KristeyK

I definitely do NOT eat like I should. Plus, I am JUST getting over strep throat, so it's not like I could swallow anything for a few days there anyway. LOL. I'm THIS CLOSE to being done with nursing school, and I am scared because I know exactly what my lack of eating is doing to me. I've just got this I'm used to being hungry thing going on, along with the thought of "eating is what got you to 324lbs in the first place fatty!" running in my head. I truly think I need to seek professional help for that part of it. (However- the times I DO think that I am truly hungry are times I really cannot eat without getting kicked out of class for the day! YIKES!) I just need to take some responsibility and at least grab a shake in the mornings on my way out the door...

So I've been thinking about my issues with food, and I still have MANY of them. However, something new that popped into my head earlier today was different to me. I got my lap band in May 2008, then had my revision in August 2011. I had that thing for so long, and had so many issues with it, that I just learned to deal with being hungry almost ALL the time. Now that I am sleeved, I don't really recognize when I am truly hungry, so I hardly eat. (Seriously, most days I have to remind myself to have more than a bite or two of cheese!) Is this something anyone else went through? If so- any recommendations? I would just set an alarm on my phone, but my schedule is so whacked until I graduate from school that it's not something I can do yet.

I had FAR less pain with my revision than I did getting the band in. (Especially the incision where the port was inserted originally. It healed a lot faster this time.) I will say this though...I did use my pain pump a couple times, but if I was awake, I kept an ice pack across my belly to help with the swelling. It was WONDERFUL!

Isopure...GAG. Someone today told me she calls it Isopuke, and it is a VERY fitting name. I had my surgery in August, and I still drink the Syntrax Nectars in the morning to help me get my protein in. They have several different flavors, and best of all- not all of them are sweet!!! (Serious bonus...I was so worn out on sweet tasting junk.) Cappuccino is my favorite, but I am a MAJOR coffee drinker, and it allowed me to feed my Starbucks habit, while sticking to my regimen. (Just don't ask me about the fuzzy navel flavor. I love REAL peaches, but not peach flavored anything.)

UGH! Where was this article two semesters ago when I could have used it for my class presentation? LOL. Hopefully, they'll be able to prove this works. Currently the "gold standard" of treatment for C- Diff is to perform a fecal transplant. (Yup...exactly what it sounds like, only not as gross as you may think.) I'll have to pass it along to my Microbiology instructor. I know she'd like to read it. Thanks!

Going through this surgery is like other things. You can read EVERYTHING there is to read about it. Know EVERYTHING there is to know about it, and you still won't be fully prepared. I knew it would be a challenge, especially during the first few weeks. I went to support group meetings prior to surgery, I watched my sister go through this. As a nursing student, I took care of patients the first couple days out of this surgery. I thought I knew what to expect, and the emotions still hit me like a ton of bricks. (ESPECIALLY after a few days...) It didn't get much better until I got to where I could have something other than another *#**** protein drink. I am almost three months out, and I still have an occasional day, but it is 1,000% better now than it was two months ago. Along with the other suggestions...you may want to try writing in a journal. I have one that I keep hidden so that I know no one else will read what I really and truly think and feel. (I'm not always 100% honest with myself, especially if I think others can read what I'm writing. Same goes with talking to a therapist.) Journaling is a very therapeutic thing to do. (And one of the first things we were taught to have our patients do as a coping mechanism.) Good luck!!!

That is so awesome! You've done great! Now make me doubly jealous...were y'all installing a pond? (I ask because it looks like a pond liner there and I DEARLY want to put one in on my little acre lot. LOL)

I haven't heard anything, but deaths aren't unheard of. There are countless numbers of complications that can occur with this, or ANY, surgery. It's important to do research and see what the risks are and weigh them against the benefits. So many people take it for granted that they will come out of surgical procedures just fine, only to have discovered complications. I've read stories here where people have almost died. Anything from a reaction to anesthesia, to an infection, to not eating properly can cause tragic results. If anyone finds out any info on this, I'd sure like to read it. (I'm a nursing student, and I like reading about procedures and the causes of complications.)

While I have changed a COUPLE of clothing sizes, I haven't changed as much as my sister who also went through this surgery. I'm hoping that it's due to the fact that I had a LOT more weight to lose than she did and my 58lbs aren't going to make the same dent HERS did. KWIM???

Keep in mind that I am five weeks out from surgery. That being said: THIS IS SO MUCH BETTER!!!! I am down 41 lbs, POST-OP! That's more than I lost with that stupid band. It's been rough at times, but it has been a Godsend so far.

Hi y'all!!! I'm Kristey, and yes, I currently reside in Tucson, AZ- but my hubby and I are hoping his temporary assignment there in San Antonio becomes permanent. WOOT! (We dearly want to get back to the great state of TEXAS! I miss it there!!!) In the meantime, I am planning on spending a week with him over Thanksgiving. He's staying in a hotel near the Riverview Center. (I think that's the name of the mall there on the Riverwalk.) So...I NEED YOUR HELP! Are there ANY sleeve friendly restaurants near there? As much as I want to go pig out on some good ole Texas BBQ, I need to be realistic about how much weight I will gain if I do that. LOL. Thanks for your help!!! (And please send out some good thoughts about this Texas girl being able to move back! )

Don't be mad at me for saying this...but even mild apnea has the possibility of killing you. Now...why they want you on a machine rather than teaching you to keep your head elevated, I don't know. That was all I did after the tech told me I had it. (Imagine my surprise when I started waking up feeling refreshed! LOL ) Sorry they are making it such a drawn out process for you!

If you bought chewable vitamins, they really do need to be chewed prior to swallowing. I know what you mean though...I about choke everyday while taking my calcium pill. It's HORRID. However, I only have about two weeks left to get through, then I can get something I actually like.

They should all be fine. If you were talking about anything on breast tissue or your belly, well.... that's a different story. LOL

My hunger went on for a couple weeks. I was so desperate at times I CRIED. I am now almost four weeks out, and 99.9% of the time I have to remind myself to have something to eat. I think it finally stopped either LATE in week 2 or early week 3. And for anyone else reading this who may be wondering: Stomach acid does NOT produce hunger. It just digestive juices and helps produce some gurgling noises.