wantshealth

Hi everyone - boy you don't log on for a day and there are 3 friggin pages to catch up on! Welcome to our newest members. So I listened to Liz and didn't weight myself until a week from my surgery and WOOHOO I've lost 5.8 lbs in a week!!! Also am officially back in my size 16s, so I'm bringing the 18/20s with me Saturday. Almost at 43 lbs total - I may even update my ticker without waiting for a Kaiser weigh, I am so pumped! I about did myself in yesterday (reason I didn't post) - went for a 75 minute walk at the wetlands - wiped me out! Today I did 50 minutes and that was much better. Tamra - Congrats on passing your test and being able to start your program. I'm proud of you. You rock. I can't remember who said Robin said not to advance for 2 more days after her call, but if she does that to me I'll die. I feel like I am ready to advance right now. The 3 half cups of soup/yogurt a day are NOT cutting it!!! Tamra or any of the Vets - is it cheating if you also drink broth in between the 3 meals on Stage II? The binder says water or other clear liquids so I thought it might be OK. I am finding I am really hungry in the afternoon and the broth helps tie me over until dinner. Candra - glad you are having good results with Rambo - it is interesting how you find it varies from day to day. Riley - good to hear from you - I was getting worried. I went to James and Sherry's tonight but support group wasn't tonight so I obviously have my Tuesdays mixed up. I'll see you tomorrow at the EE class. John and Lee - you both are making me laugh - roomates! CoCo - glad no bun in the oven - how are you doing - are you sleeping OK/got the gitters? Jes - sorry to hear you are struggling - sounds like you are still trying to make good choices. Are you coming Sat. to Reggies?

Hi everyone - I am doing much better today. I walked the wetlands - almost 2 miles. I didn't need a nap today and best of all, so far, no more runs! So its been a good day. I am feeling hungrier, so tomorrow I am going to work on foods that have more protein (yogurt instead of cream of wheat, blend up lentil soup instead of the cream soups) since when I eat more protein it usually makes me less hungry. Tamra - how are you doing? I know you said you were feeling really hungry. CoCo and Lee and John- you are in your count down - so exciting. Candra - sounds like the restriction is working for you. Took me a while to figure out who Rambo was - you are a crack up! Pam - sorry you have been feeling down. That was a great gift your Dad gave you and your boys - exercise helps. Is there something you can add into your life that you really love - that gives you joy - makes you smile? reading? crafts? being outside? gardening? It seems when you can do something everyday that you really love it helps so much with dealing with all the other things that we have to do. Tomorrow I am going to start a craft project that I have wanted to do for a couple of years - when I work with my hands and can be creative it makes me feel good. Riley Jane! Where are you????? Jes - how was the birthday party for the 93 years young granny - bless her heart! Walking outside feels so much better than on the treadmill. Mo, Ash, Tina, Annalyn, Donna, Maria, Reggie, Heather, Nicole, Chris (hope I didn't forget anyone) - hope you are all doing OK - thinking of you.

Reggie - Oh my how very scary. Praise God you are OK and were able to call for help. Had you not had anything to eat that morning or did you eat something you don't usually eat? Very scary. So glad you are following up with you doctor. I am doing ok. The diarrhea is kind of a drag - my lower stomach/intestines are very unsettled, gurgly. Feel a little washed out. I didn't make it to the wetlands because of needing to be close to the bathroom, but I did go for a longer walk this afternoon. I am over 5,000 steps on my pedometer and walked for 50 mins today so I am doing good. I still needed a nap mid day, but I was up longer before I needed my nap so that is good. Have had no pain meds today - no tylenol. The only things that hurts is the port and it is like muscle soreness. So doing I'm doing good. Going to heat up some cream of chicken soup for dinner now.

Lee - sounds like you are really getting your life ready for a clean start. Awesome. They weigh you in a paper gown that is pretty big and had double tickness with a pair of purple bootie socks. (It is really cool because there is a place on the gown that they insert a hose that sends in warm air to keep you warm - you control the temp. It is great - along with Candra's green recliner chair, they try to make it really relaxing. and comfortable. I agree that you don't want to cut it too close - better to be under. I weighed 219.2 at my house without clothes and 219 at Kaiser in the paper gown & socks.) Also remember that you will be doing MoM and that clears you out - can't help but lose a little with that.:biggrin:

Jes - Thanks. She was great - she emailed me back this morning and said just what you said. That it is probably from the antibiotics she gave, but it if continues she wants me to get it tested. Your story is too funny - you and Candra are ahoot. Thanks for filling me in - it really helps not to worry as much. Other than the squirts I think I am doing OK. I went and did my walk around the block this morning and will probably try to do a short walk at the wetlands this afternoon.

CoCo - you are too funny! You nest when you are pregnant! You are way more organized than I was and they tell me I'm organized. I didn't do my list until the Sunday and Monday before surgery and I still don't have my vitamins in containers and am having a hard time fitting them all in (I take thyroid medicine and have to wait an hour in the morning before I take or eat anything else.) You are so ready girl! Jes - I am OK with the Cream of Corn soup - it is totally pureed - no chunks or corn kernals. It is actually really good and has the flavor of corn chowder. You were right about emailing Dr. Park. I emailed her the night before surgery and she replied right back and the next day thanked me for bringing it to her attention about the scheduling mix up. I have had diarrhea 3 times today so I emailed her tonight since it doesn't say anything in the binder about that happening - just the opposite. I feel OK - just my stomach / lower half is really gurgling.

Tamra - so sorry you are having a rough day; I knew it must get hard on the stage II toward the end. You've been doing great. Hang in - call me if you need to - I will PM you my number. I just started stage II today. I could only eat 1/8 c of the cream of wheat this morning but this afternoon I had 1/4c of cream of corn soup (organic) and it was really good. Today has been a better day. I did a walk outside for 23 min this morning and it wiped me out so I took a nap, then I got up and took my first shower - it was heaven! Then my sister came to visit and we went to another walk outside for 25 mins. Now I have my feet up watching Oprah. I don't feel down today like I did yesterday and I've only had tylenol once. So I think things are getting better. Still have alot of gas. Annalyn - you have always done great with your exercise. Don't feel bad for one minute. We are all here for you and you can be honest and no one will judge you. We are all trying to get to the same place and it is a long hard journey. Hang in girl.

Ok - I had my chicken broth and did laps around the house again. I am trying to hang on until 9 and then go nite nite. Talk to you all tomorrow. Yes Mo, it will be a better day!

Tamra - you had your surgery last Wed. When did you start on the creamed soups and cream of wheat? So what is up with cream of potatoe?

Hi everyone - just checkin in. Had a rough morning and went back to bed and slept. I feel better now. I had a little chicken broth last night and it was good. It tasted thick after just having water for a day and a half! I am ready for some more now. Also plan to go outside and walk a little since the sun is out here. I am still pretty sore - getting up and down is hard. Have been using the tylenol during the day and the lortab when I go to bed. That way my head isn't as fuzzy. Tamra - awesome on the weight! Amazing and wonderful, I can't wait to get on the scale next week. I'm waiting a week because of the gas - it is better but I know I still have some. I am just not that hungry - were you like that for the first couple of day? Candra - way to go with restriction! BTW Dr. Park told me that I have 4cc in my band already!!! Donna - so glad you are back on. Thanks for all the kind wishes and prayers. Jes - I will let you know about 2/5 - just not sure what I will be up for - right now I'm not in a very party mood!

Nichole - I am so very very sorry about your brother-in-law. You and your sister and whole family are in my thoughts and prayers. Please let your emotions out, don't stuff them with food. That is what we are here for. Yell, scream, rant on here - whatever you need we are here to hear you. Tamra - we are changing our lives and are going to change our food choices too! No fries! Maybe baked ones someday but not now. We can do it. Just need to be honest with yourself - being healthy and able to move around better is worth more than fries. Lee - congratulations! It is so exciting that there are so many of us going down this journey at almost the same time. Way to go!!! Annalyn - I am so glad you are back. I understand how hard things are with someone who is abusive - you have done the right thing and I completely understand going back and trying again. So glad you have joined us back. You really can do 13 lbs - you just need to take things 1 day at a time. Well everyone I am hanging in. I did sleep in my bed as I don't have a recliner. The up and down is a b----! Pulled a muscle in my neck doing it this morning - need to ask my hubby to help me when I have to get up or down. I did about 4 rounds of 15 min. walking yesterday. I woke up with a migraine (maybe the Lortab had something to do with it); anyway felt awful this morning, so I took migraine medicine and then a little later more Lortab and slept 3 more hours. Felt much better when I woke up. Have done another 15 min. walk around the back yard and hope to walk the street with my hubby in a little while. It really does help even though you don't feel like doing it. Have not eaten anything - just sipping water. May try some soup broth a little later if I feel ok. The incision nearest my waistband is bleeding just a little bit - I noticed it on my waistband. It doesn't hurt or look red so I think it is OK. What do you think?

Hi Everyone - I am on the banded side! and the twilight side too - a little out of it. Not responsible for typos or what I say here LOL. All went well. Barium Swallow is also gross! I was really woozie when they had me do it. Had wonderful people taking care of me - so caring and nice. Peg was my recovery nurse and we have kids similiar ages. Dr. Park is great - really like her. Although I found out she wrote me out for a little less than 4 weeks. I really didn't want to go to work back for a full week - wanted to start back on a 1/2 week (2/24 vs 2/22). I will probably follow up and ask her about it. Gave Hubby the phone numbers of everyone to call, including my close family members and he decided it would be "easier" to wait and call when we got home. I know you guys and my sister were worryin'! Men!! I've been walkin - and decided we have a really small house for walking! Walked on my deck and back yard a little this afternoon too. Gas hurts - not so much the incisions - the port also hurts. OK - enough - my head is loopy. Thanks for all you good words Ladies and John.

Thanks everyone for the kinds words. My husband will text or call Jes and Riley and they will let you know. The MoM is kicking my butt so I am going to say good night. See you on the band side!

CoCo - OMG - that is so awesome! OK Tamra - we really are going to be the triplets!! Wasn't there a movie out a few years ago called the Triplets of Belleville about 3 kookie ladies- we can be the Triplets of Bandville (OK I know it was about 3 Old kookie ladies and I am the only one of us that is Old) but still.... So excited. We are doing this together. CoCo - I might have you beat - I was 219.2 this morning but the MoM is really working so we will see what it is tomorrow morning - it sure feels like live lost a lot in the bathroom!!! Ok sorry TMI!

Candra - thanks for advising to contact Dr. Park. I emailed her and she had the Operating Room Manager call me. She also emailed me back and apologized for the confusion. Plus by being in contact with both of them, I don't have to be there at 6 am - not until 6:20. Ok and the MoM is now working!!!!

OK Kaiser just called and switched it back so now I need to be there at 6am!

Candra - you are a great MOH - you are just too logical for Bridzilla!!! Great job on no chocolate. So what is the MoM suppose to do? It made my stomach rumble and feel funny but nothing else. Took it at 9:30 this morning.

Ok - so I am a little freaked. I was all set to be going in in the morning first thing because Dr. Park said it was likely to be the first surgery, but when I called I got this women who said they have a new system and she was trying to figure out the time!! Then she came back on and said that I need to be there at 12:50pm and surgery would be about 1.5 hours later. I told her I had a card and a phone call on Saturday that said I had an appoint in Radiology for a barium swallow at 11:30 am, she said come in and do that first!!! I told her NO - you need it after surgery to make sure everything is OK. She said she would double check and call me back! I tried calling Bev but she isn't in on Monday and the girl answering the phone said just to show up when they told me and they would fix the radiology appt.

Candra - MOM is disgusting!!! My stomach is rumbling! Sorry you are having such a hard time sleeping. I've been listening to the surgery tape affirmations and it really does help relax me and put me back to sleep. I have it on my iPod right next to my bed so it is easy to graB and easy to take off. Maybe some kind of meditation/relaxation tape would help you. CoCo - I am so excited for you! Can't wait to hear. Tamra - how are you doin this morning? Riley - I am going to send you a PM - miss you girl!

CoCo - Awesome!! We are going to be the triplets - you'll be there so soon. Hey, I was 219.2 this morning too! Woo Hoo! Maria - I love you too! Love all my SOS's. OK - gotta get to work - MoM time is coming soon!

Thanks everyone for the good words. I am ready! Heather - you are so awesome for taking the challenge. Having a trainer will be great. I know you will make it to goal this way! Question: Do I take the Spirometer with me to Kaiser or just use it at home?

Candra - You are too funny - you can always make me laugh. I love the nick names and the pantie pic! BTW - you look awesome in the group pic. Where you the one who knows how to fit a bra - I have always wanted to be fitted for one cause sometimes I really don't think I get the right size. Right now I am just hooking them tighter as I lose! Nicolie - or I think you are now CoCo - you also look awesome in the group pic. You can really see how much you have lost! You beat me at 219! We'll see where I am come Tuesday - been really trying to eat lightly. Lee - you are doin' great. If you and I make it to Reggie's I'll bring the 18/20 and you and CoCo can divide em up! I have alot more 16s since that was always my highest weight until the last year or so. Riley - where are you - I need you girl!! Donna - I'm gettin' worried - r u OK? Jes and everyone - thanks for the encouragement. I will have Michael text or call on Tuesday so you know how I'm doin'. I am really ready. Got some good sleep this weekend (woke up with a Migraine yesterday) and feel a lot better.

Hi everyone Tina - yeah on 2lbs - me too; I was down 2 today also - 220.4. I won't update my ticker yet as I go by Kaiser Scales which are a little heavier, but still means I am headed in the right direction. Sorry you have to work this weekend, but you do important work that I really admire. Tamara - sorry Brianna is still sick - poor thing. You are an awesome Mom. Take care of yourself. What kind of pudding? Lee - you are doing great on the exercise. I was going to go for a walk this afternoon but it has started raining again. Really wants some fresh air, but may have to do the garage & exercise bike instead. Veterans - I am reasking my question from yesterday. Can I strain chicken noodle soup or french onion soup and drink the broth from that for my clear liquids? I hate canned broth. Nicollie - I am out of my size 20s and pretty much done with my size 18s - hopefully by the end of next week I'll comfortably be in my 16s. You can have my 18/20s - I have several pairs of jeans, but also work slacks. Also have some tops / sweaters. Let me know what you need and if I feel up to coming to Reggie's on 2/6 I will bring them. Riley girl - where are you? I need your good wisdom and humor! Everyone one else - hope everyone is doing well and having a good get together. Hugs! 3 Days to go!!

Reggie - I would love to meet you. I saw the pics from the last get together and it looks like you had fun. Everyone has done so well since then - lots of weight dropped! Hey we should all say how much we've lost since our highest weight so far and add it up - I bet this group has lost a ton! Anyway, I am just not sure if I will be up for the long drive that soon after surgery. I'll just have to see how it goes.

Tamra - so glad to hear you got out today. Also glad your BF is staying to help you. Pic are great - how did you take the pre-op pic - did you bring your camera or cell phone in there? who took the pic? did they let your BF in with you before you went in the operating room? Candra is too funny about your new nick name. Ok so, after looking at the pics is the port on the left side or the right side of your left boob? You are a brave girl - I'm not sure i'm ready to take those pictures! Got some nice encouragement from my hubby tonight - I started to tell him how freaked I am with all the stress of work, and some other stuff in my life and with worrying about the surgery and thinking will I be the one in the .001% of complications or the 35% that don't lose. I told him I can only say that with you guys because other wise he and everyone in the family will say then don't do the surgery. Instead he said he isn't worried about the complications - said he would be if I had selected one of the other surgeries, but would still have supported me - just that he feels really confident with this surgery, with Dr. Park and with Kaiser Richmond. He also said that I have been really focused and stuck with this process for almost 7 months and he knew it was going to be successful for me. It was really nice - helped alot. Thanks everyone for the encouragement - just a little over 3 days to Band Day! Lee - you are rockin! way to go! you've got it! Veterans - A question: so I don't like the chicken broth in a can. If I strain chicken noodle soup or french onion soup and only drink the broth from that is that OK for my Stage 1 liquids?