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6 Days Post-Op

July 3, 2008 It's been almost a week since my surgery. The wounds on my belly are healing nicely but still sore. One especially long cut, almost 2", is where my port is. Well, I'm slowly getting the hang of this eating routine. I'm doing liquids and soft foods. I've found that I have to be eating or drinking something all the time because the liquid goes right through me and is not satisfying for a long period of time. I've also felt very lethargic and draggy. I forced myself to go out last night and visit my daughter and grandchildren. Also stood in a funeral calling hours line for over an hour. I was exhausted when I got home. Just have to stick with it and give my body time to adjust. I've lost 25 pounds since 2 weeks pre-op, that would be since June 13th. I can live with that.:wink::smile:
krite

krite

2
 

Still Losing and Haven't Even Started Yet

June 23, 2008 I've lost 14.5 pounds on this pre-op diet. I am hungry and find it very difficult. And to be honest, yes, I have eaten some things I shouldn't. But I love this because I can see a light at the end of the tunnel. I know if I fall down, I can just get back up and keep going. I won't give up. Surgery is only 4 days aways. Bought some Cappacino flavored Slim Fast and it is very good. :wink:
krite

krite

3
 

2 Days Post Op

Sunday, June 29th.   It's been two days since my surgery. Couldn't post yesterday because no internet connection due to storm. I am very sore from the surgery. Here's how it went: Was at hospital at 11:30 am. Got all prepped and put into my little bed. This is all done in Out-Patient Ambulatory Surgery. Rebecca and Dave sat with me until I finally went into surgery around 2:00. Things went really well and I guess I was out in about 50 minutes. Laid in recovery for awhile but felt disconnected due to morphine for pain. Wow, that was weird. Couldn't wake up, couldn't open my eyes. Felt really drugged. Finally taken back to my little cubby hole where I opened my eyes to the two most beautiful people in my life, Dave and Rebecca. The drowsiness stayed w/ me awhile. I had 5 "stab" wounds, as the nurse called them, in my belly. They were all held closed by steri-strips. Very sore. At one point I had to get up and use the restroom. When I returned to my bed I tore one of the wounds open getting back into bed and it had to be resealed. Hasn't happened since, but the nurse sent us home w/ some additional steristrips and bandages. Yesterday, Saturday, I laid around and rested but made myself get up and walk occasionally. Good to prevent blood clots, which I have a history of. Drank small amonts of Slim Fast and Instant Breakfast, but I was still a little confused as to how much and when to drink. Bec helped by reading some of my information and she set me straight. I'm suppose to drink about 2-3 oz. and take 15-30 minutes to do so. Then about every 30-40 minutes repeat this procedure. So that is what I am doing today. I have a cute little pink Pampered Chef 4 oz measuring cup that I drink out of. Don't feel sick, but wounds hurt. Think my new little stomach growled a few times. Here's a cute little antidote about my 2 1/2 year old grandson. Gavin found a dead little yellow butterfly on my front porch and called his Papa Dave to fix it. He though perhaps since Dave has fixed some of Gavin's toys that he could 'fix' the butterfly. Unfortuantely Dave told Gavin he couldn't fix it and together they threw it in the trash. And today, Gavin pooped in the potty. This is a great milestone as he has been fighting against this forever. He's been afraid to go. His mommy had even bought him presents to open everytime he went. He actually called me on the phone and told me his great accomplishment. He got two presents for this. Yeah, Gavin:thumbs_up::wink:
krite

krite

1
 

One Week and Counting

Friday, June 20, 2008   It's been one week since I began my two-week pre-op diet. I have been eating very little and have already lost 11.5 pound. Wow, and I haven't even had the surgery yet. My doctor sent me a video to watch all about what to expect. It freaked me out a bit, but I'm ready to go forward. Have been a little hungry in the evenings and sometimes feel like I could eat a horse. But I hang in there. I've also been trying to walk every morning or evening. Got to get into the habit of exercising. I've also hated it. Perhaps when I'm more able I won't dislike it so. Pray for me and watch what you eat. Eat V-E-R-Y slowly and chew your food good.:wink:
krite

krite

1
 

Day 2: Pre-op Diet

June 14, 2008 Down 4 pounds in 24 hours is quite amazing to me, however, I realize that the pounds are going to just drop off here at first. Yesterday was my first day on a Pre-Op two week diet. I had 1 Slim Fast Optima, 1 Weight Control Quaker Oatmeal, a serving of grapes, 1/2 an apple, 1 can of vegetarian vegetable soup, one 8 oz glass of skim milk with a packet of Carnation Instant Breakfast (no sugar added) mixed in, and 1 cup of no-fat cottage cheese. Oh and of course plenty of water, which I love. Actually, it wasn't so bad. I kept myself busy with reading, computer work, laundry. That's the key. I need to redirect my life. I'm looking into starting my own web site so that will take some time. This morning I got up at 7:00 and took a walk with the dogs. We walked down to the pond, which is a little ways away, downhill. The dogs loved the water and romped and played. So they got their exercise too. The trudge back up the hill was a killer, but I know it will get easier with time. If I consider my alternatives, (heart attack, stroke, diabetes, death), I rather like this hiking up and down hills. The Slim Fast tasted better this morning: Strawberry Cream, which I thought would be delicious, turns out NOT to be. Plus I had a yogurt, Activia, which I didn't get in yesterday. All the foods I mentioned are all that I will eat for the next two weeks. This was given to me by the dietitian. Why, I bet I lose 20 pounds even before surgery! The dietitian explained to me that the reason for this diet is to help the liver to lose weight. Fatty tissue built up around the liver is not good and hinders absorption of proper nutrients. I know there is more to it than that. I will need to research that again. So, I'm off and running. Well, actually, not running yet. That will come later, I hope.
krite

krite

1
 

Pre-Op Appointment

June 11, 2008 Today I had my pre-op appointment at the hospital where I will have my Lap Band done. I was there for 3 and 1/2 hours. Wow. I had blood tests, a chest x-ray and an EKG. I also went through preadmission for the hospital and preadmission for the Ambulatory Surgery Center. I met with the financial person and also spent a great deal of time with the nutritionist. This was most interesting. I was given a booklet to read followed by a 20 question, multiple choice quiz. The nurse went over the quiz with me and we discussed all the answers. The nutritionist gave me a two-week pre-op diet I will start in two days, Friday, the 13th. Oh my. It will be a combination of Slim Fast protein drink, lo-fat cottage cheese, yogurt, vegetarian vegetable soup, oatmeal and no sugar puddings and jellos. She also gave me a protein powder drink to mix in with my food. Their main concern is my getting the necessary amounts of daily protein. The reason for such a strict eating program prior to surgery is to clear the liver of as much fatty tissue around it as possible. This will help ease the process of the procedure and later help with the absorption of the vitamins and minerals I take in. I think there is more to it than that, but I will need to go back and read my materials again to be more knowledgable on the matter. The surgery is scheduled for June 27th. Then I will be on a clear liquid diet for 2 weeks followed by 2 weeks of pureerd food and finally work my way slowly into solids again. So, I'm on my way. I'm still upbeat and have never been so excited about quitting eating before. I also met a former patient from the weight loss center. He has lost 125 pounds since his Lap Band last July. That's a great loss for less than a year. How excited he was. We had a good conversation and he shared some of his eating habits with me. Guess that's it for now. I'll keep you posted on the soft diet program stating Friday.:wink:
krite

krite

1
 

Psychological Profile

June 7, 2008 Today I had a psychological assessment, a requirement by my doctor for Lap Band. The doctor questioned me about some health history and my eating habits, The purpose of this assessment is to find out if the patient can handle the surgery and what comes with it It evaluates your personality to see if you're paranoid or have bad self-esteem..Following our little discussion, I was given a 400 question true or false assessment which I did by myself. It was a typical phys. assessment tool asking the same kinds of questions over and over in several different ways. It cued in on any paranoia problems with questions like: I feel someone is controlling my mind, or Someone follows me all the time or I see and hear things no one else does. It also asked me things like: I'd like to be a florist, or I'd like to be a cook, or an engineer, or a construction boss. Some weird questions like the first one which was: I like to read mechanic magazines. I thought that funny since my husband is a mechanic. I answered true cuz I do sometimes pick up Dave's magazines and read them. The whole appointment took about 2 1/2 hours. I have my pre-op meeting w/ the nutritionist next Wednesday, June 12. At that time, I wil get information on a pre-op all liquid diet. That should be fun! I'm really getting excited about this procedure. I don't even enjoy my eating much right now. It often leaves me feeling over filled and discomforting. Maybe the :Lord is readying my body for what's ahead. :wink:
krite

krite

1
 

My Consult: The First Step

Tuesday, June 03, 2008   Well, today I officially started my journey to a better me. I had my first consult with the physician who will do my surgery. Dave went with me as we met with several others who are also contemplating the lap band (LB) procedure. We began by viewing a power-point presentation put together by Dr. Canaday himself. It told me everything I already knew but was very informative. This was an eye opener for David. He just didn’t have any awareness of obesity and it’s causes, problems or solutions; plus he knew nothing about the LB procedure. Dr. Canaday also passed around a ‘stomach’ and band so we could see how it actually looks and works. Attached to the cord was a hypo. needle that would be used to do the fills of saline as needed. Following this group meeting we then met in private w/ the dr. for only a brief moment as he asked if we had any questions. Dr. Canaday has been doing bariatric gastric bypass for a long, long time, but told us that he no longer does it because he feels it’s too invasive and dangerous (my words) and only does LB instead. I found that to be a rather remarkable thing. He talked about how safe it is and how effective it is, IF you do as you are told. After meeting w/ the dr. we met with the nurse consultant who had gastric bypass many years ago and knows all about being fat. She was great and I cried as she asked me why I wanted this surgery. I couldn’t give reasons fast enough and she couldn’t write fast enough. I had filled out a very comprehensive 6 page questionnaire about my health and diet history and Terry often referred to this as we talked. After meeting w/ Terry, the dietician was next. And of course, this was what we’d been waiting for. Wow. What an earful. She was great and explained all about the changes I would be making pre and post surgery. It all boils down to no more than 4 oz. of food at a sitting, chewing each bite 15-20 times, 2 minutes between bites, 30 full minutes to eat it all. That gives the food time to get to the stomach so I can feel the ‘full’ sensation. If I don’t do things right, I will throw it all up: eating too fast, not chewing enough, eating the wrong stuff….no carbs…that is breads, buns, pastas, potatoes, that kind of thing that has no nutritional value really. I have to take care to get in my protein. Next step is a psychological workup I have to have done. Terry gave me a list of doctors to call and circled one that they especially like to work with because she’s quick and thorough. Dave went home and called immediately to get me an appointment and I go this Friday at 8:30!! It will take about 2 ½ hours and cost me $250.00. When the doctor sends the results to the Weight Loss Clinic, they will schedule my surgery for about 2 weeks down the road. I will meet w/ the dietician one more time pre-op and she will tell me to do all liquids for 2 weeks, I believe. So that’s it for now. Looks like I may be looking at an early July banding. I am so very excited and can’t wait to get started ‘not eating.’ LOL :biggrin2::biggrin2::wink:   Hospital Profile - Holzer Weight Loss Center   Medically supervised weight loss program - Center for Comprehensive Weight Loss at Holzer Medical Center Gallipolis
krite

krite

1
 

The Decision to Band

June 5, 2008   I have been an elementary school teacher for 34 years. With retirement not just a mere vision anymore, but a viable conclusion to an enjoyable career, I knew I must get my life and health under control. For most of my adult life, I can remember being overweight. I was so tired of fighting the fight, diet after diet; Weight Watchers, Slim Fast, Atkins, South Beach, Physician's Weight Loss (that one landed me in the hospital). The only thing I lost besides a few pounds was my hair. Goodness, I'm destined to be an old, fat, bald lady. With two grandchildren and a hearty spirit, I made up my mind that this summer I would "really work hard to get my health in order." It was actually going to be another goal set for yet another summer. I was going to start on the South Beach Diet plan which I liked above all the others. Then one day I get "THE PHONE CALL." Now for those of us who are FAT (might as well admit it), we don't like to be reminded of our problem. Our family is tired of hearing us say we're going to go on another diet, or this time will be different or I'm really ready now. Well, that's how it was with me. So imagine my surprise when my sister, Stef, calls me up out of the blue and asks me what my plans are for this summer. Well, of course I told her. I'm gonna get my health in order. I'm going on "ANOTHER DIET!!!!!" And this will be THE ONE. Stef was so happy to hear me say that and right away a red flag went up because I don't think my family members were ever happy to hear me announce yet another diet plan. But Stephanie went on to tell me that she had been conniving (my word) with my daughter, Rebecca. Oh I forgot to put Rebecca in my profile. But more about her later. Anyways, she had been lamenting to her aunt about her mom's poor health and her worries about my eating myself into an early grave. (my words again). Stephanie thought about this for a long time then made the call that would come to change my life.She called mom to see if she would foot the bill for my surgery and then proceeded to check with all the sibs to make sure they didn't feel slighted by losing a small chunk of their inheritance. My thoughts were reinforced when I learned that my family really did love me and care about me and it's not about the money, it's about 'our sister.' So, I've taken the bull by the horns. I am scheduled for my Lap-Band surgery on Friday, June 27th, 2008. This will be the first day of the rest of my life. Follow me on my journey.
krite

krite

1
 

The Decision to Band

June 5, 2008 I have been an elementary school teacher for 34 years. With retirement not just a mere vision anymore, but a viable conclusion to an enjoyable career, I knew I must get my life and health under control. For most of my adult life, I can remember being overweight. I was so tired of fighting the fight, diet after diet; Weight Watchers, Slim Fast, Atkins, South Beach, Physician's Weight Loss (that one landed me in the hospital). The only thing I lost besides a few pounds was my hair. Goodness, I'm destined to be an old, fat, bald lady. With two grandchildren and a hearty spirit, I made up my mind that this summer I would "really work hard to get my health in order." It was actually going to be another goal set for yet another summer. I was going to start on the South Beach Diet plan which I liked above all the others. Then one day I get "THE PHONE CALL." Now for those of us who are FAT (might as well admit it), we don't like to be reminded of our problem. Our family is tired of hearing us say we're going to go on another diet, or this time will be different or I'm really ready now. Well, that's how it was with me. So imagine my surprise when my sister, Stef, calls me up out of the blue and asks me what my plans are for this summer. Well, of course I told her. I'm gonna get my health in order. I'm going on "ANOTHER DIET!!!!!" And this will be THE ONE. Stef was so happy to hear me say that and right away a red flag went up because I don't think my family members were ever happy to hear me announce yet another diet plan. But Stephanie went on to tell me that she had been conniving (my word) with my daughter, Rebecca. Oh I forgot to put Rebecca in my profile. But more about her later. Anyways, she had been lamenting to her aunt about her mom's poor health and her worries about my eating myself into an early grave. (my words again). Stephanie thought about this for a long time then made the call that would come to change my life.She called mom to see if she would foot the bill for my surgery and then proceeded to check with all the sibs to make sure they didn't feel slighted by losing a small chunk of their inheritance. My thoughts were reinforced when I learned that my family really did love me and care about me and it's not about the money, it's about 'our sister.' So, I've taken the bull by the horns. I am scheduled for my Lap-Band surgery on Friday, June 27th, 2008. This will be the first day of the rest of my life. Follow me on my journey. have been an elementary school teacher for 34 years. With retirement not just a mere vision anymore, but a viable conclusion to an enjoyable career, I knew I must get my life and health under control. For most of my adult life, I can remember being overweight. I was so tired of fighting the fight, diet after diet; Weight Watchers, Slim Fast, Atkins, South Beach, Physician's Weight Loss (that one landed me in the hospital). The only thing I lost besides a few pounds was my hair. Goodness, I'm destined to be an old, fat, bald lady. With two grandchildren and a hearty spirit, I made up my mind that this summer I would "really work hard to get my health in order." It was actually going to be another goal set for yet another summer. I was going to start on the South Beach Diet plan which I liked above all the others. Then one day I get "THE PHONE CALL." Now for those of us who are FAT (might as well admit it), we don't like to be reminded of our problem. Our family is tired of hearing us say we're going to go on another diet, or this time will be different or I'm really ready now. Well, that's how it was with me. So imagine my surprise when my sister, Stef, calls me up out of the blue and asks me what my plans are for this summer. Well, of course I told her. I'm gonna get my health in order. I'm going on "ANOTHER DIET!!!!!" And this will be THE ONE. Stef was so happy to hear me say that and right away a red flag went up because I don't think my family members were ever happy to hear me announce yet another diet plan. But Stephanie went on to tell me that she had been conniving (my word) with my daughter, Rebecca. Oh I forgot to put Rebecca in my profile. But more about her later. Anyways, she had been lamenting to her aunt about her mom's poor health and her worries about my eating myself into an early grave. (my words again). Stephanie thought about this for a long time then made the call that would come to change my life.She called mom to see if she would foot the bill for my surgery and then proceeded to check with all the sibs to make sure they didn't feel slighted by losing a small chunk of their inheritance. My thoughts were reinforced when I learned that my family really did love me and care about me and it's not about the money, it's about 'our sister.' So, I've taken the bull by the horns. I am scheduled for my Lap-Band surgery on Friday, June 27th, 2008. This will be the first day of the rest of my life. Follow me on my journey.
krite

krite

1
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