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About this blog

:thumbup:My journey with the band - On my way to the 2nd part of my life!

Entries in this blog

 

Finally feeling like myself

Today is day 8 Post op. I am feeling better and better everyday. I was having a lot of blurred vision and a lot of pain on my left side (port side). I seem to be feeling better in the mornings, but in the evenings the pain is a little worse, not sure why?   Still not back at work yet, and probably won't go back until another couple of weeks. I'm still on clear liquids and I am wanting food. I'm really not hungry, I just desire food. But I WILL NOT CHEAT! I have 5 more days of clear liquids and then I will begin my mushy stage. I can have refried beans on that day, and I am really looking forward to refried beans!   I'm losing very quickly right now, not sure if that is good or bad. My doctor told my I hold the record of any of his Lap band patients for losing the most amount of weight from the time of my first visit to the first visit after surgery. He also wants me to be in his calendar for 2008 if I continue to lose. How exciting. I'm down 33 lbs now since my very first visit with the doctor. What have I done? I've simply followed the lap band rules. Simple.   I'm feeling very excited about this journey!
tonya66

tonya66

2
 

Day 3 post op

Today makes the 3rd day after my surgery. My soreness is still there and I notice it, however, it has gotten better. I was able to get off the couch by myself this morning.   My vision is the only thing really worrying me right now, it is all blurred. I am cutting out the demoral pain meds to see if that will help. I'm supposed to go have a lasik consultation on my eyes in a couple of days, and my vision being so blurred, not sure If I can do it.   I would say my pain level is around a 4 right now, and I notice when I take deep breaths I can feel the air going down, it hurts a bit, but not too bad.   My eating has been minimal. I can only sip a little on the broth, and I'm pretty much living off of sugar free popcicles right now to keep my hydrated. I'm also sipping on my water all thru out the day.   I weighed this morning just for the heck of it, but no more after this morning. My DH & daughter are going to hide the scales from me until 6 weeks is up. Anyhow, my weight this morning was 222.8. So, I'm glad I'm finally losing the surgery weight, I was 3 pounds over when I cam home from the hospital.   Well, I'm off to walk down my hallway to get me a little exercise.
tonya66

tonya66

2
 

Day 1, post op

Well, I checked into the hospital yesterday at 11:00 am, They finally came to get me for surgery a little after 1:00 pm. But they didn't start on my until around 2.   My blood sugar was really low, and since I had my surgery late in the afternoon, they kept me at the hospital. I was finally realeased the next day at around 7:00 pm CST. I'm glad to be home, however, still haveing quite a bit of soreness. Hopefully this will go away soon.   I weighed the day of my surgery so I could track my weight after surgery. My weight going into surger was 226.0.
tonya66

tonya66

2
 

Tomorrow is my Day! My Band Birthday!

Tomorrow is my day! I'm so excited, I'm nervous a bit, and I'm anxious. I'm anxious to get it over with!   I will have to be at the hospital at 11:00 am, my surgery time is not until 1:00. The only thing I am worried about is my low profile port. I hope they ordered it!
tonya66

tonya66

4
 

Update on Sleep Study Test

I received a call from the sleep center and it turns out the doc is recommending 12 cc of oxygen/air for me everynight. She said the average is 8 - 10 cc so I'm slightly above average. Not sure what that means??   They will call me back later today to get me set up to come pick up my cpap machine and show me how to clean it etc. They want me to have it before my surgery. She stated that I would heal faster with the machine.
tonya66

tonya66

1
 

2 days until banding!

I can't believe I only have 2 more days until banding! 48 hours to go!   This liquid stuff is about to kill me. I'm always hungry and I want to eat damn it! I am ready for surgery so I won't be hungry any more. My DH made fried catfish last night (he makes the best in the whole world!). Gosh, I went into the kitchn and there set a huge plate of it, so I ended up taking a piece. Yes, I cheated - AGAIN.   I've got to stick to liquids today, no cheating!:help:
tonya66

tonya66

2
 

My experience with the sleep study center

Thursday night I headed back to the sleep study center for the test with my Cpap machine. I started off with a full face mask, I tried really hard to get used to the mask. But finally after much tossing and turning, I could not handle it and rung the bell for my tech. I told them I just couldn't do it. I felt like someone was trying to suffocate me, then I started feeling like I couldn't breath, and then I felt like the mask was making my face sweat (which it wasn't) They then brought me in a mask that was much smaller and didn't cover my entire face, it fit right underneath my nose.   Ahhhh, so much better. It was hard getting used to the air blowing up my nose, but I decided that I would do it. It is suppose to help you lose weight too, so I'm all about that! The night started off good, there was just a light air blowing from the machine. At some point in the night, I woke up to go the bathroom. I noticed the air coming out of the machine was much stronger than it was earlier, I ran for the tech to help me "untangle" the wires that were plastered all over my body and head. I came back and went right back to sleep. It turns out, they kept adjusting the machine thru the night to give me just the right amount of oxygen to make my sleep apnea disappear with the machine.   The tech came in at around 5:15ish to wake me up, they unhooked me and told me the results would be in either Monday (today) or Tuesday and they would schedule me to come back again to pick up the machine. I noticed as I was driving home that this was the first time I woke up without a headache. Anyhow, I went home and crawled back in bed for a few more hours. When I woke up again at around 8:30ish, my headache was back. I'm interested to get my machine and sleep with it and see if it cures my headaches or is just my imagination?   The benefits of having a cpap machine if you have sleep study are, I should feel a lot better sleeping with one, I won't feel as tired as I usually do in the mornings, and it should help me with my headaches. Also, the doc said that the oxygen will help speed up my matabolism and should help with weight loss - I LOVE THAT. I am really going to try and stick with the machine and see what happens. Also, my DH will love the fact that I won't keep him up snoring! Although I'm worried the sound of the machine might bother him, but we'll see.   In about a year, I will have to do another sleep study and if I lose weight, I should be cured from the sleep apnea.   Well, thats my experience with the sleep study test.........
tonya66

tonya66

2
 

My last meal

My last meal was Saturday night at La Mansion restaurant. I was extremely hungry and looking forward to a good Mexican meal. My dinner started off with a basket full of warm chips with extra salt sprinkled on them, and a bowel of salsa. I order a cup of smoked white queso to go with my basket of chips.   I studied the menu really long and hard, decided exactly what I wanted. I decided to go with the Enchilada supreme dinner. It came with 4 enchiladas, a beef, chicken, bean and cheese. I asked for a shrimp instead of the bean and paid the difference. I also got a quacomole salad with my dinner. Normally, when I eat a large mexican dinner like this, I have leftovers - but not Saturday night. I ate every bit of it and was practically licking the plate for any drippings left behind.   I came home stuffed clear up to my neck, and ended up eating an oreo cookie. I was so full but totally satisfied. I felt like I truly enjoyed my "last supper".:hungry:
tonya66

tonya66

1
 

3 days until banding!

OMG - 3 more days....its finally getting here! Its really going to happen!   I'm on my all clear liquids - and totally forgot it is CLEAR liquids, I had a cup of coffee this morning, I added a scoop of vanilla protein powder to it, it was pretty good. :hungry: I'm still hungry, the the hungry is starting to go away and it is getting a little easier.   I am in the middle of an ice storm here in Oklahoma, but it is finally moving out, so hopefully that doesn't mess my surgery date up.   Menu today   1 cup of coffee - scoop of vanilla protein powder (should not be drinking coffee) 1 cup of beef broth chocolate protein shake SF lime jello 1 sf pinapple popsicle protein shake - Slim Fast LC Nectar shake 1 piece of fish bite of chips & salsa 1 cup of chicken broth   I can't seem to get enough to make me not hungry with the liquids
tonya66

tonya66

1
 

4 days until band land

Today marks 4 more days until my banding. :clap2: I had to start the liquid diet today, and I must say, I have failed. I've tried to be good, I really have. But I'm so hungry! I've got to do better at this!   1 cup of broth slim fast lc shake 1 choco chip cookie bite of pizza sf jello applie juice 1 cup of broth Nectar Protein shake Bite of garlic bread :embarassed:   IVE GOT TO DO BETTER! What the heck is wrong with me? I could kick myself!   I received a call from my docs off on Friday. My surgery time is 1:00 and I have to be at the hospital at 11:00 am. I'm not sure if I will have to spend the night at the hospital or not since my surgery is so late in the afternoon. I was hoping it would be earlier in the day since I can't have ANYTHING to eat and they are making me wait until 1:00 freaking o'clock. The losers!
tonya66

tonya66

1
 

Test Results Are Back

I just found out my sleep testing came back that I do have sleep apnea. :pray2: I have to go back tonight for another test with the oxygen so they can determine what machine to give me/or how much oxygen I need. She told me that they monitor the occurances of someone sleeping and if there is more than 5, that person needs to be treated. Anything over 30 is considered severe. My average occurances was 11, so I was considered to be mild/moderate.   Anyhow, they will hook me up on a machine and I won't know the test results of this test until Monday. I was concerned that this would delay my surgery, but she said it would not. :clap2:
tonya66

tonya66

1
 

A poem I wanted to remember, got it off of a thread here.

The Woman in the Mirror Walking past the mirrored glass, I take a timid peak. I see a woman staring back, I am to choked up to speak. The puffiness, at last is gone, the skin pink and glowing. The many pounds that melted off, Finally, now is showing. Hard to believe until recently, the same woman was dying. Stuffing the food to ease the pain, Heartbroken and crying. Life revolved around each snack,She lived for every meal. Anything to numb the hurt, She did not want to feel. When did she get so pretty? When did God remove this grief? How did this miricle happen? Who provided this relief? What a gift!! A second chance!! I thank god everyday. For his grace in showing me, there is a better way. I walk, I dance, I make love too, my heart is filled with gladness. I am out of bondage, I am out of pain, there is no more room for sadness. This woman in the mirror, Smiles softly back at me. She has good cause to be pleased, She has finally been set free!!!
tonya66

tonya66

1
 

7 days until banding

OMG - we are down to 1 week! I'm so excited!   I have to be really strict from today going forward! No cheating what so ever. Sunday, I have to begin my clear liquids, not fun.   Yay, I'm going to be skinny!
tonya66

tonya66

1
 

8 more days until Banding!

8 days and counting! One week and 1 day, or 192 hours to go. I feel like singing - 8 bottles of beer on the wall, 8 bottles of beer, you take one down, you pass it around, 7 more bottles of beer on the wall...come on, you know the song. lol.   Okay, I'm really goofy this morning, probably because I had my sleep study test last night, and I really don't think I ever went to sleep. My mind was going crazy most of the night.   I got to the sleep study center at 9:30pm, they hooked me up and I was in bed around 11:00 pm. I turned the tv off and decided I was going to get a good night sleep. Well, I remember the tech coming in at some point during the night, and readjusted my nose piece, seems it came off. Then the next thing I remember is he came in around 5:30 am, and told me I had 3 pages of paper work to complete. As he was unhooking me he asked if I felt I didn't get to sleep last night, and I said "kinda", he then said he couldn't discuss my test, but don't be surprised if they have me come back. As I was leaving, he again said be prepared to come back before the surgery. Not sure what all that means, and hopefully the doctor will call me today to go over my test results.   I have a headache this morning as usual, I usually wake up with one so its nothing new (that was something that they said is a sign of sleep apnea).   When I went in for the pre-test yesterday, I spoke to the doctor and I asked her if I would know the results of my test when I woke up. She said no, and the techs were not allowed to discuss them. She did tell me if they came in and placed a ccap machine on me, that was a sure sign that I had apnea and needed the machine. So, they never did that, so I might not have apnea, not sure. I just know that I snore, like a freaking lion. This morning when I got home, my DH asked how it went and I told him what they said, he said 9 times out of 10, I'm sleeping like a log. I told him just because I'm snoring doesn't mean I'm in a deep sleep.   Well - there you have it, my journal for the day.
tonya66

tonya66

1
 

It hurts, but it has to be done!

Yes, it hurts, but it has to be done, I'm talking about taking my measurements. Since I start my pre-op tomorrow, I had my daughter take a before pic and I took my measurements. Man, they are BAD. I'm as big as a Dallas Cowboy linebacker! I decided that the pre-op is ever bit a part of the lap band, so I am counting every pound I lose, and every inch I lose from this point on.   I also probably will count the 20 pounds I already lost, I have worked for those, and I believe I deserve them. lol.   Okay, here goes my measurements:   Waist - 41 1/2" Hips - 51" ( ) Left Thigh - 28" (this is what the waist is suppose to be) calves - 17" left arm - 15 1/2" breast - 43" under breast - 37"   OMG, I can't believe I am this fat! My before pics makes me look prego. My belly is huge! But all this is going to change!
tonya66

tonya66

4
 

How much Money my surgery has cost me so far

So far, here is the out of pocket expenses my part:   $50.00 - sleep study test bill finally came in   $25.00 - sleep study consultation with doc, copay amount   $43.50 - My first fill (3/6/07)   $532.12 - Additional hospital bill from Southcrest (3/6/07)   $200 - I had to pay a fee of $200 to my doc for processing the paperwork for insurance. This is non refundable, and the insurance does not pay this.   $90.00 - Upper GI fee at the hospital.   $43.50 - My estimated cost for the hospital fee for the surgery.   $173.00 - Had to pay an additional $173 to the hospital because they kept me overnight.   $400 - Deposit to my surgeon for my surgery. Not sure if I will owe more, or if part will be refunded once my insurance pays everything.   $200 - Deposit to the assistant to my surgeon, he opens me up for my surgeon.   $75 - Pysch Eval ($50 was for testing supplies, $25 for copay)   $25 - Copay to surgeon for pre-surgery consultation.   So far, I've spent $833.50 on the surgery, not bad for me. I have a sleep study test tonight, so not sure how much that will cost me.
tonya66

tonya66

1
 

9 more days until banding

WOW, we are in the single digits now. Just 9 more days until I'm in band land!   Yesterday was a very busy day, today is busy as well, and tomorrow is too. Matter of fact, this entire week is busy for me between work and all my doc appointments, I'm just a bit stressed today!   Yesterday here is how my day went:   8:30 - 11:15 - my preop. Had my blood work done, also an EKG, and chest xrays. I had to fill out and sign a ton of paperwork with the nurse, I paid my part of the hospital which was $43.50. I think I got out cheap on that one, she said the cost was $29,679, the discount rate negotiated with the insurance was $435 and I owed 10% of that. Cool. I had one small problem with the hospital, they had me put in my own words what I was having done and I told them a hiatal hernia repair and lap band. Well the problem was, the doctor didn't send an order for the hernia repair, so that caused a little stink, but the hospital nurse called my docs nurse and I think they got it worked out.   11:45 - I had to get my upper cervical care done at my chiopractor's office, my neck was killing me.   I got thru with the doc and swung thru KFC, got an order of boneless chicken wings, hot flavored and tried to eat them in the car, big mistake, too messy and they tasted bad, I ended up throwing them out.   I ran by to pick my daughter's skirt up from the alterations place before my next appointment which was at 1:00 pm with the Psych lady. We went over some stress techniques, craving techniques etc. She said I am ready for surgery. I got out of there around 1:50, I had to run to my docs office to take a short quiz they give every Monday from 1:30 - 2:30 (in between that I made a deposit at my bank). I had to show them that I knew about the changes I was about to make. I passed the test. Got thru with them at 2:30. Then I had a 3:00 pm appt with the dietician. We went thru a lot of info. Found out my clear liquid diet is no longer just 48 hours before surgery, but they are now requiring it to be FOUR days before surgery. So Sunday, I will have to start on clear liquids. eeks. I finished with the dieticial at around 4:20, had to meet with the surgeons office at 4:30 to go over the pre-surgery consultation. I didn't get out of his office until after 6:00 - I had a looong day.   I had a total of 6 appointments yesterday and managed to fit everyone of them in. I even was able to squeeze in two errands in (picked my daughters skirt up & went to bank).   I have to leave today at 11:00 from work to meet with the sleep center people. Then I will go back there tonight at 9:30 and spend the night there for my sleep study test. :notagree . I'm actually looking forward to this, I can sleep all by myself in a huge bed (my DH smothers me at night - he is a snuggler and I am not).   My eating was really off yesterday, I could kick myself. However, I will not cheat any more, promise! I ended up eating a dish from Zios, which had some pasta in it.   Well, I've got a ton to do at work because I am leaving next week, so I am going to stay focussed at work!
tonya66

tonya66

1
 

13 days until banding

Yes, 13 more days and I will have a band! Yee Haw!   Thats okie talk for Yay. lol.   I went to the Psych last night, she didn't think I was crazy. I was glad to know that. I fooled her I guess. lol.   I have to go back to see her to go over my questions I answered on Monday. I have a full day on Monday with doc appts. I told her about this group here on the board I joined. She thought that was great and most people succeed with a support group.   I also paid my $600 to the doc, my deposit for my surgery. I also had my upper GI yesterday. I also submitted my paper work thru HR for short-term disability leave. (I'm trying to take off 3 weeks for the surgery)
tonya66

tonya66

1
 

15 more days until banding

The countdown continues! Just 15 more days. Man, it is starting to sound close!   I begin my preop tomorrow. Not looking forward to it, but I will stick to it. I am following the program rules to a T! I am not screwing this up.   I was just talking to a friend at work, she is the ony one who knows about it at work. She had the gastric bypass by the same doc I am going to. She is actually the one who first told me about the band and recommended me to do that instead of the gastric bypass. Anyhow, I told her my fears, and my biggest fear is this will not work for me. She said that is a common fear, that we have all been on so many "failed" diets, its only natural to think that this might not work. She advised me to stay focussed, and follow the rules and see what happens. She assured me that this would work for me! So, I'm trying to stay positive.   I see so many on this forum that they state they have lost nothing. I've asked a few of them about their fills, or what are they eating, and are they exercising. So far, none of them have replied. So, I figure they are not following the rules. I'm not trying to pick on them, I just wanted to know, mainly for my sake. I want to know what NOT TO DO, I want to know the good, the bad, the ugly. I want to know it all. I know there will be times that I fall off the wagon, I'm expecting that. However, I am not going thru a major surgery just to fail. I am not just going to eat what I want. I know that changes must be made and I've already started making those changes. I find it so hard to believe that so many people have this surgery, then eat ice cream, pies, and wonder, "why haven't I lost weight"? I know that we should be able to have these special treats on ocasions, however, everyday? Please people, take care of your band, treat it right and then it will work for you. Okay, I'll get off my soap box before I affend someone. Sorry if I do, and maybe I'm completely wrong, after all, I'm no expert, I am not even with the band yet.   Maybe 6 months from now I might even be asking "why haven't I lost weight". So, time will tell.   Well, one of my New Years goals was to become a better employee, I seem to be slacking lately. Mainly because the Band has consumed my every waking thought. I'm on lapband talk 24/7. So I've made a commitment to be on it a limited amount of time. I know I could not go cold turkey. lol. So, I'm going to spend less time on the internet - and more time working. After all, they are paying me to work. I'm fortunate to have a job that I can get my work done at my own pace. However, I'm feeling really quilty lately. I just won an award for my outstanding performance, and I feel like I didn't deserve it.   Anyhow, with that said, I'm signing off and getting back to work. I will check in around 3 today when I take a short break.
tonya66

tonya66

1
 

The 2007 New Years Resolutions/Goals

1. Not to let the scales become my center of life   2. Focus on becoming healthy by doing the following a) Getting Lapband Excercising - will work up to 5 days a week. Right now, making it a goal to exercise 3 x's per week c) Making better choices, but not beat myself up if I make the wrong choice, realizing I'm only human.   3. Work on paying off my debt. I will do this by not using my credit cards in 2007.   4. Work on having a better relationship with my teenage children. I will do this by spending more quality time with them.   5. I also want to make it a habit to read my daily scriptures. I will do this by keeping them in my car so I will remember to read them.   6. I want to work at being a better employee at work. I will do this by spending less time on the internet.   These are just a few of my goals, and I will update them as I think of more.
tonya66

tonya66

2
 

16 more days until Banding!

Wow, 16 days, It is getting close.   I'm excited that I DID NOT weigh this morning! I refuse to weigh, even though the scale is looking at me every morning. I'm going to give it to my DH and ask him to "hide" it and DO NOT give it back to me, no matter how much I threaten him.   I'm hanging in there, playing the "waiting" game. Waiting and waiting for my surgery to get here. I just want it to be here today! I start my test on Thursday, and my pre-op diet (high Protein, low carb), which is what I've pretty much been doing lately. However, I will not cheat at all once I start the pre-op diet.
tonya66

tonya66

1
 

17 more days until banding. I'm in the teens!

Yes, I'm finally in the teens. Only 17 more days until my surgery!   Its 12:21 am, its officially January 1, 2007. I can say, "I'm getting banded THIS MONTH". YAY.   EATING HAS SUCKED! Maybe I'm finally getting that "last super syndrome". I go on my preop on the 4th, so I guess I've been eating everything this weekend.   I am not weighing any more until the day of my surgery. I won't weigh again until my 2 week checkup and then on my 6 week fill appointment.   That is my New Years resolution (one of them anyhow) - I will not let the scales control my emotions!:clap2:
tonya66

tonya66

3
 

20 days until Banding!

Wow, 20 more days! I can't believe it. Next week, I'll be in the teens!   I'm enjoying a diet coke this morning. I know I won't be able to have it after surgery, and I have pretty much given them up. But this morning, I wanted the "last diet coke". I guess you could call it my farewell drink. I am enjoying every sip of this coke. Its a strong, cold drink, I love it! I drink it and my eyes even water. Man, its good this morning.   Eating has been pretty good. Last night we were at my sister in laws for dinner, I did really good, No bread on the meat....EXCEPT, she brings out the dessert.   I ended up having 2 tiny choco chip cookies, then a spoonful of this chocolate pudding dish she made. In the past I would have eaten 5 or 6 cookies, and a big bowl of the pudding. So, I think I did okay.
tonya66

tonya66

3
 

21 days until banding

:dance: :dance: :dance: 21 days and counting! Yes, just three weeks to go until my new life begins.   The holidays are helping make the time pass, and beginning next week, I will begin all my appointments, so that will help.   I made it to the gym last night. Did 20 minutes on the Elliptical, and then 10 minutes on the bike.:clap2:   Eating has been good, now that the holidays are over. We do have a dinner to attend tonight, and they are making hamburgers on the grill, so I'll eat the meat, not bread. I think I will make some grilled veggies to go with meat - that will be my side dish.
tonya66

tonya66

2
 

22 days until band land

Just 22 more LOOOONG days until I'm finally banded.   My thoughts are racing around in my head. I'm freaking a bit today, I'm nervous, and I am so anxious to get this over with. I'm ready to start my pre-op diet, this way I know I am doing something to prepare for surgery.   I've been reading a lot on the "complications" board, and I have to be honest, It freaks me out a bit. I think the most thing I worry about is erosion. I read on one of the boards that 25% of banding patients will have to have thier band replaced or removed. Thats a pretty high number. But, i guess I'm hoping I'm the 75% that wont have to have anything done.   I'm just nervous about everything, I think the not knowing is scary. I know a lot about the band, but everyone is different, how will I handle th band? Will I be an accessive PBer? Will I not lose weight? Will I be a failure? Will I , Will I , will I? The list goes on and on. I just don't want this surgery to be another "diet" attempt. I am so sick of failing at every diet. I always do so good, I lose 20, 30, and even 70 lbs, and everyone goes on and on how great I look, then its like I wake up one morning and gain it ALL back. Why? I still haven't figured that out. Its like I eat one thing and I put on 20 lbs. I swear, I can gain 10 lbs in a night, and I'm NOT lieing. I've done it, I swear it.   I hope this time next year, I can reflect on my journey and say this was the BEST decision I had ever made. I hope to say I have lost 70 lbs, or 60, or even 50.   Scale this morning 229.2 (I'm about to throw the scale away, I promise.)
tonya66

tonya66

2

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