Jump to content

×

Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Blogs

Existing user? Sign In
Sign In

Remember me Not recommended on shared computers

Forgot your password?

Or sign in with one of these services

Sign in with Instagram
Sign Up

$99 Yearly Supply Alert! 🌈 "1 per Day!" Bariatric Multivitamins

CrochetGranny's Journal

A blog by CrochetGranny

Sign in to follow this

Followers 0

entries
18
comments
26
views
3,493

Entries in this blog

Sort By

My First Journal Entry

I have been researching lapband surgery for several months. So far I have taken these steps: .5-22- 07 Attended a seminar in Bloomington, Il .6-7-07 Visited cardiologist - She was not enthusiastic about lapband surgery. .6-8-07 Visited primary care physician - She was also not enthusiastic about lapband surgery .6-21-07 Appointment with Dr Rohrscheib (bariatric surgeon) - found out my insurance requires 1 year diet. Decided to go ahead with surgery and be self-pay. Scheduled for 8-6-07 (could have had 7-20 but wanted to make sure I could get AP band). My weight at home 243. at doctors office 246.5 .6-25-07 Received call from Dr's office; cannot have surgery 8-6-07, choice of either 7-20 or 8-10 (doctor will be on vacation between those dates. Nurse called and found out AP bands will be available 7-20, so this will be the date!!! Oh no, so much to do between now and then!! 6-28-07 Called to get money from my retirement investments; they will send me paper to sign and liquidate some assets, then mail me check. .7-5-07 Pre-op visit scheduled. Will also start 14 day pre-op diet same day. (have ordered and received some protein shakes, as well as bought some from Walmart and Walgreens. .7-20-07 Surgery scheduled

CrochetGranny

June 29, 2007

3

Paid Up!!

Took my check to the doctor's office today. Checked to see if they have my doctor's records - they do NOT!! Only have until a week from Friday to get them. Hope this doesn't hold up my surgery! Did my lab work today and chest x-ray. Didn't do the EKG because I just did a nuclear stress test a couple weeks ago; of course they need the results of that which they don't have yet!! I need to set a list of small goals to have along the way. My final weight goal is 130 (5'2") which is the largest of the weight range for being 'normal' on the BMI chart. I would be happy with 140, don't know if I would ever make it to 130. By my birthday (October 16): 1) Would like to be able to walk 2 miles in 45 minutes (small goal, but I can't do it now!!) 2) I also would like to get my blood sugar in the mornings down to 120 or less in the morning. 3) Would like to be down a total of 20 lbs (already down 7.5). 4) Would like to ride my bike at least 4 miles at a time. (I can only do 1 mile now with a rest in the middle.) 5) Have my blood pressure down to 120/70 (with or without medication) I don't want to set my expectations too high because I don't want to feel like I have failed. My surgery is 7-20-07, so I have almost 3 months to make these goals after my surgery.

CrochetGranny

July 11, 2007

2

PCP Visit

Ninth day on pre-op diet - going great!! Another protein review: 1) Unjury chocolate flavor: very good, same as other unjury, I put it in 6 oz skim milk. Liked it fine. Seen my PCP today. Although she was not enthused in previous visit about the lapband, she wanted to know when it is scheduled; I told her. She offered to get me liquid shake mixes but I told her I was using primarily Unjury. She asked how I felt about the surgery; did I think I would go into a depression, etc. She was glad to hear I was exercising and dieting in preparation. Reminded me to stay away from the artificial sweeteners; eat something (protein, fat) when I eat carbs, etc. She is an advocate of the Schwarzbein lifestyle. I think she will provide good support for me as she has really been on me to lose weight, exercise more, etc.

CrochetGranny

July 13, 2007

2

Horse riding lessons

In only 3 more days I'll be out of surgery about this time and starting the rest of my journey to a smaller me!! I have so far lost 11 pounds (9 on my pre-op diet); so ready to get this done and over with!!! I need to be cleaning my house and getting ready since I reckon I won't feel much like any cleaning in about 3 days!! But don't feel like it today either!! No day is a good day! Had people over for a wienie roast last night and a hayride. One couple brought their grandkids over cause they wanted us to let them ride one of the horses - as usual it was not enough and they wanted to ride in the pasture and run the horse instead of in the small pen, and ride the other 2 horses which are real high energy horses. Then DH over- heard their grandma telling them "I don't know why they won't let you ride the other two horses, you'll just have to be satisfied with this one." Well DUH - they've rode some horse a couple of times and think they're experts (at age 7 and 10). How about we bring our grandkids (6, 8 and 12) over to your house and let them drive your truck - just around town. After all, we once let them drive our truck and they were able to keep it between the ditches for 1/4 mile. WHY OH WHY are some people so stupid? Then the 15 year old says 'this horse is trying to rub me off by going under the trees' - well, why don't you simply rein the horse around the trees. You're supposed to be the driver!! Oh yeah, according to them the horse doesn't know how to guide - well, he's been ridden hundreds of miles thru forest and up and down mountains with sheer drop-offs and we've never had a problem with him - could it be the driver????? Hubby was sure pissed when they left and so was I. Why do people think they can come to your house and do what they want with your horses and then insult you and them when they can't handle them? I told him this morning that's it - no more inexperienced riders on our horses. Especially if they won't listen. Oh well - my rant for the day!!! Had the Matrix chocolate for breakfast this morning in water. It sure tasted thin; should have had it in milk I guess. I'll stick with Unjury and a couple of the others. Signing off for today!!

CrochetGranny

July 17, 2007

2

Tomorrow Pre-op to Post-op!!!

Well, tomorrow's the big day!! I did pretty good on my pre-op diet until the last few days. Instead of the diet frozen dinner, I had a couple salads with v/o garlic dressing, some ripe tomatoes, some fried fish. I stayed pretty well within the calories, carbs and protein allotted, but I think some days I had too much fat!! I won't be writing in here anymore until I'm on the other side - got to get up early tomorrow to make the hour and a half trip to the hospital. See ya on the other side!!

CrochetGranny

July 19, 2007

2

2nd Fill & Birthday Goals

Well, I had my 2nd fill last Thursday (Oct 4) and got to experience my first sliming episode and first PB!! Tried to take my pills Thursday night (which I hadn't had any trouble with before) and had a major sliming (frothing at the mouth) attack!! Well, I cut out the 2 big ones and drank lots of water with all the little ones and that did the trick the next time. Also 2 nights later went out to eat; thought I was starving because we waited so long; ate too much and too fast. Spent about 15 minutes in the bathroom recirculating it! Won't try that again!! My birthday is coming up next week and a few weeks ago I posted some things I wanted to accomplish by then: By my birthday (October 16): 1) Would like to be able to walk 2 miles in 45 minutes (small goal, but I can't do it now!!) Yes, I can now do this, but have been slacking off; need to get serious again. 2) I also would like to get my blood sugar in the mornings down to 120 or less in the morning. I have had a couple or three times when it was below 120 but not consistently yet. However, my A1C was down to 6.6 (from maybe 8.2) so this was GOOD!! 3) Would like to be down a total of 20 lbs (already down 7.5) I am down a total of 27 lbs as of this morning. 4) Would like to ride my bike at least 4 miles at a time. (I can only do 1 mile now with a rest in the middle.) I slacked off riding my bike when it was hot; need to try it again. 5) Have my blood pressure down to 120/70 (with or without medication) My blood pressure is down pretty consistently to within a few points of this (still with medicine) so I am happy with it. Hope to start reducing the pills soon.

CrochetGranny

October 12, 2007

2

Pre-op has started!!!

Well, I survived the 4th of July without totally pigging out. Yesterday, July 5, started my pre-op diet and also had my pre-op visit. Knew I would be away from home all day so filled my cooler up with water and protein shakes, etc and headed to pre-op visit. Ended up eating about 700 calories (1000 is my limit) so think I did great. Went to visit hubby's sister and went to open-stage music she goes to; didn't get home until 11:00 p.m. I was afraid I would blow it since I wouldn't be home, but did ok. Ok, three more protein evaluations: 1) EAS AdvantEdge carb control strawberry cream - eh, I was able to drink it but not crazy about - too much 'milk' taste for me and I don't do milk. 2) New Whey liquid protein orange - 42 grams of protein, but I only drank half. Pretty darn good. Kind of tastes like liquid orange jello with a tart taste. Even if you didn't like it you could drink it because half a tube is only 1.5 ounces. 3) Whey Gourmet Chocolate Peanut Butter protein powder - really good!! It said to mix with water but I used skim milk instead. I could do this several times a week!! Normally can't stand the sweet tasting stuff because of the artificial taste, but it was really good. Yesterday I recorded my starting weight and starting measurements in a Word document. I was going to post them here, but the measurements are so darn big I'm ashamed - I'll post them when I have something smaller to compare them with!! :faint: Today is day 2 of my pre-op diet, my surgery is 2 weeks from today!!!

CrochetGranny

July 6, 2007

2

Getting There!!!

Day 5 of pre-op; going fine; not really hungry. I'm glad this is going good for me; I see so many posts where people are having problem with this pre-op thing. Protein shake today: Muscle Milk (chocolate flavor; regular) - pretty good; but I prefer the Muscle Milk light. So far Muscle Milk is my 'sweet' protein shake of choice. Haven't yet tried the flavored Unjury; I need to do that. I do the sweet shake for breakfast, the chicken broth one for lunch, and then my frozen low carb diet meal for supper. I can have 2 snacks a day, usually just have one. I am down 5 pounds since the start of the pre-op which is good (for me). I have been on so many diets it has destroyed my metabolism (besides never exercising). I walked on the treadmill 45 minutes this morning (2 mph); even that made me sweat!! I started a couple days ago with 20 minutes, then 30; today 45. I walk at 2 mph, with 1 minute bursts (ha ha, if you can call it that!) of 2.8 every 5 minutes. Since I have CAD, I have to work up to the faster speeds and longer times. It is sooo hot here in central Illinois today; but we are due for a cooldown; thank God!!

CrochetGranny

July 9, 2007

1

IDS Vanilla-Cinnamon - Awesome!!!

This morning I tried IDS low-carb Multi-Pro Whey in Vanilla-Cinnamon flavor - really really good!!! And this is from a person that doesn't really LIKE vanilla stuff. This was in my BariatricEating.com sample packet. I don't care for flavored coffee (I take mine black) but I think this would even be good in coffee for those who like the sweet flavored coffee stuff. I imagine you would have to watch the temperature of the coffee though, because Unjury says not to put theirs in anything above 130 degrees. Well, in 10 more days I will be on the other side (of banding). So far I am not nervous, the diet is going good. I've told a few people and no 'bad' remarks. Went and got my cashier's check for the surgery ($15,500). Got an appointment with my PCP Friday; will be telling her I'm for sure getting the surgery and it'll only be a week away then. She was pretty non-committal when I told her before. I hope she's forwarded my records to my surgeon. Need to get the TV in my bedroom hooked up in case I want to loll in bed the first day or so; gotta watch my soaps!!

CrochetGranny

July 10, 2007

1

Two Months Post-Op Tomorrow

I can't believe I haven't updated my journal since one week post-op. I enjoy reading all the other journals, but have been lax in updating mine. Went back and got my list of things I wanted to do, so am updating it here: I hope to be able to do all these things when I lose some weight: 1) Ride my horse without worrying that I am breaking his back!! Too hot, haven't even tried. He's having fun in the pasture. 2) Have the energy to clean my house and shovel out all the stuff I gathered thru the years. I have more energy, and have started cleaning out some (namely clothes that are getting too big) but sad to say not real enthused about this yet!! 3) Stick my arm in that blood pressure thing at Walmart and not have it get stuck there!! And use a normal blood pressure cuff! Haven't tried it yet! 4) Walk somewhere without huffing and puffing and stopping to rest 20 times. Can walk 45 minutes on the treadmill and am finding daily walking a lot easier! 5) Get off all these pills I am taking - or at least most of them!! My blood pressure is pretty much normal now (with the pills), but it will probably be a while longer before I decrease them. My blood sugar has decreased but still a ways to go. Went off Metformin when I got the surgery. Going to the doctor tomorrow and will get blood tests for sugar, cholesterol, etc. 6) Quit getting my butt stuck in chairs/theatre seats, etc with arms. This has decreased dramatically, with just a 24 lb weight loss. 7) Have enough energy to play with grandkids, do some gardening, ride my bike. Stayed off the bike for the 6 weeks after surgery, still not gotten back on it yet. Maybe today if it's cool enough! 8) Not be the biggest person in the room. (Already accomplished this when I went to the bariatric clinic-how sad. Finally sat in a chair too big for me!! But I don't consider this a NSV) What a sick mentality I have that I rejoice that someone in the room is bigger than me - this isn't usually the case tho. 9) Do something besides read, crochet and watch soaps on tv all day long because I don't feel like doing much else. Still need to work on this. 10) I'm sure there are many more but I have gone brain-dead for now.

CrochetGranny

September 19, 2007

1

I AM BANDED!!!!!!!

:clap2:Yesterday was the day! Got to the hospital about 9:00. Surgery was to be at 10:30; think I went in around 11:30. Everything went A OK! Got out, drank a bunch of little cups of water, walked around, peed, and then left for home at 6:00. Nice little hospital, great service (Clinton, Il). (Only problem pain medicine made me nauseous - had to sit and take a few deep breaths, then everything was ok) More water the rest of the evening. Today is clear liquids- jello, sugarfree popsicles, water, decaf coffee and tea, broth. Tomorrow I go to full liquids. I have had a couple small twinges of ache in my left shoulder; not enough to take anything for it. Took a dose of Vicodin yesterday at the hospital, it made me nauseous, tried the liquid Tylenol at home, same deal. (Didn't barf but it took all I had not to!) That was about 9:00 p.m. Tried the Vicodin again this morning, didn't get nauseous. It is now almost 4:00 p.m. and the reduced dose of Vicodin is all I've had today. Don't think I'll need anymore; maybe a dose tonight before I go to bed. Tried to fall out of the bed last night!! Rolled to the edge to try to sit up like they instructed at the hospital, but I was dizzy and just kept on rolling; had to jerk myself back or I'd of been on the floor for sure!! Worried that I pulled something, but I don't think I did. My port area is a little tender, the other spots not at all. Doesn't hurt near as bad as the bruised ribs last fall when I rolled my ATV!! Couldn't sleep in bed then for 3 months - I slept in my bed last night with no problem! (except the almost rolling out part). Have been walking around a little bit, but mostly lolling around in the recliner. I will be glad to have some different flavors tomorrow. I'm not hungry today, but the water and diet jello, etc isn't getting it flavor wise.

CrochetGranny

July 21, 2007

1

One Week Post-Op

Today is my 1 week anniversary!! Had my first post-op visit yesterday. I am down 1.5 lb from date of surgery (guess I'll take it, since I've seen others say they gained quite a bit from the surgery then lost it again. I was up 2 lbs the day after surgery and then back down. I've lost 11.5 lbs so far since first consultation. I am lucky, have not had ANY gas, incisions healing clean and not sore. Picked tame blackberries today, humid; had to bend over to pick quite a few of them (close to ground) - course I'm pretty close to the ground anyway. I think this is the first time ever I have not ate half of what I picked!! Have a blackberry pie in the oven in preparation for company coming tomorrow. This sucks since I LOVE blackberry pie. Nutritionist said I could move on to some mushies like cream of wheat and pudding; etc. So far not getting hungry - just getting tired of these shakes!!

CrochetGranny

July 28, 2007

1

Why I Want This Surgery

I guess I should explain why I feel I need this surgery. I was always the smallest child (or close to it) all thru school. I weighed 98 pounds when I was graduated from high school. I was always a 'hungry' child - eating anything and everything I could get my hands on. We were moderately 'poor' so mostly starches, beans, etc. From the birth of my daughter (when I was 20 on), the scales started creeping up. (I thought I was 'fat' at 130 pounds and 5'2" after I delivered!!) After a divorce, raised my daughter on my own. I decided I would not 'do without' if I could help it. Had a successful career as a systems analyst/computer programmer - a sedentary job. Remarried after my daughter left home and married. Retired at age 55 in 2002 (mainly because I couldn't function anymore - no energy, etc). Shortly after retiring, my 'not doing without - food mainly' caught up with me. Found out why I couldn't function any longer. My LAD artery was 90% blocked (had been having symptoms for probably 2 years but stress tests previous had come back normal.) Diagnosed with coronary artery disease, diabetes, high blood pressure all approximately same time in 2003. (Already had been on meds for high cholesterol for a few years by that time). I had made several weight loss attempts through the years - WW, Optifast, Fen-Phen, Diet Workshop and more of the same. Tried to buckle down after the stents in LAD and artery to kidney and lose weight. Atkins, South Beach, etc, doctor assisted shakes, etc, etc. Gained another 10-15 pounds. Right knee replacement almost 2 years ago due to previous injuries (falls). My orthopedic surgeon said on my first followup 'You have the smallest bones I have ever seen for such a large person." Boy, what a compliment! My husband laughed his ass off!! However, he is being supportive for this surgery so I am very happy about that! So here I stand - a 5'2" 245ish pound lardass ready to try to turn my health around. I don't feel like I have the extra year to waste to go on an insurance-required diet and am lucky enough to have enough money in my retirement account to be self-pay (and hopefully live long enough to spend the rest of it!!) If I could lose (and keep the weight off) on the diet it would already be a done deal and I wouldn't need the lapband surgery!! I hope to be able to do all these things when I lose some weight: 1) Ride my horse without worrying that I am breaking his back!! 2) Have the energy to clean my house and shovel out all the stuff I gathered thru the years. 3) Stick my arm in that blood pressure thing at Walmart and not have it get stuck there!! And use a normal blood pressure cuff! 4) Walk somewhere without huffing and puffing and stopping to rest 20 times. 5) Get off all these pills I am taking - or at least most of them!! 6) Quit getting my butt stuck in chairs/theatre seats, etc with arms. 7) Have enough energy to play with grandkids, do some gardening, ride my bike. 8) Not be the biggest person in the room. (Already accomplished this when I went to the bariatric clinic-how sad. Finally sat in a chair too big for me!! But I don't consider this a NSV) What a sick mentality I have that I rejoice that someone in the room is bigger than me - this isn't usually the case tho. 9) Do something besides read, crochet and watch soaps on tv all day long because I don't feel like doing much else. 10) I'm sure there are many more but I have gone brain-dead for now. Thanks to all those who support people here on this forum. I read the good, the bad and the ugly here (in probably half the posts) before making my final decision to have the lapband surgery. I am not usually a joiner but more a lurker so probably won't be posting very often. I started out making my journal private because I was writing it mainly for me but decided maybe if it could help even one person make the journey it would be worth it.

CrochetGranny

June 29, 2007

1

Why My Doctors Weren't Enthusiastic

I had a comment asking why my doctors weren't encouraging about the surgery. My cardiologist said 'you can eat thru the band if you want to'. I replied that I knew that; that I had been researching it for several weeks, and that I was aware of the ways the band could be defeated. My primary care physician is a very caring physician, and one of the very few who doesn't throw pills at every ailment you have. She is a very strong believer in natural medicines, vitamins, etc. In fact, the day before my cardiologist had put me on daily Protonix (for occasional heartburn) which she told me promptly to not use. The cardiologist also put me on Metformin for my diabetes; my PCP said 'at least its one of the ones with fewer side effects'. My PCP did say that the band will force you to eat right, but I think she was hopeful I could do it on my own. However, she has been my PCP thru several of my previous weight loss attempts, so she should know it wasn't going to happen!! I know she will support me in every way once I have this, and attempt to help me thru it; she is a strong proponent of eating healthy. I borrowed this below from someone here on the forum and it is my sentiment exactly; I may make it my motto!! However, I need to look back and see who posted it, so I can give proper credit: "I wonder if these people would prefer us to be lying smugly in our early grave with our supersized casket and an inscription on our tombstone reading, "Hey, I died 20 years before I should have but at least I didn't take the easy way out."" So here's my plan for starting tomorrow (you may ask 'why not today' but you probably already know why!!) I have to start my pre-op diet July 5, so thought I would start easing into it tomorrow. Maybe a protein shake for breakfast and 2 small meals. I need to know what the various shakes taste like, so I can complete my supply. Probably the 4th I will be out and about, so I will eat what I want, but maybe not as much as normal (ie the whole breadbasket full). Then my preop on Thursday as well as full force on my pre-op diet. Time to clean house for a while, I spend WAYYYY too much time on this computer!!!

CrochetGranny

June 30, 2007

1

Starting Pre-op Diet Early

This morning I started my pre-op diet early. At my consultation I weighed 243. at home and 246.5 at the doctors (June 21); this morning I weighed 241.5. I drank a Muscle Milk Light for breakfast in chocolate mint flavor. Didn't taste the mint much; just tasted like chocolate milk but maybe a little 'heavier' texture. I think it'll be okay. Got my bicycle out yesterday and raised the handlebars (kept bumping them with my knees, and I'm SHORT), aired up the tires, fixed the seat so it would quit flipping my butt backwards. Then I rode it a total of 2 minutes and was huffing and puffing!! Oh well, it's a start. Then did about 30 minutes of mowing with the push mower. Hopefully I can ride the bike 5 minutes or longer today!!

CrochetGranny

July 1, 2007

1

"test driving pre-op"

Did good on my pre-op yesterday until last night when I was to have 3 cups popcorn. Popped 2 bags (1 for hubby, 1 for me) thinking a bag was 3 cups (NOT!!!) Ate the whole bag anyway. As I said, this is just a test drive, the real thing starts July 5. Loving the chicken broth with unflavored Unjury protein in it - I know I will get tired of all those sweet shakes. Also had a EAS AdvantEdge in chocolate, prefer the Muscle Milk. Bought skim milk today, so am going to try the Unjury flavored tomorrow. Found Better than Boullion at Walmart today too, so my next chicken broth will be with it - heard good reports on it here on the forum. I ordered a sample pak from BariatricEating.com; according to the tracking number, it should be here tomorrow - so I should have lots more goodies to sample. (At least I HOPE they're goodies!!)

CrochetGranny

July 2, 2007

1

Protein Critique

So far, 1) I LOVE the unflavored Unjury in chicken broth 2) Like the Muscle Milk light chocolate mint pretty good 3) EAS AdvantEdge chocolate - eh, ok, but not as good as #2 4) Syntrax Nectar Lemon Tea - three words for this NASTY NASTY NASTY. This was in my Bariatric Eating sample pak. I got the new shaker and when I first starting drinking from it thought, didn't wash this shaker good enough, it has a nasty smell - poured it into a regular cup - it ain't the shaker, it's the Lemon Tea. I'm trying to get it down because I paid good money for it (oh oh - just realized this has always been my attitude with food, NEED TO GET RID OF THIS ATTITUDE!!!) It's also a reason I've gone off diets of this type before, because I couldn't stand the shake mix. No need to drink the nasty stuff when you know there's good stuff out there you CAN tolerate. Well, today and tomorrow then I start the REAL pre-op diet. I've done pretty good on this but have been eating one regular meal instead of the frozen diet meal. I think I can stay on it pretty good. I think I can also eat regular food in place of the frozen diet meal if I do just a very small meat and a vegetable similar to what would be in the frozen meal. This will help if I need to eat out during this two week period. I haven't been a bit hungry :clap2:- except for that 'head' hunger' and I satisfied it with a sugarfree popsicle. My list doesn't say I can have sugarfree jello so I will need to ask about this at my pre-op appointment Thursday. Better start a list on questions or my CRS will kick in and when they ask if I have any questions I'll say DUH, can't think of any. :car:

CrochetGranny

July 3, 2007

1

13 Days til Banding!!!

Today is day 3 of pre-op. I stayed within my calories yesterday, but overdid it on carbs!! I thought all the dinners in my freezer were less than 20 grams carbs; I cooked one then looked at the carbs: 43!! oh no, should have pitched it but I went ahead and ate it. Then had blueberries for snack, and they are higher carb too. Some friends came over and brought a watermelon, I went ahead and ate some because I didn't want to have to explain. She asked twice what kind of diet I was on and I said predominantly liquid, she wanted to know what kind, blah blah, so I finally went ahead and told them I was going to have lapband surgery in two weeks. (Wasn't planning to tell very many people, but I'm not good at making up stories as I go along) Anyway, I was surprised, she said it would be good for my health; I about fell over in surprise. Another protein review: 1) Whey Gourmet Creamy Orangesicle Swirl - just 'ok'. Too sweet tasting for me. I mixed it with ice and water; maybe should have used a little more water. I wouldn't buy it but others would probably like it. (It came in my Bariatric Eating sample pak. My goal for the rest of the diet: STICK TO IT!! Don't overdo the carbs. I am feeling full; however, the day I had my regular meal at lunchtime, I was hungrier in the evening, so think I will stick to having the regular meal in the evening since I feel fuller longer.

CrochetGranny

July 7, 2007

1

Sign in to follow this

Followers 0

PatchAid Vitamin Patches

×