....my day is here! As of this morning...I have hit my goal weight of 165lbs!:thumbup:   I knew this day would come but until you actually see it, you just don't believe it!:drool:   Funny, I thought I'd be jumping up and down and screaming over it, but I am pretty calm about it and happy as a lark.   I had to go for a tad bit of unfill yesterday. I am down to 5.2cc's. My body is adjusting a bit and I may have to go in again for another tweak by getting more taken out so I can maintain.   It's amazing to me that I don't need as much fill as others. I mean I just assumed we all were pretty much on the same with that but not needing much more than 5cc's is amazing to me.   Anything too much over 5.4cc and I get stuck and throw up in my sleep. Which is NOT a pleasant feeling at all.:biggrin: It's scary because I think, what if I don't wake up and I choke?!   So now, the major question is....do I need to lose more or should I be happy with what I am now? My initial goal was 170 but then I thought 165 would be better for BMI purposes. Now I am not really sure if I want to stop. What about 160? Plan for the monthly weight gain, blah, blah, blah. Am I turning into one of those skinny bitties who obsesses over the scale!:thumbup:   There are some places I feel need to get a little thinner but I am not sure if it's because they are not quite as toned as I want them to be or if it's really just a tad bit flabby.   Everyone knows from previous posts I am not exactly happy with where my tummy is but I want to give it a full year before considering anything else.   I tried on a size 10 and danced all around the dressing room when they fit. I am thrilled with that....so what is it in me right now that wants more? I am going to have to meditate on that. I mean, I don't want to look sickly! Shape and curves are good.:thumbup: RIGHT???? I am feeling really silly right now...why am I not as happy as I thought I would be?   On a different note...my doc left the office where he was. He is on an extended vacation right now and when he comes back he will decide where he will be. Not sure how I feel about that. I love him but I love my nurses too. I bet my main nurse will go with him and if that happens I will move my files with him. Didn't see that coming!:confused:   As always....I AM BLESSED!     Why not go out on a limb? Isn't that where the fruit is?:cursing:   Surgery Date: May 21, 2009 Starting Weight: 280lbs Dr. Michael Metz - St. Luke's Hospital Denver, CO:thumbup: Follow my progress thru photos: http://www.lapbandtalk.com/members/5...lbums3475.html  
Lapband LaLa

Lapband LaLa

8
EllinidaGreek's Journal
 

Day 3 preop diet

SO YESTERDAY I WANTED TO CHEAT.. I PROMISED MYSELF I WOULDNT. BECAUSE I KNEW I'D HATE STARTING OVER AGAIN..I SOOOOOO WANT A RARE STEAK, WITH MASHED POTATOS..MMM YUMMMOOO!!   SO I'VE BEEN DRINKING TONS OF WATER AND ENJOYING MY DINNERS..   TOMORRO IS DAY..4 RIGHT? STARTED ON TUESDAY? HOPE I'M COUNTING RIGHT :drool:   I CAN DO THIS!
KatrinaD

KatrinaD

8
Blog 77597
 

Got Insurance Back!

Got back on insurance yesterday! Then called my Dr. and said, file that insurance and get me my refund! It took the day before filing for a court hearing to show I was serious about putting me back on insurance. So all he had to do was call and put me back on and I was back on as if I never lost the insurance! Now I can stopped being so stressed. The P.A. who did my fill said that stress was definitely a factor as to why I hadn't lost any weight and I had been working out so much! Plus he said I wasn't taking in enough calories and my body was holding on to the weight. Imagine that? So day 2 after fill and eating mashed potatoes again, but no pain, just a big fat bruise at the port site. No weight loss this week, GRRRRRR! And I have another appointment for my next fill in 3 weeks! Wow! Spring is coming quick and I am hoping to be down another 40 lbs for my final divorce hearing! Strut my stuff and be proud of it! Having the lap band is not a magical overnight fix it, I am still putting in the hard work and won't give up!:drool:
girlcoulter

girlcoulter

1
Blog 1393
 

1 Week Post OP

I am one week post op and I am already down 16 pounds. I couldn't believe it when I stode on the scale today. I did tell the doctor, I am having a hard time with my protein. After a week of being on it, it gets harder and harder to stomach. To me that taste is absolutely disgusting. He did tell me I could add reduced fat peanut butter and bananas to spice them up. I must say, adding peanut butter to one was much better this afternoon.
success_n_2010

success_n_2010

1
Blog 70706
 

Ack! Help! Pre-fill hunger...

I was banded 1/14 and am now in the pureed/mushy stage of the diet. I am trying to follow the diet guidelines and am struggling. I am supposed to drink protein throughout the day (but not 30 min before/after eating) and have 3 small meals. My biggest problem is that I am huuuuuuungry. On average, I am getting about 50-60 grams of protein from protein drinks, but my food portions are tiny. For example, I had a protein drink this morning and 4 oz of yogurt for breakfast. Now for lunch I am having 4 oz of lentil soup. I am doing my best to fill up with water and tea, but still very hungry. Does anyone have any suggestions? Thank you!
Wordsmyth

Wordsmyth

13
Blog 1110
 

It's been a few weeks, and it's a done deal!

I did have the surgery Jan 19th. All went very smoothly for the most part. I was really impressed and happy with Dr. Aceves and his staff. Hubby and I were surprised at how accommodating they are. I have had to contact Dr. Aceves office several times for questions etc. and they always reply with in a few hours, on the other hand, I can call my local doc and wait hours and sometime days to get an answer or response back. Doesn't make any sense to me.   I did have one complication from surgery and that is a blood clot in my left arm as a result of the IV from surgery. I noticed a lump on my arm after being home several days and ended up in the ER room twice as a result. The good news is that my arm is much improved. At the beginning it would swell and hurt quite a bit. Now only my hand hurts. So I'm pretty sure it's on the mend. It was scary though as my family doc explained that it can break up and move to your brain/lungs or heart and kill you. Not exactly what I wanted to hear.   I've done really well with liquids and have sucessfully gone through phase I & II of my post op diet. This saturday I can start eating mushies. I'm so looking forward to that. I really haven't been hungry much at all, so it's more that I'd like to be chewing.   A few times (just for a second) I've had that "What have I done" question pop into my head, but it leaves very quickly. I know this is the best thing I could have done for myself. I only wish this would have been available 20 years ago. I think my life, like so many others would have been so different. Oh well, we are who we are because of what we've been through. I don't want to end up like all my other family members (DEAD). My mother died of Lups in her 50s. My dad died of cancer in his 60's. My brother died of complications from diabetis in his 40's. Obviously these things run in families. Hopefully this surgery will help me to be healthy and live a longer life.   More later when time permits. :001_tt2:
Barbara278

Barbara278

5
Blog 84031
 

Stress test

I had my chemical stress test yesterday. It was not as bad as I anticipated. The only thing I noticed during the test was a funny (indescribable) taste in my mouth and then later a very bad headache. I went home after the test and laid down for a while, fell asleep and when I woke up it was gone. The craziest thing was that after the injection of the chemical and isotope, I needed to wait about an hour, at this point the doctor ordered a FATTY MEAL!. That was a first, so I have fried chcken tenders, french fries, and a brownie. This helps the chemicals to go to you heart and the films are better. PRETTY WILD! Anyway, not a bad experience at all.
PB78640

PB78640

1
Blog 80125
 

to weigh or not to weigh...

When I first started this journey I told everyone I was only going to weigh-in at my doc appts. I thought this way I would see the progress in the numbers. So, I waited until my 2 week appt to weigh. Then I waited until my 6th week appt to weigh again. But, then I bought a scale and said I would weigh in once a week (every monday). But, now I can't seem to stay off the damn thing! And I really really don't want to do that to myself! Plus I really think your body needs a full week to regulate to its weight loss and fluid gains and stuff, yet here I am weighing myself again when I just did on Monday. I NEED TO STOP!!!
Theresa'sMom415

Theresa'sMom415

8
Blog 83423
 

The Unwrapping of Me!

44 sticks of butter down, but I almost wiped out a Subway! So I've been doing the mostly liquid pre-op diet--the usual protien shakes, cream of wheat, yogurt, pudding, popsicles, jello and apple sauce--all sugar free and all very bland. The great thing so far is I am down 44 sticks of butter--for those that don't cook that is 11 pounds! Yesterday I thought I'd give myself a break from cooking for the rest of the family--kind of a slow methodical torture as I chop, dice and can't taste. I decided to grab them subway. Now I see the flaw in that. While I didn't deviate form my pre-op plan, I did have a singel moment of insanity one where I for just an instant thought I might jump over the counter and begin a two fisted grazing from the letuce bin. Yes, all the other stuff they have there and all I kept thinking was wow that is some beautiful fresh green lettuce--look at the color, I bet it crunches really nice too. Sick! Back to reality I have to place the order and with my eyes glazed over like a maniac I may be frightening to the poor kid fixing my order! The subway remains safely in tact as do the subs for the ride home and each of the family members got their dinner without any missing bites.
patsal

patsal

5
Blog 81087
 

Down 10lbs in less than a week.

Well update! today i went to the docters office for my post op check up. Everything appears to be good I feel back to normal, fortunately i didn't need to take any pain meds post op and recovered fairly fast. This journey has been good so far the hardest part for me is the diet. I guess that is something I will battle with for the rest of my life. Food is truly an addiction the first two days I wanted to eat something so bad, eventhough i wasn't hungry.   The good news is i'm down 10lbs so far in less than a week. I know! numbers really dont matter cuz long term it's just that a number. But at this point is a good start, one thing that I do need to get better at is exercise, I havent walked since sunday. One thing I am looking for is some good recipes for protein shakes or smoothies. Also if someone could give me input on what supplements are good i would appreciate it. For now all im taking is a multi vitamin and tums for calcium.
jdog75

jdog75

4

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