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abbygirl's Blog
 

Last "fat" Shopping Trip

I am going to Hawaii next week . I am packing my "fat" clothes for their last vacation (hope they enjoy themselves). In go the shorts, the tanks, the camis, the maxis....then my husband stops me. "Are you taking that nightie?" - not because he doesn't like it but because we are traveling with another family and sharing a condo. Needless to say the sleeping garment is not PG!   So today in addition to going for a pedi I am also going to my favorite Plus size store to bring my sleeping options in line with Disney standards.   This could possibly be my last trip there to pay for clothing at top prices because of it being plus size. Seems somewhat anti-climatic having the last item I buy be PJ's. Considering the relationship I have had with this store is longer than the one I have with my dear husband - shouldn't this break up be BIGGER. Shouldn't there be some shouting and throwing of vases or something? Nope just going to slip in, find something "appropriate" (husbands word) and slip out. No tears, no yelling, no crying.   The is the first of lasts.   Good news is it is my bday month so I get 20% off! Bad news is how will they be able to pay the rent as I am no longer shopping there.
abbygirl

abbygirl

5
HappyCat's Blog
 

It's A Beautiful Day!

I am just feeling so darn good today, I had to get back on here to share I had the day off work yesterday and did a big spring cleaning, including packing up two large bags of clothes that are now too big and will take them too Goodwill today. Then I had half a lean cuisine meatloaf slice (10 G protein) and headed to the gym in my apartment building for some treadmill action. I know some on here are doing way more challenging work outs, but don't worry, I will get there! For me, ratcheting up the incinerator and upping the speed really gave me a needed boost and I am finally feeling strong. I used to just drag myself to the gym and it felt forced, not fun. I guess this is what being motivated feels like!   Then, for the past three days in a row I have had normal, regular bowel movements not at all like the puny, rabbit-like results that had been the norm since being sleeved lol! AND... Wait for it- I broke through my stall this morning! I weighed every time I had a BM with the scale never moving, but when I weighed myself this morning, I was 2 lbs down, yay!   My husband has been so supportive of my struggles to lose weight since we met and has encouraged me every step of this journey. He has always made me feel sexy and loved (I'm gonna cry now) and lifted me up whenever I've gotten down. We were married June 22, 2004 after dating only a short while and there has never been a moment of regret. I was 38 and hopeful of having at least one child (never married before and no children), but was diagnosed with infertility (PCOS, endometriosis plus "advanced age") and it broke my heart. We went through unsuccessful fertility treatments in the first few years and then decided to just enjoy life together with our furry cat-child, Sashi.   So, today is our 9-year anniversary, I haven't felt so good physically in a long time, I am losing weight (and it shows!) and I am going to test the theory on sex being better after VSG tonight!   Wishing everyone a great weekend ~      
HappyCat

HappyCat

1
aliekat55's Blog
 

No Pump for me

During my visit with my surgeon, I discovered that they dont do the morphine pump. I had not even asked for I have had many orthopedic disasters and can generaly deal with pain. however, on Youtube so many patients are pressing the pump and even stay awake to press it regularly. I dont know what to make of it. this doctor says that he can manage the pain with either oral or IM meds--of course that means waiting for the nurse to bring the shot or pill. I guess I will find out if I really have the high pain threshold I think i have. My wife has become my biggest supporter. I had blogged that I wasn't clear whether she approved or not, but in the last few days either she has come to terms with it or it is now clearer. An amazing transformation, she comes up with ideas, I can tell her about my anxieties. She does keep asking about adverse events and perhaps that is on her mind. I told her that the life insurance was all paid up but somehow that did not ease her mind. alex
aliekat55

aliekat55

9
belladona's Blog
 

4 DAYS OUT

Well I cant believe I did this !!!!!!!!!! I dont want to freak any one out, but it was the worst pain I ever felt post op for about 10 minutes than thats it ? KIND OF WIERD. The surgery is no joke , but after that waking up bs was over with and the nurses figuered out what to give me the pain part was kind of non existant. After day one they take the auto pump away lol. But honestly you dont need any more or at least I didnt .I use the percocets to sleep at night thats about it, not for pain. On to day two the dreaded test, I had no trouble with that, the consistancy of liquid is gross but doable so off to liquids, Liquids went well I passed so far so good next the tray of pureed foods no go I got so nauseous of course I started to cry , lol cant help it hate to puke but the nurses taught me a trick when you feel nauseous smell an alcahol prep and it kills it right there. So instead of going home they keep me one extra day. At 300am in the middle of nowhere I decide to sip a medicine cup of water and bam nausea again so I cried again lol but I didnt vomit. and day three tried more pureed foods and did better. So today is day 4 I am proud of myself I drank all day hit my 65 ounces had an entire can of tomato soup at one time, then I dont want to sound gross right to the camode. Everything I have goes right through me , but no complaints , had over 40 grams of protein and wound up back in the freakin ER. My leg blew up and was killing me it turns out its a superficial clot not the kind that can kill you so they say , hope not . Its been quite a few days my god im glad its done. does anyone out there think its wierd I can drink so much. Its mostly liquids I take in the pureed food is like a teaspoon and a half at a time but idn, any input would be much appreciated.
belladona

belladona

5
Healthier Journey
 

Underwear - Dare I hit Victoria Secrets?

With today being the first day of summer my thoughts have been on light and flowing dresses and tops.   I went into a store and hit the clearance rack. I found a cute sassy dress that I know I can alter as the weight melts away. I was tickled pink when it slid over the body and did not cling to me.   I instantly thought of push up bras and sexy undies, 7/22/13 can't come fast enough. All of that to say I want the foundation garments that will have me walking with that extra spring in my step. Lol   So the planning begins, I want to reward myself with a visit to Victoria Secrets (VS) and purchase underwear that scream SEXY! And they have to be HOT RED.   In the past I've darkened the doors of a VS store because I was with my friend that can fit their products. It's going to be a total scream the first time I can make a purchase. There is not a plan to buy then work to get into the undies. The goal is to reward each milestone I hit in order them without the psychological stress.   So I figure at 30, 60, and 90 pound milestones I'll reward myself. Once I hit the ultimate goal of 100 pounds lost its the full hot res sexy ensemble. Push-up bra, high cut sexy undies, garter and stocking to seal the deal. LOL.   To round this all out,how has the VGS community been rewarding themselves for reaching their goals?
kw2walker

kw2walker

5
beanie80's Blog
 

5 for 5

Apparently I missed a day yesterday....oops! Today is 5 for 5 day. So here are 5 things I'm not looking forward to about surgery   5. Someone cutting me open! 4. A foreign object being placed in my abdomen 3. My co-workers working on me..... 2. Being intubated 1. Can we say Foley catheter!?
beanie80

beanie80

5
Terry Poperszky's Blog
 

2" thick rib eye, grilled to perfection. Crisp on the outside, barely warm on the inside...

After 2 bites, I decided it just wasn't going to work. I started dinner prep way too hungry, testing this, tasting that, drinking something else. By the time the steak came off of the grill I had already eaten my cup, and Mistress Band told me there wasn't a steak on the planet worth what she would put me through if I ate any more.   Sigh...6 months is not enough time to undo 50 years of bad eating habits.
Terry Poperszky

Terry Poperszky

2
Chicky's Story
 

First Thought and Consultation

I started thinking about a LAP Band initially because my closest friend has one. However, I spoke to my lupus doctor and she said she sees me more successful with the gastric sleeve. When I got weighted during that visit it was the most discouraging thing I was 264!!!! The heaviest I've ever been...I felt so nasty,ugly and worst of all unhealthly. I made a promise to myself to stop drinking sodas and for the follow up visit 30 days later I lost 8 pounds. I felt a little better but I need a drastic change im only 26 and 5'4 at 258 lbs now. So earlier today (6/20/13) I met with a surgeon that was based from Medstar hospital. During the consultation he told me he did not want to operate on me because I am too much of a high risk due to my lupus and the amount of medicine I am on. He was telling me about stories regarding inflammatory diseases that usually make the stomach leak after surgery...it may not be in weeks, months but even years where you may get a leak. My thinking process is Im glad he told me because when he said that to me I knew he was not confident in my journey being successful and I need that during this process I cant have a dr that is wondering when I am going to die...a week, month or years lol. So I do admit I felt down but after looking at some post on here with other Lupus women and have done this procedure I feel a little more confident. Additionally, My lupus dr is the one who referred me so obviously she knows me the best to know what Is going to work even with lupus factored in. I hope that this website can help me in getting knowledge of real people that have been through this process and I believe documenting my journey is a great way to cope.
Kime-lou's Blog
 

1year and counting.....

Tomorrow I will have had George D. Band for one year. Luckily, I haven't had any problems. I have gotten about 6 fills and feel like I am in a good place. George is a little tempermental, tightening up whenever he wants to.   I have lost 57 lbs and counting. The first 6 months the weight came off with what seem of ease. Then the last 6 months it's slowed to almost nothing. I know, however, the slow down is my own fault.   When I began this journey in April 2012, I was excited and determined. I was banded June 22, 2012 and did everything that I was told. As time went by and the weight came off I started to become a little lax on following the rules- like a couple of extra bites here and there and eating more calories than I should. For a while I was getting on the elliptical daily or at the least every other day and getting 30 -45 min. Now my workout routine has become sporatic at best. Partly, the lack of exercise is because work has become very busy and life consuming since we are switching computer systems. Partly, I let the work outs slip because I just didn't want to do it, even though I knew I should.   The last month my weight has bounced between 187-190, basically the first 50 lbs fell off the last 7 have come about a pound a month.   I do follow the water thing religiously and I do not drink any type of carbonation. I have only had a couple of alcohol drink and they were mixed drinks, which is my preference anyway.   I have really started these last couple of weeks trying to get back on track and not allow myself a cheat. This isn't always easy, but it is something I must do. This time of year ice cream and iced coffee from McDonalds are deamons. I love these things during the summer months, so I am trying to avoid them.   I hope that I can rededicated my life to dear George and get him working like a champ again. I admit that I have not lived up to my end of the bargin, but George has agree to forgive me. However, George must be a little upset at me because for the last two days he has decided to tighten up to the point yogurt is my food of choice and it keeps me going for 4 hours. I wish he'd loosen up just a touch.   So to sum it up after a year of happy marriage to dear George D. Band we are still stitched together, just needing a little couple's therapy.
Kime-lou

Kime-lou

1
smjuroska's Blog
 

July 23rd not just another day

So I had a tentative date of June 27th which would have been next week! YIKES! I was bummed when I hung-up with my dr. office Tuesday saying no go on June 27th. Once again that pesky insurance throws a monkey wrench in my plans! However I am offically scheduled for July 23rd. I am at peace with this date...now. Not so much at first. But this date has meaning. On July 24th of 2011 my brother died while on vacation here in TX. He LOVED TX and was a true Texan eventhough he was born and raised in NC. He LOVED texas country music, the longhorns, his room was TX decor. Obsessed with Walker Texas Ranger. Chuck Norris was his hero. (We personally thought all this was strange lol) So it was kinda funny I ended up married to a texan and moved here. My family didn't want me to move but he was excited because then he could come visit me in the great state of Texas! Anyway off topic! July 23rd was the last time he was awake and responsive and the last time I felt him squeeze my hand and look at me in my eyes. It was also the day I realized in my heart that he was not going to make it and my time with him was short. He knew that day too that he was going to die. It is the date that has caused anxiety and stress. Since that date my memories of my brother have been that last few days replayed over and over. On top of that my mom and daughter (who will be visiting my mom in NC from July3-July 23rd) will be flying in that day too. Another stressor. So all this stuff around my surgery date had me questioning if it was such a good idea. Then this thought popped in my head. It was my brother's voice saying it was all ok. July 23rd is my rebirth day. Before 2011 that date was just another day. Since then that date causes pain and reliving those 3 days in hospital with my brother and watching him take his last breath. I have mourned him since that day and I kinda stopped living my full life. I just exsisted. i forgot all the good memories of my brother. (back story, My brother and I were very close. I was his second mama. No one was as close to him other than our mother. He had down syndrome and we were nearly four years apart. Adam was truly an angel here on Earth! Losing him that day felt like I had lost one of my children. It was tough) So even though that date makes my heart heavy it will hold a new meaning. The day I finally took control of my life. Adam thank you for being here with us those short 26 years and on July 23rd I know you will be looking down from heaven and watching over us all that day, keeping us safe and cheering me on. July 23rd will no longing be a day of mourning but of rebirth. I know he wants us to remember all the good and not focus a just a few bad memories. Even in death he still influences my life and can bring sunshine when I thought it was going to rain. Funny how life is and how things seem to work out. Happy Friday y'all!
smjuroska

smjuroska

1
Mrs.RRn's Blog
 

My First Week Postop

Wanted to share a rundown of my surgery day and 1st week Postop. I was sleeved on June 11, 2013. Here goes:   Surgery day!: the surgery itself went smoothly. No complaints or complications. When I woke up, I did experience some nausea. I also felt a little too sedated. My mind was like, "ok, Misty, you need to get up and walk." But my body was like, "F*** that." My mom and husband brought me to my very comfy hotel room and I was instructed to start sipping on water at 10pm. So, I did. And I vomited. I did have some mild pain, but I couldn't tolerate the pain medication (I couldn't tolerate the water). Recap of the day: pain- very mild. Nausea- holy hell.   Day 1: I continued with nausea until I hit the 24 hour mark. Then I was able to drink. Magic! The day's intake totaled 5oz, and I was super proud of that. On this day I met my new best friend = Gas X. I attribute the Gas X with me feeling so much better. Oh! And I was allowed to take a shower!! (A shower cures everything). That evening Dr. Borland came visit me, and gave me terrible news = no bowel sounds! Ahhh! Some people might be like, "so what?" But in my mind (my nurse mind) I pictured myself with an NG tube, large midline abdominal incision, and a colostomy. Ah! I took Phenergan that night, not for nausea, but for sleep.   Day 2: I was able to leave the hotel. Home sweet home! After the car ride, I did have some mild soreness and a little trickle of blood at the bellybutton site. No biggie. And on this day I learned the value of burping myself, yes, like a baby.   Day 3: ok, we talked about no bowel sounds- Since the doc told me that, my ridiculously obsessed self kept listening for my bowel sounds. And I had been hearing increased grumbling. Yay. And today??? A BM!! Yes, thank you, I was happy for myself too. Today I felt no pain or soreness. I walked to the mailbox a few times- I was afraid to leave my driveway. I had a total intake of 17.5 oz!   Day 4: Feeling good! Walked outside a little. No pain. Total intake of 19 oz (I felt like I pushed it too much). I was feeling much stronger until I had to wash my hair-- OMG!   Day 5: Felt great!!! I discovered today that my engagement ring no longer fits. but and I got 21oz in with no problem. And today, I ventured past the mailbox into the street!!!   Day 6: I woke up feeling weak. After thinking about it, I believe I was a little dehydrated. I actually slept late this day. So my observation= sleeping too much= not drinking= dehydration= weakness. I did some light housework, walked outside, had an all around good day once I caught up on my fluids. And I went on my first outing: Walmart to shop for thickened liquids: dear god that was exhausting. Lol   Day 7: I started my protein shakes! And vitamins!! After all that clear liquid, I was kinda excited for protein. Feeling strong! Feeling good! I went to my first Postop appointment. Lost 22lbs! Yay! I will see my doc again in 2 weeks. Oh, and I learned I love V8.   So that was the first seven days. Honestly, I thought I'd be worse. And with no pain medications, I felt like I did well.
Mrs.RRn

Mrs.RRn

10
mojaleski's blog
 

June 21...thinking I am changing my mind

So...I met with my friend who had rny bypass surgery 5 years ago (and who looks wonderful and feels great) and additionally I have been devouring all I can read about complications of lapband and the very high percent of re-surgeries and other complications, some of which make me have 5th thoughts (not just 2nd thoughts) about my reasons for choosing lap band surgery.   Now I am reading of issues with bypass too but seemingly not as many after the initial surgical risks of bleeding and infection etc...   I am remembering the surgeon who did the info session at Lahey and how I thought he sounded a bit biased against the band...which was the reason that when I made an appointment to meet with a surgeon I chose the other one...I wanted to know if he, too, might discourage the band. What the doctor had said was about 3 out of 10 band patients had complications requiring further surgery. Optimist that I am, I said to myself..."I am healthy and I will be one of the 7 who don't have complications". Good, so far... but then I am 70 and if I have to have further surgery at 80 I might not be such a good risk. And some of the ports and bands get really embedded in scar tissue, making them very difficult to remove...and sometimes it is not possible to put a new band on or to move to by pass surgery by then because of strictures, infections and scar tissue. The doctor said NOT to be thinking the lap band is the first stage...or "let's start with the simplest procedure and if it doesn't work for me I can always move on to by pass"   So when I go to meet with the surgeon on Th. next week, the 27th, I have lots of questions, no answers and I am both excited and scared...and will likely choose what he tells me he thinks is my best option, given my family history, age and any other mitigating factors.   We will see. Christine (mojaleski nickname)
mojaleski

mojaleski

0
aliekat55's Blog
 

practicing eating small and slow

My NUT told me that a good bite was the size of a pencil eraser and I have been studiously working at making every bite that small. Hard to do, I always felt like one of those dogs that inhaled the food, I could not get it in fast enough. Interestingly, although it took much conscious effort, it is becoming much more natural to eat tiny little bits. when I saw others eating and saw the size of what they put in their mouths I was aghast! was that me in the past? the twenty chews still needs work but I am close. I need much work on the timing between bites. I need to learn to pause. However, the effect it has already had on me is dramatic. My stomach has time to tell my brain it is full, I rarely get that horrible pain from overeating. I feel satisfied easier with much less food. So far I am continuing to lose prior to the liquid diet. They want 12 more pounds lost by surgery date, my plan (shhhh dont tell) is to lose a good portion of that prior to the start of the liquid diet and shorten the period of time I take the Optifast. I have already lost 30 pounds in preparation for the surgery! The research regarding the preop weight loss indicates that 5% of body weight helps a lot, I am already over 10% lost. OF course if i gain weight over then next week I will do the full two weeks of Optifast, but I am quite motivated. I figure 12 pounds is 12 pounds, it does not matter how it came off.   BTW- it is amazing to me that my dear wife of 36yrs who has seen me struggle with food all my adult life ( since we met 39 years ago) still suggests things that are so unhelpful. I know she is one of the chosen few that can keep her weight within a few pounds of goal with very little effort, but suggesting that one day of overeating ( at a party one week prior to surgery) can't hurt, is rather unenlightened ( sounds better than dimwitted).
aliekat55

aliekat55

2
pink grace's Blog
 

3 weeks out

hi, im 3 weeks out and have been on pureed for just over a week and so far, not being sick and able to eat everything ive tried so far. Yesterday hubby did me a lasagne, half of a one person ready made one, it didnt blitz as smooth as i would have liked, but i gave it a go, i was only able to eat half of it and was really full. Today i get weighed and have put 2 lb on, up to today i have been loosing half to one pound per day, i have not been going for no 2 every day, and do feel a bit bloated. Not sure if its a stall, or just lack of no 2s, not worrying but was a bit dissapointing to put on at this early stage. I am finding that i need to eat every 2 hours after lunch to stop the light headed wooziness happening, my dietician said to have 3 normal meals and not to snack in between, but i feel the need, i have had a bag of skips for 76 cals, but tried a banana yesterday, had half and chewed it well, and felt better for it, so am going to try fruit in between as we are not supposed to have crisps etc as they go down easy but are high in fat and cals compared to fruit, need to get good habits now for the rest of my life. God has really blessed me with a good result and am believing that this will be for my good to have a smaller healthier body, and be able to keep it that way. Im not hungry, but do feel the need to eat, its a kinda empty feeling, and needing to top up energy more than anything, its 11 am and so far ive just had water since 9/20 am when i got up, im not hungry but have that empty feeling. One concern i have is that once i begin to eat, the 2 to 3 hour of needing to eat cycle begins and am watching how many calories i consume by using my fitness pal. I am not wanting sweet things at all, but am craving beef jerky, only 50 gram packet and 141 cals, and im not swallowinng it, this may sound gross, but i chew and chew and savour the taste, but then, take the little ball of mush out and give to my waiting dogs. It is very expensive, but it is my treat, i usually have it in the evening and can take an hour or more, breaking the little squares in half and chew chew chewing, lol. I started to take my meds in pill form yesterday, i am supposed to wait another week but just couldnt do a day longer with the horrible liquid meds. I have been in so much pain without my normal amount of pain meds for the fibromyalgia pains. Have a pain in my left calf going up under my knee, but no swelling or hotness, am thinking it is a pulled muscle, but will keep an eye on it. Really happy i have my sleeve, i know my weight loss could be slower because of my lack of mobility, but was 27 pound down and i can feel and see the difference already. My size 30 clothes are all really loose and i started at size 34 3 years ago, so am happy im heading downwards, i can get into size 24 26 pjs comfortably, and am thinking im about 26 28 in day clothes. Ive orderedc size 16 18 pjs in the sale for my christmas presents from hubby, and am really hoping that i will be in them for christmas or just after. My goal size is a small 16, and whatever weight i am for that size will be fine with me, i dont want to go below small 16 as hubby didnt like that last time i was size 14, he said i was too bony, lol, cant say ive been too boney fr many years. Well, thats me for today, praising God for this new life, getting on with what i need to do and trusting God to do what He needs to do in me and through me, to God be the Glory, great thinks He has done, and is doing and will do, byeeeee, xxxx
pink grace

pink grace

3
abbygirl's Blog
 

No Regrets!

I lost my uncle today. He had been battling cancer and though we knew he was terminal you can never fully prepare yourself. It started me thinking about my own mortality. I am about to willingly endure a major operation with risks - no matter how slim they are there are still risks.   A friend, who is part of my group of people that I have told about this operation, called me yesterday. It had been a while since we last talked and she asked me if I was still going through with "it" (giving the surgery a similar intonation we usually only reserve for the word cancer). Today after hearing about my uncle I thought of the question again. I also wondered if my uncle had any major regrets. I mean I am sure we all have regrets when this situation happens but I mean a big regret...one maybe influenced by others comments. I wanted to call my girlfriend back and reaffirm my YES bigger and louder than before.   I wasn't really close to my uncle but his passing today allowed me to put to rest in my mind the one last doubt about the surgery. Rest in peace Uncle P and thank you for the assistance to eliminate regrets!   No regrets!
abbygirl

abbygirl

3
lizrox's Blog
 

4 weeks post-op

Yesterday marked 4 weeks post-op and I was thrilled to get on the scale today and see 260 lbs. I am really looking forward to being 235 again...that was how much I weighted when I got pregnant so it would be great to lose all the 'baby weight', even though I gained most of the weight after having the baby. Being on 6 weeks bed rest really deconditioned my body.   I have been walking and swimming a lot but I can't start a full exercise regimen until my gp gives the ok. I have some minor arthritis in my lower spine which is causing the outer part of my right leg to be numb and twinges of stabbing nerve pain. I had a more mild case of this before the surgery, but laying on my back recovering for three days really aggravated things. Since oral steroids are very hard on the stomach I decided to go the physical therapy route. (MRIs and steroid shots will be plan I started PT this week and I know I'm on the right track. Losing weight will certainly help.   Some big wins of the week:   - I am still very strong around food - I am in control, not food; this is so empowering.   - I am actually having positive thoughts about the future. I used to think getting old just meant gaining weight and the ticking time bomb of diabetes or a massive stroke (family history of both). But now I'm looking forward to 35, 45 and beyond. This is very new.   - Realizing that this new healthy life hasn't been very difficult to embrace. My new "default settings" are healthy choices. I don't want to eat hot dogs or pie right now! I don't have to have the internal fight of "eat bad food x...it will taste so good...you deserve it...everyone else can eat it so can you." In the past I would eat it and beat myself up for being so fat and out of control, and a loser etc... Now I think "Oh fish sounds amazing, with a few bites of steamed broccoli" The end!   - Knowing that I am on the right road to a long, happy and healthful life! I really never want to veer off.
lizrox

lizrox

0
Being Thankful
 

Day 14

Happy Happy Joy Joy!!   Another day and no nausea, no dizzyness. I honestly believe I needed real food, not just liquids. And I swear I will never eat another potato again for the rest of my life! lol Potato soup, mashed potatoes.. etc. You actually burn out of it.   I am now concentrating on getting in my protein and not really worrying about the calories. I have been keeping a tab and as it stands I have been eating close to 1000 to 1100 calories a day. Which is way less than what I was eating before. I kept a week of just plain eating on My Fitness Pal and I was consuming anywhere between 2200 to 3000 calories a day. So I think what I am consuming is pretty good. I just need to get over my fear of beef and fresh veggies.   I have been reading on the forum about the ''getting stuck'' and its scaring the hell out of me!!! I know its inevitable, but its giving me a panic attack and I have not even got stuck yet. Just the thought of it freaks me out.   That much pain? And no way to make it go away? PB's (still don't know what that means) and projectile vomiting, foaming at the mouth, slime... I am not sure if I am going to become a zombie, die from asphyxiation, or crawl into a freaking corner and just cry.   Seriously the more I talk about this the more panicked I am getting. I knew all about this before I got the band, but I think now that I have it and the fact that it could happen has finally set into my mind IM SCARED POOPLESS!!   I guess I will just have to cross that bridge when I get there, but I have been given some good advice. DO NOT DRINK WATER TO TRY TO ''UNSTICK'' YOUR FOOD. It will make you feel worse. One member told me that their dietician told them to make sure to have some ''fizzy'' drink on hand, and to be standing over a sink, a toilet, whatever when you consume it because its gonna come right back up.   Ok... I am stressing now enough. I think I am going to go to bed.   I am posting a 4 part picture of what I ate tonight. Hope you enjoy it  
txflea

txflea

2
Beli's Thoughts
 

4 Weeks Ago Today...

So four weeks ago today, I got the lap band done. I can't believe how time has flown! And guess what? I'm okay! I'm doing this! Pre-op diet I lost 25 pounds. Post op, I've lost 22 pounds so far. I'm trying to be gracious about it to everyone but inside I'm insanely happy with myself. Even when the hunger came back, I stuck to the diet the doctor had me on (he's very strict) and I was able to lose.
Today I had my first fill. Everyone was very positive and I even got a 3/4 cup measure for my meals. My doctor had put in 3.4 cc's and today they added 1 cc to my band. I'm kinda bummed about being back on liquids for a couple of days but that's the way the ball rolls, I suppose!
So I'm going on vacation next month and before I leave I'll be going back to see how I've progressed. I'm kinda thinking about getting some fluid taken out before flying but we'll see. Let's see how this month goes! 
beli

beli

4
dylanmiles23's Blog
 

new type of surgery

I am in Boston and right now I am watching the Doctors. They just showed a new WLS for the person who needs to lose 25-60lbs. They put a tube thing down through your mouth and fold part of your stomach. It has been used for about 4 years but not approved by the FDA, yet. They use this surgery for other things. Very interesting. I would say to go their web site and see the video. They explain it better than me. My husband likes the sound of this surgery because his heart doctor wants him to lose about 30 pounds. Another thing they spoke about was the WLS cards to show in restaurants. The doctors said why can't anyone order a smaller meal.
dylanmiles23

dylanmiles23

1
newmeIowa's Blog
 

Eating FOOD at last - but not very much!

16 days post op.   I've been eating real food (soft) for 2 days and I'm feeling better, a bit more energy. I'm learning to 'read' my new stomach for the new full feeling. UGH! I'm only able to eat about 1/4 of a cup of food at this point.   Here's what I've had so far: one egg with Franks hot sauce 1/4 of mushed, ripe banana refried, black beans with taco sauce mushed avocado humus canned pears cottage cheese sliced deli ham sugar free Carnation instant good start with skim milk   It's so wonderful to move away from the overly sweet crap. I never knew how much I love savory foods with flavor.   One big disappointment I'm having is that the bathroom situation has not returned to normal yet. Maybe someday - sigh.   I've lost 16 lbs since the surgery - about 1 lb a day. My belly still has some swelling, so I only notice the weight loss in my face, but dear husband says he can tell I'm losing everywhere. I've lost 35 lbs since my heaviest weight. I had my first picture taken yesterday (for the swim pass) and WOW, I can see the difference already. HOORAY!   I've passed the point of feeling "why the hell did I do this!" However, I'm realizing now that food is essential, not just for the yummy taste or comfort, etc. I need food - BUT I can't eat much of is, so I'm sort of frustrated. I also HATE the nasty liquid/chewable meds. JUST PUKEY! I'll be so excited when I get the go ahead to swallow a PILL! I can't imagine the lap-band people never being able to swallow another pill - forever.   This week-end we're traveling down to visit my folks at their lake home. It will be the first time they've seen me, and I'm excited and nervous. They've been nothing but supportive, but . . . parents.   Someone asked me to share the whole, ugly truth of my experience. I'm reticent to do so, because I don't want to scare anyone off, but reality is - **** happens. Soooo . . . my surgeon 'nicked' a blood vessel during surgery and I bled internally. My hemoglobins went critically low and I had to have two units of blood. Then I spiked a high fever and was given strong antibiotics for another day. So I was supposed to stay 2 nights, ended up staying 4 nights and my entire belly looks horrendous. Seriously 'zombified' and swollen. I've had to go into the dr. 2 times to make sure the hemoglobins are returning to normal - they are. I had low grade temps for the first week (with the cold sweats, shiver-shakes, and all.) So happy those are gone now. I would say I passed the 'hell' point on day 11 post op. I'm also so glad I'm doing this during the summer (I'm a teacher) because I really can't imagine going back to work next week. I really don't have the energy level back up to normal.   I'll post a new picture soon. I just hate that my belly is still so huge.
newmeIowa

newmeIowa

2
aliekat55's Blog
 

business dinner

I went to an upscale restaurant yesterday for work.quite a challenge. but I looked at the menu online ahead of time and decided on what to get. I managed to slow my eating even while keeping up my part of the conversation going. I finished at the same time my wife did! unheard off, for she eats very slow! I came close to ordering dessert but avoided it. overall a good experience and practice. My next business related meal is two weeks after my sleeve and there will be thirty plus people to see what I eat. I will be on pureed foods then, how to finesse that? alex
aliekat55

aliekat55

7
Amberlydw8's Blog
 

4 Months Post Op

Hey there everyone. I know I have not been keeping up on my blogs... I guess its because I am now out living life and discovering who I am as a normal person. Finding out I like to hang out, I like to go to the gym, I don't mind being in front of a crowd now... As for normal life its kinda hard rite now, I just started a new job and its not really paying out what I hoped, so the bills are a bit tight rite now. But I can tell you that my cloths are not! I am having to sew and alter many of my cloths because I am loosing so fast! Thank god I can sew! Or I would be in cloths that looked like sacks and togas...lol   This sleeve is proving to be the most wonderful "tool"! And yes, everyone was right to say its a tool for weight loss! Its the thing that helps keep me on track. The reminder that I have a goal and that I don't want to stray from my mission.   As of this week I am 14 weeks post op. I have lost 71 pounds and almost 45 inches! (9 inches off my waist alone!) I have gone from a size 22 pants to a size 16! Everything looks and feels different. I can cross my legs when I sit, I can run up and down stairs, I can be on my feet for longer periods of time, I am starting to be able to ware high heals again! And when I pass by a shop window, I don't recognize the person I see in the reflection... The little changes and victories are endless! I am so happy I made this decision.   There are a few things for me that I have noticed are a little different than some of my other sleever friends. One is I am hungry regularly. I don't really know if it is what they call head hunger, or if my body is just telling me to eat more. I know that I am satisfied rather quickly, but I do feel hungry often. I am able to eat most anything I want (in moderation) I have a little bit of a hard time with fried foods. I try to stay away from them in general, but sometimes my will gets the best of me... I am normally sorry in the end because my tummy dose not really like it... In general I am at about 1000-1100 cal a day... And I loose about 2 or maybe 3 pounds a week rite now...   I have been on the low end of my protein the past couple weeks. I have been making it a priority over the past couple days so I hope to see my loss pick up again. I have noticed it slow down a little. Im sure this will help. My other problem area is water ( I know, I am preaching to the choir on this one...lol every one has a hard time with water) I have been trying to drink allot more! I keep a glass full at work now and a bottle in my car. What ever it takes rite?   Well, I think I have covered most of the things that are going on with me. I want to be able to keep a record not only for myself but for all of you who might find a little help or hope in following my story. I know I am not supper interesting, or amazingly charismatic, but its my story... and maybe it will help someone... All I got is my experiences and my personal victories...   To all my supper awesome friends out there... Thank you for your support! You guys are awesome! Sarahr and TTL you girls are the best! I am always able to talk to you guys... and especially my friend VSGkirk ... You have been so wonderful, and such a great friend... Thank you! I am so glad we live close.   Until next time. Keep up the good work!
Amberlydw8

Amberlydw8

6
Being Thankful
 

Day 13 and Bored :/

Well, everyone is going on vacation, going to the water parks, going somewhere. Me I'm here at home, no plans, no money.   All my vacation money went to this surgery. It's going to work damn it!   I'm kinda worried I didn't stay on that "food plan" that the hospital gave me. I kinda pushed it up a little bit. Ok by a lot actually. I am logging my food, every sip, every bite. I'm not going over 1200 calories, and when you factor in how much my stomach actually holds I'm really not even eating that much. More like 1000 calories.   DH and I just ate at Luby's. I wish I would have taken a before and after food plate. I did take a before.. Well the after pretty much looked the same almost. And I am full. Take a luann plate and cut it in half and that's actually a little more than what I am eating. Lol.       I'm full but not uncomfortably. The burping is what's getting me lol I always thought people who burp were like ogres, now I'm like Fiona! I'm making Shrek look like a gentleman! Haha!   I am so bored, I think I have cabin fever, IDK what the summer version of that would be, but that's what I have.   I had fish again for dinner! This time it was baked salmon and leftover squash and peas from yesterday. This made me FULL!! Salmon size is 1/2 of a small strip (about 2 oz), 1/3 cup peas, 1/3 cup squash.       I'm proud of myself too, I remembered to take all my vitamins! yeah me!   I'm now getting ready to go to bed, I hope tomorrow is just as good
txflea

txflea

1

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