303'sJourney

I am SO excited for you about your fantastic and celebration worthy news! I can't wait to hear about your surgery date and subsequent appointments pre-surgery. I can sympathize with you about the panic of being put to sleep, I had never had any major surgery that required me to be put to sleep; I had an epidural w/my c-section (looking back I wish I had been put to sleep). However, it really was a non-event. You really don't even realize it happens and when you wake up... you have NO CLUE how long you've been out or what happened. I talked to Dr. C, the anesthologist and my fiance and have zero recollection. I was more concerned about the tube down my throat than the acutal being put to sleep part. I was so upset when I found out you have to communicate with the anesthologist before she will take it out (i.e.- make eye contact and squeeze her fingers)...

I am SO excited for you!! You will be able to eat PLENTY of steak after surgery... no sweat! But enjoy it anyway! I'm glad the low carb part won't be hard for you... b/c it's a killer for me! I am a carbohydrate addict! The liquid part actually isn't that hard bc when you are on liquids it is because your body is healing and you aren't that hungry at that point anyway... when you are on soft food though... you are going to want to eat a whole cow! LOL. I ate A LOT of jello when I was on clear liquids, I stayed away from broth, bc w/nothing in it... it wasn't very appealing. Then when I went to full liquids I drank the jayrobb protein shakes, they are delicious. I ate a lot of cottage cheese and eggs when I was on soft foods... really depends on your taste preferences. I am so glad that I can be a support to you. I think it's awesome that you are having surgery 3 months to the day after mine.

I am so exited for you... YAY 6 days! I have heard of people keeping gas ex on hand but taking it before hand will not really help you bc it will wear off by the time you do your pre-op at the hospital with the prep and get put under etc... nothing can really help you with the gas initally. They fill your stomach with air/gases and it is what it is. I took some as soon as I got home... but it wasn't really bad until a few days after when the anesthia wears off. Oh my goodness, I drank and still do to this day a protein shake called Jay Robb... it is like heaven in a cup. 1 serving has 30 grams of protein only 110 calories, and 1 carb... it also has 0 grams of sugar which is HUGE for a protein shake. They come in Chocolate, Vanilla, Pina Colada, Tropical Dreamsicle and flavorless. I add some whipped cream, psyllium husk powder (no taste but helps keep you regular) and a few ice cubes... it's like a frosty from Wendy's.

I am so glad you are feeling good! When I went back for my first appt post op I was only down 12 so you're doing GREAT! You will start feeling a million times better when you get some real food in you! I didn't start exercising until about a month ago. Things were a bit stressful with work I just made too many excuses and didn't do it. Since I've started exercising I feel so much better. I was supposed to get a fill on Friday (8/21/09) but he didn't do one b/c I was down 12 lbs since my previous visit (3 wks) he said if I wanted one he would do it... but I opted not to, I will next time. I am SO excited I finally hit 50!!! I felt like a million dollars that day! :) Just remember the journey has just started, your body is still healing and you are doing FANTASTIC!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am so sorry to hear that you got sick! 5 bites of tuna isn't going to hurt you... It is still low carb and your liver will be fine! No worries! You are doing so great and I am so proud of how far you have come. Just think... it wasn't that long ago that you thought tomorrow would never come... BAM, it's here! I am so excited for you! I hope you sleep tight and have the sweetest of dreams. Tomorrow will be a fog for the most part but you will get through it in a fantastic fashion! I'll tt you on the flip side.

I am so sorry to hear that you got sick! 5 bites of tuna isn't going to hurt you... It is still low carb and your liver will be fine! No worries! You are doing so great and I am so proud of how far you have come. Just think... it wasn't that long ago that you thought tomorrow would never come... BAM, it's here! I am so excited for you! I hope you sleep tight and have the sweetest of dreams. Tomorrow will be a fog for the most part but you will get through it in a fantastic fashion! I'll tt you on the flip side.

I am SOOOO glad to hear about them extending your contract... that is phenominal! Not weighing yourself between appointments is very hard! I agreed to that after my first fill too bc he said I was too focused on the number and now the other successes I had achieved. I didn't last though... after about a week I weighed myself. My weight did stall after my accident but largely bc I was in pain and wasn't exercising regularly like I had been for so long. I'm doing ok... I'm in a bit of a stage of denial. Scott and I just found out on Monday that I am 6 weeks pregnant! Still adjusting to the news! I went on Friday and Dr. C took out 1cc of fluid from my band bc I am experiencing a lot of morning sickness. He wants me to go back in two weeks to see if that was the right amount or if he should put some back in or needs to take more out. Other than that things are great. How are your little ones?

I am SOOOOOO excited for you and your upcoming surgery date! If there is anything you need... I'm here! YEAH YOU!!!!

I am sorry it has taken me 5 days to reply... I think I was hoping I would find some perils of wisdom for you about your situation. As far as the weight loss goes, unfortunately you have just experienced one of the pitfalls you and I have spoken of in the past... where after surgery and each fill I too have gained weight back upon starting soft foods. The body is an amazing and frustrating thing! I can completely understand and sympathize with your stress/depression issue causing it hard to stay focused on your new way of life.

I did it... but I sure as heck don't remember it. It is so much easier than I ever dreamt it to be and you will be fantastic and go through it in spectacular form. I'm doing pretty good. My weight loss has slowed which is a bit frustrating but I was in a pretty bad car accident 3 weeks ago and haven't exercised since the day before. I believe this has caused me to crave more carbs and allow myself to cheat more than usual. I am working on getting back in track as I'd like to be down at least 10 more pounds before my friends wedding on the 17th of Oct. I go back to see Dr. C on Tuesday and as far as I can tell... all is really going well. I hope you had a spectacular week and look forward to hearing more about your upcoming surgery date! :)

I do... also follow the 30 carbs a day. I am trying to be creative and not get bored w/ food choices but it's pretty hard. Do you eat low carb foods like tortilla's for your burgers/taco's?? How do you keep food interesting? Any words of advice. I see you were banded back in January?? You're doing fantastic! My biggest struggle is exercising. I find myself so tired from work and trying to keep up with my 2 year old... that I don't really exercise but feel if I did... I would probably be able to lose more... How many fills have you had? So you've had 2 sets of twins! God bless you! I only have 1 child and boy can she be a handful... LOL I hope you're having a GREAT week and look forwarding to keeping in touch! :)

I go back this Friday for my first fill... (hopefully) a guy I work with goes to the same dr. and he said when he went for his first fill they told him he was doing so great they would wait until next time. I don't want them to tell me that... I'm STARVING! Guess we'll just have to wait and see! I am glad all is well and hope to keep in touch!

I hate technology... whew... I've emailed it! :)

I have always kneeled and tried to use my back and leg muscles instead of my abdominal muscles. It was difficult to get her in and out of a car seat etc... but she is very able and has had to learn to cope with the minimal holding. I still to this day cannot stand idle or walk carrying her... it is just too much strain. She has adjusted well I think. I just redirect her and it has actually helped her be more independant. I wish you the best of luck in your decision, they are both GREAT doctors!

I haven't talked to you in so long and have missed our talks and motivating each other! How are you? HOw is your journey going? How are the little ones?

I just read your blog and you are so adorable! I wish you the best of luck and look forward to walking through your journey with you!!

I just wanted to let you know my scanner is being STUPID but I will get it to you by Saturday! If I can't get mine to do it before then I will do it when I go to my dad's house saturday but will get it to you this week. Sorry!

I LOVE the chocolate. You can buy them in huge tubs or single serving packets to try the flavors or carry with you. They are realtively in-expensive and you'll never come to my house and not be able to find it. It has been a staple for my diet since surgery and keeps me very full! I have told Piper about the baby... but I don't know that she really gets it.... who knows for sure. When I say be careful not to kick mommy's tummy or you'll hurt the baby; she runs to her playrool and grabs a babydoll and holds it to my belly. it's really very cute! How far apart are your kids? I just can't tell if she understands. I am so excited for you.... pretty soon you'll want to change your name to 1 hott mama! Keep me posted and know I'm here if you need ANYTHING! "T"

I read your post about how your first fill went and wanted to know when that was and how you worked through it... I went for my first fill today and feel the same way... I am apprehensive to even drink water... can you offer any advice?

I see you live in Jacksonville... Who is your surgeon. I was just banded on 5/18/09 w/Dr. Cywes. You're doing fantastic and looking good! I see you've lost 41 lbs... that is GREAT!

I think 44 lbs in 3 months is great... so I don't get too hard on myself when the scale and I argue! I'm feeling 100% more alive and better everyday. I am so excited and if there is ANYTHING I can do to help you... I'm here for you! Enjoy supper w/your hubby!

I too have had an issue w/taking too big a bite of chicken or salad and having it... have a problem getting down. I have zero restriction but if I don't chew well enough... I have to remember to chew, chew, chew! I will be 5 weeksish... when I go for my fill on the 19th... almost 6 weeks. I'm doing pretty good. I am back to solids and seem to be tolerating everything just fine. I am so hungry all the time though. I am hoping/looking forward to some help. Have you lost all 37 lbs since your surgery? I hope all is well and look forward to keeping in touch!

I was just banded by Dr. Cywes on the 18th of May... you are doing so fantastic! I thought maybe we could keep in touch...

I'm new to this too... and I meet my surgeon on Wednesday 2/25... what was it like? What happened?

I'm sorry that you have 5 red scars... My port is actually just above my belly button. When do you go for a fill? How are things going? Are you still losing?? I hope you're having a great week!!