tigers1998

Hunger/Cravings/Emotional/Habitual: [ FEEL FREE TO RELATE AND LAUGH WHILE READING ] If you have lived as a human on this planet we like to call Earth, you have experienced these different forms of eating habits. For some us, we have mastered the eating maze and are healthy and happy individuals. For some of us, we were just blessed with good genes that kept and continue to keep us skinny. Others may choose other methods of dealing with hunger and/or engage in habits that keeps them thin (but are in no way beneficial to their health): anemia, bulimia, drugs, even smoking (so I have been told). And then there is the rest of the world, the majority, who simply eat. Well as promised, I stated that I would share as I learned. So here we go. Three days ago, I started to have a strange craving for salt. I figured I just wanted something salty: French fries or something. The first day, I tried saltine crackers- didn't work. The Second Day, I broke down and got a small fry from McDonalds - after three fries and a terrible time swallowing it- I threw the rest away. I figured chips would hurt worse than fries so I didn't go there. By the third day, I was ready to pour salt in my hand and eat it. I ended up eating mashed potatoes with salt and Cajun seasoning. I wasn't really hungry nor did I want any of the things I mentioned. I just wanted the salt. We are conditioned to believe that cravings are ALWAYS remnants of are past BAD eating habits: nothing good can come of it. So I didn't mention it to the doctor. Well, I had a routine follow up scheduled the next day: blood, urine and so forth. Come to find out, I was Dehydrated. One of the symptoms associated with Dehydration is craving salt. Upon finding out this information, I told my doctor about the last three days. He listened and then he explained. There are several types of eating habits, but to simplify here are four main types: hunger or regular, cravings, emotional, and habitual eating. Hunger: Regular - Biologically Necessary Eating: When the food you have previously consumed has been digested and used, the body sends off signals to the brain to start the process of alerting you ( growling stomach, headache, and so forth) that you need nourishment. Insert a bunch of doctor talk here....and then arrive to the point. You need to eat small portions throughout the day to keep your system fueled and your blood sugar levels regulated. Cravings: Mostly a mental hunger but can occasionally be a symptom of a bigger health issue. Cravings are greatly linked to the wonderful neurotransmitters we call endorphins: the feel good stuff. Deserts, fast food, candy, and so forth can all be linked to cravings associated with the release of endorphins. Giving into a craving WITH MODERATION every now and then is not a bad thing. As my doctor has stated once before: deprivation is the mother of all diet breaking habits. Deprive yourself of something long enough and you will most likely binge when you do eat it. A few potato chips did not make you overweight OVER NIGHT. It took Several Bags of Chips over Several Nights to add the pounds. MODERATION is the key. Keeping a food log is a great help in this department. You will begin to see patterns in your eating habits. For example, when and what types of cravings you have and how you dealt with them. And if you find yourself craving something over and over again, do not hesitate to talk to your doctor or nutritionist. In some cases, as it was with my need for salt, there may be a greater medical issue at hand. Emotional eating: Well this topic needs no introduction and has a simple explanation: attempting to make us temporarily feel better through eating. We usually engage in emotional eating during times of Stress, Grief, Anxiousness, Indecision, Depression, Helplessness, and so forth. The best way to combat this eating habit, is to locate the source of the problem. Eating rarely if ever solves the problem that is causing the strong and usually negative emotion. Exercise, counseling, reaching out to others, and sometimes taking time to heal oneself are all great tactics. Once again keeping a journal of what triggers the emotional eating will help you get a better grasp on the problem at hand. NOW WE MOVE ON TO THE UNIVERSAL EATING HABIT ACCURATLEY NAMED HABITUAL (OR RITUAL) Eating: ITS JUST WHAT WE DO. I believe that most people indulge in this eating habit and the following are some examples of when we do it: You are going to the Football/Baseball/Basketball/Hockey game: Hotdogs, Chips, Beer, Liquor. You are going to the movies: Popcorn, Coke, Pretzels, Funnel cake, Pizza or whatever the concession item of your choice is. Its the Holiday Season: I must have all of the usual favorites: Grandma's turkey, Great Aunt's Caramel Cake, Your Spouse's Sweet Potatoes, Your Neighbor's Candy Yams, Christmas Punch, and so forth. The Girls Venting Session: must have Ice Cream of some flavor and LOTS of it and alcohol. The Birthday party: most have party favors and Cake. Men's night: Steaks, Burgers, Chips, Ribs, and Beer. You are bored and in the house doing nothing: Must. Eat. Whatever. Its just what we do. LOL. MOST of us do it and have been conditioned all of our lives to do it. This conditioning has been formed through family traditions, societal norms, peer influences, workplace etiquette, school related gatherings, church and community functions, and almighty MEDIA (just to name a few). The best solution to this is MODERATION. Also, start a new tradition of your own. When all else fails, before you eat something ask yourself the following ( I practice this daily): Are you hungry, have you eaten this lately, how do you feel, and what are you doing at this moment. I usually find that asking myself these questions leads to further questions and eventually to answers. I will either talk myself out of it or I will understand why I am doing it. MOST IMPORTANTLY, No man has ever survived without making mistakes, without setbacks, or without occasional over indulgence. It just happens. Do not beat yourself up about it. Just continue to move forward. You will only be as successful as you allow yourself to be. Surround yourself with supportive people, practice good habits, start new traditions, keep a journal, exercise, and ENJOY your second chance at life. You only live once.

Thank you

It was the Percocet I was taking after surgery.

Some of you know my story and others of you may be reading my blog for the first time. So I will summarize my pre-surgery eating habits so that you may understand the title for my entry. Before Hernia Repair and Lap Band surgery, I had a VERY limited diet. I was in pain when I was hungry and in pain when I ate. I also had a habit of regurgitating food in my sleep. Nausea, cramps, burning/stabbing pain all symptoms I was used to on a regular basis. Food getting stuck....yea that is an understatement. You name it I had it. Most foods agitated my condition, the list looking something like the following: carbonated/ caffeinated/alcoholic beverages, fruit, fruit juices (not even orange juice), products with tomato paste (spaghetti, lasagna, pizza, etc), raw vegetables, soup of the non creamy variety, cakes, pies, brownies, cookies, candy bars, and so forth. You are probably asking yourself the following: WHAT ON EARTH COULD YOU EAT? Well that's simple: starch mostly. Rice, pasta, bread, potato, oatmeal, ice cream, pudding, jello, mushy veggies, and most meats. My life was a daily chore of figuring out what food to eat that would cause me the lease amount of pain. Yes, I had meds but it was like taking sugar pills: no effect. Well, Life has changed for me in more ways than one since then. I sleep better, I experience no pain outside of hunger and the occasional gas/air dilemma (burping hiccupping etc). MOST IMPORTANTLY: I EAT WITH NO PAIN. For the first time in THREE years, I had a few bites of lasagna and a few bites of salad. Everything stayed down and hours later I was still pain free. My mom and I almost cried. These two food items alone would have caused me several hours of pain in my pre surgery days. It took this experience to show me just how SICK I've been for many years. What you EAT and DO NOT (OR IN MY CASE CAN NOT) EAT greatly effects how well your body operates. I feel better, I sleep better, and hopefully I will experience fewer illnesses in the future. I have a new lease on life because I am now able to eat a healthier diet. BUT it is still a struggle. I not only have to learn how to eat, I also have to retrain my mind not to fear pain when I eat. In many ways, It makes me feel like an outcast in most lap band groups. While many are fighting their way to portion control and healthy eating, I am fighting my way through fear and years of a non healthy but very restrictive diet. This is the true reason, I share all of my experiences. I know I cannot be the only one with this journey. It also the reason, why it is painful to me when others beat themselves up about eating food (healthy or junk wise). If you only knew what it was like to go so many years without being able to eat. It is not something I would wish on my worst enemy. Anyways, I am on my way to a better/ healthier life and I can't wait to see where it takes me. I wish the best to all of you. May your journey be one full of success and happiness.

I do feel normal again. It was jut highly frustrating to not get answers. No one seemed to have an idea what was going on. And no one I talked to had the same symptoms.

So I had my first follow up appointment with the Surgeon. Happy to report that all is well from the surgery point of view. Anyways, I have lost ten pounds in two weeks. Which they seem to be surprised by. Not sure why. I guess during this time, many people gain some weight back from their pre op diet due to lack of fluid in the band. I however am not able to eat as I was before. Only small portions of food at a time. The doctor informed me that I would feel twice the restriction due to the hernia repair. So I guess the great news is - its all downhill for a little while longer. Yes, I still have issues seating up in a chair without leaning to my right to relieve the pressure on my left side and I'm told that is normal. How long does it take for your insides to heal? I have five stitches in my diaphragm and stitches securing my port. Well I will keep you updated when more happens. Monday, its back to work for me.

********I POST THIS FOR WOMEN WHO CAN'T FIND ANSWERS TO EXPLAIN NEW SYMPTOMS OF PMS AFTER LAP BAND******* I got VERY LITTLE FEEDBACK on my symptoms and NO DEFINITIVE ANSWERS. With that being said, I feel it is my duty to share what I experienced so that someone else wont feel as LOST as I did. Sorry this post wont be a funny one. SO....10 days after surgery, PMS is knocking at the door. Up until this point, everything was wonderful. I was eating small portions, no nausea, no vomiting, pain only at the incision sites. Resting well. Then it all fell to crap. First headache (normal), cramps (normal), lower back pain (normal): all normal. But then, stomach spasms (not normal), inability to eat (not normal), night sweats (only normal if I am sick - fighting infection), nausea, and insomnia. I wrote the nurse, she was unsure of what to tell me, I called the office of the surgeon (well their best guest - all related to pms - but no one has ever complained of the same symptoms). Even called the gynecologist, one nurse asked me was I experiencing the change - (I'm 33 years old. I definitely hope not.) I even asked about my symptoms in the forums...very little response. So here is the data: Cycle lasted 7 days. Stomach Spasms lasted for three days and were made worse by eating. From day 2 to day 5, protein shakes - saltine crackers (nibbled on throughout the day) - and water was my diet. Day six, I was finally able to eat in peace. Night sweats lasted five days. Cramps were much worse. Back pain about the same. Insomnia: ALL SEVEN DAYS. I just had my first full night's rest last night. Headache, first two days and the last day. Nausea lasted for three days. What got me through the painful stuff and nausea, Two Alieve and One phenergen twice a day. SO I HOPE THIS HELPS SOMEONE ELSE. If I learn anymore about the why of it all, I will let you know. I still don't have any answers.

10 POST SURGERY: I find that I am still sore. I guess I should not be surprised. No magical healing potion is available. So here is the deal. I feel okay when I stand up and move around. I feel okay when I am reclining. No exercising as of yet, I do walk around.( Hopefully, I will be cleared to exercise again after my two week follow up on the 25th of this month.) However, I find I am in the most pain when I have to seat up in a chair - or seat up in a drivers/passengers seat. Generally, I start to ache after 30 minutes are so. Not sure what is happening here, but seating up hurts my left side - where most of the incisions are. I have to lean to the right to relieve the pain. Though, leaning back and to the side while driving is supposed to be cool, exude confidence, whatever, it really doesn't help me when I am driving. (The Commercials lie!) Its also not comfortable when I make a left turn. Usually, when I come in I enjoy seating in my lawn chair in the bedroom watching TV. Yes I know that sounds like a story in and of itself. ( The short version: I was looking for an computer chair to work with my computer armoire which is closer to the floor than I expected when I bought it. After a long shopping day and no luck finding a computer chair, I went to look for new bathroom accessories at Bed, Bath, and Beyond. While waiting for my mother to finish shopping, I pulled out a lawn chair and set down. It had a head rest and it was very comfortable. I bought it on the spot. I mostly seat and watch TV and fall asleep in it.) So now that I have explained that I can move on. So I try seating in my lawn chair only to discover this is not comfortable. So I go on Amazon, which owns a fourth of my paycheck every pay period, and I look at inflatable furniture. I settle on a reclined chair and ottoman set. Today was my first day using it. It works wonders. Although, I'm afraid I'm doing more sleeping than watching TV. Somehow furniture never works out like I plan. I also use an inflatable wedge to sleep elevated at night. It too works wonderfully and is one of the pieces I have bought FOR the intended purpose of sleeping. P.S. NO I DON'T SLEEP ALL THE TIME. LOL. BUT Pre-surgery, I often had very restless nights, many times choking in my sleep. I maybe got 3 hours of rest a night. Post-Surgery and Hernia Repair, I seem to be sleeping like a baby.

Honestly, pre surgery my doctor wanted me to have three protein shakes a day and water....all of 330 calories. I tried it his way for two days. I had a soaring headache for two days. My blood pressure shot up to 220. It was crazy. I have never had blood pressure problems. I went back and said we have to do something different. He said drink some crystal light to curb the hunger. Yea, that didn't work. So I tried something different, I had a protein shake every three hours , 7am 10am 1pm 4pm 7pm and 10pm. I drunk water in between. No food. IT WORKED. No more headaches no more pain. Only 660 calories a day. I still loss weight. What I discovered from all of this. My stomach could not be empty. Water and shakes consistently. I still eat like this post band. Losing weight. Small cupful of food, every three to four hours. MAYBE, you are the same way. Everyone can not make it on an empty stomach. However, you can change what you put on it. And if you eat/drink at regular intervals, the body wont think its starving. Most important thing, you are not a bad person and you made a good decision. I too cannot exercise until August - need time to heal first.

Wow, I hear about this often. I was just banded on the 10th and I had no problem with fluids and started eating soft foods the third day. However, I did have medicine for nausea and a patch behind my ear for three days. Maybe that helped. Do you have anything to take for nausea? If not ask the doctor about Phenergen, (may have spelled that wrong). I had to take it every six hours, for the first seven days,

IF YOU DO NOT POSSESS TOILET HUMOR OR YOU ARE RUNNING SMOOTHLY IN THIS DEPARTMENT, THAN FEEL FREE TO SKIP THIS POST! FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO ARE NEW TO THIS LIKE ME, READ ON! Usually, I have imagery for every post but I felt that the imagery was best left alone on this one. When I began my blog, I promised I would be honest in all my experiences. Ordinarily, I wouldn't talk about it, but I feel its relevant information to have. The past three days, I have been feeling more and more bloated. I figured since I am a female and close to that " monthly nightmare" this was just par for the course. I mean why on Earth would I even dream that a LapBand would solve my post menstrual crazy time and subsequent physical discomfort. So I took some 'fix it" medication and moved on. However, the pressure kept getting worse. One trip to the restroom left me feeling like I just gave birth in the wrong direction. No breathing techniques really worked mine you. So I decided that it may be time to consult the nurse. So I called the office and stated my problem. I was immediately asked about my recent restroom habits. Since I had to think about it for a minute, I already knew the answer wasn't good. She said the dreaded "c" word: constipation. First of all, this is my FIRST surgery. I just feel the need to explain my naiveté. I had no idea that taking Pain Killers would cause a Back Up in the Wrong Place. She informed me to take a laxative and probably a stool softener wouldn't hurt. Although, I am new to surgery, I am not new to constipation. I am well aware that laxatives don't usually work quickly when it comes to me, often having to wait 48 to72 hours before I see results. So in my infinite wisdom I took two of each once a day (laxative and stool softener) for two days straight. Well, I did get results. Better than I expected actually. In the end, I felt bad for the bathroom. I also lost five pounds in three days. Apparently there is some truth to being Full of It. Anyways, I am drinking plenty of fluids and resting after vigorous exercise. I feel much, much better. Moral to this story: if you are taking pain killers and you feel bloated, chances are you may be clogged. I find the regular over the counter gentle stuff works ( I hate magnesium citrate ---- if you can do without liquid laxatives, I suggest you forego them. If they don't unclog you, the taste alone will kill you.)

Well Johnny, I was on my pre op diet during the July 4 weekend. I chose to stay in the house in my room most of the week. I unfortunately had to work that weekend. I was not very amused. I really wanted some Mutton. To top things off, I started having a issue with the drooping pants about three weeks before my surgery. The problem has gotten worse over the past weeks. Its kind of bad when you go in for lap band surgery and people think you have already had it because your clothes are that big on you. I had been on protein shakes for six weeks already...so progress was being made. Anyways, I loved your blog. It made me laugh. I look forward to reading more of your exciting moments in postbanded life.

I can imagine what the day was like at work without food. I have not returned to work yet, but I know one of the new changes I will have to make is preparing and packing food for work ahead of time. In another note, Congrats on your weight loss. I know you are excited about it.

Just a couple of statements I wanted to make. One, I really enjoy blogging. It makes me feel less alone in my journey. I am honored and humbled whenever I receive a response stating that I have made someone laugh, or smile, or feel less embarrassed about something they have done or thought. Two, I would love to have more interaction with other members. There are so many options on this site to connect with others. I'm not sure which option to choose from one moment to the next. In so many words, HELP! I am still a newbie and I would really like some friends. I want to follow the blogs of others: I follow you, you follow me and so forth. I just learned how to make a ticker the other day and I'm still working on my signature. So feel free to friend me, leave comments, show me the ropes. MOST OF ALL: If there is one thing that I wish ALL OF YOU to know it is this: No matter how you started this journey. No matter where you are on your journey. You are SUCCESSFUL because you are STRIVING to LIVE a BETTER, HEALTHIER, and hopefully HAPPIER LIFE. You are MOVING FORWARD because you are reaching out to others and utilizing the tools necessary to keep you on track and motivated. You are an INSPIRATION, because every time you post whether to ask or answer a question, to motivate or encourage, or you are simply a kind hearted hot mess such as myself (smile)...you are REINFORCING another person's resolve to keep reaching for their goals and UPLIFTING another's spirit. So please, DON'T LET A BAD DAY, A FOOD SLIP UP, THE SCALE, OR CRITICAL PEOPLE RUIN YOUR MOMENT. Whenever you feel discouraged or down, REMEMBER that YOU made the choice to LIVE. I wish you all the best and MANY DAYS OF LAUGHTER!