masonblossom

So last Thursday, May 16th I had my long awaited surgery . It has now been a week of recovery, and shakes and learning and whining . Yes, whining, I am going to be totally blunt and honest here. On the 15th I freaked out b/c I was expected to have morning surgery on the 16th, well I found out I would have to wait till 3:30 p.m.
I freaked, all plans thrown to the wind, the babysitter, hubby's work sched. My mum & dad helping out, and on top of the needless endless pain of hunger, b/c clear liquids the night before, and are you serious, make me wait another whole day w/o even jelllo or water?? I was freaking out, I felt these ppl were crazy, sadistic and cruel, hadn't I jumped through enough hoops for a whole year?? Needless to say, after some soothing talk from my hubby, (let's face it, after 39 hours of no real food, you can be a irrational crazy hideous cranky hating ppl monster ) that it will be fine, we came this far and we will get this done and never look back. So we did, the nurses were fantastic, I got wisked in, changed in to a baer warmer johnnie, quite pleasant and kept me warm, and soon enough, urine test, vitals, hooked up to my iv and meds given, paid copay etc... boom. It flew, I put on my lovely head cover and was brought into the er, I scooted my butt onto the other operation table and slid over and a nurse put a mask on my face and asked me to breathe. Whallah, that was it, out like a light.
I woke up in a grog but not a fog. My nurse Debbie was fantastic, she talked to me, and checked on me, and I was surprised that I was not nauseaus at all, which made me sooo relieved. I have had 3 prev surguries, 2 c-sections, and one gallbladder and the nausea was horrible from the anesthesia. She was amazed that I was smiling, I said, I have waited for this a long time. After what was about 45 minutes I was brought into another room and saw my hubby. My tummy I did check out as soon as I got a sec alone, and it didn't feel so bad, but I was on some good drugs I guess, lol. After another hour of observations and care, I was cleared to go home. My hubby already had gotten my prescriptions filled, pain relief pills and something to help me move my bowels b/c of the pain meds block you up.
Now let me say the first day I was oblivious so I just rested. I didn't feel hunger so it was a relief, though I sipped from my little med cup, at prompting from my hubby and Mum. I did sit up, but kept falling asleep, so as soon as 6 pm came I went to bed. Now let me say, I highly recommend a pillow shopping spree. Get yourself a body pillow and two or three new pillows, heck grab some funky pillowcases too, this helps with comfort and for those dang gas pains from surgery. I HATED those pains, as soon as I lay down they hit. I learned to sleep with them tucked under each side b/c side sleeping was not a option. Hubs was helpful to stack a backrest pillow (sit up pillow w/ armrests?) with two more pillows so I could sit up and watch tv w/ the kids in bed or just sit up but have my feet up. It was comfy and everytime I had to get up I just hugged my pillow and it helped with the pain. About this time I started to be aware of the state of my body. I had a huge bruise on my right arm I assume from the shots given, and on my same arm, I had long red lines from the blood pressure cuffs. I still had not seen my staples as of yet, but I assumed from my prev surgury from gallbladder they would probably be the same. I started to feel the tenderness of the top of my mouth and throat, and some pain inside my lower right lip, probably from being intebated? I was amazed that I didn't feel this till now. By Saturday I started to feel hunger, my gas pains were fading, and when I ate, I filled up quickly and I was getting the hang of my shakes and sugar free pops and Fruit2o water. Though I do not like the taste of the chewable vitamins (yuck!) or calcium citrate, I break it up, one with each breakfast, lunch, dinner so I don't forget. I look forward to my fat free greek plain yogurt, I mix some sugar free hawaiin punch drink mix in it (grape) and it is yummy. As for the cottage cheese, I tried, I can't do it , I didn't like it before or now. I like the protien shake mix, and I like boost and atkins and pure protein shakes. At lunch my favorite thing is mixing a strawberry atkins shake w/ crushed ice and a red sugar free popsicle, I do add some whey to it too. It smells and tastes amazing. The soups help me feel normal like I am eating something, as for jello, I do have it but I am on burnout mode for that. Though I did try to ambrosia it w/ some of my greek yogurt mix, and it wasn't bad, but not great either!!
Now my incisions are healing well, but Sunday was my wall. I was having incredible pain, it burned and felt like a tearing pain . I called first thing monday, and they checked me out and said this was normal to take my pain meds and relax. The belly button area is tender but below my biggest incision is the burning pain, it is awful, I take one pill, b/c two makes me totally sleep and out. I am moving about easier and walking is a cinch, stairs easy too. But having 2 kids, it is hard. I tell myself to knock it off, and my hubby is wonderful about helping but I feel bad when my 3 yr old wants to sit on my lap and I can't. But it won't be for long and I know it.
I will tell you, I feel like a old fuddy duddy and why??? B/c I get happy when I have a bm, yes a bm . I had my first little poo on Sunday and I was so happy, and later that night I passed gas and let me tell you, the feeling was relief, it felt amazzzing . Passing gas is wonderful, b/c your body feels so much better afterwards . I say this b/c it is what it is. Now the hiccups I get are weird, but I can't explain why but they just are, I noticed these Tuesday, I'd rather not hiccup. So this is it so far. Now I have to get some Mederma to be ready to slap this stuff on when I get these itchy staples off, the scar is going to be much bigger than I thought, I am quite shocked and wish I had been shown some pictures of the scars before the surgery b/c it did make me sad, it is little to complain about but I just didn't know how big me scar would be on my left side, I mean wowsa.

It's been a while since I last logged on. Many of you may recall my dad had colon cancer that back in Dec spread to his lungs. He had been doing pretty well, kicking it's butt for 2+ years, and at 87, it was quite impressive. All I will say is that, as we were told, it happened rather quickly. He was fine then suddenly he wasn't. It didn't take but a few days. It is with a heavy heart that I must share that my dad passed away on Wednesday, May 8th at 7:20am. I'm happy to say that he was there for my first breathe and I was there for his last. And so, our journey continues. He is at peace, and we must move on....

Even though I work in computers now with the school system, my college degree was actually Counseling with a concentration in Substance Abuse.
 
While working at a drug treatment center I worked with patients on developing coping skills to help them deal with cravings to use. We would tell them, they must avoid people, places and things that are triggers; some to the point of having to live some where other than where they came from.
 
During that time I was in denial that I myself was an addict, but my drug of choice was food. Unfortunatly, I can't avoid food. I must eat, but as I continue on the self reflective journey I have been on of late, I realize that I have food triggers. Cookies- I love them, they are buttery and chewy and oh so good. If I make cookies and eat one, I can't stop- I must eat more. Ice Cream is another problem, I love ice cream, any shape or form- cones, cups, shakes- yum. So I know, no ice cream should be kept in the house because I won't stop until it is all gone.
 
Now you may say, where is you will power, where is your want power? I do want to lose weight, but there are times where it is like an out of body experience, I realize what I am doing is wrong and I will regret it, but I can't stop- this is classic addict behavior.
 
If you are able to use your want power to prevent you from ever slipping up- awesome for you- but addicts many times can not rely strictly on that.
 
I am actully going back and reading some of my old college textbooks to help myself with this addiction. While I have lost a little more than half of what I want to lose, in order for me to lose more and here is the key- keep it off- I must figure out my triggers and develop coping skills for dealing with these.
 
Is this journey easy- heck no! Will it be worth it- heck yes. But, I feel I will be much more successful long term now that I am looking at this for what it is! Just like drug, tobacco, alcohol addiction is a life long battle- so is food addiction.
 
For those of you who what I am saying rings true, take a look at yourself- what are your triggers- what can you do to cope with them.
 
So with that- Hello, my name is Kim and I am a foodaholic.

Talk about irony! A toothache really!!! I have no idea how I got a toothache. Could it be the way I am sleeping? I know its not food? I wonder what happened? Anyway how is everyone day today?
Today I did not wake up hungry I took my multivitamin and grab my 16 oz. bottle water and I was on my way to work. I even luck out and found a close parking spot to my job. I know what you are thinking I should park far and I normally do but it looked like it was about to rain and we all know that sugar melts!
I grab my second bottle of water and went into my office and my coworkers congratulated me on my first day of week 4. I call it my treat is meat! LOL Anyway for breakfast I had 1 hardboiled eggs and the Buddig Chicken deli meat that was 150 calories and 15 grams of protein. I was actually full until 130pm I was really not hungry but I thought I needed to eat something so I had a tuna salad with 5 saltine crackers. That was 200 calories and 20 grams of protein. I had a hard time eating lunch because of my toothache so I took my time.
It’s 8:05pm and I am not hungry. I put on orajel on the pain and its not working. Maybe the pain is keeping me full or maybe I am just not hungry. I am still trying to get familiar with my Band. This is the first relationship I had when I taking things slow! Anyway I am going to try to get a quick workout in.
 
Thanks for reading.

Hello Fellow Banders,
 
I commented on my flipped port a year ago. The good news is that I got serious on my diet and exercise and lost 25#,
 
Even better news, a new doctor moved to my town. I had put off getting my port fixed because I didn't want to go to mexico again and I couldn't find a local doctor to fix it and then do the fills.
 
I love my new doctor :-).
 
He replaced my port today and removed the scar tissue from my ugly looking original surgery scars.
 
I guess nothing worth doing is easy though. ,,,,
 
Things didn't go as planned.
 
1.The taxi couldn't find my house, so he was 20 minutes late. But he showed me a cool short cut and still got me there only 5 minutes late.
 
2.The doctor got delayed with something else and so my surgery started an hour later than planned. But the time gave me time to pray and I sang to myself Amazing Love a bunch. I felt very close to God by the time I went into surgery.
 
3. We were just doing a local and flipping the port. So it was kinda cool to be awake and be aware of the surgery.
 
4. Just when I thought he was about done, he showed me the port and said it needed replacing. So they had to put me under. But the next thing I know, I'm waking up in recovery feeling good and my wonderful Son-in-Law is there to take care of me.
 
 
  So each setback seemed to be offset with a gift,
         God is always showing me his love.
 
Good Journey All,
MaggieGT

 
Amazing Love :-)
 
I'm forgiven, because you were forsaken
I'm accepted, you were condemned
I'm alive and well
Your spirit is within me
Because you died and rose again
 
Chorus:
 
Amazing Love
How can it be
That you my King
Would die for me
Amazing Love
I know it's true
It's my joy to honor You
In all I do
I honor you
 
Coda:
 
You are my King
Jesus, You are my King
You are my King
Jesus, You are my King
 
 
**************************************************************************
 
 
 
 

Does anyone on this Blog come from the Andover,Ma.area?
I need to find a support group fast.
I am only 4 months in and already using food as an emotional crutch to some hard times.
The scary thing is that It actually hurts to eat certain foods and yet I am anyway.
If this is not a sign that I need help,I do not know what is.
So if anyone knows of any place I can go to talk to other People who are going through what I am..I would really appreciate it.
The place I got the Surgery only meets once a Month and not at a convenient time for me.

I really need help. i have gone back to the dietician, spoke with the doctor, and even went to my regular doctor for some assistance. The weight still has not budged. They said add more protein so i did that. More aerobics ...still no change..kept a food diary..nothing. I have now went into a slump, I am eating as the dietician has required and i am now getting deressed because i am not moving forward. 3 months is a lonnnnnngggg PLATEAU. Does anyone have any suggsetions. i have had 8 fills in 9 months . Every month since the surgery. I have Prayed and cried ..and feel helpless.

Are you considering having a tummy tuck surgery? The most important thing you must do before having your operation is choosing your tummy tuck surgeon. This is a decision that can make or break your life. Below are some tips and important notes you must know when choosing the best surgeon for you:

The surgeon must be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. He must have graduated from an accredited medical school and must have fulfilled the five years training of a resident surgeon. He must have at least 2 years resident training focusing on plastic surgery. And, he must have passed all the examinations involving cosmetic surgery.


The surgeon must be committed to achieving the best results for you. He must make sure that you are fit enough to undergo such procedure.


The surgeon must have privileges at any accredited hospital to perform the surgery. This can also serve as a good indication that the doctor has all the mandatory training and is qualified enough to perform the job.


He must have undergone special trainings regarding tummy tuck.


The surgeon must be performing the procedure for tummy tuck for several years. If he has years of experience, this can serve as a good indicator that he has vast experience with tummy tuck methods and procedures.


The surgeon must be able to provide you before and after photos of his previous patients. This is intended for you to review the possible results that you’ll get from such surgery. This can also help you check if your surgeon has a lot of experience in the field. If your surgeon has more experience, there is a greater probability that you will achieve good results.


Find a surgeon you are comfortable with. This is important for you to be able to communicate accordingly with your doctor. You must find someone who can understand your wants and desires. If you are comfortable with your surgeon, you’ll be more confident with the procedure, thus you’ll have a worry-free experience.


The surgeon must be able to educate you regarding the procedures and processes of your operation. He must be able to give you the dos and don’ts before, during, and after your surgery. He must be able to provide you the possible results that you can expect from your surgery.

 
If you are considering a tummy tuck, you must take your time in choosing the best surgeon. This should be done with careful attention since this is very critical for you to get your desired results. You must ensure that your chosen surgeon has enough experience and certification to conduct the procedure and for you to get the best results for your body.
 
To know more about tummy tuck procedure, please visit: http://www.tummytuckinboston.com/Home/Liposuction.html

It has been a bad day, a really bad day as I deal with a family member that has severe emotional/psychological problems. As I drove away from their home my mind kept ticking through the things that would dull some of the pain I was feeling, and everyone of them revolved around food. Hell, I have a bottle of good Irish Whiskey downstairs in my office, and while I will probably pour myself a stiff drink after the kids are down for the evening, it isn't nearly as attractive in my mind as taking the family out for BBQ and eating until I am so full that it hurts. Is it any wonder diets don't work for us, when food has become a drug that we use to dull the pain that comes with living?
 
Well, the good news is, as my mind ticked through my options I knew that those that dealt with food really weren't an option. After getting stuck last night, I am not willing to piss off Mistress Band two days in a row, and to tell the truth since being banded, I know that using food as a drug will only make me feel worse and I will still have the family matter to deal with with the guilt of having indulged in emotional eating added to it.
 
So, here I sit with my glass of crystal light lemonade, writing a blog entry for those who have helped me on this forum. Thanks for listening.

I don’t wanna go to work tomorrow! Only because I know I have 2 week’s worth of work I need to do. Job 2 I get to see my day care kids and I will get 2 weeks of hugs from the kids. Since the Midwest is starting to have a spring I think I will take the day care kids on a Nature Walk tomorrow.
Tomorrow I start week 3 post op and I start adding soft foods. I already packed my breakfast and lunch for work tomorrow. Also, I added a snack just in case I get hungry. So what is on tomorrow menu?
Breakfast
2 hardboiled eggs (seasoned with garlic powder)
½ serving of cottage cheese
Lunch
Mashed Potatoes
430pm Snack
12 Special K Crackers and a low fat cheese stick. (24 crackers is 120 so I decided to do a half portion)
Dinner
Soup
What do you think? I know I will have to add some more protein but I will get better with time. I noticed lately I’ve been getting hungry either around 4pm or 8pm. I don’t know why. I read that having snacks on the band is not good. I hope I am doing this right.
Anyway my momentum is still strong and I am starting to look good in the mirror now. :wub:
 
Thanks for reading.