Shmoopy
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Everything posted by Shmoopy
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Pissed Part II - A Different Perspective
Shmoopy replied to LisaMc's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Um...40lbs in two months? I would be doing a jig!!! That's awesome! I wish all my weight would come off right away, but I was told, very clearly, that I should expect 1-3 pounds lost per week. And recently its been around the 1 pound area. But hey, at least I'm losing. And not gaining. I get frustrated too. So I totally understand. There really isn't much more I can do diet/nutrition wise, and I am going to the gym a few times a week. I was told that I should expect the band to help me lose 40% of my extra weight - which was about 100lbs. Well I've already lost 52lbs!! So I'm thrilled. I almost can't believe it when I step on the scale and weigh myself...Another pound gone. See ya! Thanks to my lap (Realize) band!! -
sports bra for "well-endowed" women?
Shmoopy replied to tntraumanurse's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I'm a 40DD so I know how horrible it is to shop for a sports bra. I bought mine at Kohl's. And I think it's Champion (if I had it on now I could tell you!) But seriously, it was specifically made for women like us and I've been really happy with it. It has underwire and three clasps in the back. -
Surgery 1 Week Away!!!
Shmoopy replied to endlessdreams_x's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Good luck!! Hang in there!! I wasn't on a liquid diet before my surgery but I definitely was for the two weeks following it. And it was HARD!! But I"m almost 4 months out of my surgery and I'm doing so well. I only wish the best for you. And just when you think you cannot look at one more drop of protein shake or one more jello cup, or one more popsicle, just know that at some point, you will be able to enjoy (healthy) food again. And continue to LOSE weight. And it will all be worth it. I wish you all the best! -
Unexpected Side-Effect -- GALL STONES!!
Shmoopy replied to ThinknHealthy's topic in LAP-BAND Surgery Forums
OMG!! I have right side pain! And mid abdominal pain. I wonder if this could be it! My surgeon's office was not really interested in hearing about it. So I made a reg. doctor appt for a couple of weeks and I'll totally bring it up then. AND I'll even bring it up at my next fill. I'd actually be happy if it is gall stones because then at least Iw ould know what the pain is. Instead of just living with it and doing nothing about it! Thank you all! -
First and foremost...stop the madness!! Weigh yourself once a week IF THAT!! And that's it. The curiosity is intense I know. Because I was weighing myself like multiple times a week and multiple times in one day. WRONG. I would sometimes notice that I was up a few pounds and get depressed (and want to eat. BAD!) and discouraged. I talked to my nutritionist and she said that your weight can fluctuate up to 4 lbs throughout the day. So seriously, only stick to the same time each week (for me, Monday mornings!) And that's it. Also, don't beat yourself up for gaining. Easier said than done I know. But seriously, I could not eat any better, and I'm exercising and sometimes I go up like 1.5lbs. and I get mad. But I'm doing the best I can. And I'm way healthier now than before. So I just keep on trucking. What else can I do? Eventually that "extra" weight will come off. But seriously, please only weigh yourself ONCE a week. If that. And then ignore the scale the rest of the time.
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At the risk of sounding like a broken record here: PROTEIN PROTEIN PROTEIN PROTEIN! Look, nothing sucked more than being on a liquid diet. And even when I could eat "food" I still couldnt eat fruits and veggies and a whole bunch of other stuff. So it was torture going to the supermarket. But look...follow the diet plan the surgeon's office gave you. And I cannot stress PROTEIN enough. it will never satisfy the hunger you may have for Wendy's or pizza. But it will help you satisfy your tummy and its nutritious. Protein is what fills you up. That's my two cents.
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As for testing and physicals...I think a week before I had to go in. Physical. nothing crazy. Blood tests. EKG (heart). Some xrays. And then the Upper GI. Which was the worst. I've never had one before. BUT I lived to tell the tale! I wish you all the best. And seriously, email me with any specific questions you may have. The first two weeks after surgery were the hardest! But I'm almost four months out (and 50lbs down) and wouldnt change a thing!
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Wow. Congrats!! It will be here before you know it!!! I have five incision holes. I'm not sure what they were all for, but I've seen a surgery online and they stick the tool in there and blow air in...I would say that three of the five are barely noticable now. The one under my breasts is the biggest one and its kinda ugly. But getting better. I think! I weighed myself this morning and I've officially lost 50lbs. I could not be happier. If I could lose another 50 I would be golden. Email me at shmoopy32@yahoo.com to talk more!
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I'm so happy to hear I'm not the only hiccuper!! Mine get violent. And when I get them...I know it's not good. For me, it can't be full. Because I've gotten them soon after starting to eat. I contribute them to eating too fast and possibly not chewing enough (bites too big). Mostly I wait for them to go away (but they hurt). But it has brought on sliming and even regurgitation (ick). So when I get those hiccups...I know it's not a good sign!
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Stuck!!! OH MY GOD!!
Shmoopy replied to MrsBerggren's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I had an issue with butternut squash of all things. Now granted, I ate chicken right before it (protein first!) but had no problems. Then ate my butternut squash. Holy moly the pain. But it came up on its own (gross I know. sorry) and then I felt better. But I wasn't fond of that whole situation. -
Pain in lower left abdomen! Very Nervous!!
Shmoopy replied to isaviolinist's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I'm having random pain too. But on my right side...a little bit to the right of my belly button. I mentioned it a couple weeks after my surgery and the doctor said it wasn't surgery related since they never went near there. But I swear....I never had that pain before. And it's not gas. Because I tried Gas-X and it didn't work. And I've had to use pain killers to get rid of it. I guess I'll bring it up to my regular doctor this month, but I think it's weird that I never had it before, and now ever since the surgery it's been a problem. ;( -
How are cravings after being banded???
Shmoopy replied to dragonflylover's topic in LAP-BAND Surgery Forums
AGREED!!! Cravings are in your head. For me...it's soda. Holy moly I miss Coke. So much. But I dont bother even trying it because the whole point that I enjoy is the taste (sugar) and the bubble (carbonation). Two things that just aren't good for me anymore. Luckily I haven't had any horrible stuck issues. It usually passes within minutes. So technially I can still eat whatever I want. I don't!! Don't get me wrong. But if I were just dying for pizza or something (which I was right after my surgery), I wouldnt hesitate, now, to have a slice. The band helps me to stop eating so I don't binge. But yeah, you'll have to control those cravings. Just think of all the calories and fat you'll be consuming. When you're on a 1000 calorie a day diet, you won't waste it on a bag of M&M's. -
Question about my Port
Shmoopy replied to loulou09's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Our situations are a little different because I was banded in June (months after you) but I've been experiencing port pain. When I went in for my second fill on Wednesday I talked to the doctor who explained to me that after significant weight loss (I've lost 45lbs so far and hopefully more to come) the port and the clips that hold it on to the muscle under there can move around (due to the loss of fat) and aggitate whatever the heck is going on under there. Obviously talk to your doc about it. I was told that you have to AT LEAST wait one year after surgery to have a "port revision" which means they can actually take that port out and put in a smaller one. But I was told it was normal because of the weight loss. I also sit a lot for my job and I HAVE to wear an underwire bra so I dont think that is helping the situation at all. but oh well. I'll deal with the pain as long as it isn't excrutiating! Good luck!!!:scared2: -
I was thinking of ordering a pair of Shape-Ups online, and was wondering, for the folks who have them, are they true to size or should you go a size up? I'm usually an 8.5, but in Nike shoes I get a 9. I've never owned Sketchers. Thanks!:bored:
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Don't stress. I barely lost anything before my surgery (and I had been trying) but they went through with it anyway. You'll be fine. But yeah, try not to gain anything!! I'm feeling great. I've officially lost 45lbs and I can't wait until I reach the 50lb lost mark. That's a lot of weight!! It hasn't been easy but I've gotten used to eating the new way (kinda) and living with the band. And adding exercise. What I like the most is weight training. I've never "lifted" weights before, but it's important because toning muscle is good. Muscle burns more calories faster. So dont just concentrate on cardio. Who is your surgeon? Honestly, contact me about anything! The first couple of weeks on liquid diet after surgery is hard. Dont be hard on yourself. Once you can eat "real" food again, you'll feel so much better!! Good lucka nd keep in touch!
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Band rules you consistently 'break'?
Shmoopy replied to ruthpets's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I'm actually surprised at some of the very judgemental folks on this board. I couldn't care less if you folks are snacking between meals or drinking carbonated drinks. What do I care? As long as it's not sabotaging your weight loss. As for me, the hardest thing not to do is drink while eating. I don't. I try to stop drinking at least 30minutes before. But it's hard. And straws. Man....I've accidentally sipped out of a straw, and guess what? My stomach didn't explode!! I've been told not to use them. So I haven't. But since I've tried it and nothing happened, I think that I wouldn't mind breaking that rule at some points. -
Loss of bladder sensation
Shmoopy replied to txorchid's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
*raises hand* This happened to me!!! Never had the sensation that I had to go the bathroom. I would literally go all day and then think "gee, I guess I should go the bathroom since the last time I went was 7 hours ago." I did bring it up to the doc and they were perplexed and hadn't heard of this. Since they don't go anywhere near that area, no nerves could've been severed. Personally, I think it was because I wasn't drinking enough. I was having a hard time getting close to the 64oz of Fluid. Once I upped it significantly, I started peeing again. But this was weeks after surgery. Whatever it was, it went away. And now I gladly have the urge to pee again! -
who else had their incissions glued?
Shmoopy replied to Erin18's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Mine were glued. Took a while for all the glue and scabbing to fall off. Maybe five weeks post op. Meanwhile, now I'm left with one nasty ugly looking scar right under my breasts and four little tiny incisions. I'm trying Mederma but I dont have much hope that they will ever look "good" -
weight loss furstrations
Shmoopy replied to simsbjcc's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Coloradobanding - Thank you thank you thank you!! I like what you're saying! I'm almost 8 weeks post op and was cruising right along. And then all of a sudden....nothing. In fact, up one pound from last week. But meanwhile I'm eating all the right things. And exercising. And I got really really discouraged. But I just kept saying to myself: Well I'm doing what I'm supposed to. Eventually I'll see more results. At least I'm not gaining. You hit the nail right on the head when you said this is for "long term success". You're right. I need to focus on that, and not beat myself up for the scale going up one pound. Still really confused about that, but oh well. I'm down 37 pounds and it would never have happened without the band!! -
I would like to hear more about the Abs Circle Pro too!! Seems pricey but if it works, I will totally buy it.
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I think I found out my surgery date two weeks after meeting with Dr. Shah. And then maybe it was a month or so from that point? Maybe less. I feel like it's all a blur! I was not put on a special diet but I tried really hard to be good. But I did get McDonald's the night before. Honestly, looking back, I wish I ate MORE at McDonalds. The first week post-op is hard. Actually the first two weeks. When you are on liquids. I cried a lot.
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Because my BMI was hovering below 40, they told me to lose weight (because of the whole fatty liver thing??) but never gave me a specific amount to lose. Usually they tell folks to lose 20% of their weight. I was actually afraid that Dr. Shah would've declined me when I finally met her because I hadn't lost all that much. I actually gained some, and then lost some. I was not good at pre-op diet. I just tried to follow the pre-op diet in the binder they gave out. But I actually sort of had the "last supper" syndrome where I just wanted to eat every food that I loved before I was banded.
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Oh, and you asked about my hospital stay! Duh!! Okay, well since I have Obstructive Sleep Apnea they wanted me to stay overnight...and I'm so glad I did. I have no idea how folks get this surgery and then are out a few hours later. apparently on my left side they cut through some muscle and I was in A LOT of pain. Like every few hours when they asked me to rate it between 1 and 10, I would say 8 every time. And I meant it. Pain!! A lot of folks on this site are like "oh I got up and walked around and they discharged me two hours later" WHAT?? I needed that overnight stay. But again, that's me. I was really nervous right before the surgery but again, everyone was great. When I woke up I was SO EXCITED that it was over. I was the happiest person in the recovery area. The nurses loved me. I was all smiles. Anyway, I knew they had the OR blocked off for me for a few hours, that's what the admitting nurse told me. So that's why I was so nervous. But afterwards, my mother told me that less than 40 minutes after I was taken into the OR, my surgeon was out there telling her that everything went great! So the procedure didn't take that long for me, I guess. And I only lost 9lbs before the surgery. I wasn't very good at the pre-op diet. But like I said, I had a low BMI to start with.
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To be honest, I have to say yes/kinda to whether they were pushing Gastric Bypass. I don't think they would be happy to hear that, but it seems like they are a big fan of it. Let me talk a little bit about my situation first though. When I went in for my consultation, they were kinda like "hey whatever you want." And meanwhile I didn't feel like I was that well versed in either surgery. But I decided to do my homework and I decided on the gastric band. While the bypass sounded tempting (losing like 30lbs a month??? Nice) I just was not comfortable with the whole losing my stomach thing. It wasn't until I actually met with Dr. Shah (at the end of the program) that we discussed the surgery and which one was best for me. She told me straight out that she would do either one. It was up to me. My starting weight was 242 and my BMI was much lower than a lot of other folks in the program. Dr. Shah did say that if I were diabetic she would probably try talking me into the bypass because it pretty much cures Diabetes. But since I was not, she left the choice completely up to me. And I stuck to the band. And I'm very glad that I did. I would say, do your homework. I actually bought the book Weight Loss Surgery for Dummies and read through it. It talks about both surgeries (and a couple of others that are not offered at NEMC). Use the internet to read up on people's good stories, and bad. Again, I just didn't feel comfortable with the bypass surgery and it's not like I had hundreds of pounds to lose. That probably would've "weighed" in on my decision as well. So I hear you about the bias toward the bypass. But maybe that's because they get more money from them?! Who knows? haha. Please send me a private message if you have any questions about the program or the folks involved. I'd be more than happy to answer anything!! And good luck!!
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First checkup after surgery--NO FILL!
Shmoopy replied to mbranham0306's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
That's awesome. Feeling great is a good thing! I'm like you...I don't really get hungry. YET, when I went in for my fill appointment, they still wanted to give it to me, even though I"ve been steadily losing weight and not starving. So they shoved in 4cc's. And honestly, not feeling much different. So I'm chugging right along! Good luck. And keep going!!!