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Moved!

...to Minnesota, that is!   In fact, the movers are here as we speak. They were supposed to be here yesterday...no tip for them! 3 nights of sleeping on the floor bites...just sayin'.   So, lots of stress and having to eat out for the last 4 days (since my kitchen was packed up!) means I haven't lost any more weight! So I'm down 4 pounds since my first fill. I have to call the local doc today to try to get in for a second fill at the end of the month.   On that note, I got my op report and fille report from my surgeon back in Chicago and it was a very interesting read!! Kinda weird how they described in detail everything they did during the surgery...pulling back the liver, cuting here or there...seems unreal! Good thing I'm not too squeamish about that kind of stuff! Ha! Oh, I also found out that since my first fill, I have 3cc in a 10cc band. Good to know!   Ok, this was just an "I'm still alive, just busy!" blog. :smile: Now that I'm starting to settle in, I'll be able to get online more often.   Blessings, all!   xo   ~ M :tt2:
maggs79

maggs79

4
 

1st follow up--and great news! (not band related)

I had my follow up with my surgeon today. He said everything looks great! I've lost 4 pounds since Monday, not including the 4 pounds I gained in swelling and lost by Wednesday. So, yay for that! He said everything looks good and that my surgery was very straight forward and easy.   My first fill is scheduled for July 12th and I get to start on mushies on Monday! Woo!!   On to my "great news!"   K, so I am a photographer--mainly children, seniors and families--and every year my company has a contest for what they call the "Chairman's Award." Basically that's a fancy title for photographer of the year. The prize is $25,000!! That's right, 25k! Last year I was a finalist and placed 4th. Still really cool to have been a finalist. This year the competition is a LOT tougher!! We've moved from in-studio sessions only to on-location photography as well. About 1,300 people entered this year (as opposed to the 460 last year) and......I'm one of the 8 finalists again!!! PLUS one of my images is up for top prize in its category!! :confused: (And I'm the only finalist that has been a finalist before! If I don't win, I'm going to call myself Susan Lucci! LOL)   I am just SO excited and I had to share this news!! I got the call as I was driving to my doctor's appointment today. It made for a very good visit to the doctor! LOL   So that leads me to a question. I am scheduled to have my fill on July 12th. The meeting/awards ceremony is July 15th and they always serve dinner and drinks, etc. Should I just wait an extra week for my fill since I'll have to be on liquids during my time up there if I don't wait?   What do you think?
maggs79

maggs79

7
 

Day 3 post op - Full Liquids!!

I am SO glad to be able to have a protein shake!! It makes me feel so much better than drinking water, V8 Splash and jello could ever do!   My swelling is going down too, I can tell. The pain is also I think reduced quite a bit. I woke up at 4 am a little thirsty. Had some V8 juice and some tylenol and that did the trick to let me get back to sleep.   Still using an icepack, but just for comfort alone. And STILL no gas pains! I think I may have gotten really lucky with that. We'll see!   I had gained 4 pounds from the swelling and water retention from surgery, but I've lost that now. Let's hope the weight continues to go DOWN. Though right now I'm not as concerned with that I am with just healing and feeling 100% again.   This hasn't been as bad as I had imagined it, to be honest. I only hope it continues to be a blessing and not a curse.   Thanks again for all the feedback! You have no idea (well, you probably do have an idea, actually) how much it means to me to hear from all of you. :tt1:   Have a great day everyone!   xo   Maggs
maggs79

maggs79

4
 

Better today!

Yesterday was just bad. Blah. I'm over it!   Anyway, today I got up super early (thanks in part to the crack of lightning and thunder just outside!) and went to the gym! I did about 30 minutes on the treadmill before the Zumba class started. Then joined the class for the first time. It was fun! Though I didn't pick up all the choreography, but maybe next time I will. It's DEFINITELY a workout! Took a shower at the gym because I just felt gross! Haha!   On the way home I got a call from my corporate office. They have my headshot on file from last year and wanted to know if they should use that one or a new one for the awards ceremony this year. I said use that one because I don't feel like getting a new portrait taken! Ha! Last year's was nice and I don't need another official headshot until I lose about 50 pounds. :thumbup: Besides, that one has already been retouched. LOL   I think I've already had my recommended protein for the day! I had a protein shake for breakfast before I ran out the door. Then a protein "shot" -grape flavor!- after I worked out. Then I had some greek yogurt. That's 57 grams of protein so far today. Can you have too much protein??? I really am wondering that.   Thankful for a better day today and hoping it continues!   xoxo
maggs79

maggs79

3
 

Early Sunday Morning

I'm not sure why I woke up so early on a Sunday, but I was wide awake by 6:30am.   AGH! In less than 24 hours I will be in surgery! :frown: Maybe that's why I woke up so early! My body knows I have a heck of a lot of stuff to do today! I want to make sure my place is really nice and clean before I go, plus I've had a lot of good suggestions from people on here that I want to do to beforehand.   First things first, maybe I'll head to church since I'm actually up in time today!   xo
maggs79

maggs79

6
 

Lots of sleep...

Last night I felt tired, so I thought I'd take a "nap" around 7:30. Welllll, I woke around 4am! And I figured there was no point in being awake at 4am! So I took some liquid Tylenol (I've stopped taking the Vicadin already), had some water, walked around for a few minutes, then went back to bed! Slept till about 8am! I suppose my body needed it, though. I feel a lot better today!   My port incision is still sore and a bit swollen, but it's getting better everyday. Never did have any gas pains. *yay!* And last night I sort of got to sleep on my side a little bit with some pillows behind me. Much more comfortable!   I went out briefly yesterday. Just drove to Walgreens a few blocks away for the previously mentioned liquid Tylenol. (Crushed pills are so gross!) Just that little drive took a lot out of me! Not sure I was really ready for that. Perhaps that's why I ended up being so tired so early.   Today I am staying in, besides a walk outside. Tomorrow I have to drive over an hour into the city for my follow-up. I hope I've lost something, but if not, I won't stress too much. I'm still swollen and healing. There is plenty of time for losing later.   This is still the best decision I think I've ever made regarding my health! I'm so excited to see where this goes!   Blessings!   xo
maggs79

maggs79

3
 

Let's get Physical! Physical!

Can't you just picture Olivia Newton-John in all her gloriousness? Fan-TAS-tic.   Anyway! I did 30 minutes on the treadmill with 5 pound handweights for a bit of upper body workout as well, plus a little over 3 miles on the bike! Only 1 week after surgery and I'm feeling great! I am trying not to push myself too hard, but I figured if it started to hurt, I'd stop. It never hurt!   Dang, how I'd like to be at least ONE size smaller by July 13th! That's when I have to fly up north for work and I want to buy a cute outfit in a smaller size. So, I am making it my goal to make sure I eat ALL the right stuff, enough protein and all that. Plus workout at least 30-45 minutes at least 5 days a week. I can do this! I just have to keep telling myself that!   SO, if anyone has some stellar tips and tricks for working out and eating yummy good-for-you stuff before my first fill, let me know!   I'm going to just have a protein shake for dinner because I'm not overly hungry, but I know I should have something.
maggs79

maggs79

2
 

Good morning!!

And it is!   Yesterday was my surgery and although there was some pain all day, it was manageable. I had a nice night's sleep and had some hot tea and more jello this morning. Took some Vicadin again too--not going to try to be a hero at this point in the game.   Good news, though--still no nausea or gas pains! I really hope this lasts! Seems too good to be true!   I'm a bit more swollen today, but the icepacks help with that. All in all, not feeling too bad! :tt1:   I'm going to take it easy today and for the next few days, but I'm very optimistic about my healing process!   There is this TINY irrational bit of me, though, that does worry this won't work for me. Has anyone else ever had those worries? I'll feel better when I see and feel some results down the road, I am sure.   Thanks for any advice and encouragement!   Have a great day everyone!   Maggs
maggs79

maggs79

4
 

Back to work!

Today I went back to work! Only for about 4 hours, but I was photographing the whole time! It was a bit different today because it was really just for a model search. The girls were all older, so I didn't have to kneel and make funny noises! LOL But I was surprised, frankly, that I had the stamina to stand and shoot for 4 hours straight! It was a blast! :laugh:   So, still sore at the port incision, but better today than yesterday. Everyday gets a little better. :smile: Started to feel a bit hungry today. I haven't really felt hungry since last Sunday before my surgery! Luckily a protein shake hit the spot!   I'm gonna go test drive a car today. Not sure if I am going to buy it, but I need to start looking for a new car. Tired of driving around a little Chevy. :smile2:   Blessings, all!   Maggs xo
maggs79

maggs79

1
 

Final weekend without the band!

48 hours from now I will officially be a Bandster!! I'm nervous, but SO excited! I can't tell you how many times I have read and reread the instructions the doctor and dietician have given me about everything post-op.   Part of me has felt like I've "cheated" by deciding to get the Lap Band, but it's more work than so many think! And at the end of the day, I'm proud I finally took the steps to get this done! I'm changing my life for the better! And there is no greater choice I could have made when it comes to my health.   I realize I've been super positive going into this surgery--I'm just hoping these positive feelings continue AFTER I have the surgery! I know the first few days might be rough!! But it'll get better, I am sure.   Anyway!! I was going to go swimming tonight, but I think I might do some upper body workout instead since I won't be doing that for a while! Plus, I dyed my hair again yesterday--more red! So it looks like the profile pic I have posted once again. So I don't think chlorine and new hair color will mix TOO well...a nice workout will be fine instead.   OMG! Every time I get on here to write something "short" it turns out like this! If only I was this talkative in person!! Ha!   Ok, off for now! Thanks again for your support, everyone!!   Blessings! xo
maggs79

maggs79

1
 

Preppy!

Not something I've ever been called! But I am taking this week to PREP my apartment. I don't want to have to worry about ANYTHING next week after the surgery except healing. Unfortunately I have a lot to do to prep!   I just got back from Minnesota a little over a week ago. (Was up there for 5 weeks for work.) And I've been so busy since then that I've let my place get the better of me. So, what's on my to-do list...   Laundry Vacuum Dishes General tidy up   Ok, I think I can tackle all that. Ha! It's not that bad when I write it out!   Liquid diet is still going ok. Though I slipped up and had a bit of the bread they gave me with my soup yesterday. YIKES! But I think I'll be ok. I was just a bit too hungry for broth-only soup. I need to start bringing those shakes or something with me when I'm out all day.   5 more days!! Woot!   The anticipation is the worst!   xo :eek:
maggs79

maggs79

3
 

The time is set!

I have to be at the clinic at 5:30am on Monday morning!! I'm never up that early! LOL Then again, I suppose I do get to go right back to sleep for a bit. Ha! And it's out patient, so I can go home and nap if needed that afternoon.   Now to just make it thru the weekend! I'm not sure if I'm excited or nervous. Or both. Could be both.   I'm going swimming tomorrow night! Might be the last time for a little bit that I can go, so I'm taking advantage of the pool while I can.   Nothing much else to report for now. Besides that I LOVE all my new friends on here. Thanks for all the support! Obviously no one else is going to understand like you all do. xoxo :bored:
maggs79

maggs79

2
 

My BFF...

...is currently an ice pack. Ha!! I can hold it perfectly with my left arm against my belly while I type on the computer. Couldn't have planned it better myself. :tt1:   Still doing ok--no gas or nausea to speak of. Just sore and a little tired, but that's fine with me! Oh, and today I really want a piece of pizza. Haha! Not gonna happen of course, but living in Chicago, it's like a LAW to always be up for pizza. LOL   Full liquids tomorrow! And that protein shake is calling my name! (I never thought I'd ever be saying that sentence in my lifetime!)   My follow up is Friday! I hope my doc thinks I'm doing ok.   I took a shower today--best feeling!! I just stood there like....yeah...   Ok, this blog was kinda random. And I haven't even had any vicadin yet!! Haha! I think I'll keep it short tonight.   Hope everyone else out there is doing well!!   xo
maggs79

maggs79

3
 

One more day till Mushies!

This week has been a roller coaster! Monday morning was my surgery. Everything went well, but of course I had a lot of pain afterwards. It has gotten better every day, though and today feels the best so far. Still sore at the port, but that will pass eventually. I am sleeping better, sitting better and driving a LOT more comfortably than earlier in the week.   Tomorrow is one week! And I can start mushy foods! I am SO ready for this. I bought mashed potatoes, oatmeal, refried beans, lowfat cheese, greek yogurt, egg beaters, tuna, salmon....anything that I can make mushy, I'm going to try! LOL It'll just feel so good to have some real food again! Though I'm tempted to stick with a protein shake for breakfast. I've never been a big breakfast person and the protein shake is the perfect amount of "food" for me in the morning.   Side question: For anyone that has been "glued" after surgery, how long did it take for the glue to wear off? One of my tiny incisions is barely starting to come off now around the edges, but I was just curious.   I hope everyone has a great Sunday!!   Blessings!   xo
maggs79

maggs79

4
 

Liquids...fun!

Can you sense the sarcasm?   It's not that bad, I guess. I'm not nearly as hungry as I thought I would be...and it's been one week since I started this diet. One week till my surgery! Woot!   I sure wish I could chew on SOMETHING, though. I've been chomping on some sugarfree gum to tie my over till I can eventually eat food again.   Today I had Lipton Cup of Soup, tomato flavor. I was pleasantly surprised!! It was really good and it filled me up as well.   I'm feeling full of energy for some strange reason and I might head over to my apartment's really small gym to work out for just a little bit! I hope no one is in there. :thumbup:   I am very optimistic for my future--for the first time in a while! Just can't wait to be done with this stinkin' liquid diet! Haha!
maggs79

maggs79

3
 

Quickie

Just a quick blog tonight.   Worked out this afternoon, but it was cut short because my friend that I went with had to pick up her daughters. Still got in about 45 minutes, though.   Yesterday I was hungry for fried chicken. Today I am hungry for a hotdog! Ugh! I can't wait to get the band so I won't be as hungry. Liquid diet is getting old. Ha! At least DanActive is pretty tasty for a nice snack.   My photography session for next Thursday (3 days post op) has rescheduled for a couple weeks from now--yay! I don't have to worry about pushing myself too much too soon! I am working from home for the rest of the month besides a couple trips to the studio, so I have plenty of time now to heal. :bored:   Off to watch So You Think You Can Dance! I want to dance someday once I'm a smaller size.   Blessings! xo
maggs79

maggs79

2
 

T-Minus one week and counting...

Today was my pre-op...everything went really well. I've lost another 5 pounds, so I'm down to 250! It's the lowest I've been in a few years I think!! Now, to wait a week, plus a couple days, till the surgery!   I'm inspired by looking at all the pictures of before and after on here! I feel like I can maybe do it to...   To be honest, I can't imagine being a "normal" size...weird. But I think I will like it!!   I do wish I had someone close to me that has gone through this that I could talk to. But I'll be ok. I'm glad I found this site at least! :smile2:
maggs79

maggs79

0
 

Working Out

I will probably regret this in the morning, but I worked out for an hour in the gym at my apartment complex! Treadmill, bike and weights! I have to admit, I'm pretty proud of myself. Just listened to the Glee soundtrack and forgot (slightly) that I was working out and sweating! Ha!   It was only day one of doing a proper workout, but I have to start somewhere. I want this band to work for me when I get it and I'm determined to do everything I can to make it work.   Ohmigosh! Can I even imagine if I were to lose 100 pounds over the next year? I'm not sure that I can! (Imagine it, that is.)   Golly.   I went swimming tonight too, so it was a pretty active day! And I haven't felt so good in so long. Tomorrow I'm going downtown (Chicago) to walk around for a while and have a nice day out with a friend and her two little girls. I'll count all that walking around as my exercise for tomorrow!!   6 days till surgery! :eek:
maggs79

maggs79

1
 

Shopping list done!!

My doctor recommended several things I might want to have on hand before the surgery. Today was my last day to really go shopping before my B-Day, so off I went!   Sam's Club had a great big bag of vanilla protein powder for $28. (Is that cheap or expensive? I have no idea--bought it anyway.) Also stocked up on more gummy vitamins and some fat free feta cheese! (Yum!) Then to the regular grocery store for some more SF popsicles, chicken breasts, ground turkey, packs of tuna, cottage cheese and skim milk. Then to Walgreens for some GasEx strips (I've read these come in VERY handy!) and found a heating pad for only $17, so got that just in case I need it.   I'm shopped out! I think I'm good for now on food and beverages.   Spending the night at a friend's house tomorrow night. She's picking me up so I won't have to drive after the surgery. I can't believe we have to leave her house at 4am to get to the clinic! Blech!!   Anyway, marching forward to a new life!   xo
maggs79

maggs79

0
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