enjoylife

I am one week and one day out. I feel bloated. I can lie on my stomach, don't know if I should or not but I do. I can also lie on either side. I have not gotten to anywhere near 64 oz. of water. I have been drinking 16 oz of milk with 1 scoop of Unjury. No, I cannot finish that in one sitting. Because I have added Unjury and orange juice to my diet I have reached 800 and 900 calories within a day. Before that I was teetering around 378 calories a day. I am sick of burping all the time. I am sick of gas sneaking up on me and I am certainly tired of pooping liquid. I am especially tired of thinking I have to pass gas and finding that its much bigger than that. However, I am 10 lbs down. I cannot complain. My belly itches, so I wipe it down with alcohol wipes. I still have all but one of my steri-strips. That's probably because I am terrified to "wash" my stomach. I do not want an infection. Since I am using 70% alcohol wipes I know that my stomach is clean - Of course I bathe (shower) the rest of me. I am back at work today. Earlier I was suffering, but I took a dose of liquid Tylenol and I am back to "normal."

I was just banded on March 24, 2008. I don't feel guilty. There are some that would have me feel guilty. My mom is against WLS. I'm sure that she has her reasons and that she is concerned for my health; but it didn't feel good to hear her say, "Well I'm glad it worked out for you" the afternoon after my surgery. My dad on the other hand has been very supportive. I weighed 314.2 lbs on the day of my surgery. I was miserable and insatiable. I was always hungry. My knees and hips hurt all the time, My acid reflux was a killer, and I had no energy. Now I'm only one week and one day post op - but I fell great - well I'm tired right now because I'm back at work. But mentally I feel great. I am down 10lb and I am ready to do the work to help the rest come off - I am walking more now and will begin an exercise routine when I reach six weeks post op. Hang in there and go for it. No one should feel guilty for doing something to better their selves. This was not a cop out for me. It was not an easy decision. I was terrified. On the day of surgery I friend of mine (who was banded a year ago) said to me, "I am so proud of you. You're 70% there; the rest is up to you." That's how I feel. I'm proud pf myself. I hope you will be proud of yourself too.

That's how long I have been banded. I am at work right now. I am so tired I could throw a temper tantrum. I'm a little dizzy and in a little pain:crying:. I just took some liquid Tylenol - a single dose to help me get through this day. I get off work at 3:35. It's 11:40 right now. As soon as I can I'm putting my head on my desk and sneaking a nap. Think I may start taking my liquid vitamins twice a day until I get back on track. I think I'm supposed to be doing that anyway. The liquid diet is still ok. Of course I get those moments when I want to put something chewable in my mouth, but I just remind myself that I am not really hungry and more importantly, I did not put my body through this just to fail. I'd better succeed just to justify the scars on my once perfect stomach! I have lost one steri-strip. When I bath I do not face the shower head and I have tried to barely get my stomach wet. In fact I clean my stomach with an alcohol wipe or two. I like that because it also helps with the itchy skin that the steri-strips cause. Oh! - A co-worker asked me if I was losing weight!!!! YEA!!!!!!:biggrin: I have only lost 10 pounds since surgery and I'm sure that 's not really noticeable on a person my size, but I will take any kind of victory can get. I need all the motivation I can handle right now. Now if only I could figure out how to post my weight loss ticker and find a rarely used bathroom in this place - I'm gonna need a little privacy:embaressed_smile:...

That's how long I have been banded. I am at work right now. I am so tired I could throw a temper tantrum. I'm a little dizzy and in a little pain:crying:. I just took some liquid Tylenol - a single dose to help me get through this day. I get off work at 3:35. It's 11:40 right now. As soon as I can I'm putting my head on my desk and sneaking a nap. Think I may start taking my liquid vitamins twice a day until I get back on track. I think I'm supposed to be doing that anyway. The liquid diet is still ok. Of course I get those moments when I want to put something chewable in my mouth, but I just remind myself that I am not really hungry and more importantly, I did not put my body through this just to fail. I'd better succeed just to justify the scars on my once perfect stomach! I have lost one steri-strip. When I bath I do not face the shower head and I have tried to barely get my stomach wet. In fact I clean my stomach with an alcohol wipe or two. I like that because it also helps with the itchy skin that the steri-strips cause. Oh! - A co-worker asked me if I was losing weight!!!! YEA!!!!!! I have only lost 10 pounds since surgery and I'm sure that 's not really noticeable on a person my size, but I will take any kind of victory can get. I need all the motivation I can handle right now. Now if only I could figure out how to post my weight loss ticker and find a rarely used bathroom in this place - I'm gonna need a little privacy:embaressed_smile:...

I have not posted in a few days. I actually have been sort of busy. Today is my 7th day being banded. I feel ok. I had one day of wanting to chew for the sake of chewing. I definitely was not hungry. I have yet to break the 500 calorie mark. I drink unjury and put it in my soup, I don't really care for the taste of either the chocolate or the vanilla, but they will do. The unflavored one mixes well into my soups. I may try it in juice tomorrow. The pain is subsiding. That's good becasue my pain pills are worthless. A doublt dose of liquid tylenol seems to work better. My five-year old had given me a few good shots in the stitches. OF course it was by accident, but that didn't make it hurt any less. Two of my incisions are virtually pain free and three are not. My belly itches to high heaven. I constanty feel like I just ate Thanksgiving dinner and the gas is getting on my nerves - sort of. I am burping and pass gas like a mad woman! Hmmm, I have not had a real BM in two days. By real I mean liquid or otherwise. Lately is been liquid. I guess I hope to have one later today? Yeah I guess I do. Well I need to go to sleep because I have church today. Happy reading and I hope I wasn't too graphic.

I have not posted in a few days. I actually have been sort of busy. Today is my 7th day being banded. I feel ok. I had one day of wanting to chew for the sake of chewing. I definitely was not hungry. I have yet to break the 500 calorie mark. I drink unjury and put it in my soup, I don't really care for the taste of either the chocolate or the vanilla, but they will do. The unflavored one mixes well into my soups. I may try it in juice tomorrow. The pain is subsiding. That's good becasue my pain pills are worthless. A doublt dose of liquid tylenol seems to work better. My five-year old had given me a few good shots in the stitches. OF course it was by accident, but that didn't make it hurt any less. Two of my incisions are virtually pain free and three are not. My belly itches to high heaven. I constanty feel like I just ate Thanksgiving dinner and the gas is getting on my nerves - sort of. I am burping and pass gas like a mad woman! Hmmm, I have not had a real BM in two days. By real I mean liquid or otherwise. Lately is been liquid. I guess I hope to have one later today? Yeah I guess I do. Well I need to go to sleep because I have church today. Happy reading and I hope I wasn't too graphic.

Be careful with the binges. I went to three seminars/consultations for three different practices - all had a few common rules - one of which was we were not allowed to gain more than 20 lbs from the first appt weigh-in to our surgery date. Good luck to you! Today makes my 7th day being banded !!

Expect to become more nervous. That's what I did. However, the people here really helped to calm my fears. In the meantime - go shopping. Get everything you will after surgery - liquid vitamins and all. If you are a woman, some nice loose fitting dresses will help.

Can someone explain to me how to put my weight ticker on?

I woke up at 5:00 in pain. I just felt awful:crying:. I cannot even describe what it feel like. Well let me try. I felt overly full, stuffed beyond capacity. Tight and bloated. I could not lay, sit, or stand comfortable. Then I felt the urge to go to the bathroom. Of course all I produced was dark dark watery stuff, but at least it cam out. Then when i tried to lay down again it didn't hurt so much. But the pain was still in kill mode. I decided to take a double dose of the liquid Tylenol. I have not gotten my prescriptions filled yet. It took about thirty minutes after that dbl dose for me to start feeling slightly human again. Then I was releasing some major gas. I mean like “Whoooaaa Nelly:ohmy:!!!!! That made me feel much better. Then another BM and then guess what? I could sleep:thumbup:. Best two-hour nap ever. So I guess this is my gross morning I'm burping, farting, and pooping nasty looking liquids. The last time I sat on the toilet to have a BM all I got was a really long and loud release of gas. Now I am really wishing I was at my own home rather than here with my sorority sister. Then I could be nasty in peace and not worry about what someone might be thinking about all of these body noises (and smells) I am making:embaressed_smile:. On the bright side it's 10:10 am and I am not the least bit hungry. I do need to start drinking some water though. Ok that was three big burps in a row just now and fart that made my five year old say EEWWWWWW:scared2:!!! That's my cue - I may need to be heading for the toilet soon so I'd better end this now. Sorry if I grossed anybody out, but if someone is reading my blog like I read other's it's so they can learn what to possibly expect, so I intend on being honest. More later....

I woke up at 5:00 in pain. I just felt awful:crying:. I cannot even describe what it feel like. Well let me try. I felt overly full, stuffed beyond capacity. Tight and bloated. I could not lay, sit, or stand comfortable. Then I felt the urge to go to the bathroom. Of course all I produced was dark dark watery stuff, but at least it cam out. Then when i tried to lay down again it didn't hurt so much. But the pain was still in kill mode. I decided to take a double dose of the liquid Tylenol. I have not gotten my prescriptions filled yet. It took about thirty minutes after that dbl dose for me to start feeling slightly human again. Then I was releasing some major gas. I mean like “Whoooaaa Nelly:ohmy:!!!!! That made me feel much better. Then another BM and then guess what? I could sleep:thumbup:. Best two-hour nap ever. So I guess this is my gross morning I'm burping, farting, and pooping nasty looking liquids. The last time I sat on the toilet to have a BM all I got was a really long and loud release of gas. Now I am really wishing I was at my own home rather than here with my sorority sister. Then I could be nasty in peace and not worry about what someone might be thinking about all of these body noises (and smells) I am making:embaressed_smile:. On the bright side it's 10:10 am and I am not the least bit hungry. I do need to start drinking some water though. Ok that was three big burps in a row just now and fart that made my five year old say EEWWWWWW:scared2:!!! That's my cue - I may need to be heading for the toilet soon so I'd better end this now. Sorry if I grossed anybody out, but if someone is reading my blog like I read other's it's so they can learn what to possibly expect, so I intend on being honest. More later....

Hey Rugman, I wish that I had read this before I went in, but I wee that it wsn't posted until last night. I appreciate you thoughts, you, of course are right. Thank you for your words of wisdom. Keep me posted on your progress and I will do the same for you.

I was banded yesterday. When I woke up in recovery all I could think was "Thank you Jesus." I don't know if I actually said it, but I know I thought it over and over again. The pain was horrible of course, but I was so happy to be alive. I wanted to see my baby because she was so upset right before they wheeled me away. I wasn't allowed to eat or drink anything yesterday. I have to say that I wanted to put something in my mouth. Whether that was from hunger or habit I cannot say. Today, no breakfast but I did get to drink some really nasty apple juice colored stuff so they could watch and xray me swallowing. It was truly disgusting, but it was quick, so I'm complaining. I was allowed lunch. I had green/lime(?) jello, chiken broth, apple juice, tea, and water. I was full before I knew it. Then the nurse sent me another jello. I had'nt finished what I already had! About two or so hours later I ate the second jello. Now here is it 7:48 pm and I just tried to eat a pre packaged jello brand jello cup and i was too full to finish it. I am in pain, but its not so bad that I can't stand it. My C-section was way worst than this. Hopefully tomorrow will be less painful. Although it's bearable, it's still very very unpleasant. Well I'm tired. I want to try to take a nap. Hopefull I'll sleep til morning :biggrin: My baby is ok, a little on the touchy side, but I guess that's to be expected.

I was banded yesterday. When I woke up in recovery all I could think was "Thank you Jesus." I don't know if I actually said it, but I know I thought it over and over again. The pain was horrible of course, but I was so happy to be alive. I wanted to see my baby because she was so upset right before they wheeled me away. I wasn't allowed to eat or drink anything yesterday. I have to say that I wanted to put something in my mouth. Whether that was from hunger or habit I cannot say. Today, no breakfast but I did get to drink some really nasty apple juice colored stuff so they could watch and xray me swallowing. It was truly disgusting, but it was quick, so I'm complaining. I was allowed lunch. I had green/lime(?) jello, chiken broth, apple juice, tea, and water. I was full before I knew it. Then the nurse sent me another jello. I had'nt finished what I already had! About two or so hours later I ate the second jello. Now here is it 7:48 pm and I just tried to eat a pre packaged jello brand jello cup and i was too full to finish it. I am in pain, but its not so bad that I can't stand it. My C-section was way worst than this. Hopefully tomorrow will be less painful. Although it's bearable, it's still very very unpleasant. Well I'm tired. I want to try to take a nap. Hopefull I'll sleep til morning :biggrin: My baby is ok, a little on the touchy side, but I guess that's to be expected.

I posted a really long blog this morning and of course it is not here. I was expressing my fears and concerns regarding my surgery which is in two days. I love this site. I visit often, but sometimes the glitches are enough to make me want to use profanity. I mean damn. Its not easy coming on here to say I'm afraid I may not awake from surgery. I know its a relativley safe procedure. I know this, but I also knowthere is a POSSIBILITY of a problem. I am paranoid I know. I believe that all willbe well,its just that sometimes I let my imagination get the best of me. My baby is five and needs me as a mommy. But that's also one of the reasons why I'm doing this. My highest weight was around 334lb. I amd not quite 5'6". My left ventricle is slightly enlarged and I have kee and hip arthritis and bone spurs. Pretty mild as far as co-morbidities go I know, but I am also bordering on having high blood pressure. I do not want that. Heart disease runs in my family, so the odd so f me living until I'm old old - I mean really old and gray at thie weight are slim to none. So I am going to do what is best for me and my baby and everything is going to be alright. I trust my surgeon, but more importantly, I trust God. Now let's see if this posts.

I posted a really long blog this morning and of course it is not here. I was expressing my fears and concerns regarding my surgery which is in two days. I love this site. I visit often, but sometimes the glitches are enough to make me want to use profanity. I mean damn. Its not easy coming on here to say I'm afraid I may not awake from surgery. I know its a relativley safe procedure. I know this, but I also knowthere is a POSSIBILITY of a problem. I am paranoid I know. I believe that all willbe well,its just that sometimes I let my imagination get the best of me. My baby is five and needs me as a mommy. But that's also one of the reasons why I'm doing this. My highest weight was around 334lb. I amd not quite 5'6". My left ventricle is slightly enlarged and I have kee and hip arthritis and bone spurs. Pretty mild as far as co-morbidities go I know, but I am also bordering on having high blood pressure. I do not want that. Heart disease runs in my family, so the odd so f me living until I'm old old - I mean really old and gray at thie weight are slim to none. So I am going to do what is best for me and my baby and everything is going to be alright. I trust my surgeon, but more importantly, I trust God. Now let's see if this posts.

I did alot on Monday, March 17th. First I got up and dressed my sleeping five year old. I did this because we had to leave earlier than usual and I wanted my baby to get as much rest as possible. Then I dropped my baby off at the school's day care. I had to be at my doctor's appt at 7:30 am. Of course I got there late and I had to wait for another patient, who apparently was there on time to be seen. Then I spoke with a Physician's Assistant student for - hmm 20 minutes before I spoke with my doctor. I didn't really mind speaking to the PA that long because he has had gastric bypass and was very supportive. Of course I was rushed for time - cuz I had to make a 2.5 hour drive to my surgeon’s lap band class. Anyway, they finally sent me out of there with my prescriptions for my pre-op blood work and EKG. Why did I think I could do the doctor's visit and the test in 45 minutes? No way. The wait for the EKG and Blood work seem to be an eternity but was more like 30 minutes or a little more. I left to arrive at my 10:00 am lap band class at 9:30am:confused2:. Remember it’s a 2.5 hour drive. There I am speeding in my putt-putt that starts to shake rattle and roll as soon as I APPROACH 60 mph. I was given permission to be late - not to miss the whole class. At 10:44 I finally mustered the courage to call my surgeon's office and say I was not going to make the class and that I would call back to reschedule both my class and my surgery date :crying::biggrin::wink2::smile:. I didn't reach the teacher because of course, she was teaching the class. I left a message on her voice mail. Still I had a 1:45 pm appt. with my surgeon so I kept driving in to my surgeon's office. Well I get there and the place is opened to walk in but close to receive service because its lunch time. I sit and wait. While waiting I read lap band literature. Not much was new so I'm thinking I could write a booklet about it myself. Anyway, lunch is finally over and they take my information and co-pay. Then Cathy, the surgery teacher, comes out and tells me to read more information that she takes out of a huge folder the receptionist gave me. I read it and then she takes me back and gives me a one-on-one class. My surgeon's office is great. During the class my surgeon pops in to do my visits - sees we're not done and says, "I'll wait." Pretty cool huh? Anyway I get my visit done. They try their best to calm my nerves - they did - My stomach is doing flips but I'm not freaking :eek: out anymore. My visit is over by 2:45. I go get something to eat because of course I have not eaten all day. At 3:00 pm I am off for another 2.5 hour drive heading to my baby's school for pick up :tt1:. Whew!!! What a Day.

I did alot on Monday, March 17th. First I got up and dressed my sleeping five year old. I did this because we had to leave earlier than usual and I wanted my baby to get as much rest as possible. Then I dropped my baby off at the school's day care. I had to be at my doctor's appt at 7:30 am. Of course I got there late and I had to wait for another patient, who apparently was there on time to be seen. Then I spoke with a Physician's Assistant student for - hmm 20 minutes before I spoke with my doctor. I didn't really mind speaking to the PA that long because he has had gastric bypass and was very supportive. Of course I was rushed for time - cuz I had to make a 2.5 hour drive to my surgeon’s lap band class. Anyway, they finally sent me out of there with my prescriptions for my pre-op blood work and EKG. Why did I think I could do the doctor's visit and the test in 45 minutes? No way. The wait for the EKG and Blood work seem to be an eternity but was more like 30 minutes or a little more. I left to arrive at my 10:00 am lap band class at 9:30am:confused2:. Remember it’s a 2.5 hour drive. There I am speeding in my putt-putt that starts to shake rattle and roll as soon as I APPROACH 60 mph. I was given permission to be late - not to miss the whole class. At 10:44 I finally mustered the courage to call my surgeon's office and say I was not going to make the class and that I would call back to reschedule both my class and my surgery date :crying::thumbup::wink2::smile:. I didn't reach the teacher because of course, she was teaching the class. I left a message on her voice mail. Still I had a 1:45 pm appt. with my surgeon so I kept driving in to my surgeon's office. Well I get there and the place is opened to walk in but close to receive service because its lunch time. I sit and wait. While waiting I read lap band literature. Not much was new so I'm thinking I could write a booklet about it myself. Anyway, lunch is finally over and they take my information and co-pay. Then Cathy, the surgery teacher, comes out and tells me to read more information that she takes out of a huge folder the receptionist gave me. I read it and then she takes me back and gives me a one-on-one class. My surgeon's office is great. During the class my surgeon pops in to do my visits - sees we're not done and says, "I'll wait." Pretty cool huh? Anyway I get my visit done. They try their best to calm my nerves - they did - My stomach is doing flips but I'm not freaking :eek: out anymore. My visit is over by 2:45. I go get something to eat because of course I have not eaten all day. At 3:00 pm I am off for another 2.5 hour drive heading to my baby's school for pick up :tt1:. Whew!!! What a Day.

elkhunter_65 wrote: Chocolate milk out the back side for three weeks now. It has "firmed up" some what now that I am on mushies. WOW - I only thought I don't like chocolate milk before reading that. Now I know I don't like it. Everytime I see chocolate milk from now on I will think of that staement . Have you got any other food related word pictures you can paint for me?

do you mean 27/02/2008?

Hello, we have the same band date. I have not tried unjury yet, but i ordered three containers of it Friday. I have my pre-op, lap band class, and last pre-op appt. with my surgeon tomorrow. I really don't have any advice except to hang in there. I've read of some people taking appetite supressants during the pre-op, but I'm not sure if that is a good idea. If you don't mind I'd like to keep in touch with you - since we have the same surgery date - maybe we can share our experiences. Good luck to you.

I didn't know this thread was here. Boy do I need this. I am scheduled to be banded on Easter Monday, March 24, 2008. I have to be at the hospital at 9:00 am and my surgery is at 11:00 (kind of like going to the airport). I'm joking, but I am terrified. I am a single parent of a five year old. I am the only parent my baby has. This is why I decided against gastric bypass four years ago. It was just not worth the risk. I know that lab band is soooo much safer and that my doctor is very good and teaches other surgeons how to perform this procedure. Still I am nervous. My stomach is doing flips. My heart is pounding. I need this procedure, but more than anything I need to be here for my baby. Please pray for me. Please.

WOW! You all look great. This is so encouraging. I am scheduled for surgery on March 24, 2008. I found out a few days ago that I was approved and got my real surgery date yesterday. My stomach is in knots and my knees are shaking; but this thread reminds me of just one of the reasons I need to have this done. Thank you all so much for sharing your before and during pictures.

I'm happy dancing all over the place! :frown::tt2::eek::biggrin::lol:I finally got approval for surgery. I have a PPO so I really did not need insurance approval to have the surgery, but the approval is good because it was approved as MEDICAL surgery opposed to COSMETIC:thumbup:. Can you believe it? Who gets a bunch of incisions in their stomach as a cosmetic improvement? I am actually not looking forward to the scars. Pre Caesarean my stomach was pretty hot:biggrin:! I didn't even get stretch marks during my pregnancy - incredible because I gained 70 pounds. Yes I said 70 pounds:blushing:. Anyway, the way I see it is this: nobody (other than my child) has seen my stomach since I gave birth so what difference does it make? I think its unattractive now; at after surgery and exercise it will be smaller and unattractive. I've got to get something to help the scars heal well so they are less noticeable. I have to get lots of protein and liquid stuff in the house. My surgery date is March 20, 2008!!!!!!! :thumbup:That leaves me no time - well I think that's my date. That’s the date the surgeon's office submitted to the insurance company, but they approved for the 30th. I called my doctor's office so that they could get the insurance company to make a correction. I hope they do - or maybe they did that so I could do a pre-op diet. I don't know - I'm going to call them right now to find out what's going on. I'm so excited and yet so scared. My baby is only five years old. I hope I'm not doing anything that will take me away from her. Lord please let everything be alright, let me get through this healthy (mentally,. physically, and emotionally). I want to be here to raise my daughter, send her off to college, be at her wedding and baby-sit her children - my grandbabies. Ok - gotta go make that call before I freak myself out and change my mind about this surgery.:mad:

I'm happy dancing all over the place! :tt2::confused_smile::lol:I finally got approval for surgery. I have a PPO so I really did not need insurance approval to have the surgery, but the approval is good because it was approved as MEDICAL surgery opposed to COSMETIC:thumbup:. Can you believe it? Who gets a bunch of incisions in their stomach as a cosmetic improvement? I am actually not looking forward to the scars. Pre Caesarean my stomach was pretty hot:biggrin:! I didn't even get stretch marks during my pregnancy - incredible because I gained 70 pounds. Yes I said 70 pounds:blushing:. Anyway, the way I see it is this: nobody (other than my child) has seen my stomach since I gave birth so what difference does it make? I think its unattractive now; at after surgery and exercise it will be smaller and unattractive. I've got to get something to help the scars heal well so they are less noticeable. I have to get lots of protein and liquid stuff in the house. My surgery date is March 20, 2008!!!!!!! :thumbup:That leaves me no time - well I think that's my date. That’s the date the surgeon's office submitted to the insurance company, but they approved for the 30th. I called my doctor's office so that they could get the insurance company to make a correction. I hope they do - or maybe they did that so I could do a pre-op diet. I don't know - I'm going to call them right now to find out what's going on. I'm so excited and yet so scared. My baby is only five years old. I hope I'm not doing anything that will take me away from her. Lord please let everything be alright, let me get through this healthy (mentally,. physically, and emotionally). I want to be here to raise my daughter, send her off to college, be at her wedding and baby-sit her children - my grandbabies. Ok - gotta go make that call before I freak myself out and change my mind about this surgery.:eek: