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Jim1967's Blog
 

Finally a moment of self awareness....

Had a fantastic weekend but as usual my only wish was it didn't fly by so fast. I was in my friends wedding this weekend. Probably for the first time in many years I felt really good about myself. I felt I looked decent and I was confident. I am so thankful to my new best friend of 15 months (My band).   It is truly amazing what proper fitting clothes can do for your psyche. Even standing outside decked out in a tux with it being 95 with a heat index of 105 I was quite content. 15 months ago I would not even have been able to stood long enough to be in this Wedding and finding an actual tux that would fit would've been a tremendous challenge.       This first pic was taken with my IPhone which obviously has a dirty lens.              
Jim1967

Jim1967

10
Kime-lou's Blog
 

Pain in the Gut!

Saturday I went to my sweet little 3 year old neices b-day party. George D. Band allowed me to eat a hamburger, which was very yummy. That night on the way home (1.5 hr drive) I called to see what the hub wanted to do for dinner, since I was getting home late, I wasn't in the mood for cooking. He said come home get me and we will go out. He wanted to go to our place, On the Border, a mexi resturant that we went on our first date at. We both love mexi/southwest food, so it was always a fav. I hadn't been there but once since surgery, so wasn't really sure what to think.   We order southwest tacos. While it comes with the sides of refried beans and mexi rice, I didn't eat those- no room. I ate two of the three tacos they brought and didn't want anything else. The hubs ate my remaining taco. By the time I got to the car my tummy was screaming. It wasn't a pain of being stuck- it was a presure pain. I've never had that pain since being banded. It felt like my tummy was blowed up like a balloon. I got home, went potty, no relief. I laid and belly ached for a while, it took about an hour for the pressure/pain to subside.   I have no idea what caused that- but it was no fun. I worry that the pain/pressure whatever it was could have caused a problem with my band. Since Saturday night I have had no problems. Typically morning tightness, the remainder of the day normal yesterday. I seem to have slight indigestion this morning, not sure what that is from. My breakfast was greek yogurt with a sprinkle of granola.   On the weight side of things- I contiue to weigh in daily- my weight each day bounces between 187.5 and 189.5 in the morning. I so wish it would drop lower, but I know stress effects weight and I have had my fair share of that of late.   Thankfully, my hubs told me this weekend that I he thinks I look awesome and he is very happy with it that I feel great to him. He said he doesn't want an anerexic chick, in his words I still have a little chusion for the pushin- LOL. I am titering between a size 12 and 14 size pant and large shirts. Some large shirts are to big depending on cut. Some pants that were a little snug a month ago are loose now, so I must be firming in places, even though the weight isn't moving.   Just praying today that George D Band is happy and healthy.
Kime-lou

Kime-lou

0
magsinaz's Blog
 

Afraid to do something wrong...

Well, today has been a day or worry for me....I worry I am going to do something to make the band slip, port move...etc. It's hard not to use your stomach muscles at all! I sleep on my side and I worry about that. I just don't want to mess anything up! I hope this goes away but it seems people have problems even after having the band in for a long time without. AAArrrgghhhhh!
magsinaz

magsinaz

2
LifetimeLoser's Blog
 

Mishaps in the past 6 months

In 3 days I will reach my 6 month post op...well...24 weeks post op depending on how you calculate post op weeks...technically I guess my 6 month post op would be on July 30th. Well, you get the idea. I calculate by weeks and not actual months.It   I wanted to take the time to talk about the "complications" I have had. These were my personal struggles. These issues were not serious, but I never talked about them and I figure it might help someone out there going through the same thing.   My first issue was I had difficulty reaching above 600 calories in the first couple of months which slowed down my weight loss. I was never hungry and attribute a lot of that to the fact that I was barely getting any carbs. A high protein/low carb diet creates feelings of fullness because of ketosis. I eventually upped my calories by adding in a little bit more carbs and higher fat food like avocados.   My second issue developed when I went on vacation a few months ago. So I guess I was about 4 months post op. I started to have this tightness in my chest everytime I ate something. It started as only a little pain with very dense foods. Over the course of a week it became worse. Anything I drank or ate caused a sharp pain in my chest and esophagus area. It felt as if something was getting stuck there. It was very painful. Even liquids started to hurt. This pain slowly over the course of the week moved from my chest area down to my intestinal area. I was away from home at the time and had a check in appointment with my surgeon the day I got back from my vacation so I didn't go to the er or urgent care...although the pain was bad enough where I thought about it. When I got home, the surgeon found absolutely nothing wrong with me. I would say it took about 2 weeks, but the pain did eventually go away. What I concluded by looking on the internet and what I was feeling was that I possibly had a twisted intestine. That is what it felt like to me...like it started off with maybe a dense food being stuck in my esophagus area which caused me to eat barely anything. Maybe because my intestine was so empty...it was easier to twist...It literally felt like there was a kink down there and when the food would try to pass it was painful...I could feel the exact moment it was moving through that painful area. I guess it does happen and it just has to work itself out. I don't know what caused it, but I do know that it did pass.   My 3rd issue is diarrhea. It has only happened a couple of times so it took me awhile to realize what was causing it. It seems every time I eat/drink something easily digestable with a high sugar content such as a milk shake...it causes cramps, a general feeling of sickness, and almost immediate diarrhea. My conclusion is I think my digestion is working over time??? I have read some posts about other people going through the same thing. Some have had to have his or her gall bladder removed. I just think I will stay away from things such as milk shakes.   I hope this helps someone out there. All in all, I have had a few things that weren't perfect, but nothing serious. It all worked itself out eventually.
LifetimeLoser

LifetimeLoser

6
Everything you wanted to know about VSG and then some
 

What is a bougie and how does it affect my success?

A bougie is guide that is used to help the surgeon size your new stomach. Once you are under sedation, the bougie is passed down your throat and into your stomach. The surgeon cuts your stomach around the bougie. Typically, surgeons now use between a 32 and 40. The smaller the number, the smaller the guide's circumference. Early out, surgeons used bougies as large as 70.   There is a huge amount of controversy about bougie sizes. But bougie size is not the only factor in determining how large you stomach will be. Some surgeons oversew the staple line. Some cut closer to the bougie. Some people have longer stomachs. All these factors affect how much smaller your stomach is.   And your stomach size is not the only factor in your success. How compliant you are with your program and how resistant your body is to losing weight are important aspects to consider as well.   The pic I've included of bougie sizes is one that periodically makes the rounds on this board and others.     If you want more details on bougie size and it's effect on your success, read Carmelita's blog entry on this over on Obesity Help: http://www.obesityhe.../2011/03/31/-2/   Lynda
lsereno

lsereno

5
Everything you wanted to know about VSG and then some
 

Bariatric Program Guides

If your WLS program provided a guide, I suggest you use that. But many people do not receive a program guide when they have WLS. If you fall in that boat, here are some links to guides that I have saved from this forum over the years. If you have any to add, post a comment with a link.   Kaiser Fremont Bariatric Program Guide (this is my program's guide and it covers VSG and other WLS) http://mydoctor.kais...rics/binder.jsp   The Cornell Weight Loss Surgery Program: Dietary Guidelines for Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy http://www.cornellwe...gastrectomy.pdf   Institute for Advanced Bariatric Surgery: Preparatory Surgery Guide http://www.laplose.c...urgeryGuide.pdf   Institute for Advanced Bariatric Surgery: Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery Diet Guide http://www.laplose.c...veDietGuide.pdf   Northwest Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery: Laproscopic Gastric Sleeve Diet http://www.northwest...ectomy-diet.pdf   Ellis Medicine Program Guide http://www.ellishosp...pGuidelines.pdf   Here are some additional guides posted by Misty (read her post here: http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/85182-list-of-vsg-post-op-diets-from-surgeons/)       Auckland Weight Loss Surgery (New Zealand) - Patient Information Book Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy http://aucklandweightlosssurgery.co.nz/downloads/Laparoscopic%20Sleeve%20Gastrectomy.pdf   Brigham and Women's Hospital - Dietary Guidelines for Sleeve Gastrectomy http://www.brighamandwomens.org/Departments_and_Services/surgery/services/generalsurg/WeightLossSurgery/PostOpSleeveGastrectomyDiet.pdf   Columbia University - Sleeve Gastrectomy Discharge Instructions http://obesitymd.org/postop_sleeve.html   Goodnight Surgical – The Sleeve Gastectromy Guide (PDF) http://goodnightsurgical.com/doc/Sleeve_Gastrectomy_Guide.pdf   HealthPoint (New Zealand) - The Sleeve Gastectromy Information for Patients (PDF,Must be downloaded, can’t be viewed online) http://www.healthpoint.co.nz/download,267405.do   Johns Hopkins - Vitamin and Mineral Supplement Guide http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/johns_hopkins_bayview/_docs/medical_services/bariatrics/nutrition_sleeve.pdf   London Bariatric Group (UK) – A guide to eating and drinking after Sleeve Gastectromy http://www.laparoscopicconsultant.co.uk/pdf/post-op-sleeve-gastrectomy.pdf   London Obesity Clinic (UK) - Eating after Sleeve Gastectromy http://www.obesitycliniclondon.co.uk/pdf/eating-after-sleeve-gastrectomy.pdf   Miami HOPE Center - Patient Education Booklet Sleeve Gastectromy http://www.miamihope.com/docs/Patient_Educational_Booklet_Sleeve_Gastrectomy.pdf   Murfressboro Surgical Specialists - Dietary Guidelines Post-Op Sleeve Gastectromy Procedure http://www.murfsurg.com/dietary_guidelines_sleeve_gastrectomy.htm   North London Obesity Surgery Services (UK) - Eating After A Sleeve Gastrectomy http://www.whittington.nhs.uk/document.ashx?id=1948   Northwest Obesity Center – Laparoscopic Gastric Sleeve Diet http://www.northwestobesitysurgery.com/pdf/sleeve-gastrectomy-diet.pdf   Peachtree Bariatrics – Gastric Sleeve Patient Manual Guide http://www.peachtreebariatrics.com/docs/Gastric-Sleeve-Patient-Manual.pdf   Pinnacle Health (Australia) - Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery Patient Manual (Word Doc, must be downloaded, cannot be read online) http://www.pinnaclehealth.org/pinnacle/media/Images/Sleeve-Gastrectomy-Patient-Manual.doc   St. George Obesity Surgery (Australia) - Sleeve Gastrectomy Pre and Post Operative Information for Patients http://www.stgeorgeobesitysurgery.com.au/pdf/sleeve-gastrectomy-booklet.pdf   St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton (Canada) – Bariatric Surgery Guidebook http://www.stjoes.ca/media/PatientED/U-Z/PD%206000%20Bariatric%20Surgery%20-%20Gastric%20Bypass%20February%2029%202012.pdf   University of Missouri - Guidelines Before & After Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy http://www.muhealth.org/documents/bariatric/Bariatric%20Booklet%20VSG.pdf   Upper Gastro Intestinal Surgery (Dr. Talbot, Australia) - Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy for Weight Loss http://www.uppergisurgery.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/sleeve-2011.pdf   Virginia Hospital Center - Your Complete Guide for Nutrition and Exercise Following Sleeve Gastrectomy http://www.surgicalassociatesvhc.com/Nutrition-and-Exercise-following-Sleeve-Gastrectomy-82011.pdf   Walter Reed - Nutritional Guidelines Handbook http://www.wrnmmc.capmed.mil/Health%20Services/Surgery/Surgery/Bariatric%20Surgery/Shared%20Documents/Nutr%20Guidelines%20Section%20Handbook.pdf   Walter Reed – Nutrition for Bariatric Surgery Presentation http://www.wrnmmc.capmed.mil/Health%20Services/Surgery/Surgery/Bariatric%20Surgery/Shared%20Documents/Nutrition%20for%20Bariatric%20Surgery%20Presentation.pdf
lsereno

lsereno

3
Everything you wanted to know about VSG and then some
 

Hello World!

After more than two years post-op and almost three years on this board, I've decided to create a blog. I never made one before because I didn't want the responsibility of keeping up with new entries and dreaming up fresh and exciting content to share. But I've come to recognize that blogs, even when they are abandoned, can provide a permanent link to some great information. So, I'm going to use my blog to answer questions that I see come up over and over in the online VSG community. I'll put each topic in a separate entry so they are easy to link to.   A bit about me: I'm a retired techie. I wrote techincal documentation for end-users, administrators, and programmers. I also worked on websites and UI design. After retiring, one of my projects was getting healthy. After years of trying to lose weight including a stint with Weight Watchers in person, Weight Watchers online, hiring a personal trainer, hypnosis, and a brief fling with Alli, I decided to try weight loss surgery. At first, I wanted the band. After learning more about it, I decided on the sleeve.   I had VSG through Kaiser Fremont in May 2011. I got to my personal goal in March 2012. I've been staying there since.   I hope you find the information I provide useful.   Lynda
lsereno

lsereno

8
My journey
 

Day 13

I'm still fine! And I'm down 10 pounds!   Bad news? My appetite has come back. But I'm keeping it in check. It's been about 2 weeks since I've had anything sweet or starchy, and I am shocked to find that I'm not having any major cravings. Yes, when I watch tv and see food commercials, things look good, and I'd love to have them, but those are the only times! Once I start with those kinds of foods, I just can't stop, so I'm happy for now.   I am eating about 800 - 1,000 calories a day. I have protein shakes blended with a banana and yogurt, cream soups, and runny mashed potatoes. Something delicious I discovered from reading the boards on here is peanut butter mixed with greek yogurt - I don't even like peanut butter that much, but that combination is really good and really high in protein. So that is what I have for "dessert" sometimes because I'm getting a little sick of sugar free popsicles! One more week of this kind of diet and then I will start adding "soft" real foods - like scrambled eggs! Hooray!   I am still in a bit of pain, but it is more "sore" than "painful". All of my stitches look good and the little tape over them is still holding strong. I really want to feel around and see if I can feel my port, but I'm too scared! The idea that there is a little port inside of me where a needle can insert fluid is sooooo creepy to me, but I try not to think of it!   I go to the doctor's next week for a check-up, and I'm sure he'll say that everything is A-OK so far. One thing I don't want right now is a fill. I know that I am not one of those lucky people who never need one because I'm so hungry and have to eat every 3 hours or so. I don't want anyone touching my stomach right now, even the physician's assistant doing the fill, so I will wait as long as I can.   I went for a mile walk yesterday, which is the longest one since surgery. I totally thought I'd be tearing it up at the gym everyday by now, but I'm just not feeling it. My incisions hurt when my stomach moves, and I often hold my stomach when I move to lessen the pain. I might try walking on the treadmill today for 20 minutes or so at a slow pace. But I'm worried people will judge me for being at the gym for such a short amount of time. I wish I could say "Oh, eff what other people think!", which is the advice I would give someone who told me that, but I just can't!! I worry what people think of me. I just can't help it! Maybe I'll go to the gym during dinner time, which is a slow time (especially in summer). I really want to set up a routine of getting back to the gym, even if I do start at a snail's pace.   Hooray me .... I'm actually doing this!!
colorado_chick

colorado_chick

1
I'll make my own luck
 

12 weeks post op update..

Post-op life has been incredible so far. Even when I was in the hospital right after surgery, I was so positive. I was so thankful to the nurses, doctors and hospital staff - and I told them so endlessly - that many of them told me that I was the sweetest patient they'd had in a long time. Why? Because I was so thankful to be alive, to be doing okay (in pain, but no complications), to have them helping me, to know that IT WAS DONE... I just couldn't help but want to thank each of them so much for being there to help me through the hardest part (first few days post op). It was wonderful. Through all the pain and discomfort, I was guided by the idea that this is exactly what I wanted. I was exactly where I wanted to be. It was only gonna get BETTER from there.   And it has. SO MUCH!!!!   So, last Thursday was my 12 weeks post op.   My stats: High weight: 459 Surgery date: 417 Today: 370.   In 11 more lbs, I'll be at 100lbs down. And my high weight is from November 2012, so in LESS THAN A YEAR (cuz I know 11lbs will be coming off soon) I will have lost 100lbs.   This surgery is my miracle. And I am an agnostic cynic who doesn't really believe in miracles.   At my highest weight, it was impossible for me to have any sense of fashion or feeling cute in clothes. All my pants had to be ordered online and were usually somewhat ill-fitting. Almost all my clothes were bought from catalogs because plus size store tops were just too snug, even in the highest size. About 6 yrs ago was the last time I was able to buy pants at a store. Tops were okay, but jeans/pants were too small. Well, now just about everything I have is way too big. So, I started pulling clothes out of "the archives" a few weeks ago. I had held on to some of my nicer work clothes from Lane Bryant from about 5-6 yrs ago when I could still fit in them. Now, even those are all getting too big. The smallest size I remember being in my adult life is 26/28 and 12 weeks post op IT'S TOO BIG. I still find it so hard to believe!   Well, I went clothes shopping this weekend. I waltzed into the Lane Bryant outlet and grabbed a pair of 28 jeans thinking "I'm sure all my old clothes are stretched out/worn in. So we'll see just how much more I have to lose before these brand new ones will fit", guessing that I'd get them pulled up but would have trouble buttoning them.   Wrong. More like "Um, Miss, can you get me a 26?" A 26!!!!!   And yes, I realize this is still big. I have a long way to go still, but just the idea of buying something in a store - something smaller than I would have bought even 5 years ago - it blows my mind!!! I got a bunch of cute tops in size 22/24 - and by the end of summer THOSE will be too big because they are already just a tiny bit big in the shoulder area.   Anyway, aside from the clothes shopping (which I always LOVED back when I could actually shop in stores, so it kinda made me giddy to be able to do it again!) - I also have some NSVs.   I've started parking on the 3rd floor in the parking garage at work. I was on the 2nd and would take the stairs every day. There are 5 floors, so I want to work my way up. Not sure how long it will take, but I just want to be able to do it!   I can cross my legs at the knee. My thighs are still so huge (UGH), but small enough that I can cross my legs, and I was NEVER really able to do that comfortably in my LIFE.   I moved my seat up in my car about 2 inches. Never thought that would be something I'd have to do because I'm almost 6 ft tall, but without my gut (well, with LESS of a gut) I felt a mile away from the steering wheel!   I no longer fear any chair. Sometimes arms with chairs were just too tight and I couldn't sit in them. Now, I don't have that problem. Next challenge - sitting in a booth at a restaurant!   this last one may sound snarky - but I have an overweight friend who's been acting a lil jealous of me lately because my weight loss is getting noticeable. I'm REALLLY close (if not already there, really), to being smaller than her. I've ALWAYS been the biggest friend. Always. I know that may sound petty - but I am just so sick of being the fattest person in my family, at work, in the store, of my friends - I have always been the fattest person... and now - I'm not! however that comes across, there is something about that fact that makes me proud of what I've accomplished!   And last but not least - I met a guy. He's a really good one, too - so far. I haven't shared all my secrets with him or anything, it's still really new. But I do thoroughly enjoy him and want to see where this could go. It's got some potential! I haven't had the confidence to date in YEARS, and I go on this one blind date and am lucky enough to meet a really great guy. Another miracle? I dunno. Maybe I've been overdue for some miracles in my life! lol   Anyway, that's about all I got to share at this point. Hope everyone else is doing well out there, too! <3 <3
makemyownluck

makemyownluck

4
LadyDiva618's Blog
 

Dare I say.....

Dare I say that I had a pancake this morning? What! Really? Yep I sho did. It's funny because I really don't eat pancakes and I really don't eat breakfast either. But this morning I woke up hungry. So I ate. So how are me and my band doing? 15 mins has passed and we are doing great. I just chew chew chew chew and chew! Did I mention that I chewed? But just in case my band changes it mind later. Please feel free to add tips for me if I get a stuck episode I also have my papaya extract on standby. Dare I say that I did not go to church this morning because it’s raining outside. So I watched church online. Dare I say that I am planning on going over my calorie intake today by 500 calories. Why because I am going to a concert tonight to see my friends band play. Dare I say that I am going to Hooters with my friends before the concert and I am planning on having some fried pickles and buffalo shrimp. Dare I say that I am going to have me another beer tonight. What! Yep I am going to enjoy me a beer I am going to let it sit for a couple of mins and enjoy it. Dare I say that within the next hour I will burn off additional 600 calories. Why? Please see above Dare I say that I am going to have a great time tonight because this is my last week in my twenties and I have to end it right! Dare I say that I am happy with my decisions that I have made above and I am glad that I am prepared! Happy Sunday Funday everyone!   Thanks for reading.
LadyDiva618

LadyDiva618

1
Patty's WLS Blog
 

Pre-Op Liquid Diet Experiment

On Tuesday I start my official pre-op liquid diet. BUT as I said, I am doing a trial run for 3 days beforehand.....and, the first day went fine. Always the planner, I figured out how many hours they should be spread over, and made a schedule as a guide   The only thing I'm doing differently today is starting at an earlier hour.....I couldn't get all the shakes in yesterday because I didn't start until 8:30, which meant I had one every 2 hours......yikes! Who'd think you could get so full! So here I am at 6:30 a.m., sipping and typing LOL   And, to get out of the heat yesterday we went bowling (how fun).....and yes, I even walked into the bowling lanes with a shake.....A few hours later, we drove by a DQ.......hubby looked like a little kid....."Hey, you want ice cream?" I told him to go ahead because it was time for another shake anyway.....Neither of us have had DQ in years.............and when he got back to the car, he offered a lick off his cone......Luckily I don't like vanilla soft serve LOL........BUT I had to give him a hard time....."Seriously, you are offering me ice cream? [yes] Honey, if this was Tuesday, would you offer me ice cream then? [no]" He had his held down as if in shame, but looking at me with a gleam in his eyes and that boyish charm of his..........I just hope he was testing me...
PGee

PGee

7
A Sleeve-enturous Odyssey!
 

I'm on The You Tubes!

Hey everybody! I just learned how to make a video with my computer and post it on "The Internet". It's very high-tech and I wouldn't want to intimidate any of you technophobes out there. I am just BLAZING into the last quarter of the 20th century!   Anyway, I will be chronicling my weight loss journey for all to see. if you'd like to check it out, I'm pretty sure my channel name is "Canary Diamond". I don't know the difference between the member name and channel name, but I'm sure you'll figure it out - you smarty pants, you! Oh, even better. Here's a link (that's short for hyper-link in technology lingo, but again, I don't want to bore you with my exhaustive knowledge of what we early adopters call the "world wide web"):   http://www.youtube.c...JUTmAKTCP8BLOwQ   Check it out, and subscribe if you like it!
Canary Diamond

Canary Diamond

2
Adrienne21's Blog
 

Day 20 with heat rashes and pain

So today I noticed I have another heat rash.. It's my underarm.. Its extremely painful but not as intense as the one under my belly and thighs. I felt like a baby was ripping through every single pore in all of the regions. lol literally burning and swelling all over the place. It is worrying me because I think I might be losing weight too fast. I mean I am still fairly new to the band. I regret letting myself get this far before I decided I needed help... weight wise. I watched some body sculpting surgeries and it honestly freaked me out. I know for sure I am going to need the following: arm lift, boob lift, corset trunkplasty, thigh lift, ankle lipo, my calves might need a little lipo, a but lift/transfer of fat to reshape my bottom. I don't think I will be able to get around having most of that done. I am still early in the game to think about it, but it is something I am going to have to face.   I am still not eating enough protein.. I know, I know... 60-80grams a day. pffff I can't even get to 600 cals still. I had half of 1/2 cup of oatmeal for breakfast. for lunch I had one salmon patty. and for dinner I had One chicken tamale(I peeled off most of the "shell".) Tomorrow I am going to the store to by my meals for the week. That way I can make healthier choices and buy more protein induced foods. Anyone tried asparagus ? I want to try it but I don't know how to cook it or how it taste. does it taste like broccoli or string beans??   I think I am still drinking too fast. I haven't puked or felt like something got stuck. I am just so damn thirsty. My job doesn't have air right now and its been 98-104 degrees. So I have been trying to sip but I know im not getting 64oz of water per day. Even my sleep is jacked up. I know that my band and I will start to work together and things will be better but for now things are not going so smooth. it could be worse, I could still be 380lbs. I can't wait to weight myself. First goal is to get to 299. It looks like I might end up losing over 100lbs in one year.. im more than half way there already and I still have five months left. I just have to keep telling myself that I am fighting for my life and that I can do this.
Adrienne21

Adrienne21

3
The Funny Side
 

Inflatable Furniture

10 POST SURGERY: I find that I am still sore. I guess I should not be surprised. No magical healing potion is available. So here is the deal. I feel okay when I stand up and move around. I feel okay when I am reclining. No exercising as of yet, I do walk around.( Hopefully, I will be cleared to exercise again after my two week follow up on the 25th of this month.) However, I find I am in the most pain when I have to seat up in a chair - or seat up in a drivers/passengers seat. Generally, I start to ache after 30 minutes are so. Not sure what is happening here, but seating up hurts my left side - where most of the incisions are. I have to lean to the right to relieve the pain. Though, leaning back and to the side while driving is supposed to be cool, exude confidence, whatever, it really doesn't help me when I am driving. (The Commercials lie!) Its also not comfortable when I make a left turn. Usually, when I come in I enjoy seating in my lawn chair in the bedroom watching TV. Yes I know that sounds like a story in and of itself. ( The short version: I was looking for an computer chair to work with my computer armoire which is closer to the floor than I expected when I bought it. After a long shopping day and no luck finding a computer chair, I went to look for new bathroom accessories at Bed, Bath, and Beyond. While waiting for my mother to finish shopping, I pulled out a lawn chair and set down. It had a head rest and it was very comfortable. I bought it on the spot. I mostly seat and watch TV and fall asleep in it.) So now that I have explained that I can move on. So I try seating in my lawn chair only to discover this is not comfortable. So I go on Amazon, which owns a fourth of my paycheck every pay period, and I look at inflatable furniture. I settle on a reclined chair and ottoman set. Today was my first day using it. It works wonders. Although, I'm afraid I'm doing more sleeping than watching TV. Somehow furniture never works out like I plan. I also use an inflatable wedge to sleep elevated at night. It too works wonderfully and is one of the pieces I have bought FOR the intended purpose of sleeping. P.S. NO I DON'T SLEEP ALL THE TIME. LOL. BUT Pre-surgery, I often had very restless nights, many times choking in my sleep. I maybe got 3 hours of rest a night. Post-Surgery and Hernia Repair, I seem to be sleeping like a baby.
tigers1998

tigers1998

1
spiritedcowgirl63's Blog
 

Monday will be my new beginning!

After 2 months of all the appointments and requirements, I am going in for my sleeve!   I have started at 223# and have lost 18# on the preop changes I have always been overweight so this journey of bringing the outside to what the inside feels will be so welcoming. I turned 50 in February and want to feel better and get off the blood pressure medicine and cholesteral. Yah for a new day!!!
spiritedcowgirl63

spiritedcowgirl63

2
SolracSpree's Blog
 

A not so good day

So here it comes, a rant. If was bound to happen and here it is. WARNING: there will be lots of negativity     Okay so today must just not be my day. I couldnt fall asleep until 5:00am. Then woke up at 8:30am from a nightmare. I was hungry and I wanted something to keep me full. So I chose 1/2cup baked beans and 1/2cup refied beans. They kept me full all of what 2 hours, normally it keeps me full longer. GREAT. So 11:00am i'm hungry again, I ignore it for an hour at noon I cant do it anymore. I have a protein drink. No joke an hour later Im doing chores and my stomach says hello again. So I saw screw it im taking a nap. I nap until 4:00pm, wake up hungry. So im thinking grits & eggs because normally they keep me full. Overcooked the egg, threw it out. Ate 3/4 cup of organic grits. It seems to be setting on my stomach just fine but who knows how long this will last. So far 618 calories and 45 grams of protein. I plan on have quiona and chicken for dinner. Which will put me right at my 1,000 calorie limit and put me at 65 - 75 grams of protein, depending on how much I can eat.   I am really discouraged right now. I am trying to look at the grand scheme of things but it is hard. I teach the rest of the year and it is a tough school. I 100% need my summer break to recover and have some fun before school sucks the life out of me again and it seems like this summer I haven't been able to do that.   One complication after another. Its 4.5 weeks out my stitch is open, i'm always hungry and I wont be able to get a fill until my stitch heals. Well judging by the looks of things that wont be for a while. So im just destined to be hungry for the rest of summer? I would eat more but im terrified of my band slipping, and even dense protein like grilled chicken keeps me full for like an hour or two. I cant exercise because my weight pulls down my stitch and makes my wound open more. It has honestly increased in size since 2 weeks ago. The doctors are not comforting. Its pretty much 1)antibiotics will heal your wound and 2)hunger is part of the game, get over it.   I think too, I dont have anyone or anything to blame. Blame myself? No its not my fault (other than being this big in the first place) Is it the docs fault, no? Its just life. There is no one to blame   Im doing to start another drawing hopefully this can ease my mind.
SolracSpree

SolracSpree

2
Healthier Journey
 

Steps away from the finish line!

Two days away and I will have crossed the finish line.   Today I have been eating SF Popsicles all day along with broth. I don't fell hungry. I just could not drink another Slimfast! I plan on having SF jello for tomorrow. I will be packing shortly. I'm so excited. I don't want to over pack. I have to drag that stuff three flights up once discharged. So light is the way to go.   Thinking of wearing a maxi dress or draw string shorts; Simple comfortable clothes. Hope it's not super hot when I'm discharged. I plan to walk the hall until my first post op visit. Then if all cleared I can do the stairs and I can walk the track.   I also wanted to take a moment to thank everyone for their kind words and thoughts as well as the great advice and feedback to all the sleevers on this site. It has been a great help.   Continued success on this journey!   Karen
kw2walker

kw2walker

4
Lauracat's Blog
 

One 5 K done 2 left two do

I taken up Obstetrical mud raceing. I Have now Done "Deity Girl " Boston found it pretty easy as my frist test goes of obstetrical training wearing a Bright Green Zumba outfit and Tutu a buch of us set out to get muddy and have fun. we also did about an hour of Zumba before we ran just to pump up the crowd.   The next Race I will do is a bit Harder it called Spartan it is also a five k it set up alot like tough mudder but with out the shocks and ice I think that going to be the hardest part for me   Then I go to Zumba convention for an amazing time and lots and lots of danceing . September 21 is the last one tn CT it called the Warrior Dash. Then October 10 is the big Day the day I do it for good. So far I made alot of progress.
Lauracat

Lauracat

1
The Funny Side
 

To Be Clogged - What I Wish I Knew about Pain Killers

IF YOU DO NOT POSSESS TOILET HUMOR OR YOU ARE RUNNING SMOOTHLY IN THIS DEPARTMENT, THAN FEEL FREE TO SKIP THIS POST! FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO ARE NEW TO THIS LIKE ME, READ ON! Usually, I have imagery for every post but I felt that the imagery was best left alone on this one. When I began my blog, I promised I would be honest in all my experiences. Ordinarily, I wouldn't talk about it, but I feel its relevant information to have. The past three days, I have been feeling more and more bloated. I figured since I am a female and close to that " monthly nightmare" this was just par for the course. I mean why on Earth would I even dream that a LapBand would solve my post menstrual crazy time and subsequent physical discomfort. So I took some 'fix it" medication and moved on. However, the pressure kept getting worse. One trip to the restroom left me feeling like I just gave birth in the wrong direction. No breathing techniques really worked mine you. So I decided that it may be time to consult the nurse. So I called the office and stated my problem. I was immediately asked about my recent restroom habits. Since I had to think about it for a minute, I already knew the answer wasn't good. She said the dreaded "c" word: constipation. First of all, this is my FIRST surgery. I just feel the need to explain my naiveté. I had no idea that taking Pain Killers would cause a Back Up in the Wrong Place. She informed me to take a laxative and probably a stool softener wouldn't hurt. Although, I am new to surgery, I am not new to constipation. I am well aware that laxatives don't usually work quickly when it comes to me, often having to wait 48 to72 hours before I see results. So in my infinite wisdom I took two of each once a day (laxative and stool softener) for two days straight. Well, I did get results. Better than I expected actually. In the end, I felt bad for the bathroom. I also lost five pounds in three days. Apparently there is some truth to being Full of It. Anyways, I am drinking plenty of fluids and resting after vigorous exercise. I feel much, much better. Moral to this story: if you are taking pain killers and you feel bloated, chances are you may be clogged. I find the regular over the counter gentle stuff works ( I hate magnesium citrate ---- if you can do without liquid laxatives, I suggest you forego them. If they don't unclog you, the taste alone will kill you.)
tigers1998

tigers1998

4
magsinaz's Blog
 

The beginning of my journey....I'm supposed to drink THAT much protein!?

I was banded on Wednesday July 17th. I was supposed to somehow get in 3 protein shakes yesterday but failed miserably. I am not hungry and the protein shakes make me nauseated just smelling them. I am trying to stay hydrated as I see this as possibly being a problem for me. I feel like I have a lump in my throat. I know this is part of the process....I just hope I am doing what I need to! Any suggestions for protein intake would be greatly appreciated!
magsinaz

magsinaz

4
Gamergirl's Blog
 

Starting two weeks of liquids today

Today, I start two weeks of liquids so that I can keep R. company for his two weeks. I've eased into it by replacing one meal with a liquid all last week, which was a week of travel. I'm really happy that I was able to stick to that even with four days on the road, long days and nights, and delayed airplanes, etc. I ate almost no sugar last week, just two oreos (oops) on the delayed flight.   I feel ready. The house is stocked with unjury chicken soup, all kinds of protein shakes, SF jello and popsicles. But most importantly, I'm not as hungry as I was before I started, thanks to easing in slowly. I want to feel in control of food, not the other way around. I'm feeling that right now.   I know the next three days will be the hardest, and I'm prepared for that. I just want to show myself that I can do this too. It doesn't hurt that I've lost 3 lbs by just that meal replacement and reduced carbs   Let's do this!
gamergirl

gamergirl

2
Gastric Sleeve Surgery - An Unexpected Journey
 

Weighing After A Poop? You Are NOT Alone! :-)

Do You Weigh After a Poop?   Started by joatsaint     joatsaint   Posted Today, 4:31 PM Is anyone as crazy as me? I jump on the scale pre and post poop to see the difference. It doesn't count on my "official" weight loss chart or anything. Or am I just being too OCD?       johnlatte     Posted Today, 4:33 PM yes, that's a bit ocd     sarahr     Posted Today, 4:37 PM I did a few times when it was umm substantial LOL Gross   But no difference. DO you see a difference? And why not count it?     katikati     Posted Today, 4:41 PM Guilty. Did it today, lost two pounds. No joke. I consider it less OCD and more of just a marvel because I'm only pooping every three days, so it's quite the event.     laura-ven     Posted Today, 4:42 PM If I did I'm not telling! But OCD runs in my family...     Kristina J.     Posted Today, 4:45 PM My husband is as fit as can be, has never had weight loss surgery and considers weighing pre and post poop one of his favorite past times! This is my prize... This is what God gave me...     VSGKirk     Posted Today, 4:47 PM I only get on a scale once a week, but when I do - definitely after a nice BM, emptying my bladder twice, stripped nekkid including removing my genital piercing... quite the ritual, but it works for me!     joatsaint     Posted Today, 4:48 PM I can always rely on you guys to make me feel soooooooooooooo much better about myself. And I don't count it because it's only temporary. I'll have another torpedo in the tube by the next day.     laura-ven     Posted Today, 5:06 PM LOL.. I see a new thread. "I'm not fat! I'm full of ****"     bunnyg33     Posted Today, 5:09 PM     VSGKirk, on March 1, 2013 - 4:47 PM, said:   I only get on a scale once a week, but when I do - definitely after a nice BM, emptying my bladder twice, stripped nekkid including removing my genital piercing... quite the ritual, but it works for me!   Sounds like my routine but I do not remove my piercings, too much work. I do take my glasses off though lol.     bethxxx     Posted Today, 5:13 PM I always weigh after a poop, I never weigh before hand to see the difference though, I just poop then weigh. I also get naked, take off my jewelry and hop on and off like 3 times, just to be sure hahah     Kristina J.     Posted Today, 5:15 PM Let's not forget that this must ALWAYS be before our shower!! We all know that a shower can add, what? 10 pounds of water weight?!?     johnlatte     Posted Today, 5:34 PM I can't even believe that I came back and read the rest of this thread.     Workingonnewme     Posted Today, 5:39 PM Lol..I do it all the time!     joatsaint     Posted Today, 5:53 PM   bunnyg33, on March 1, 2013 - 5:09 PM, said:   Sounds like my routine but I do not remove my piercings, too much work. I do take my glasses off though lol. And as we all know, glasses add 10 lbs, unless you wear those new ones with the helium filled frames. When I go into the doctor for post op weigh-ins, they ask me if I want to take my shoes off. I say no, but I do leave my cell phone in the car. That thing is heavy! TD41   Posted 48 minutes ago rofl some of the responses are hilarious... I weigh myself after a bm as well... so i am happy to know im not alone
joatsaint

joatsaint

7
SolracSpree's Blog
 

Learning a little at a time

Combining yesterday and today.     YESTERDAY: Not much to say other than I went out to eat for the first time last night. A friend of mine and my boyfriend went out to TGI Fridays. I got an appetizer plate to share with everyone for 1 variety and 2 portion. Food was great, no idea of the calories but I hadnt gone anywhere near my calories for the day. I planned what I thought was 1 cup of food but must have been 1.5 cups because I was finished and full. This got me worried because I have heard about bands slipping and all sort of stuff. I dont have a fill so no PBing or sliming. About 30 minutes later I felt fine so I dont think I overdid it took much but I am going to really have to stuff my measuring cups so I can figure out what 1 cup looks like when I can physically measure it. Or maybe I should put a measuring cup in my purse? Who knows. But after my full feeling passed I felt great. I had went out, ate awesome food (for the most part healthy) and didn't drink with my meal. WHICH I ALWAYS DID BEFORE. Baby steps I guess. I have talked to someone else on here who has told me that we dont magically become experts at this after we have the band, you have to learn along the way.     Strangest thing was after I got home I weighed in and the scale was the lowest I have seen it ever (ive stalled the past 3 weeks). Went down 2 pounds. So that was odd.     TODAY: Today uneventful except it marks 1 week until I move!!! YAY. But because of my stitches being stupid I have been given instructions to not do any lifting. This means my boyfriend and the males of my family are moving me instead ( to the 3rd floor) ::::evil grin::::   Also ate out today as well. No food in house, gotta fix that. This time was Chili's. i got the kids meal grilled chicken breast with sweet potato fries. I had 3/4 of the chicken breast and 5 fries. My boyfriend ate the rest along with his pizza. So this kept me full for 3 hours maybe? I can eat a cup of grits and it keeps me full for 5 hours. I feel like the strangest foods keep me full while others do nothing. I will be experimenting with food over the next week and see if I can find a trend.   Well good night and best wishes to my fellow bandsters.
SolracSpree

SolracSpree

1

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