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Day by Day

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Tummy tuck in my future!

I am scheduled for June 26th, 2008. I will be having the traditional surgery but with the special consideration for my gallbladder scar. The first consult made it clear that they couldn't do much about my bulge right above the belly button. I have an extra bit of fat on the opposite side from the scar due to the revision I had on the scar a few years ago. They took out some of the fat under and around the scar but it left a bulge of fat on the other side from the scar. I want it to be more symetrical by removing that bit of fat. They have decided to go ahead and incise above the belly button which was not in their original plan. In my second consult I made it clear that I want that fat gone or reduced somehow. So they will do the above the Belly button incision and then if needed will do liposuction later as is deemed necessary. I am 60 and so want this to make me look as good as possible for my remaining years. I didn't get the lapband just to look almost good. I don't expect to be gorgeous but at least look and feel as good as I can. Since I am paying for this I want it to be much improved.
Sandybells

Sandybells

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Transferred stats from my signature....

Banded Feb.23, 2006 Dr. McCollister @Crosby, MN Started process : 08/12/05 weight 211 lbs @5' 2" 2/24/06- Weight 190 lbs Date of banding. 6/1/06--Weight 163.8 lbs (4th fill) 6/12/06--Weight 161.4lbs. Unfill today 7/27/06--0.3 added 159.2 lbs 8/29/06-No fill-158 lbs 9/14/2006- 159.1 lbs. 0.4 brings me to 2.4 cc. 10/12/2006-157 lbs. M 1/09/2007-154 lbs no fills since 9/14/06 Measurements 44-37-42  
Sandybells

Sandybells

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SAW THE DOCTOR Sept. 14,2006

I was given a 0.4 fill today so it brings me up to 2.6 I believe. I am starving at 10:00 PM. Had the fill at 2 today. He said to try the level and if I am too tight come back in for an unfill and they would squeeze me in. He is so nice..! I have to come back Oct. 12 3:45. Also have a lab appt. Oct. 5 --8:30 am. Don't miss that one...Fasting is important! 159.1 lbs. Up one pound from last time. Oh crap! We have discovered beautiful biking trails in Crosby that are paved and run along a couple of lakes and we took a ride a couple weeks ago (6 miles we rode.) Also have loaded the basement with firewood for the coming months. Weekend is to be pretty cold for Sept. rainy too.
Sandybells

Sandybells

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I got a fill today

0.3 today so I think I am at 2.0 currently. I thought I was at 2.3 before I went today? I need to increase my exercise so I can get the most out of the band adjustment. Supposed to be hot again over the weekend. At least it isn't the Florida humidity to go with it. This month I want to really lose some weight. I have had my band for several months and need to maximize the effect. 159.2 lbs today...
Sandybells

Sandybells

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June 25th,

Yesterday was so full of fun and excitement for me. My love planned a beautiful day with horseback riding shopping and whatever suited us. I had been wanting to go to a stable for a long time. What a beautiful place to do that. Pillsbury State Park in Pillager, Minnesota is so neat! I was totally surprised By the terrain. It was heavily wooded and hilly with valleys and just quite a lot of trails. OMG what a place! The guide said to come back for rides during the fall for autumn colors and I can imagine as the views would be really gorgeous Overlooking some areas of thousands of trees. Also winter rides are available in February and I hope I feel brave enough for that in the cold. I am a bit of a priss :rain: in the wintertime. Well, actually all the time but have really surprised myself the last three years with golfing, bocce ball, and will soon be doing some biking and walking in this area. It is so neat to be out of the humid south. (We moved from Sarasota, Florida in 2003.) I feel like we started our lives over since then. We had no life in Florida because we could not tolerate that heat and humidity. It did not suit the lifestyle we wanted. We basically like being outdoors but stayed in all the time either shopping or caged up in the house. A/C was on or heat but rarely just with the perfect temperatures to enjoy being outside. I have a week to go before my next fill. Yesterday I had my second PB after breakfast. Too fast eating I think!
Sandybells

Sandybells

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Unfill June 12,2006

Don't know how much is in my band but had to have it unfilled a bit. I couldn't eat all weekend. Now I can drink without pain. Liquids only for several days.   My weight is 161.4 today, June 12, 2006. Kinda makes me sad that she overfilled me last week only to have it unfilled today. I will be very careful not to gain this next week or so. July 3, I am due again for a fill.   I went shopping today and bought several pairs of panties and bras in smaller sizes and slacks and blouses also smaller. I am absolutely floored how things are looking on me these days. Shopping is fun again! Bought 3 pairs of heels to make myself feel better and when hubby got home I was wearing my new clothes and he was really happy to see me in them since I look so good in them. Time for pictures again!!! :clap2:
Sandybells

Sandybells

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rth fill since Feb. 23,2006

Fifth fill 2.6 or 2.7cc Last week I had a fill but I think and it seems true that she missed my port. I was supposed to have 2.4 but when she withdrew the fluid yesterday it was only 2.0 and then she refilled to 2.7. Today I feel quite a lot of difference. All last week after the 'fill' I felt I could eat anything and everything. I didn't but I could have. I hardly needed to chew. It was obvious to me that it just wasn't right. She did have trouble finding the port last week so that is the reason the problem occurred. Today, I feel quite a lot of restriction and it may even be too much but I will give it another few hours to see what it feels like. I don't think I ever have had restriction until yesterday. I feel a little bit 'burpy.' I will see if the rest of today seems too tight. Liquids today and through the weekend. My weight had gone up a tad too. 165 lbs I bought some smaller and sexy little lacy bras and tummy hold panties last week. I will never get to wear the lacy boy style legs that I see. Gosh, I love those!
Sandybells

Sandybells

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Had a fill June 1, 2006

Fourth fill .4 cc was added. I am down to 163.8 lbs and the measurements are improving even as the pounds don't. 5' 2" 45" bust 38" waist 42" hips 6.25" wrist 14.5: calf 12 " bicep 21.5 thigh 15" neck Of course my head is swelling to unmeasurable proportions from feeling so good about myself. I danced to "Burn the Floor" for a few minutes Monday and it made me feel so good. My feet felt like lead from lack of dancing for so many years. That will be my exercise for weightloss since I hate to walk or anything in public. Just too shy!!! I put a stripper pole up in the basement a couple years ago and one day I will dance with that. (I just know it) Just for me of course... My mother-in-law has told me how good I am looking. I bought a few pieces of clothes and I am fitting into 12/14's (snuggly). Can't wait to see how small I will get eventually. My premarriage weight was 86 lbs. I don't want to see that again. I felt awful at times. Not anorexia just no appetite. I even started taking WateOn tablets to gain.. I am anxious to get a tummy tuck. Since that is where the majority of the flab is that will be neat. I am 58 YO and feel like 25.:cool:
Sandybells

Sandybells

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164 this morning

Not losing too fast...Need a fill that is for sure. Mowed the front yard while Jack did the rest of the 2 acres. Looks really beautiful! Irises are starting to bloom. Love those! MIL is back home from California.
Sandybells

Sandybells

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May 2,

3rd fill Had my third fill today. I am up to 2.6 to 2.8. No problem drinking so far. PA was a little reluctant to give a fill again this soon. 169.5 lbs Not too bad! I can not wait to see this weight drop.
Sandybells

Sandybells

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NSV (Non Scale Victories)

I can wear shoes with shoestrings. And Tie them myself. My pants are looser. My neck is shrinking Less fat wrinkles on back of neck. Dowager's hump etc. Able to get up and down while laying laminate flooring. Aunt gave me a new shirt in large, it's snug. Playing golf is fun again. I can Sit in a chair with my legs tucked up beside me comfortably! Shirts hang down straighter instead of up and over my tummy. My tummy doesn't drive the car anymore...I do in more ways than one!
Sandybells

Sandybells

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From a Aug. 12,2005 - BMI of 38.6 to a BMI 30.9 - April 25th, 2006

My surgery was done Feb. 24, 2006-my weight on that morning was 190. Medicare and Tricare for Life have paid for my surgery. (I paid upfront $3500 to get the surgery and promised to pay the whole cost $20,000 in the event neither paid.) This got me the surgery in any case and it was a risk I took. My weight is carried in the stomach area, my legs and arms were rather slim, My stomach is slimming down, my tummy was droopy before surgery and it continues to do so. However the volume is much less and I can (while laying down) press the flesh down toward my nether regions and can picture the outcome of a paneculectomy. (sp) The droop is not getting lower because the mass is smaller. Yes, it did/does hide the nether regions but with the loss of weight I feel it may lift a bit but not enough to eliminate the droop to anyone's satisfaction. I had/have sleep apnea and my CPAP is set at 16 which is high so may have helped in the decision making of to pay or not to pay by Med/Tricare I also have high cholesterol and high blood pressure and difficulty in movement as most of us do. The stomach is a very bad area to carry weight because of the apple shaped syndrome of diseases. I had my gall bladder removed in 1982 and the scar is huge and did not interfere with the lapband surgery. It may however cause a problem with PS. We will see. My neck has slimmed down, my dowagers hump is lessening (for those of the older set). I am so very happy with lapband and wish I had the surgical option many years ago. It is noticeable to my family and friends that it is working. I promise to get the pics up soon. The post menopausal age group needs to see some results on droopiness in real time. My beginning BMI was 38.6 when I first went to a seminar to see if I was able to qualify. My problem I believe is that hospitals don't want to do Medicare because it doesn't pay enough. So my surgery date seemed like it would never be promised. Just like a carrot! Get the surgery any way you can!
Sandybells

Sandybells

1
 

April 23, 2006

Had a fill last week and on the weekend we laid laminate flooring in the kitchen and I was exhausted. During the night, I felt very rigid in the stomach area and could not sleep. At about midnight, I figured I should just walk around a little to relieve the feeling of tightness. When I got out of bed I felt sick and 'fainty' so I woke my husband so he could be there if I collapsed. I finally vomited or whatever and went back to bed. All night, I felt so uncomfortable. I got up on Sunday and started to finish the flooring and still felt rigid but worked through it. By afternoon late, I felt good enough to play a round of golf in the yard. Short distances only. Monday, I just feel sore in my muscles but fine otherwise. Don't know what caused all the rigidity but glad it stopped. I am back on soft foods and doing well. I don't know if taking full tablets of medicines clogged up the system. But today I took liquid everything that I have in meds. Doing good now. Floor looks marvelous! Only a huge dining room and two hallways to go. Yikes, I hope I survive all this work. Weighed 169 this morning.:confused: Two months out from surgery. I hope to fit in some pretty things by July 22 for a wedding I will go to. My niece in Minneapolis is getting married at the St. Paul Cathedral. Should be a beautiful wedding and reception. What would I like to weigh by then?..140 pounds! What are the chances?
Sandybells

Sandybells

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2nd fill

I was feeling no restriction so made an appt. to have a 2nd fill. They have me up to .9cc in a 10cc band under flouroscopy. Sounds awfully stingy with the fills? I will be on liquids for three days. then mushies for 3. I hope this is a good fill this time. I need the restriction. I started dancing to Burn the Floor DVD. Love that show! They know how to dance. Also played golf Sunday for several hours then fed the crowd Brats and potato salad and Macaroni salad. Many desserts available too! Restraints were almost needed!
Sandybells

Sandybells

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Medicare and Tricare

They just paid for the hospital bills for my lapband. Gosh, what a relief that is. We agreed to selfpay just to get the surgery and figured we would sort it out afterwards... A gamble that payed off.
Sandybells

Sandybells

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No restriction after first fill yesterday

Feeling hungry all the time. Can't imagine having this for too long. My measurements on the day of consultation Feb.14, 2006 Waist 45 1/2" Hips 48 1/2" Neck 15"   April 5th Waist 41.25" Hips 46.25" Neck 15"
Sandybells

Sandybells

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First fill today

It was not too bad getting the fill. Kind of a big needle but it was numbed up. I ate jello, Ice Tea and protein shake today along with my water. No problems with my band! She probed a bit before hitting the port. That was with Flouroscopy! Drank the Barium (not alot) Only got .5 CC
Sandybells

Sandybells

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March 28 177 lbs today

Feeling so good that It is hard to remember the band is onboard. Tuesday. April 4th I get my first fill. Have been sewing drapes for the living room. They are looking really nice.
Sandybells

Sandybells

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2 weeks since surgery

I went shopping from 8 this morning to 4:30 pm. Walked alot. My surgery is a distant memory...How cool! I got barbeque chicken wings from KFC...not good at all... the band is not happy with that. My husband took me to Applebee's for dinner and I had onion soup.. Cheese is rubbery so couldn't eat that part.. Husband shared some of his steak and mashed potatoes..Yummy stuff! Went down easy too.. I am so tickled with my band and my weight is down to 179 today. Yeah! From 190 on day of surgery. It is working well.
Sandybells

Sandybells

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Wednesday, March1, 2006

Great day! So little pain that I am amazed. I can cough without grabbing my belly. Kashli go lean for breakfast Ice tea with sweetNlow Cottage cheese chewed well for lunch cream of chicken soup for dinner jello/SF applesauce. Non/fat dry mild all blended and chilled overnight...Not too bad. iced tea sugarfree popcicle dropped in for extra flavor I want flavor so bad. Did take it easy for the day but... tomorrow Go to the clinic to see fill specialist or Dr.??? Just postop check I guess... Can't believe I have the band... Whooeee! Yes!!!
Sandybells

Sandybells

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One day at a time!

Friday surgery day Feb 24, 2006 11 AM ((((189 LB.))))   3:30 in my room to rest. Boy do I need it! Pain in tummy pretty bad, gas, I am sure! (Ice chips yummy!) Vitals checked frequently, too Frequently! 4:30 Was able to pee with some coaxing...very.. slow.. intermitent stream 7:30 Tried to walk outside the room- Not far before I threw up nearly hitting passersby how rude am I?? 9:00 pm Sent husband home for his stint at visiting is not restful for me. Told I would be released tomorrow.Vicodin all day. Potassium drip.(LOW)   Saturday Feb 25,2006 ((((184 lbs???)))):faint: 8:00 am Walked a little to dump gas. Not successful!:tired Need to say how physical this surgery seemed. I felt like every muscle in my body had been used and abused. From neck to my calves. It felt as if I had been mugged and beaten. I could not imagine why?...The GAS ... If I didn't mention this I would be cruelly:omg: misleading you>>> The feet compressor doobies kept me awake all night. Didn't know I didn't have to have them on. 11:00 am Dumped the doobies and was urged to walk and I did (Lots). Not a problem! No gas came.. 2:30 Pm Released to go home. Prescriptions faxed to drug store (closing 3:00 PM) Husband on the way but live 20 miles from the hospital. 3:40 Drugstore drives over to hospital to deliver the prescriptions. 3:50 On the way home. Bumpy road unpleasant! Vicodin??? 5:00 pain...did I mention gas pain? all night long...Pain...gas! Gas-X, Vicodin   Sunday, Feb.26 8:00 am through the day Gas pain but a little less than before!Taking all liquid meds, vitamins and smaller pills. 1:00PM visitors came to the house and I announced my surgery had been done. Only inlaws so not too judgemental....My family (only my kids and hubby know)<<> 2:00 excused myself to go rest...More Gas-X 3:00 Sent them all to the only restaurant in town for dinner. That is not at all unusual since being fat has made it not fun to be in a restaurant anyway...Was nice to not have to go with them and suffer. Vicodin, Gas-X 4:30 to 7:00 restless and not really hungry.Gas-X 8:30 to bed for rest _Gas-X, Prevacid, other meds as prescribed.   Monday Feb, 27 3:30am. Pain is greatly reduced suddenly...Feel I could do anything. Told my husband I could probably go to work if I had a job...Well, almost anything! Gas is moving, urine is normal, BM not so much...nothing since last Thursday before surgery.. Daytime....Rested alot. drank coffee, tea, protein shakes added P-Nut butter, chicken cream soup(strained) No lumps...Gas is moving! albeit slow. My tummy let me know when...was enough. Reassured my husband I was doing Fine. Evening. Hunger hitting. Feel weak and needy....Took an hour nap 4 to 5 PM. Watched TV drank my fluids...still needy! 8:30 Back to bed Vicodin, meds, Gas-X, all the scripts.   Tuesday Feb.28. Slept pretty well until 10:30 am Up to make todays delites. SF jello (one box)... using half cup water. Other half with SF applesauce instead of the water Plus Added Non-fat Dry milk (DRY) and stirred thoroughly....Dissolved..Yeah...Tomorrows. Delites!:hungry: 12:15 Drinking Propel...Writing Journal..Not much to report except that about 10:00 am I had my first BM. A little crampy but tolerable and Lots of it. Where did that come from...??? (TMI) but fluid to solid/mix.. I don't work outside the home so good luck to those who do.:bored Drink those fluids!!!
Sandybells

Sandybells

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