velvetbuckle

Holla fellow bandsters! Here's hoping everyone had a fabulous weekend and are ready to take the days ahead with eyes wide open. (I know, it's Monday. I tried to be positive) Mine was pretty uneventful until the "Battle of the Cheap Scale" started, there was a Victor! I knew better than to put that $9.99 piece of crap in my cart last week at Wally World, but I did it anyway. I told myself it was ok because I wasn't buying the expensive one that told you your BMI-Heart Rate-Blood Pressure etc. Heck it probably did a DNA swab as well. Look I KNEW I didn't need a scale right now, it was the last thing I needed, it was like a few months back the last late insomnia night took over and a few days later I must have bought stock in "QVC & HSN" That's all I'm saying about that, well, right now anyway. I was only 6 or 7 days out of surgery, I was and still am swollen around my abdomen area. I will how much I've lost when I go to my 1 month check-up with the nurse and nutritionist. I knew this intellectually, but I freaking did it anyway. I believe Life speaks to you in whispers, and you should listen to them. My story is I have lost 50-65 pounds about 50 or 65 times. It's a Bad Romance this cycle and I have, and I'm breaking up for good this time. I took those pounds off and on again starting around 19. Just 2 years ago I was at my ideal weight, and now not so much-NEVER AGAIN! That scale whispered to me when somehow it fell out of the cart, but I put it back in. A few minutes later my cart started sounding like hamsters running on a wheel that was in need of WD40, plus a lopsided tire. I should have put it back. Upon arriving at home, I made the boys weigh, 1 is overweight, 1 is not but doesn't eat the greatest. I weighed and it showed basically the same I assumed it would. No surprises. I go about my life. Make ahead my family's dinner, so while(check the scale) they eat I can walk. Fix my protein shakes (check the scale) and do some reading. (check the scale) Do some writing and laundry (check the scale) lather, rinse, (check the scale) and repeat. Yep you guessed it... I was more than infatuated, I was mesmerized, perplexed, pissed and fed up. I could not believe that every time I stood on that $9.99 scale it's little obnoxious "weight line" pointed (and pointing is very rude I might add) to the same damn number EVERY stinking time, OY! What in the hell was going on? I have not cheated, I thought about how I could, but what's the point? Besides, I don't really keep any quick fixing junk in the house, anyway I wasn't hungry and have been getting all my protein in, having a cup of chicken broth and a Greek Yogurt when I feel like getting a little freaky. I gave up soda so I'm drinking my Crystal Light and water. I even drank prune juice to help with my digestion! That scale did NOT move. I moved it from room to room, like and old cell phone trying to get service, to see if results would improve on a different surface. They did not. I think the longest I went without stepping on the scale was when I was sleeping. Don't get one, you don't need one yet! It's the devil lol. Needless to say about life giving you whispers, I woke up this morning and headed to the scale, I got on it and it said I lost 10 pounds! WOO HOO! Holla at your girl! I lost 10 or 11 pounds while I slept! I got off feeling fabulous and the scale with the little pointed needle to 300 pounds. Yes, it was stuck on the highest setting that this particular $9.99 scale's max was-so it wasn't on 0. I hadn't lost 10 while I slept, that damn scale was off 10 pounds! Well I turned the thing this way and that and thought I found where you adjust it at, I couldn't get my fingernail to move the little wheel! I took it to my teenage son and said this needs to be on "0" here's where you adjust it, get some little tool or something and fix it please. He came out and said "The adjuster wheel thingy is stripped, what did you do to it?" Nothing, it doesn't want me to have it, use it or need it right now. I listened to the whisper when it became annoying. I don't know right now how much I've lost or if I really have stayed the same, but that's ok, I have never needed a number to define my "feel good meter" why start now? Don't get a freaking scale! Tomorrow will be 2 Weeks post-op and I feel SO much better, I would do it again so that should tell you something. I was the Victor with the broken contrary scale. Tuesday is garbage pick-up, have a nice time in the dump and thank you for the lesson. As always Onward and Upward! Lo & Behold...Velvet

Yes I think we hernia patients take a little longer, I'm post-op 2 weeks tomorrow and I can stretch out and that little thing alone makes me feel better!

Holla bandsters! I was banded June 26 and my first fill is 9 days later, going thru the postings, I see nobody that has been filled that soon! Anyone? Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

Wow! I don't know if I should feel happy I didn't have to go to all those Doctor's or if I got shortchanged? I had 1 appointment with a psychiatrist, 1 with a nutritionist, 1 with my surgeon. However, I had been back and forth deciding about surgery for a few years it was well documented by my primary care Dr. I have no doubt! Good Luck everyone, I was banded June 26 waiting for my first fill appointment.

Holla fellow bandsters! It is hot and it's almost like having cabin fever in the winter when it's too freaking hot to go outside! Now today I was a little sore around the port incision, I think it's because I had "Nurse Ratchett" poking and prodding me there yesterday. I have had most of my protein, I have to make myself drink it. The usual Crystal Light and to be honest I'm getting quite BORED with all of it. It's not so much that I'm hungry for nutrition, I think combined with the heat and everything else I just need to try to think about something else besides food constantly. ' I'm constantly thinking about my first fill now. I'm constantly thinking about salad and how fabulous and fresh that sounds. I'm wondering when or if I'll ever to even eat a salad again. I wonder what foods will be my new favorites? I would love to have a piece of fresh cut cantaloupe right now, I can even smell it. Looks like I'm creeping into "Bandster Hell"! NO I DON'T WANT TOO! I feel it coming so hopefully I can fight the urge until my fill. I'm already starting to bargain with myself, I tell myself, "It's just a salad, it's good for you" I can handle it though, you can't have a testimony without a test! I wish it would at least cool down to the 90's so I could walk a little further/longer, it's just really not safe for man nor beast to be subjected to hellish temperatures if you don't have to be. It's the weekend kids so it's a short post, I appreciate all of you and am thankful for all of you for sharing your knowledge with the rest of us. As always, onward and upward and Lo & Behold!!! Velvet

Holla fellow bandsters! Hope you all had a fabulous Independence Day! I sat here and tried not to watch myself and boys have simultaneous combustion from the heat- alas we were all saved that scene. It was a strange holiday in that there was no BBQ to attend, here or otherwise, I didn't even go watch fireworks! I can't decide whether it was just too hot, or I'm just getting freaking too old to "OOOHH and AWWWW" about fire in the sky. Boys weren't interested either so I just listened to the neighbors pop it like it was hot til around midnight. My dogs didn't even seem to care. So the boys had Subway and I had the normal protein shake and cream of chicken soup but as an added bonus, I put strawberries and bananas with some Greek yogurt, 1 pkg Carnation sugar free instant breakfast and skim milk in the blender! Boys had smoothies I froze mine and had strawberry banana "ice cream" around 10 last night. Delish. So as you know, I have been thinking today I was scheduled to have my first fill. Thanks to this forum, I now know that the receptionist misspoke when she said "fill", what she meant to say was "Post-Op" visit. Regardless, I was excited to go pretty much anywhere at this point. I scrubbed up, brushed up and put on a comfy sundress to wear, good choice because I didn't have to worry about buttoning and or zipping anything, I'm still slightly swollen and all I had to do was put it over my head and Voila! I really had no clue what was going to happen at this 1st appointment and lucky me, I got a nurse who was clueless as well. The regular Nurse that takes care of such appointments was on vacation this week (HOW DARE SHE) so I don't know if she was brought up from another unit of the clinic/hospital or if she was an agency person, or if (Lord I hope not) she works there and I just never seen nor heard of her before. So kids this is how it went down. I was ushered into the examination room and sat on one of the chairs. The nurse says "Ok, so what have you been eating, and sorry, but I have to look at your incisions." Umm, Ok, I hope you're going to look at my incisions (DUH) and I told her protein shakes, yogurt, chicken soup, yada, yada, and then I said "Um, am I going to see the Dr today or what's happening here?" she said "Oh no honey, you won't see your Dr until after your 1 month check-up with the regular nurse who's on vacation, then 1 or 2 weeks after that appointment you will have 1 with the nutritionist, then the week after that you will have a fill" My head was spinning off my neck at that point. I decided it was best maybe not to ask not too many questions to this particular person at that particular time, besides, I have this forum if I want to know something right? Well you guessed it, I couldn't resist, I started asking because you know, I brought a small list. (Well I didn't want to forget anything ya know?) I looked at my little list and immediately mentally crossed off things that I assumed only the Dr would know, or I only personally wanted the Dr to answer. So I asked about vitamins I think, something along those lines and she excused herself and brought in a booklet and said "Did you get one of these?" Uh, I don't think so, it doesn't look familiar. So she handed it to me and then said she needed to look at my incisions, I said Ok, and she basically lifted my dress up and said those have to go and RRRIIIPPP off came the first one! HEY, I said. I don't know if I'm- RRRIIIPPP- well screw it guess I'm ready to release my surgi-strips. Look I know it sounds like a nightmare and it pretty much was, I could go on and on, but my point is I went to my post-op appointment and basically expected Ashton K. to jump out of somewhere telling me I've just been "Punked" although that didn't happen, I did get a a wink/half eye roll from the receptionist when the nurse was explaining to her the upcoming appointments I needed, especially when she called her Stephanie and she said "My name's Ashley" (insert half wink & eye roll) giggle. I guess I was pretty calm about the entire thing because when she took my blood pressure it was only 107/62. My temperature a chilly 97.3, and guess what? She never weighed me, and I didn't ask. I guess what I'm trying to say is that none of that really mattered. I already knew I wasn't going to be getting a fill today. I pretty much assumed that they were just going to check on me after surgery. I've survived the ripped off strips and now that I think of it, I'm glad she did it because I babied them so much and would have worn them as a badge as long as I could have and I need to move on. The receptionist, Ashley, and I agreed she would just call me on Monday and we would go from there, sounded great to me! On the way home I thought to myself, I'm not restricted at all. I could eat whatever I want right now and it would be fine with my twisty and my stomach. Maybe I'll just have a salad, that's not such a big deal. I thought like this for about 10 miles until I snapped out of it. Girl you better check yourself, for Christ's sake this is exactly why you had this done, if you don't start using it now, instead of thinking like a food addict, your road shall be even longer. I came home had a yogurt and a Crystal Light, I still wasn't even hungry, not really. I picked up the red booklet she gave me and it was "All you need to know about your upcoming gastric bypass surgery" I just laid it on my chest and laughed hysterically. As always, onward and upward and Lo & Behold....Velvet

Ladies my truths have always been stranger than fiction! Thanks for reading and Good Luck!

Way to go girl! Congrats on your upcoming journey. I was banded June 26 and if it wasn't for coming across this site, I would be a mess by now I'm sure. I have a blog on this site that chronicled my life starting the day before surgery it helped me a lot, plus I'm a clown (as if you couldn't tell by my profile picture) Have a great day and keep us posted!

I'm not really in pain anymore since I'm 10 days out, but I still want a pain ball they sound fabulous! I kept a blog on here for every day since the surgery, it helped me with symptoms etc. Good luck on your journey, now where can I get one of those pain balls for my neck, I slept wrong last night! Lol

I was banded on June 26 and they also repaired a "large" hernia, since I had both procedures at the same time, not sure which one was contributing to what pain region. I have had several laproscopic procedures. The last was a hysterectomy, but the gall bladder was worse by far. I am 10 days post op and am just slightly sore in the belly button area. Everyone heals different, as they tolerate pain. Don't be afraid, if your Dr has said it is necessary then it is. Read my blog for some funny anecdotes. Good Luck and keep me informed.

I'm 9 days out and the nurse ripped mine off in the office, I was not consulted in the matter. It didn't hurt really, but I wasn't ready, but they were. They look fine underneath, closed up and healed. If nothing else, I was told they will eventually come off on their own. Good Luck and welcome to your journey!

Good for you! I personally feel like I've been having this surgery for the past 5 years off and on and when June 26 came I thought OMG this is happening like, now! I'm so glad your Dr realized the lady at the eval was on some kind of power trip. Sometimes I wonder if some of those "professionals" know they are basically dangling your future and get off on it some kind of way! My advice is just breathe... drink your liquids and visualize. I have a blog on here I started the night before surgery and have posted daily (except yesterday) it has really helped me by putting my thoughts somewhere other than lingering in my gray matter. I have no doubt everything happens the way it's supposed to, good luck!

Holla bandmates! I hope this finds you nice and cool in the perspective areas in which you reside, cause it is HOT in the midwest for sure. They are canceling the fireworks around here and nearby cities, please be careful it is indeed dry, I expect to see tumbleweeds roll across the prairie anytime now. I've had a little excitement today. First I had my first BM today, I know I can hear the applause coming from you through cyber world! Next, had a little "tiff" with someone because he thinks the United States started going downhill when they gave women the right to vote, no wonder I have a headache. I believe the headaches are being brought on by my cold turkey dismissal of Diet Mountain Dew, not to fret as I have found a not only suitable replacement but a Fabulous one: Crystal Light Wild Strawberry (energy) it has some caffeine it in and my headache subsided quickly and it does taste like strawberry, I don't know how Wild it is, but it works for me. Today I had about 25 oz of Chocolate protein drink, I prefer vanilla, but the Chocolate Malt wasn't bad and change is good. I also had a cup of Kroger brand "Carb smart" tropical yogurt. The Carb smart brand is more the consistency of pudding and you don't have to stir it up and of course there are less carbs, and as an added bonus you can get 10 for $4! I also had about 16 oz of water and who knows how much CL lemonade. I also walked 1.3 miles and I took my time. I'm an early riser so that's when I walk, this may change however to when it's dinner time. Although I'm not too tempted with food at this time, I'm sure it's right around the corner. I've decided when I fix dinner, I will either walk, go to Zumba, the gym, bird watch, underwater basket weave, anything not to be around when the table is set. The boys can then put the food away, etc. so it's done and over with upon my return. The thing I'm missing is a glass of wine, I put my CL in a wine glass but I would like to have a glass in the evening, or a bottle of tequila, same thing. I hope whomever's reading understands and "gets" my humor, laughing burns more calories than not laughing, it's a fact! My pain level is at a 1, still a little sore but feels like I just did like maybe 20 crunches after not doing any ever. I have an appointment for my first fill Thursday, however, after posting my concerns and reading the forum regarding your first fill, 9 days after surgery seems very fast and I can't locate another that has had a fill that early in the game. My conclusion is when they called to schedule it they said "fill" when what they probably meant was "Post-Op" visit. Either way I am not afraid, I am excited and welcome each and every step of my yellow brick road. I reference that because like the "Good Witch" says: "You've had the power all along" and what a true statement. We have had the power, we just needed the perfect tools-and by gosh we finally have the tools that we may tap into that power, not only for now, but forever. Thank you bandmates for being candid, honest, and sharing your stuff to inform, enlighten, and sometimes make us laugh or cry with each other. Until tomorrow, Onward and Upward, and as always Lo & Behold! .....Velvet

Thanks Missy and LadyBlue, no fill for 4-6 weeks, whew! I will post about my post-op visit later, thanks so much for reading my madness. It is indeed a journey!

Holla fellow bandsters! Yes you read that correctly. I have not only survived Hell week, but I believe I have thrived! That's right, 1 week ago at this very moment I was home watching TV and safely banded. I don't remember much of anything else that evening, that's why they make anesthesia so good and narcotics. I took quite a journey this week. I was dealing with the obvious issues after surgery, but I also did a bit of "spirit surgery" if you will. When your incapacitated for a time you have no choice but to think, because you can't do much else. If my brain had a disclaimer it would read: Do not enter without parental supervision. Today was minimal pain, I took 1 pain pill all day. I had my coffee this morning. 40 of strawberry protein, that's 40 oz of liquid, not exactly sure how much protein. My Crystal Light Pink Lemonade and I drank an Energy Wild Strawberry Crystal Light and did not get my headache, which had become my 9pm uninvited guest every night. I finished it off with a small bowl of cream of chicken soup and it was fabulous. I am not restricted yet, but I was full and content. Fingers crossed. I thought about pain, I thought about food, I thought about fat, shopping, clothes and the extreme heat. I thought "What the hell have I done?", then thought "I wish I would have done this sooner." I thought about education, I thought about government, sex and relationships. I thought about death and sickness, then I thought about life. I thought about swimming, showering, scars and plastic surgery. Protein powder and chicken broth, religion and meditation, rain and storms, vacations and casino's, friends and lovers, marriage and divorce. I thought about stages of motherhood, I thought about my children, and your children, boys, girls, babies, and old people. I thought about pets and people, good vs. evil, guilt and shame, honesty and integrity and words with friends. You catch my drift, I shan't bore you with more words with different letters. I have gratitude for this forum, it actually helped calm my pain and craziness. You know what they say, "If you see CRAZY coming-cross the street!" We know most of us not only invite it in, but beg it to stay and set an extra place for dinner. My personal experience is just that, just as your experience is your own. When we bring these together we are an encyclopedia of knowledge, on this topic at least! I have learned that not only is everyone's experience different, it is also the same in many ways. Even though most of us have had the same "procedure", the doctors have given different instructions to you regarding your surgery, whether it's the road leading up to it or the weeks following the surgery. The important thing to remember is sort of what we should know already, just because someone else has been advised to eat or drink from a specific or nonspecific menu, doesn't mean it will produce the same result for you. Yes kids, that's why we always check with our Dr. before doing something different than their specific instructions. Now that's a disclaimer. I see my surgeon Thursday afternoon and because of you good people of the page, I have come to the conclusion that more than likely I will not receive a "first fill" as the lady indicated when she called to schedule the appointment. (you guys rock) After all, it will only have been 9 days since my surgery. I also had a large hernia repair, (Dr said large, not me-I prefer petite words) Why the heck stress my body more while I'm still in healing mode? Besides, I have only been somewhat hungry maybe twice all week. Not because I was sick, or nauseous I didn't have alot of those symptoms. Because I had already started my journey months before in January when I saw my Dr. for the first time. I never had that "last buffet" or felt like I had to eat "as much as I can-while I still can" frame of mind, I don't know why because I sure have done that before, several times as a matter of fact. Every time I committed myself to a new "diet", (yeah, yeah I know don't call it diet, it's a lifestyle change) I would give myself license to eat, I didn't do that this time, I thought about it, I had the choice and I chose NO. That's when I knew I always had the power, if I needed a bread twisty around my stomach to remind me then so be it! I will not be ashamed and start my journey with that burden, nor will I think about it as my cross to bear. I think of all these younger people getting to start over and it puts joy in my heart. Tomorrow is Independence Day and I couldn't have picked a better holiday to come next. This 4th of July will find me thinking about our troops both here and those not here, walking my dogs in the morning, going to a movie with the boys in the afternoon, deciding where to watch fireworks, and knowing that my Independence Day will be every day for the rest of my life. Onward and Upward my friends, Happy 4th of July and as always, Lo & Behold..... Velvet

Aw Ginny, It will happen, you just can't shut off your mind, or anyone else's for that matter, I did a lot of catch up reading as well, nothing to do with weight loss either! I had my post-op today and will blog about it later. I'm so happy for you and EVERYONE who has made this step, also happy that I could ease your mind because trust me I worry enough about everything for everybody! Kiss Kiss

Thanks everyone, no fill, not even close lol, not a whole lot of anything except ripping my surgi-strips off! Ouch. I won't have a fill for 5-6 weeks, silly rabbit.

Congrats! You will get better hour by hour, it's a journey. I keep a blog on here where I posted every day after surgery I had all those things too. Take care!

I had my first post-op appointment today and was told 2 chewable children's vitamins. Hope this helps, good luck!

I had both chicken noodle and cream of chicken soup while on my pre-op, in fact I'm still having those. They were delicious when I was hungry! Every Dr is different, some will let patients even have meat or lean cuisines. Have a great day!