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Healthier Journey
 

Ready, Set, GO!

Its the next to the last day in June. Come Monday it will be July! The count down begins. Wednesday is pre-op testing. The 22nd is Sleeve day!   Ready: Since 2004 I've been ready to do something about my weight and have been trying hard to get it together. This decision is the best on for me. So I'm ready!   Set: the surgery date is set, pre-op testing date is set, mindset is right, life style is going to settle into one that will allow me to set loose the wild child I am. I can go and fit into places, do things I've been to embarrassed to do because of my size, I get it live!   Go! Moving forward to a healthier life, long life God willing. I'm so happy I could cry at times. Its the strength I have found in making the changes. I stopped eating bread, I stopped drinking coffee and tea, I do have decafe around but have not touched it. I've never smoked.   I've cleaned out my cabinets of foods I know I must avoid, it's nice being able to give the food stuffs to people that can use it. I've donated clothes that I know I can't wear, won't wear and shouldn't wear lol.   I'll spend today packing, I'm moving next weekend into a new apartment. So July is truly a new me month.   I admit, I'm getting nervous. But my sister that is supporting me in my decision is coming to visit, it will be nice to have family going in and coming out of this procedure.   Thank you to everyone that posts and comments on this site, pro or con. The experiences shared have helped a lot.   Continued success to everyone on their journeys.   Karen
kw2walker

kw2walker

3
mojaleski's blog
 

June 28...deleted my personal photos...this is why:

I was in quite a state last night when I discovered, in just googling Lahey Clinic and one of the surgeries my posting in one of these forums. "Beside myself" comes to mind.   To think of all the very personal and generous shares people post in these forums, believing only others considering or having had weight loss surgery could read what they wrote or perhaps see a very personal photo... It never occurred to me that people who I have not told I am going to do bariatric surgery yet could google a hospital and discover my post on the forum without finding the forum to begin with or joining it.   I have deleted my photos...and will just use my nickname, mojaleski from here on...and hope to continue participating because it is so valuable to me, although I am still very new.   I am feeling confident about the surgery...now hoping to have the sleeve after discussing at length with the nurse practitioner at Lahey. It seems the most prudent option for me, given my age, osteopenia and family medical history...so if my upper GI fluoroscopy is okay that is the direction I will keep heading. I am also a good candidate for the band so it is still an option.   Started weight loss plan today too...tracking my food...and will be joining a health club so that I can exercise, in earnest. (argghhh)   Hope you all have a wonderful weekend. me
mojaleski

mojaleski

0
dylanmiles23's Blog
 

yesterday-I was a bad girl

Yesterday I started my day perfect as I do every day, with my shake. Then I was very bad! I went for monthly 'free' Godiva chocolate but bought an extra plus some almond bark. I like having a small piece of bark when I have the urge for dark chocolate. Then I went to Cracker Barrel for lunch, bad, very bad. Had 2 biscuits. I was walking around the outlet stores again, so I did get in some walking, Then I went food shopping with my MIL. She is 90 but the world's slowest walker and never has a list and had me walking all over the store. My Fitbit said I did about 4000 steps shopping with her. She only bought about 20 things. I text my husband from the store, you owe me big time. I can do a month's worth of shopping in less time without walking 4000 steps. Today my older grandsons are coming over. We are taking them to the Children's Museum. Should be another great walking day. The weather sucks in Boston, so we have to do something indoors with the boys, ages 5 and 13. The science museum would cost over $100. for 4 of us, what a rip off!!!!!!!! How do families afford to have a great day out. My mother will be 95 on the 10th and she finally lost her last tooth the other day. The same day my 7 month old grandson got his 1st! His other great grandmother (mother's side) lost 2 teeth last week too. Weird. Everyone enjoy your day. Arlene
dylanmiles23

dylanmiles23

4
Cwalband's Blog
 

Feeling guilty and Stressed

My cousin and I have been close since we were kids, we do everything together. We are both over weight and have dealt with that together and have given each other emotional support, well I'm easily 80-100 pounds heavier than she is... and since I have started the journey for WLS she has distanced herself. Until last night she was giving me support, and all of a sudden broke down and just made me feel so guilty. She complained about the surgery and couldn't stop bringing up all the things I couldn’t do anymore.. I was ready to freak out.. but I just told her that my health and happiness out weight all of things I will have to cut out of my life. She continued to express how she was jealous.. I have never seen this side of her. She has always been prettier than me and more social and maybe she is intimidated that I’m making a change for the better.. idk but I sat up with a heavy heart last night.. I know I'm doing this for ALL the right reasons and I'm done with people bringing me down. I even told her I would take her to true results so she could have a free consultation and maybe start the same journey.. idk.. I guess I’m just stressed and felt like venting! Xx
Cwalband

Cwalband

6
Kime-lou's Blog
 

Inspirations

When ever and what ever journey you take your are often inspired to take it by someone or something.   I was inspired to have WLS due to several friends having it and having great results. Once banded I have been inspired by people right here on this site- Carolina Girl has done amazing, Missy Wowzer what a awesome job, AJ beautiful!! There are many others, but these are those that I look to and always want to read what they have to say, because I relate to them and are inspired by them and their words. Yeah some times my toes get steped on, but that means they are getting to me and will help me.   In the 1 year time period I have had my band I went from 244 to 187. Yeah, people have lost twice that much in the same time period, but I didn't. I am a little jealous, would love to have done better, but I am me and am where I am and I am working on it. My journey brings to mind a song that the little kids at my church use to sing and it inspires me:   "I am a promise, I am a possibility, I am a great big bundle of potentiality" - That line make me smile, because I know I have the possiblity and the potential to do whatever I set my mind to. It inspires me to work hard to get the things I want, like getting to goal.   We all have to get our inspiration to work hard and continue the journey on the rough days from somewhere and something- there are people all around me that give me this. My hubs, the three amazing ladies above who inspire me with their post even if they don't know it, my mom who is always telling me how proud she is, my friends who are proud, and my body that feels better and doesn't get winded when I run up my stair case in my house.   While I was lucky I never reached the point of having diffulity walking, I was getting there. My knees were begining to have pain. My ankles, both of which have been broken multiple times were crying out for me to lose weight. I am glad I finally was inspired to do this last year and I am thankful for all the place and people that inspire me to contiue this journey each and every day.   Look around you today find your inspirations and smile- hold on to them so on a dark day you can whip 'em out and keep movin'.
Kime-lou

Kime-lou

3
SarahGirl's Blog
 

I'm Back and Better than Ever!

Hey, everyone!   Okay so...it has been quite some time since I've written one of these. A lot has been going on. I took about a year to deal with some personal issues. I've got a pretty intense past with self-injury and bulimia. Things came to a really bad head last year and I put my Lap-Band journey on hold to deal with those more-pressing issues.   I went to a Lap-Band seminar tonight and it was amazing. I'm kinda switching gears in terms of hospitals, surgeons, and all that fun stuff. But now that I've had a year to reflect, re-evaluate my life, where I am, and where I want to go, I ultimately had a lot of time to grow up and realize that I've gotta get my crap together and it's time to get this journey really started.   It's been a really hard road to get where I am. Literally and figuratively, it's been all blood, sweat, and tears.   I'm finally at a place where I'm ready to do whatever it takes to really get this process started and I can't wait.   So yeah...   I think that about wraps it up for now...   I'll see you next time!!   Stay Beautiful!!   Byeee!!
SarahGirl

SarahGirl

0
MandyRN15's Blog
 

3 Weeks out

I had my first NSV today! Last night I went into my closet and tried on some of my size 24 pants that I haven't worn for 2 years. I knew that my size 26's were too big but never thought I was able to wear the 24's so soon. I wore them all day and even left the button done up all day. I feel great!!! On my surgery date I was 311 pounds. Now I am down to 289. I had a little bit of the stall I have heard everyone talking about and was worried, but have since realized that is okay. I am working out 3-4 times a week already and am being very active.
MandyRN15

MandyRN15

5
Deacon Blues' Missives from the Fringe
 

+6

Somewhat better tonight but still worn to the screws. Many thanks for the thoughts on last evenings near-diatribe.   Not much to say about me and mom's meeting with the lawyer. Nice lady, but I think I know less now than before we talked.   I ate grits this evening. Not proper grits, but not a Glucerna shake either. Nary a hiccup with it. Tasted good. Didn't mess me up, and I was full for the first time in 6 weeks - a real plus in my book.   We took the boys swimming over at my cousin's place. A break from the business...as it were. They had a good time and got good and wore out. I learned that my staples can get very hot in the sun. An interesting sensation, although I don't particularly recommend it.   Thanks, y'all.
Deacon Blues

Deacon Blues

0
Appearence - Inner Beauty
 

Feeling good in my own skin

Yesterday was my day, I was on point with my inner skinny girl.   I found a dress that did not cling to all of my rolls, it just fell across the body. Not to brag but I looked good, I even rocked my 4 inch sandals! I received so many complements, all the while I as thinking, "Wait til ya see m 100 pounds lighter".   To have been successful in keeping the 25 pounds I lost off and working successfully to have more off with weekly excerise classes has been a blessing.   Mind you I have no desire to wear skinny girl jeans, but I am looking forward to adjusting my wardrobe. I striveto have a day like yesterday once a week, especially since my clothes are fitting better it should work.   Continued success to everyone on this journey.   Karen
kw2walker

kw2walker

3
Johnny99's Blog
 

6 weeks post-op. Who said this was easy?

It's been 6 weeks since the insertion of the miracle flab fighter in my mid-section. My loyal readers know that the procedure and recuperation were a piece of cake ... oops, make that a sugar free pudding. The journey so far has been eventful and very successful. But it hasn't been easy.     I find myself a bit taken aback when I hear some high metabolism individual comment on how people that elect do to the Lap-Band are taking the "easy way out". I really started noticing it when the news of the rotund Governor Christie hit the media. Several TV talking heads decided he had the "easy way out" procedure to prepare a run for the White House. I have no idea whether Christie is running or not. Since he is a public figure, the media certainly has a right to comment on his political future. But I draw the line when they call this surgery the "easy way out." I've actually heard others make similar comments as well and it irks the H-E double hockey sticks out of me. A major weight loss undertaking is anything BUT easy, regardless of which path you choose to achieve your goal. So phooey on anyone who doesn't grasp the commitment of the motivated chubster looking to change his or her life.     I had my first monthly check up with the venerable Dr. X this past Monday. He gave me a routine vitals check and then proceeded to give me my first "fill". I laid down and he expertly poked a syringe of 1.5cc's of saline through my skin and directly into the Lap Band port. It took about 2 seconds and the pain was minimal. No biggie. Before he left the room he told me that after the fill, some patients can't eat in the morning or can't get certain foods through the band. I had no issues at all. Fact is, he put 1.5cc's in my 10cc band. I have noticed no additional restriction at all. As you all know, I pretty much haven't felt any restriction since the surgery. I got this far on my own. And no, it wasn't easy.       The Lap Band is just a tool to help you lose weight. Like using a crutch for a broken leg. You don't always need the crutch, but your leg won't heal properly if you don't use it correctly. I just read a story of a Bandster that found a way to cheat his band and gained a large amount of weight. I heard of a lady that had the more invasive stomach surgery, lost a ton of weight, then had the painful skin tightening surgery and then gained almost all her weight back. There are numerous stories like these. Ya can't just get weight loss surgery and sit there and wait for something to happen. If you do, you will fail.       It took me years to get my head in the right place to attempt this. That meant first getting it out of my over loaded backside long enough to see the light. I have to change the basic way I live my life. After 50+ years of self imposed bodily harm, that ain't easy. There are challenges and decisions to make almost every waking hour. Could I still start the day with a three egg ham 'n cheese omelet, hash browns well down, and a double order of bacon? Yup. Then go to lunch for a Portillo's chopped salad? No problem. Have a half bag of popcorn when I get home? Easy. Then have a full dinner and a touch of Ben & Jerry's? Yes and Yes! Could I still shove down most of a full size Tombstone pizza at the drop of hat? Probably. The Lap Band isn't stopping me. I'm stopping me.       I have made good progress since my adventure began. I will admit that just knowing the band is in me makes me think twice about anything that goes in the oral orifice located just beneath my nose. That's huge for me. The old me could eat or drink just about anything. I was the billy goat of fat asses. I made a decision to try and lose the weight of a small child. I knew it would be difficult. I knew it would be a challenge. I knew it it would take time. I also knew it wouldn't be easy.       More to come   jt       P.S. I got a cool new Fitbit scale that syncs with my Fitbit wristlet which syncs with the Fitbit app on my phone. Every time I step on that scale my weight is recorded on my app. It also tracks every step I take. It also has options for exercise and a food diary. I'll get to those ... eventually.   Stop by my blog. TheDeconstructionOfJohnny.blogspot.com
Johnny99

Johnny99

3
lisacaron's Blog
 

Eating my stress away, and meeting Mrs. Strange

Eating my stress away, and meeting Mrs. Strange It's one of those days! Have you ever had one? Where you go to sleep early you wake up late your hubby has been up hours ahead of you and is in a bad mood because while you were sleeping the insert curse word here (kids) yes that's the word I was talking about, went around the house doing their own thing with regard to nothing and no one. So that ticked him off and rightfully so, if I wasn't so tired I'd be upset about it too, but good grief I am sooooo tired of the drama and the stress. It seems like it's my life really, it's not just since surgery though surgery has changed the way I think about it all. Before surgery it was easy to ride to the local pharmacy or corner store and pick up a bag of chocolate go home and eat my stress and fustration away. Today it's not so easy to do. Not because I don't want some, but because I think about all I have gone through in the last month, and it's just not worth it to go backwards. I want to move ahead, I want to be healthy and bag of chocolate is not the healthiest choice for me to make and I wouldn't be able to eat a whole bag and I might just end up not enjoying it anyway since I have no desire for it to begin with. This is were Mrs. Strange comes in, that's how I feel about it all. As if there was this insecure and scared part of me that has had to grow up and deal with these little every day and not so little but for me just about every day!!!! Stressors. She has had to grow up and can't have her bag of candy, she has to deal with the feelings and the issues and cope with them in another way. She's not doing a bad job if I do say so myself, but in these moments….it all feels so strange. I feel so strange. I am not used to floundering through my feelings and my emotions, I'm used to just dealing with it head on and medicating it later with a bag of candy! I'm not as familiar with Mrs. Strange as I am with Mr. Hershey! Though I am getting to know her a little more each day. Mr. Band-it introduced me to her about a month ago. Mr. Band-it and I bonded instantly the day after surgery, he was part of my life. It's this new Mrs. Strange, who walks away from the candy isle and heads to the gym to work off her fustration and stress. Who sits here and watches all her co-works come up to the desk to take cookies out of the tin, and pretzles out of the bucket and thinks to herself as they all complain about eating yet another cookie, it would serve them right if I super glued the container shut. At least I would have something to laugh at watching them fight to get it open so they could reach those cookies and pretzles! I shared that thought out loud, and my boss laughed but later gave me that sideways look before he dived into the pretzle bucket, I'm sure wondering if I actually did or would super glue it shut Mrs. Strange has a way about her, but I’m starting to like her better every day! She and Mr. Band-It are getting along very well and helping me to make a lot of positive changes in my life.
lisacaron

lisacaron

0
mojaleski's blog
 

June 27...my first pre-surgery visit at Lahey

So this morning I headed down to Lahey at 0-dark-30 before the morning commuter traffic and settled in to wait...nervous as a cat, I realized, and excited at the same time.   There were 3 of us. One was a woman who currently has the lap band, has had no complications in 6 years with it, but had lost 80 lb. but it was not successful to get the other 50 or 60 lb. she would like to achieve; she is wanting the by pass procedure. The other woman wanted by pass surgery too. I was thinking sleeve or band...and vacillating between the two, having done my due diligence and thought with my family history I might one day need my "absorption" of medications and nutrients to be intact and may need access to my stomach through my mouth for testing...I was correct in my self recommendation...I should not have by pass surgery, for just those reasons.   I met with the dietician, and then the nurse practioner...and then a psychologist. Great experience! Wonderful team there...I felt like I was in good hands. The nurse practioner remembered me from the info session a couple weeks ago...she had noted I had asked really good questions...and noted today I had really done my homework and knew the procedures and possible complications well.   I am a really good candidate for the sleeve (assuming my upper GI series does not show I have GERD or a big hiatal hernia. And if that all goes well, and assuming the surgeon makes that recommendation as well, that is the surgery I will likely have...hopefully before the end of September. I am also a good candidate for the lap band...BUT...I might not be such a low risk candidate in 10 years when I am 80, if I were to have a problem with the band requiring another surgery...so that is what I am thinking today.   And all this is, of course, predicated on my insurance covering the surgery. My BMI is high enough but I don't know that I can have documented proof that I have been seriously obese for these last 5 years...because when I went to the doctor I would decline being weighed!!! So we will see.   I have an appoinment in 1 mo...for the GI series and appointment with nurse practioner...and then a morn later the last week in August I meet again with the dietician and finally with the surgeon...and get a surgery date!   I left really "UP" and relieved...and confident that this is the right thing for me. So whether I have the sleeve or band...I think I can do this and do well.   Christine
mojaleski

mojaleski

0
MaggieGT's Blog
 

MaggieGT post port repair surgery

Hello Banders,   Things are getting fixed now.  I was using my Bodymedia fit with a target of 8000 steps and a calorie consumed with MyFitnesspal of 1250.   I lost a few pounds, gained a few over the last 3 weeks.     Weight in with my doctor is Monday, July 1st. He wanted me down to 245. I was at 250 last Sunday, UGHHHH.  So I changed my calorie consumed target to 800 and my steps to 12500. It has done the trick. I am losing each day. At 246.8 # this morning. I am confident I can get to 245 by Monday. I guess I do well with deadlines LOL! :wub:      I haven't felt much restriction since the swelling was gone after the surgery.  So eating only 800 calories is happening only by shear desperation.        I'm looking forward to getting a fill on Monday for help in limiting my intake. Hopefully it will enable me to continue 800 calories and 12500 steps/day.                                                                                                                                                                      
MaggieGT

MaggieGT

0
Kime-lou's Blog
 

Confusion

There is much confusion surround WLS surgery and WL in general.   Some people think- oh WLS is easy, now you can eat what you want and not have to worry about it. That is soooo wrong. Actually, I worry about what I put in me more. Rather think about, I have to make sure what I am eating has protien, is healthy, and won't get stuck.   Some, and I have even been guilty of this, think the scale is the only sign of success. What gets me and I have had this confersation with the doc, is that doctors look at BMI only. You get on the scale and they say oh you are over weight- shame, shame, you must diet. They don't look at everything- your over all health. While we know being morbidly obese is not good and leads to many healthy problems, being slightly over weight is another ball game.   I weight 187 lbs, I have been in a 14 for months and now I am starting to move to 12's. While my weight isn't going down, apparently I am toning and my waist is smaller. My wedding rings are falling off my hand. My glasses slide down my nose. Heck, even my socks are big on my feet. So while I see the scale number not moving, something has to be happening because of my clothes.   Some seem to think that WLS is a magic bullett and it will cure all that ails you. No way, I wish my mental fatness was cured. I still feel the part of the fat girl. I am amazed when smaller clothes fit, I still feel huge. I still crave the unhealthy. I still have to fight the demons that make me want to eat when I am not really hungry. The triggers are still there, I just have to recognize them and fight them.   It's funny many people I work say nothing about my weight loss, ignore it. No one says hey you look good or gee you've lost a lot of weight. I know I must look smaller after loosing 60 lbs, but I wish people would notice. I actually like it when people ask, I like educating people on WLS. Some think it's a good thing, other think I was crazy. But, it is my decision, I made it and I believe in it. My band may mess up some day, I may have to have a revision, but for now it's working just fine and I am happy with it.   My brother who is a medic, freaked when I told him. He said I was making a mistake. He worked with some one who thew up everything he eats and he hurts all the time. The band has made his life miserable. I told my brother, that isn't how the band is suppose to work, likely the dude is to tight or is trying to eat to fast and or to much. Now my brother sees what the band can do if worked properly.   So, if people as- yes I had the band and this is how it works for me.
Kime-lou

Kime-lou

0
Mrs.RRn's Blog
 

Postop: Week 2

I wasn't expecting to write any type of entry for week two, but this week has a big impact on my thought process.   Losing 22lbs in week 1 was amazing. I felt great! On top of the world! Ready to jump-start my new life! ...And then, it stopped. On day #7 the scale stopped moving. Now, I've researched this surgery soooo much and knew this was very likely. It seems many people have a stall around week 2-3. I thought I was prepared for this strange phenomena... But I was wrong. I had so many doubts this week. Would I ever lose the weight? Am I doing everything I'm supposed to do? Did I just have surgery to lose 22lbs? It was a terrible week. And then I realized... This is completely normal. Not only not losing weight is normal, but also all these feeling are normal as well. It's easy to get discouraged when things don't go your way. It's easy to get angry or sad... But that's what this journey is about- it's about a fight to a better you. A physically better you AND an emotionally better you. It's about strength, determination, and learning. To all you who are discouraged and down this week, pick up the pieces and keep on keeping on. This is all part of your story- the ups AND the downs. There are many times we will feel this way, down and depressed, but we just have to pick ourselves up, dust off, sip some water, and walk it off.  
Mrs.RRn

Mrs.RRn

9
A new beginning's blog
 

Surgery done...Day 12!

Hello everyone! Wow - it has been quite the eventful past almost 2 weeks. This blog is dedicated to those who are pre-op Everyone is different, but I hope if I give you my story, it will help some of you to be a little more prepared for what you're about to undergo!   1st, I did my surgery in Egypt - so far away from most of you...but the surgery is the same, albeit the administration a bit different...   Soooo....(drum-roll!) I started my surgery at approximately 253.9 lbs. May be a bit less than that, but I was too nervous to go wandering around trying to find a scale! The operation was last Sunday... Everything was smooth in the operation - they knocked me out peacefully and happily and although the operation was only 45 minutes in total, I was out for around 5 hours. The torture happened the minute I was being transferred to my hospital room. I was screaming in pain (still out of it from the anesthetic), and vomited blood 4-5 times. Warning!!! For those of you who have sensitive stomachs to medicine, especially hard-core medicine like Morphine, be ready to have to make a tough decision....you will be in an incredible amount of pain..and will NEED strong pain-killers...but if you tend to throw-up fairly easily, taking those strong pain-killers may mean that you end up in even more pain. Throwing up after a gastric-sleeve operation, as you can imagine, is not fun. The doctors had to torture me with medium-strength pain-killers to avoid my throwing up to prevent further bleeding. OUCH! I was quite embarrassed of myself - I was in so much pain over these 2 days in the hospital that I created quite a scene. I don't remember most of it, but I remember getting the nurses and doctors all flustered with my carrying on. Oh well, not much I can do now The actual surgical pain - is more than manageable. Hopefully (touch wood) all of you will be just fine with that. I had two issues - 1) the gas issue - this pain was ridiculous. You have this constant feeling of just wanting to "deflate" and the pain that goes with it is indescribable....but, par for the course. It took me 6 days to "deflate" enough that I wasn't walking around looking 7 mos. pregnant and the pain was mostly gone. 2) the drainage site - you will have a drain for 2(ish) days. This is extremely painful and unfortunately I had developed cysts internally around the incision of the drain, and this was also an incredible amount of pain. I couldn't sit, lay down, stand from pain. When I went back for my 7 day post-op appointment, I yelped enough that they gave me an ultra-sound and CT scan and found multiple cysts formed in this area. A 5-day course of anitbiotics/anti-inflammatory cured this - I am now feeling almost normal.   Writing this, I feel like I was such a baby...but I've delivered normally 3 babies (2 without an epidural, so I KNOW pain), and I was up and changing the babies the same night and taking my mom on a tour of my area the day after..in pain yes...but I was proud of my pain theshold. In my opinion, that means that this is one seriously painful operation (but hopefully none of you will develop the cysts which was the cause of at least 50% of the pain).   So, now - I am now at 236.0 lbs (17.9 lbs less), 12 days post-op. Great!!!!! I am feeling very weak and I feel like I've done 5000 crunches and the incision areas are drying and itching like crazy, but I feel great compared to just a few days ago. I'm back home and back at work. It's hard figuring out how much I can drink before I'm full - the feeling of fullness doesn't exist in me yet - but when the juice starts bubbling back up (a weird feeling), I stop drinking for 10-15 minutes or so. POPSICLES rock!!!!!! I feel SOOOOOO much better after munching on a popsicle.. I've started putting all my juices in the freezer. It makes me feel like I'm eating, but it does nothing but soothes my aching tummy. Stock up on popsicles!!!   I'm still on a full liquid diet - soups, jello, juices, and popsicles Working my way up to the thicker soups, protein shakes and will transition into mushed food. My tummy/esophagus controls me on this issue...I get a really yucky uncomfortable feeling and it lasts quite some time when I try eating something I'm not ready for yet....   ohhhh - one thing I had read up on before I went for surgery.... My doc requested my husband crush all of my meds. YUCK! When I was a kid, my mom had to chase me around with the medicine syrup...imagine how I was with crushed tablets? Super yuck! So, after suffering for around 5 days, I googled around on the internet and finally broke the tablets in half and swallowed those as normal. No issues whatsoever. Now I can swallow them whole (probably could the whole time, but I was being careful).   So guys - there you have it. If you have any questions, I'm happy to answer!!!   Looking forward to the days to come!
Aisha902

Aisha902

5
Tiffany0818's Blog
 

Neck and shoulder pain

So it's Day6 and I still have the most horrible pain in my neck and shoulder. Yesterday I went to see my Dr and I lost 11 lbs in a week and 2 lbs from before surgery so 13lbs in a week and a half. I'm super happy and motivated even more but this pain will not go away and I'm so over it. But my question is does anyone have mental hunger? I can't seem to stop thinking about food, is it cause I haven't eaten in over a week or I'm really emotionally attached to food?? This is driving me nuts....
Tiffany0818

Tiffany0818

5
Deacon Blues' Missives from the Fringe
 

StranGe Day

A little drained this evening....hell, I'm beat.   The drive up to my mom's had a little more in it than I was expecting. After two days sans pain killers, I was back on that horse this evening. The boys were all jacked, too, so tending them has been...challenging.   My dad's being gone is real this trip. I guess I was so in the event a couple weeks back, I didn't have a chance to miss him. Well...it's real. Not a lot more can be said.   Tomorrow is lawyer and legal crap day. I've killed myself getting dad's estate stuff rolling, but I'll bet the ranch some lawyer will want three bills an hour to tell me I did it wrong and use all the work I did anyway.   I guess I'm a little jaded tonight. My midsection looks like a poor-man's Frankenstein's monster (and, tonight, feels like it looks). Five days after the fact, and I'm feeling a little set back.   Only had a little over 800 calories today. Not for lack of desire - just plumb didn't have time. Can't keep that up. That'll really screw the pooch.   Could uses few props tonight. Have a good thought if you have a minute.
Deacon Blues

Deacon Blues

2
Momonanomo's Blog
 

5 weeks post surgery

Today marks 5 weeks since surgery. I am down 35 lbs since start of pre-op, 25 since surgery itself. I’m currently going roughly ½ lb per day, so I am sure not complaining. I feel I have a normal appetite when there’s not food in front of me, in other words, I do get hungry. But once the food is in front of me I don’t really want it. I kinda do miss enjoying my food, but honestly, this is what I signed up for, and I prefer the way I am now. It will just take some getting used to. For 41 years I have been food-obsessed (yes even as an infant, according to my mom). It will no doubt take a while to learn to refocus my energy. I have an awareness that I need to really take advantage of this honeymoon period to change my habits, because I know eventually it will become physically easier and more satisfying to eat and therefore I will be in danger of over eating again. Actually, I think the real danger will be in eating the wrong things.   Emotional eating was never my problem, I honestly feel like I was crazy-hungry (the grehlin monster?). Preparing for surgery, I was open to the possibility that I was an emotional eater – I really wanted to figure out the issues and deal with them head on. But apparently that wasn't my problem. My problem was a big appetitie for the wrong things, which exacerbates the cravings for more of the wrong things, which leads to weight gain, which leads to inhibited activity. And down goes the spiral from there. I finally feel like my spiral is turning upward! And, the point of my emotional eating tangent here is that yesterday I had a pretty nasty argument with my husband (we’re good now, thanks), and all I really wanted to make me feel better after our fight was………a cigarette. Ha! I quit in January, and I miss it. But I don’t miss all the icky things that go along with it, so I’ll deal. But I took a moment to acknowledge that in my time of stress I didn't want a chocolate bar. It was interesting to me.   I’m also dealing with my impatience – it doesn't seem fair that I am practicing the habits of a fit & slim person, yet I will have to wait months and months (and possible more) to actually BE a fit & slim person. But I guess it's that instant -gratification mentality that got me here in the first place. A healthy weight is not something to be grabbed at the drive-through (figuratively AND literally) This will take time and it will be worth it. I vow to try to find ways to enjoy the journey. It’s going to take time, may as well find it entertaining on the way, right?   Onward!
Momonanomo

Momonanomo

5
newmeIowa's Blog
 

protein, protein and more protein

I'm into week 3 and I'm 21 lbs down since surgery 40 since my heaviest. Eating less than 1/4 of a cup of food at meals, which doesn't amount to many calories, so still struggling with fatigue. BUT - I am walking a mile now in my 30 minutes of required daily walking. (PITIFUL, I know, since I used to jog 3 miles in 45 minutes.)   So I called the nurse to ask when I can swallow pills again and found out I have 3 more weeks of the nasty liquid/chewable crap. She shared with me that I really HAVE to get the 60 grams of protein in a day OR ELSE my hair will start falling out. So now I'm serious. Back to the gross protein drinks.   Thinking about going to Goodwill to find some shorts since mine are about to fall off. HOORAY!   My belly STILL looks like a train wreck, but oh well, I'll not be wearing a bikini anytime soon.   And I think I might have found a shoulder under all my vanishing fat!   Looking forward to finding a WAIST eventually.
newmeIowa

newmeIowa

4
Joy Graz's Blog
 

Next week makes 3 months out!

I haven't been on here but for no other reason then I have been so busy! I am officially down 40 pounds and I am so happy!! We are away on vacation in Europe the next 2 weeks and so far so good. London has been excellent to get my walking in and as far as eating goes, I eat pretty much whatever I want now just in smaller quantites. I just can't eat much so I need to snack in between meals. I packed lots of granola bars and have been ordering cheese platters! LOL. Getting enough exercise in at home has been the toughest part Now that the summer is here, I will be using the pool more than ever! My hair has been falling out more than i would like but everyone tells me it won't be for long. I have upped my vitamins and biotin intake and am using a special medicated shampoo. I must say that I am shaving my legs much more than usual so I guess something is working! LOL. We leave London tomorrow for Barcelona to get on the Disney ship for 12 days. It's weird but I can't wait to be able to have fruit and cheese readily available! I am hoping to be down another 10 lbs by month 4 so we will see .... I really need to join the YMCA as soon as I get home to keep things going. Talk to everyone soon! Hope everyone else is doing just as well!!
Joy Graz

Joy Graz

1
bsellis' Blog
 

Getting excited!!

@BrandyE77Ok I'm just waiting for a call to find out my surgery date. Exciting!! I started this journey back in October 2012 when I accidently found out that my insurance covered wls. I started researching surgeons in my area and attended a seminar in November. December 2012 I met with my PCP to start my six month physician supervised weight loss program which I just completed on June 24th. YAY!! Did I lose weight? No. Do I feel bad about that? No. I will explain.. I actually started losing weight slowly by cutting back on portion size and counting calories. In March I decided to quit smoking after 22 years of being a smoker. I gained about 10 pounds. I beat myself up about it at the time. Also, I really got into excercising since I could actually BREATH. I have excercised more in the past 6 months than I have in the past 6 years. I should mention that I did have two steriod shots in the past 6 months for sciatica. I have since lost the weight I gained from when I quit smoking, but that puts me back to where I started. I decided not to get upset about it because although I didn't lose any weight I made two major lifestyle changes and I feel wonderful about that!!   So I've jumped through all the hoops.. seminar, 6 months supervised by PCP, 6 month nurse coach, psych eval, labs, support group meeting, viewed EMMI. Now just waiting on insurance approval which my nurse coach said usually takes 2 weeks. I can't wait!! I am so ready for this!!     Believe
bsellis

bsellis

1
Pammers Johnson's Blog
 

Looking at the BIG picture instead of the Big me!

Had my 1month post op check last week. I was worried that the surgeon would be disappointed in my wt loss. I'd had a 10 day stall where I went up and down the same 3 lbs. I finally stopped worrying about how any calories I was eating and just focused on water and protein, and the scale started moving a bit. But I still thought it wasn't enough. The dr spent almost 30 mins of unhurried chat with me explaining and encouraging me to look ahead....WAY down the line. He promised me that I WAS going to lose wt. I had been feeling like a failure when I couldn't get the 80-90g of protein and would be a bit short on the 64 oz of water. I also was frustrated at all the May sleevers on here eating 500-700 calories. I was so hungry at week 3 on such a low calorie intake. I confessed that on some days I hit 1000 calories! He told me that even at 1200 calories, I would lose wt.. But in the end, he encouraged the basics. 3oz protein and 1/2 to 1 cup of sides. Try to get at least 20g protein each meal. Try to get 64 oz water in. Chew Chew Chew. Eat slow. Eat less fatty foods. Stop at first sign of fullness. These are rules I can live with. I can do this. I AM doing this! In fact, I need to go in and adjust my Ticker, cause I'm down another 3# this week!  
Pammers Johnson

Pammers Johnson

1

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