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The Funny Side
 

Burrpppp!!! Ouch That Hurt. Hiccup!!!! That Hurt. Please Dont Make Me Laugh

Seven Days Post Surgery: Burping: Such a simple body function or so it used to be. Now I find that it is one of the hardest things I have to do. Hiccups are even worse. Laughing now brings me a combination of joy and pain. It is amazing how many actions involve using your stomach muscles. Even putting lotion on my feet makes my side sore. This is all part of the process I am told. Well, I say to that: BOOOOOOOOO!!!!. However, my healing body seems not to care what I think about it. I remember watching videos of hernia repairs and lap band placements. Whenever I wonder why my stomach is sore, I am reminded of how the herniated part of my stomach was not only pulled back through that opening in my diaphragm but a band was wrapped around it as well. How the overstretched opening in my diaphragm was stitched to close the gap around my esophagus. How more stitches were placed in my abdominal wall to secure the port of the band. Yes, My poor belly has been through much and I expect it to heal over night. How dare I? LOL. So I endure the burps when they come, try to avoid hiccups as much as possible (the hiccups don't happen often), and as far as laughing goes...well some things can't be help. I have laughed and smiled my whole life. When others are asked to describe me: one of the first things mentioned is that I smile ALL THE TIME. The surgeon even mentioned this to my family after surgery: she was smiling in her sleep (happens often with pain meds). Now, that is probably something worth investigating!
tigers1998

tigers1998

0
EddiesAngel's Blog
 

Liquid diet Day 2

Today has been better than yesterday, I haven't felt hungry today so I didn't eat and slept up until 11 or 12. when I did get up I had a pretty bad headache so I made me a protein shake and drank it but I still had a headache most of the day until I drank me some beef broth and that stopped it. Thank you Lord!!! I have had more bouts of energy too, maybe its not eating all the bad junk I used too. One day and one step closer to a healthier me.
EddiesAngel

EddiesAngel

1
Momonanomo's Blog
 

2 months out, down 45

It’s Wednesday, my check-in day! The scale starting moving again – I’m now down 35 lbs since surgery & 45 since starting the pre-op diet.   I am so grateful. I feel like my body has taken so well to this. I haven’t really had difficulty with anything I’ve eaten, but I’m only really eating good clean food. The only problem I had was early on when I first started real food I ate a Morningstar farms sausage patty too fast without chewing well and omg that hurt. Lesson learned. But as far as tolerating foods, I chose wisely and chew well. I can even do ice berg lettuce! I’m quite proud of myself. I always kind of knew that this was my one last time to embark on the proverbial “lifestyle change” I’ve always sought, and this time I was going to have the very best tool I could possibly have. And that’s exactly what it is. I have the desire to stay on a healthy eating plan, and with the sleeve I’m able to do it without feeling like I’m a wild-eyed-raving starving maniac. I could totally eat ice cream and French fries now I bet, but I really don’t want to. Still haven’t had bread, or rice, or pasta. It’s been 10 weeks! Someday I will have it again I’m sure, but I want to maybe be at the halfway to goal point before I indulge in some serious carbs like that. And it will be a small indulgence. Small tummy dats why.   Right now I am at a point where I have exactly 100 lbs to lose. And I really feel like I’m going to do it! It’s just a matter of how long will it take?   Up til now, I’ve wanted to do a blog entry each week, but honestly, I’m at a point where things are a bit repetitious, and the progress is nothing earth-shattering in just a week. So I think I’m going to start just blogging on a monthly basis. I’m SO looking forward to seeing where I am in a month!!   Onward!
Momonanomo

Momonanomo

2
Lynn's Obsession
 

8 Days Left! HELP! Still Addicted to Diet Coke!

"Hi! My name is Lynn B and I am a Diet Coke-aholic!"   They say that the first step to overcoming an addiction is to admit that you have an addiction? Well, I am addicted!! A full fledged addiction. I'm an addict!   I absolutely LOVE the feeling of the sweet taste complimented by the extra ordinary fizzy bubbles, which go through the body... the feeling of the fizz rushing throughout me, is a high in itself. I'm in heaven.   It all started years ago when with just 1 can of Diet Coke. Ironically, I disliked the taste and the fizz. But, it was a 0 calorie drink - a way to lose weight. (It worked - for a while.)   One can grew to approximately 1-2 cases a day of 12 oz cans. I admit, It's horrible, but at that time the taste grew on me with each pound that I lost.   I quickly graduated to the "hard stuff" ... the 20 oz icy cold bottle of pure fizz! One sip is so exhilarating - only the bottle can give you this immediate rush! That first sip the fizz is so extreme, I can feel it coursing throughout my whole body. I love the feeling and, cant do without.   I can identify with an alcoholic or drug addict... I am a Diet "Coke" addict!!!   I admit it, I carry my 20 oz bottle with me everywhere I go. I even carry it in my pocketbook for a quick fix! No matter where I am I have access to my 20 oz bottle... And when I run low, I rush to the nearest store for more. My surgery is in less than 8 days... Yes... E-I-G-H-T Days!!! I've actually weaned myself down to only one 20 oz bottle a day. I actually thought this was such an accomplishment! But, the reality... I'm sweating with fear! I'm in panic!   My gastric-by-pass new "tummy" will not tolerate this drug of choice. I will hurl over in severe pain with just a little tiny sip of fizz...   I will have to go "Cold Turkey"! HOW!?? And, then comes the withdrawal. How will I survive?! How do I get through this?   I need help! I need suggestions! I have to do this! Where is "DCA" (Diet Coke Anonomous) when you need it most? Help me!
lynn4677

lynn4677

6
Amberlydw8's Blog
 

5 Months post op.... Numbers and victories...

Hi there fellow sleevers...   I am updating you with my 5 months post op information... I don't think I have put my measurements on here before so I wanted to put that out there today. I thought my weight numbers were drastic, but once I re did my body measurements it really put things into perspective!   So My starting weight pre op was 293lb I am currently just over 5 months post op and am at 208 this morning...How awesome is that? I am almost to ONEderland!!! So excited! I hope to get under 200 by August. We shall see if I an make that goal... I got 2 weeks, I can do it!   Ok as for measurements.   Pre op 293lb.......NOW 208lb Size 22 Size 14/16   Arms 18 in....................14.25 in - 3.75 in Thigh 32 in....... ............25 in -7 in Neck 18.75 in ...............16 in -1.25 in Tummy 51 in.....................40 in -9 in Bust 46.5.....................41.5 in -5 in Boobs 55 in .....................47 in - 8 in Hips 55 in .....................45 in -9 in Calf 21.5......................17.5 - 4 in     So that is a total overall loss of 47 inches!!! Totally awesome....   A few Non Scale Victories include... Being able to cross my legs (I am really stoked about that one) Don't feel gross in a bathing suit I have gotten rid of about 5 trash bags full of cloths.. all different sizes.. Everything is too big for me now I can go up stairs and hills without a problem. I get compliments from everyone My Ex thinks I look good... (don't worry, hi is still an Ex) Guys are starting to stare at me for the first time ever... I could just keep going, but I think I will leave the rest for my next post...   Thanks to all of you for all the support! Your amazing!
Amberlydw8

Amberlydw8

4
On the Path to Enlightenment
 

Testing Complete

Ok, If you read my last entry you will know that on the 11th I was crazy Mad because the surgeons office called and wanted to reschedule my appointment from 7/19 to 7/16 becuase the surgeon was doing a conference on the 19th and the person doing the schedule made a mistake. I was mad not becuase they wanted to move it up but because they wanted me to have 6 sets of test done prior to sitting with the surgeon and they still hadnt given me the scripts to get them done. Needless to say i thought it was impossible and ended up setting a tenative appointment for 8/2. Well i decided that on Saturday the 13th i was going to get whatever work done i could get done being as i didnt have anything else to do. I went to LabCorp to get the bllod drawn and come to find out the needed to take 8 vials of blood. after that i decided to go to the hospital and have the xrays done. Once i got there the lady who registered me decided she was going to make a call and see if i could make an appointment to come back next week and have the other test done. Well when she came back in the room she said everyone was able to do the test saturday. So I got ALL of my work done on a Saturday and was able to sit with my surgeon yesterday!!!!!!!!   So, yesterday i'm with the surgeon and we are going over all of the test results and i find out there is 1 thing i need to get corrected before scheduling the surgery, apperently i tested positive for H. Palri, or how ever you spell it lol. So i have to take antibaotics prior to surgery. I also found out I need to have an endoscopy completed, so i sit down to schedule my endoscopy and the next open date is 9/9, yup, 9/9. My surgeon only does endoscopys on the 1st and 2nd monday of the month and he is off on vacation the first two weeks of august, oh and the first monday in september is Labor day, so after all the back breaking and blessings and all that other stuff i still have to wait until september.   Now, I can laugh at it seeing how silly i was to try and rush things along, now i'm just trying to get myself together mentally for the life long journey that comes. I probable wont be back here until there is another update but just know that it is coming as soon.
SigmaChefSpe

SigmaChefSpe

0
Flutterby's Blog
 

Five Days In - I'm ready for changes...

Beginning weight 296. Surgery weight 286 (lost 10 lbs on pre-op diet), 3 days post op weight 273. (13 lbs since surgery - total 23 lbs lost)   Recovery and healing is going good. Liquids...liquids... and more clear liquids. I can actually take regular size drinks now instead of baby sips. I don't gulp and do take one or two swallows at a time.. but it's feeling wonderful. I'm having less and less pain at my incision sites and can walk around and do light (very light) housework for 10 to 15 minute stretches at a time.   I'm able to get in 50g of protein (unsweetened and unflavored powder in 12 oz. water each time). I'm drinking 80 oz of water, around 30 oz. of beef, chicken or vegetable broth, 100% juice jello, gelled broth, and an occasional zero vitamin water.   I'm not a fan of sweet protein shakes. I don't mind them, and I'll drink one occasionally and they taste great, it's just that I'd rather have something not sweet. I like fruit and fruit juice okay, but prefer savory, salty, creamy, sour and sometimes spicy tastes. Anyway, that's why I got the plain protein powder to mix in water. I found it on Amazon - Now Sports brand of Whey Protein Isolate.   I'm glad I only have two days left of clear liquids. I'm craving something more "full". I look forward to fruit smoothies, creamed cottage cheese, yogurt, and creamed soups. I can use my protein powder in any and all of my "full liquids" so I'll be sure to get my 80 grams per day goal met that way.   I'm keeping my food journal and going to make it a habit. I'm still feeling very optimistic and positive and happy every day. I'm so glad I did this!!!   When it comes time in my sleeve diet progression that I can add all of the ingredients, I plan to use my morning smoothies to get a great nutritional boost every day. I may have one for a snack each afternoon too. I have a magic bullet so I can make a small powerful blast of nutrition. I'll put in fresh frozen spinach cubes (using fresh spinach blended with a small amt of water then put into ice cube trays to freeze), with a couple frozen strawberries or blueberries, banana chunks, peaches, pineapple, etc. (usually I pick two fruits, sometimes three) Then I'll add barley grass powder and veggie/fruit concentrate powder, chia seeds, protein powder and epa oil. Occasionally I may put in a tbsp of fresh peanut butter, almond butter, avacado, coconut oil, or cocoa powder. Yum.. I can't wait.   I've got several soups frozen in individual serving size all ready for when I start my pureed stage... plus frozen cooked chicken left from when I made all my broth... and I'm going to get my crock pot going when it's time to make more mushy veggies and things to puree.   Awww.. now just to be patient with myself as I walk day by day in the moment and do what I need to do to get to each new goal. That's the hard part.   I love the planning, list making, preparing, etc. The fulfilling part of reaching goals is so motivating. Every time I get to mark something off my "to-do" list, or write down a goal accomplished or realize I need to begin working on the next phase - I just smile and remind myself that YES, I can do this... I AM doing this...and I am going to keep moving forward.   The challenges, set-backs, revising, unexpected interruptions, changes and knock downs are there to make me stronger. I usually don't see it that way in the midst of the "problem" or "issue" or "failure" and can get downright depressed and feel sorry for myself. But that's only temporary. Failure is NOT final. Success is mine because I keep getting back up and shaking off the bad stuff - I'm stronger and more focused than ever.
Flutterby

Flutterby

4
Cajunlady12's Blog
 

Video

I just finished watching the video on You Tube of the VSG. I thought it was amazing. It showed the entire surgery. I could not have been more impressed. The doctor doing the surgery explained step by step what he was doing. I was amazed when the stomach that was cut away turned to a purple color due to lack of blood flow. I think that if you want to see what is going on during the surgery this is the perfect video. I am going to get my husband to watch the video with me when I get home from work. I was amazed.
Cajunlady12

Cajunlady12

0
Crystal VSG Journey!!
 

5 days till Surgery! A little TMI to come!

5 days! So excited! I am so ready to work my sleeve and begin getting healthy again. Dropped off my prescriptions this morning for after surgery and it was so weird. I am still in disbelief that the time is here. So I got my period on Saturday and had it for 4 days and now its gone. I am praying and hoping it doesn't pop back up after surgery. I hear a lot of people saying that it does. I had some different kind of cramping this period it was more painful. I am doing pretty good on Pre-Op Diet, I have lost 12 lbs in 12 days. A pound a day , I will take that!!! It is actually easy now. I don't want anything else.
Cmt7831

Cmt7831

1
abbygirl's Blog
 

Two weeks start tomorrow.

Two week pre-op diet starts tomorrow. This is my last day of eat what I want and what a way to celebrate.....birthday cake! Not mine but a staff member. It isn't her bday till Friday but they moved the cake to today so I could have some. Love that group! They are all doing the low carb diet with me too....everyone of them! Such support- I never imagined they be my biggest supporters in this trip.   My preop diet is low carb high protein. Very similar to the Atkins diet ( which incidentally killed the Krispy Kreme revolution). Lots of protein, no fruit, healthy fat and almost no carbs (40 grams). Do you know how much 40 grams of carbs are? One slice of the non wheat bread I eat....or as my husband calls it "that twigs and sticks bread".   Don't you just know it though as soon as the 2 week counter starts I get all these social invites! Yep dinners, bbq's, football games (Canadian football is a summer thing!)' picnics and bdays. As I am not ready to share my surgery with the world yet I will now become "that girl" who is on some weird diet. Thank God our warped society accepts women on fad diets ( I don't think the same can be said of men - sorry fellas).   So I've loaded up with lean meat, cheeses of every shape and taste, along with the dreaded skim milk. I have also bought breath mints, breath spray, and Metamucil - for the reported side effects of this diet. Maybe that was what killed Krispy Kreme...the bad breath of all the people on Atkins diet coming in and cheating with a donut....think about it........
abbygirl

abbygirl

0
Adrienne21's Blog
 

learned the hard way

I ate breakfast fine today. I had 1/2 a cup of oatmeal with whey. I made lunch and dinner and guess what I did?? I left it at home. I get to work and I have nothing healthy to eat so I go the whole day with just sipping water and chewing sf gum. I get off work and order a steak sope (its like a small round taco but not really a taco). I didnt eat the shelling because I am scared of stretching my band.   SO I am taking small bites and chewing well. I was so hungry that I kept eating until I started getting a little pain my stomach. literally right below my boobs. I was amazed at the small amount of food that I consumed sent me over the edge. now I feel like i have a food baby. my band only has 1cc in it so idk what I did wrong. I wonder if that was a sign that i was close to being full or if it was a sign that i was full. it was my bad day at work that led to my stress and the fact thAT I DID NOT TAKE A BREAK TODAY.   in other news i find it amazing that everyone is noticing my weight loss. My friend said it looked like i had lost 100 lbs when i really only lost about 66. that makes me happy and gives me the strenght to continue. I know i can do this. since I am still new to this and learning how to work with my band I take this day as a lesson. double check my purse for my lunch. lol or always keep a protein shake in my purse.
Adrienne21

Adrienne21

2
SolracSpree's Blog
 

Day 1 (but not really)

So this is Day 1 of my blog. I figured I have spent plenty of time on the site why not make a daily blog. WARNING: Now this is going to function more like a public diary, most question I post on a questions thread.   So this is at the end of week 3 for me. I went to the doc today (well his assistant) because these dang stitches are not healing. I am on another antibiotic for another week. She looked at my stomach commented on the rashes ( allergic reaction ) told me the incision wasnt too bad and was pretty much done. (((see attachments))) I also asked about hunger because the past two days... Whoa buddy I have been starvin'! So she took me off the pureed diet and told me soft food for 1 week (not 2 yay!) as long as I tolerate soft food well I can progress to normal .   I was reprimanded for eating too much protein. She told me too much protein can cause kidney failure. WHAT?!? crazy right. Never go over 90 grams are much instructions. So when I asked her what to do if I got hungry since protein shakes are not really an option (depending on how much im at) she basically told me to deal with it. Well... umm okay?   After leaving the doctor office I go home and my phone has BLOWN UP with messages. Apparently my brother has been calling nonstop today. Backstory - grandmother and brother were both nurses brother went back to school grandmother retired.This past weekend I freaked about because my incision still looked infected after my 1st round of antibiotics. It was weekend doc office closed so I asked if she could look at them. She did I called after afters nurse got refill blah blah blah blah... So my brother calls me asking if I left doc already. I told him yes and long story short my brother doesnt think I am getting the appropriate care. He asked me to come see him tomorrow. Is brother being overprotective? Maybe But I am in NO PLACE to fool around with an open incision so I will go tomorrow and see what he says. Cant trust anyone else like family right!   Last topic of the night - FOOD! I was put on soft food today and I was excited! So I cooked lemon pepper fish, sweet potato, and peas. Well I did 1/2 cup of fish 1/4 pea and 1/4 potatoes. 1 cup all together MISTAKE! I have been eating 1 cup of food but it never struck me that 1 cup pureed food IS NOT the same as 1 cup of solid food. Well lesson has been learned I will stick to 1/2 food total and if I'm hungry I can pick at some more. Im at 863 calories... might eat some cheese to bump it into 1000 as the doc ordered. 72grams of protein.     I think I can do this...     Fill in 2 weeks, cant imagine eating 1000 with a fill. We will see.
SolracSpree

SolracSpree

7
EddiesAngel's Blog
 

Started Liquid Diet

Today was the first day of my liquid diet, and I also had to go babysit in a home where there were sweets everywhere, it was hard but with the Lords help I made it. So I have one day down and only 12 more to go and then 1 day of clear liquids and a bowel prep then my Big Day!!! I have waited so long to be comfortable with my decision and I am so excited about my healthy future. :wub:
EddiesAngel

EddiesAngel

1
ajtexas's Blog
 

What are the rules?

To having a Lapband….   Well there are Dr. O’Brien’s eight golden rules.   1, Eat three or less small meals per day 2. Do not eat anything between meals 3. Eat slowly and stop when no longer hungry 4. Focus on nutritious foods 5. Avoid calorie-containing liquids 6. Exercise for at least 30 minutes every day 7. Be active throughout the day 8. Always keep in contact with your aftercare specialist   And there are the basic band eating rules.   1. Small bites 2. Chew until mushy 3. Eat slow (wait about 1 minute between bites)   After this it starts to get foggy, many doctors with many different opinions and advise.   There is:   1. Don’t drink while eating 2. No carbonated drinks 3. No straws 4. No NSAIDS 5. No alcohol   So what do you do? Who is right?? Every doctor is different. An example is let’s compare my doctor and my good friend CalorinaGirl’s doctor:   Drinking while eating: My doctor says it’s fine as long as you wait the minute between bites & sips. CG doctor says NO drinking while eating and wait 30 minutes after you eat.   Carbonated drinks: My doctor says if you want that’s fine but he sees most patients prefer not to because of the discomfort in drinking the carbonation. CG doctor says NO.   Straws My doctor says if you want and it doesn’t bother you, fine. (I use a straw on occasion). CG doctor says NO.   NSAIDS My doctor says Yes. CG doctor says NO.   Alcohol My doctor says count the calories. CG doctor says prefer not, but if so use sparingly.   I would say that both CG & I have been successful with our banded journeys, we both follow our band rules (doctor’s orders) and have seen the results.   So who is right????? YOUR DOCTOR IS RIGHT! That is the person you put your money and life into so why not trust them?   My point is this journey is not cut and dry, black and white. This journey is what you make of it. Trust in your doctor and listen to them. Make your choices based on that.
♕ajtexas♕

♕ajtexas♕

7
The Funny Side
 

So My First "Escape from the House" ----Still Paying For That

FIVE DAYS OUT: LEARN FROM ME/ DON'T FOLLOW IN MY FOOTSTEPS: SO, I am five days post surgery and two days without my pain pump. I am feeling better than I have felt in years. Although sore from surgery. Per post surgery instructions, I am supposed to walk some each day. Not a long marathon, just a little walk. In other words, just like most surgeries, get up and move every so often. So I decide to get some fresh air. When I get outside, I walk a little and I look at my car. It hasn't been turned on in six days. I go to turn it on and that's when I get the worse idea possible. Let's go for a drive. Why not, I am not walking or standing, I feel good, and I have watched all the TV I can stand. That drive turns into a trip to the store and a walk around. Yea you guessed it. About halfway through, my stomach was hurting and I started to sweat. Lessoned Learned: Outside from Being Very Sore today and Now being watched by family, friends, mentors, and spies, Two weeks of rest means exactly that Two Weeks of Rest. A LITTLE BACKGROUND; This is the first major surgery I have ever had. I do not write these things for people to follow. My blog is just a journal about my learning experiences and things not to do. I am healing remarkable well and should continue doing so borrowing the fact that I make less and less mess-ups. I have had stomach pain all my life: nausea, cramps, spasms, gas, reflux....the whole gambit. My tolerance level is very high. So, I am learning what's good and what's not. Please take this column in the humor that it is intended. Oh and feel free to fuss. I probably do deserve some lecture.
tigers1998

tigers1998

4
Tiffany0818's Blog
 

Questions.....

So I when to see my doctor he cleared me to eat regular food, but I have some questions regarding wraps, breads(turkey sandwich) broccoli, salad and alcohol. I asked so many questions that I forgot to ask him about these. How did u guys eat on a regular diet.
Tiffany0818

Tiffany0818

3
I will do this
 

One of those GOOD days! :-)

I get on here and rant or whine alot, so I thought I'd switch it up a bit today. I'm having a great day!   My weekend SUCKED!!! I work full time but also teach graduate psychology online part time. Usually, it's pretty manageable, but for the past 3 weeks, the terms overlapped. So instead of having my usual 3 manageable classes, I've had 6! I've been dying! Final grades for the first 3 classes were due yesterday, so I had a weekend marathon of grading papers all weekend. Literally! I sat in my chair, on my computer all day Saturday with 2 breaks for walks, and all day Sunday with no breaks. Sunday was from 10 a.m. to 3 a.m. Yes - A.M. Gave up then and went to bed. Of course, that meant no work-out yesterday morning and I still had to finish up the last of the grades yesterday. My butt was dragging!!!   However - I was in bed - dead asleep - by 8:00 last night and got up for my regular workout this morning. It's amazing what sleep and exercise do for a body!! My husband had to go to work early this morning and the kids are still with the grandparents until this weekend, so when I got home from working out, I had the house to myself.   So I went shopping in the back of my closet, where all the clothes I love but can't wear anymore are exiled. I am proud to announce that I am wearing a dress I haven't been able to wear in over a year! And can I just say - I'm not just wearing it, I'm rockin' it! Several of the others are close, too. I could probably wear them with a shaper underneath, but I'm going to wait until I can wear them without one. I was dying to step on the scale this morning, but I was afraid I'd kill my buzz and/or start with the self-sabotage.   Other bonuses today: Got my cracked windshield replaced for $40 thanks to a Groupon
Went and got my nails done over lunch to go with my new-old dress
The weather here is absolutely gorgeous today (76 degrees and sunny)
Get to leave work early to go to a pointless (but painless) meeting in another clinic, after which I will probably go home early
The MLB All-Star game is tonight, which means that no matter who wins, my husband won't pout :-) (It ain't easy to be married to a KC Royals fan!!!)
  There you have it - a genuinely good day! Shelly
srussell8

srussell8

0
LadyDiva618's Blog
 

So long plateau!

Wow I overcame my plateau sooner that I thought! So how did I do it? Easy I changed my exercise routine and I started jogging. I tried my Zumba DVD my coworker brought me but I don't like it. Maybe I will try Zumba on the Wii or something else.   Last Thursday I met with my Dr. and I found out two things. One I beat my plateau and two I didn't need a fill. He told me I was going a great job and keep it up. So I felt pretty good when I left the office. However I thought I was going to gain some weight back because this past weekend I went to Chicago! I pack my blender bottle, put my protein powders in my snack size Ziploc bags and I portion sized all my snacks just in case. I did pretty good but I didn't have time to research any restaurants because My mom decided to take me, my sister and my nephew to Chicago at the last minute! Too funny but we needed it.   So how did I do? Every morning I was in the hotel fitness room working out for 30 minutes. I had my protein shake for breakfast, Chia seeds for a snack and salad for lunch. But dinner was a whole another story! Saturday night we went to Medieval Times! Oye! Thank goodness for my 18 month old nephew and to go boxes. So what did I eat? I had the soup the quarter of the chicken and ate the one rib they gave me. I gave my nephew my potatoes, bread, other half of my chicken and my apple turn over. My sister said I did a good job so I was happy with that. As a precaution I worked out for another 10 minutes when we got back to the hotel.   Sunday was scary because I was eating food I haven't tried on the band. My Mom wanted a Chicago style hot dog so we ate at Portillo's. I was never a hot dog eater before the band but since I was afraid to have a Chi town style pizza so I had a hot dog with no bun. Did my band like it? Yeah I did pretty good I just chew chew chew chew and chew!   Chicago was amazing and I lost 2 oz during my time there!   Thanks for reading!
LadyDiva618

LadyDiva618

1
The Funny Side
 

Im Starving: Yea I can Eat...Oops I ate to Much

******INSTRUCTIONS POST SURGERY: 24 HOUR LIQUIDS ONLY. TWO WEEKS: SOFT FOODS ONLY. TWO WEEK FOLLOW UP. FIRST FILL IN FOUR WEEKS.******* THREE DAYS AFTER SURGERY: YES IM SO HAPPY! I FINALLY GET TO EAT FOOD! ALBEIT SOFT FOODS ONLY! Well no one warned me I may get too happy. First sign of hunger was an experience. My stomach woke me up out of a solid sleeping session. I thought maybe I was snoring until I actually heard my stomach growl. What do I have to eat is my first thought: I have apple sauce, mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, oatmeal, orange sherbet, steamed vegetables, baked tilapia, pudding, and of course protein shakes available. I am excited: so I decide I am going to have a piece of fish, some mac and cheese, and some mashed potatoes. A few hours and much moaning later, I have learned a full meal is not going to happen FOR A WHILE. Okay so next growling session, I have mac and cheese and potatoes. A few more hours and groaning sessions later, two starches are not an option. SO, next time I have a piece of fish - only. This seems to do the trick. However, I am surprised I am hungry again three hours later. This time I have a protein shake and go to bed. Next day, I am starving again, this time I think I have it under control. I am going to eat oatmeal. So I have a pack of Maple and Brown Sugar and a pack of Apple Cinnamon. Yea, that didn't work either. Next, I try just a scoop of mashed potatoes. That seemed to work. Later I had orange sherbet popsicle and some fruit. This seems to work. So next I try the cabbage my mom cooked ( although she warned me that it would probably cause me gas). So, I get two big spoons full and some potatoes. Many hours and LOTS of moaning later, Cabbage not good and small portions only. What have I learned from all of this. One: The three big meals a day - NOT Going to happen. Two: I will be hungry more often and that is not only to be expected but its a good thing - my metabolism is working as it should. Small portions are the way to go, and each portion should not contain two of the same thing. No double portions of starches .....LOL. What am I doing now: One small portion (a small cup) of meat, one small portion of fruit, one small portion of oatmeal, one small portion of vegetable, and one small desert - spread throughout the day. For the late night URGES --- A PROTEIN SHAKE. Learn from my mistakes. Don't get super excited. It wont pay off in the end.
tigers1998

tigers1998

10
Pret-Op Process & Struggles
 

Approved & I Have My Date!

I was approved July 9th and I got my surgery date today. I will be sleeved on August 12th at noon. I'm just happy this day has come and I can actually say that I have a date. *wipes forehead* Now all I have to do is get some up to date blood work and an EKG and I will be all set for surgery!!!
SamG

SamG

2
The Funny Side
 

Banded on July 10 2013 - My Pre Surgery Process

First Step Letter of Recommendation: Diagnosis: Hiatal Hernia Morbid Obesity. Doctor: We are going to fix your stomach and help you lose weight. You will be able to eat healthier. Me: I am tired of surviving off of starch and I really want an Apple Pecan Salad from Wendys. Can they do breast reduction and Lap Band at the same time? Doctor: NO, you can't eat a salad right now, but there is a possibility you will be able to in the future. No they can't do both surgeries at the same time. Me: Have you looked at me lately? If I lose to much weight, Im going to topple over. Doctor: You will be just fine. "Laughs". Second Step: EGD: Scope of the Stomach. Nothing to eat after midnight. Outpatient procedure. Yes an IV is involved. Yes you are placed in a twilight sleep. Microscope is run down your throat down your esophagus and through your stomach. A mouth guard is used to hold your mouth open during the proceeding. My concerns: Please don't let me slobber on myself during the procedure. Will I get a chance to count backwards from a hundred before I fall asleep? Can I have a print out of my telemetry scan? Wow the sky sure is pretty ( this is my last statement before I fall into a twilight sleep). Third Step: Upper GI. Drink the chalky tasting Barium. Move from one position to the next on the xray machine. Go home. Once again nothing to eat or drink after midnight. My concerns: None. My issues: Got my self tangled up in the hospital gown and walked back into the xray room. Needless to say, after much laughter, it took two people to get me out of the gown. Don't ask. Fourth Step: Pre Surgery Informational. Went as planned. Described what the Lap Band is, how it is placed on the stomach, the financing options available, what results are possible, comparison to other weight loss surgeries, the steps required for submitting your case to insurance, and of course - success stories. Fifth Step: Psych Evaluation. NO right or wrong here. Just be honest with yourself and with the psychiatrist or counselor. My concern: Please give me a good evaluation. The doctors are starving me with this pre op diet. I would like to eat soon. Sixth Step: Talk to the Surgeon. Just questions about expectations, family history, what you have done to lose weight in the past, health issues, and more information on the procedure. My concerns: Will I be able to eat fruit and vegetables without pain. While I am this pre op diet can I have milk? The answer is no. I really want a steak. The answer is no. Why do you not like me? Doctor "laughs" : You will be just fine. Seventh Step: Insurance approval: Took two weeks for an answer. Pre Surgery Diet: 2 Weeks: AdvantEdge Protein Shakes - One every three hours and water in between. NO FOOD. This was by far the hardest part of the process. Especially since It was the fourth of July weekend. Not very happy, Is all I can say. Surgery Day: Urinate in a Cup, IV, Lovenox shot in the belly ( stings ), Patch behind the ears to ward of nausea/After Surgery: Walk twice, urinate, eat a popsicle and keep it down, sent home with discharge instructions, pain medication, nausea medication, and a On Q pump. The patch and the pump are to be removed the third day after surgery. Removing the pump does not hurt BUT you will feel the the tubing moving out of your body as you pull on it ( Ask me and I will explain in more detail.)
tigers1998

tigers1998

0
My journey
 

Onederland!

It has been a while since I posted anything. I guess that is because there hasn't been too much to report. I just looked at my last post, and it was May 31, and I weighed 214. As of this morning, I weigh 199! I haven't been under 200 in at least 15 years. I'm only 9 lbs away from my doctor's goal of 190, and 19 lbs away from my goal of 180. I've lost a total of 75 lbs now. I thought I was losing quickly, but now that I think about it, 15 lbs in a month and a half isn't that quick. I want to be at or below my doctor's goal by my 6 month follow up. Guess I need to step it up!
BigDaddyJoe

BigDaddyJoe

0

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