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minpinmom

LAP-BAND Patients
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Blog Entries posted by minpinmom

  1. Third Fill . . .

    Well, I went in today and had my 3rd fill. I was at 2 and he put in .6 or maybe .4, I can't really remember. It didn't hurt as bad - he didn't have to press down as hard to reach my port. He says he can tell I am losing weight! WooHOO!
     
    His office is expanding, and coming to The Woodlands (which is right by me). I am so excited. Apparently, they are hiring additional Dr.s too. He is so busy. I sent in my resume for his new office near me. It won't be up and running for about 4 months. I, of course, only want to work part-time, I want to keep my part time work at home job too.
     
    So, on with the liquids. I hate liquids. Oh well, just a few more days.
  2. Well, I did it, I drove over an hour each way so that I could attend one of the support groups at my Dr.s office. It wasn't bad. Dr. Spiegel was there answering questions - but all of the questions were things that you can learn here on lapbandtalk. I was one of the newer people with the band and I really felt like I could answer all of their questions.
     
    I think I will try his support group at University General - they have guest speakers and cool topics. I really want to learn something new.
     
     


  3. Things are going great, I got my BodyBugg Last week and lost 2 lbs! It really helps me to be able to see what is happening with my body. I have my second and last coaching session tomorrow - hopefully I will learn all that I need to for my new Bugg.
     
    I have another fill this Thursday and I am really looking forward to that. I really think I am getting close to real restriction. As of this morning, I have lost 18lbs and couldn't be happier. I just really can't believe it. I am eating healthier than I have ever eaten.
     
    Oh, I went and got a digital scale - I found it at Ross or TJ MAXX (can't remember), and I only paid $19.00 for it. I would suggest everyone get a good scale. After my first coaching session, my Coach said that I need to weigh everything, because most labels are wrong - to be truthful, I didn't believe her, but I weighed a couple things anyway.
     
    BOY HOWDY was she right. 1 slice of bread weighed twice what it was supposed to! That really sucks! Most of my 100 calorie packs weigh UNDER what they are supposed to - I won't buy them anymore. I feel totally ripped off. I am going to buy the bigger bags and weigh them out myself.


  4. I can't believe I am sitting here, writing about my surgery. It has been such a long trying road and I have finally found my path.
     
    On Tuesday, February 19th, I showed up at University General at 5:30 AM. They have free valet parking and the people are so freakin nice. They took us up to a waiting room with our loved ones. About 5 minutes later, they took us to the back to the pre-op area. We each had our own nurse and area.
     
    We were given a gown, cap and sticky slippers to change into. Hopped on the bed and my bed started getting nervous. I wasn't too nervous about the surgery - mostly the IV. I know that sounds silly, but I have an abnormal fear of needles. Well, the IV went in fine, they hooked me up and brought back my honey.
     
    I was second to go in for surgery, so I had to wait a while. At about 8:15, they came to get me, I kissed hubby and they rolled me back. I got to see the operating room and then went into lalaland.
     
    I woke up and remember hearing the anesthesiologist telling me not to rub my eyes. My throat hurt like hell and come to find out that was because of all the scar tissue from previous surgeries in my throat, it got all torn up from the breathing tube.
     
    They asked me how the pain was and all I said was please don't let me throw up. They gave me another dose of nausea meds and then I guess they gave me some pain meds in my IV, not for sure. Soon after they took me up to my room where my hubby was waiting. I felt pretty good, started chewing on ice and using Chloraseptic tabs for my throat.
     
    I was up and walking with an hour of getting in my room. About 2 hours later, they took me down for a CT scan. They made me drink this horrible concoction and then lay down on the CT table (that hurt, I am not gonna lie). The CT scan took maybe 3 minutes, the guy was awesome, got me up WITHOUT any pain. Then wheeled me back to my room.
     
    They brought in a lovely lunch of broth, water and jello. I sipped on a few things. I had no hunger at all. I didn't take any pain meds until late that night. I had made probably 40 rounds of the hospital walking constantly, and I had begun coughing (which hurt like hell), so that I could sleep they gave me some pain meds and let me tell you - wow, I couldn't tell you my name at that point. I slept until about 4 that morning, then woke up and started walking. They let me take a shower around 7AM and released me around 9.
     
    All in all, it was uneventful (thankfully). The staff was awesome and I am so glad that it is over.
     
    I am officially a Bandster!



  5. Hello Mushies!

    I had my 1 week follow-up yesterday - got to love a 5PM appointment downtown. Took me 2+ hours to get home (normally a 55 min drive). But the appointment went awesome!
     
    Dr. Spiegel came in, took the steri-strips off and said my incisions look great! (I was afraid the strips would hurt when they removed them - but they didn't) The incisions are soooo small - I can't imagine him getting any tools in there.
     
    I had only lost 4lbs, he said he had expected me to loose more on the clear liquids. I told him I was only getting about 500 Calories a day, he said that was why I wasn't loosing. :-) I was supposed to start the Thicker liquids stage yesterday, but he moved me up to the mushy stage! I was so happy I wanted to kiss him.
     
    When we got home last night, I made baked Tilapia 3 whole ounces and 1 bite of mashed potatoes. I ate my fish first (took like 20 minutes) and was no longer hungry. I am totally amazed. I know it will go away and I will soon be able to eat more, but I just can't believe it actually works. Wow.
     
    This morning I got up, ate Cream of Wheat (Oh My GOD was it good). For lunch I had part of a dry baked potato with some low-fat Broccoli and Cheese Soup I made for my thick liquid stage. I didn't even eat 1/2 of my potato - normally I would have eaten all of that, part of a sandwich and chips and coke and cookies.
     
    Oh, and overnight - don't ask me how, I lost 2 more lbs. I am down 6 pounds! I just can't believe it.
     
    It is odd though, I keep fixing my plate thinking, yea right, like that will fill me up, and there is ALWAYS lots of food left.
     
    I have to admit, the hardest part is NOT drinking during or after. I feel parched. I am not much of a soda drinker, so that won't affect me much, but I am so used to drinking with my food. I had to take my drink and put it in the fridge so I wouldn't grab it by mistake!


  6. I am In LOVE

    Okay, so I am in love with my BodyBugg. I started the program on Monday, had my coaching session this morning with Coach Tamala and I LOVE it! I am having over 1000 calorie deficit a day and I am not working out like I thought I would have to. It is amazing how many calories you burn just doing household chores.
     
    Other positive, it motivates me to do more Household chores! lol, my house is cleaner than ever. What am I going to do now? Hmm, shopping burns a lot of calories too.
     
    I can see where this is going.
     
    On a side note, I am having another fill next week! I have it scheduled for Thursday the 17th at 400PM. I am actually going to carpool with a gal I met there at my last fill. Come to find out, she lives just minutes away from me. How lucky can I get?


  7. BodyBugg - to be . .

    Okay, so I am so freakin excited I can't stand it. I got a BodyBugg! If you don't know what one is, here is the website:
    http://www.bodybugg.com/
     
    There is a wonderful Thread on here about BodyBugg and it is 60 pages long - I have read every page. I knew I wanted one, but also knew we couldn't afford 400 dollars. HOWEVER
     
    I found one on Craigslist - the lady bought it from her personal trainer at 24 hour fitness. Well, her trainer must have held her head underwater and forced her to! She never even opened it. She said she was scared to tell her trainer she wasn't going to use it. So I bought, the unopened BodyBugg with the wireless display. It even has a 3 month subscription to the website with it! I am so jazzed.
     
    I only had to pay $240 for it. We drove across town Friday night in the pouring rain to meet at the Ikea :-) to make the swap. I felt like I was doing a drug deal. I handed her an envelope of money and she handed me a bag of "product"! Too funny. I guess I am truly a dork.
     
    Tomorrow, it will be setup. Funny thing, it is being setup under the ladies name that I bought it from, she had to call her trainer to activate it and chickened out and told her it was for her!
     
    So tomorrow is the big day. I can't wait to be a BodyBugger!
     
    I will try to keep my Blog updated with my thoughts on the program. Here's to money well spent!


  8. Learning to Chew

    I have had a few episodes of the dreaded PB and slime. I am pretty sure it is because I am not chewing enough and probably eating too fast. It is such a new world to get used to.
     
    The funny thing, I can eat Chicken or Salmon and not even think about eating and everything is fine, but man, let me try a baked potato, eggs, or soft fish and it kills me. I think my mind determines it is already soft - and not much to chew.
     
    It is a total unpleasant experience. I feel a tightness in my chest - then I feel like the food is coming back up, but I don't have to vomit. It is a very odd feeling the first time.
     
    The thing I don't understand, where is it getting stuck at? It is hard for me to believe it is stuck at the band, because the purpose of the band is to hold the food back for a while, so that doesn't make sense. I just don't get it.
     
    If the pain hit 10 minutes after you eat, then it would make sense that it was too big of a bite for the band, but I can eat for 20 minutes and take one bite that is too big and BAM - here comes the slime.
     
    I am trying to chew slower and take longer times between each bite. It really does seem to help. However I am a slow learner - I keep trying the food until I can get it right.
     


  9. So I had my second fill

    Yesterday, I had my second fill. (Thank God for the cancellation!) It wasn't as bad as the first time, I guess because I knew what was coming. He looked at my chart and asked me if I wanted him to use a larger needle or stick with the smallest. Chicken Little, of course said stay with the little needle. The prick doesn't hurt, but since my port is deep and he has to press down to reach it, that burns a little, but not enough for me to want him to go larger :-)
     
    I am on liquids again, and I hate liquids. Dr. Spiegel is pretty strict after a fill. Liquids (clear) the day of the fill, then for the three days following too. (He does allow - insist, you drink Slim Fast, but other than that, they have to be clear liquids). Then on day 4, you go onto mushies for the rest of the week, then start on regular foods. I can't wait for mushies.
     
    I am doing so good, I am logging everything into Daily Plate. I love that thing. I can SEE what I am doing. Sometimes, I am embarrassed to put it down, but it allows me to cut back later in the day for a splurge in the morning. I have entered some of my recipes on there, it calculates all the nutrition for you. I LOVE it!
     
    Hubby got me a new bicycle yesterday - it is a granny bike. :-) I searched everywhere for one, and the people were all laughing at me. I would ask them if they had any bikes like Jessica Fletcher rides on Murder She Wrote. I found one on Wal Mart online and it said it was available in SOME stores. It wasn't in the first two, but the third store had it. I made it mine. ----> Swooning <----
     
    I went riding today, for maybe 15-20 minutes and OMG I thought I was going to die! My legs were total jelly. Tomorrow I will try to go a bit further and maybe one day I will be a seasoned bike rider!


  10. Someone Cancelled!

    I am so excited. I had a fill scheduled for 4/16 and I was so frustrated, I have been eating a LOT more than 6oz at a time - and I am feeling like I am about to get out of control. So, I called in this morning and sure 'nuf, they had a cancellation for tomorrow. Thank you, thank you, thank you! I am so ready for it!
     
    Oh, and I am still a freakin chicken. I can't help it. The first one did not hurt - wasn't a fun time at the spa, but it didn't hurt. But, once again, I am chicken little. Oh well, I will pretend to be brave - then when it is over, I can act all Wendy Bad Ass! Wish me luck . . .


  11. Well, it isn't much of a victory, but I haven't mowed in forever. I mowed the front yard on Wednesday and the back yard on Thursday. It felt good - except for the sweat under the boobs - I hate that!
     
    I am going to do a 3 week trial at Curves - I am getting pretty adventuresome! My best friend just had a baby (the second beautiful Godson she has given me in 3 years!) she wants to join - so I think we are going to do it together. Not bad if you can find a participating Curves near you. Bring in 3 Milk Caps and get 3 weeks trial for free!
  12. I have lost 15 lbs, but so many more in inches. I can't believe I am already too "SMALL" for some of my clothes!
     
    I actually got to wear my husbands jacket! Now, I have to admit, it is oversized for him, but WOW, it was a first for me.
     
    I am loosing a lot in my thighs, arms and shoulders (kinda weird). But Hey, I will take it!

  13. Off topic

    It has been over a week, so I feel that I can write about this without being too stressed.
     
    For those of you that know me, or follow my blog, you know that I live for my Dogs. Piper, is my first Min Pin and the true love of my life. She is so spoiled, she goes everywhere with me, sleeps with me, everything. (she shared my profile picture) With that being said, I will continue my story.
     
    About a month ago, I scheduled a teeth cleaning for Piper. It isn't a big deal, all of my dogs have it done every year. They put them under for a few minutes, clean their teeth, then they get to go home at the end of the day.
     
    Well, when I scheduled her appointment, I had a nightmare that night that Piper died during the surgery, I was walking around PetSmart, holding her little body, crying and telling everyone that she was dead.
     
    It bothered me. Bad. I told just about everyone I know about the dream, and how it was stressing me out. Last Wednesday was the day that Piper was scheduled. I didn't sleep at all that night. Eddie, the hubs, kept telling me that I was getting all worked up and I needed to just calm down. This was routine, all of our dogs go through it. All true, of course, but I still couldn't get the dream out of my head.
     
    The next morning, I couldn't bring myself to take her, so the hubs graciously got up and took her there at 6:30. I was nervous all morning.
     
    Then we get the call. As soon as they stared administering the anesthesia, they lost her heart beat and had to give her Atropine to get her back. My Dr. is the very best and was on top of his game and everything is ok. However, if he hadn't noticed her right away, it would have killed her - double fold - their scales had malfunctioned that morning and weighed her at 11.5 lbs, she is only 7.5 lbs. So of course, they had enough medicine for a much larger dog.
     
    Piper is, of course doing fantastic. We are actually getting ready for a dog show this weekend as I type. However, we have a new rule in our home. If I have a bad dream about something - we are going to listen to me.
     
    Wish us luck at the Dog Show!


  14. Well, it is amazing how this band really works. I am down 9lbs. I am hoping to keep loosing 1-2 lbs a week until my fill. I feel some restriction (I think). I get full faster and I stay full longer - but I can eat about 1+ cups at a time. I am counting calories and trying to stay between 900 - 1100 a day. I am eating a lot of dairy and keeping my Protein at least 60 Grams a day.
     
    I feel great. I have my 2 week follow up with Dr. Spiegel on Monday the 10th, he said we would talk "fills" that day. I am so worried about a fill. Needles are my sworn enemy. My worst fear with the surgery was the stinkin IV. I am such a baby. I know I need a fill, because I can eat ANYTHING. Today was my first day on solids - bread is no problem, chicken is no problem, I really don't think anything will be a problem. I do find it hard to NOT drink for so long afterwards. I have always drank during my meals - and now, to not drink for 1.5 hours after - it's pretty hard.
     
    I feel that I am doing pretty good though - I am having to use will power to keep from eating lots of bad stuff. Hopefully I can keep it up till my first fill. I have started using www.fitday.com I LOVE it. It really allows me to see what I am doing - and how to improve.


  15. Off the wall . . . safety

    I have obsessed so much about Lap Band, I rarely discuss other things that are going on in my life. Something that I have done recently and I am very proud of, I took my course and qualified for a Concealed Handgun License.
     
    I have always been a crack shot, my Dad was Military and now a Gun Smith. My family are all avid hunters. I believe I am the last of my family to get their CHL.
     
    Last Saturday, I sat through an 11 hour class to complete my training. I also qualified with my .32 auto and, if I may brag a little, I scored a perfect 250! Out of 50 shots, ranging from 3 yards, 7 yards and 15 yards, I shot perfect every time. (I told yall I was a crack shot!)
     
    I sent in my paperwork a couple days after surgery. Now I have to undergo the 60 day FBI background investigation. Shouldn't be a problem, I have worked for the Government and held a Secret Clearance - this is about the same as getting clearance for my CHL.
     
    Well, needless to say I am very excited. No longer will I worry about walking to my car at Wal-Mart, or when I have to travel alone. Thank you Texas for recognizing my right to bare arms!
     
    Our theme for Training Day:
    "The individual who owns his own personal firearms, and commands the skills necessary to use them well, owns a peace of mind that his adversaries cannot match"
    - Jeff Cooper


  16. My Surgery is Scheduled!

    I can't believe it, the Dr.s office called, and said they had been double checking my stuff because they said it is paid at 100%, and most people have a co-pay, deductible or something, but they checked and it is correct. I have a pre-op appointment this Friday, she mentioned a barrage of tests. I am only worried about the blood test. I am anemic, and occasionally the Dr.s get concerned and put me on iron pills, so I am starting the iron pills tonight as a preventive measure
     
    My surgery is scheduled for Tuesday, this Tuesday, like in less than a week Tuesday. Gulp, I am a bit freaked out, I feel like puking and crying and laughing and eating all at the same time!
     
    I will learn more at my appt on Friday and I hope I have time to post everything I go through, if I don't, I will post afterwards. Tomorrow I am taking everyones advice and cleaning house. I don't want me or my hubs to have to worry about it while I am out. I have a 10 hour day on Saturday, I am taking my CHL (Concealed Handgun License) test. So that day is smashed. Sunday we are supposed to be meeting my best friend and her hubby and baby for our annual v-day dinner, but I am wondering if I am going to be so busy trying to get ready that I may need to cancel.
     
    I still have a few odds and ends to pick up at the grocery store prior to - not have to haves, just want to haves. I may go do that tomorrow night.
     
    I can't believe this. I knew it was coming, but I didn't account for the feelings that would hit me like mac truck. I can't wait to be on the other side of this journey.


  17. My Pre-Op Experience

    This has all gone so fast, I didn't want to skip or forget anything that happens - so here I am at 8:00 in the morning, the day before surgery, recounting the events of the prior days.
     
    My Pre-Op appointment was on Friday of last week. I found out about it 2 days ahead of times and was so excited. Don't get me wrong, I HATE needles and knew there would be blood work, but I didn't even care.
     
    I had to be at Dr. Spiegel's office at 9:30. We arrived and were the only people in the waiting room (my hubs and I). One of the staff members called me back, took my weight, and we sat down at the table to fill out paperwork. I was given a small book/pamphlet with all of the instructions, dos and don'ts, what to eat, what I can take, everything. I signed the paperwork I think there were like 10 pages (I didn't really read it, I just initialed and signed :-) They gave me 2 prescriptions to be filled one for pain and one for nausea. Then they gave me a pre-printed map to the hospital.
     
    No copay or anything like that. We arrived at the Hospital, about 15 minutes from his office. University General Hospital. Wow. Talk about posh. Free Valet parking at the front, they met us at the door to check us in. Everyone was so incredibly nice. The hospital is privately owned by the Dr.s who work there - and they do wls, plastics & some ortho, so they cater to the wealthy. The rooms are all private, huge, wireless internet, 42" flat screens in every room, it is so nice, I may want to stay a few extra days.
     
    They immediately took me to an office for pre-admissions. Then walked us to the waiting area for the testing. They had HUGE tables of fruits and treats and drinks and anything you could think of in the waiting room. (Hubby liked that)
     
    They had me fill out a paper on history and took me into a room to do the tests. They drew my blood, did some heart test, asked me like 1000 medical questions (not exaggerating) and then walked me down the the xray department.
     
    They took the xrays and then walked me to the front entrance and said have a great weekend. All in all the entire thing took about 2.5 hours.
     
    I was very impressed, and more excited than ever. Tomorrow is the day!


  18. Well, one day down. Tomorrow is my pre-op. I will be spending most of the day down-town (Houston) having blood drawn (yuck) and all the testing. I am actually excited. I promised my husband, I won't even cry when they bring out the needle. (I am notorious for crying and passing out).
     
    I spent most of the day dreaming about Tuesday and the days that follow. I can't wait. I stopped by Wal-Mart, grabbed more water, protein water, broth and jello. Yumm
     
    My hubs wrote me the most beautiful Valentine's Day Love Letter. I cried like a baby. We were watching Dr. Phil earlier in the month, and it was over V-Day and love letters. He said he was inspired and wanted to do something to show me how much he loved me. It was awesome. Then he took me to lunch at Chili's (I had requested Chicken Crispers as my last supper).
     
    I hope everyone has a wonderful Valentine's Day.


  19. My Valentines Gift

    Well, the title is 2 fold. I still have not received a call from my Dr.s office. I am so anxious I can't stand it. I haven't gotten real sleep in a week, I toss and turn and think about this surgery all the time. I am hoping that they will call me on Valentine's Day and give me my surgery date. Thus the first part.
     
    The second part, my hubs got me a new Cookbook for after surgery. Let me clarify, I walked up, handed him the book and said, this is what I want for Valentine's Day! And yes, he really needs that much instruction. He would have gotten me roses and chocolate (I work from home, so roses are mute and uhm, chocolate, yeah, no explanation needed).
     
    The book is called Recipes For Life After Weight-Loss Surgery by Margaret M. Furtado and Lynette Schultz. I have read all but a few pages that I skimmed and it is awesome. The recipes call for normal foods and sound yummy. It is full color and has beautiful pictures of most of the recipes. I love to cook, I am a total Paula Dean fan, so I have a lot of learning to do when it comes post surgery. I will be posting some of the better recipes on the blog at a later time.


  20. Ring-a-ding-ding

    Well, my phone still isn't ringing and I am still waiting. No word yet. I am so scared that Dr. Spiegel's office isn't going to take my Tricare for one reason or another. They have been in network forever - but of course, it wasn't a covered procedure. I am the first to come through the system with Tricare for them. They called on Friday and said the codes were not what they were used to, and the office manager would have to look into it and they would call me back.
     
    I have a sneaking suspicion that maybe they don't like the amount that Tricare will pay. I am so scared, I feel that Dr. Spiegel is the best there is and I don't want to settle for a different Dr., let alone having to go through the process again with another Dr. Well, maybe I am overreacting. Tomorrow they will call and say sorry for the hold up, we are going to do your surgery tomorrow! Well, maybe not exactly that, but something with we are going to do your surgery in it.


  21. Random thoughts

    We had such a nice time today, my parents came down, brought their brood - 3 Min Pins to play with my brood - 3 Min Pins and a German Shorthair Pointer. What a riot. My house is now a mess. My hubs grilled salmon, ribeyes and chicken. Yum. Mom and I went shopping, my Dad went to a Gun show and the hubs stayed home and rested. He is still having problems with Vertigo.
     
    We go in on Tuesday for an MRI, he has MS and they are afraid he may have a new lesion on the base of the brain. We also have a Dr.s appt with his ENT to do some checking, hopefully it is just Labryinthitis, but we normally aren't lucky when it comes to medical. However, the Valium seems to keep the world from spinning, so that is a positive!
     
    I can't wait for Monday, I think (once again my optimism shows through) that I will get to schedule my surgery on Monday. It is funny, the weekends are hard now, I want it to be a weekday so someone will be working on my case!
     
    I tried a couple of protein bars over the past few weeks, I will eventually get off my butt and blog the details about them. I am keeping a food journal and have been trying samples of everything so I will know what to get, and let me tell you, I have found a few that wow. All I can say is wow, don't waste your money.
     
    Well, that is enough randomness to last till tomorrow.


  22. Yesterday, I finally got a hard copy of the approval to my Dr.s office and they called and said it is coded with numbers they are not used to seeing, so they would have to have the office manager look at is and determine if it was a "good" approval.
     
    So, I wait. All Day. Nothing. Of course it is Friday, so I will have to wait until Monday before I hear anything. I really have no right to bitch, I mean, I am approved, this is just taking a lot of time. But I can't help it. I am so on edge, waiting to schedule a date it is driving me crazy. Not to mention, I really had thought I would have been banded by now. I know it is coming, but I feel like a kid on Christmas Eve, I want to throw a fit and get to open my present early! Ugh, ok, I will stop complaining about it . . . I mean, I won't complain about it anymore today :-) well, not on hear at least!


  23. I am so glad that the new blog section has been updated, however they must have updated right after I made my last post - cuz now it is missing. That's ok, it wasn't something that would inspire the world, so I guess I can live with it.
     
    I will probably recreate it tomorrow - unless, of course I have good news and get a surgery date, in that case, I will have much more exciting things to post about!


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