Castle Girl

Aloha Everyone, My appt. is today at 2:00p.m. I will look around and wait and see to find any and all of you in his waiting room. I assume we will stay there, go to cafeteria, or over to mall. i am really looking forward to seeing each of you. Mahalo, Kathleen

Aloha gals and good morning! It is great to catch up, I am back "in the loop." I have two other bandsters that I have met through this jouney...patients of Dr. Fowlers that i will invite too, OK? One was my roommate during surgery which is a great story, it was an accident. The other is a woman that Jennifer gave her name to contact when I was trying to figure out whether I wanted the band or gastric bypass. I ended up meeting this gal and she was very helpful. Anyways, it sounds like everyone is doing great!!! Lisa, hang in there with all the toilet issues, I still dont fee quite right in that area. My left shoulder still hurts sometimes which apparently is gas. I have not read anybody describing vomitting yet. I have 3 times so far and that is really a bizarre thing. That whole "hair ball, losing breath, not going down experience." My other scary thing is twice I have had what i would consider 2 "healthy binges." Meaning I overate...I ate a pound of poke on two occassions. I am thrilled I have not cheated on sweets, binged like I used too. I have been so dedicated to being healthy, but I have been concerned that I ate that much. I am toying with an idea of a fill. Have any of you had a fill? I think if I just re-group and stick with my protein, 5 small meals and not panic here I will be fine. I am excited about my apt. with fowler on the 28th and to see all of you beautiful ladies. aloha ladies, kathleen

Aloha Ladies, I have a follow up with Dr. Fowler on September 28th at 2:00p.m. so I am up for a gathering if any of you are? My surgery was 3 1/2 weeks ago and I am still being very careful with my food intake. I thought some chicken and fish was ok but was wrong. I finally experienced the slimy vommiting/losing your breath scary feeling that you have probably read about. Back to jello and chicken broth for me. Mary says when it is time for meat it will be the size of the top of a pencil eraser. I did not mean to jump into meats, I was just feeling very good and guess I was sick of liquids. I am now trying to focus on working out at the gym. I feel like I learn a bit more about this new body insert and how I relate to it everyday. I am so happy to have the help. It was great to meet you Lisa and Miriam in person and I look forward to seeing Hawaii Girl again and our Kauai friend!!!! Take care, aloha, Kathleen

Aloha Gals, wow did I miss the boat on this gathering today, so sorry. Kaohinani, for some reason I had it in my head that you would be at Castle today so I was going to visit you tonight or tomorrow am. I was thinking that your surgery was early this morning. I am so sorry to have missed you. I just opened my computer to find that you gals were just up at the mall this afternoon. Oh, so close, yet so far. I really want to meet as many people as possible. Soon enough I guess. I am glad you are doing so well. It has been 2 weeks for me and I am doing mushies. My challenge is enough water and to exercise. Take care! Aloha, Kathleen

Its interesting that your doctor is discouraging the lapband. Hmmm. My experience is that I really wanted a recommendation from my surgeon because I struggled with the decision: which one shall I do, the bypass or the band? He simply would stuck to the facts about both. He found my hiatal hernia through an upper GI and wanted to treat it for a month with Nexium. He repaired it during my banding last wed. (no extra charges). Hope all of our experiences help you as you explore your options. Aloha.

Aloha Band Friends, I am very interested in all the comments and thought I would share a few that might be helpful. My baratric team did not stress a major pre-op diet, there was a "transition diet" which meant I had drastically modified my eating habits and started back at the gym as a requirement to prepare. I did liquids only the day before. But to address the folks with anxiety about grieving and fearing depression? I think something changes once one is banded. I got banded on the 15th, only 5 days ago and there is like this new sense of strength and commitment that has taken over me. Very different than when I was pre op dieting and preparing. I was an emotional wreck then, I would fight and sometimes cave in to binges. I would panic about liquids and think the worse... But now that I am "post op" it is clear to take it all one step at a time, be mindful of what I am going to eat and when. I realize I am no expert but as someone with bipolar illness for many years I want to give hope to the folks struggling with the extra emotional baggage. I think this procedure lets us be free of some of our demons. I think this is going to have a stabilizing effect because it is going to center me on taking care of myself and giving control back to me as someone who simply lost control over a very basic human activity...eating! I wish everyone the best. Hope you are keeping a journal, I just read mine, wow! Aloha from hawaii.

Aloha Bev, if you are staying around on the Windward side after your appointments, please let me know. My appoinment is at 3:45p.m. I know Castle Medical Center has a cafeteria, I would love to meet up with you and anyone else that could join in. I think I will see if one of gals that I met that was banded 5 months ago is available too. Jennifer hooked us up with each other and it was a great support meeting someone live that had gone through the procedure. My current challenge is to count up the protein. It is hard to get the 70-80 grams of protein in! I am feeling so blessed, grateful and best of all? Hopeful about the future...sending you all aloha, Kathleen

Aloha Ladies, Oh so good to have you back with us Hawaii Girl, I have been worried. I knew you were in some pain and figured you just wanted to rest a bit. I had a rough evening last night. I got all excited about the potato soup recipe but did not read the last line. It is meant to be used as a dry mix to store and keep on hand. to use 1/2 cup, just add boiling water. It also makes 7 servings. Well it was our normal "sunday sit down dinner" and my family was having a huge pork, potatoes, etc. dinner. I was so proud of my soup bowl and crytal light. In fact I ate way too many servings of this soup!!!! I felt terrible and my stomach felt like it was 10 feet out in front of me. I layed down for the rest of the evening. I gotta get my head around this idea that it is all different now. 1/2 cup of everything. I still think this potato soup mix thing is a great idea, especially to have on hand at work. I have not gotten on the scale but I assume 5 days of sipping clear and full liquids would show some kind of difference. Just in case it is not gonna show up on the scale? I'm not gonna get on it. I figured out very quickly that the protein drink will prevent light headedness. Afterall, we gotta get some substance to our brains, right? What a journey! Wow, I am so glad I did this. I have so much hope about the future as a thin and healthy person. My kids are eating jello and pudding now and even drinking tea. So this Friday, my post op appointment with Dr. Fowler is at 3:45. I will be racing from Honolulu. What is the plan? I'm gonna go rest and will check in later tonight. aloha!:notagree

Muscle Milk (light kind) hs 20 grams of protein and 0 carbs. They have it on sale at Longs right now for 4.99 for a 4 pack. The other high protein drink is isopure which is like a koolaid drink with different flavors. (GNC for 3.99) The team at Castle Hospital really push the message that its all about the protein...which seems to be consistent with everyone in bandland. I want to prevent feeling weak. I will be going back to work next week. Take care & I am so glad you got your referral in...good job, you are getting closer...yeah!!!

Great to hear from my Hawaii friends too! Yes, all seems too good, I am almost worried. When I sip and then swallow, I don't notice anything different. Hmmm. I woke up with the sore left shoulder pain again and walked up my street. Its now gone. I am having my muscle milk with an extra shot of whey protein shake that I add ice to in a blender right now as I cruise the lap band site a bit. The incisions look good, a bit bruised around the bandages. My stomach is definitely swollen, I feel larger than ever which is annoying but this must mean I am getting ready for all the gas...I am prepared with gas x. I'm gonna add some different kinds of creamy soups today. I am thinking a lot about the future as a thinner, healther person. This gives me strength. i am so glad that some of will re-unite at the support meeting! Aloha, Kathleen

Aloha Ladies, I have spent the day laying around and taking little walks up the street. I have been sipping water, boulion, jello, and protein shakes. Pain? Not too bad, the left shoulder area is sore. Afterall, this is major stuff so I had expected some pain. The whole team at the hospital was great and I was able to ge to know a fellow banster really well in the hospital. Most of my family is under the impression I went to get my hiatal hernial repaired, others know the full story about the band. I have showered twice and covered the stitches up with saran wrap & tape. I have had a few sips of the paid medication. I tried decaf coffee today and that was yucky, I have a feeling some of my old favorites will not be so now. That will be a good thing. Hang in there everyone whereever you are on your journey. Mahalo for all the support & thoughts for the 15th, so glad that part is over...on to the next steps:)

Aloha Miriam, Your physician's referral is not a big deal. I am sure they will be understanding and supportive. The packet will flow. One question at a time. It all sounds a bit overwhelming but it really is one step at a time, it can go very quickly. Afterall, here I am and its almost Aug. 15th! Hope you are working on it now:) I have your phone number and will give a call. Aloha, Kathleen

Aloha Ladies, I am down to details now...got my final shopping done. Have my clothes ready for when I return from the hospital. I figure i will lay around in sarongs & watch tv. I actually think I am trembling inside. last night we had our sunday family dinner. i will confess that I had a very hearty dinner. I want to eat very little today and tomorrow to clear out a bit before surgery on Wednesday. I verified with Jennifer about the time. I "check in & register" tomorrow. Then I go straight to surgery at 8:00a.m. on Wednesday. I can't really focus on anything else but all of this. I need to work for the next couple of days to clear out my schedule but I can't think about anything and would love to read everything on lapband. all the best, Kathleen

My date is August 15th. It is finally here. Acutally, I am blessed because my first meeting with the diatician was June 26th so though it seems like it has taken forever? It really has been a smooth process, I am finally in my last couple of days before banding. I have read, prayed, been nervous, ecastic, depressed, etc. Glad you are all out there. I don't feel lonely at all.

Aloha Koehinani! I have read many of your posts and it is nice to meet you and find that you are with Castle Medical Center. I collect castles, thus my name, its not after the med. clinic:) I hope we can meet at the Sept. support group, you and your husband sound very knowledgeable. Mahalo for writing. aloha.

Aloha gals, I just checked my schedule and it looks like surgery is 11:45 on Wednesday, so I will find out during more pre-op appt. on tuesday exactly what time to check in, but looks like we will meet in the room for prep. I have always described myself as the "chunky blonde haole." I look forward to some new definitions of myself. I know the 3 of us will become friends because not everyone out there understand, not even family members. I am going through these mood swings of extreme excitement and then lots of anxiety. Yet, deep in my heart I know this is sooooo right. I also am doing it to be around for a long time. My health has gone down so much in the last couple of years. Here we are in paradise and I just want to hide in my elastic waist band pants. I am so ready for this. I have all my liquids for post op and chewable vitamins and have just finished reading 2 great books on lap banding. I highly recommend planning. Take care, aloha,

Aloha hawaiigirl, my surgery is at 10:00a.m. so you never know, maybe we will be roommates for the night. I have to have you show me how to get my tickerfactory over to my messages. We are gonna be that hula girl on your wonderful tickerfactory of yours:) Congrats on losing 17lbs. already! I am going in at my highest weight unfortunately but I think I got my head ready. I see mary & Jennifer Tuesday so I will be at the Wellness Center on Tuesday from 10-noon. Take care, aloha,

Aloha, Sounds like we will be meeting which will be great. I have only told my husband and my mom. So...I could use some pals. I just feel like keeping this to myself. I am telling others that I am having surgery for my hiatal hernia, which of course is not lying, its just not telling the entire truth. About Dr. Fowler, I also found him to be very factual, not wanting to give any opinions about which options, etc. I guess that could be a liability concern or just simply forcing us to do our research, make our own choices, and to be confident about our decision. The whole team however combined is just fantastic. He has done 2 upper GIs on me including my pre-op appt. yesterday and I feel extremely confident about him. I am fairly nervous about the liquid only thing but I am sooooo ready for this lifetime change. Do any of you belong to a gym here in HI? I belong to 24hr. fitness, another routine to establish. of course, I have the beautiful botanical gardens in my backyard that I need to walk more. Glad to know you are there and I look forward to using this as another support tool. I will certainly be at the support group 1st wed in Sept. too!!!! Mahalo.

Aloha Hawaiigirl & Mescla 808! I am getting banded at Caslte on the 15th by Dr. Fowler too! I just had my pre-op appointment with him today. i am so excited but also very nervous. I had lost some weight on the diet you referred to but got a bit discouraged. My surgery date was postponed a month due to a hiatal hernia and I have been having these "last meals" but realize this is not healthy. Hopefully we will meet each other. I definitley utilize the support groups... all the best, To-be- banded, Kaneohe resident

Yesterday I received my surgery date of July 25th. This is only if I get passed on 2 more remaining tests. Yesterday I saw Dr. Lovett, the Psychologist and had a great appointment. It was so reaffirming and I am ready to make this life change. i derseve to be happy and healthy. I will turn 41 on the 11th and this is the greatest birthday gift to myself and my family. I know I will be around longer because I am cutting off a lot of disease and illenss off at the pass by having the surgery. My body is beginning to have severe signs of breaking down due to my weight. Getting up to 246 has been out of control. I am now taking control. I am nervous but not overwhelmed. The right amount of anxiety. I am beginning to prepare with purchasing the protein supplies, stocking up on supplements, etc. The bariatric team has been amazing. I went to Cindy's exercise class last night. i didn't walk out discouraged. i stayed and did what I could. I am on my way. When Jennifer called with my date...my heart filled with hope.

Yesterday I received my surgery date of July 25th. This is only if I get passed on 2 more remaining tests. Yesterday I saw Dr. Lovett, the Psychologist and had a great appointment. It was so reaffirming and I am ready to make this life change. i derseve to be happy and healthy. I will turn 41 on the 11th and this is the greatest birthday gift to myself and my family. I know I will be around longer because I am cutting off a lot of disease and illenss off at the pass by having the surgery. My body is beginning to have severe signs of breaking down due to my weight. Getting up to 246 has been out of control. I am now taking control. I am nervous but not overwhelmed. The right amount of anxiety. I am beginning to prepare with purchasing the protein supplies, stocking up on supplements, etc. The bariatric team has been amazing. I went to Cindy's exercise class last night. i didn't walk out discouraged. i stayed and did what I could. I am on my way. When Jennifer called with my date...my heart filled with hope.