krite

July 3, 2008 It's been almost a week since my surgery. The wounds on my belly are healing nicely but still sore. One especially long cut, almost 2", is where my port is. Well, I'm slowly getting the hang of this eating routine. I'm doing liquids and soft foods. I've found that I have to be eating or drinking something all the time because the liquid goes right through me and is not satisfying for a long period of time. I've also felt very lethargic and draggy. I forced myself to go out last night and visit my daughter and grandchildren. Also stood in a funeral calling hours line for over an hour. I was exhausted when I got home. Just have to stick with it and give my body time to adjust. I've lost 25 pounds since 2 weeks pre-op, that would be since June 13th. I can live with that.:cool::thumbup:

July 3, 2008 It's been almost a week since my surgery. The wounds on my belly are healing nicely but still sore. One especially long cut, almost 2", is where my port is. Well, I'm slowly getting the hang of this eating routine. I'm doing liquids and soft foods. I've found that I have to be eating or drinking something all the time because the liquid goes right through me and is not satisfying for a long period of time. I've also felt very lethargic and draggy. I forced myself to go out last night and visit my daughter and grandchildren. Also stood in a funeral calling hours line for over an hour. I was exhausted when I got home. Just have to stick with it and give my body time to adjust. I've lost 25 pounds since 2 weeks pre-op, that would be since June 13th. I can live with that.:wink::smile:

Lizrbit, just read your blog from Jan 7th and it's July 3rd. Don't know why it popped up now. I was concerned about your smoking. Oh I hope you give that up. You're trading a headache for an upset stomach. Haven't read any more of your blogs. How are you doing now? krite

Bumble Bee, that is gross. Yuck. I'd be too afraid. Well, at least you got some protein. I'm drinking Slim Fast-Optima. There are several flavors. I have the Cappacino and it's very good. Besides that, I have cream soups, broth and OH..today I made runny mashed potatoes. They were great! I'm only 4 days post-op. Good luck

Sunday, June 29th. It's been two days since my surgery. Couldn't post yesterday because no internet connection due to storm. I am very sore from the surgery. Here's how it went: Was at hospital at 11:30 am. Got all prepped and put into my little bed. This is all done in Out-Patient Ambulatory Surgery. Rebecca and Dave sat with me until I finally went into surgery around 2:00. Things went really well and I guess I was out in about 50 minutes. Laid in recovery for awhile but felt disconnected due to morphine for pain. Wow, that was weird. Couldn't wake up, couldn't open my eyes. Felt really drugged. Finally taken back to my little cubby hole where I opened my eyes to the two most beautiful people in my life, Dave and Rebecca. The drowsiness stayed w/ me awhile. I had 5 "stab" wounds, as the nurse called them, in my belly. They were all held closed by steri-strips. Very sore. At one point I had to get up and use the restroom. When I returned to my bed I tore one of the wounds open getting back into bed and it had to be resealed. Hasn't happened since, but the nurse sent us home w/ some additional steristrips and bandages. Yesterday, Saturday, I laid around and rested but made myself get up and walk occasionally. Good to prevent blood clots, which I have a history of. Drank small amonts of Slim Fast and Instant Breakfast, but I was still a little confused as to how much and when to drink. Bec helped by reading some of my information and she set me straight. I'm suppose to drink about 2-3 oz. and take 15-30 minutes to do so. Then about every 30-40 minutes repeat this procedure. So that is what I am doing today. I have a cute little pink Pampered Chef 4 oz measuring cup that I drink out of. Don't feel sick, but wounds hurt. Think my new little stomach growled a few times. Here's a cute little antidote about my 2 1/2 year old grandson. Gavin found a dead little yellow butterfly on my front porch and called his Papa Dave to fix it. He though perhaps since Dave has fixed some of Gavin's toys that he could 'fix' the butterfly. Unfortuantely Dave told Gavin he couldn't fix it and together they threw it in the trash. And today, Gavin pooped in the potty. This is a great milestone as he has been fighting against this forever. He's been afraid to go. His mommy had even bought him presents to open everytime he went. He actually called me on the phone and told me his great accomplishment. He got two presents for this. Yeah, Gavin:thumbs_up:

Sunday, June 29th. It's been two days since my surgery. Couldn't post yesterday because no internet connection due to storm. I am very sore from the surgery. Here's how it went: Was at hospital at 11:30 am. Got all prepped and put into my little bed. This is all done in Out-Patient Ambulatory Surgery. Rebecca and Dave sat with me until I finally went into surgery around 2:00. Things went really well and I guess I was out in about 50 minutes. Laid in recovery for awhile but felt disconnected due to morphine for pain. Wow, that was weird. Couldn't wake up, couldn't open my eyes. Felt really drugged. Finally taken back to my little cubby hole where I opened my eyes to the two most beautiful people in my life, Dave and Rebecca. The drowsiness stayed w/ me awhile. I had 5 "stab" wounds, as the nurse called them, in my belly. They were all held closed by steri-strips. Very sore. At one point I had to get up and use the restroom. When I returned to my bed I tore one of the wounds open getting back into bed and it had to be resealed. Hasn't happened since, but the nurse sent us home w/ some additional steristrips and bandages. Yesterday, Saturday, I laid around and rested but made myself get up and walk occasionally. Good to prevent blood clots, which I have a history of. Drank small amonts of Slim Fast and Instant Breakfast, but I was still a little confused as to how much and when to drink. Bec helped by reading some of my information and she set me straight. I'm suppose to drink about 2-3 oz. and take 15-30 minutes to do so. Then about every 30-40 minutes repeat this procedure. So that is what I am doing today. I have a cute little pink Pampered Chef 4 oz measuring cup that I drink out of. Don't feel sick, but wounds hurt. Think my new little stomach growled a few times. Here's a cute little antidote about my 2 1/2 year old grandson. Gavin found a dead little yellow butterfly on my front porch and called his Papa Dave to fix it. He though perhaps since Dave has fixed some of Gavin's toys that he could 'fix' the butterfly. Unfortuantely Dave told Gavin he couldn't fix it and together they threw it in the trash. And today, Gavin pooped in the potty. This is a great milestone as he has been fighting against this forever. He's been afraid to go. His mommy had even bought him presents to open everytime he went. He actually called me on the phone and told me his great accomplishment. He got two presents for this. Yeah, Gavin:thumbs_up::wink:

June 23, 2008 I've lost 14.5 pounds on this pre-op diet. I am hungry and find it very difficult. And to be honest, yes, I have eaten some things I shouldn't. But I love this because I can see a light at the end of the tunnel. I know if I fall down, I can just get back up and keep going. I won't give up. Surgery is only 4 days aways. Bought some Cappacino flavored Slim Fast and it is very good. :thumbup:

June 23, 2008 I've lost 14.5 pounds on this pre-op diet. I am hungry and find it very difficult. And to be honest, yes, I have eaten some things I shouldn't. But I love this because I can see a light at the end of the tunnel. I know if I fall down, I can just get back up and keep going. I won't give up. Surgery is only 4 days aways. Bought some Cappacino flavored Slim Fast and it is very good. :wink:

Friday, June 20, 2008 It's been one week since I began my two-week pre-op diet. I have been eating very little and have already lost 11.5 pound. Wow, and I haven't even had the surgery yet. My doctor sent me a video to watch all about what to expect. It freaked me out a bit, but I'm ready to go forward. Have been a little hungry in the evenings and sometimes feel like I could eat a horse. But I hang in there. I've also been trying to walk every morning or evening. Got to get into the habit of exercising. I've also hated it. Perhaps when I'm more able I won't dislike it so. Pray for me and watch what you eat. Eat V-E-R-Y slowly and chew your food good.

Friday, June 20, 2008 It's been one week since I began my two-week pre-op diet. I have been eating very little and have already lost 11.5 pound. Wow, and I haven't even had the surgery yet. My doctor sent me a video to watch all about what to expect. It freaked me out a bit, but I'm ready to go forward. Have been a little hungry in the evenings and sometimes feel like I could eat a horse. But I hang in there. I've also been trying to walk every morning or evening. Got to get into the habit of exercising. I've also hated it. Perhaps when I'm more able I won't dislike it so. Pray for me and watch what you eat. Eat V-E-R-Y slowly and chew your food good.:wink:

June 14, 2008 Down 4 pounds in 24 hours is quite amazing to me, however, I realize that the pounds are going to just drop off here at first. Yesterday was my first day on a Pre-Op two week diet. I had 1 Slim Fast Optima, 1 Weight Control Quaker Oatmeal, a serving of grapes, 1/2 an apple, 1 can of vegetarian vegetable soup, one 8 oz glass of skim milk with a packet of Carnation Instant Breakfast (no sugar added) mixed in, and 1 cup of no-fat cottage cheese. Oh and of course plenty of water, which I love. Actually, it wasn't so bad. I kept myself busy with reading, computer work, laundry. That's the key. I need to redirect my life. I'm looking into starting my own web site so that will take some time. This morning I got up at 7:00 and took a walk with the dogs. We walked down to the pond, which is a little ways away, downhill. The dogs loved the water and romped and played. So they got their exercise too. The trudge back up the hill was a killer, but I know it will get easier with time. If I consider my alternatives, (heart attack, stroke, diabetes, death), I rather like this hiking up and down hills. The Slim Fast tasted better this morning: Strawberry Cream, which I thought would be delicious, turns out NOT to be. Plus I had a yogurt, Activia, which I didn't get in yesterday. All the foods I mentioned are all that I will eat for the next two weeks. This was given to me by the dietitian. Why, I bet I lose 20 pounds even before surgery! The dietitian explained to me that the reason for this diet is to help the liver to lose weight. Fatty tissue built up around the liver is not good and hinders absorption of proper nutrients. I know there is more to it than that. I will need to research that again. So, I'm off and running. Well, actually, not running yet. That will come later, I hope.

June 14, 2008 Down 4 pounds in 24 hours is quite amazing to me, however, I realize that the pounds are going to just drop off here at first. Yesterday was my first day on a Pre-Op two week diet. I had 1 Slim Fast Optima, 1 Weight Control Quaker Oatmeal, a serving of grapes, 1/2 an apple, 1 can of vegetarian vegetable soup, one 8 oz glass of skim milk with a packet of Carnation Instant Breakfast (no sugar added) mixed in, and 1 cup of no-fat cottage cheese. Oh and of course plenty of water, which I love. Actually, it wasn't so bad. I kept myself busy with reading, computer work, laundry. That's the key. I need to redirect my life. I'm looking into starting my own web site so that will take some time. This morning I got up at 7:00 and took a walk with the dogs. We walked down to the pond, which is a little ways away, downhill. The dogs loved the water and romped and played. So they got their exercise too. The trudge back up the hill was a killer, but I know it will get easier with time. If I consider my alternatives, (heart attack, stroke, diabetes, death), I rather like this hiking up and down hills. The Slim Fast tasted better this morning: Strawberry Cream, which I thought would be delicious, turns out NOT to be. Plus I had a yogurt, Activia, which I didn't get in yesterday. All the foods I mentioned are all that I will eat for the next two weeks. This was given to me by the dietitian. Why, I bet I lose 20 pounds even before surgery! The dietitian explained to me that the reason for this diet is to help the liver to lose weight. Fatty tissue built up around the liver is not good and hinders absorption of proper nutrients. I know there is more to it than that. I will need to research that again. So, I'm off and running. Well, actually, not running yet. That will come later, I hope.

June 11, 2008 Today I had my pre-op appointment at the hospital where I will have my Lap Band done. I was there for 3 and 1/2 hours. Wow. I had blood tests, a chest x-ray and an EKG. I also went through preadmission for the hospital and preadmission for the Ambulatory Surgery Center. I met with the financial person and also spent a great deal of time with the nutritionist. This was most interesting. I was given a booklet to read followed by a 20 question, multiple choice quiz. The nurse went over the quiz with me and we discussed all the answers. The nutritionist gave me a two-week pre-op diet I will start in two days, Friday, the 13th. Oh my. It will be a combination of Slim Fast protein drink, lo-fat cottage cheese, yogurt, vegetarian vegetable soup, oatmeal and no sugar puddings and jellos. She also gave me a protein powder drink to mix in with my food. Their main concern is my getting the necessary amounts of daily protein. The reason for such a strict eating program prior to surgery is to clear the liver of as much fatty tissue around it as possible. This will help ease the process of the procedure and later help with the absorption of the vitamins and minerals I take in. I think there is more to it than that, but I will need to go back and read my materials again to be more knowledgable on the matter. The surgery is scheduled for June 27th. Then I will be on a clear liquid diet for 2 weeks followed by 2 weeks of pureerd food and finally work my way slowly into solids again. So, I'm on my way. I'm still upbeat and have never been so excited about quitting eating before. I also met a former patient from the weight loss center. He has lost 125 pounds since his Lap Band last July. That's a great loss for less than a year. How excited he was. We had a good conversation and he shared some of his eating habits with me. Guess that's it for now. I'll keep you posted on the soft diet program stating Friday.

June 11, 2008 Today I had my pre-op appointment at the hospital where I will have my Lap Band done. I was there for 3 and 1/2 hours. Wow. I had blood tests, a chest x-ray and an EKG. I also went through preadmission for the hospital and preadmission for the Ambulatory Surgery Center. I met with the financial person and also spent a great deal of time with the nutritionist. This was most interesting. I was given a booklet to read followed by a 20 question, multiple choice quiz. The nurse went over the quiz with me and we discussed all the answers. The nutritionist gave me a two-week pre-op diet I will start in two days, Friday, the 13th. Oh my. It will be a combination of Slim Fast protein drink, lo-fat cottage cheese, yogurt, vegetarian vegetable soup, oatmeal and no sugar puddings and jellos. She also gave me a protein powder drink to mix in with my food. Their main concern is my getting the necessary amounts of daily protein. The reason for such a strict eating program prior to surgery is to clear the liver of as much fatty tissue around it as possible. This will help ease the process of the procedure and later help with the absorption of the vitamins and minerals I take in. I think there is more to it than that, but I will need to go back and read my materials again to be more knowledgable on the matter. The surgery is scheduled for June 27th. Then I will be on a clear liquid diet for 2 weeks followed by 2 weeks of pureerd food and finally work my way slowly into solids again. So, I'm on my way. I'm still upbeat and have never been so excited about quitting eating before. I also met a former patient from the weight loss center. He has lost 125 pounds since his Lap Band last July. That's a great loss for less than a year. How excited he was. We had a good conversation and he shared some of his eating habits with me. Guess that's it for now. I'll keep you posted on the soft diet program stating Friday.:wink:

June 7, 2008 Today I had a psychological assessment, a requirement by my doctor for Lap Band. The doctor questioned me about some health history and my eating habits, The purpose of this assessment is to find out if the patient can handle the surgery and what comes with it It evaluates your personality to see if you're paranoid or have bad self-esteem..Following our little discussion, I was given a 400 question true or false assessment which I did by myself. It was a typical phys. assessment tool asking the same kinds of questions over and over in several different ways. It cued in on any paranoia problems with questions like: I feel someone is controlling my mind, or Someone follows me all the time or I see and hear things no one else does. It also asked me things like: I'd like to be a florist, or I'd like to be a cook, or an engineer, or a construction boss. Some weird questions like the first one which was: I like to read mechanic magazines. I thought that funny since my husband is a mechanic. I answered true cuz I do sometimes pick up Dave's magazines and read them. The whole appointment took about 2 1/2 hours. I have my pre-op meeting w/ the nutritionist next Wednesday, June 12. At that time, I wil get information on a pre-op all liquid diet. That should be fun! I'm really getting excited about this procedure. I don't even enjoy my eating much right now. It often leaves me feeling over filled and discomforting. Maybe the :Lord is readying my body for what's ahead. :thumbup: