MrsBerggren
-
Content Count
134 -
Joined
-
Last visited
Everything posted by MrsBerggren
-
I just had my first stuck experience and OH MY GOD.. PAINFUL!!!! Please remember to take small bites and chew well! I just had my 3rd fill last Thursday which put me at 6 cc's in my 10cc band. My PA always asked if chicken goes down well for me, which it always has. She has also said that most people are happy with their restriction at 6 or 7 cc's so I knew this might be it for me for a while as I have not had ANY restriction since the first days of my surgery. So I was making white chili today for the football game and I must have taken too big of a bite of chicken and didn't chew it well enough and I knew instantly I was in trouble. UGHH..... felt a horrible pain in my chest and I was pounding on my chest and jumping up and down to help it go down and this lasted several minutes which felt like forever!!!! It was hard to breathe and I was pacing back and forth.. anything to take my mind off the pain. I tried to take a drink to help it pass which didn't seem to help. I was wondering if it would come back up which it didn't. Finally it passed on its own but reminded me to chew better!!! Has anyone else gotten anything stuck like that? Ohh it was horrible, I was nearly in tears.
-
Bandster Hell SUCKS!
MrsBerggren replied to JenFenRen's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Thanks.. I also got my period today so I think my emotions are all over the place lol. I would LOVE to do a 5k or something of the sorts.. however, I have shin splints at the time from running so I am allowing myself to heal. It has been a couple weeks since I injured myself and I am wondering how long it will take. I am also on a bowling league so every Wednesday I feel like I set myself back a bit with recovering because my shins are awfully sore by the time I get done. I do need to buy some good running shoes because that was part of my problem in the first place, the shoes I wore were bad. I have not run since volleyball in high school which was 10-11 years ago.. I slowly started getting back into running and I thought my shins were sore from being out of shape but after I got home from an evening run my legs were in so much pain I was in tears.. they've been sore ever since. Just when I feel like I am able to go for a run, the pain comes back instantly. I think I need someone to teach me how to run again lol. I feel like I'm damned if I do, damned if I don't. But you are right.. the first 6 weeks after surgery are the hardest part. I had no restriction even a week after surgery. I thought for sure the swelling would last longer than that but not for me. I was thankfully able to get in for my first fill after 4 weeks but it took me 3 fills to feel anything. I am now at 6 cc's and feel some restriction but may need to go in again, I'm just trying to figure it out still. It was extremely difficult to follow the orders when it came to diet right after surgery. I was always hungry and my doc said to progess as I felt I could, so I did and never had any problems. Some people dont need fills, others do. Try to hang in there.. your time will come. Patience is key with this surgery and sometimes I lose mine, but I know I am still trying to figure things out for myself. It's just hard getting there. -
Bandster Hell SUCKS!
MrsBerggren replied to JenFenRen's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I HEAR YA!!!!! Ugh... I am 2 months post-op and have been eating well, exercising and not seeing a damn thing on the scale. I've had 3 fills and have some restriction and I don't know if I should go to my appt next week for another fill or not. I am losing a few inches, but not weight. I know I cannot compare my journey to others because everyone is different but it's crazy how some people can lose so much and others not so much. I KNOW I have been doing and eating the right things. I have completely cut soda from my diet, faithyfully drink my Protein shakes, I exericise(elliptical, run, walk) everyday, cut back the amount of food I eat and I'm down oh maybe 5-7 pounds since surgery, and most of that was lost the first week after surgery. I know this is a slow journey but dammit I'm ready for it already!!! I completely understand how you feel about working hard and seeing nothing... those are the exact times I would get discouraged and give up.. I think I am just down on myself today.. it's just so hard to see that some people are down 30, 40, 50+ pounds and all I can say I've lost is merely 5-7. -
Centimeters/Inches and NOT weight?
MrsBerggren replied to TeganRheana's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I have GOT to buy myself a measuring tape.. I'm upset with myself that I haven't yet. I was measured at my doctor's fitness center before my surgery and I have not been measured since. I KNOW I have lost inches, I can see it and feel it. However, I am only down a few pounds on the scale... it's weird how you can feel like you are different yet don't see much on the scale, that part of it is driving me nuts. I am going tomorrow to get a measuring tape because I know I will be happy to see what I've lost in inches.. and I need to stay motivated with my exercise. I'm definitely ready to start seeing a change on the scale. It's really starting to get to me. One day I am thrilled with myself and the next I feel like I should be doing better. I hate the rollercoaster of feelings but I know I have to deal with it.. there are always going to be good days and bad days. Plus, my weight fluctuates SO much in a day. I know this is normal but I never know what I really weigh. My weight in the morning is getting lower and later in the day its 4-5 pounds higher.. ?? Oh well.. as long as I am feeling the difference and feeling better about myself, that is the most important thing. -
What does the sweet spot really feel like?
MrsBerggren posted a topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Ok.. so I'm wondering if I have hit my sweet spot. I have 6 cc's in my 10 cc band. I definitely have to eat slower and take smaller bites. But it's rare that I feel "full." But I've also heard that the full feeling is not like what it used to be before the band. I eat a smaller amount until I feel comfortable, I could eat more if I wanted but I usually stop. I have another fill scheduled next week but am unsure if I should cancel or not. For those of you that know you are good with your restriction, does this sound like you? Do you really feel full after eating? I thought about emailing my PA to ask her but figured I would get the best advice from other bandsters.. help! -
2-4 TBS are they NUTS
MrsBerggren replied to marmar's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
You will find that these first 6 weeks will be the hardest for you.. they are for just about everybody. Once the swelling goes down you are probably able to eat more. After a few weeks I was able to eat a pretty decent amount of food. Just try to follow your docs orders as best you can, but try not to feel guilty if you slip here and there. If it gets too bad, just talk to your doc and tell him you simply need more food. I hope everything goes well for you! -
Stuck!!! OH MY GOD!!
MrsBerggren replied to MrsBerggren's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I FINALLY just last week got some restriction with my 3rd fill.. and I think that was my problem. Until last week, I had zero restriction and have not had to really chew well or take such small bites so I am still training myself to slow down and be conscious of the bites I am taking. Well, that one time I forgot until I swallowed, then I knew instantly. Getting fills it such a weird experience.. one day you are able to eat pretty much anything and the next, you better watch it. You don't feel any different when you get a fill so you have to keep reminding yourself that you are unable to eat like before. But I learned quick enough! -
2-4 TBS are they NUTS
MrsBerggren replied to marmar's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Starving is a horrible feeling! I'm sorry you are so hungry and are told to limit your food intake so much. My doc wanted me to progress with my food as I felt comfortable, if I was starving and felt like I could eat more, he said to eat more but obviously do not over-do it. I found that about a week after surgery I was able to eat a pretty decent amount of food, way more than a cup or so. I would wake up in the middle of the night just starving and frantic to get something in my tummy. Perhaps they are stressing such little food to allow you to heal properly. I was told not to worry about losing weight the first six weeks(which I only lost a few pounds) and to just take care of myself and heal. I am now two months out and just last week got my 3rd fill and FINALLY have some restriction. Every case is so different and well as each doc.. it's just too bad that you are so hungry and are told not to eat anymore than a few Tablespoons.. ugh. How soon do you progress to the next food stage? And how long are you limited to such little food? -
Just a quick comment... For those of you with sagging skinfolds, mention something to your doctor about rashes or any sores you get. At my first fill my PA asked if I was getting any rashes/sores in my skinfolds(belly and breasts), which I haven't really bad but I do get rashes ocassionally. She said she would start documenting it in my charts immediately for insurance purposes down the road should I need a tummy tuck or breast lift. I think the more they document it the more likely chance you will get your insurance company to cover it. My cousin got her insurance to pay for your tummy tuck.. and she looked a whole lot better from it of course. I think most of us would want to do something like that when we are about down to our goal weight but may not know how to go about it.
-
Stuck!!! OH MY GOD!!
MrsBerggren replied to MrsBerggren's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Does it come up on its own or do you make yourself throw up? I was kinda waiting for it to come up but never did. It would have been better if it did. All I could do was sit and moan in pain my kid was wondering what the hell was going on and was starting to freak out lol, poor kid. And then, just when you think the pain is gone it comes back!! What the hell!! Such a weird horrible feeling. -
Info for you on scars
MrsBerggren replied to MrsShannonDennis's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
The incision above my belly button was raised too and I was worried that it would heal that way. But I waited and it has healed completely flat.. thank goodness! It was ugly but now it looks great. -
i just ate too much I think
MrsBerggren replied to marmar's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Don't worry! About a week after surgery I was starving too.. and I talked to my doctor and he said if I feel like I can eat more, go for it. I was told not to worry so much about weight loss the first six weeks but to let myself heal. I was hard on myself at first because I thought Oh my gosh, I just ate way more than I thought I should be eating at that time.. but I could tell my body needed it and it was okay. You obviously don't want to make yourself sick by eating too much. I just did what my body let me do. Some doctors want you to follow the diet pretty strictly, mine on the otherhand said to progress through the stages of food on my own. I think you are fine.. you don't want to be starving then you WILL overeat and be sorry afterwards. -
60g protein a day?
MrsBerggren replied to amanda1234's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Thankfully my doc does not have a problem with me drinking my Protein - thank god. I can't understand how we are supposed to get 60 grams in in a day when we are not able to eat much. I have been faithfully drinking my protein shakes in the morning and one in the evening as a snack before bedtime. I bought the whey protein at Walmart and put one scoop into a glass of 1% milk. One scoop equals 26 grams of protein. Not only that, my band is tighter in the morning so the shake works great. Plus, it helps to get your body started in the morning. If a person is unable to eat 60 grams a day of protein, I do not see the harm in supplementing your diet with a shake.. It's a great back-up in case a person cannot get it all in. -
Why do we have to wait so long between fills?
MrsBerggren replied to want to be free's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I too have been able to go in every 2 weeks for a fill. I had my surgery on August 4th and went in 4 weeks later for my first fill. I schedule my next fill appointment on my way out the door. Just had my 3rd fill today and am hoping it will give me some restriction now. I am currently at 6 cc's in my 10 cc band and can actually feel my Water go down when I drink.. so that is a good sign. My PA said she has found most people are happy at 6 -7 cc's. Before today, I haven't felt a thing and was getting a little discouraged. Every doctor is different and it's crazy how they do things so differently. I am thankful for the chance to get in every 2 weeks though. I am only down 5-7 pounds since my surgery.. I have been exercising regularly, eating well, and faithfully drinking my Protein shakes but not seeing any difference on the scale which has been disappointing but I DO feel a difference in my body and have had comments that others can see a difference too so that helps. I can feel my clothes fitting better and my body feels less dense. That is the best way to describe it. I knew going into this that it would be a slower journey and the time we wait to find our sweet spots is the worst part. I know we all are ready to start shedding the pounds, it's just the wait for the restriction that is the killer. I think I will be happy now with my 6 cc's but know I will have to deal with my emotions now and not being able to eat like I used to.. that is going to be a very hard thing for me. -
First Fill - what a trip!!!
MrsBerggren replied to Devylynne's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I had mine done in fluoroscopy as well.. I should have asked how much she put in but forgot to. I will find out when I have my 2nd fill in a couple weeks. -
First Fill - what a trip!!!
MrsBerggren replied to Devylynne's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I had my first fill today and I'm not sure how much she put in.. I know it wasn't much because I don't feel any restriction although I haven't eaten food yet. Liquids today, mushies tomorrow and regular food Saturday. I knew this would be a slow journey so I'm happy where I'm at. I've lost since surgery and I've been exercising and eating well so I can't ask for more. She also said I can go in every 2 weeks for adjustments so I'm already scheduled for my 2nd fill in two weeks... I have to say it was a weird feeling getting it done. I could feel the needle moving around in there but it didn't hurt. -
Band rules you consistently 'break'?
MrsBerggren replied to ruthpets's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Quick question.. what is the deal with no straws? I guess my doc never covered that with me.. I remember I wasn't supposed to use them in the hospital but didn't know if that was a temporary thing or what. I haven't used any since my surgery a few weeks ago but I'm curious what it's all about. -
OMG... I have ONLY been a beer drinker and I will die if I can never drink beer again. I will have to find out if it will ever be ok for me to have one after some time has passed.
-
Yeah that is weird to feel that pain behind your breast bone, I wonder what that is? You havent had that feeling since?
I did have some discomfort at port site but now I dont feel it at all, as if I never had the surgery. Im curious what the fill will feel like, or if we will feel it at all, I wonder if there is any pain that comes with it.
Wow, I cant believe how long it will be before your fill! My first post-op appt was August 10th, only 6 days after surgery and they scheduled my fill 4 weeks after that. Hopefully your fill will be scheduled soon after your first appt... I know this procedure it meant to be a slower process but its still makes me antsy to get moving!
-
Hi there, sorry I didnt respond sooner, I have been out of town and just got home. I feel great, I honestly dont feel like I have a band! I have zero restriction and am able to eat pretty much anything. I am down a few pounds but was starving and my doc said to eat what I can and not to worry about losing weight this first month post-op. He said its more important to heal than worry about the weight-loss. Good for you for losing 18 pounds, I wish I was down that much!! My first fill is September 10th and I cannot wait to have some restriction!! I definitely need it to lose weight. Do you feel any restriction when you eat? Do you have any discomfort at your port site?
-
Hi there, I am feeling great! Sorry I didnt respong sooner, Ive been out of town for a while. Yes, my gas pains went away, I did a lot of walking and the next day they were gone. I feel normal now and am able to eat anything, I have zero restriction so I am looking forward to getting my fill on September 10th, I cant wait!!! As far as exercising, I walk my dog several times a day so I do get a lot of walking in and I also bought an elliptical machine but have not used it much since my surgery. Now that I am home and am feeling all healed up I will jump on that a couple times a day and do that for 5-10 mins at a time till I get in better shape and can do it longer. I will be sure to join your blog and follow you!
-
Eating ALL THE TIME
MrsBerggren replied to <3 Phoebe <3's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I'm glad Im not the only one!!! I am 8 days out and feeling great, however, I have NO restriction and find myself taking a bite of this or that that I know I shouldnt be eating. My first fill is in four weeks and I cannot wait.. I wish it were sooner lol. But.. I know I am still healing and my time will come. You are not alone.. I told my doc that I have been starving and need to eat something more than yogurt.. he said to go ahead to the next stage of food and keeps reminding me to not worry about losing weight this first month, just heal. He just does not want to me overeat or get sick, which I havent, not even close. Ive been chewing well and drinking my Protein shakes like Im supposed to so I guess Im ok. I was discouraged before I talked to him because I thought.. oh gosh, I just had surgery and Im starving already!!! But, I guess my surgery was one of the easiest he has done and said I probably do not have any restriction at this time. My weight loss has stopped already as well.. so you are not alone, you lasted longer than me! -
Also banded yesterday...another Question
MrsBerggren replied to TammMC's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Hi there - yes your pain near the port area is normal. I am 8 days out and I do not have any pain in the port area but I can feel it sometimes when I sit in certain positions, I am wondering if that will ever go away. I had severely uncomfortable gas pains about 3-4 days out and I called to see if I could take anything.. I was told no and to just walk as much as I can. I went for a big walk and didn't feel any relief that day but the next day it was gone. I've heard it can take 3-5 days for that gas pain to go away. My pain was the same as yours.. all in my tummy and it was uncomfortable to sit, stand, walk or do anything. Laying down was the only relief I got and that didn't get me anywhere. Good luck to you... I hope you can get rid of that pressure. -
banded yesterday question
MrsBerggren replied to sweetkissez42061's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Hi there sweetkissez.. I was banded on Aug 4th and was very sore when I took a deep breath, in fact it scared me like I was going to stop breathing. I had to make myself breath for the first few hours out of surgery, it was painful. But, the doc and nurses made me use the breathing exerciser as it will make your breathing stronger. Also, as painful as it is, it is good to cough when you can. I was told to hold a pillow tightly over my belly and cough - it will help clear any fluid in your lungs and prevent them from collapsing - sounds scary I know, but I was told the same thing so if I had to cough, I made sure to get it out. The chest pain will go away after a couple days - well it did for me anyways. I am 8 days out of surgery now and sleeping on my belly already. You will start to feel better in a couple days.. good luck with your recovery! -
Any one Banded 8/4/09 or 1st week of August
MrsBerggren replied to ToomuchRN's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Ok.. trying to save my weight loss ticker.. how do I do this?