Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!
$99 Yearly Supply Alert! 🌈 "1 per Day!" Bariatric Multivitamins

Blogs

Mariquita's Journal
 

August 20, 2006

Dr Minkin says my inscison was not infected, bu that I had a reaction to the dissolvable stitches. It is lookin much better, I am using lots of vitmain E, just like my granny taught me.   According to The drs' scale I weigh 441.   I joined 24 hour fitness. I really like it. I walk at my target heart rate for 30 minutes, jog in the pool. I even took a yoga class. It was GREAT.   I go for my first adjustment with the Flouroscope on wednesday.   I have found several pieces of clothes that fit 2 years ago, AND THEY FIT NOW!   I get hungry in the evening. I am sure the adjustment will curb that :guess
coleoptera

coleoptera

1
avilla's Journal
 

Weekly weigh in

Ok, for my weekly weigh in counting what I had gained last week puts me at a total of 2.5 lbs this week...Total of 27 lbs since surgery...I can deal with that for now!!
avilla

avilla

1
Ali's Musings and Meanderings...
 

It's Sunday y'know

Good morning all, I had a lie in this morning :notagree which was jolly nice. Hubby has gone biking up the mountain but I think I'll stick to walking for now! Firday was Jordan's mum's Name Day and so we went upstairs to eat in the evening. They were planning on ordering souvlaki...so, didnt eat much (virtually anything) during the day because I love the chicken and salad. I should have thought about it more, because although my band gives me little problems, I have realised that I have trouble at night. Most others have probs in the morning but I like being different!?!?!? I ate one piece of chicken and that was it...stuck. I didn't pb it but it took forever to go down and so I just sat quietly and waited. I didn't eat anything else but drank a cuppa-soup when we got home just to have some calories and stop my sugar level falling too much. Saturday was a quiet day and I did my walking. Got a bit of a fever last night - 37.8 but went to bed and seem to have slept it away which is good. Off to the cinema-gold class- tonight to finally see the Da Vinci Code. Means we get lazy-boy recliners and waiter service LOL. Costs more -of course- but we don't go to cinema that often so why the heck not eh?
A1ikou

A1ikou

2
LittleBird's Journal
 

Back home

Our flight coming home was delayed and we didn't get home until 2 a.m. We upgraded to first class at the last minute - What a difference! Totally worth it in every way.   So, I'm banded. I'm gasy. I have pressure every time I drink something that feels like I want to puke, but its just air - a horrible uncomfortable burp - that takes forever to come out, my tummy is tender and I haven't had a bite of solid food since the 15th of August - and I'm LOVING EVERY MINUTE. I know these uncomfortable feelings are temporary and I know I'll be able to take an actual bite of something in a few weeks.   Going to Mexico to be banded was one of the best "vacations" I've had.   Upon arrival in San Diego (late again) - My DH and I were greeted by a man holding a sign "Cindy S Dr. Ortiz". I have always wanted to come off a plane to be greeted by a guy with a sign like that! Seriously - so I knew our trip was off to a good start.   We collected our baggage and two more patients and headed off to Mexico.   I don't know exactly what I was expecting at the border, but what I saw was a shock to my preconcieved notion of Mexico. There were dirty sidewalks, cars that could barely stay on the road, bright colors and policia with GREAT BIG GUNS! I was thinking "Holy Crap, what did I get myself into??"   We drove to the clinic where all the pre-operative testing was done on the patients scheduled for surgery the following day. There was a lot of waiting and I was hungry. I felt a little foggy, unsure of myself, as if I was in a dream.   Pre-op testing was done by about 12:30 p.m. (after a 10 a.m. arrival) and the first thing on my mind *after learning I had indeed lost 12 lbs preop* was food!!   The shuttle took us to the hotel Lucerne. It was nice and the hospitality of the employees was wonderful, but all I was thinking about was, "where are we going to get lunch?"   DH and I opted for a local Mexican *duh* eatery. It was across the street from the hotel. At first this seemed like a simple undertaking, just meander across the street to get a bite to eat. We walked out to the tangle of traffic coming and going in all dirctions in a huge 4 lane roundabout. We stood at the corner...and didn't move. The term "Frogger" comes to mind....Traffic was crazy. We took deep breaths and made a run for it!   We made it safely. Lunch was fantastic, authentic and spicy! Just how I like it.   After lunch came a long liesurley walk to the shopping center (an outdoor mall) and then a relaxing swim in the hotel pool.     We then met with another patient and her friend for a wonderful Mexican seafood dinner at Los Arcos. The day had been wonderful and I tried not to be nervous about the upcoming surgery.   I found out that DH couldn't stay over night with me in the surgery center. I started to wig out a little bit. I also found out they were picking up patients before SO so I'd be arriving without him as well. Dang! And I thought it was him who was codependant!   Arrival at the surgery center was uneventful. We were picked up at 8 a.m. from the hotel by the surgon's mother. Now SHE has a cush job! Pick people up and drop them off in her leather, loaded BMW - off work by 3 p.m. Looks like her son has taken very good care of Momma.   After waiting for the previous day's patient's to be discharged, each patient was shown to their room and promptly given some pills - probably to ensure we were relaxed. The Spanish Speaking Nurse "Jusa" and her partner in crime helped me with surgery stockings and placed my IV. (The first IV attempt has me more bruised than the 2nd one.)   Then there was more waiting. DH watching TV. I finally told the Spanish Speaking Nurse I had to pee. Little did I know it was my turn for surgery and she told me "A kiss" translation "give your husband a kiss, your going under!!"   I walked to the bathroom. Went pee unbanded for the last time and walked into the surgery room. Climbed up on the bed and they started to strap me down. (not as scary as it sounds) Music was playing - I can only remember that it was American Music. The Anestesiologist was there and proceeded to knock me out. I think he asked me something like "Is this ok" and I replied "Like I have a choice?" and that was the last thing I remember.   I woke up still in the surgery room. Freaking out because I felt work still being done on me...I'm sure it was minor, but holy shit, it hurt! I started wiggling my left hand and moaning so they knew I was waking up. They seemed to know this already and remained calm...more than I can say for myself at the time! They finished up what they were doing, took atvantage of me being semi coherant and had me help move my body onto another bed - my bed from the room.   (I asked around later and I think I was the only one who was awake BEFORE leaving the room - )   Then I was out again. I remember an oxygen mask on my face. I remember telling DH I was in pain. I remember the Spanish Speaking Nurse giving me something in my IV for pain.   Actually the rest of the night was pretty blurry. I did get up and walk after a few hours of rest. I remember being on the internet and chatting with other patients but its all very blurry.   I finally slept. It was late morning when the shuttle took us back to the hotel. I didn't wan't to sleep the day away so 4 of us went shopping at "Revolution" - which translated means "the-fastest-way-to-get-gringos-to-part-with-hard-earned-dollars-for-cheap-trinkets-hecho-in-mexico."   It works too!! But seeing the sights and sounds were great. I wasn't in a lot of pain and I wasn't hungry so the Churros and free samples of Tequila didn't bother me too much! If I had it to do again however I would go there BEFORE surgery!   It was a great trip. I made new friends and enjoyed myself. It really felt more like a vacation than a medical trip.
LittleBird

LittleBird

1
KariK's Journal
 

What I'm eating

9:00 am Breakfast: Atkins shake mixed with one scoop Unjury   1:00 pm Lunch: 1/4 c. fresh fruit, 1/4 c. baked beans, 2 deviled eggs, a couple bites of sloppy joe meat.   5:30 pm Supper: 1 hotdog no bun, 1 Activa yogurt, 2 SF chocolate pudding cups mixed with protein powder.   Water: 80 oz.   Vitamins: 1 Viactiv multi, 2 Viactiv Calciums.   Goal: Try not to eat any sweets tomorrow or Monday! I have a feeling I'll be down another pound by tomorrow. Hope so!!
KariK

KariK

1
mferra's Journal
 

He's aboard!!

DH is feeling better about me having LB surgery. He took the time off of work and said that he wants to be there for me. So, surgery is paid in full and airline tickets were a bargain $49 each way to San Diego!! I had a voucher for $420 with Southwest Airlines and only used up half of it. I will save the rest of my voucher for when I have to get my first fill.   I have not started the pre-op diet yet but have been cutting back a little. I will start on the 25th and will have to keep myself very busy and away from the kitchen because I tend to migrate to food when I am at home.   On a real personal note, I have not wanted to go anywhere, except church, because I feel so embarrassed of my weight. When I was in my 20's early 30's I was overweight by 30-40 lbs. but people would say how beautiful I was. I hated it because I felt the pressure to keep up with that label. Why do I even care? God loves me. My husband loves me. And, my children love me any way I look!   I know that I am depressed because I would rather stay at home with no make up, hair not "done" and in comfortable (ugly) clothes than go out with my husband anywhere. Not that he is ashamed ... I am!   I would love to have a trendy, small sized wardrobe and be able to go in at any time and wear anything and know that it is going to look and fit great. No more wearing black all the time to make myself look slimmer! The ultimate would be to wear jeans and look great! I love jeans but have only worn them a couple times in the adult life.   I am going to name my band "Freedom". Not that it will give me the freedom to eat anything and everything but that it will give me the freedom from my volume eating addiction.   12 days until Freedom!
mferra

mferra

1
avilla's Journal
 

Just Waiting

I am just sitting back waiting for my weekly formal weigh in tomorrow morning...Of course my scales are different from the ones that I use at work in the breakroom, so I am not even going to speculate what it might be...I would be happy with anything around 2 pounds and extatic with anything over that...I knew that with the lapband the weight would be coming off slowly but I had no clue it would be this slow and this hard...I was even regreting getting the lapband earlier and thinking I should have gone for the more drastic surgerys then I visited the memorial page again for my sugeon and remembered why I had so much against it...I will just have to do my time and just remember its suppose to come off slow and healthy...Plus I really havent been that good this week but I cant always be good...But atleast when I do eat its bad its very very little...I have had a couple diet cherry vanilla dr peppers this week...Of course, no calories but I cant finish the entire can cuz it starts to feel terrible but it sure tastes good a little at a time...So, I am waiting for morning when I get to work to see what I have actually lost...Maybe even back to my 26.5 lbs I guess but I want more than that...I want another fill, but I need to wait atleast a month or so before I can ask my dr for that so I have the time behind me showing that Im not losing....So, long story short, I am hoping for more than 26.5 lbs and will update my journal in the morning right after my weigh in...Dang band is going to be the death of me!!
avilla

avilla

1
kutia's Journal
 

2 weeks post-op

It is my official weigh-in day. So here's my new ticker... I made it to my first mini goal. :clap2: :clap2: I ordered my ipod this morning. Yippee!!! I also graduated to mushies this morning. I was never so happy to eat a smushed potato. I could only eat about half of it though. This is the list of what I'm allowed to eat now: In addition to the clear and full liquids, you may have the following: Cream of Wheat Oatmeal/Grits Scrambled eggs Mashed potatoes and gravy Refried beans Queso Yogurt Pudding Applesauce Cottage cheese (small curd)
kutia

kutia

1
faybie's Journal
 

12 days pre-op

I have been on the low/no carb diet that Dr. Spivak requires. I have decided after reading the forum that I am going to go straight liquids one week pre-op, so that is in 5 days.   I am visiting restaurants that I will miss on my one month post op mushy diet. I am practicing my new eating style to get myself mentally prepared. I put my fork or spoon down between each bite.   Just eating low carb style, my appetite has greatly reduced and things are tasting too salty and spicy. The salad at Niko Niko's yesterday was terribly salty, however my SIL said it tasted normal to her.   I am very excited, nervous and anxious to begin my journey in band land. :nervous   I feel that I will lose the weight very quickly. I have never had a problem with dieting. The problem I have is maintaining and keeping it off. So I am a Yo-Yo overweight person.
faybie

faybie

1
Ali's Musings and Meanderings...
 

and today?

I'm feeling better today. My knee still aches but I did my walking ...slowly! I feel bad in general now if I don t walk and that from someone who hated walking LOL I went for a walk outside this morning and then did the treadmill this afternoon. I ate carefully today...yog and protein drink so far and we are celebrating hubby's mum's name day today so I will eat some chicken or pork tonight when we go upstairs. It's been a looooooooooooooong time since I lost it like that. TOM brings mood swings for me and Im resigned to them and just get on wioth it but TOM is well over a week away so not that! Anyway it left as quick as it came so onwards and upwards...well downwards better....ummmm
A1ikou

A1ikou

2
KariK's Journal
 

Daily Food Journal

9:00 am Breakfast: Atkins shake + One scoop choc. unjury   1:00 pm Lunch: Activa yogurt, small chicken breast, 1/2 cup mashed potatoes. (a microwave meal, I know its not the healthiest but it ended up being a 300 calorie lunch and was quick!!)   4:00 pm Snack: 1/2 an Atkins shake.   6:00 pm Supper: 3/4 cup Mom's chicken wildrice soup, 1/4 cup sloppy joe meat, 1 slice of tomato.   Vitamins: 1 Viactiv multi, 2 Viactiv Calciums   Water: 80 oz.   Goal: Try not to eat any sweets over the weekend other than SF pudding.
KariK

KariK

1
SunshineGirl2's Journal
 

SummerTime but still no Bikini

Not that this body would ever be in one anyhow. There is nothing like buying new clothes to make you feel great. I've reach a point where I've cleaned out the closets and got rid of clothes that were OH so BIG on ME!!!:clap2: And going to the store and buying smaller sizes. I started out a 24-26. I just never really looked at myself as being as BIG as I was--talk about a eye opener. I'm down to a 18 now and the weight loss is also coming off, still slow but I've come to live with it. Started going more to the gym more and really fill great about myself when I get everything done that I want to do and still the inches if not so much the pounds melting away. There is nothing like that feeling (much better than eathing that is for sure). My husbands family haven't seen me since the end of the year and we have a big family get together coming up at the end of July. What a surprise I was to them all. We had such a great time. Until the Fri night before the NY family was leaving I came down with some upper gastric pain. I had been eating still sm amts but of food that I don't normaly eat so I thought that was the problem. It lasted for 2 days and by Sun I was back to my old self. (note to myself stay away from those kind of foods) We were leaving on Mon to make the 5 hour drive back home when BAM it came back again. I didn't tell anyone because it would just make the ride home harder for me to be asked all the time "How do you fee" etc. So after driving for 5 hours we got home then I told David what was up. Went on the lap band web site to see if it could happen to be slipped band. Then put a call into Dr. Bass. He felt it was due to being too full and wanted me in his office in the morning. Well by 1a I was climbing the wall is hurt so much so off the to ER and 14 hours later with many test's done I was going to have Gall Bladder surg. It was HUGE so I couldn't have it done lapie so 16 staples later I'm home for the next 6 weeks recovery. Dr. Bass had to do another unfill for me. Thanks to not having much of apetitie. I've lost another 9.5lbs witch bring my total to 66.5 lbs gone since I started this journey back in Sept. I only have another 5.5 lbs to go to be under 200 lbs. Which is something I havent been in over 21 years.
SunshineGirl2

SunshineGirl2

3
SunshineGirl2's Journal
 

It's a New Year-2006

Even with the slow weight loss I never had felt better. One of the best decission I ever made was having this band and have NO REGRETS!!! It just hitting those plato's that make it hard for me. So after our 25th Anniversary trip to St. Aug. and WDW, David and I decided to join WW. Now WW doesn't taken to kindly to Gastric pt. So I decided to keep my mouth shut on that little secret. I have to say it has helped alot. We both really like going to the meeting. We have the best speaker ever which I think really can make or break a meeting. It still hard at times when we go out to eat and I see all this really great food going by me. But over time I haven't let it bother me as much anymore. David and I have a weekly date when we go to WW then out to Sweet Tomato's for dinner after. I 've done really well on WW and starting to get alot of WOW your'e looking Good comments:D
SunshineGirl2

SunshineGirl2

1
SunshineGirl2's Journal
 

Home and Recovering Time

I had alot of discomfort around my port. All I did was go from the bed, bathroom, computer for the first few days. But each day was easier and easier. I took 3 weeks off from work. I'm a sec. in the Labor Room, so they felt I didn't need anymore time than that. Well, let me tell you I work 4 12 shifts with alot of up and down during those 12 hours. I was in so much discomfort that first week. But by the 4th week I was back to the normal and on the road to lossing. I didn't get my first fill until something in Oct. didn't feel much of a difference and weight loss was slow. Got a 2nd fill 4 weeks latter and a 3rd fill in Dec. Still a low weight loss. Thought I would have lost alot more by the time Dec. had rolled around but hey 20lbs gone is better than gain. Well I must have gotten a piece of steak stuck so off to Dr. Bass's to have a unfill. Not too HAPPY about it at all.:angry And of course what did I do but gain 2lbs when I went back for another fill.
SunshineGirl2

SunshineGirl2

1
SunshineGirl2's Journal
 

After Surg.

After staying afew hours in rec. rm I was trans to a pvt suite (Dr. Bass and his partner has them for there Gastric Pt.) around 7:30p that night. It was very nice being by myself. Didn't feel all that great from the anesth. that is for sure. They got me out of bed so I could use the rest room (talk about rubber knee's). I was told that I would be getting a clear liquid diet (hear we go again LIQUIDS) But what did they bring me but a Reg. Gastric diet (chicken, veg, coffee and dessert) UGH!!!:eek: David tried to tell them that I was only to have liquids and the Nurse repiled this is what your Dr. ordered. David said you call Dr. Bass and get the right order. So by Mn. I was up in a chair sipping on soup, jello and Ice tea. It felt like a 4**** food at that point. After all of this David didn't feel it was safe to leave me alone so he spent the night with me. We told Dr. Bass what happen and he was not a very HAPPY CAMPER with the staff. Went home that after noon and started my road to recovery. I something couldn't believe that I was now a LAP BANDER!!!:clap2:
SunshineGirl2

SunshineGirl2

1
SunshineGirl2's Journal
 

Liquid Phase before Surg.

Well this wasn't the easiest but it was a job that I had to get through. But get through I did:clap2: . It now surg. day Sept 9th, 2005. My case was sch. for 2pm so I got to the hospital around 11am to get the Iv and the rest of the paper work taken care of. Then I get told that Dr. Bass had not been aware of a case sch. before me:mad: which means that I've been pushed back another hour. Do they happen to know how uncomfortable those stretchers happen to be for my butt. Soon enough I'm off to night-night land and rolling into the OR. Now my husband David happen to work in the OR so it was nice to have him help me on the table and hold my hand (even if I didn't know he was there) until it was time for him to leave. Woke up in the Rec. Rm. sore but very HAPPY that it was all over. Dr. Bass said all went well.
SunshineGirl2

SunshineGirl2

1
SunshineGirl2's Journal
 

Now for all the rest

Well it took several months to get all my dr's. appt. for med clearence and all the evaluations taken care of. I had made the decission not to tell most of my co-workers:kiss because they can be such a bunch of bitches at times. Some of them gave one of my co-workers such a hard time because they felt like she wasn't losing like she should:omg: and who died and made them the experts. Alot of them could loss some weight themselfs. Of course I did have to tell my boss who was very supportive of this since she happens to be a by-pass gal herself and respected my decission of not telling everyone. I was really hoping to get this taken care of in July but it took until Sept until all the paper work was completed. Including dealing with the hospital declining me. But I fought back and WON:clap2: So I was all set for Sept 9th, 2005 when what happens I get a call the week before from the Drs. office asking if I would like to be done a week earlier. :faint: AH NO, I already have my whole life in order here with taking time off of work. I thought how unfair that they think people can just up an change because he wants to go take a class. I asked if this class would help in anyway to do a better job on my lap band and they said no, so I said SORRY can't change
SunshineGirl2

SunshineGirl2

1
SunshineGirl2's Journal
 

It all stared in May 2005

After coming back from a trip to Lake Taho for spring break and seeing how "FAT" I looked in all the pictures. I new I need to take a BIG step in doing something about this. Two of my co-workers had the bad done, 1 in Feb and the other in April. After seeing all the great results they have had in such a short time. I felt this was something I should look into. After muling this over and over I told my husband David that this was something I wanted to do. He at first was shocked since I always felt it was the lazy way out, but understood that I had changed my mine and gave me all the support I needed to get thur this. Went to a Gastric Support Group given at the hospital that I worked at. Got on line a read up on the lap band and felt it was the best choice for me. Made the appt. with Dr. Bass and also felt it was the best choice for my body time.
SunshineGirl2

SunshineGirl2

1
Goannabanda's Journal
 

I have my date!!!! 48 days to go!

I went back to see Dr Lim today, for the results of my echo. He said that my heart murmur is caused by noisy blood ("turbulent flow"), and is nothing to do with faulty valves or heart disease. That's a relief.   It's also nice to know that my blood fats, cholesterol, blood sugars etc are within mormal ranges. Guess that suggests that our family diet is fair (apart form my portions being too BIG!) LOL!!! I just worry too much...   Sooooooo: I am good to go. In 48 days.   Karen from ESV said I could have surgery on Aug 29th (Tues), Oct 5th (Thurs) or Oct 9th (Mon). Pity there was nothing available in mid-Sept as I had hoped, because August date is too close (only 2 weeks away!!) and would be bery stressful and inconvenient, with Mike and both sets of parents all away during that week. Plus it would be a juggle for work days, and I'd only be 2 weeks post-op when we go to the snow. Pre-op diet would also be challenging, with the large number of parties we have in the calendar this month!   At first, the Oct dates seemed a bit too far out, however, on balance, Oct 5th is the best, as it fits in the best with everyone's work, holiday and social schedules. It's far enough before Christmas season so I can relax that I'll not be in recovery mode during the festive rush. Plus, we can keep our calendar free where we need to, so as not to put undue pressure on pre- and post-op diet etc. It also gives us all five weeks to prepare - spiritually, mentally, physically, and financially...   I plan to start pre-op preparation as soon as the Optifast arrives. Here's the strategy for the 5 weeks I have pre-op: 3 weeks - 2 meals Optifast, normal dinner
2 weeks - full pre-op Optifast In the next five weeks, I also need to: pray and to prepare my road to recovery and success with the Lord's help,
organise for annual leave during post-op week,
reduce credit card down to zero, so the hospital bills can go straight onto it,
clean out and restock the pantry and freezer,
plan post-op diet for recovery weeks - for myself and family,
rearrange and recommit to my exercise and fitness schedules,
renew gym membership (due to expire on 25th Sept)
update my workout plan with the gym (update the current long plan to suit our home equipment, and add various short routines to target different areas - abs, arms, butt, legs etc),
finalise as many large work projects as possible,
finish the spring-time gardening jobs,
buy post-op presents for Mike & James,
let Paul know dietary needs for the wedding,
plan one or two post-op outings - both child free recovery days and special family days. *********************STOP PRESS************************* Wow - a Truly amazing day - my Dad called (they are in Carnarvon today) to say that the has got a redundancy package from his work, and therefore will be retired within a week of them coming home from their trip - by Friday October 6th (day after my banding!)!!! Hip Hip Hooray!!! It's exactly how we've all hoped and prayed his retirement would be for him for years. After all his years working there, he deserves to go out with the bonus of a redundancy package. With Dad retiring, and me getting banded - that WILL be a notable week in our family's life!   Mike & I will organise a surprise retirement party for him - late October looks good for that at this stage. That will give us something very happy to look forward to - and something to distract us from the banding and the adjustments it will bring. Ooooh goody, a party!! Even better - a free DAD!!!
Goannabanda

Goannabanda

1
KariK's Journal
 

Daily Food Journal

8:00 am Breakfast: Atkins shake mixed w/one scoop unjury   12:00 pm Lunch: 2 bites of taco meat, SF chocolate pudding (couldn't eat felt restricted)   6:30 pm Supper: Riblets bbq'd about 1/4 cup meat total, 1/2 cup mashed potatoes.   8:00 pm Snack: Broke my rule! But I was on a date which only happens every few months so... whatever! lol I ate chocolate - lots of it lol.   Water: 60 oz.   Vitamins: 1 Viactiv Multi, 1 Viactiv Calcium.   Goal: Eat healthier tomorrow. Bake a chicken pot pie!!
KariK

KariK

1

PatchAid Vitamin Patches

Bariatric Forums

For Patients

Health Professionals

Search Surgeons

Bariatric Surgeons: Want to research a weight loss surgery surgeon? Enter their last name below to start!

×