Cindy2013

akwright and taliegirl, how did surgery go? I hope you are both home and resting at this point. Post when you can. Thinking of you.

My doc requires overnight so that he can give another shot of blood thinner. Most of his patients go home same day, but those with DVT experience stay overnight. Actually I live 1.5 hours away so it is a little reassuring to be staying overnight. And that extra shot of heparin before heading home is okay with me as long as I don't get bloodclots again.

Surprise!!!! My surgery is Monday morning. I had my blood retested on Thursday and got word Friday afternoon that I am good to go. Yay! So I have to be at the hospital Monday morning, will stay overnight, and then I'm ready to get on with all my goals of getting thin and starting to feel better. I have the pain pump surgery on March 7th, so that will give me 3 weeks in between to heal up. I'm stoked about this! I honestly thought it wouldn't be until the 25th at the earliest. We have a house full of people this weekend. All 5 of my children are home (doesn't happen often) and we have 3 extra friends of the college students, and my mother will be here tomorrow. We have a big family get together today with my husband's family that I had to bring food for. Oh was it hard to smell it cooking and not eat it. And it was hard to be at their house with all the food. But I did really well. I was proud of myself for drinking water, eating salad and only a couple ounces of meat with no sauces or bread. I did good! I've only had shakes for the past 3 days, so it was good to eat a bit of meat. This weekend has been interesting because I've done a lot of cooking. Chocolate chip cookies, pumpkin bread, waffles, bacon, breadsticks, spaghetti, pulled pork sandwiches, potato salad, and then tomorrow is steaks and baked potatoes, homemade ice cream, and then Monday morning I need to make sure there is food for everyone here before I head off to the hospital. I've cooked all of the items I just listed and not tasted any of it. So I've been good. I am ready for this change in my life. Being able to get through this weekend without caving in tells me that I am ready, and that I can do it. So, Monday morning is the next step, and I will be successful! I'll be here reading everything you guys are experiencing so that I can learn everything possible. I'm certainly not looking forward to stuck episodes, so I hope to avoid that by learning from you guys. I hope all of you are doing well in your journeys. Cindy

Hello Alicia. I understand just how difficult of a decision this is. It has taken me 2 long years of studying everything I could find and questioning doctors and patients before I made the decision to move forth with the lapband. For me, I chose the lapband because it is not cutting away part of my stomach. I chose the least risky surgery because things can and do go wrong. I just don't want the associated chronic diarrhea nor malnutrition that can happen with the bypass. Even with the bypass, there are cases where people don't keep the weight off. I know one person who I had no idea had the bypass years ago, and she is heavier than I am now. I think people can be successful with any of the WLS options. In fact, I don't think the success depends on which surgery you choose, but rather on how diligent you are in following the plan, creating new habits and a new lifestyle. I'll admit, I'm not yet a successful lapband patient, but I will be! My honest opinion is that it doesn't matter if we need to lose 100 pounds or 200 or 300, with enough diligence and determination, anyone can be successful.

Happy Valentines Day. May your surgery go well. No chocolates or nice dinner out with the significant other, but this Valentines Day will always be remembered as the one that gave you back your control over your body. Good luck ladies.

Thanks Manda. I'll take all the prayers I can get. Thanks for your prayers too. Yeah, college daughters are great. I have 4 girls and one son. My son doesn't spend much time with the family. I sure wish he would, but he is busy with his friends and work, doesn't yet see the need for family time. He and his twin sister are 23. She (Stephanie) comes home a couple of times a month, and she is a great help to me. She teaches 8-9th grade math, and it is so fun to hear her stories of what goes on with those kids. Angie (21) is in her senior year of college at Utah State University, where she is studying history and soil sciences. She is the one who is sick. She comes home frequently too, and I sure wish I could do something to help her health. Sarah is 20 is in her 2nd year of university studies at Brigham Young University, where she is studying landscape architecture. I always thought she would be the doctor of the family but she surprised us all and decided on a major where she can work outdoors. I love her excitement for the land and making it more beautiful. Sarah is 3 hours away, so she only comes home every couple of months, but she will be here this coming weekend. I'm excited for that, except she is bringing a couple of friends and I have to get the house ready. One is a guy friend and she wants things to be perfect. She tells me they are just friends, but I suspect otherwise. Anyway, I sure enjoy my adult children and how close we are. My baby daughter Jenna (16) isn't so much of a baby now. She and I used to be super close, but she has been going through a strange phase where she doesn't really like her mother. I'll be glad when that is over! Anyway, I understand what you are saying about missing your daughter. I hope you see yours soon.

Oh, FloridaSunshine, where in Florida did you graduate? I was raised in Florida near the Panhandle in a small town called Ponce de Leon, but I moved away my sophomore year. This year will be my 25th reunion as well. It would be way cool if I know you.

Florida, are you drinking enough fluids? I was told that we won't lose if we aren't drinking at least 64 ounces of water, but preferrably 100 or more. You will break the 200 mark. Don't give up. I'd love to see your celebration dance when you do! You can do it!

Oh boy, I understand. Sorry your date got postponed--it is frustrating when you have all your plans ready to go with time off work, babysitters, meals, etc. I'm glad it is only 2 days for you. My surgery was supposed to be Feb 11th (yesterday). My surgeon postponed because pre-op lab work showed a high white blood count. Not significantly high, but he won't put an artificial apparatus in anyone with an abnormal WBC. So I'm finishing up my antibiotics today and will get rechecked again tomorrow. Who knows when it will happen. Next surgical date is the 25th. Ugh.

Thanks ladies. I'm back on track with the diet. After hearing the success stories of those of you recently post op, I'm energized with a new resolve to do this. Today was a good day with my daughter. She is 21, and we still don't have any real answers, but the doctor took a few blood samples and thinks Angie may have Hoshimoto's disease. If not, then the next step is a rheumatologist to be tested for other auto-immune diseases. I sure hope we can figure this out soon. She is a vivacious over-achiever person who has always lived life to the fullest. The past few months have been very difficult for her with extreme fatigue, weakness, fuzzy head, aches and pains, etc. etc. She is in her senior year of college and this should be her last semester, but she may be dropping out this semester and trying to get her health back. Then she can go back at it full force with all the energy and enthusiasm she normally has. I sure hope we get an answer because it is very difficult to see her this way. So, I'm glad I went with her today. Had some good one on one time, which was much needed. On the way home, I stopped at Sam's Club and re-stocked my Premier Protein drinks. I spent $75, so I should have a good supply for a while. I tried a couple of other brands, but I haven't found one I like as well. In fact, I tried the unjury strawberry sorbet today. OMG, it was awful! I couldn't even drink it. On a good note though, I'm getting into the swing of taking the drink with me so that I don't eat out. I wasn't even tempted to buy a candy bar! Hey, now that's progress! Everyone keep up the good work. I'm watching and learning from all of you!

50for50, great job! 14 pounds down in 11 days. That is amazing. Actually good job to all of you. I can't wait! My day will come soon.

Holy cow Kate. It hasn't been very long since your surgery. That is great that you are eating solids already. I don't think I'm brave enough to move that fast, but who knows. When I get there I may be ready. I was wondering if any of you have tried egg nog as a full liquid. I always make a large batch of egg nog at Christmas time for our family, and we love it. (yep, I use raw eggs and we are still alive!). We live on a dairy farm and have raw milk too, so I can get a good creamy milk to go with the egg nog. Of course that would be fattening, so perhaps that isn't a good choice. But I thought I'd suggest it so you can have some variety. Can't be much worse than a cream soup. If any of you want a recipe, ask me. Cindy

Sorry ladies for not responding sooner. it's been a crazy weekend here. My youngest daughter had her 16th birthday, and we had a party with a dozen kids, so getting ready for it was a bit of work. things are calm tonight though so I thought I'd report in. Yes, my surgery is postponed. It will most likely happen on the 25th if my WBC is normal. There is a slim chance a spot will open up on the 18th so I'm hoping for that. I was really bad this whole weekend. It started when they told me surgery is postponed. I took on a bad attitude and didn't care about the whole diet thing because I was hungry and grumpy. Let's just say that the weekend wasn't good for shrinking my liver. I am taking a z-pack antibiotic and it will be finished on Tuesday. Bloodwork on Wednesday. I'm hoping it shows a normal WBC because if not, I have no idea how to get it down to a normal level. This surgeon is very firm in his decision to not do an elective surgery on someone with a high WBC. I'm back on the pre-op diet as of this afternoon. I can do this for another couple of weeks if I have to. I'm glad I took a couple of days off because it helped my attitude. I was feeling weak and grumpy from not getting enough nutrition. But tonight I feel much better and not so frustrated with the delay in surgery. It kind of works out because my 21 year old daughter has an important doctor appointment tomorrow morning and she wants me to go with her. All things happen for a reason. anyway, i hope all of you are well. I'm off to read some of the posts now.

My surgery is supposed to be on Monday, but I must have the most conservative surgeon on the planet. I have a slightly elevated WBC. Not sick. No sinus problem. Nothing. He won't operate until the bloodwork is normal, saying that it is an elective surgery and if there is infection anywhere in my body it will cause a problem for the artificial apparatus he is placing in me. Okay, I get that. Had a shot of rocephen 2 days ago. WBC still basically the same reading. Now I'm on a Z-pac for the next 5 days and we'll see where the reading comes in then. Come to find out from my PCP, I always have a slightly elevated WBC. But honestly, I think it is elevated because of chronic inflammation, and if that is the case, it will never go down. My primary care doc says that this reading would be something he wouldn't even mention because it is so insignificant. So here I am, doing the liver shrinking diet, and i have no idea when or IF I will get to have the surgery. I've gone through all the workup to get it done, psych eval, nutritionist, physical therapist, etc. and it may all be for a waste. I need to calm down. But I know I have inflammation. All my docs know I have inflammation. Geesh. Maybe I'll have surgery next week, or the next, or the next. How on earth am I going to dig down deep enough to keep myself motivated to stay on this stupid diet?

Good to hear you gals are doing so good. I'll write more tomorrow. Just wanted to say hello and offer encouragement. Keep up the good work.

Terry, doesn't that just frustrate you that people who have been thin are able to just back off a little bit and lose 5 pounds when they need to. I watch my adult daughters eat and eat and eat and they never gain an ounce. I eat probably 1/3 of what they eat at meals, and I've always packed it on. Frustration. But that is great that your wife can eat that way. Speaking of normal, I had a discussion with my doc today and he said he hates diets. What? Isn't this whole thing a diet for the rest of our lives? Restrict portion size, restrict calories,carbs, fats, etc. But he said he will not prohibit breads, pastas, rice, cheese, sweets. We will lose quicker and easier if we don't eat those things, but he wants us to find a normal way of eating that will blend well with our families and going out to eat (healthy places). Of course if breads get stuck, we can't eat them. But he said after the initial 6 weeks recovery, he encourages his patients to just find as normal of a lifestyle of eating as they can, only limit portion size. It must work because he has many successful and happy patients.

On a mission, 9 pounds from Friday to Tuesday? Oh that's just not fair! But good for you. I had my pre-op appointment with the doctor. I'm down 10 pounds, but I was down 4 pounds before I started the diet. So 6 for the last week. I suppose I shouldn't complain since I was flat in bed from Friday to the following Friday, and then again half the day on Saturday. Now that my spinal leak is now fixed, I can get to doing some exercise and maybe lose some more. My nutritionist said most people lose during the first week of the diet and then only 2-3 pounds during the 2nd week because our bodies figure out that it is getting starved. Hmmm, perhaps I should go eat a really good dinner tonight and trick it back into thinking it has all the food it wants. Doesn't work that way though.

Thanks for the encouragement ladies. Day 9 is almost over. 5 to go before the surgery day when we can't even have water. But I'm feeling strong. Had my pre-op labs done today and provided my sore throat doesn't turn into something bad, I'm good to go. Well, I didn't get the report back on the labs, but I'm assuming I'm good to go. Interesting thing regarding the throat. I NEVER EVER get a sore throat. Probably been 6 years since I had one, although I did have some weird sores in my mouth and throat once, but not anything viral or bacterial as far as throats go. Anyway, I also NEVER take vitamins. Been taking a multi-vitamin and a chewable calcium for 10 days. What do you know, now I've got the sore throat. I tell you--vitamins just don't work, lol. Perhaps it has something to do with not getting enough nutrition during this diet. I'm not too worried about it, but I sure don't want anything getting in the way of this surgery.

I'm just about to crawl in bed at the end of day 8 of my pre-op diet. All in all, it hasn't been too bad. Day 6 was my hardest. Tonight I baked a pizza for the family, and sat there and drank a protein shake and ate carrots while they enjoyed their pizza. Later they wanted pumpkin bread. I honestly made it through the past few hours of cooking and sitting with the family while they were eating, and it didn't bother me. I was able to keep my resolve to not cheat. That is real progress. I was real concerned about eating sugar free jello. The thought of that just turned me off. On my diet I can have any liquid that is 15 calories or less per serving. SF Jello meets that category, so when I was needing some energy yesterday, I tried it. I actually liked it! That was surprising, and tells me that my taste buds are already changing. I am used to eating a lot of sugar. 8 days into it, I am not craving sugar. How wonderful is that! Anyway, for the first time, I am feeling hopeful that I can shed the unwanted weight. I can do this. It won't be easy. It won't be fast. (My doctor says 2 pounds per week) But it will be worth it and I will stick to it. Anyway, just wanted to say that I've got this diet now. Just 6 days to go and then the big band day. Cindy

Susan, it sounds as if things are going well for you. That is wonderful! I'm happy to hear that the pain has been manageable. You gave a fairly good summary of what to expect, unless of course we end up with an outcome such as Kate's. Danielle, 4 days already, time does go quickly. Getting out of the house must have felt great today. What type of work do you do? Good that you can work from home, just remember not to overdo. Kate, I wondered if the scarring would cause you to have more pain. I don't know if that is it, but it would make sense if he had to "cut" your old band and port out. One tip on getting out of bed is to lay closer to the side and roll out rather than try to sit up. Just don''t go splat on the floor as you roll. Is there something you can put next to the bed that you can grab on to to help pull yourself out rather than using the abdominal muscles? Even a sturdy nightstand to grab the edge of? Good luck. I still haven't seen anything posted by Sara. I hope she is okay.

Wow, what causes a flipped port? Sorry for this happening. I hope you get it fixed quickly.

Welcome! I think you have come to the right place for support. With commitment and now the motivation of the possibility of a baby, you've got this! I'm just new to the lapband, with surgery one week away. But I'm in awe of all the people on here who are leading the way for us. Have you met with your lapband doctor yet to renew your commitment? Get as many people on your support team as possible, and you can do it. Cindy

I'm getting worried. Haven't seen a post from any of today's bandsters. Has anyone else? I'm especially concerned about Kate because she had to have the old one removed and new one in. Wonder if she had too much scar tissue. I really thought she would have posted by now. Kate, Susan, and Sara, I hope you are all okay. Post when you can. (yeah, I'm a worrier)

It's great to hear you are doing well.