Scarred4Life

Okay.. so its been awhile since I was on last.. and apparently, I need to be on here more than every. I "was" doing pretty well.. On my last appointment I got a "small" fill (when I probably could have stayed where I was).. and then in the 3 months from then to my next appointment - I was having difficulty keeping many things down - and ended up gaining 11lbs. From the weigh in - till the time my surgeon came in seemed like forever - it was a feeling that I havent felt since I was a kid.. when I would get in trouble and have to wait in my room until my dad got home to scold me.. (sigh) Lucky for me - I have a fantastic surgeon - he wasnt thrilled, but didnt make me feel like a bad person for it (No Need - I had my own thoughts of disappointment) - I had him remove whatever he put in from the time before (this was EARLY December) but my weight hasnt moved.. its just sitting there.. Just reading back through the pages that Ive missed - seems like I am not the only one having trouble getting my weight loss back on track... So those of you that have gotten stuck at some point - what are the first steps in ramping back up to being successful?? Doc said for me not to eat anything soft. Go with solids.. but thats making me sick, or I will get sick, and then go back for more because I didnt hold anything down from the first time.. Any insight is appreciated! I am still happy with as far as I have come, but know that I still have a journey in front me. I am thankful to put the holidays behind me (as well as 2011).. Best of luck to us all in 2012!! ~Tiffany

Okay... So today is my One-Year Bandiversary, just so happens that my follow up appointment with my surgeon was today, too.. I made it!! I lost 13 pounds since my last visit.. puts me at a total of 103 pOuNdS!!! (whoop whoop!) He told me if a year ago, I weighted 2 pounds less that I do now, I would no longer be a candidate for surgery.. I have gone from a BMI of 50.5 to 35.2. From a TIGHT size 26 to a LOOSE 16 - I need to get a pair of 14's but just dont have the cash for all these clothes.. But let me tell you - he showed me a picture that they took of me before surgery (and WHY they spent a full cartridge of colored ink to print a full page picture to put in my medical file...) regardless... It was shocking for me to see that... If you asked me - even though my clothes are smaller - I dont "see" a difference in the way my body looks.. Obviously its there - because the body I drag around now looks nothing like what that picture showed me.. {{{shudder}}} I am very proud, not just of myself - but to us all!! Look forward to setting new goals (like exercise?) and getting on here more frequently to stay on track and hold myself more accountable. Way to go, friends!!

Lisa, I have the answer...3.7cc's. Just so happened that my surgeons office called today, and they were able to give me the info.. So now we know!

Hi, Lisa! You will have to let me get back to you on how many cc's are in my band... I will have to ask at my next appointment. Does everyone seem to be given this information at their appointments? My surgeon has never told me the amount of how much he puts in with each fill.. But I am sure he would tell me if I asked, it just never occurred to me, or mattered much as long as the results were showing through. I am the one who decides as to whether I need a fill or not.. He has had the table prepped for me, and I have told him I am happy where I am, and want to wait it out a little more - or I am quick to lay down and pull my shirt up and tell him to give me the juice! I am thankful that I have a good relationship with my surgeon. He is supportive, but there is no b.s. with him.. Lisa, 60 pounds is an amazing accomplishment.. dont lose sight of that, or dismiss it in any way.. I had 30 more pounds to lose than you to start off.. so you and I are probably running just about even. My daily menu is nothing to brag about, because I dont think it is quite right. I usually dont eat Breakfast (bad, I know) sometimes I will drink a Protein shake - but not the ones that are bariatric-surgery approved, I dont believe.. (I drink a sugar free 100 calorie Muscle Milk) lunch I typically eat 2-3 slices of deli cut turkey and 3-4 slices of sharp cheddar (block style) I keep these in my fridge at work... If later on I am still hungry, I keep a jar of Planters Peanuts at my desk and will pour a capful out onto a paperplate, and snack on that - which is bad - because I usually snack blindly.. When I get home, I cook dinner - still trying to appeal to my husband and son.. so its usually a Pasta, grilled chicken, and a veggie.. I eat off the same size plate that I serve my two year old on, and try to invision a "cups" worth of food. Some meals are more dense than others - to where I dont finish, other times I want 2nds.. if thats the case, I try to make the extra helping strictly Protein. I also try to include a bread with my meal - because I know I dont handle "breads" well.. Tonight was Soup & grilled cheese for dinner (we have all managed to be stricken with Strep Throat). So, I had 1/2 a grilled cheese sandwich (made on the George Forman - no oil, no butter) and chicken noodle soup.. I didnt get too far on the soup as far as eating it. Just enough to dampen the bread to allow me to keep it down, but not so much that it would make it a slider food. So, I certainly think my meal planning is in need of a much fresher look and re-vamp.. and I have got to get back to working out.. Whew!

Well... I am on the same yo-yo ride that a lot of others seem to be on.. I have continually managed to lose weight each time I weigh in - but my weigh-ins are fewer and far between and not quite hitting that 1-2lb per week quota that they say is the norm... I have found, as silly as this seems - that on the week before I weigh in, I drink 1.5-2 gals of water a day.. and wear high heels to work.. Haha! I think maybe if I would pull out all of my pre-op information, and actually used their sample menu, that maybe I could "jump start" my metabolism again.. but stress and a 2 year old (some times they are one in the same) tend to make things that one would think would be simple - quite difficult. (sigh) But on the up side of things.. My weigh in on Thursday resulted in a 7 pound loss.. which brings me to 90 POUNDS!!! (Yay!!) Which brought me to my next goal of getting down to the weight I was when I met my husband... Now.. the next goal is another 10 pounds to meet the "100 Pounds Down".. then the goal after that is to finally hit "Onederland"!! (whoop! whoop!) I started this thing at 327 pounds, size 26 jeans and a 3x top.. Now I am 237 pounds, size 18/20 jeans (depending on the cut) and I bought my first XL shirt Friday (not a 1X, but an XL - dont ask me the difference, cause I dont know - but the fact there is a standard size printed on the inside of my shirt?!? Man, that feels good!! Now its a matter of getting this skin to tighten up.. I keep a thigh-master under my desk at work..LOL.. luckily no one sees me.. All in time, right?? Hope all is well with my fellow-band-rock-stars!!!

Okay... Here I am again! Its only been...what??.. 4 months?? My goodness.. I am trying to catch up on all of the posts. I know in January, I didnt see much difference in myself after losing a little over 50 pounds.. but now that I have lost a little over 80 pounds.. I do see a difference.. I am HALF WAY THERE!! I used to think "How sad.. I am only half way there.." But I had to sit back and ask myself.. Really, with all the other attempts at weight loss.. when did I ever make it a QUARTER of the way there without getting defeated.. and its only been 8 months.. I have already passed the amount of weight that my surgeon predicted I would lose in the first year.. so I still have 4 months to really WOW him, and more importantly - MYSELF!! Looking at everyones tickers on this thing.. You guys are doing FAAAAAAAAAAAAANTASTIC!!!!

Lyla, Too funny! I was literally brushing at the back of my leg trying to figure out what I had sat in.. I know I have been *feeling* better.. but I still dont see difference.. I think maybe because I still have such a large amount to go..? And I am constantly reminding myself that its only been 4 months, and need to cut myself a little slack... and learn that slack doesnt come in the form of Moon Pies. Before I went into surgery, my doctors office took a picture of me.. one that I didnt see.. and my surgeon told me that I should ask the girl up front to pull it up so I could see how far I have come. I left the office without looking at the picture... I think I will save that moment of horror when its a little farther behind me.. I dont want to still resemble that girl. You are doing absolutely SUPER.. 83 POUNDS?!? WoWoWoWoW!! You are more than half way to your goal. How exciting! When did you start seeing the results for yourself? Keep it up, girlie!

Hi, guys!! I know, I know... I am never on this think like I was BEFORE I got banded.. Life tends to sweep you up and move you through the days pretty quickly, it seems. I went to my doc this afternoon to see where I am.. Just before Christmas I made my personal goal of 50 pounds, and he stretched out my time in between appointments from every month to every 6 weeks now.. SO.. here I am, nervous as can be because of the holidays.. and even though this is so horrible to admit, I have rekindled my love of moon pies.. I mean, what the hell?? The last time I ate a moon pie (before this last episode) had to of been 12 years ago... If I could go that long - why is it now that I keep thinking of them.. Damn them, and all their marshmellow deliciousness! But.. according to the scale, I have managed to lose another 10 pounds.. so that puts me down 60 pounds. Which is wonderful, so I will not go without giving myself a pat on the back - Oh, but how I wish there was a way to "pat" (pound/beat/pummel) the moonpie out of my system that I ate last week... Arrgh! This is still a learning process for me. Wow.. 60 pounds. Sounds great, right?? How is it that I dont "see" a difference... yes, I am down 1 pant size. but when its just me and the mirror?? I feel like I look the very same, just hangs lower. I will say that the other day I felt something brushing the back of my thigh.. I was horrified to find out that it was my very own buttcheek... please let it stop at the back of my thigh.. if something starts tickling the back of my knee...?? Oh goodness!

Okay guys... well, I just went in for my 90 day visit. I lost another 8 pounds and so that puts me at a total of 50 pounds... one of my Christmas wishes. Yay! Hope all is well for everyone else out there! ...and if I dont get back on, let me say it now... HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Wow!! Wasnt certain if I would find you guys again.. My goodness.. What happened to the site??? Things are going well for me.. Still learning life with the band and loving it! Hoping to meet 50 pounds by Christmas... Here's to hoping! Hope to get a full day to read up on what Ive been missing on for the couple months! Hope all is well...

Thanks, Bunny! I will have to tell her she is my Diet Angel.. I think we could all use one of those from time to time - I will have to see if she is willing to travel, and we will pass her around from time to time. :w00t: Well... I had my first fill today... I thought they would just give me back what they took out after surgery? Nope. When I wasnt able to keep down fluids - they took 2.5cc's out of my band - today? They put only 1cc back - and he was kind of "iffy" as to whether or not I needed a fill. I lost an additional 8lbs. :biggrin: So, here we go 9lbs (6mos waiting) + 16lbs (pre-op to surgery) + 8 lbs (surgery to first fill) = 33 lbs total :laugh:

Wow... hey guys! I guess its been..oh?? 12 pages ago since I have written last.. Why is that? Before surgery, I was on this thing practically every night - now? Not so much. I was given new/more responsibilities at work - without extra pay. My son has hit the "terrible twos" stage prematurely.. I am hoping that means that there will be some kind of pay out in the future - like he will start listening to me by age 23 instead of 25. Hahaha! As far as banded life - From eval to pre-op I had lost 9lbs. From pre-op to surgery follow-up, I had lost 16lbs.. so what? 25lbs total?? Tomorrow I go in for my first fill... which they are more than likely going to put what they took out back in. They had primed my band during surgery - however, due to swelling of my stomach - it was causing me to choke on water - and I was dehydrated.. so out the fluid went - and I was actually able to get in my 64oz/daily. I tend to favor soft foods, but they leave me hungry. So I tried adding in bread/pasta - as much as I love them, they cause me to puke everytime. I know alot has to do with not chewing my food properly. I try to take my time and count each chew.. but when you have a kids who flys by trying to swipe a knife off the kitchen counter, jumps up into a recliner and stands up and rocks back and forth, tries to ride the family beagle, and can get his shorts and diaper off in half the time it takes to catch him - just to wrestle one back on him.... Yeah - you tend to swallow whatever is in in your mouth to cry to keep him from getting hurt. I am hoping to have lost atleast 10 more pounds. But, admittedly - I have been less than perfect. I had a bite of ice cream, and luckily have a co-worker who is stronger when it comes to food than I. I am all about moderation, so if I want a taste of something - I feel one bite is okay.. but not a whole serving.. Last week, someone brought in Pumpkin Bars.. my favorite. I had a small bite, and handed the plate to my friend/co-worker who is also dieting - she took one bite - and then threw it away. She also *assures* me that the fresh doughnuts that are brought in every Friday are disgusting and swears that she saw the "unkept" office lady handling each and every one of them in the box... It sounds funny, but it has kept the temptation to look at them away! Hope all are doing well... I have a whiny baby pulling at me. Good night all - I will see you in the next 12 pages. :huh2:

Hey, Guys!!! Its so nice to see us all doing well on the post-op side. Brian~ Thanks for getting us all here. I cant believe it, we are 4 days into October and already on page 7?!? Looks like I will have some catching up to do... Just wanted to take a sec to post and say "Hello" to everyone.. You ALL have been an invaluable part of the pre-surgery process for me, I am so glad that we can continue on this journey together! I will write more soon!

The chili recipe makes quite a bit - but if you dont say anything about it being weight watchers - even the guys like it! For the non-dieters, they can add sour cream, cheddar cheese and eat it with Fritos or tortilla chips.. Lyla - that sounds AWESOME!! Thanks for sharing... If I wasnt looking forward to Friday already?!?! (thats when I can start with the cheeses and ground meats...YUM :drool:

I was wondering that myself... I am picturing that its where you are so full, that it all hangs out at the back of your throat? Hey, Brian - can you clarify?? :smile2:

David Glad to see you post and that you are doing well! Well, guys... I have to say I am feeling much better than I was yesterday morning with not being able to hold anything down. But now, my ribs hurt when drawing in a deep breath and I have that ache in my left shoulder... thought I had gotten past the "gas" stage... Boo!! Tomorrow will be one week post-op... It says I can start adding soft meats back into my diet as well as hearty bean soups... wondering if that mean chili? I am ready for something with a little substance. Dont know if anyone would be interested in an AWESOME Weight Watcher Chili recipe...?? 1 Med Onion 1 Lb Lean Ground Beef/Turkey 1 pkg Ranch Dressing Mix (powder) 1 pkg Taco Seasoning (Low Sodium) 1 can Yellow Corn - Drained (can we have this?) 2 cans Black Beans - Drained 2 cans stewed tomatoes 1 can Rotelle -Brown ground beef, last 5 minutes of cooking, add onion (chopped) Drain off any remaining fat. You can then add all ingredients into large pot, or in crockpot. Let cook/simmer for at least 45 minutes. Lisa - What is the book title and author you were telling us about?

David Glad to see you post and that you are doing well! Well, guys... I have to say I am feeling much better than I was yesterday morning with not being able to hold anything down. But now, my ribs hurt when drawing in a deep breath and I have that ache in my left shoulder... thought I had gotten past the "gas" stage... Boo!! Tomorrow will be one week post-op... It says I can start adding soft meats back into my diet as well as hearty bean soups... wondering if that mean chili? I am ready for something with a little substance. Dont know if anyone would be interested in an AWESOME Weight Watcher Chili recipe...?? 1 Med Onion 1 Lb Lean Ground Beef/Turkey 1 pkg Ranch Dressing Mix (powder) 1 pkg Taco Seasoning (Low Sodium) 1 can Yellow Corn - Drained (can we have this?) 2 cans Black Beans - Drained 2 cans stewed tomatoes 1 can Rotelle -Brown ground beef, last 5 minutes of cooking, add onion (chopped) Drain off any remaining fat. You can then add all ingredients into large pot, or in crockpot. Let cook/simmer for at least 45 minutes.

I also have BCBS of AL.. They required a 5 year weight history from me, and the 6 month supervised diet. again as stated above - you have to go EVERY month.. Jan, Feb, March... not just every 4 weeks - or you have to start all over again. I had to have a psych eval ($150) and nutritional consultation ($500). Neither which applied towards my deductible. My PCP had to write a letter of recommendation as well as visit notes for every month. My last visit with my PCP was 8/28.. and my surgeons office submitted the paperwork and had approval by 9/2. But they have a disclaimer that they can take up to 30 days... Another thing - dont know if it will apply to you - but if you are a smoker, they state you have to have quit for 6-8 weeks.

Paigey Trust me when I say I know how you feel... I had the same instruction - nothing to eat or drinking after midnight. I had to be at the hospital at 11, and I didnt go into surgery until well after 3. I was told I could take my blood pressure medicine with a SIP of water.. which I did quite literally.. and guess what? the pill got stuck in my throat, to which I chased it down with 2 big gulps.. One to dislodge and the other to help it along.:smile: This was about 8AM. Other than that - I had nothing. Here is the GOOD NEWS.. or at least one way to look at it.. Once you get to the hospital, you keep pretty busy and dont get a chance to give "thirst" must thought.. and all too soon, too soon for me anyway - you will have your IV. I know its not the same as getting your lips wet... But hang in there! The reward is SO MUCH BETTER!!! ..and if that thought doesnt get you thru.. maybe the fact of knowing that you will be having MORE LIQUIDS THAN YOU CAN DREAM OF post-op will

Desiree ~ Thanks! I took your advice. Called the doc and they wanted to know how fast I could be there - I got off the phone with them at 9:45 and they had an appointment scheduled for 10:45. Apparently, my band was too tight. They had given me some saline in the band at surgery - but apparently my stomach developed some kind of hemotoma/swelling and it wasnt allowing me to eat/drink anything - this morning I tossed my cookies (dont I wish) well, not really - after 3 sips of a protien shake. So, there you have it - Nasty hiccups, liquid pooling at the back of the throat, lots of saliva build up?? More than likely have too much fluid in the band... Okay, so I took one for the team. Now we all know. :smile: My band is now completely drained - I go back in 1 month for a fill. In the meantime, I can say I have lost 16 pounds!!:sneaky: But I am sure my insides are shriveled due to lack of hydration..:yesnod: I guess I need to start plumpin' up the inards! Thanks again for all your help~~

Okay guys, so I am now on Day 4 Post-Op... and I STILL have this issue with no matter what I eat/drink it all seems to pool in the back of my throat and seems "frothy" I am taking the smallest of sips of apple juice, and its right there - the protien shakes?? I basically choke on them. Tonight I have had the WORST hiccups in my life, and I plan on going back to work tomorrow... I must have lost my mind! It will be interesting since I have been wallowing around in my old maternity clothes this weekend, and to actually put on some jeans should be fun. But in all seriousness... anyone else have the "frothy" feeling in the back of the throat with each sip? or elephant on the chest syndrome?? Any suggestions/ideas?? I am seeing the doc on the 28th.. It would typically be later - but he is going on vacation... I am curious to see what his scale has to say...

David Good luck tomorrow... I hope you pull through nausea-free!! I had a patch they placed behind my ear, and some sort of liquid they ran through my IV to help combat nausea. Couldnt begin to tell you what it was exactly -but it must have been effective.. We look forward to updates!

Yay! Maria!! We will be wishing you the best!! Wanna.b More than likely they will have a gown that is big enough if they perform bariatric surgery - the one they gave me was H U G E.. if you find that they have given you one that is too small or tight across the shoulders -ask them to find you a Mens.. they usually allow for more room. I dont know if everyone is the same on this - but none of my incisions are below the waist.. I have one that would fall right below the bra line - smack dab in the middle of my breasts... and the other 4 are somewhat in a line across, maybe 3 inches under that?? Bringing your own slippers is a great suggestion - just make certain they have "grips" on the bottom to prevent a slip or fall - no telling how you may react to the medication.. also it might be a good idea to ask the nurse to walk with you. Pack something that you can get away with being braless - aka something dark, and basically something comfy... take advantage of your time at the hospital to sleep, sleep, sleep.. but certainly motivate yourself to move around to prevent blood clots and help get rid of all the gas...

HippieChick If at the top of the page you go to Quick Links, under miscellaneous click on "Subscribed Threads" It will take you to a page which will list all the treads you are subscribed to... On the far right check the box of the threads that you wish to unsubscribe to... and in the lower right hand corner there is a drop down menu where you can "delete subscription" That should do it for you... :biggrin:

The way things work for me - I was on a 2 week pre-op diet that was mainly based off fresh/frozen veggies - no corn, potatos, peas, dry Beans. I could have chicken, or mahi-mahi, tuna, or cod - no butter, salt, oil.. I could have eggs, no cheese. On the day of surgery, I could have basically Water or ice chips. Days 1 and 2 after surgery - Dr recommends Clear liquids, broth, juice, sf popcicles, sf Jello. Days 2 and 3 after surgery, I can move to full liquids.. cream based Soups, pureed and strained, ff/sf pudding, low fat yougurt, cream of wheat, low sodium veggie juice.. 8 days after sugery is when I can move to soft, diced, and ground meats, soft cheeses, cooked beans, added gravy to make things soft... then if all that is well tolerated - then I can start adding in well cooked veggies and peeled fruit.. Right now I am 3 days post op and I had a few bites of Cream of Wheat for Breakfast, and didnt feel as if I could get anything else down. Today was also the first day for Vitamins.. if I took a sip of any Fluid today, it seemed "frothy" in the back of my throat. Dont know if anyone has experienced this?? I feel only one of my incisions - and its NAGGING... it feels as if the stitches pull when ever I stand or sit, or just try and get comfortable. I did a little shopping today - and tired very quickly. For lunch I tried drinking a protien shake - I felt as if I was constantly choking on it... and for dinner I had a few spoonfuls of cream of brocolli Soup, pureed. And a bite of greek yougurt. I still have that "elephant on my chest" feeling.. but I am hoping that will pass..