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About this blog

My journey to a healthier lifestyle

Entries in this blog

 

Sex drive

For some reason, especially when I was struggling with my band, I seemed to have lost my overall sex drive. I didn't crave it. I didn't look for it. I just didn't want it. Needless to say, this didn't sit well with my husband. He felt rejected when it really was "me & not him!"   I even went to the Dr thinking that maybe I was starting to go through "the change." I'll be 49 in June, and have some friends that have started going through the change, so it was a possibility I guess. Long story short, my hormone levels were fine & my Dr thought that maybe I was just in a rut. We joked about having another partner (and no, not another female either). Husband chuckled.   Anyway, my point is that now that the band is out, and I'm feeling better overall, my sexual appetite is back. I feel normal again. I think about sex from time to time, and I actually want it again. Needless to say, my husband is happy

Domika03

Domika03

 

Next food phase started

I'm 19 days post op & am starting my next phase of food. I believe I'll be in this phase for the next 3 weeks. I started it a day earlier as I seem to be doing OK holding things down, and the nurse thought it'd be OK.   Breakfast   1/4 cup of Crystal Farms All Whites egg whites with 1 tablespoon of crumbled feta cheese   As it turns out, it was quite the large serving. I felt a burp, so I stopped eating figuring that was a sign from my stomach saying, "time to stop, I'm full." I probably ate 3/4 of it.   Lunch   2 oz of tuna fish in water w/ low fat mayo & balsamic vinegar.   I almost ate the whole thing. Hard to believe that this little amount of food can be so difficult to eat. I'm not complaining though because I don't want to hurt my stomach by just 'shoving" food in my mouth!   Dinner   2 oz of almond crusted flounder w/lemon & melted cheese   Haven't quite eaten that yet.   Snack (NOT the smartest thing I've ever done):   God help me, but I had 2 mini peanut butter cups today. Why? Because old habits die hard. IDK why I did it, but I enjoyed the hell out of it. Yup, need to focus on snacking on healthy things. I know better!   Also, had a harder time getting my liquids in today for some reason. I worked from home today because of the snow, but it seems that I struggle with getting enough liquids in when I work from home. What's up with that?

Domika03

Domika03

 

Onederland...so Close...

It's so close that if I stand on my tippy toes I can just about see it! Currently, I'm at 207. My gosh, I could actually weigh 200 by Christmas OR maybe even before.....   I haven't weighed under 200 pounds in a very, very, very long time. I think...no, I'm pretty sure, that I will cry when I get there...   Tears of joy!

Domika03

Domika03

 

Hanging In There

Here I am almost 3 weeks post-op, and I haven't lost anything in the last 2 weeks! Actually, I managed to gain a pound from the original 15 pds I lost in the first week (which was a bunch of water weight). I'm really trying not to get discouraged, but it's hard. My food intake is so much smaller than what it used to be. It just doesn't make sense to me.   I have a shake now as a meal, which has 30 grams of protein, and then eat an oz of protein every few hours. Nothing bad.. no wait, I lie. I did have some mini cinammon graham crackers the other day. I know, I know, but I was stressing, and was upset. Anyway, I'm over the crackers crap now.   I don't have a caloric amount to eat per day, as of yet (that I know of). I believe my focus is still getting in all the protein, and to get that walking in everyday. My first fill isn't until Sept 19th, and I wonder what that could possibly do to make a difference. Is it going to make me eat less? Well. I'm already eating less, a lot less! So, what's that first fill going to do that I'm not already doing....   Again, I say, ARGH!!!

Domika03

Domika03

 

Day 5 Post- Up / Follow Up Dr Visit

On my way to my 1 week follow up, even though my surgery was actually last Friday. I have to say that I've got some seriously LOW energy. Since I sit on my booty all day at work, I'm glad I took most of this week off. I'm supposed to go back to work tomorrow, but think I will work from home. I just don't think I've got enough energy to get moving.   I'm still not sleeping well because, wouldn't you know it, my siatic (sp?) nerve is starting to bug me when I go to sleep. Great timing for it to act up, huh? It makes for a heckuva sleepless night. I also don't think, never mind, I know I'm not getting enough protein in me. I've been feeling sooo full although I'm barely eating. I think I must be drinking too quickly. Trying to watch myself today because I start on soft foods.   So far today, I've had 4 oz of a protein drink, and 1 oz of vanilla greek yogurt (with a dash of cinncamon for flavor). I'm waiting aobut 45 minutes before drinking anything again, but this schedule is tough. I planning ahead and bringing some of my snacks/meals with my 1st nutrition class & follow up apt so I don't miss out on anything (1oz of egg beaters & 1 oz of refried beans & something to drink).   I know I've been losing weight because I've checked the scale. However, I try to be realistic because anyone would lose weight following a liquid diet. I don't expect miracles, but am thankful that I'm going in the right direction I still need to learn what my body is saying in the way of hunger vs the full feeling. The last few days it's always felt "full" which is insane beacuse I'm not eating much of anything. Nonetheless, today's nutrition class should be informative, and I look forward to it.   Gonna go have my crystal light now. I'm thirsty.

Domika03

Domika03

 

Run Down...

Been feeling so run down lately. Lots of restless sleep tossing & turning & tossing & turning. Soooo frustrating.   My eyes actually wanted to close on my commute to work this morning. I don't think I've EVER had that happen before. I had to literally fight the urge to go to sleep.   I don't know if I'm trying to fight something off, or if life's stress is finally starting to take a toll on me physically. What's going on here?

Domika03

Domika03

 

Day 3 post op

Had a tough time sleeping last night. I think it's because I've been sleeping on the recliner & my back and neck were bothering me. Woke up with a horrible headache that actually brought me to tears. I took tylenol & had a cold wet cloth on my head & temple. Thankfully, it finally went away. It could also be a combination on not being able to eat anything nutritious at this point.   The good news is that the gas pain has pretty much subsided. I've been trying to walk around the house as best as possible. I think I'm getting hungry but know I can't eat with my stomach still swollen & all.   I'm also a bit concerned about constipation & when I'll be able to 'go' again. I haven't heard from anyone in this situation. I know it's a delicate subject but I would love to get some feedback. Would appreciate any advice...   So, all in all, I'm feeling better each day. Slow to walk around but getting around better.   Once day at a time!

Domika03

Domika03

 

Chew, Chew, Chew

I've written about my 2nd fill the last few posts, and here I go yet again. This fill is definitely leaving it's mark. Sometimes I still have issues when I eat, because I guess I'm not chewing the shi* out of my food, or I'm eating too quickly. There are times when I can just tell that I didn't chew something enough because I felt it slide down too soon. It sucks because I know what's going to happen.   It happens when I eat scrambeled eggs sometimes, because it typically slides down too fast. Tonight I tried to have pesto shrimp. I might have had 2 & BAM, I knew it was going to come back up. So, for dinner, I ate SF vanilla pudding.   I know I'm not getting enough protein because if this, and I've been feeling tired at the end of each day. I keep going back to Vitamin Cottage to pick up some tasteless protein powder, but they're always out of it. They even ordered it for me a week ago, and I'm still waiting to hear back from them. Not sure where else to get this "tasteless / flavorless" protein. I've heard people talk about it, because they mix it in with their regular food, not just shakes.   I've been losing weight, but I feel it's because I'm not eating enough, or not really eating well. Don't get me wrong, the idea is to lose weight. But, I don't want to lose weight, then not be healthy enough to enjoy it. I think I lost maybe 6 pounds in 2 weeks.   I have an appointment on Tuesday, for a possible 3rd fill. I'm sure they'll decide whether or not I'm ready to have another. I'm just scared of having another fill, because I'm afraid of having more stuck episodes. It's like you have to re-teach yourself how to eat. You need to reeeeeeeally chew your foods well, and eat slowly.   Apparently, this is a concept that's going to take me a few times to get used to. UGH ;-0

Domika03

Domika03

 

Why hello there ONEDERLAND!

Yippee, yahoo!   I weighed myself this morning & there it was just starting at me. The scale actually started with the number "1". Let's forget the fact that the other #'s were 99.6. Who cares? It actually started with a "1"   It's probably been 10+ years since I've seen that. It felt so good that I even put on my size 18 jeans & they fit. A little snug in the tummy area, but you could actually tell that I'd lost 45 pds with them on. I actually had a male co-worker (who knows me well) tell me that he could tell I lost weight!!!!!   I'm excited & looking forward to hitting 190 in the next 6 weeks :-)

Domika03

Domika03

 

Ya Know What?

Ya know what? I think I'm starting to feel a little better about myself lately. While I'm very aware that at 5 '3, weighing almost 210 pds is overweight, I've managed to lose just shy of 35 pds in the last 3 months! I notice my clothes are loser, and that I've dropped 1 dress size. Techinically 1 1/2, but that doesn't quite exist, now does it?   I actually felt good about myself when I got dressed for work today. I put on my size 20 pants, and they were loose. I tried my size 18, and I'm not quite there yet. Need to lose more stomach weight... LOL... My pants felt loose, and even my shirt was a little big.   My co-workers haven't noticed the weight loss, or at least they haven't said anything. My guess is that they don't want to be rude wondering if I have lost any weight. But, I'm hopeful that come mid January, when we host our Dealer Meeting, people (co-workers) will have no choice but to notice that I've lost weight. Yes, I'm hoping for compliments.   Looking forward to continuing this journey & looking and feeling better each day!

Domika03

Domika03

 

Hallelujah

I am happy to report that after 2 weeks of absolutely NO weight lost, I finally went down 2.2. pds. I was honestly getting quite frustrated with myself, and reviewing everything I was eating. Hopefully, it will continue to go down slowly but surely.   Ahhh,,, finally a small sign of relief

Domika03

Domika03

 

Bariatric Support Group Tomorrow

I'm looking forward to my 1st bariatric support group meeting tomorrow near my local Kaiser facility. It's the 1st one in that location so it'll be a first for everyone involved.   I imagine there will be a combination of band / sleeve / bypass patients, and I'm curious about everyone's diet & recovery. Should be interesting! Look forward to posting about what I learned, tomorrow night.

Domika03

Domika03

 

HELP ~ Business Meetings coming up....

We have our yearly dealer meeting coming up in a few days. It's going to start off with a Staff Dinner this Saturday at Maggiano's http://www.maggianos.com/en/Pages/Menu.aspx . I'm a little concerned what I'll be able to eat there. I've been playing around looking on the website, but am unsure what to select. I enjoy seafood, but can no longer eat shrimp since I've been banded. I just can't chew it well enough to let it digest. I also don't like the taste of salmon I see several chicken options, but they don't sound "light." I'm not worried about the pasta because I won't have any.   Wait, it gets better! We're going to the Cheesecake Factory Monday night. My BIGGEST challenge will be not eating a slice of the vanilla bean cheesecake, my all time, absolute favorite. Heck, I don't have to eat anything else while I"m there, just that.. OMG, I just saw a SINGLE slice is like 869 calories & a HUGE amount of carbs. How do I stay away from that after hearing that ridiculous "nutrition" value?   Need help from my fellow bandsters....

Domika03

Domika03

 

Dad's Dr Apt Tomorrow

Dad's oncologist apt is tomorrow at 10am. I'm a bit nervous because we should find out how much the cancer spread in his lungs. My parents were over my house yesterday, and dad talked to me (on the side) telling me that his lower left side was bothering me. Kidneys maybe? Or, just a strain?   No point in guessing as I'll be sure to ask the Dr.   For anyone that is reading this, if you read my recent posts, you'll know my 86 yr old awesome dad is in stage 4 of cancer, but has been kicking it's ass for about 20 months now without chemo or pills. I go to all his oncologists apt's because my parents are Castellian (spanish from Spain), and while they have lived in the U.S. over 50 years, they struggle with English sometimes. I'm there to make sure that not a darn thing gets lost in the translation.   Oh daddy, if I could just make the pain stay away....

Domika03

Domika03

 

1st Bariatric Support Group meeting

I went to my first bariatric support group meeting tonight. It was the first time this group was meeting in our area. There was about 10 of us, some sleeve, some gastric bypass patients. I was the only band to sleeve patient. There was a variety in our ages as well. Average was probably 50.   We talked about many things: What stages we were all in; which was great because it varied from 12 days post op (me) up to 2 years post op.
Struggles & triumphs (mostly triumphs thus far). One person was "stuck" since Oct with no weight loss. But, in listening to what she eats, it sounds to me as though she might be eating more 'bad' carbs than she should. But, I'm no Dr.
Strategies for success: Since I had lost 90 pounds with my band, I talked about how I felt it was very important to pre-plan my meals. I'm a bit neurotic in that I like to plan my family meals 1 month in advance. Some days are off due to activities & things get changed around. But, nonetheless, it helps to plan ahead (at least a few days or a week in advance). This way you're not running around scrambling for ideas & just grabbing whatever....
Protein intake (how much & what kind). Many that are early in recovery are using protein drinks / shakes to increase their protein. Found out its OK to use Premier Pure Protein, found at Costco. I used this before when I was a lap band patient.
Fluid intake, which I seem to be struggling with but no one else was. I got a few tips, such as drinking warm or room temp fluids might be easier to handle than ice water or cold drinks
Caffeine - do you know why we shouldn't have caffeine in the early stages? Apparently, it dehydrates us. This is something that I definitely have to avoid for the next month, at least until I have this fluid intake down properly
Exercise - I asked about going on my recumbent bike. Not something I should consider until week 6 because my stomach needs to heal better. However, walking was highly encouraged!
Maintaining a support group outside of this meeting group. Discussed the importance of how sharing our experiences helps > whether by blogging (like writing a diary) as its helpful to vent & get feedback from others, or finding a bariatric "buddy."
Focus on limiting sugar intake & increasing protein.
Fruits like strawberries, blackberries, blueberries should wait until we're 6 months out. I think it was because of the 'seeds.'
We're all planning to bring a favorite bariatric recipe in hopes of collecting 1 per person for the next few months. Then, we'll create a bariatric group recipe book. GREAT idea.
  That's all I can think of it. Glad I wrote it down so I can remember too I hope this might have helped some of you just starting out in this journey. And, if you're an "old timer," I'd appreciate any feedback you might have on what's making your journey successful. What keeps you motivated? What helps you stay on track?

Domika03

Domika03

 

Road trip

I'm 9 days post op now.   I went to the mountains today to see the snow sculptures in Breckenridge, CO. It was a 2 1/2 hour drive & we stayed there for about 2 1/2 hours. Pretty much walked around most of the day. Stopped at a Mexican restaurant since the other 4 people I was with had to eat. It was a little awkward in the sense that I was the only one that didn't wind up eating anything. I didn't even see a soup I could have, or mashed potatoes. DOH! Oh well, I had a few sips of water while everyone else ate. Overall, I was OK with it. I have to say by the end of the day, I was definitely feeling sore. My left side & back were bothering me. Thinking it might have been a bit too much less than 2 weeks post op.   I took a few things to eat with me, in these cute little containers, that held 3-4 tablespoons of food. I tried to stay hydrated on the drive up & back but don't think I came close. I'm having a hard time drinking enough fluids & think it's affecting my ability to... well, to "go." It's been 6 days since I last went. Yes, I said 6 days. I took Milk of Magnesia last night with no results today, so I just took a little more. Also took a colace stool softner. I'm really praying something will happen tomorrow. Otherwise, IDK.... this can't be good.

Domika03

Domika03

 

Am I dreaming?

I weighed myself this morning & it said 190.4. Did you hear me? I said 190.4. That mean's that I've lost approximately 55 pounds Yes, I said 55 pounds!!! Holy shi*, that's a lot of weight. My God, I've lost a 2nd or 3rd grader in weight. Wow, just sit back & think about that....   Now that I'm under 200 pounds, I'm finding these numbers to sound so surreal. They keep doing down, which is the goal, but it almost feels like a dream. It's been such a looong, looong time since I've seen under 200. This might sound crazy, but it just seems so unreal to me. I almost have to ask myself if this is really happening.   Does anyone else feel like they're living a dream while they continue to lose weight? Oh, don't get me wrong, I'm not unhappy. Quite the opposite, I'm just dumb-founded. It's hard to believe that after only 5 months I'm starting to feel more confident & better about myself just by losing weight.... Can't imagine how GREAT I will feel with another 40 off.

Domika03

Domika03

 

Yet another lesson learned

Does anyone else find they can no longer eat / digest bread, or that you just don't enjoy it anymore?   I bought a package of Jimmy Dean's Delight Honey wheat english muffin with canadian bacon, egg whites & cheese . Sounds kinda yummy, no? It had everything I like & what I perceived would be a tasty muffin. Well, while I managed to eat it, but I think it was more because I was challenging myself to see if I could eat the whole thing or not. Hey, I never said I was a genius.   I learned that I would have been just as satisfied with half, or better yet, without eating the bread all together & only eating the inside. I learned that it was basically a waste of money, for me. I learned that it would have been even more healthy without the muffin. I learned that my stomach doesn't have a great time processing bread, regardless the type. I had a stomach 'ache' the rest of the day. I learned that I should challenge myself with better challenges.. LOL ...   And there you have it... yet another lesson learned..

Domika03

Domika03

 

Notification Option Settings - Help

Apparently when I played around with my notification settings the other day, I totally messed up my settings. Now when I first log in, I don't see the most current posts by people.   How do I know how to change it back to the default settings?   Anyone?

Domika03

Domika03

 

1 week post op

It's hard to believe that I had my surgery a week ago today. I feel like I've come so far from that day.   I am in my 2nd day of eating, and I use the word "eating" quite loosely. As mentioned in my last post, I'm limited to things like 3-4 tablespoons of cream of wheat (w a teaspoon of SF jelly jam), mashed potatoes w/ a teaspoon of melted cheese, cream of mushroom soup w/ a teaspoon of melted cheese), and greek yogurt w/ a teaspoon of SF jelly jam, I still find it mind-boggling that these foods basically fill me up. Of course, my goal is work work my way up so that I'm getting more protein in my system. I saw that Slim Fast low carb shakes (4 oz) were also available as an option. I've never tried them so not sure what they taste like. I personally like Pure Protein shakes by Costco but didn't see that as an option so I guess I'll hold off on those for now.   While I am on PTO this week, I stopped by the office for an internal job interview. There's a new position available that I'm interested in, and the person conducting the interview flew in from CA for the day only. Couldn't miss my chance to give it a shot. Anyway, I drove (with hubby in tow), went up & down the stairs like 4 or 5 times (in search of a conference room), did the interview , stopped by to visit Mom then went home. Doesn't sound like much, but guess what? I was totally exhausted this afternoon. Wow, no energy. This tells me that I need to really try to up my protein some how. I believe my current protein goal is around 25, but I'm not quite making it there. Definitely something I need to work on!

Domika03

Domika03

 

Happy Bandiversary !

It's my 5 month bandiversary, and I have lost almost 52 pounds so far !!!   I'm feeling good about my weight loss thus far, and look forward to losing more. It's been quite the journey & learning experience. I'm making better choices, and defnitely eating less. More importantly, I'm actually making time to work out (exercise bike). I'm looking forward to the Summer where I might actually be able to go on hikes without losing my breath, and enjoying the outdoors! I feel that my weight gain kept me in hybernation for way too long. Well, it's time to get out & enjoy life again!   Congrats to all of you that have lost & continue to lose. Every day you become a healthier you!

Domika03

Domika03

 

8/17 Day 1 - Post Op

Hi everyone,   So, let me back up 1 day to surgery yesterday.   I woke up & really wasn't nervous like I was the day before. Some how my nerves were calmed. It's gonna happen so why get nervous about it. I went to the hopsital around 9:30am MST and had surgery at 12:30 or so. The worse part was just laying in the hospital bed, waiting for "my turn." I had my durgery done at Rose Medical. Great staff all over. The surgery itself, I'm told, took 19 minutes. While I was there they made me walk around, and can I say, I was burping left & right. Yes, that's what I said ... LOL... I'm told thats very good becuase you want to get the air out that thee pumped in there. It almost seemed to relieve me. so uh, if you can, burp away my friends... the other thing i did at the hospital was gentle massage my stomach. it seemed to gently soothe my achiness at times,   I was definitely tired, and a little achy when I got home. My throat actually hurt from havng that tube down my throat. The best way to decribe the achniess is that I felt like a had a permanent stomach ache, an a sore throat with maybe swollen glands; no fever. I went home & napped on & off while making sure to drink / drink / drink. My husand took such good care of me, even my 10 yr old daughter I was thankful to be watched over & pampered.   I didn't sleep very well last night, very restless, and therefore woke up with a bit of a headache. I'm not sure what to take, but was going to try my daughter liqud tylenol, if I could find it. I'm sure I'll nap again on & off today as well. Oh, I must have peed like 20 times since I got home (seriously). My goodness, I'm releasing all those liquids... HA HA .... . Thank God, my throat pain feels much better, My stomach is definitely less achy. May I repeat that getting up and, forgive me, but burping again (and any other relief from gas) is helpful. Just saying guys...   So far, I'm only had 2 oz of a protein drink, but it looks like I will sipping liquids just about eery hour for the next 5 days. I don't think I actually feel hungry. Saw my daughter eat one of those breakfast sandwiches & I didn't crave it. I'm sooo hoping that stays with me.   Well, that's about it really. I'm going to shower then go grocery shopping (yes, I know) for the family. They told me to walk around the first few days, but not to over do it. I'll keep you guys posted.   Thaks for listening.   PS,,, ive actually lost 4 pds in 1 day due to the liquid diet

Domika03

Domika03

 

Band to Sleeve

5 days & and counting...   I started this journey at my highest weight of 245 pounds. I got my lap band in Aug of 2012 & have lost about 90-95 pounds since then. My current weight is about 155-156. It's gone up since my band only has 1cc in it right now.   I started experiencing discomfort with my band in April of last year. They took fluid out, then put it back in a month later. Then in August & October, same thing. The last straw was when I was on a mini vacation in NYC in Dec. I wound up in the ER for 15 hours. I'll spare you the details but it was confirmed that my band had a partial slip. They gave me morphine 3 times then dilaudid (something like that) for the pain. It finally worked many hours into my stay there.   I had my band placed by a reputable surgeon in Aug of 2012, but am now under a different insurance, Kaiser Permanente of CO, and will have my revision done through them. As it stands right now, since the sleeve is being considered "elective" I will be paying about $12K - $15K out of pocket. Don't get me started because my husband is unemployed & no longer receiving unemployment benefits. Not sure how we'll handle this, but we will. No point in getting upset, though it does rather suck. Have to keep our head up & move forward staying positive.   So, after my appointment last week, I found out on Friday that my revision date will be Thursday, the 16th, done as a rush surgery because of the pain that I have with the slipped band. It's not severe but constant. Dr gave me liquid vicodin, which I take once or twice a day, only as needed.   My band will be removed at the same time as the sleeve is done. While I was anxious about getting the band back in 2012, I'm even more nervous about getting the revision to the sleeve.   Would appreciate any feedback from previous banders to sleevers. I'm trying to read up as much as possible on what to expect so I'm ready. I hope to post on here the day of surgery then a few days later. My goal is to document this journey & potentially help any way headed on the same path.   Talk to me people. How did your revision go? What did you drink the first few weeks? Sounds like I"ll be on liquids longer than I was with the band. Oh, I'm definitely anxious. Could use your support.   Thanks! Fran

Domika03

Domika03

 

T minus 2 days

T minus 2 days....   Wow, am I dragging ass right now & it's only 7:15pm. I've had nothing but liquids today: Crystal Lite Strawberry / Lemonade drink, SF jello, SF popsicles, and chicken broth. Mind over matter. Mind over matter. Mind over ... you get the idea...   So, tomorrow I have my pre-op & physical appointments. I'm guessing they'll take my weight, blood pressure, maybe EKG & blood work?, And, of course, I'll find out how much this is really going to cost me. The lap band should be covered, but I think only at 50%, whereas the revision will hardly be covered. I'm looking at something like $12 - $15K out of pocket. At this point, I don't even care. I know I'll be paying it off for years & years, but its ok.   Looking forward to a permanent healthy lifestyle.

Domika03

Domika03

 

Stress

I'm starting to have to deal with unavoidable stress a little bit more each day. Some of you may know that my dad of 86 has Stage 4 cancer. He's still kicking a$$, but we now have Hospice coming to the house to check on him every so often.   Nonethelss, my point is that I've not over-eaten to this point thanks to the band. I can only imagine what would have happened had I not been banded.   However, since things will at some point reach a 'challenging / difficult" time, I wonder how everyone else now deals with stress.   What do you do to unwind? For the record, aside from reading & writing on here (or FB), I don't really like to read a lot, so that's out. I find i'm too impatient to read. Go figure....

Domika03

Domika03

PatchAid Vitamin Patches

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