jen043454

Thank you for the responce and suggestions. I slowly licked a few more spoonfulls, ending up with about 3 of the 6 oz eaten. I feel like it was an accomplishment. I'm not sure if the pinching feeling was just a passing feeling or what, but I seem to have a pretty happy tummy now that I have something besides Water in it I'm not going to over do it though. I'm happy with 3 oz of yogurt. I've been drinking as much water as possible, but found that I'm actually getting dizzy. The surgeon said it was lack of calories (to keep my body running) and I really needed to try to get something with Protein in. I had no fill during my surgery, the surgeon says he's just "not comfortable filling during surgery", so I need to go back May 22nd to make sure everything is healed correctly, and get my first fill. I'm excited, but also nervous, can't imagine anything being tighter than it is now!

Im nearly 36 hours post op, and have a few questions... I'm geting this insane "slime" in my mouth. Not to much a phlem, but an over all nastyness that I have to spit up or clear out of my throat. Is this normal? Thought or suggestions? I can NOT stay awake. I'm assuming it's the pain meds they have me on (hydros), but am worried about laying in one position too long. Will sleeping so much mess anything up? Also - I'm having a VERY hard time drinking enough fluids. The pain and sleepyness just kills any desire to drink. The only thing I want to do is brush my teeth, shower and sleep! Yesterday, I had 64 oz of Fluid. Today, I'm probably hovering around 24... Thanks for any suggestions!

I'm not sure how this snuck up on me, the way it did. I seemed to be totally fine and ready for this, and now today, I went "HOLY SMOKES! TOMORROW I GET SURGERY!" I have been less than honest at work (told them that I was going out for surgery, but didn't disclose what for. I've had lympnodes removed in the past, so people assume that's what I'm having done again.) but feel this is for ME and not them, so no need to tell them what's going on. I'm not embarassed, but more or less, I don't think it's any of their business. I learned a very hard lesson during my last career, which is to keep a great distance between work and private life. I digress - tomorrow is the big day. I'm right on schedule as far as weight loss, my insurance has given approval, I've stopped my Vitamins and suppliements, I did the liquid diet since Monday, and I'm scrubbed down with antibacterial soap. Tomorrow, I need to be in the admitting room by 6am, and surgery is scheduled for 7. Since I've had anestesia before (for lymphnode removals) they aren't overly concerned with that, and I have my healthcare proxy (fiance) signed and he's coming with me. I guess things are good to go, right? So why am I suddenly so nervous that I can't sleep? LOL I was told to wear comfy pajama bottoms, slip on shoes, and a shirt that I can zip or button up - (they don't want me having to lift my arms to put a shift over my head). No bra (yuck!) and clean undies (did they expect me to wear dirty ones???). I'm sure I'll be donning a wonderful hospital gown for the majority of my stay, and was told since I'm being discharged hours after surgery, to bring nothing with me. Any words of advice before I head out tomorrow? I'm excited and nervous all rolled into one. This is the last time I'll weigh 298 lbs! -Jen

Thanks for the well wishes and good vibes, ladies. The actual banding surgery took about an hour, there was 2 hours of recovery, and then I was sent home. I've spend the past 12 hours at home, in some pretty intense pain. The gas they used is in my shoulders, and I was told by the surgeon that "walking it out would help". A lot easier said than done when it hurts to just breathe! I do have pain meds, but couldn't take my last dose because I had an exam for school. (which I barely passed.) I'm settling down on the couch and getting ready to take my night dose and try and get some sleep. I do really wish I had a recliner though. Getting up and down off the couch makes my incisions really hurt On a pain scale, I'd say that I'm a pretty constant 6, down from an 8 earlier. I'm okay with that though and I'm sure when I take the pain pill in a few minutes I'll be feeling better soon. Still seems odd to think I'm done, I'm banded!

I'm having surgery 05/11 (Friday) and took that day off work. I'm off Saturday and Sunday weekly, and asked to have Monday and Tuesday off as well. I'll be home 5 days, returning to work on day 6. I have a "desk job" (for the most part) so I'm hoping I can just grin and bare it if it's too soon. I just started a new job and they're not too keen on the fact I'm taking time off already...

I LOVE MY NINJAS! Yes, I said Ninjas, in plural! I have the 1100 at home, which is FANTASTIC to make shakes/smoothies. I do Isagenix shakes. I use two scoops of mix, 10 oz of Water, 4 icecubes, 4 frozen strawberries and one frozen banana. I blend on "2" for a good 30 seconds and it's smooth as silk. I also have the ninja pulse at work! I bring a bag of frozen berries/bananas and icecubes to work, and make a shake using bottled water and shake mix (that I store in the canister under my desk). Yeah, at first it was a little strange to be using it at work with everyone looking at me, but now? I don't care! While they have 800 calories in their subs and chips and salad drenched in dressing - I have my shake, consume 260 calories, and feel like I'm having a "sweet treat". I LOVE my ninjas, and can't imagine that I would have stayed with the shakes this long if I were using the traditional, junky blender!

Thanks to both of you for responding. I suppose the "good" thing is that I'm a full time student, and a full time HR director, so I don't have a lot of extra time to think about anything. Luckily, the date the surgeon had open (otherwise it was in late June!?!?!) is after the end of the semester, and after I get more sick time from work. Double YAY for me! I'll have time off school and be able to take time off work with out getting in trouble! It's funny how a date can mean so much to me. They didn't give me a time (I guess they call you the night before with a time?) but I'm okay with that. Just knowing that I'm headed in the right direction for a major life change has me excited!

Well, it's official! I have a lapband surgery date of Friday, May 11th! I've exceeded the expectations of the staff at my bariatric center and lost 12 lbs in 2 weeks, so they scheduled my surgery (even though I technically needed to lose 15 lbs!). I'm excited, but also stating to get a little nervous. Anyone else have pre-surgery jitters?

Breakfast - 7am - "Isagenix shake" (2 scoops of high protein isagenix mix, 4 ice cubes, 4 frozen strawberries, one frozen banana, 8 oz water) 7am - Vitamins (biotin, iron, multivitamin, calcium, vitamin D, B12 and a chewable fiber) <240 calories w/o frozen fruit. I'm guessing 300 calories with?> 7.30-8.30 my drive to work, and I usually have a small coffee with sugar free creamer, and a 16.9 oz bottle of water. <90 calories> 8.30-12 - 16.9 oz of water, sometimes an 8 oz low calorie gatorade. <70 calories> Lunch - 12 - can of College Inn chicken broth, sodium free, 99% fat free. I add dried onion and italian seasoning to it for a little "jazz". I also have a snack sized sugar free mott's apple sauce. I know this isn't liquid persay - but my DR said it's okay. <30 calories> 12.30-5 - 16.9 oz of water Dinner - 6.00 -can of College Inn chicken broth, sodium free, 99% fat free. I add a sprinkle of fat free grated cheese, just for something different. <30 calories> <Is it possible this is really 520 calories a day? My PCP is approving this, so I'd assume it's okay?> ---------------------------- Tomorrow is the woman who I'm replacing's last day. Of course, people are throwing her a "good bye" party, which involves cake, sweets, pizza, wings and chips. HTF am I gonna manage tomorrow? The other woman in the office told me "Ya know... you can't just drink your soup tomorrow. You're HR, and people will think you're a snotty brat if you don't join them in the lunch room and have some party food." (She said it laughing and jokingly, but I'm pretty sure there was a serious tone in there.) Not sure what I'm going to do about tomorrow. I still plan on bringing my broth, water, fiber tabs and gatorade. Maybe instead of apple sauce I can crunch on some veggies? (Hoping they send carrots with the wings?) I'm not really sure what to expect if I put actual FOOD, that I have to CHEW and DIGEST in my body after 4 days of nothing but liquid. I'm hoping if I just eat the veggies, and no dip (or other crap) that I'll be okay and my stomach won't protest too much? Thoughts? Suggestions?

I started my new job today, and didn't have much time to think ahead as far as what I was going to eat/drink through out the day. I ended up packing and drinking (from the time I left, until now - "dinner time") (2) 8 oz gatorade low calorie berry rush (1) snack size apple motts (2) 16.9 oz waters (1) can low sodium chicken broth (1) can low sodium beef broth (1/2) coors light I'd like to say that I won't be drinking beef broth again. It's just... YUCK! I couldn't even finish the whole can which I had for dinner. Yuck Yuck Yuck! I didn't finish my coors either, mainly because I felt bad for drinking at all (since my DR made it clear it's not allowed after surgery). My first day at work was a nice change of pace from what I'm used to. For 5 years I was told that I'm not good, smart, quick or friendly enough to be promoted to director, and would always stay a manager. Here? They welcomed me with open arms, embraced the fact that I haven't been a director but they're willing to help me learn. It's odd how everyone besides my previous employer thinks I'm friendly. I was actually called "personable" by the owner of the company today, which was nice. Lunch time rolled around and both women who are training me ordered out. One had a cheeseburger with fries - the other an Italian chicken sandwich with chips and a pickle. I LOVE PICKLES! Some people have a weakness of sweets or icecream or pasta. For me? It's pickles (and starch) but mostly pickles. I LOVE the crunch, the vinegar taste and the satisfaction I get from eating one. I had my chicken broth, apple sauce and a water and gatorade. I'm not even sure if the apple sauce is allowed on the liquid diet (anyone know?) since it's technically not a liquid but more of a mushy. I feel like I cheated by accident. When the women saw what I was eating, they asked what was in my thermos. I "fibbed" and told them it was chicken soup. I felt like if I told them it was chicken broth it would totally freak them out and start the rumor mill. Don't need that! I made it though the day feeling okay - hungry - but okay. I'm still trying to convince myself that drinking something will keep me full. So far, I think it's a mind over matter situation. I hope it gets easier... -Jen

03/27/12 Day Two: Liquid Diet 8 oz water 2 isagenix scoops 4 frozen strawberries 1/2 large jello vitamins 16.9 oz water chicken broth 16.9 oz water chicken broth 8 oz water ------------------------------------ I miss chewing. I know that sounds crazy, but I miss CRUNCHING on things. I start my new job tomorrow. Should be interesting to "eat" lunch in front of others...

03/26/12 Liquid Diet: Day 1 Today has been an interesting and educating day. I had my first weigh in pre-surgery (315, yikes!) and spoke with the nurse, a PA and the scheduler for the surgery. My insurance dictates that you can't have the surgery scheduled until you've lost 5% of your weight (15.5 lbs for me), and you won't be able to confirm the surgery date you're given unless you've lost an additional 5%. The way it was explained to me is that this is done to a) reduce the size of your liver, get you mentally prepared for the journey ahead and c) please the insurance companies. My primary care physician had suggested doing a liquid diet to shed the weight fast, coupled with cardio exercise and going to a sauna (yeah, like I have a spare sauna in my spring purse, just waiting to be used. Ugh.) Here's what I've had so far today: 16 oz water 2 scoops isagenix vanilla shake mix frozen banana 4 frozen strawberries 16 oz water 1/2 box of jello l-carnatine tablet 16 oz water 2 fiber choice tablets 1/2 box of jello 1 can chicken broth "seasoned with veggies" (College Inn brand, reduced sodium, fat free - VERY good!) 2 cups coffee with sugar free creamer 8 oz water I "think" I'm hungry, but my stomach isn't grumbling and I'm not hungry enough to eat lawn clippings, so I know it's just a mental thing. As far as I can tell, I just have to psych myself up that this is for ME and for my FUTURE, and do I REALLY want that big chunk of mozzerella cheese more than being healthy? (At this very moment, yes - yes I do. LOL) ((Now, no - no I don't)) I had my blood labs done today, while I was at the weigh in. Nothing like seeing how much you weigh and then having 9 vials of blood drawn to start your Monday morning off, eh? Well, I'm going to clean up the house some to keep myself busy. Tomorrow, I meet with Dr. Panamanglore, my surgeon. Interesting Fact: One lb. of body fat is made up of approximately 3,500 excess calories.

Congrats to you! Stories like yours make me hopeful and excited to get my band!

Tomorrow, 03/26 at 10am EST, I'll be meeting with my surgeon, Dr. Panamanglore (Ellis Hospital, Schenectady, NY) My PCP also stated that 03/26 would be day 1 of my liquid diet, which she'll be closely supervising and tracking. I've purchased: Lots of Jello (sugar free) Freezer pops (sugar free) chicken broth (reduced sodium, fat free) Beef Broth (reduced sodium, fat free) A kazillion bottles of Water (we live in the city and have highly chlorinated and floride filled water) I've also purchased (3) chocolate isagenix, and (3) vanilla isagenix powder canisters. From my understanding, I should have one shake in the morning using 16 oz of water and 1 scoop of mix, lots of water through out the day, a can of the broth at lunch time, more water, and an additional shake at dinner. My PCP was VERY sure to explain that if "it does not smoothly go through a crazy straw (one of the twirly fun ones for kids), do NOT drink it!" Does this sound about right to everyone? Any additional suggestions?

I started a list last night of things I'm looking forward to once I get my lapband and am on the way to a healthier me. I thought it would be fun if others added what they're excited to do as well! -Being a healthy weight and hopefully starting a family in the future (we're thinking 3-4 years) -Not having to shave using the braille system anymore -Want to be able to do frisky things and not worry about how it looks from his perspective -Would like to bicycle from this city to the next (15 miles) just to see what I can see -Nicer selection of clothes (dear fashion designers: big girls do NOT want HUGE flowers or stripes all the time...) Anyone else?

I have a few things I'm looking forward to with the spring/summer approaching. I'd like to sit in a lawnchair with out my thighs popping out the sides of it. I'd like to sit in a folding chair with out it sinking into the ground 3 inches. I'd like to sit in a hammock with out looking like an overstuffed sausage. I'd also like to run through the sprinkler like a little kid, having a great time, laughing and giggling with out jiggling!

It's probably a little bit different everywhere you go, but for me - it was a LOT different than I had expected. The seminar I went to was in the auditorium of a hospital. There were about 100 people in attendance, a surgeon who spoke, two nurses who spoke, and we watched about 20 minutes worth of a movie from previous patients. In the beginning of the seminar, we were given packets to fill out of our medical history, as well as insurance information and basic goals. From there, you had in your paperwork and wait for the bariatric center to call and schedule you for your initial appointments. It was almost 3 weeks to the day from the orientation/seminar to the 1st visit. Hope this helps a bit. I'm (im)patiently waiting for next monday when I have my surgery consult!

I'd like to find a wedding dress that fits correctly and makes me feel like a bride. (Side story: I went dress shopping with a friend on Sunday. She wears a size 12 street clothes, size 14/16 bridal dress. That means I'd (in theory) wear a 26/28 bridal gown. I saw a woman, about my size, trying on dresses and gowns. She was pouting the whole time, and actually ended up crying because only one dress actually fit and it was u.g.l.y. I don't want that to happen to me. I want to look the way I feel about my husband to be. I want to feel perfect, lovely, the most important soul on the planet.)

I went to the orientation at Ellis, and have selected Dr. P as my surgeon. I have my pre-op consult with him next monday (03/26/12) and hope that it's not too far out for a surgery date. Although I haven't had the surgery yet, I adore everyone in his office and all of the help they've given me thus far

I met my surgeon today. Dr. Panamanglore, Ellis Hospital, Schenectady NY. Has anyone else had him for surgery? (Long shot, I know) He seems very nice and excited, and looks forward to meeting me again on the 26th. (I met him briefly in passing in the hall of the hospital today - when I was going in for my psych eval.) It makes it seem "more real" when I can put a name and face together. YIPPIE!

My PCP and consult with the surgeon told me the same thing as Stephyaners has said... it depends on the person, but the most important thing is to stay moisturized! I was told to use a body scrub on my "fat areas" (where ISN'T fat, I asked) once a week, and use an intensive moisturizer every day after I dry off from a shower. (They suggested Aquafor, Aveeno or Jergans - though I'm sure any 'good' moisturizer would be okay.)

I had my eval today - it was really nothing to get all stressed over (like I did, lol) For anyone who is wondering what it's like, for me (I'm sure most places are different): -Medical History -Write a brief page explaining why you should have surgery -Write 1/2 page on each topic: What are the conerns and risks of surgery? What is the expected weight loss? -Psych/Emotional history The psychiatrist asked me a bunch of questions, some which I actually giggled about. They ranged from "what is your emotional connection with food and diets?" to "what's your favorite color?" to "what's the worst thing you've ever done?" my responce was: 1) I like the taste of food, my parents had me "clean my plate" when I was a kid, when I'm stressed I graze. 2) Teal, beause I'm too indecisive to pick between blue and green. 3) Do you really expect me to tell the truth? How about I admit to speeding on my way over here! All in all, the eval was nice and painless. I want to let other people who are worried about the eval because of whatever reason know - I was told that they do NOT deny someone who has a history of mental illness, depression or behavioral issues. I was told that they are only worried about providing the right care to patients who have those (or other) isssues/symptoms/history. I was very happy with the eval and assume that it went well. Cheers!

Hi All, I have my psych eval tomorrow at 2:45 pm. I'm a bit nervous (not really sure why?) and not sure what to expect. When I spoke with my PCP, she said there was a "standard set of questions" they ask. I googled it, but couldn't find any results? I feel like a kid cheating on homework. LOL. I just don't want to be dumbfounded and not know what to say and have them ultimately decide I'm "not mentally or emotionally ready" for the surgery. Besides telling me to relax and breathe (I'm repeating those two things to myself over and over again), anyone have any words of wisdom? Thanks! -Jen

I was told that I should arrive at 2.45 and expect to be done around 4.00. I'm hoping for the best, that's all I can do. I have to be honest though... if I were asked if I'd consider forestry as a profession, I'd probably hand them my resume as being a student doesn't pay all that great As always, thank you for the support everyone!

Well, that's what I had thought at first too, but I spoke with a woman briefly in the elevator at the orientation, who said she was denied twice by the psych eval because they thought she was emotionally unstable and couldn't handle the stress of recovery... She ended with "Well it's a good thing that insurance doesn't require that anymore, huh?" Too bad mine does. LOL