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Blog 90427

A blog by Bklynike

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Technology, not always a good thing

Today is the first time I have been able to get back on line. We've had no internet for a week. The cable guy actually came out on Sunday and replaced all kinds of wires and things to get us up and running. Finally, we are able to check emails again. I had well over 200, mostly garbage Because the system was down, I haven't been able to post my new green shirt picture. But I did have it taken and now the hubs has to upload it for me. I am hoping he can get to it soon. My 2nd fill was scheduled for this week, but I postponed it until after Thanksgiving. I still don't need it yet. As of today, I am down to 207lbs, which is 62 lbs since I started my journey (47lbs since my surgery). I have conquered my nemesis, the dreaded elliptical machine. I am up to 35 minutes and I really love it. I can't wait until I can get up to 1 hour on it. When I first started using it, I was only able to go about 2-3 minutes. Then I went to 5 and every time I tried it, I stayed on a minute longer than the last time. I don't get winded on it - the problem is my feet. They start to go numb. I spoke to one of the trainers who said it was not uncommon. I am hoping I will be able to get past it. I will try to get my pics uploaded and check back in within the next day or two. Have a great night everyone.

November 10, 2010

2

Again??????

I am so sick of soup, protein shakes and especially Isopure! I am doing the Isopure because of the 40 grams of protein, but I can't get it down in one sitting. So I have been doing 1/2 and 1/2. My doctor will not let me have the mushy/pureed food until a week from today. My mouth is actually watering when I think of tuna or chicken salad and I never liked them before. But that is what food deprevation can do to a person. My question is, if you are eating regular food - once past the mushy or pureed stage, how are you getting your 70-80 grams of protein a day? I would love to not drink any more proteins until after a fill. Then my doctor wants 2 days of liquids and back to mushy and then regular food. I have been eating my 3 meals a day, and in between drinking the water. I stop when I start feeling full and then I get a hunger pang or two a few hours later but they go away very quickly. Normal?

June 25, 2010

1

Breast Cancer Month

Hello fellow bandsters! My husband and I were away this weekend in Orlando, which is about 3 1/2 hours from our home. There was a horror convention going on for my husband and shopping with my girlfrieds for me. I cannot wear any of my old clothes, so I have given almost everything away to a co-worker for her and her daughter to share. So when the opportunity came up to hit some of the outlet stores with 2 friends who live up in Orlando, I jumped at the chance. I never knew the Gap carried larger sizes. Most stores will go up to a 14, the Gap goes up to a 20. I am now wearing an 18-20, so I was able to get 3 pairs of jeans and 3 sweaters for my vacation in November. We walked and walked and walked and tried on shoes, pants, tops, and had a blast. A year ago I wouldn't have been able to do the amount of walking I did this weekend. The weight loss has certainly made such a huge difference in my life. On Sunday I had a 1 hour massage at the spa while my husband was at the horror convention. I was resting/reading by the pool when he called that I should meet him for lunch. As we were walking around looking at all of the costumed people, I noticed a room with all tattoo artists doing tattoos. I have thought about getting a tattoo for a while, but never really had the opportunity - until seeing what was going on. I went into the huge room and walked around viewing some of the artist's work and found a young woman who I thought would be really good. So I actually got a tattoo. I am a breast cancer survivor. Anyone who has read my blog knows I had a mastectomy on January 5th of this year. October is breast cancer month and the month I was diagnosed with breast cancer a year ago. So, I have uploaded a picture of the tattoo that is now on the side of my left calf. Cancer certainly changed how I look at a lot of things. Losing weight and getting healthier has also made things look brighter and clearer for me. I have a better chance of keeping cancer at bay by losing weight and exercising, which is exactly what I am doing. For those of us who have had breast cancer, for anyone who knows someone who has or had breast cancer and for those of us who struggle everyday with weight, I am here to say there is hope. I am a survivor. I will succeed and I will continue fighting until I have reached my goal. I hope you all have a great evening.

October 12, 2010

1

Almost, but not quite

After work tonight we (the hubs and I) went to the gym for our Friday night sweat. On Sun and Wed we do 1/2 cardio and a 1/2 weight training. But on Friday nights we do at least an hour staight cardio. To digress for just a minute, I somehow hurt my back a short time ago and I really don't know what I did, but it has been bothering me. We bought a new mattress and I love it, but I find I am sleeping more on my back, which may be the cause of the back pain. Who knows? On Tues I had a massage at the gym, which felt great while I was getting it, but soon afterwards the pain returned. So, anyway, we pull up in front of the gym and I mention my back and my husband who has been having a hip problem. He says to me, "Why are we going to work out when we are both hurting" and I said "Because it is Friday and this is what we do on Friday." So he asked me if I had a broken leg would I still work out and I said if I had to drag it behind me the answer would be YES! Boy has my complete outlook on everything changed since the lap-band. I have totally adopted and adapted to a new lifestyle and I know I am better for it. My eating style has changed, my fluid intake has changed. In my blog from 8/4, I said I was 230.8 and I couldn't wait to be in the 220s. I weighed myself tonight after the workout and I am now 230.2. I know that by sometime next week, if not sooner, I will reach my first goal and I'll be in the 220s. I am taking 10lbs at a time so I don't get myself crazy, which my husband says is not a far trip. Small steps eventually take you where you want to go and I am on the road to my goal. One of the ladies who works in my company was walking behind me today and she caught up with me and commented that I have lost a lot of weight. She said it was very noticable from behind. I was so excited to hear that - it made me very happy. Lap-band is a great tool. It gave me the confidence I needed to get off my butt and get to the gym, eat the way I should and start feeling proud of myself and my accomplishments. I hope you all feel as wonderful as I do!

August 7, 2010

1

South Florida

Are any of you from South Florida? Has anyone used Dr. Thomas Bass as their surgeon?

April 25, 2010

1

I love this place

Thanks to those of you who are so giving and willing to share. I am so excited about my surgery and am looking forward to a new, healthier life. I love hearing about how everyone is enjoying their experience and I have learned so much. Thanks for helping me grow and I'll keep checking in to see how you are all doing. We are all working towards the same goal and I am thrilled to have friends here to share with.

May 13, 2010

1

Pre-Op Education

Had my pre-op education class tonight with RN Arlene. She was great. There were 5 other women in the class. 2 were having gastric bypass, the rest of use lap-band. One of the lap-band people was obviously not really into the whole thing. She didn't even have the common courtesy to shut her phone off, which kept ringing and playing some obnoxious child sing-song. But anyway, we got our binders to keep all of our meeting notes and handouts in one place. We discussed the protein options and what to expect the day of and the days following surgery. I am really excited and so thankful that this surgery is an option to me, even though I am paying for it. I learned how important journaling is and will definately be keeping a food diary. I have now attending 3 separate groups, but have not run into any of the same people. I would love to form some bonds with other people from my area, since we would have so much in common. The journey continues.:rolleyes2:

May 18, 2010

1

Boy am I sore!

First night at the gym - an hour and a half. Felt good to be working out, slowly, but boy am I sore already. I am afraid of what I will be like tomorrow. My surgeon is very happy I will have 2 months of exercise under my belt before my surgery. No one said losing weight was going to be easy.

April 29, 2010

1

Almost Time

I am back from my Sister's Weekend in NY. Had a blast and now it is time to start concentrating on my surgery. 2-Weeks to go. I am so excited - I can't believe it is almost here. My husband is going to the grocery store tomorrow to pick up some of the full liquid items I am going to need to I can start tasting to see which ones I like. Cream of chicken, cream of brocoli, cream of mushroom will be the first 3 soups I am going to try. I have purchased several different protein mixes and I find when used in conjunction with low fat milk (1%) and put into the blender for a few minutes, they are not so bad. I did purchase an unflavored protein mix from my Surgeon's office, but when I got home and read the label it said it has milk and soy. Being a breast cancer survivor I am not supposed to have soy, but I will see my Oncologist on Friday to see if the soy content is small enough. I really would love to have an unflavored protein to add to soup or to add my own flavoring to, so please keep your fingers crossed that I can use it. Anyone have any good ideas for the pre-surgery diet?:thumbup:

June 7, 2010

1

Doing Well

So, I started myself on pureed food this past Wed night. Today is Sat and I am doing really well. I feel content - unlike with the soup thing my stomach is not always grumbling and I am not always hungry. I am sticking to 4 oz tuna or chicken salad, jello, string cheese, scrambled eggs, ice pops. I see my doctor on Tues and I'll see what he says. My only concern is that I am not sure if I am getting enough protein. The doctor's office told me not to worry at the beginning and I just had surgery 2 weeks ago this coming Monday. I am averaging about 45 grams, but I do feel really good. I guess I could add a protein shake or Isopure, but I haven't NEEDED to add anything. That may change once on regular food and after I have healed more. Anyone have any suggestions as to what you did at this point in your journey? I am at the gym 3 days a week, although next week I want to go to 4 days. I am happier than I have been in years. Have a wonderful 4th to all of you bandsters out there.

July 3, 2010

1

Not a banner day

Well, I was at the gym tonight. I had a horrible day at work and my right knee was bothering me, but I got on the treadmill and walked .88 miles. I did about 20 minutes on the sit-stepper and 12 minutes on the sci-fit machine. I just wasn't able to do as much as I wanted to do. But, I will make up for it on Sunday. Got a call from my surgeon's office today to confirm my appointment on Monday at 9:15. I am so excited - I am so ready for this. Have a great weekend everyone.

May 21, 2010

1

On My Way

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

May 25, 2010

1

I am ready

I saw the nutritionist today and she has me on track. I start my full liquids on Monday and next Sun, the 20th I do the clear liquids. My big Re-Birthday is on Monday, June 21st and I am so excited. That doesn't mean I am not nervious or scared of the future, but I am happy it is finally arriving. I think giving up pasta and french fries is going to be difficult for a while, But, I am taking control of myself and I want to be illness free more than I want pasta and french fries. The hubs, my strongest supporter, has lost 13.2lbs. He is not having the lap-band, we are self-pay. I am the fortunate one getting it. He believes he can lose the weight on his own, and he is proving he can. I so wish him the best. He has been with me from day one. He attends every doctor's appointment, every nutritionist appointment and every supoprt group. If down the road he needs the surgery, we'll figure out a way to get it for him. But, in the meantime, he is joining me on my journey. He is the best co-pilot anyone could have. Good luck to anyone having the surgery next week. Please wish me well on June 21st. Have a great weekend. :bored:

June 12, 2010

1

Day 4 - Fun? You bet.

Today is day 4 and I am doing so much better than I have ever believed possible. It must be that I am a Brooklyn chick and very tough stuff! I am so happy. I have not needed any pain medication since surgery day, I am able to get down and keep down my protein shake for breakfast (1/2 cup) with a cup of decaf coffee. Lunch is a cup of cream soup and 1/2 bottle of Isopur. Dinner is the 2nd cup of cream soup and if hungry, the 2nd 1/2 bottle of Isopur and an ice pop. I am not up to my 70-80 grams of protein, but my surgeon's office said that will come soon. By the way, I tried the Greek Yogurt and can't eat it. So, until 1 week from Friday, I will continue with this full liquid diet. When the cream of whatever soup calls for milk, I use water keeping the calories and fat as low as possible. Tonight I tried Cream of Shrimp soup. It was really good - I didn't even know they made that. So, I am healing really well and was resting very nicely until we got the call last night that my father-in-law, who lives 45 minutes from us was rushed to the hospital yesterday with some kind of bowel or intestinal blockage. They are running cat scans and other tests to determine what is going on. So we packed up the car and ran to the hospital. We will know more tomorrow. And then tonight we got a call from my brother-in-law who lives in CT to tell us he was rushed to the hospital with a blockage in his heart. Yes folks, the laughs just keep coming. So as happy and thrilled as I am for myself, I am devastated about them. We will find out more about the in-laws tomorrow, but in the meantime, please keep good thoughts for them.

June 25, 2010

1

Fast & Furious

As my surgery date nears, things are starting to come quickly. I have my dietician appointment set up for this coming Friday AM. Then I have a support group on the Friday PM. I have a class on Monday the 17th and my surgeon will see me on the 25th. I am really getting excited now. I've been going to the gym for 3 weeks now and I am so amazing that I didn't think I could walk or peddle or push or pull, but I am doing it all and I am so proud of myself. For all of us taking this journey I wish us all well. It is not going to be an easy trip, but I want to take the ride. :smile:

May 10, 2010

1

Scared?

I just received a message from a soon-to-be bandster and she mentioned she was scared of the surgery. I thought it was important to mention that even if you are scared of the surgery, it is scarier to go through life without it. I never mentioned, but I was not heavy all of my life. 22 years ago, just before marrying the man of my dreams, I had an accident at work. I was a Code Enforcement Officer and was removing an illegal sign that was nailed to a tree. The sign was very high up and I lifted my arms, pulling the sign side-to-side until the nails came out and the sign came down. The sign was extremely heavy and when it came down, it bent me in half. I rolled the sign over, end over end, and put it into my car. When I started to get out of the car, I could barely move. It turns out I hurniated 2 disks - one in my neck and one in my lower back. I also caused some nerve damage in my neck. The pain was and still is remarkable. I went to several doctors who said I should stop going to the gym and not lift anything heavier than a loaf of bread. That surgery would be my best option, which I opted not to have. Believe it or not, but I wore a size 3/4 to my wedding, that needed to be taken in. Sitting around, doing absolutely nothing caused me to start gaining weight. Then I quit smoking, which added about 45 lbs to my already growing mass. I became very depressed and ate myself into oblivion. I was not allowed to exercise, which did me a huge disservice. So even back then I knew exercise would help me, but I listened to the doctors and kept growing and growing to a size 26. And of course all of the co-morbidities jumped on board for the ride and it became difficult to walk. Well, I am on my way to a healthier, better life. I still have neck and back pain, but I push through them. I work out like an animal at the gym becuase I see how much better I am doing with this small weight loss and I can't wait until I lose all I need to lose. 35 lbs since my surgery, 14 prior to surgery and about 70 lbs to go. So trust me when I tell you I will get there. I am down to a size 18 pant and an XL top. People are really taking notice of my loss and telling me how good I look. I can't tell you how good that makes me feel. I am already looking forward to my October picture in my green shirt! Have a great night everyone.

September 23, 2010

0

My Journey At Last

Tomorrow I start the process and I can't wait. I have a 10:30 appointment with the nutritionist. Then at 5:00 I will be attending a group support meeting entitled "Relaxation into your Journey". My exercise plan has been working out really well at the gym. I didn't want to join an LA Fitness or one of those other types of gyms, so we joined the fitness center affiliated with my hospital. It is wonderful - I am actually up to 1.25 miles on the treadmill and 30 minutes of cardio on other machines. I know I can do this. I know the lap-band is going to change my life. I am so happy today - I am cancer free and getting banded. Wow, who would have thought.:smile:

May 14, 2010

0

Day 2

2 days of the full liquids so far. I will continue on this "diet" until Sat. Sunday I get to have clear liquids in preparation of the surgery on Monday. I must say that yesterday I was starving all day long. Loud grumbling noises that I couldn't control, even after a Jello snack. Today, not so much. I brought a Jello, 1 cup of beef broth and 1 bottle of Isopur Apple Melon, plus I drank around 25 oz of water and another 25 oz of water w/Crysal Lite. While the Apple Melon was not my favorite, (love the Grape Forest), I drank the entire 40g protein drink. I didn't finish either the broth or the Jello and I am feeling fine. Would I love a hamburger? You bet, but I want the lap-band more. I am so happy to have found this site. Everyone has been so helpful, friendly and encourging. I get so excited when I see that someone has responded to a blog I wrote. The ideas and recipes I have received are priceless and I can't wait to start using them when on solid food again. Hearing how well so many of you have done, I know I have a real fighting chance to do the same. My husband paid the surgery bill today, so the only thing left to do is stay on track with the liquids and get through the surgery. More tomorrow...

June 15, 2010

0

On my way

Today's nutritionist meeting went very well. I learned a lot about the 70-80 grams of protein I will be allowed each day and the 64 oz of water I will have to drink. I also found out I had lost 3 lbs. Tonight's support group meeting surprised me that there were only 3 other women at the meeting. 3 of us are having Lap-Band, while one very nice woman is having the sleeve. I understand that journal writing, or in my case blogging and reading other people accounts of their journey are very helpful. So, if you have any good suggestions, please make them.

May 15, 2010

0

exercise

Hubby and I were at the gym tonight. I am up to 1.28 miles on the treadmill and 1/2 hour on 2 other machines. I feel exhausted, excited and just so happy I started this process. While I know the exercise will help in the long run, without the lap-band I know the weight will not come off. The diabetes, sleep apnea, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, knee and back pain, etc., etc. will continue. But with the lap-band, eating the correct way and the exercise - I have a winning combination. Has anyone got any good Protein smoothie recipes?

May 19, 2010

0

So, here we go

Tomorrow I will be at my doctor's office at 9:15am for my blood work and pre-surgery clearance. One week from today I start my full liquid diet and on Sunday the 20th my clear liquids. The 21st is my re-birthday and I am so exicted, nervous, anxious and ready to go.:eek: Tomorrow night's dinner will consist of different cream soups so I can see which ones I like. I don't like yogurt or custards, so I am hoping to find some good soups to keep me full. I wish you all good luck and hope we can all share our stories of weight loss and great success.

June 8, 2010

0

Memorial Day Weekend Getaway

You call it Memorial Day Weekend, I call it Sister's Weekend. I am making my annual trek to NY to see my twin sister. I will be back on June 2nd and will have my blood work on June 3rd in preparation for my surgery. On June 8th I am having my medical clearance and then on the 21st my life-saving surgery. I am so happy that after being diagnosed with breast cancer last year (October), having a mastectomy on Jan 5th, 2010, now being cancer free, I have some wonderful things to look forward to. There is life after breast cancer and with my new Lap Band, it will be a long, healthy life. To everyone out there who reads my blog, have a wonderful long weekend. If you have recently been banded, I hope it was easy for you and you are doing great. For those of you planning and waiting for the day, as I am, WE ROCK!

May 27, 2010

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