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1 Week Anniversary :)

Well its been a week since surgery. I must say its been a long week.   My recovery has been full of nausea so far and I'm really hoping that it improves. The incision sites are healing well. They've started to itch a bit which is a good sign.   My sleep is almost back to normal. I do still take the pain relief medication at night before going to bed though. I hope to stop that this coming week.   I've felt sick again today. I think I'm just not drinking the right things so I tried to drink some protien drinks today. I've also had some blended soups. I've also doubled my liquids. :redface:   I started feeling very hungry last night and today. I hope thats a good thing.
Lavetta

Lavetta

1
 

Not so Fast Girl!!

Well I went to the Dr last week and he told me I didnt need my next fill yet. I've lost 19 pounds in two months and he was pleased with the difference. He said to keep going with what I have for another month or possibly even two.   I went ahead and stayed on my liquid diet for the rest of the day, mainly just to give myself a jump start for the next two months and partially since I'd already psyched myself out for it all day. :thumbup:   I'm down to 220! Hard to believe that a year ago I was abut 270.
Lavetta

Lavetta

1
 

First Entry Day 3 after Banding

Hello. This is my first time blogging so please be patient with me. :frown: This post is long to fill in initial details.   I think it may be helpful for others for me to share what I've gone through and continue to experience.   So I'll start at the basics. I'm 42, married, a mom of a 16 year old and currently not working. Overweight for over 20 years. I'm about five feet eight inches tall and began this weighing 256 pounds. I'm a moderatly active person. I dont work out alot but I'm always trying to keep busy. Genetically I come from a long line of heavy women who died young. My mother was over 300 lbs when she died at age 56 of a massive heart attack and my grandmother was over 350 lbs when she died around age 60 of a stroke. I want to outlast them.   My Neurologist mentioned the lap band to me initially because I've had almost daily migraines for about 6 months to a year. I have some brain damage per the MRI that was done and sometimes I forget things, i misspell alot and repeat words for no reason. The neurologist suggested that the damaged areas may be affected by the pressure of my being overweight since most of my headaches are triggered by bending or movment. He suggested I get rid of the extra weight as quickly as possible.   Having been a lifetime dieter and never getting off more than about 40 pounds on my best diet he suggested something more drastic. Lap band. I'd actually researched the band a bit on my own but due to the cost hadnt pursued it.   Oddly enough around the same time the doctor mentioned the procedure to me my insurance sent out a letter saying they were approving lap bands under certain medical considerations.   It seemed meant to be. I signed up for the online seminar and made an appointment with Dr. Longoria. With my neurological difficulties, and sleep apnea I was an ideal candidate. Things moved along after that first visit and within about two months I was scheduled. I lost 10 pounds on the preop diet, though I did enjoy a few bites of some of my favorite foods the last week. Who knows if I'll ever be able to eat them again?   I've never had any surgical procedures before so the thought of the surgery itself made me nervous. Thank God for my Husband and my Daughter. My husband was there with me before the procedure and both of them were there afterwards. I had opted to stay overnight at the hospital, which I would seriously recommend to anyone having this done. St. Davids Hospital in Austin Texas was wonderful. They have a group trained for bariatric procedures and you can tell. My nurse Kim was great and explained everything in detail.   I wont say it was a breeze. It was surgery. There is major soreness. No matter how you lie down its uncomfortable. Your belly is full of air from the procedure so youre bloated and your organs feel like theyre flopping around. It actually felt best to get up and take short walks.   The day after surgery I had the barium leak test at the hospital. Yuck... but the veggie broth I was allowed to have after was the best I'd ever had. I was allowed to go home a few hours later where I spent the night resting inclined on pillows in bed after taking the pain killer the doctor had prescribed for me. I dont normally like to take strong medicine but I knew I needed to rest. I did manage to sip some water and a little orange gatorade along with about 4 tiny bites of jello.   My sweet daughter prepared my room for me with fresh bedding on the bed and a vaccuumed floor and my hubby has kept our 4 dogs out of the room.   Day 2 was rough. I woke up nauseated. It lasted pretty much all day. I didnt vomit but I think it was through sheer force of will that I didnt. I started the day sipping white grape juice. It helped while I was sipping but as soon as my half cup was gone the nausea hit again. I also started passing alot of gas. I was gurgling constantly. My bloated stomach was going down though. I got up for short walks every few hours. I even ventured down the stairs with my hubbys help for a while. I sipped some tea while we watched a little tv together but the nausea got to me after I tried to eat some jello so I ended up back in bed pretty quickly. It was the nausea that led me to find this site. I had to know if I was feeling "normal" nausea... so I Googled. It was great to see I wasnt alone. I took my pain medicine and went to sleep, this time on my side, which is my normal sleep position. I held a pillow lightly to my belly all night and sort of proped my stomach on it while I slept.   This is the afternoon of Day 3 and I'm feeling so much better than Day 2. So far today I've been able to take in about half a cup of cranberry juice, at breakfast time, half a cup of strawberry bannana v8 fusion around 11, then a quarter of a cup of HEB peach yogurt drink with my meds mixed in at 1pm. Typing the list makes me think it looks like a lot but its really not much. I've also had sips of water in between. I have found that I prefer it to be iced and cold.   I've rested most of the day with one small chore of putting away a basket of clean laundry. I concentrated on not bending over far or stretching my stomach too much. Walking around the room feels good.   I was feeling so good I decided to start this blog. Now I'm feeling a bit tired though so I'm going to rest a bit.   More tomorrow.
Lavetta

Lavetta

5
 

First fill Today

I went in this morning and had my first fill. 4cc's. I wasnt sure if Dr. Longoria was going to do an adjustment or not.   I was a bit nervous. I've been feeling a bit hungry between meals so I knew I was ready for a fill.   I had to lie back on the examining table and lift my feet. (to tighten my abs)   There was a pinch...just like getting any shot. He pulled the air out of the band first then filled it with the liquid. That was all.   I drank a large glass of water to show that I was able to get liquids through. Then I was free to go. I'll be on liquids today and soft mushies tomorrow morning.   I go back in 2 months. :party:
Lavetta

Lavetta

4
 

A month and a half Post-Op

Well I havent been on this site as much lately but I thought I'd post an update. I had my first fill a few weeks ago and I'm feeling great. I'm eating pretty much whatever I want but making good choices. Sticking with high protiens when I can. Fresh veggies and fruits over canned or frozen when possible, that sort of thing. I use a website called TheDailyPlate to track my meals.   I've lost a total of 26 pounds so far. I'm feeling full on about 3/4ths of a cup of food. My challenges are still drinking enough water each day (I'm taking in about 32 to 36oz these days) and remembering to take small bites. Remembering to chew everything to a pulp is easy, if you dont you feel it immediately. I've had a few incidents when I've forgotten and felt it. It was scary for a second but i just calmed down and soon it passed.   I'm exercising regularly. I ride our recumbent bike on even days and do weight training on the odd days.   I'm using Nivea Firming cream on my skin and havent noticed too much loose skin yet, but I havent lost too much so I'm still keeping my fingers crossed. I'm sure increasing my water intake will be the biggest help there.   I still have the migraines almost daily but the high blood pressure is just about gone. I've stopped taking daily medication for it.   My brother told me this past weekend that he spoke to his doctor last week and he's going to have this procedure done as well.   Good Luck to everyone who's reading this. I hope this information helps and encourages you. :thumbup:
Lavetta

Lavetta

1
 

First Follow-up With Surgeon

I had my first follow up visit with the surgeon today. It went great. He was really happy with the 20 lbs I've lost since I first came in and with the progress I've made in my recovery since surgery.   My incision sites looked great so he went ahead and removed the steri strips from them.   He also gave me permission to start on soft foods. Yay! I wanted to sing! Scrambled eggs and cottage cheese here I come.   I still need to work on drinking more water. I'm only getting in about 30 to 40 oz a day and I need to really get that up to 64 or more. Thats playing a part in my nausea.   I go back in 3 weeks.   I came straight home and made a scrambled egg. LOL
Lavetta

Lavetta

1
 

Day 10

Thanks for the encouragement it really helps. I never do well when I think I'm the only one going through this stuff.   I did really well on the liquids today. I drank all day long. One juice after another, then water, then a little soup. It works. I feel better and fuller. I had 2 popsicles today. Oh and I had V8 juice tonight. I havent had that in ages. It was so good. I had 2 glasses. I have noticed that I have no problems drinking anymore. I can swallow more than a sip with no pain or burping.   I'm walking around with a drink in my hand all the time now. LOL   Tonight is going to be my first night without the liquid pain medication. I havent felt like I've really needed it so lets see how I do. I'm suspecting that it may be contributing to my nausea a little. I've had nausea with other pain medications before.
Lavetta

Lavetta

2
 

Day 9

We had a busy day today with lots of errands. I did alot of walking and got a bit tired and sore.   I stayed on my liquids today but its getting really hard to do. My stomach is noticing a certain lack of food bulk. :eek:   I'm going to increase my liquids more and more to try to make up the difference in not eating solids at all to see if that helps the hunger.   I did have a hard time seeing different restraunts today and having old food cravings. Seeing TV shows and commercials about food are difficult too. Its gotten to the point that I dont want to eat with my family because it makes me miserable. I want what they're having.:redface:   This liquid diet for 2 weeks is really hard but I'm going to do my best.
Lavetta

Lavetta

3
 

Day 11

Today started with a Migraine. Unfortunately my daughter had a few doctors appointments that I had to take her to so I wasnt able to shove my head under the covers.   I had a small yogurt drink that didnt sit to well on my stomach.   I also started having some allergy issues today too. I've been coughing and sneezing. Maybe the two are related? I felt a little feverish earler but checked my temp a few times and it was fine. We finally made it home and I just slumped on the sofa. I felt so sick all over. I just did too much I think.   I take my hat off to those of you who are able to return to a full days work within a few days after this surgery. I couldnt have done it if I were working right now. I was so worn out from 2 doctor visits and a short walk through the mall with my daughter.   I feel better now that I've had a chance to curl up in bed for a bit. I've had a glass of water too. I'm hoping a good nights sleep will get me back on track.
Lavetta

Lavetta

2
 

Day 4 of Recovery

I had a rough time taking my medicine last night. The topamax and nortryplylin (sic) taste terrible crushed and mixed with yogurt drink. I'll be researching a different option today. Honey is a liquid right?? lol   I slept well, mostly on my left side with a long body pillow just under the edge of my belly. I felt good when I woke up and didnt feel the stitches much till I sat up. Last night was the first night I slept the whole night through which I think made a difference for me.   White grape juice is all I've had so far today and I'm sipping it slowly. :frown:
Lavetta

Lavetta

2
 

Day 5 of Recovery

I had a good nights sleep last night again. Sleep is really key to feeling better. Some soreness at the laproscopy areas. I have 5. I've taken quick showers since I've been home but the bandage strips are still intact. It will take a few weeks for them to come off I think. My stomach muscles are tender but getting their strength back. I can sit up on the side of the bed with little trouble.   I woke up feeling good. I still used the body pillow against me though.   I felt so good I thought I'd go out to the grocery store to pick up some protein shakes and some cream soups. Unfortunately I overdid it and walked a bit too much. My stomach started hurting and I just wanted to sit down. Riding in the car was a little uncomfortable too. Thankfully my daughter was able to drive us home. :eek: She's getting her license next month.   I had some HEB yogurt drink for breakfast before we left this morning and some blended and strained cream of potato soup for lunch after we got back. It was a nice change from all the juices. I am noticing that I get hungry from time to time.   I still feel the gurgling gas quite a bit. Each day it gets a bit better though.   I'm also taking a chewable multivitamin every day. I got a sample from my surgeons office.   I've got to remind myself to drink more water though. I've noticed I sometimes go for a few hours without a sip and I really shouldnt do that. :redface:
Lavetta

Lavetta

1
 

2nd Fill Time

I got my second fill yesterday. The doctor added one cc to my 4 I already have.   The procedure was just like my first fill. Over quickly.   I'm down to 215. I'd love to be under 200 by January.:thumbup:
Lavetta

Lavetta

3
 

Day 6 of Recovery

I woke up this morning feeling pretty good. My mouth was really dry though. It reminded me of when I woke up after the surgery when I wasnt allowed to drink. The nurse had given me moistened sponge swabs to wet the inside of my mouth.   That first sip of water the next day was so good. :redface:   I had my first follow up visit with my family doctor today. She's very happy with the way I'm healing. A few of my steri strips have a few blod drops under them, but that's normal. She gave me reminders about fluids and recommended a skin cream.   I've been pretty nauseated today. I think I'm feeling a bit hungry too. Its kinda hard to tell. I had some veggie broth and protien shake. Then my hubby started dinner and my stomach started aching again.   I ended up lying down most of the afternoon.
Lavetta

Lavetta

1
 

Day 8 of Recovery

Each day the soreness has gotten a little better but I think I've reached a bit of a plateau. I'm sleeping well though so I'm sure I will feel better as time goes by.   I started with chicken broth today...trying to do 2 weeks of liquids but ended up cheating a little with lunch and dinner. I made cream of chicken with mushroom soup and added some mashed rice and blended it all together really well. It was much more filling than just the cream of chicken and mushroom soup alone. I also had a popsicle and a jug of lemonade today too.   I had no issues with swallowing and definitely felt full with half a cup, but I cant help but feel I cheated a bit.
Lavetta

Lavetta

1
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