Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

carlaG11

Pre Op
  • Content Count

    20
  • Joined

  • Last visited


Reputation Activity

  1. Like
    carlaG11 got a reaction from Tara1992 in 8 year post op in New Jersey   
    My RNY Gastric Bypass Surgery My name is Carla! I live in NJ I'm a 35 year old married mother of two. My weight loss journey started in March 2008. My son was one year old and I decided I no longer wanted to live my 300lb unhealthy lifestyle! I wanted to live to be able to see my Son grow and I wanted to be able to play with him and not watch from the side lines. I had my gastric bypass surgery Sept 15 2008. After the usual
    Two days in the hospital I was feeling good and diacharged. Only to return to the hospital at 4am in severe pain. I had a leak. Had to do another surgery and recovery was very painful I stayed in the hospital for three weeks. With that being said I would do it all over again. I reached my goal weight of 160lbs within the year. I maintained this weight for 5 years I was a stay at home Mom back then and I worked out full time. 6 or 7 days a week 1 1/2 -2 hours a day! I was determined to make all of my pain purpose full. But as life happened I creeped up to 180lbs and plateau there for months until I got pregnant with my daughter. My weight went up to 230lbs on my date of delivery. With some light exercise, ppd, and anxiety my weight toggled between. 215and 230 until one morning I woke up and the scale said 240! I almost died. I did not come So far to just become morbidly obese again. So on June 1 2016 I began hitting the gym hard again! It's not easy working full time. Caring for my 8year old and 2 year old. And still finding the energy to work out like I used to. But I am motivated to get my old self back. So I have been drinking 2 meals and eating one meal daily for the past week. I have my restriction back! And I'm ready to reach my goals!
    Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App
  2. Like
    carlaG11 got a reaction from K1V990 in Where are you From ?   
    North Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
    Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App
  3. Like
    carlaG11 got a reaction from Tara1992 in 8 year post op in New Jersey   
    My RNY Gastric Bypass Surgery My name is Carla! I live in NJ I'm a 35 year old married mother of two. My weight loss journey started in March 2008. My son was one year old and I decided I no longer wanted to live my 300lb unhealthy lifestyle! I wanted to live to be able to see my Son grow and I wanted to be able to play with him and not watch from the side lines. I had my gastric bypass surgery Sept 15 2008. After the usual
    Two days in the hospital I was feeling good and diacharged. Only to return to the hospital at 4am in severe pain. I had a leak. Had to do another surgery and recovery was very painful I stayed in the hospital for three weeks. With that being said I would do it all over again. I reached my goal weight of 160lbs within the year. I maintained this weight for 5 years I was a stay at home Mom back then and I worked out full time. 6 or 7 days a week 1 1/2 -2 hours a day! I was determined to make all of my pain purpose full. But as life happened I creeped up to 180lbs and plateau there for months until I got pregnant with my daughter. My weight went up to 230lbs on my date of delivery. With some light exercise, ppd, and anxiety my weight toggled between. 215and 230 until one morning I woke up and the scale said 240! I almost died. I did not come So far to just become morbidly obese again. So on June 1 2016 I began hitting the gym hard again! It's not easy working full time. Caring for my 8year old and 2 year old. And still finding the energy to work out like I used to. But I am motivated to get my old self back. So I have been drinking 2 meals and eating one meal daily for the past week. I have my restriction back! And I'm ready to reach my goals!
    Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App
  4. Like
    carlaG11 got a reaction from LisaMergs in My RNY Gastric Bypass Surgery   
    My name is Carla! I live in NJ I'm a 35 year old married mother of two. My weight loss journey started in March 2008. My son was one year old and I decided I no longer wanted to live my 300lb unhealthy lifestyle! I wanted to live to be able to see my Son grow and I wanted to be able to play with him and not watch from the side lines. I had my gastric bypass surgery Sept 15 2008. After the usual
    Two days in the hospital I was feeling good and diacharged. Only to return to the hospital at 4am in severe pain. I had a leak. Had to do another surgery and recovery was very painful I stayed in the hospital for three weeks. With that being said I would do it all over again. I reached my goal weight of 160lbs within the year. I maintained this weight for 5 years I was a stay at home Mom back then and I worked out full time. 6 or 7 days a week 1 1/2 -2 hours a day! I was determined to make all of my pain purpose full. But as life happened I creeped up to 180lbs and plateau there for months until I got pregnant with my daughter. My weight went up to 230lbs on my date of delivery. With some light exercise, ppd, and anxiety my weight toggled between. 215and 230 until one morning I woke up and the scale said 240! I almost died. I did not come So far to just become morbidly obese again. So on June 1 2016 I began hitting the gym hard again! It's not easy working full time. Caring for my 8year old and 2 year old. And still finding the energy to work out like I used to. But I am motivated to get my old self back. So I have been drinking 2 meals and eating one meal daily for the past week. I have my restriction back! And I'm ready to reach my goals!   
    Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App
  5. Like
    carlaG11 got a reaction from LisaMergs in My RNY Gastric Bypass Surgery   
    My name is Carla! I live in NJ I'm a 35 year old married mother of two. My weight loss journey started in March 2008. My son was one year old and I decided I no longer wanted to live my 300lb unhealthy lifestyle! I wanted to live to be able to see my Son grow and I wanted to be able to play with him and not watch from the side lines. I had my gastric bypass surgery Sept 15 2008. After the usual
    Two days in the hospital I was feeling good and diacharged. Only to return to the hospital at 4am in severe pain. I had a leak. Had to do another surgery and recovery was very painful I stayed in the hospital for three weeks. With that being said I would do it all over again. I reached my goal weight of 160lbs within the year. I maintained this weight for 5 years I was a stay at home Mom back then and I worked out full time. 6 or 7 days a week 1 1/2 -2 hours a day! I was determined to make all of my pain purpose full. But as life happened I creeped up to 180lbs and plateau there for months until I got pregnant with my daughter. My weight went up to 230lbs on my date of delivery. With some light exercise, ppd, and anxiety my weight toggled between. 215and 230 until one morning I woke up and the scale said 240! I almost died. I did not come So far to just become morbidly obese again. So on June 1 2016 I began hitting the gym hard again! It's not easy working full time. Caring for my 8year old and 2 year old. And still finding the energy to work out like I used to. But I am motivated to get my old self back. So I have been drinking 2 meals and eating one meal daily for the past week. I have my restriction back! And I'm ready to reach my goals!   
    Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App
  6. Like
    carlaG11 got a reaction from Tara1992 in 8 year post op in New Jersey   
    My RNY Gastric Bypass Surgery My name is Carla! I live in NJ I'm a 35 year old married mother of two. My weight loss journey started in March 2008. My son was one year old and I decided I no longer wanted to live my 300lb unhealthy lifestyle! I wanted to live to be able to see my Son grow and I wanted to be able to play with him and not watch from the side lines. I had my gastric bypass surgery Sept 15 2008. After the usual
    Two days in the hospital I was feeling good and diacharged. Only to return to the hospital at 4am in severe pain. I had a leak. Had to do another surgery and recovery was very painful I stayed in the hospital for three weeks. With that being said I would do it all over again. I reached my goal weight of 160lbs within the year. I maintained this weight for 5 years I was a stay at home Mom back then and I worked out full time. 6 or 7 days a week 1 1/2 -2 hours a day! I was determined to make all of my pain purpose full. But as life happened I creeped up to 180lbs and plateau there for months until I got pregnant with my daughter. My weight went up to 230lbs on my date of delivery. With some light exercise, ppd, and anxiety my weight toggled between. 215and 230 until one morning I woke up and the scale said 240! I almost died. I did not come So far to just become morbidly obese again. So on June 1 2016 I began hitting the gym hard again! It's not easy working full time. Caring for my 8year old and 2 year old. And still finding the energy to work out like I used to. But I am motivated to get my old self back. So I have been drinking 2 meals and eating one meal daily for the past week. I have my restriction back! And I'm ready to reach my goals!
    Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App
  7. Like
    carlaG11 got a reaction from Tara1992 in 8 year post op in New Jersey   
    My RNY Gastric Bypass Surgery My name is Carla! I live in NJ I'm a 35 year old married mother of two. My weight loss journey started in March 2008. My son was one year old and I decided I no longer wanted to live my 300lb unhealthy lifestyle! I wanted to live to be able to see my Son grow and I wanted to be able to play with him and not watch from the side lines. I had my gastric bypass surgery Sept 15 2008. After the usual
    Two days in the hospital I was feeling good and diacharged. Only to return to the hospital at 4am in severe pain. I had a leak. Had to do another surgery and recovery was very painful I stayed in the hospital for three weeks. With that being said I would do it all over again. I reached my goal weight of 160lbs within the year. I maintained this weight for 5 years I was a stay at home Mom back then and I worked out full time. 6 or 7 days a week 1 1/2 -2 hours a day! I was determined to make all of my pain purpose full. But as life happened I creeped up to 180lbs and plateau there for months until I got pregnant with my daughter. My weight went up to 230lbs on my date of delivery. With some light exercise, ppd, and anxiety my weight toggled between. 215and 230 until one morning I woke up and the scale said 240! I almost died. I did not come So far to just become morbidly obese again. So on June 1 2016 I began hitting the gym hard again! It's not easy working full time. Caring for my 8year old and 2 year old. And still finding the energy to work out like I used to. But I am motivated to get my old self back. So I have been drinking 2 meals and eating one meal daily for the past week. I have my restriction back! And I'm ready to reach my goals!
    Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App
  8. Like
    carlaG11 got a reaction from 2tired2befat in 8 years post op   
    My RNY Gastric Bypass Surgery My name is Carla! I live in NJ I'm a 35 year old married mother of two. My weight loss journey started in March 2008. My son was one year old and I decided I no longer wanted to live my 300lb unhealthy lifestyle! I wanted to live to be able to see my Son grow and I wanted to be able to play with him and not watch from the side lines. I had my gastric bypass surgery Sept 15 2008. After the usual
    Two days in the hospital I was feeling good and diacharged. Only to return to the hospital at 4am in severe pain. I had a leak. Had to do another surgery and recovery was very painful I stayed in the hospital for three weeks. With that being said I would do it all over again. I reached my goal weight of 160lbs within the year. I maintained this weight for 5 years I was a stay at home Mom back then and I worked out full time. 6 or 7 days a week 1 1/2 -2 hours a day! I was determined to make all of my pain purpose full. But as life happened I creeped up to 180lbs and plateau there for months until I got pregnant with my daughter. My weight went up to 230lbs on my date of delivery. With some light exercise, ppd, and anxiety my weight toggled between. 215and 230 until one morning I woke up and the scale said 240! I almost died. I did not come So far to just become morbidly obese again. So on June 1 2016 I began hitting the gym hard again! It's not easy working full time. Caring for my 8year old and 2 year old. And still finding the energy to work out like I used to. But I am motivated to get my old self back. So I have been drinking 2 meals and eating one meal daily for the past week. I have my restriction back! And I'm ready to reach my goals!
    Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App
  9. Like
    carlaG11 got a reaction from 2tired2befat in 8 years post op   
    My RNY Gastric Bypass Surgery My name is Carla! I live in NJ I'm a 35 year old married mother of two. My weight loss journey started in March 2008. My son was one year old and I decided I no longer wanted to live my 300lb unhealthy lifestyle! I wanted to live to be able to see my Son grow and I wanted to be able to play with him and not watch from the side lines. I had my gastric bypass surgery Sept 15 2008. After the usual
    Two days in the hospital I was feeling good and diacharged. Only to return to the hospital at 4am in severe pain. I had a leak. Had to do another surgery and recovery was very painful I stayed in the hospital for three weeks. With that being said I would do it all over again. I reached my goal weight of 160lbs within the year. I maintained this weight for 5 years I was a stay at home Mom back then and I worked out full time. 6 or 7 days a week 1 1/2 -2 hours a day! I was determined to make all of my pain purpose full. But as life happened I creeped up to 180lbs and plateau there for months until I got pregnant with my daughter. My weight went up to 230lbs on my date of delivery. With some light exercise, ppd, and anxiety my weight toggled between. 215and 230 until one morning I woke up and the scale said 240! I almost died. I did not come So far to just become morbidly obese again. So on June 1 2016 I began hitting the gym hard again! It's not easy working full time. Caring for my 8year old and 2 year old. And still finding the energy to work out like I used to. But I am motivated to get my old self back. So I have been drinking 2 meals and eating one meal daily for the past week. I have my restriction back! And I'm ready to reach my goals!
    Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App
  10. Like
    carlaG11 got a reaction from 2tired2befat in 8 years post op   
    My RNY Gastric Bypass Surgery My name is Carla! I live in NJ I'm a 35 year old married mother of two. My weight loss journey started in March 2008. My son was one year old and I decided I no longer wanted to live my 300lb unhealthy lifestyle! I wanted to live to be able to see my Son grow and I wanted to be able to play with him and not watch from the side lines. I had my gastric bypass surgery Sept 15 2008. After the usual
    Two days in the hospital I was feeling good and diacharged. Only to return to the hospital at 4am in severe pain. I had a leak. Had to do another surgery and recovery was very painful I stayed in the hospital for three weeks. With that being said I would do it all over again. I reached my goal weight of 160lbs within the year. I maintained this weight for 5 years I was a stay at home Mom back then and I worked out full time. 6 or 7 days a week 1 1/2 -2 hours a day! I was determined to make all of my pain purpose full. But as life happened I creeped up to 180lbs and plateau there for months until I got pregnant with my daughter. My weight went up to 230lbs on my date of delivery. With some light exercise, ppd, and anxiety my weight toggled between. 215and 230 until one morning I woke up and the scale said 240! I almost died. I did not come So far to just become morbidly obese again. So on June 1 2016 I began hitting the gym hard again! It's not easy working full time. Caring for my 8year old and 2 year old. And still finding the energy to work out like I used to. But I am motivated to get my old self back. So I have been drinking 2 meals and eating one meal daily for the past week. I have my restriction back! And I'm ready to reach my goals!
    Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App
  11. Like
    carlaG11 reacted to PinkPolkadot619 in Those who drink diet pop post-op {Only nice comments PLEASE}   
    @@Beck90 yes you have done it in the past, but ask yourself; have you been successful at loosing all excess weight and maintaining your weight loss long term?
    All of the WLS vets I have talked to on line or in person who have been completely successful for longer than 2 years do not drink it, and have stuck to the low carb low sugar life style. It is a lifestyle change, and yes you might find 1 person who says they are fine, but I have meet hundreds who say it was the cause of their weight loss being slowed or gained back. yes only 1 a day can cause all of that. I encourage you to get the most out of your surgery and give your body a gift, that gift is not a can of chemicals. :-)
    I do know the "can'ts" and "don'ts" are overwhelming; but please look at what you will have instead. there is so much more that I have gained that outweighs any desire for soda or anything else! I promise you. It is a mindset, and it takes practice and more practice to keep in going but positivity will keep you going for the long haul.
    Smiles and good luck in your journey.
  12. Like
    carlaG11 reacted to OutsideMatchInside in Those who drink diet pop post-op {Only nice comments PLEASE}   
    There are people here that drink diet soda. I don't think any of their doctors are okay with it though.
    Drinking diet soda isn't going to kill you but if you have to drink soda, at least drink the good stuff sweetened with Stevia.
    Also if you haven't had surgery yet and you are already thinking of ways to eat around your sleeve, well, good luck.
  13. Like
    carlaG11 reacted to Cervidae in Those who drink diet pop post-op {Only nice comments PLEASE}   
    This reminds me a lot of the "how soon after surgery can I start smoking cigarettes again" question. The answer is never. The answer is never for a variety of reasons. You know the reasons, everyone else knows the reasons, and yet you will always get a few people here on the forums looking to be told it's okay to do. It is simply NOT okay, just like eating cake isn't okay after surgery and taking NSAIDS isn't okay after surgery.
    However, it's your body. No one has any right to tell you what to do with it. Even the surgeon's orders end where your own decisions begin. Can you drink diet soda without getting sick? Maybe... some people can, as you've read above. Should you be drinking soda, smoking, drinking booze frequently, taking NSAIDS, eating donuts for Breakfast? Of course not. you already know the answer to your own question, and you may be hard-pressed to find many people here who are going to pacify you and tell you it's okay. The fact is, a couple of people here saying "Yeah I do it and I'm fine" does not even being to measure up to and be an argument against the multitude of biological and scientific reasons it is not safe or healthy.
    In the end, you've got to make your own decisions. If you decide to eat or drink something that can (and probably will) be harmful in the long run, then you're also going to have to deal with the consequences. Whatever you decide, I truly wish you nothing but health and happiness. I know how hard it is to go through this huge change and not even have the little comfort food/drinks we used to love. Good luck!
  14. Like
    carlaG11 reacted to Proud2BMe in Those who drink diet pop post-op {Only nice comments PLEASE}   
    The belief that it will stretch your sleeve is nonsense. However, what it can do is cause you pain if you are still close out from your surgery. The pain is of course from gas. I will be one year out tomorrow and I drink diet pop every day. I think I began drinking it again close to 2 months outside of surgery.
  15. Like
    carlaG11 reacted to jbokla in Before, During, and After Pics - One Year Out!   
    Starting Weight = 257
    Present Weight = 152
    Loss = 105
                

  16. Like
    carlaG11 reacted to divaofsongs in Starting over after almost dying twice and gaining back 150 pounds   
    I have been a member here since 2007 and at one time I was a contributing member. I have been gone from the sight for several years now but I am back. I am writing to tell my story in hopes that I can find some much needed support and also maybe give a word or two of advice to those who think they can outsmart the band, eat around it and most importantly, to those who are abusing the band or using it as a crutch instead of a tool. This story is long but I believe it will help so many and possibly even save someone’s life. I hope I am posting in the right area, if not, maybe a mod can move it.
    I got my band on December 10th of 2007 and I was very excited and hopeful that it was going to be the answer to my prayers. I weighed about 380 pounds the day of my surgery and wanted desperately to find a way to get control of my life-long emotional eating problem. Although I lived in Phoenix, AZ, I had my surgery done near Denver, CO because I found a U.S. based doctor that provided the band at a discounted rate and I did not want to go to Mexico. I was a cash pay patient and I had to borrow the money from my dad to get the surgery so I needed to find the best bargain for my money. My husband and I drove to Colorado to get the surgery done and 2 days after my surgery, I got in a car and traveled back from Colorado to Arizona with my new saving grace installed and a sense of hope that I would finally be able to lose the weight that had been making me miserable most of my life. Just like most people, I was given rules/instructions about only full liquids the first 2 weeks, the basic band diet of how much to eat afterwards, no soda, no drinking with meals, when to get fills, etc.
    With the band in place but no Fluid in it yet, I was yet to experience this thing they called restriction and I was eager to get my first fill so I could start to reap the benefits of my newly installed ring of hope. During the first 2 weeks, I was hungry! I mean I was VERY hungry and full liquids was just not cutting it for me. I tried my best to stick to it but after about 5 days, I decided that I would just try to eat ONE french fry and “see what happened.” I ate one and oh my goodness, it tasted soooooo good. I waited a few minutes and nothing happened. Nothing! Ok, so maybe I will try one or two more since obviously it is not doing any harm and I didn’t have any fill in yet. What could go wrong, right? That night I ate about 10 fries. The next day, realizing that nothing bad happened from my french fry episode, I started adding little bits of solid food here and there and by the end of day 8, I was eating small portions of solid food a few times a day.
    On the morning of day 9, I woke up and I was just not feeling right. I was cold and no matter what I did, I could not get warm. Having 200+ pounds of fat to insulate me, being cold was something I was not accustomed to. I was always hot so this feeling of chills was definitely something new for me. I also started noticing that my stomach was making this loud gurgling sound. It sounded like the stomach fluids were working overtime and my stomach ached. On a hunch I took my temperature and was shocked to find out that I had a fever of 102.9. I asked my husband to take me to the ER since it seemed that there was something possibly band surgery related going on.
    Long story short, I ended up having a micro-perforation in my stomach and almost died. They admitted me to ICU and the local Lap-Band doctor said that the doctor that performed the surgery had pulled the stitching too tight and left a very microscopic tear in the stomach tissue. I admitted to him that I had been eating solid foods too soon and he said that may have aggravated the issue but was not the cause. I was put on nothing by mouth for 14 days. I could not even have an ice chip. The doctor said that I had a 50/50 chance of my stomach healing on its own and if not, they would have to do surgery to attempt to repair the small tear but that it was a very dangerous surgery and could be fatal. Thank God that after 2 weeks of nothing by mouth and an IV bag full of proton pump inhibitors, the tear healed on its own and I was released. Because of the tear, I had to wait 6 weeks from my release from the hospital to get my first fill.
    The time came for my first fill and I was so excited. I have a 14cc band and they started me off with 5 cc’s of Fluid. I had the fill done under flouro so I could see that the fill slowed down the flow of liquid. I wanted more but the fill doctor said I had to take it slow and adjust it slowly to the right amount, until I found my sweet spot. With 5 cc’s of fill, I still did not notice any restriction at all so I made a follow up appt for more fill 4 weeks later. This time when I went in, they added 4 more cc’s and I was at 9 cc’s in my 14 cc band. For the first time, I was starting to notice restriction and I was able to eat way less. Although I did have restriction, I wanted more because I felt that I could still eat more than ¾ cup at a time so I made a 3rd appt and had more fill put it. This time they only added a little less than 1 cc. I swallowed the barium under flouro and I could see that the flow was much slower this time. They handed me my bottle of Water and asked me to slowly drink it and let them know if I had any issues. After a few sips, I could feel the Water sitting in my esophagus, waiting to slowly trickle down but I did not tell them. I finally had really good restriction and although I should have had about ½ cc removed, I left with the additional 1 cc of fill. This is when things really started to change and the weight started to drop off. I could barely eat 2 tablespoons of food and I was pb’ing several times a day.
    Even though I finally could not eat very much at all and had super tight restriction, the emotional urge to binge was still there. I can’t believe I am admitting this but there were several times that I would go to a fast food restaurant, order a couple of cheeseburgers and fries, chew them up in huge bites and spit them into a bag, just so I could feel that sense of relief I used to get from binging. Thinking back on it, it was really gross and more importantly it was really sad and should have been a warning sign that I have emotional eating issues but like most people, I turned a blind eye to what was going on in my own body/mind/life.
    At this point, it had been about a year since my surgery and the weight was coming off at a steady pace. I was down about 125 pounds since my surgery date. On a daily basis, I was pb’ing 10+ times a day, every time I attempted to eat even the tiniest bite of solid food. FYI: This means my band was too tight! If you are unable to eat solid food without pb’ing, after properly chewing and taking very small bites, there is a problem. Even though I knew this, I ignored it because I was finally, for the first time in my life, losing weight! Since I was unable to eat solid foods, I lived on creamy Soups, mashed potatoes, pudding, ice cream, etc. As time went by, I noticed I was able to eat more and more of the slider foods so I made another appt to get more fill put in because the weight loss started really slowing down. In hindsight, the problem was not that I needed more fill, the problem was that I was eating high calorie slider foods because the band was too tight to eat solid foods and this was slowing down my weight loss. I also started taking little sips of fluid with my food because I noticed that I was able to eat more when I did this. I was emotionally eating, just like before, but I just changed the way I did it. In hindsight, I should have had about ½ cc of my fill removed and then I would have been able to eat about ¾ cup of solid food without pb’ing and if I would have followed the band rules and ate properly and healthy, I would have had absolute success. However, this was not the case with me. I wanted to do it my way and my way it was.
    I went for another fill but this time I used a different fill provider that did not use flouro. I had another cc of fluid put in and that made me have a total of almost 11 cc’s in my 14 cc band. Then a few months later I had another cc put in and to make a long story short, at the end, I had almost 12.5 cc’s in my 14 cc band. Over time, even with all of that fluid in my band, I was able to start eating more solid foods. By the end of this fiasco, I could eat an entire McDonald’s hamburger and a small fry. I knew something was wrong. It had to be. I thought I had eroded, or was losing fluid or something. Something had to be going on because I could eat way too much for the amount of fluid I had in and what used to make me pb was not even phasing me anymore. I went for another appt to see what was going on and had the doctor that uses flouro to look at everything while I was under flouro. All the fluid was still in the band, there was no leak. He said I had really good restriction but was concerned because he noticed my esophagus looked enlarged and said that I needed to go on liquids only for 2 weeks and then come back to see if the esophagus looked normal again. Sadly, he did not remove my fluid at the time and that was a HUGE mistake on his part. He should have taken out the fluid but he didn’t and I left the appt a hot mess. I tried to stay on liquids for 2 weeks but it only lasted a couple of days and I was back to just like before. I did not return for the 2 week follow up and continued to do the same thing I was doing because my biggest fear was to have all the fluid removed and be able to eat like I did before the band and gain all the weight back that I lost.
    For more than a year I continued with the same amount of fluid in my band and eating slider foods and drinking with my meals and just continued on in this craziness. In January of 2011, I was standing in my kitchen and I started to feel really sick like I was going to pass out. I had my husband take me to the hospital and they ran some test and told me that I was anemic and my blood level was low, indicating that I had some sort of internal bleeding going on but they did not know where it was coming from. I was admitted to the hospital and they ran more tests and didn’t find anything and sent me home. This horrible feeling of passing out continued for months and each time I went to the ER, they told me my blood levels were low but just above where I needed a blood transfusion. I had no insurance so I was only able to get care at the ER. In June of 2011, I ended up back in the ER and they admitted me this time. They did an endoscopy and colonoscopy looking for the source of the slow bleed. They found it on the endoscopy. It was coming from my esophagus! I had stretched it out so much from the fill being so tight that I had caused a small tear in the tissue. Once again, here I was in the hospital with another tear! Only this time I did it to myself. The doctor said my esophagus had turned into a stomach and the area where my esophagus ended and my stomach began had become one. They removed every drop of fill from my band at that time and after 2 more weeks of nothing by mouth, that tear healed as well and I was released and feeling much better. A year later I had another Endoscopy and everything was back to normal again. I never had any of the fluid put back in my band and over the last 2 years, I gained back every single pound I lost, plus some. I now weigh 400 pounds.
    This is my biggest warning: If you are finding that you can eat more and more and you are pushing yourself and the restriction is lessening, there may be a problem. For me, my esophagus had turned into a stomach and was holding entire meals! If you cannot keep solid food down the majority of the time, then you are likely too tight. I used the band as a crutch instead of a tool as it was intended.
    I am starting over again and have an appt for a fill tomorrow. I am going to do it right this time and I will actually follow the rules this time. My life depends on it. I have to lose the weight or I am going to die. Period. I would be happy to elaborate on anything for anybody, just message me. I will be hoping for support from fellow bander’s and if I can help anyone at all or answer any questions, please let me know.
  17. Like
    carlaG11 reacted to kmorri in Why do some folks try to ruin this forum?   
    The last few weeks I've been seeing a lot of rude responses to posts........each time I saw one I wanted to respond and ask "WTH is your problem?"......but knew that would just add to the drama, and I think that's what those folks are seeking anyway......So I found this "Rant" section and decided this would be the place to express my low opinion of those posters that seem to think that name calling and talking down to people is the way to respond to posts on a support forum....I see this type of response most often from some of the long timers. I'm not going to name names, because I know you know who you are because it is obvious it is done intentionally.....My advice to those folks, is if you're no longer able to provide support without being sarcastic, maybe it's time you move on with your life and just leave the forum and find something you're good at......It's great to have long timers here that will share their experiences with newbies because it is priceless when shared appropriately.....but if you don't know how to do it in a way that is supportive, you're only being hurtful and may actually cause someone not to ask a future question for fear they will be attached for being stupid......
    That's the end of my rant.............As Ellen says at the end of all her shows............"Be kind to one another"
  18. Like
    carlaG11 got a reaction from Tara1992 in 8 year post op in New Jersey   
    My RNY Gastric Bypass Surgery My name is Carla! I live in NJ I'm a 35 year old married mother of two. My weight loss journey started in March 2008. My son was one year old and I decided I no longer wanted to live my 300lb unhealthy lifestyle! I wanted to live to be able to see my Son grow and I wanted to be able to play with him and not watch from the side lines. I had my gastric bypass surgery Sept 15 2008. After the usual
    Two days in the hospital I was feeling good and diacharged. Only to return to the hospital at 4am in severe pain. I had a leak. Had to do another surgery and recovery was very painful I stayed in the hospital for three weeks. With that being said I would do it all over again. I reached my goal weight of 160lbs within the year. I maintained this weight for 5 years I was a stay at home Mom back then and I worked out full time. 6 or 7 days a week 1 1/2 -2 hours a day! I was determined to make all of my pain purpose full. But as life happened I creeped up to 180lbs and plateau there for months until I got pregnant with my daughter. My weight went up to 230lbs on my date of delivery. With some light exercise, ppd, and anxiety my weight toggled between. 215and 230 until one morning I woke up and the scale said 240! I almost died. I did not come So far to just become morbidly obese again. So on June 1 2016 I began hitting the gym hard again! It's not easy working full time. Caring for my 8year old and 2 year old. And still finding the energy to work out like I used to. But I am motivated to get my old self back. So I have been drinking 2 meals and eating one meal daily for the past week. I have my restriction back! And I'm ready to reach my goals!
    Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App
  19. Like
    carlaG11 got a reaction from Tara1992 in 8 year post op in New Jersey   
    My RNY Gastric Bypass Surgery My name is Carla! I live in NJ I'm a 35 year old married mother of two. My weight loss journey started in March 2008. My son was one year old and I decided I no longer wanted to live my 300lb unhealthy lifestyle! I wanted to live to be able to see my Son grow and I wanted to be able to play with him and not watch from the side lines. I had my gastric bypass surgery Sept 15 2008. After the usual
    Two days in the hospital I was feeling good and diacharged. Only to return to the hospital at 4am in severe pain. I had a leak. Had to do another surgery and recovery was very painful I stayed in the hospital for three weeks. With that being said I would do it all over again. I reached my goal weight of 160lbs within the year. I maintained this weight for 5 years I was a stay at home Mom back then and I worked out full time. 6 or 7 days a week 1 1/2 -2 hours a day! I was determined to make all of my pain purpose full. But as life happened I creeped up to 180lbs and plateau there for months until I got pregnant with my daughter. My weight went up to 230lbs on my date of delivery. With some light exercise, ppd, and anxiety my weight toggled between. 215and 230 until one morning I woke up and the scale said 240! I almost died. I did not come So far to just become morbidly obese again. So on June 1 2016 I began hitting the gym hard again! It's not easy working full time. Caring for my 8year old and 2 year old. And still finding the energy to work out like I used to. But I am motivated to get my old self back. So I have been drinking 2 meals and eating one meal daily for the past week. I have my restriction back! And I'm ready to reach my goals!
    Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App
  20. Like
    carlaG11 got a reaction from 2tired2befat in 8 years post op   
    My RNY Gastric Bypass Surgery My name is Carla! I live in NJ I'm a 35 year old married mother of two. My weight loss journey started in March 2008. My son was one year old and I decided I no longer wanted to live my 300lb unhealthy lifestyle! I wanted to live to be able to see my Son grow and I wanted to be able to play with him and not watch from the side lines. I had my gastric bypass surgery Sept 15 2008. After the usual
    Two days in the hospital I was feeling good and diacharged. Only to return to the hospital at 4am in severe pain. I had a leak. Had to do another surgery and recovery was very painful I stayed in the hospital for three weeks. With that being said I would do it all over again. I reached my goal weight of 160lbs within the year. I maintained this weight for 5 years I was a stay at home Mom back then and I worked out full time. 6 or 7 days a week 1 1/2 -2 hours a day! I was determined to make all of my pain purpose full. But as life happened I creeped up to 180lbs and plateau there for months until I got pregnant with my daughter. My weight went up to 230lbs on my date of delivery. With some light exercise, ppd, and anxiety my weight toggled between. 215and 230 until one morning I woke up and the scale said 240! I almost died. I did not come So far to just become morbidly obese again. So on June 1 2016 I began hitting the gym hard again! It's not easy working full time. Caring for my 8year old and 2 year old. And still finding the energy to work out like I used to. But I am motivated to get my old self back. So I have been drinking 2 meals and eating one meal daily for the past week. I have my restriction back! And I'm ready to reach my goals!
    Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App
  21. Like
    carlaG11 reacted to jpt.30175 in Almost 4 years posto iso friends   
    Hi all, Georgia gal here, I had surgery august 1 2012. Since then, I have lost 300 lbs, now stuck, gotten married, dealt with depression getting worse, recovering from major foot reconstruction, and just need support from like minded people... I am at this point mainly because I've let myself get here, but I'm so afraid of gaining again... my husband has never been over 200 lbs and just doesn't seem to get it. Idk I'm doing over eaters anonymous online now. just would like to share tips and talk etc..
    Thanks for reading,
    Jen
    Sent from my SM-N920V using the BariatricPal App
  22. Like
    carlaG11 got a reaction from 2tired2befat in 8 years post op   
    My RNY Gastric Bypass Surgery My name is Carla! I live in NJ I'm a 35 year old married mother of two. My weight loss journey started in March 2008. My son was one year old and I decided I no longer wanted to live my 300lb unhealthy lifestyle! I wanted to live to be able to see my Son grow and I wanted to be able to play with him and not watch from the side lines. I had my gastric bypass surgery Sept 15 2008. After the usual
    Two days in the hospital I was feeling good and diacharged. Only to return to the hospital at 4am in severe pain. I had a leak. Had to do another surgery and recovery was very painful I stayed in the hospital for three weeks. With that being said I would do it all over again. I reached my goal weight of 160lbs within the year. I maintained this weight for 5 years I was a stay at home Mom back then and I worked out full time. 6 or 7 days a week 1 1/2 -2 hours a day! I was determined to make all of my pain purpose full. But as life happened I creeped up to 180lbs and plateau there for months until I got pregnant with my daughter. My weight went up to 230lbs on my date of delivery. With some light exercise, ppd, and anxiety my weight toggled between. 215and 230 until one morning I woke up and the scale said 240! I almost died. I did not come So far to just become morbidly obese again. So on June 1 2016 I began hitting the gym hard again! It's not easy working full time. Caring for my 8year old and 2 year old. And still finding the energy to work out like I used to. But I am motivated to get my old self back. So I have been drinking 2 meals and eating one meal daily for the past week. I have my restriction back! And I'm ready to reach my goals!
    Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App
  23. Like
    carlaG11 reacted to RockinRobin59 in Is Anyone Out There?!   
    Hello is anyone out there I'm seeking an on line support group . I'm having difficulty getting to monthly meeting. Help!!!!!!
  24. Like
    carlaG11 reacted to jpt.30175 in Happiness with overall total weight loss so far?   
    Hi all,
    I am 4yr post op from the ds. When I started I was over 500 lbs(515ish), now I am at 198-200 but feel like I am stuck.... I am definitely getting over 110 grams of Protein a day, working out vigorously (I feel anyway), tracking my food with time of day and mood, but I feel like I should at least at my goal by now. How much have you been able to loose, and are you happy with it? I have made myself feel like a failure..
    Any suggestions?
    Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App
  25. Like
    carlaG11 reacted to Dub in How do I tell my surgeon he screwed up?   
    Why do you eat so much at each sitting ?
    Cramming food down our gullets isn't really the gameplan is it ?
    Your capacity may always be greater than the recommended amounts per meal.

PatchAid Vitamin Patches

×