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qtney1

LAP-BAND Patients

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Blog Entries posted by qtney1

  1. Wow! What a week this has been! A week ago, I was celebrating getting down to 302 (losing 23 pounds since I started my liquid diet with almost no hunger after being banded 9/30/10). Welllll, my husband went back to the hospital on Wednesday morning and got discharged for good last night. It was an extremely stressful time and I wasn't home very much. Needless to say, I didn't have my protein routine to keep me in line. I tried to eat good and include plenty of protein in my "hospital cafeteria" diet. But, some nights, after driving home, only fast food was open (I didn't get a chance to replenish the fridge until last night). After being so exhausted, I gave in a couple of times. Now, here I am, determined to jump on the bandwagon and get back to losing again! My doctor cleared me last week for all foods again, so I stocked up last night again on all my "good food".
     
    I have gained back pounds (eeeeek!), but I think I can work that down pretty steadily with my mind put to it. I've had hardly any sodium prior to my husband's hospital stay and with the eating out several times, I'm sure I took in a LOT. Blech.
     
    Anyhoo, husband is doing great after 2 surgeries and will be out of work for several weeks recuperating. I have tried not to beat myself up too hard.....just climbing back on the saddle and WILL watch that scale go down again.
     
    This waiting for restriction is not fun, but I just have to be my own restriction :-)

  2. One Week Banded

    · qtney1 · 10/07/10 12:54 PM

    I am at the one week mark....yay! Now that I am getting over this cold I got post-op (thanks to my sweet children at home), I am feeling much better. I had some pain at my port site for a few days, but even that has subsided. Overall, I feel fantastic.
     
    Last night, I cooked dinner for the rest of the family, did some cleaning and then relaxed. At work, I just get up and move around throughout the day. I took just two days off (Thursday and Friday). I had a lot of work to come back to, so I'm glad I didn't have to take off more time! The only rough day was the first day back. It was not fun being sore, having a cold, and just wanting to be back at home.
     
    I am still living on my instant potatoes, protein shakes, natural applesauce, and light yogurt. And, I"m okay with that. The scale really hasn't moved much the past couple days, but I'm okay with that. Now, if only I could stop jumping on it 4 times a day!
     
    How is everyone else doing?

  3. 5 Days Post Op

    · qtney1 · 10/05/10 04:27 PM

    The first day back to work yesterday was okay. I lasted about 7 1/2 hours out of 9 then called it a day. I took ibuprofen with me, but it wasn't cutting it. I was so happy to get home and take my pain meds!
     
    I fixed some thin, instant potatoes last night as yesterday marked the first day I could eat thicker, full liquids. They were so yummy and I'm not even a potato person! I had a serving of that and a serving of tomato soup for dinner and it was actually quite filling (I'm on high alert for portion sizes these days!). A couple hours later, I enjoyed a small container of actual pudding, which was a welcomed step up from popsicles (I need a tiny break from them).
     
    Today, I had a protein shake for breakfast, leftover soup/potatoes for lunch, and I figure i will drink another shake this afternoon so I can get my protein in. I think I might puree some leftover taco soup for dinner tonight.
     
    I am trying hard to at least get 1000 calories in. I haven't been doing that after the surgery and I find I don't have very much energy and my weight loss stalls out. I actually gained 4 pounds from the liquids during surgery, but lost it (and one more, too) as of this morning. One thing I make sure of is that I take my chewable vitamins and get my protein in. That is a must. Thank goodness for sparkpeople to keep me on track!
     
    My incisions feel better today, too. Not as sore and I was actually able to move around from my back to side last night without realizing it. Usually, I wake up to change positions because it hurts. It is also easier to get in and out of bed. I still have a bit of a sore throat, but it is so much better! I think it has healed from the surgery but what is left is from this cold I am trying to shake. The kids have it, too, so I will be glad once it leaves the house. I am thinking that my throat probably hurt worse than it should because I had drainage on the day of surgery, which I'm sure didn't make the tube situation better.
     
    I did bring my pain meds to work today. I took them shortly after arriving at work this morning so it'll be worn off by the time I drive home. Luckily, I have desk job and a position that will allow me to take pain meds and still perform. They are helping 100%. It is so hard to sit upright during the day, all day long, at the moment. I know it'll get all better and I'm hoping to be off of pain meds completely in the next couple of days. Each day,I fell better and better!
     
    How is everyone else feeling since surgery? Any additional weight loss? What does your diet look like now (even if you are months post op, what do you eat?)?

  4. 4 Days Post Op

    · qtney1 · 10/04/10 05:57 PM

    aka "Back to work day". I probably should have taken today off to just sleep, but there always has to be a first day back, right? My throat pain has gotten a lot better. Unfortunately, it seems like a chest cold is settling in with my drainage. I was super freaked out about coughing and slipping, but my surgeon's office just told me it would be okay and it will get better :-) I have another dose of pain meds being called in (thankfully) and can't wait to get home, put on my pj's, and rest. My incision area has felt really good, considering, and is just sore due to some coughing.
     
    I hope everyone is doing okay..I have managed to escape most of the gas pain and I feel extremely grateful for that!
     
    Back to work and trying to remind myself to get up an move every hour!

  5. Night 2 Post Op

    · qtney1 · 10/03/10 05:24 AM

    It's a little after midnight here. I just got up and my throat is killing me! Anyone else have this problem after surgery? I'm really wondering if I should go in to have it swabbed or if it is just maybe normal to have this. I have a lot of drainage, too (although, I had drainage on surgery day,too). Also, I was on antibiotics a few days before surgery. Ouch, help!:confused:

  6. 2 days post op

    · qtney1 · 10/02/10 07:10 PM

    Feeling pretty good, so far. I have been doing a lot of walking and being up and around...I hope I'm not overdoing it! But, I'm not really having any gas pains at all, so I guess that is good. I have also been sipping a lot of water and G2. The only real complaint that I have is my throat! I called the doctor's office this morning and spoke with a nurse who told me it is normal to have throat pain after surgery, due to the tube. As long as there isn't a temperature, I should be better in a few days. thank goodness for pain meds! My incisions are doing okay, too. It doesn't hurt as bad to go to the bathroom or get up from a chair. Or, sleep, for that matter. last night was MUCH better sleepwise!
     
    I do miss food, though. I don't really have hunger pangs, to speak of. When I get a little hunger feeling, I have a thin protein shake and I am better for awhile. Thankfully, the doctor said I can have those and soups in addition to the clear liquids. That is nice.
     
    I went to the store today to pick up some food with my husband that I can puree this next week. I am so excited for that! I miss actual flavors! haha!
     
    How is everyone else doing who has been banded recently?

  7. Surgery Day

    · qtney1 · 10/01/10 12:12 AM

    ....was TODAY! I arrived at the surgery center at 6:30 am. They had me changed, did the last minute testing, started my IV, and got me all hooked up. After a blood thinner shot and some Pepcid in the IV, I was almost ready to go. They put these things on my legs, too, that fill with air and release to keep the risk of blood clots down.
     
    About 8:20, they gave me some medicine to relax me (loved it) then wheeled me into the OR. As they were hooking me up, they put an oxygen mask on and told me to take deep breaths. After about 5, I was OUT. Next thing I remember is the nurse pulling something out of my throat and thinking I must have thrown up...lol. but, the nurse just said, "You are just waking up...it is all done with." They gave me some pain meds and let me relax.
     
    I must say, the next two hours, I was miserable. Not because I was hurting, but because I was hooked up to everything and couldn't get comfortable..plus, trying to wake up. Once that passed, i was fine. And, it really wasn't bad. The woman in the room next to me I could hear was having a hard time, saying she couldn't breathe over and over. yikes! what a feeling! My dad said he had the same feeling after being put under for his heart surgery so I'm guessing it's a side effect from being put under. But, even now, as I sit here typing, I am only a bit sore, not sleepy, and just going about my 'relaxation schedule', as the kids are with parents! It's actually a mini vaca....lol
     
    When I did my barium swallow at 11:30, it was soooo cool to see it go down the tube! I'm a geek :-) Even cooler was the Gatorade G2 they gave me after. I was soooooo thirsty! By noon, I was given my breathing apparatus and discharged.
     
    The husband stopped, filled my anti nausea and Lortab meds, picked me up some Gatorade G2 (the ONLY thing I failed to get at the store pre surgery), and stayed with me.
     
    All afternoon, I have been taking my meds, drinking (albeit slowly) lots of Gatorade and water. My surgeon said I am good to have water, protein shakes, Crystal Light, Gatorade, Water, Juice, Popsicles, Soup (any kind without "chunks"), Jello, etc. While not real hungry at all, I did take in some yummy tomato soup. Looking at the soup that has sat in my pantry forever looked far more appealing than my protein shakes...lol. However, tomorrow, I will force some protein shakes down so I can get some real nourishment. On Monday, I can move up to pureed food, pudding, etc until I meet with the doc again on Friday.
     
    I can not say enough about Dr. Malley (KC area), New Hope Bariatrics, and the WONDERFUL nurses and staff. They are greater than I ever thought possible. I received the best treatment from there than I have ever had anywhere.
     
    I do have one question for you bansters, though, if you are somehow still reading this novel.....when does gas pain start?

  8. Tomorrow is the Day

    · qtney1 · 09/29/10 02:03 PM

    I'm so ready for tomorrow. I have a slight head cold that is exiting my body, so I need to contact the surgeon's office to make sure everything is kosher. I haven't taken any Claritin since yesterday, so hopefully it's still all good.
     
    The liquids are going to be tough today, but I'll take it hour by hour. Nothing but chicken broth, Sprite Zero, and sugar free popsicles are what I've chosen for my clear liquids today. I forgot to make jello but DANG (!), I can hardly stand it anymore!
     
    I stepped on the scale this morning. BTW, the scale is my new best friend because it starts my day of positively...It read 308.2 this morning. I swear, I think I saw the scale actually smile at me. This time, almost two weeks ago, I was hovering around 326.
     
    **Smile**

  9. 3 more days!

    · qtney1 · 09/27/10 04:17 PM

    Thursday is the day and it is coming quick. I will be soooo glad to be banded and get eased back on to food for meals again, although, I think I will keep up with the protein shakes for breakfasts.
     
    I had a class I had to take at my surgeon's office Friday. They have such great support up there! They went over everything with the lap band, why they want you to shrink the liver (I had no idea those with 'apple' body shapes seem to have larger livers compared to 'pear' shapes--thus the difference in pre op diets!), what you can have/when you can have it, etc. The nurses are all on call 24/7 and encourage phone calls for anything. The nurse who gave the presentation said sometimes, when you get 'stuck' for the first time, it can be scary and they want to be there to reassure and give tips. It was nice to hear nurses who are actually wanting to be there for you. My surgeon's office also does a support group once/month, meetings with a dietician in a group setting once/month. They even offer bootcamp--which is 2 hours, 3x/week, for 6 weeks where you meet with a personal trainer at the gym, workout, and then meet with a nutritionist....all free. I can't wait to be healed up and do that!
     
    Anyhoo, I am getting more nervous the closer that it gets but really wanting to get this done and over with.
     
    It's amazing how much I miss just having even healthy food. I would have killed something over the peaches sitting in my fridge for the kids! The sugars and carbs are very much missed. I do pretty well with the protein shakes in the morning and for lunch. I haven't had any soup and have cut out the jello now, too. For dinner, I usually have a Lean Cuisine or another small, healthy meal. The other night, I made hobo stew with lean hamburger, sliced carrots, onion, potatoes, mushrooms, corn, basil, and V8. It was actually very good. A cup of that and a small side salad with mushrooms and a small amount of fat free dressing made a good meal.
     
    Well, onward I go towards the countdown. I truly can't wait.

  10. Day 6 and 7 Pre-Op Diet

    · qtney1 · 09/22/10 07:12 PM

    Uh oh....oops...guilt, then not feeling so well is what you feel like when you "cheat".
     
    Although, cheat is a relative term, given the situation, it still doesn't make you feel good at all.
     
    Yesterday, I got up, drank my protein shake, had some coffee...all was well. For lunch, another protein shake stomached, all was going good. I didn't even need Jello to help tie me over for dinner. Life was good and I was feeling great. Usually, by the time I make it home for dinner, I have consumed around 380 calories for the whole day, so I'm ready for some chicken!
     
    Wellllll, shortly before the end of my work day, my husband called in excruciating pain from a headache. He has a shunt that was put in as a child, revised in his teen years, and revised about 4 years ago. He said this was the exact pain he had 4 years ago. So, I booked it home and got him to the hospital. They decided to admit him. We got at the hospital at 5pm (with nothing but my water bottle and a bowl..ahem..for him). By the time they admitted him, it was 11pm with storms rolling in.
     
    By this time, the cafeteria was closed, my water bottle empty, my energy nonexistent, and I was not feeling to hot. So, I ventured out to see what was open. The local Applebee's kitchen had closed for the night. My options were....eeeek....McDonald's and Taco Bell. I wasn't thinking to clearly as I was tired, had no energy, felt so drained, and really ready to eat and sleep. I got a burrito and a couple tacos to go.
     
    I ate most of it, besides a few bites of the burrito and maybe a half a taco and the guilt set in. I knew, in the back of my mind, there wasn't much I could have done, given the circumstances and no dollar bills to get something healthy out of the vending machine. I did kick myself for not looking on my sparkpeople.com app and finding the most appropriate choice at Taco Bell to keep somewhat on my my diet (if there even IS an appropriate choice..lol). But, I found that the Taco Bell didn't really taste too good at all and my tummy was actually upset at the morning. If it could talk, it would probably say,"What the hell where you thinking?" or "Ewwww, gross."
     
    This morning, after a few hours of sleep, I drove about 35 minutes home, where my mom was staying with the kids. I got my son ready for school and dropped my daughter off at daycare. I downed a protein shake, which made me feel good, and went to my preop appointment with the surgery center.
     
    We went over what is going to happen before, after, and during surgery. They did blood work and took a urine sample. I was asked if I was doing okay with the diet. I confided that I followed it PERFECTLY until last night mishaps (she was familiar with my husband as I almost cancelled this morning with my surgeon because I didn't know what HIS surgeon was going to do). She was understanding and didn't seem to think that was going to endanger the surgery or anything, which was good.
     
    I did have a Starbucks coffee this morning at the hospital with real sugar, which I have not done since the "diet". Also bad. So, I have made the firm resolve tomorrow, when i am back on my normal Mommy/Work/Wife schedule, to get back on this routine and finish this sucker out. I am actually excited to get back on the firm routine and do it. I swear, after last night's carbs, my body is calling for them and I have to shut those voices up again (hello, day 2!). But, at least I know, in a couple more days, with the help of protein shakes, jello, and Lean Cuisine, I will get back to the 'no cravings'.
     
    Ahhhhh, thank you if you were able to keep up with my rantings. I feel incredibly guilty and can't wait to get back on the schedule I am supposed to be on to get to the life I so desperately WANT to live!
     
    Btw, DH will hopefully be released today with no surgery and hopefully no surgery for sometime **fingers crossed**

  11. Day 3 Pre-Op Diet

    · qtney1 · 09/19/10 02:07 AM

    Today was much better! I don't know if maybe it's because it's the weekend and I'm home or maybe I'm just getting used to everything.
     
    I woke up this morning, had a protein shake, ran some errands, and took my kids to a kids carnival. The carnival was all free with moonwalks, pony rides, games, free food and drinks. It was hard to watch everyone eating hotdogs, nachos, cotton candy, ice cream, etc, but it wasn't nearly as hard as I thought that it would be. I drank my flavored water and just enjoyed being with the family.
     
    I didn't get my other protein shake in until 2pm, and I could FEEL it! I felt so ran down. I blended a shake then took a 45 minute nap while my daughter was napping. After that, I felt better.
     
    Now, tonight, my husband and I were without the kids as they went to my parents house. My normal dinner, during this diet, has been a Lean Cuisine or a Smart Ones Weight Watchers meal. However, I remembered that Applebees had some Weight Watchers items on their menu. Sure enough, I looked up the nutrion facts on their Italian Chicken and Portabello sandwich and it was very similar to their frozen meals, with maybe 30 extra calories. The protein and carbs were also similar. So, my husband and I went to Applebee's. I ordered that sandwich and an extra side of steamed brocolli. It came with fruit, but I opted not to eat that, since fruit wasn't listed anywhere in my preop diet. (I have been following that to a T!). But, it felt so good to eat actual, non frozen food, and not feel guilty about it. It is a smaller portion sandwich on a whole wheat bun and it was fabulous! If any of you are on a similar diet to mine, I would HIGHLY recommend it! I feel normal, happy, and satisified--with only 750 calories consumed today!

  12. Day 2 Pre-Op Diet

    · qtney1 · 09/17/10 01:58 PM

    Today has immediately started off better than yesterday!
     
    I swear, I was starving yesterday..lol. I had some coffee in the morning, which actually helped curb my appetite. Then, I had a protein shake for lunch. When I got home, I was lusting after my Weight Watchers Smart Ones Ravioli. It tasted sooooo good! The doctor said I could have sherbert (no more than a cup), so I had that, too. After I had the sherbert, I felt pretty satisfied and called it a night.
     
    I had to pick my 15 month old daughter from daycare last night and made a beeline to the grocery store for more sugar free jello (needed some variety!) and sherbert. Badddd idea. The foods in the deli smelled delish. The food looked amazing. And, the fruits were calling my name as we walked by. I was sure to grab what I needed and got out of there asap.
     
    I also did great cooking the kids dinner last night. I made sure to warm up my Smart Ones right at the time they started eating. Their food looked awfully good, but after drinking protein shakes all day, mine did, too!
     
    Anyhoo, today is better. I can do this!

  13. Day 1 Pre-Op Diet

    · qtney1 · 09/16/10 01:51 PM

    Today's word: HUNGRY!
     
    I woke up, had a protein shake around 5:30, and was hungry at 7:30. So, I had some sugar free jello to help tie me over until lunch time (when I can have another protein shake). I can have coffee, so I just poured myself a bit of that.
     
    I am not loving being hungry, but I am loving the thought of a brand new me. I am determined to follow this pre op diet to a T! I weighed myself last night and felt soooo discouraged. i want it to be the last time I feel that way. I actually lost 6 pounds the last two weeks of my doctor supervised diet, but gained 12 back in just a month and a half!
     
    I am ready to get my body where it needs to be: healthy. I refuse to let my body be a dumping site for all things bad. So, while I am fighting this hungry feeling, this, too, shall pass.

  14. Liquid Diet

    · qtney1 · 09/09/10 06:53 PM

    So, after I had Panera this afternoon at lunch (instead of my normal soup, I got a sandwich...kind of as a goodbye to white breads!), I started to think about this liquid diet coming up next week :wink:. When I go to the store this weekend, I need to start picking up some items. My surgeon's office is mailing me a packet with pre op instructions, but I want to know from all of you what are the best things you had during this time to get you through it.
     
    Was there a particular broth, sugar free jello, or something like that that you enjoyed having? Also, how did you get through this time without actual FOOD?! Did your body go into shock :eek: ? I figure it'll be a mental game that I can play and just try to get through each day. Truly, the thought of no physical food is scary.
     
    Okay, last question, what are some good sugar free treats that you enjoy either before or after the surgery?
  15. Wow! That was soooo quick! Given the fact that BCBS of KC didn't get the paperwork until last Friday and yesterday was a holiday, we got a written approval in a little over 1 business day!
     
    The doctor's office had a cancellation and was ready to schedule me in two weeks from today, but that is a bit too quick for my liking :-) I'm not prepared for the liquid diet to start today...lol. So, they scheduled me in on September 30th, which means I start my liquid diet a week from Thursday. I already am wondering where "the last meal" will be. I know it will most likely take place Monday evening :-)
     
    I am sooo excited and so nervous all at the same time. I am ready for this new life to start!

  16. Everything Submitted

    · qtney1 · 09/03/10 02:01 AM

    My surgeon's office called this evening and informed me that everything was submitted to my insurance company and that it can take up to 20 business days to get a response. I am glad all the paperwork is finally with him. The real waiting begins....NOW!

  17. The Psych Eval

    · qtney1 · 08/18/10 05:52 PM

    So, I completed the psych evaluation yesterday and boyyyyyy was that a lot of questions! I am curious to see what it will say :-) I don't talk to ghosts or hear voices, so hopefully I will be alright :-) If you have to go in to take one of these, prepare to do 1 1/2-2 hours for the testing phase of it. I did two tests. One was over 500 questions and the second one was somewhere in the neighborhood of 160 questions.....all true/false.
     
    I go in to talk over the results next Wednesday. At that time, he will be writing a report to send to the surgeon's office and I can finally submit for insurance approval. I am so excited, yet a little nervous at the same time.
     
    Some people say, "Wow, you are going to have the surgery done right before the holidays?" But, as I look at myself in the mirror, I don't even care if it's before the holidays. I don't want to eat as much anymore. I want to get the weight off and be full with smaller portions! The sooner I can get there, the better off I will feel.
     
    Hopefully everyone is doing well in their weight loss journey. I am curious, though. If you are reading this, where are you at in your journey?

  18. Hoops, Hoops, Hoops

    · qtney1 · 05/18/10 04:23 PM

    I FINALLY had my first consultation with Dr. Malley yesterday. The whole meeting and consultation just made me feel all the better that I was making the right decision by choosing Lap Band and choosing this facility to do the surgery.
     
    I was anticipating the psych evaluation as well as meeting with the nutritionist. However, my insurance company is requesting 3 months of a supervised diet plan. This is a little disheartening as it just seems as though another hoop to jump through. I just know if I stick with everything, it will be worth it in the end. How is it that 3 months seems so far when it's something you really want, but not so far when, say, your children are growing? LOL. Do any of you have any motivation tips or what exactly the insurance company is looking for when they ask you to do the diet plan? It seems kind of silly because the whole reason I want lap band is because I do have a hard time controlling my calories. It's not so much the wrong foods for me as it is the dang portion control! Any comments about your story would be much appreciated as 3 months (I know, I know, most "diet plans" are longer than that!) seems so daunting when you want the instant gratification of NOW!
     
    As I plug along in my journey, I am determined to succeed and will just do these hurdles as soon as possible. The doctor should be able to see me for my first "diet plan" appointment on June 1st. The two weeks even seems far
    :rolleyes2:
  19. Wow! What a new world that I am about to embark on! I have joined (and started) this blog so that I can keep record of my thoughts, feelings, weight, etc, during this journey to a healthy me. I want to be able to look back and say, "Look how far I have COME!"
     
    I am a mother of 4 children (2 of the them are natural; 2 are 'bonus children' from my husband). I love them all and love spending time with them. My husband has two boys, 12 and 13. I have a son who is 11. And, our daughter together is 10 months old. I am 30 years old and have my hands full, for sure!
     
    All of my life, I have been overweight. I have often joked that I was the sister who was slapped with "the fat stick". Both of my parents are of normal weight, as is my sister. However, if you look closely at the women on my father's side of the family, all of us are of size. Weight is something that I have always seemed to struggle with. When I was 9, I remember at the health fair at school, hiding my card because my weight showed 104 pounds. I remember when I was 12, going to a chiropracter for the first time with my Mom. There were no health issues--I just wanted to go because she was going. They weighed me and I was 184 pounds! I can't believe how that number has stuck with me all of these years! Over the years, my weight has crept up.
     
    For the longest time, I refused to step on scales. When I was 18 (1998), I got pregnant with my son. I was probably around 215 at that time. I have no idea how high I was for sure on the scale. I gained 70 pounds with him, but lost most of the weight after I had him. The next time I stepped on a scale, it was 2005. It said 270 and I almost fainted! I couldn't believe how high my weight had gotten. It seemed like overnight, but it really wasn't. After, that, I tried various diets (and failed) and swore off scales again.
     
    Around that time, I met my incredibly supportive husband. He has always loved me the way I am and never misses an opportunity to tell me how beautiful I am. He is amazing. Needless to say, being in love and happy prompted me to put on even more weight. My weight crept up to 309 when I found out I was pregnant with our daughter. Can you believe one of my first thoughts was,"Wow! I can't gain anymore weight while I am pregnant with this one."? Well, I topped out around 332. That was my heighest point and my most miserable point. My ankles were swollen and it was horrifying carrying around that extra weight on my already loaded down frame. After I had my daughter, I lost 40 pounds. But, like clockwork, it came back up.
     
    Today, I am sitting at 320 and have beat myself up time and time again. I look at pictures and want to cry sometimes. There are very few pictures of me with my family and most of those are waist up. I guess there have been times that I have been an emotional eater, but I don't really see that as my main problem. My issue is being full. I always seem to be hungry and love the full sensation. Embarassing, yes.
     
    I made the decision to explore weight loss surgery and am very proud of my decision. I know I need to do something for my health and my family. I want to be around for my children and grandchildren. I want their memories to be doing things with them and not being tired from lugging around extra weight. I want to be able to sleep well at night (I haven't woken up well rested in at least 5 years). I am so motivated and this point and can't wait to sail straight forward.
     
    I attended my first seminar last night with another scheduled for this Saturday. Gastric bypass is just too invasive for my liking. I toyed around with the sleeve for a bit. A friend of mine went from 270 to 135 in a mere year using that tool. Of course, my insurance won't pay for that. I did, however, find out that my insurance will cover LAP-BAND® at 100%. I am quite certain I will be headed in that direction. I do know i will have to work at it hard, but I am sooooo ready.
     
    After my seminar this weekend, I will be equipped to make a surgeon decision and plan on making it quickly. I can't wait to get this ball rolling!
     
    I am going on a cruise to the Bahamas with my family this June and plan on it being the last trip I take that I have to worry about fitting in an airplane seat...haha!! I would really love to get the surgery done after that. I would actually do it beforehand, if given the choice, but being out of the country so soon afterwards probably isn't the smartest decision!
     
    If any of you "bandsters" have any comments, suggestions, or supportive thoughts, please let me know! I have a supportive family but is would be so helpful to have others in my same boat to share this experience with. I am ready to do this...and ready to do this RIGHT!

  21. 3rd Fill----Sweet Spot?

    · qtney1 · 12/20/10 05:03 PM

    I think after all of the putting fluid in/taking fluid out, I have finally hit my sweet spot. I feel restriction and I feel full for several hours in between meals. It's been nice. When I went to the doctor with for the 2nd fill and they overfilled me, I had some fluid taken out. I actually had less in there than with my first fill so I was very hungry. I gained several pounds back. But, with this fill, I have lost about 5 pounds this week, which was good. I have also noticed not only are my clothes starting to feel a bit looser, my pants also seem longer......anyone else have this? Strange!!! Other than busily scurrying to get last minute Christmas stuff together, life has been pretty vanilla. How is everyone else out there doing? Any good weight loss goals met recently?

  22. Soft Foods

    · qtney1 · 10/08/10 06:04 PM

    Dr. gave the okay today to move to soft foods. Yay! I had a little sushi with brown rice today for lunch. Healthy and also very yummy. Feeling good and ready for the weekend. My possible fill date is in 3 1/2 weeks. Exciting!

  23. Day 5 Pre-Op Diet

    · qtney1 · 09/20/10 04:37 PM

    Here we are, day 5! Just 9 more to go! Going back to work today on the diet was soooo much easier than last Friday. Day 2 and 3 were horrible for me and i really missed my friend, Food. I have found that today, as was the case yesterday, I am not getting the hunger pains so much. My body seems to be adapting well. I do look forward to dinner at night, but the steamed veggies and chicken are really irresistible after drinking protein all day.
     
    I have lost 10 pounds since last Wednesday night and that is a great payoff and motivation for me not to cheat. I can't believe the amount of self control I have pulled out of myself!
     
    My energy seems to be returning somewhat, too. I am not feeling weak and in need of an afternoon nap so much anymore. I do find that between 3pm and dinner is the hardest part of my day without food. That is the part of the day when my fuel becomes depleted and my body is calling for actual food. But, I will take 2 hours of not-so-much-fun fighting with my body over years of it!
     
    And, so I push on.....:thumbup:

  24. Day 4 Pre-Op Diet

    · qtney1 · 09/20/10 01:08 AM

    Another day down, as day 4 comes to and end! Today was actually easier than yesterday. So far, day 2 and 3 have been the worst. I am not feeling as ran down or have the "starving" feeling as much. I had a protein shake when I got up, had a few bites of sugar free jello a few hours later, and another protein shake for lunch. I made (from scratch) chicken pot pie for the family and made myself a small chicken breast with steamed broccolli and carrots. It tasted so good! The chicken pot pie looked great.....the family loved it and I can only imagine what it tasted like. I am surprised that I have been strong enough to cook food and not even try it!
     
    Anyhoo, another day wraps up and I am ready for the next day, as it is closer to surgery day. I have actually lost 10 pounds since the night before I started this diet. Probably water weight, but it feels good to already see the downward turn.
     
    Goodnight, lapband friends!

  25. Pre Op Diet starts in 2 days!

    · qtney1 · 09/14/10 04:32 PM

    I can't believe the countdown is almost here. These past 5 months have really been something. All this visiting the doctor, jumping through hoops, researching, etc, has finally resulted in surgery in 2 weeks. I am so excited!
     
    I start my pre op diet Thursday. I am supposed to have a protein shake for breakfast, for lunch, and a Lean Cuisine (or something similar) for dinner. Also, I can have chicken broth, sugar free popsicles, sugar free jello, and sherbet (up to 2 cups) during the period.
     
    I have to admit, though, saying goodbye to food is actually quite sad. I had my "final dinner" Sunday night...which, consisted of a feast at Red Lobster (oh, I will miss you cheese rolls!). However, I told my husband, it will feel good to leave a restaurant and not be hungry or overly stuffed. I am one who never finds a middle ground between the two and end up STUFFED! But, I'm ready to say goodbye. And, I know I'm ready to say goodbye to all the bad foods.
     
    Tonight or tomorrow night, I will do what I have never done before, but SHOULD have done years ago. And, that is buy a scale. Before, I always avoided the scale because I was deathly afraid of what it might read and feel horrible. Even during my pregnancies, I only got brave to look at it a couple of times. But, I think the scale might be a good friend to me for the rest of my life very soon. It will be a friend to help keep me honest and speak nothing but the truth.
     
    I can't wait to begin the journey of being banded and I am soooo glad that this website exists, as you gals and guys are a huge wealth of knowledge and support for me. I know I don't know you all personally, but you help me out more than you will ever know! :thumbup:

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