taz lady

I was always thin until 2000 then I began packing on the pounds. I commuted 140 mi each way to work, hit the hormone wall and was too tired to do anything but recoupe on weekends. I moved into the city in 2007 enjoying city dining and a decent income. I got completely out of control and couldn't manage any physical activities except bellying up to the buffet.
At 266 lbs and after attempting numerous failed diets, it was time to do something. I started out in a clinical trial for a new bariatric technique (TOGA) But my hiatal hernia was so large I was eliminated. The doctor (Daniel Leslie in Minneapolis) was fabulous so I changed providers to keep him as my physician and went the conventional way (insurance) beginning the process . After the hoops and a couple of delays I was banded on 11/5/2009. The surgery went off without a hitch. All prep by the Clinic was exactly as stated. I had absolutely no surprises or deviations. Dr. Leslie fixed a huge hiatal hernia too. The surgery took 1 hour.  I'm thrilled. The worst part was the recovery room. I don't have apnea, but I do pause a long time after I exhale and kept the nurses busy with the monitor constantly sounding an alarm. The incisions were closed by glue which is awesome!! I did have substantial bruising at the incisions but otherwise no problems and minimal pain. My clear liquid phase has been very sucessful. Aside from Isopure, broth, diet jello, juice and frozen popsciles, I got a bit creative with soups. I took clear style regular Campbells soups (Minnestrone, Vegetable Beef, Beefy Mushroom, Chicken) and drained the soup. I am freezing the veggies etc for when I can have soft foods. One day I believe the swelling made taking my cut meds difficult, giving me terrible hiccups and foamy urps. I returned to work (office) the following Monday and Tuesday for 1/2 days and am now back as normal. I was off work 2 full days and one was the day of my surgery!! When asking my MD when I could return, he stated "If I tell you 2 weeks, you'll be back in a week." I said "Good because I'm planning on going back on Monday for 1/2 day." He said "Well alright then."
More to come!!