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legnarevocrednu

LAP-BAND Patients
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Blog Entries posted by legnarevocrednu

  1. Picture Update

    Figured I'd post a couple of pictures...they are not good ones at all. I don't think the side shot is accurate. The shirt I'm wearing flows out so it looks like my belly is making it do that, but it's really not lol. I figured I need to keep pictures posted somewhere so I can visualize my progress. Anyway, these pics are me at 225.
  2. Restraint

    So as I'm sure we all know, the Holidays can be a little rough for those of us with the band...especially for those of us who just STARTED with the band. I just began regular food on Tuesday. I understand the phrase "bandster hell" because although I've been staying below 800 calories, I'm so super conscious of everything I put in my mouth!! I have yet to feel restriction but most of the time (depending on the portion size) I force myself to only eat half the meal. It can be mighty frustrating. I've been doing what I'm told and eating really slowly, chewing well, and I've noticed that I only get half way through my meal by time my friends are done (I've been out to eat twice now). This works because when they are done, I just stop and get the rest boxed up. So now I have leftovers that are also in a good portion size. Last night was my work Christmas dinner and I just kept praying the waitress would hurry up and bring me my box so I could stop looking at the delicious food on my plate. I just knew I could finish eating it, but I was holding myself back. This part stinks because I feel like I'm on a diet. I also had to stop myself from eating the bread and the salad that came with the meal...as well as dessert afterwards!! Although I am proud of myself for holding back, I have not lost anything all week. Nor have I lost any inches (I measure myself once a week). Yes, I do realize this can be normal, but I still feel like I'm torturing myself to get little or no results. I have lost 10 pounds since surgery on November 21st, so I shouldn't be complaining, but I also believe all my good decisions and restraint should show for something!! I'm just trying not to get discouraged. Also, to be honest, I have yet to start exercising. I was told to wait 4 to 6 weeks, yet I see a bunch of people on here exercising sooner than that. I haven't even walked for fear that I would damage something. Well, even though now I realize I probably didn't have to wait this long, I'm going to start walking next week, and then join a gym 2 weeks after that. I'm hoping this helps with the weight loss! I really just want to lose at least 3 more pounds before January 3rd (my next doctors appointment and possibly my first fill). I am glad that I have not GAINED weight since I started back on regular food. That's probably due to my miraculous restraint lol. Anyways, that's my rant for this week. Tune back next week for all new ones! Haha!!
  3. 1 Month Today!

    I don't have much to add from yesterdays blog, but I just had to post on the fact that today is exactly a month from when I had Lapband surgery! I am extremely happy with the band thus far, and do not regret my decision at all! I've lost 12 pounds since then and I'm really happy with that. 26 pounds total and I'm getting tons of remarks from people I know AND people I don't. Plus, the guy I'm into complimented me on how good I'm looking. Also, my legs feel a lot better. Before, they would get tired real quick and when I first start to walk after sitting for a while, I'd limp. Now, they feel perfectly fine and I haven't noticed anything like that. And it's only one month in!! A lot of my coworkers have said that my face looks smaller too. It's hard for me to notice something like that, but I'll take their word on it. I'm so happy and excited!
  4. Guilt :(

    You know that miraculous restraint I mentioned in my previous blog?? Well, scratch that! I caved yesterday. In my defense, I was sick. I skipped breakfast (I know, BAD!), then had 4 or 5 tortellenies(sp) from the healthy choice soup and threw the rest away. About two hours later, I took some meds to help with my horrible cold and the headache that came with it. 45 minutes later, I was throwing up muccus (I apologize for the TMI). It was awful! It was the first time I had thrown up since surgery and I am so nervous that it hurt something. I was at my moms and had such a horrible taste in my mouth, that I grabbed the first thing I could find and ate it...which happened to be a chocolate rice krispy treat. That was the first thing I've had sweet since surgery. That wasn't the only thing I had either but I won't bore you with the details of the day's menu and my bad choices. I did still manage to stay under my calories, but they certainly weren't GOOD calories! Then this morning I get to work and the post man brings in a Harry & David treat basket! I feel like crying. I had one chocolate covered cherry (50 calories) and that's all I'm planning on having. I didn't have breakfast yet again (not on purpose, I thought I had something in the fridge, but I didn't). I feel like crying! It's funny because I helped throw a bridal shower on Sunday and there were sooo many yummy treats but I didn't cave then! I didn't even have the baked zitti (which I LOVE!). I had 4 meatballs. 2 for Lunch, 2 for dinner. I actually skipped breakfast that day too. Totally not like me. Also, another bad thing I've been doing, is taking a sip here and there either right before and/or right after eating. It's not a lot. Just sips. I feel like it's really unrealistic to not drink anything at all an hour before and an hour after eating. I'm trying my best and most of the time I succeed, but I just can't help myself. I know I just need to jump right back on the band wagon. I've proved to myself I can do this. I just hate this feeling of guilt!! I hate feeling like I'm on a diet. Oh and another interesting story! I went to pick up a friend from the airport and we stopped at Cheesecake Factory on the way back. The cool thing about that place is that they tell you how many calories is in EVERYTHING and they have a separate menu for people who are trying to eat better. Anyways, I ordered the crab bites (suuuuupppperrr yummy!!! and only 400 calories!) and a peach smoothie (300 calories). My friend that was with me told me I needed to eat more...that I was starving myself. I thought that was hilarious! Actually, that was the most calories I've had since surgery (counting my breakfast and lunch that day). Miraculously, I lost weight over the weekend. 1.2 pounds to be exact. Very odd. I have a feeling my bad behavior from yesterday will catch up to me though. I pray it doesn't, but these things have consequences! I also heard that we are having pizza delivered as a Christmas gift to us on Friday. I love pizza! I just want to cry :*( I'm afraid I'm starting to become obsessive and psychotic about food. I didn't want that. I don't want to be weird about this. I just want to be NORMAL!! Anyways, that's today's rant!!
  5. I'm so excited! Today I am down 25 pounds from when I started my pre op diet on November 11th! I'm also starting regular foods today but I haven't had any so far lol. This morning I had a SF Carnation Instant Breakfast and for lunch, FF Refried Beans mixed with Ricotta Cheese and shredded cheese. I seriously love that stuff. For dinner, however, I plan on having a Lean Cuisine. I had trouble picking some out last night. Even the Lean Cuisines are mostly pasta, bread and other carbs! I have no idea what to actually eat! I feel like once I take bread and pasta out of the equation, my choices are very slim. If anyone has any suggestions, it would be appreciated. What did you eat once you were back to "normal" food? I'm also kind of a picky eater so that doesn't help. My calorie intake is still between 600 to 800 daily. I haven't been hungry between meals, haven't been snacking or eating any sweets. Today I am not feeling well though. First time since surgery (besides the normal pain I mean). I have a headache and a sore throat. I almost didn't even want to eat but I made myself. I hope it passes quickly. Also, I'm at exactly 40 BMI! I started at 44. It's weird to think that if I go down just .1 more point, I wouldn't have qualified for the surgery as I have no other co morbids. Anyways, just felt like updating! I'm attaching a current picture (not very good).
  6. First Blog!

    I have a lot running through my mind right now so figured I'd just blog about it. I had surgery on November 21st and everything went smoothly. As of yesterday, I had lost 21 pounds (including pre op diet). I KNOW I'm not supposed to weigh myself every day, but I can't seem to help myself! So today I weigh myself and I've gained a pound. Yesterday I started on pureed but all I had was a SF Jello Temptations (60 calories), 2 SF Carnation Instant Breakfasts, and SF Applesauce (60 calories). I don't see how I could be gaining weight considering I got less than 300 calories yesterday! I know I'm being completely psychotic about this, but it's stressing me out. Lots of people on here say they didn't lose any weight or they even gaines some once they started eating again. I feel like as long as I'm staying within my calorie limits, I should still be losing! Maybe tomorrow will be different and I would have lost again but now I'm scared to eat what I had planned to today. I'm hoping I'm eating the right way. Here is what I'll be eating today.
     
    8:30: 1/4 of Greek Yogurt
    11:00: SF Carnation Instant Breakfast
    1:30: Try to finish the yogurt
    3:30: SF Carnation Instant Breakfast
    5:30: FF refried beans (which I'll probably get less than 5 bites out of)
    8:00: SF Hot chocolate
     
    I feel like that's a good eating schedule and I shouldn't be gaining weight with or without the band by eating this way. I really wish I wasn't flipping out about this so soon after my surgery. I know I have to be patient. I'm going to work on that :/
     
    Anyways, I had my surgery follow up appointment yesterday. It went very well. He said everything looked well and I made an appointment for my first fill (well that depends on how much I've lost) for January 3rd. He was extremely happy at the amount of weight I had lost thus far. I guess I should be happy about that. I'm now at 40.1 BMI. That's sooo awesome! Anyways, please excuse my rambles and freaking out. I just had to rant.
  7. In one phone conversation, my feeling of happiness went down the drain. My insurance coordinator just called and told me that my insurance will not approve the sleeve because my BMI is below 50. Why they didn't know that before, I don't know. Surgery is scheduled in 10 days. She said I could make a member appeal...but it's been 6 months already. I just don't know if it's worth it. She said my insurance will cover the band. As of right now, that's the route I'm taking...although I hate it. I'm super scared of the band, but it's either that or nothing. Any ideas will be appreciated. Thanks.
  8. I'm not crazy!!

    So my psych eval went like this-I sat down, he asked where I worked and what I did, signed a paper, and out I went. 80 bucks for that??? Actually, I don't mind because I know a lot of people pay more and often have to go to more than one session. I'm thankful that it was painless. I guess I looked and spoke like a normal, logical person. Now I only need to get my primary doctors approval and I'm finished with all the insurance requirements. Yay!! Only 26 days left until surgery!! Tonight I have my second to last Nutritional class. Getting so excited now that I'm nearing the end.
     
     

  9. So the scale went up the .2 pounds to 257. SO DEPRESSING! I just set a goal for myself. Lose 10 pounds BEFORE Pre Op (November 11th). I have my next Nutrition class on Tuesday...maybe I can lose a couple of pounds by then. We'll see! I hope to be 30 pounds lighter by time of surgery (November 21st...A MONTH FROM TOMORROW!!).
    My mom brought up leakage this morning. Now I'm starting to get concerned. I really hope things go smoothly for me with little to no complications.
     
     
     

     
     
     
     
     
  10. Only 32 Days!

    Not sure if anyone is going to read this, but I figure blogging about my journey will give me something to look back on. It will help me note my progress. Surgery date is still 32 days away. It's the Monday before Thanksgiving. I just weighed myself and am currently at 256 (and that's rounding down). I usually stay around 255. My story is similar to everyone elses so I won't waste time with the details. Let's just say, a lot of time and money spent with very few (if any) results. I'm 27, and I realize I'm not getting any younger. I have been reasonably health, but had a scare that pushed me to start researching weight loss surgery. I'm very glad that I did and I'm extremely excited. Although I'M healthy, my family has a history of diabetes and heart problems and I wanted to nip that in the bud ASAP.
     
    I know a common question among the board is who do you tell about this journey? For the most part, I've told everyone. Everyone I work with, my whole family, and a few close friends. Amazingly, every single person I've told has been extremely supportive. I even told one of my friends (who I thought would react negatively) and she surprised me by being supportive! I feel super blessed to have such great people in my life. However, I have this one close guy friend that for some reason, I can't make myself tell. I do have feelings for him, so maybe that's why? It's been stressing me out a bit, and I'm really hoping that after surgery, he doesn't ask how I lost the weight so quickly. I guess I'll just have to jump that hurdle when I get to it.
     
    Originally, this journey was only supposed to be a 3 month one. However, the doctors confused my insurance, and it ended up being 6 months. Which isn't horrible...I'm just glad I'm getting it done. All of my pre tests are finished (since I orginally thought 3 months, I got right on it) and everything came back wonderfully.
     
    I have my psychiatrist appointment on Monday (the 24th). For those of you that are curious, I only have to pay 80 bucks. He doesn't accept my insurance, but I found him to be cheaper than the ones that do! My sister went to him when she had her bypass surgery a few years ago, and she said it only took a few minutes! I'll make sure to blog about my experience afterwards. I have my last appointment with Dr. K on November 3rd and I still have to get my primary doctors approval. Still two more nutrition classes left! I expect to start my pre op diet on or around November 11th. Not too excited about that, but I am determined to make it through!
     
    Well, that's a lengthy first blog! The others will be shorter.
     
     

     
     
     
  11. Sooo happy!

    Today I feel happy and excited! Two of my close friends cleared their schedules for me last minute last night to go out to dinner with me. They knew it would be a while before I would be able to go out, as I start my pre op diet tomorrow. Also, one of my friends is doing the pre op diet with me. I feel like I have an awesome support system in place! I am having zero doubts about getting this surgery and am 100% confident in my choice to do it. I have a feeling the next 10 days will zoom by!
  12. Today I had my final nutrition class! These past 6 months have flew by! The classes were really helpful and I intend to apply all I learned there to help my weight loss after surgery.
    Tonight I am going out with a couple of friends to Olive Garden. I start my pre op diet Friday, and I know I won't be able to eat normally for a couple of months. I figured I'd take the opportunity to enjoy some OG! I'm excited!
    For those of you that read this and have been through surgery already, I had a quick question about the hair loss situation. I've been trying to prepare myself for it and I'll be able to handle my hair "thinning out". However, does it get so bad that bald spots start showing up? The idea is freaking me out :/ Thanks to this board, I now know that Biotin, MSM, and keeping my protein up may slow it down. I'm just wondering how it worked for others. Thanks!
  13. So yesterday I was asked to be in a wedding that's happening in January. I'm excited because I'm hoping that I will have lost at least 50 pounds by then. I want to look good. This will be the 3rd wedding I'm in, and I've always felt like a stuffed sausage in the bridesmaid dresses. Hopefully, this time, it will be different. Plus, it's a black dress so even better! Do you think 50 pounds is realistic? I begin my pre op diet this Friday and am on it for 10 days. It seems the average is 20 pounds on the pre op. I have surgery on the 21st, so that gives me almost 2 months (the wedding is January 18th) to lose even more. I'm hoping to start exercising ASAP after the surgery to kick my weightloss up to over average. This is the first time I'm actually excited to be in a wedding. Haha.
    I have the appointment with my primary care doctor in an hour to get the approval for surgery. Hopefully I'll be in and out. I really don't like him.
    The only things I have left to do after today is my last nutrition class on Wednesday, start my pre op diet on Friday, go do that pre surgery stuff, then it's the main event! It's so hard to believe I've come this far! Can't wait to become healthier and happier with my new self!
  14. So, yesterday was my last appointment with the surgeon before surgery (see previous blog). I basically met with the surgeon, he had me sign some papers, explained a few things, told me I did NOT need an endoscopy (yay!), and took me off to see the insurance coordinator.
     
    That's when I had my little scare. First she tells me that I will will have to go in for pre op 3 to 4 days before surgery, and that they will call me the Friday before to tell me what time I have to be at the hospital for surgery. THEN she tells me that I have to front 20% of the surgeons fee before the surgery. I'm thinking 1,000's of dollars and I start to freak out on the inside. I just stared at her until I finally stuttered that I didn't think I could come up with 1,000's of dollars in two weeks. She then told me it was only going to be around 250. Thank God!! I almost hyperventilated and felt soooo much relief when she told me that. Not that I enjoy paying 250 either, but it's certainly better than what I thought and better than what a lot of other people have to pay. Other than that, everything seems to be going smoothly. She said that once I'm finished with my last Nutrition class (on the 9th) that she will send everything to the insurance. She said she may also call them ahead of time just to make sure everything is on track. Hopefully THAT goes well. I asked her before if she thought I'd get approved and she said she was almost positive I would. However, still fearful after reading the stories on here. I'm praying hard that the last 6 months don't end up being a waste of time and money!!
     
    After speaking with her, I stopped in to see the nutritionist as I wasn't sure which protein shakes I could have. I have a choice between four: Bariatric Advantage, Bariatric Fusion, Unjury or GNC 100% Whey. I need to have 6 servings a day for 9 days. As of right now (unless suggested otherwise) I think I'm going to go with GNC. It seems to be the cheapest out of the 4, plus more convenient as there is a store right down the street and I won't have to pay for shipping. Even as the cheapest it's going to cost almost 60 bucks because I need the 5lb jug to get me through the pre op.
     
    I also made my appointment with my primary care doctor for Monday to receive his approval. The insurance coordinator made me feel a little better because she said that they have faxed over all my stuff to him, so I know he knows I'm getting this surgery. It shouldn't be a problem receiving the approval thank goodness.
     
    p.s. While waiting the surgeon, the nurse who took my blood pressure was telling me that she saw a segment about the Sleeve on Goodmorning America that morning! She said it was all positive things. She also said that I was lucky because I'm young, that my skin should bounce back to shape while losing the weight. I know however, that it also depends on genetics, but a girl can hope!! Haha. She also stated that she was going to call in all the medicines I will need to my pharmacy so I won't have to wait for them, just go pick them up. Very nice lady and I'm loving my experience at the center I'm going to!
     
    Seriously excited! Only 16 days away!!
  15. I'm so excited! Today at 1PM I will have my last "official" appointment with my bariatric surgeon before surgery! I'm hoping today I get a lot of questions answered. I've heard a lot of people talking about getting a endoscopy but my doctor hasn't even mentioned it once. It's a little annoying because my surgery is only 17 days away and I know I may have to take off work for this. I feel like there are a lot of things I still don't know. My surgery is on a Monday, so I'm wondering if they will be doing the endoscopy and blood tests the day before, which is a Sunday. Oh well. I should get answers today. I'm also wondering if I should maybe start the pre op diet early...or at least, part of it. I haven't really lost (or gained) any weight since I started this journey 6 months ago so I figure the more weight I lose now, the better. I probably won't do the extreme, just two protein shakes and a normal meal. These are all the random thoughts running through my head! I still have the worry that I'll get all this done, and they come back and tell me the insurance won't cover it. The office I go to seems so unconcerned with this, that it has made me unconcerned as well. But I've heard horror stories on here and now I'm starting to worry a bit. I don't understand why they would schedule the surgery if they were uncertain about me getting approved. Another worry of mine. The doctor I usually go to has left the practice so the last couple of times I've gone, I've went to someone new. I don't like him, and he doesn't really know me. I doubt he even knows I'm getting this surgery done. I'm slightly worried he won't approve me for this surgery. But considering his old partner is the one who referred me, he probably can't. Has anyone not been given their primary doctors approval? Just curious! Alright...well that's enough of my ranting for today! I may blog again once I get back from the appointment.
  16. Only 19 days until surgery! I feel like today is the first day that every time I think about the surgery, I get a weird feeling in the pit of my stomach. Not that I'm second guessing myself, I guess it's just anxious energy. I do have to remind myself occasionally why I am going this route. All my tests came back good, I have no sleep apnea, no heart problems, nothing wrong with me that people would usually relate to being obese. I'm sure those problems would probably come later though. However, I have noticed a lot lately that when I start to walk after sitting for a while, my legs hurt. I feel like I'm limping a little until my legs get used to it. It's a very odd feeling and I've only noticed it for the past few months or so. Has anyone else experienced this? Also, I helped out with a childrens Halloween party on Sunday, and that night, I felt like EVERYTHING hurt (thanks to a lively game of Simon Says) and I was extremely tired the next day. One of the main reasons I am doing this, is because I desperately want to have children one day. Sorry for the TMI, but there was a time when about 3 months went by and I didn't have my period. I am usually pretty regular and got really spooked. Hence the reason I started to research WLS. I am a bit anxious for reactions I may receive after surgery but I'll jump that hurdle when I get to it. Well I guess that's it for now.
  17. Nothing to Report

    Nothing too exciting going on right now. I've ate like a pig the last couple of days thanks to the bank I work at having customer appreciation week. Cupcakes, candy, pretzels, doughnuts, pizza and muffins all around! Thankfully, I haven't gained (or lost) a single pound. I'm sure it will catch up to me though Next week will be a fresh start. I should be glad that preparing for this surgery has made me more aware of what I eat. Before, I would never even feel guilty about eating like I have the past two days. At least I can recognize the bad habits and learn from them! I'm contemplating starting my pre op diet early. I believe I'm only required to be on it for 10 days, but I may start a week earlier than that. Surgery is only 23 days away!! Sooo excited!!!
     
     

  18. Psych Eval today!

    It was a rough weekend and has been a rough morning. Thankfully, I finish up work in about an hour, then I head off to my psych eval! I have no idea what to expect, but I'll make sure to blog about my experience tomorrow. Only 27 days until surgery!!
     



  19. In exactly one month from today, I will be having the surgery that will change my life forever! I CAN'T wait!!! So excited!
    And in other good news, I am down 2.2 pounds from yesterday. Not sure how it happened (did have a lighter breakfast this morning) but I hope I can keep it going! Only 7.8 pounds to go to meet my November 11th goal of 10 pounds.
     



  20. Vacation

    So I have to say, vacations are not good for weight loss! I did go to the gym 5 times, but I wasn't as strict with the type of food I was eating. I missed the structure of a work week! Although I am two pounds up from my lowest weight (191), I am two pounds down from my doctor weigh in on Tuesday (195). I am right in the middle at 193. I am okay with that. However, I am 100 percent back on course today!
    My doctor did not give me a fill again. It's the second time in a row. I had lost 8 pounds since my last appointment and he thought that was enough. My weight loss has slowed down so I wanted one. I do not feel as if I'm in the green zone. Sometimes I know I could eat more, but I stop myself. Other times, I feel the resistance from the band. I still throw up sometimes. It's the weirdest thing! I guess I'm still trying to figure things out!
    I am starting week 8 in the couch to 5k program. Never thought I'd make it this far. I am super proud of myself!
    I am now down to a size 14...started at a size 18/20. It's just so crazy to think about! I love shopping now. I find cuter things for a lot cheaper now. I love to go dancing now too. I'm actually a really good dancer (I say this in surprise, not to toot my own horn). Guys pay a lot of attention to me now. Now that I've said all that, I have to also say, that attention is not what I'm after. As you can probably tell from my previous blog, I don't like it at all! The guy I've been quasi dating, liked me before I started losing any weight. He doesn't know about the surgery (yet) but I plan on telling him should he ever decide he wants to commit to me. It's amazing how much my life has changed in less than 5 months! Well that's it for my update for right now! :-)
  21. Ok So Far

    So even though I have not lost anything in two days, I KNOW I'm doing what I'm supposed to do. I can't feel bad about that. It is possible I'm losing inches (I will check on Saturday and compare) or maybe one of these days, a whole bunch of pounds will drop. But I don't feel guilty. I haven't done anything wrong and I'm following the program as I should. It's actually easier than I thought it would be. I haven't really been hungry between meals so I'm glad about that. Yesterday I had 558 calories and the day before, only 426. Today will probably be in between that. The pureed stage does not suck. I haven't had any problems and haven't thrown up even once. That may change once I progress into regular food again, but I'm hoping it doesn't. I'm actually looking forward to eating less! I make sure to take time in between bites (swallows) and wait to listen to my body. I usually burp or hiccup when I'm done. I really appreciate my body letting me know! At first I was like, what the heck! I don't even feel full! But that's backwards thinking...I don't NEED to feel full, I just need to feel satisfied. And I was! And on so little too! I am sooo excited about this journey! I know my blog from yesterday was a bit over dramatic but I'm not normally like that. This is what my food schedule will be today
     
    8:30: Half a greek yogurt
    I usually have my SF carnation instant breakfast in between meals, but I ran out of it and milk. Have to go grocery shopping tonight. If I get hungry before lunch or dinner, I'll have a spoon full of ricotta cheese.
    1:30: About 5 tablespoons of refried beans mixed with a little bit of fat free sour cream and weight watchers shredded cheese
    5:30: Same as I had for lunch
    8:00: Maybe some Sugar Free hot chocolate
     
    Hope everyone has a nice day!! Please feel free to add me as a friend on Myfitnesspal. My sn is legnarevocrednu

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