enjoylife

HA!!!!! Last fill my petunia!!!!

Yesterday was a fill day. I am going to make this my last fill. This is the fill that will get me to Onderland. I weighed in this morning at 232.8 and I know for a fact that my scale is two pounds off so I am actually 230.8. So this fill has to help me lose at least 31.8 pounds. My goal was to be in Onderland by July 4, 2010. That’s 10 lbs a month including this month. I really tried to be 220-something by March 24, 2010 (my two year bandiversary). Well, obviously I was not successful with that. That’s okay though. I still have my main goal and I am still determined to get there. I am kicking up my physical activity. Every day I have to do something (walk, exercise video, clean up, cut the grass, play Wii – I don’t care… as long as it’s something). I want to join the gym, but I’m waiting for EKG results. Since my blood work and chest x-rays came back great I am almost sure that my EKG results will allow me to begin working out. I really just want to be able to master the elliptical machine; use the abductor and inductor equipment; and use some sort of arm machine to try to tighten up my flabby upper arms. I’m praying that the elliptical machine will not only help me build cardio strength, but will also lift my sagging thighs. I love losing weight, but I hate that I allowed myself to get so fat that my skin is loose. I saw a woman at the hospital the other day. She was wearing short sleeves and her arms led me to believe that she has lost quite a bit of weight. Her skin was loose and covered with shrunken stretch marks. But she was wearing those short sleeves with confidence. Who could blame her, aside from her arms, she looked great (fully covered in her shirt and long pants) but great. So, I’m increasing my activity so that even if I end up with “loose meat” I can still look decent in clothes. I’m also doing it because I’ve had a few weird episodes of chest pains and burning sensations from my jaw line down to my chest. That’s why I had all those tests done. Heart disease runs in my family. I need to everything I can to avoid any kind of heart disease. So this morning I am drinking my protein shake – very slowly because I am very tight. Usually after a band it is recommended that I do liquids for 24 hours. I think I may do 48 hours. We’ll see it may be longer, I really am tight. All I can do is sip. But that’s the norm for me right after a fill. Anything more and I’m asking for trouble. So I’ll be checking in later to record how I’m doing.

Yesterday was a fill day. I am going to make this my last fill. This is the fill that will get me to Onderland. I weighed in this morning at 232.8 and I know for a fact that my scale is two pounds off so I am actually 230.8. So this fill has to help me lose at least 31.8 pounds. My goal was to be in Onderland by July 4, 2010. That’s 10 lbs a month including this month. I really tried to be 220-something by March 24, 2010 (my two year bandiversary). Well, obviously I was not successful with that. That’s okay though. I still have my main goal and I am still determined to get there. I am kicking up my physical activity. Every day I have to do something (walk, exercise video, clean up, cut the grass, play Wii – I don’t care… as long as it’s something). I want to join the gym, but I’m waiting for EKG results. Since my blood work and chest x-rays came back great I am almost sure that my EKG results will allow me to begin working out. I really just want to be able to master the elliptical machine; use the abductor and inductor equipment; and use some sort of arm machine to try to tighten up my flabby upper arms. I’m praying that the elliptical machine will not only help me build cardio strength, but will also lift my sagging thighs. I love losing weight, but I hate that I allowed myself to get so fat that my skin is loose. I saw a woman at the hospital the other day. She was wearing short sleeves and her arms led me to believe that she has lost quite a bit of weight. Her skin was loose and covered with shrunken stretch marks. But she was wearing those short sleeves with confidence. Who could blame her, aside from her arms, she looked great (fully covered in her shirt and long pants) but great. So, I’m increasing my activity so that even if I end up with “loose meat” I can still look decent in clothes. I’m also doing it because I’ve had a few weird episodes of chest pains and burning sensations from my jaw line down to my chest. That’s why I had all those tests done. Heart disease runs in my family. I need to everything I can to avoid any kind of heart disease. So this morning I am drinking my protein shake – very slowly because I am very tight. Usually after a band it is recommended that I do liquids for 24 hours. I think I may do 48 hours. We’ll see it may be longer, I really am tight. All I can do is sip. But that’s the norm for me right after a fill. Anything more and I’m asking for trouble. So I’ll be checking in later to record how I’m doing.

Whether or not you should go to the ER is a call that only you and your surgeon can/should make. My experience is that if I regurgitate (for real) my stomach swells and I may have difficulty eating after that. I either have to take a break from eating and drinking altogether for maybe a whole day, but usually four - five hours. Then I try to sip water or eat something that I normally have no problems getting down. Maybe you just need to give your stomach a break and let the swelling go down. Give your surgeon a call and see what he/she has to say. Good Luck to you. The Diva

You went from 324 to 206??!!! Wow! That is awesome. I can’t wait to see 206!! That post just inspired and encouraged me. I really needed to see that. Keep up the great work.

I do get on the scale - every morning – I can’t help myself. But you are correct - those NSV's are the best. They are what really tell the story! Needing smaller sized clothing, fitting comfortably in a charge or airplane seat…. You can’t beat that!

Some bands are tighter in the morning. I can eat much better in the evening than I can in the morning. Even if you get some taken out you may still be tighter in the morning. I think it has something to do with the fluid draining from the port tube into the band while you’re lying down. That would make the band tighter. Then, after you’re up and about, the extra fluid drains back into the tube (or at least that an explanation that I’ve heard before). If you are a week out and all you can get down are small amounts of mushies then you may need to have a little taken out. But really, only you and your doctor can answer that for you. The Diva

@ pacthelton, I have not attended any support meetings because I live 2.5 hours away from Dr. Singh. However, I may come down for a 100 lb pin. If I do I will send you a message, I would love to meet someone who was banded right after me! @ caramia 71, I’m sorry to read about you having problems. I know that can be scary and frustrating. But just the fact that you have a surgeon who really cares about your well being is such a BLESSING. I tell anyone who says they are thinking about the surgery about Dr. Singh. He is wonderful and so worth the five hours I spend driving back and forth to get to and from his office. A drive I’ll be making soon (I just got a postcard informing me that I am due for a checkup). I’m ok with that – I really meant it when I named this thread I’m Lovin This Practice. @bjackson – CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!! Being banded is a wonderful thing especially if you make it to Onderland (or so I’ve heard). I am desperately trying to get to Onderland myself. I’ve got 36 lbs to make make 199. Have a wonderful journey – don’t rush it. Listen to Dr. Singh – as you know – he really knows what he’s talking about!

Your baby is not fat. She is gorgeous. My baby was chunky and cheeky when was that age in fact, most babies that I know are - especially the breast fed ones and mine was defintely breast fed! You know they could be looking because they are envious. You can run around with your baby, you engage your baby, and you've got your own style. Before my surgery, I couldn't get around well at all. I used to stare at moms who could join their children in play and wish it was me. Just Friday my baby's choir was tie dying t-shirts. I was the only mom who couldn't get on the floor - I sat in a chair and helped. Did I look and wish I could get on the floor? Yep I sure did. So when youa re getting those stares, remember you are out there enjoying life and they are sitting on the sidelines watch YOU!