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Phoenix Rising

LAP-BAND Patients
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Blog Entries posted by Phoenix Rising

  1. Phoenix Rising
    Hi Everyone,
     
    Well, if you have been keeping up with my blog you will know that I was a bit concerned as I felt I was able to eat far too much!!!
     
    Today I again had a boiled egg with cheese for lunch. This time I made sure I counted how many teaspoons worth I ate. I realised that I only took about half a teaspoon at a time and by the time I had finished all the egg I had had eight half teaspoons. In other words 4 full teaspoons of egg and cheese. Woopee. Others can manage three teaspoons so my four, although more, is not too excessive. Boy was I relieved. Now I am sure they did remove most of my stomach and not just make some scars as a placebo effect!
     
    So today is two whole weeks since surgery, and apart from the scars and getting tired very quickly I am extremely well. In fact I would say that everything was ticketyboo! I realise just how lucky I am and am indeed so very thankful. I hate feeling ill, so to feel this good so soon after a fairly major surgery is just wonderful.
     
    Hope everyone else is doing just fine too
    Phoenix
  2. Phoenix Rising
    Hi Everyone,
     
    You will all be delighted to hear that my oh so long stall has finally broken. Today I am 2 lbs lighter. Yeah. So this week I am 2 and 1/4 lbs down. I was beginning to think the scale would never move, but at last it has.
     
    The stupid thing is, I never did anything different to what I was doing before. I really have got to accept that whilst I may feel like a phoenix rising from the ashes, in reality I am more a slow snail or tortoise!
     
    I decided to set myself a goal, (another first for me) I want to lose another stone (14 pounds) by the end of June. That will give me another 6 weeks so I am hoping that is possible. I know for many of you on this site, you will probably lose 2 or 3 stone in that time, but remember I am that tortoise.
     
    Wish me luck
    Phoenix :wub:
  3. Phoenix Rising
    I know I mentioned before that I was not computer literate, but boy, I didn't expect to be able to show everyone how computer illiterate I am so quickly!!!! Sorry to the person who had commented on my last entry (I didn't even get a chance to see the name!) While trying to read it I managed to delete it. Oh well, hopefully you will see this and understand that it was not intentional.
     
    The last two days have been quite trying. Not because of the lack of food, but because of (for those sensitive types you may want to stop reading) severe constipation. Wow, who knew it could get that bad. Thankfully I had some fybrogel in the house and got it sorted but not before a lot of discomfort. I think I shall take this every other day for a while to make sure everything is back on track. On the up side, I have lost some more weight. Hooray. I am on day 11 of the liquid diet so have broken the back of it now. I am on the downward count to my operation. Only 7 more to go.
     
    As I have not told people about my forthcoming surgery, I have been looking online to see how people who are a long way out are coping and how much they are able to eat. I don't want people to guess by what I am eating about the surgery. I was pleasantly surprised. Before starting the liquid diet I had been eating a fairly full diet but greatly reduced portions and low on carbs. From what I have seen this will be pretty much what I will be able to eat a year from now. I had been eating off a small tea plate rather than a dinner plate to ensure my portions didn't creep up. Judging by the photos people have posted online, this is about the size of meals vsg'ers are able to manage.
     
    I am also losing inches, following someone's advice on this forum I took a great many measurements (which in itself was pretty horrifying) as they said this was a great way to track your losses even when the scale refused to move. I will eventually post those measurements, but not until I have lost some more. (Pathetic isn't it, like if you don't know my measurements you won't be able to tell that I am fat!!!) Who am I kidding, if I wasn't fat I wouldn't be having surgery. Well it is very late in England and I have to be up very early in the morning so Goodnight all and hopefully I won't delete the next load of comments.
  4. Phoenix Rising

    Bowling!

    By Phoenix Rising,

    Hi Everyone,
     
    Well, todays exercise was bowling. Proper bowling not wii bowling. The whole family went and we had such a laugh. Ok, I am not a brilliant bowler, in fact because I have weak wrists I can hardly lift the bowling ball, but I do enjoy doing it. (We don't go that often - I think this is the third time in five years!!!) It is so expensive by the time you have two lanes with everybody doing it. My granddaughter loves it too. She still has to use the kiddy helper thing to get the bowling ball where it should be. (My technical knowledge is vast isn't it!!!!) Bless her heart she scored higher than me. Oh well, she enjoyed beating me. So now I am tired but happy, as not only did I bowl, I walked up three flights of stairs to get there and walked down afterwards too. No lifts for me anymore.
     
    I guess that is an NSV right there. I didn't have to use the lift! That is a first for me. I also had to dig out some smaller skirts as most of my usual outfits have a habit of sliding to the floor. Woohoo!
     
    Everything else is pretty much the same as I have not lost any more weight, but feel sure that I will start losing again soon. I just have to be patient. (not my strongest point).
     
    How is everyone else doing? I long to be able to report the pounds are melting off me, but like I say, the scale isn't moving. I do feel thinner though. I think I am finally starting to see a difference when I look in the mirror. Small changes, but they all do add up in the end don't they.
    Phoenix
  5. Phoenix Rising
    Being super cool and organised I thought I would get my case packed. Got it down the other day ready to do that. Washed a variety of old nighties and my dressing gown so they were ready. Decided that my slippers could really do with a freshening up.
    Big Mistake! I bunged them in the washing machine which promptly decided to eat them!!! Arrrrrrrrgh!
     
    Luckily for me my lovely husband went straight out and bought me a new pair to wear in hospital (ain't love grand). He really is a wonderful husband and he looks after me so well.
     
    I am still doing the milk diet, but it is getting really boring now. Oh well, only two more full days then I get my op. Hooray. It really can't come quick enough now. I have also been changing my 'tracker' as I have lost another pound, and realised that this year I have lost more weight than ever before in my life. WOW! I did a double take when I realised that I was nearly (well 5lbs off) under 300lbs. I have not been that low for twenty years. Ok, I know 300 is not low by any means, but when you have been as big as I have for as long as I have it is amazing. All this even before my op. I have been walking around with a stupid big grin on my face all day. It also means I have less to lose after my operation which just makes me soooooooo happy.
    Today I feel invincible. I am trying to memorise exactly how this feels so later on if things get hard and difficult I can boost my morale with the memory of this feeling.
    Yay me
  6. Phoenix Rising
    Hi Everyone,
     
    Well, you guessed it, I couldn't resist the lure of the scales and just had to weigh myself again today. Not counting my extra water weight that I lost, I am now down 4lbs WooHoo. I did promise myself that I wouldn't weigh myself all the time and I will try harder to keep to that. Once a week is more than enough and gives my body a chance to really lose some too.
     
    I am still very happy and high in spirits, we are having a very early and warm spring here and everything in the garden is lovely which is making me feel good too. I am now starting to see the difference in myself too. Not huge differences, just little things. Like, it is easier to climb my stairs now. I can bend easier to do up my shoes and I actually have a neck (who knew!).
     
    Now I must go and change my ticker, if I can, I have been having a problem with that. It may be the computer or more likely is that I am doing the wrong thing at the wrong time in the wrong place. Wish me luck.
    Phoenix
  7. Phoenix Rising

    Day 2 At Home

    By Phoenix Rising,

    Hi All,
    Thanks everyone for all your lovely comments they are really appreciated. Including the one for my husband too. Bless him, he loved that he got a mention.
     
    Last night I slept reasonably well and woke up this morning with my head a lot clearer too. I guess that I am getting rid of all the anaesthesia out of my body. I am walking regularly and managing to take in plenty of fluid. I managed a final count of 50 ounces of fluid yesterday so felt pretty proud of myself.
     
    I am thinking of asking for belching and burping to be made an olympic sport, if it was I guarantee that I would win a gold medal for Britain this year! Does that go on forever? Or does it slowly subside? I am hoping it does subside as this is rather embarrassing to say the least. On the other hand, if it is a lifelong thing I guess I will just have to learn to live with it. Given the burps or being morbidly obese I will happily take the burps thank you very much.
     
    I am feeling very positive at the moment, but I am very aware that I could 'crash' down and feel pretty low. I hope it doesn't happen, but have read so many peoples blogs where they have crashed and felt very low and depressed that I wouldn't be too surprised if it happened to me too. Still, at the moment I am on a high and loving life.
     
    My husband is still being so warm and supportive, that if I wasn't already married to him I would snap him up in an instant. I realise just how lucky I am to have him totally on my side and with me every step of the way on this journey. So nothing new to report except that I am a day further on and hopefully today will manage my magical 64 ounces of fluids. Good luck to everyone out there about to take this life changing step and I hope you have my luck and have a relatively easy journey.
  8. Phoenix Rising
    Hi Everyone,
     
    Well, I said I would report back on my first visit back to my surgeon. 5 weeks after my operation, he was very happy to see how well my incisions have healed and was more than happy with my weightloss.(even though I have been stalled for three weeks). I also saw the dietician who was again, very happy with my food choices and thinks I am doing wonderfully. She fell about laughing when I told her about my step aerobics problems, but apparently she is just as unco-ordinated so fully understood where I was coming from.
     
    Having seen them both I feel easier in my mind about things generally. To top it off this morning my stall broke, only by half a pound but who cares, things are moving again. I feel lighter in my mind some how too. I have been eating very carefully and slowly, and as soon as I begin to feel full stop eating. Even if I have only eaten a tiny bit (although I usually manage a good 2 ounces) I don't worry as I know I can always have something more if I feel hungry later. I don't worry about food now, it is not always on my mind. I enjoy what I have, and I have been very lucky in that everything I have tried my sleeve has liked. I am eating normally now. Not sloppy food, just well chewed and usually with a sauce or gravy to keep it wet.
     
    A standard days food looks a bit like this.
    Breakfast: 1 weetabix with half a banana and semi skimmed milk
    or a few shredded wheat minis with semi skimmed milk
    or egg on toast (either poached or dry fried or boiled) the toast is a small wholemeal slice and yes I do put a little butter on it.
     
    Lunch: a boiled egg mashed with a little cheese and salad cream
    or a slice of toast with pate
    or tinnned mackerel on toast
    or soft cheese on crackers.
    or soup (usually homemade with veg and either chicken or oxtail)
     
    Dinner: It depends on what I have eaten during the day, but will usually be
    Chicken with veg
    pork with veg
    homemade shepherds pie
    homemade fish pie
    fish in some sauce with veg
    steak and a fried egg
     
    Pretty much anything I or my husband fancy.
    I drink thoughout the day and am always over 64 ozs of fluid. So all in all, I think I have cracked it. Oops that could be famous last words!
     
    I do still get tired but know that will improve the further out from my op I get. I am loving this sleeve, I feel better than I have for years, I am under 300 lbs and know that with time I will get to where I want to be. Life is good
    I hope everyone gets to feel how I do today
    Phoenix
  9. Phoenix Rising
    Hi Everyone,
     
    Ladies, thank you for your comments, I really appreciate you taking the time and trouble to support me as you do. Well, again from the title of this entry, you will see that my naughty hot cross bun got me in the end!!!
     
    Since I ate it I have been constipated, so had to take some medication to get me moving again. Thankfully, that has now happened, but was very uncomfortable for a while. So perhaps this time I will learn my lesson, and do as I am told by the doctors and not try to run before I can walk!
     
    Don't hold your breath everyone, but I will try.
     
    Well, I have had a lovely easter day, the whole family came around for lunch and I was able to sit down and eat with them. Ok, my portion was a lot smaller than theirs and I ate very slowly, but was able to eat a little turkey, mashed potato and delicious gravy too. I put my food on a small side plate and to me it looked a big meal. I really enjoyed it and yes, I was amazed at how fast my family ate their meals. I was the last to finish, but it was oh so good. I felt 'normal' again eating with everyone else, just much small amounts. Nobody commented on how much I ate as they knew I had been on a liquid diet for over a month and I had told them that my stomach had shrunk!!! I think I can chalk that one up as a success.
     
    My family bought me flowers rather than chocolate for easter, although I do have a tiny little chocolate rabbit that my husband bought for me. So I may indulge later. It is very small so I don't think it will hurt. Actually the sugar content will probably make it pass right on through which at the moment wouldn't be a bad thing. I let you know how it goes.
    Happy Easter to everyone
    Phoenix
  10. Phoenix Rising

    Hard Day!

    By Phoenix Rising,

    Having re read my first entry, I knew it was too good to be true! Today has been awful, I have felt hungry all day and my stomach has been growling and complaining fit to be tied. I am still sticking to my milk diet, but oh dear me, it has been really hard today. I have a constant headache, and just feel terrible. (including feeling really sorry for myself). I have another 12 days to go and although I know I will do it (I must) it will be a very long 12 days. So what does everybody else do to distract themselves when they feel this way? I have tried some exercise, reading, doing sudoku and crossword puzzles but all my brain wants to think about is food.
     
    My husband had a curry tonight as he knew I was struggling and also knows that I cannot stand curry, bless him. His way of helping at the moment is to eat only things I hate. Isn't that sweet of him. Trouble is, I feel so hungry that even his curry looked inviting!!!!!!
     
    I know this will pass eventually, but waiting for that to happen is really tough.
  11. Phoenix Rising
    Well thank you one and all who added comments here. I had trouble working out how to read them and I am still not sure if I have worked it out. You will probably have guessed that I am barely computer literate, and struggle with how to get it to work for me.
     
    So.......I do know how to add an entry to my blog and figure I can answer you all that way until I learn or better still someone tells me what to do.
     
    To Afro_Cyster, Yes I am doing liquids only except for a sugar free jelly (which goes down like liquid so I don't think I can call it a 'meal.
     
    To amencorner, Not just milk, but an oxo drink, water and squash too along with the jelly mentioned above.
     
    To rebecka, Thanks for the lemon and hot water tip, that really helped.
     
    To kimmy*custis, There seem to be so many different pre op diets both here in England and in America. I figure if that is what my doctor wants that is what he gets, he certainly knows more than I do, as this is my first and only sleeve. Or will be on the 19/3.
     
    You will all be pleased to hear that today was not too bad. Still tough but not as bad as yesterday. I have kept myself busy and whenever I felt hungry I had yet another drink of water or orange squash. So apart from spending an incredible amount of time in the loo!!!! Things are going well. Thank you all for your kind wishes and helpful words.
    Phoenix
  12. Phoenix Rising
    Hi Everyone,
     
    Ok, ok, it is confession time. From the title of this entry I think most of you will be able to guess what I am going to admit.
     
    Yesterday my sister in law baked her very own hot cross buns. Mmmmmmmmmmmmm, they smelt so good and she did offer me one.(She doesn't know about my surgery) I know I shouldn't have but I just couldn't resist them. I choose the tiniest one there and toasted it and then to compound my actions smothered it with butter. I would love to tell you it was awful, I was sick and all sorts of terrible things happened. It wasn't, I wasn't and it was just fantastic. I chewed tiny mouthfuls really slowly and savoured everyone. It was just wonderful. I had no problems eating it at all.
     
    Today I feel guilty, and have decided that in future I must wait until I am further out from my surgery before I do anything like that again. However, saying that, I was relieved to know that my stomach could cope with the small bun especially moistened with butter. (I know, all that fat) oooh it was good. I am also relieved to know that when I am with company no one will ever realise that I have had surgery unless I inform them. They all thought I was eating slowly to savour it, and because I have been dieting they think my stomach is smaller and that is why I am having smaller portions. (Well, they are almost correct).
     
    Is it wrong to keep people in the dark? I know some of my extended family can be so judgemental, and I would rather they just don't know. I may change my mind later on in my journey, but right now this is one little secret I can hug to myself.
    Hoping to be better behaved and not give in so easily in future.
    Phoenix :wub:
  13. Phoenix Rising

    I Hate Stalls

    By Phoenix Rising,

    Hi Everyone,
     
    How is everybody doing out there? I have been eating slowly, drinking well and trying to keep up with the exercise programme. You will all be relieved to know that I am improving on the step aerobics, I can almost get through the first three minutes without a mistake now. I can't seem to get through the rest of the time without at least one or two 'heading the wrong way' moments, but hey, it is better than before.
     
    On the down side I have not lost anymore weight for some time, yes I know, I probably am losing inches, my body is playing catchup, etc.etc etc. I know all this, but it doesn't make me feel any better! So this is me having a hissy fit !!!!!*****!!!!!****!! I was stamping my feet too!
     
    Do I feel any better, no not really, but I figured I might get some help here on what to do to make the scale move again? How did you guys get things moving again? What magic formula did you use? I am drinking plenty, eating mainly protein only with the odd spoonful of veg, I even have started to eat fruit again (apples and oranges) well, parts thereof. What else should I be doing. I am walking everyday and doing step every other day. I am trying to remain positive, and that includes not getting on the scale everyday, but it is soooooooooooo hard. How long 'usually' does the first stall last? Some feedback would be much appreciated, please.
     
    I am also looking for something else to drink as I am getting fed up of sugar free squash. I don't drink coffee as I don't like it, and rarely have tea (black no sugar) so what else can I drink as I have started to dream about diet coke (that used to be my go to drink). I have semi skimmed milk, lemon, orange and blackcurrant squash but long for something else but don't know what!
     
    My meals have widened in variety, sometimes I have a weetabix in milk for breakfast, at other times I will have a dry fried egg and a grilled slice of bacon. I can usually eat most of the bacon and the yolk of the egg, but I don't always manage to finish the white. All good protein. I am also longing to eat something with a bit of a crunch to it. How long did people wait before they tried a cracker or something similar?
     
    I eat alot of fish and have had a very small portion of shepherds pie (homemade so low fat etc) how long before I can try a bit of steak (something else I have been dreaming of)? Sorry this entry is a bit of a downer, I promise to cheer up again soon
    Phoenix
  14. Phoenix Rising
    Hi Everyone,
     
    As you can see from the title of this entry I finally got around to measuring myself again. Oh boy am I glad I did. I have gone down another 3 and 3/4 inches over my body. Yea! So I have lost a total of 9 and 1/2 inches off my hips. Isn't that fantastic, I am jumping up and down like a lunatic.
     
    So even though the scales haven't moved in a very long 5 weeks I am still losing inches.
     
    Not sure why the scales are not being friendly, as I am still walking, stepping, and now jogging (a little). I am eating healthily, drinking plenty of fluids but it refuses to budge! In fact I was getting a bit stressed so I put the scales away today and won't get them out again for another week, when I hope it will finally start co-operating with me. I think my body has had long enough to 'catch up' and really ought to start getting with the programme! I know lots of you have had stalls for a few weeks but has anyone gone as long as 5 weeks? If so, could you let me know how you got things moving again? I know that eventually with the small amounts I am eating and the energy I am expending it has to happen sometime but I want it yesterday!!!
     
    I also need loads of patience, so if anyone has any to spare could you please send it my way, my stock has run real low. Apart from that, things are tickety boo, (9 and 1/2 inches) Yea!
    Phoenix :wub:
  15. Phoenix Rising
    Hi everyone,
     
    Another good nights sleep last night. I was even able to lie down in bed properly. The first night I slept almost sitting up in bed. The best bit was this morning, I was able to get up out of bed by myself and it didn't hurt at all. I was ultra cautious but it was not a problem. Great, that had been one of my worries.
     
    I also seem to be able to drink a lot easier than many on here. I am not sure why, I tend to sip slowly but am still able to get a lot down. I have had milk, orange squash, chicken soup and milk mixed with chocolate protein and have been able to tolerate everything. I am so thrilled that everything seems to be going so well, although a little voice at the back of my head keeps saying 'it's too easy, something must be wrong', 'perhaps they didn't really take out your stomach and it's still too big!'
     
    I suppose we all second guess every move we make in the very beginning of this journey. My medication is getting easier to swallow, and now my brain is working I don't have to totally rely on my long suffering husband. (although I do tend to - as he loves to take care of me)
     
    If anyone has any questions that I can answer then I most certainly will. If I can help others as so many have helped me I will feel that I have been able to give a little back.
    Still on a high, happy with my decision and happy with life. Love to all
  16. Phoenix Rising
    It really has happened, I can hardly believe it myself. I went into hospital on Monday 19th March and they allowed me home on Tuesday 20th March. They also sent me home with a ton of medication.I am truly thankful that my husband is here to help me make sense of it all. He has already made me a wipe board with my medications and times to take them on. He is so supportive I couldn't manage without him.
     
    Anyway, the operation went very well, I didn't need a drain thank goodness, everything looks good and my incisions were covered in a glue that holds everything together. They are beginning to heal well because they have started to itch. I am leaving them well alone. I am able to drink albeit slowly and steadily. I am also able to swallow all my pills even the large ones. (they are not comfortable but are doable) I have been both ends (if you know what I mean) so that is all working just fine. In fact, apart from the fact I feel as though I was kicked by an elephant I am just fantastic.
     
    Although I was on a morphine drip the first day I stopped using it at two in the morning as I really didn't need it. I have been incredibly lucky. I haven't really had what I would call pain. I have been uncomfortable but I expected that as a minimum. I am sure that I was able to cope so well was because of everything I have read on this forum. Thank you everyone here, you made this so much easier for me and I am truly greatful. :wub:
     
    I am drinking but not sure how much yet. I have been told different amounts by different doctors (!!***!!) But, I think the minimum I should have would be 1 and a half pints of liquid and if I can do 4 pints that would be amazing. At the moment I am on track for the 1 and a half pints, but who knows I may get better at it sooner than I expect. I will try and keep everyone informed on how I am doing as my head gets a little clearer and I have a little more energy.
  17. Phoenix Rising
    Hi Everyone,
     
    I have been out of action on the forum because of a family crisis. Everything seems to be returning to normal at last, and I am back with my computer. (I really missed it).
     
    As you all know, I am a very slow loser but am very happy to report that I have gone down another 2.5 lbs. This means I have lost 25lbs since my operation (that is 16 weeks ago). Overall that works out at 1.5 lbs per week. Which is not too bad I suppose. I find it difficult because I lost most of it in the first two weeks and the rest in little bits. The main thing is I have lost that 25 lbs and it is never coming back. Hooray.
     
    I saw my doctor recently and he is delighted with me, as my bloods are all wonderful, liver and kidney functions are excellent, cholesterol is way down (3.3) my diabetes is well under control with half the medication I was on (hopefully as the weight goes down so will the rest of the medication) The only thing that is still a problem is the water retention. (this is what is slowing the weight loss according to the Doc). So generally everything is tickety boo.
     
    I am still losing inches and have lost another 2.5 inches off my waist, so again things are good. BUT, there is always a but isn't there! I am so envious of everyone else out there who seem to be losing massive amounts of weight week in week out. I try to stay positive, but it is so hard when all I read is people only three or four weeks out who have lost more than I have already. I know it is pathetic, but that is how I feel. I also know that without the op I would have already gained most of that weight back by now, so I know I made the right decision and am really pleased with what I have achieved so far. I guess I am just feeling a bit low and sorry for myself.
     
    My husband is and has been a wonderful support to me through all this and keeps on reminding me of how much fitter I am and how much more I can do now. So I know I should just suck it up and get on with it, but sometimes I just need to whine and moan and let it all out.
     
    Ok, funnily enough I feel a bit better just getting that down on the old computer! I have improved my fitness levels almost 100 % and have started using the extra step piece to my wii fitness board when doing step aerobics. At first I thought I wouldn't be able to do it as I have a terrible fear of heights and that is incredibly high (for me). However, I persevered and apart from a few problems with balance at that height at first, I am managing pretty well. (Not quite rocket fire but I am getting there)
     
    I think I am beginning to need new clothes. My bra's still fit ok but my knickers are starting to get very big. As you know, I took in all my skirts a good ten inches so they are all ok at the moment. My t shirts are starting to hang over my shoulders so I really need to replace those. I gave away my good coat and jacket as they were both way too big to wear. I guess I will have to bite the bullet and actually go shopping. (I have always hated clothes shopping and am not looking forward to it at all). I am going on holiday in August so will need some new stuff by then. I will let you know how it goes.
     
    Regards Phoenix
  18. Phoenix Rising
    Hi Everyone,
     
    I can hardly believe I am going to say this...so listen very carefully I shall say this only once..........I weigh under 300 lbs for the first time in 25 years!!!!!!!!!!
     
    I decided to take some measurements to compare from last June, boy was I amazed to find that I have lost 24 and 3/4 inches. Yea me. That of course is spread all over my body, but on my main areas bust, waist and hips I have lost 4, 3 and 1/4 and 7 inches respectively. Woohoo, I can hardly believe it. Well of course, once I saw that I just had to weigh myself didn't I. Again, I could hardly believe my eyes 299.5 Woohoo.
     
    Ok, I know it is barely under the 300, but when you have been this big for sooooooo long you never really believe you'll ever get under that number again. I have been dancing around the room like a whirling dervish, and wouldn't you know it, there is no one at home to tell. I shan't be able to tell my husband until he gets in later tonight. So I had no option I had to come on here and announce it straight away. If I didn't I would probably have burst something!
     
    So, for anyone thinking that the sleeve won't work for them, rubbish, it is obviously working for me. I am just so happy and delighted I can't wipe this smile from my dial.
    Love to all
    Phoenix
  19. Phoenix Rising
    Hi Everyone,
     
    Well yesterday I did manage to hit the 64oz mark Hooray! I felt really proud of myself, how daft, to be proud because I can drink fluids!!! Oh well, it must be because I am still on an incredible high, I can't believe how positive and good I feel. Hope this feeling carries on forever.
     
    Another good nights sleep last night and I even slept some of the night over on my side (not quite all the way but enough to give my poor butt some relief).I have been doing a few things about the house but not much. I feel full of energy go and do something small...and the next minute I feel worn out, weary and in need of a rest. I know my stamina will build up as I get further out from my op and start taking on more protein etc. Luckily my husband is taking care of anything that I don't feel able to do. Mmmmmm...I wonder if I can convince him that spring cleaning is absolutely necessary in the next few days!!!
     
    The burping is easing off, and not all day like it was at first. Now it tends to be when I have a full drink, like chicken soup or protein drink. It is still pretty impressive but I don't think I would win gold now! Oh well, there go my hopes of an olympic medal. I am getting in as much walking as possible but in short bursts. I can only seem to do about ten minutes at a time at the moment. I am hoping that will improve as I go along.
     
    Things are still good for me and I hope everyone else has a good a time of it as I am having.
  20. Phoenix Rising
    Hi Everyone,
     
    How are you all coping with your sleeves? Mine is behaving incredibly well, I hardly know I have her, until I eat more solid foods, then she gently reminds me to take it easy, and don't eat too much. I think my sleeve is more refined than I am, as she has never made me sick, slime, or hurt. For that I am incredibly thankful. Who knows, she may make a lady of me yet. :wub:
     
    As you know, I started walking from the second day at home, and although not walking for very long or very far, it has been getting easier as the days have gone by. I still don't have a great deal of energy though. I am hoping that will improve as I get on to more solid foods. Yesterday I decided to up the anti on the exercise front, and dug out my wii board. I decided that basic aerobics was the way for me to go...oops.
     
    For those of you that don't know me, I have little to no co-ordination at all, I am scared of heights so even standing on the little wii board is hard for me. (I know, how pathetic does that sound, but it does make me break out in a sweat if my feet are off the ground). So, I started to follow the little me on the screen (who by the way is so much cuter than I am - it's not fair). The first bit I thought I was doing ok ish. Then it got complicated (that is complicated for me, not for the rest of the world). I had to step sideways, not too difficult you would think!!!! OMG, I kept trying to use the wrong foot to step the opposite way to where I should be going. How hard could it be...almost impossible. Once you go wrong, it is very hard to catch up and of course I kept putting the wrong foot on the board each time. Oh well, thankfully there was only my husband for an audience and he thought it was hilarious.
     
    Well, being a glutton for punishment, I thought I would try again today. No, it wasn't instantaneously successful this time, but it was better than yesterday. Did I screw it up again, YES, but not quite as badly this time. I felt that I was getting the hang of it, a bit, anyway. I did manage the side step to the correct side a few times, and quite a few times I didn't. Never mind, I will persevere, good grief if that little computer image can do it, then I should be able to with enough practise. I did find that when I was finished I needed to sit down and rest for quite a while.
     
    My weight loss is good but not as fast as many people on here. That is ok though, as I knew I would lose, but slowly as I retain water. Still, I have lost just over a stone now in four weeks. Hooray. I am really pleased as that stone was the first I have lost with little effort on my part, it just sort of melted away. I love my sleeve. :wub:
     
    I will keep you posted on my tragic fitness efforts
    Phoenix
  21. Phoenix Rising
    Hi Everyone,
     
    Been getting out and about a bit more than usual so have not been on here for a while. As you can see from my title, I actually jogged! Me, who hasn't run since I was 11 years old. Ok, it was only for 3 minutes but I did it. I ran. Wow, it was amazing. My knees held out, my heart didn't burst and I felt incredible, well at least for a short while. After that I just felt plain knackered. Sorry, tired.
     
    I have done this twice now, again only for 3 minutes, but I figure I have to start somewhere and I can build it up as I have my other exercises. My husband was absolutely gobsmacked. His face was a picture, I wish I had had my camera with me as he looked so funny. I don't think I will ever run that far, but at least I can run (in short bursts) It is not a pretty sight, as everything jiggles and flops around something terrible. I don't care only my husband can see, and he has seen me at my very worst.
     
    So what else is new, not much: I have not lost any more weight so I will have to get out my tape measure again as I need a boost at the moment. This stall is lasting way too long! Oh, I went out for my first meal since my operation. It was lunch at a cafe near where my sister lives, we were having a girls day out. I had cauliflower cheese, I asked for and received a small portion and had a small new potato with it too. I ate all the cauliflower cheese but less than half of the potato. It was great to feel 'normal' again. Yes I could only eat a small portion, but no one looked at me as if I was a freak for eating so little. I took my time and enjoyed every mouthful. (My sister doesn't know about my operation). She had a dessert, and I had a teaspoon of her dessert just to taste it. It was a lemon and lime gateaux. Delicious, but after that teaspoon I didn't want any more.
     
    I never imagined a day when I would be able to say that! I am beginning to enjoy the 'power' of the sleeve. Knowing I can try any food, but will be happy with just a tiny amount is empowering. Food doesn't control me anymore, I control it. I can take it or leave it. I know you will all understand what a huge change that is for me. I feel like wonderwoman or superwoman. At the moment I wouldn't be a bit surprised if I was able to leap tall buildings!
     
    So if you see an old woman with lots of jiggly bits leaping a tall building, that will be me.
    Phoenix :wub:
  22. Phoenix Rising
    Hi Everyone,
     
    Well at last I have managed to get myself a little more co-ordinated and am now doing the step plus daily. Before you ask, yes I am still a klutz, with two left feet and no sense of direction. But, now I am a klutz with two left feet, no sense of direction and able to move that bit faster and longer than before. Yea!
     
    I have also had a small move on the scales (very small) I have lost another 1/4 lb. Pathetic isn't it. However, I am hoping that this is the start of things moving again. 6 weeks is long enough for any stall.
     
    Actually, the extra time and movement with the step plus is already paying off, as this week I have been out with my husband and one of my sons and we have walked miles. Something I would not have been able to do before, so on that front I feel great. I have upped the jogging to ten minutes at a time now. The first time I did ten minutes I thought I would die, but it does get easier, although I don't think I will ever really enjoy running. Never mind. Walking in general is so much easier and is my preferred choice of exercise.
     
    I am still eating well and carefully, making good choices although I did succumb to a square of my husband's chocolate bar the other night. (it was lovely). I am just loving being able to eat any vegetable and any fruit now. I still can't eat a great deal of salad but that's ok. I enjoy what I do have. The weather here is improving and I am really looking forward to barbecue season. Lots of lovely protein and all alfresco to boot.
     
    I don't go back for another weigh in until June, so I hope I can shift a bit of weight by then. I saw on this site someone managed to lose 90 lbs in just ten weeks. Wow, I was absolutely amazed, and then completely green with envy. Then I figured I don't know how much she weighed at the start, whether she lost any weight on a pre op diet and countless other bits of information that will have had an effect on her weight loss and on mine. We are all individuals, our bodies react differently, and I just have to accept that mine will do it's own thing in it's own sweet time. (sigh).
     
    Don't you just hate the fact that it used to be sooooooooo much easier to put on weight than lose it. At least during my stall I never gained any weight, and that is a first!!! Before the sleeve I would most definately have gained weight in that five/six weeks. So I may be slow, (lets face it, there is no maybe about it!) but I am heading in the right direction. I just have to keep on going.
     
    So to all other slow losers, keep on keeping on
    Phoenix
  23. Phoenix Rising
    Hi Everyone,
     
    Well, I am still on a stall, but I have decided that if that is what my body needs to do right now then I should help it all I can to feel comfortable enough to start losing again. So I am trying to chill out, and not worry about the scale. (I have put it away for awhile) I figure my body has always been pretty good to me, and when it feels happier it will let go of more weight. I guess it is a case of 'catch up' , and by that I mean my mindset as well as my body.
     
    So, to help my mind feel better, I took some more measurements. Whoohoo! Another three inches bite the dust!!!!! Wow in the last year and a bit I have lost over 27 inches all over my body. That is amazing. Ok, with those sorts of changes I can begin to understand why my body needs some adjustment time. Besides, this isn't a race, this is the rest of my life. So slow and steady does it.
     
    I have taken other peoples advice and found some flavoured waters that agree with me, so I have a change from squashes which is great as I was getting really bored with them. The other night my husband had steak with all the trimmings, and I had a small piece of his steak (2 x 1 inch) with a fried egg. I ate all the steak (which was so lovely and juicy) and the yolk of the egg and I was full up. Hooray. I love the fact that these small amounts of food are more than enough. I am also delighted that I am able to eat everything I try. My sleeve is so well behaved, and good to me. :wub:
     
    I am still keeping up with the daily walking and the step every other day and feel quite proud of myself that I am doing it. Usually, if I am not losing I get bored or fed up and quit for a while. My step work is improving and I am thinking of moving on to the harder stuff soon. (At the moment I just repeat the easy stuff about 10 times.) I may leave it a bit longer though as I know how long it took me to feel okish about the easy stuff. I still don't like my feet leaving the floor, but I guess it is getting easier.
     
    I have a dr's appointment for my first proper check up since my op next week, so will let you all know how that goes. Hopefully I will be able to report a bit more weightloss, but if not, nevermind.(perhaps I should change my name to tortoise!)
    Best wishes to everyone
    Phoenix
  24. Phoenix Rising
    Well, here goes, this will be mainly my ramblings about my vs journey. Never done a blog before so this is another first for me.
     
    I started my pre-op diet on the 1st March 2012. This time around it doesn't seem so hard. I am not sure if it is because I know what to expect now or because at the end of it I get my op. I have lost another three pounds since starting it, but I know that I may not lose much more as my body retains water (on medication for it) and will only let go every so often. I will lose a few pounds then stay still for ages then eventually when I think it will never happen again I lose a few more!
     
    My husband is being truly wonderful and supportive, in fact I have never known him to be this supportive before, but I am loving it. I think the hoops I have had to jump through to get this far have impressed him, and he has decided to be as helpful as possible. I am having my op on the NHS and they are very strict about a ten per cent weight loss and maintaining it before surgery. (We have been married for thirty years and I have been overweight for all of them, but seriously overweight for the last twenty).
     
    I am a regular reader and lurker on this board, but have posted now and then. I have found so much useful information and help here, and have researched all I can, that I feel I am ready for this operation and will do everything I can to make it work. I know from reading other people's stories that it will not be a walk in the park, and that I will probably have to work harder than I ever have before, but I am ready for that. I also know that if I am worried, or down, or just wanting to share good news, I will be welcomed with open and non-judgemental arms here.
     
    So, my posts may not be educational, erudite or that interesting to anyone else, but I will feel the benefit of unburdening myself and who knows, I may be able to help someone who may have felt what I felt, or will feel what I may feel in the future.
  25. Phoenix Rising
    Hi Everyone,
     
    How are you all doing? I am slowly losing weight and have lost a grand total (from the very beginning of my journey) of four stone and 9lbs. Or for people who don't do stones, 65lb of horrible fat gone. Yea me. Or more importantly, yea my sleeve.
     
    So my ticker is lying, I need to change it again, but for some reason it is not responding how it used to. Before, I could click on the appropriate page, input my new weight and it would automatically change my ticker for me. Now it is a complete hassle, as I have to do a new ticker in order to get it to change!!! Why has this happened? I have no idea, is there an easier way to do it? I am sure there must be, but this technophobe has no way of knowing what that is. Any suggestions will be gratefully received. (Not necessarily understood, but still gratefully received.)
     
    So I am back losing again and hopefully won't go into another long range stall. I am always amazed at how much happier I feel when that needle on the dial drops down another pound. I shouldn't let it make that much difference to me, but it does. How sad is that? I guess there are many of you who feel the same way as I do. It is amazing how comforting that is, knowing there are others out there that really do know what I am feeling. Really understand the highs and lows of trying to lose weight.

     
    I am really busy this week as I am preparing for my trip to America, I have finished my sewing, and the new clothes fit perfectly. (giving myself a pat on the back)
    I am hoping to fly without the aid of an extension belt, not sure yet if I will be able to but am keeping my fingers crossed that I can. I will be off line for the full three and a half weeks but will let you all know how it goes.
     
    Regards
    Phoenix

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