matilda01
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Everything posted by matilda01
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Hi Fiona! How are you? Sorry about not checking in for so long. Life gets in the way of my computer habit! I hope you are doing OK. Slow and steady for me....down 20 lb since surg and a total of 52 since my initial visit with the surgeon. I'm supposed to have my 2nd fill on 6/11, probably will only get a small one. I'm so afraid of those stuck episodes everyone talks about. I've already PB'd twice because I ate too fast. The second time it happened, I was PB'ing for 45 minutes! Didn't hurt really, just glad I was at home and not out in public! I am feeling pretty good overall and hope you are, too.
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Wow, 30 pounds in a month! You're really doing well. I just hit 52 pounds down since my first visit with Dr. Gandhi in Nov. The fill was very easy actually. He numbed the area and even though it took him a couple of minutes to get the needle into the port, it didn't hurt, just felt odd. We were talking the entire time and I wasn't scared at all. I found out that he had left 3.5 cc in the band at surgery. He asked me how I felt about going to 5.5 and was a I ready....I said go for it. I do notice a difference. I'm not sure it's restriction, but I get this "tight" feeling if I eat too fast or don't chew enough. Once I even PB'd (burped lots with food coming back up). Now I really try to avoid that. I had the blues right after surg, too. Just keep plugging along and try to get outside in the nice weather. It does help. I promise you, you're going to feel better!
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Hi Robin,
How are you doing? I don't know if I told you this, but I work at RGH, so I hope you had a positive experience there! Did you stay in that tiny private room on 4500? That's where I stayed and so did my friend who was banded a week after me. I'm down 50 lb (including my preop loss), so I'm pretty happy. I had my first fill 2 weeks ago and it went very well. I really notice a difference, and I need to careful to remember to chew lots & eat slowly. Well, I'm here if you have any questions or just want to chat....
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Hi Robin, How are you doing on your preop diet? Did you call your doctor about your sugars? I just wanted to make sure you're doing okay.
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Hi Robin,
Not sure what to tell you about your sugars, maybe you should call the surgeon's office today and let them know what's going on there. Maybe they will add another Atkins drink or have other suggestions for you. As far as the surgery goes, you will be fine. I was nervous, too, but I was determined to go through with it and I'm so glad I did. After surgery, remember to walk as much as you can because it REALLY helps with the gas pain. The first few days aren't much fun but not unbearable at all. Feel free to email me with any questions, and I will try to help. Where are you having your surgery again?
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I'm having lap-band® surgery on 3/22/10. Anyone else getting a band in March? :smile:
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Hi Fiona! I'm doing well. My first fill is Thurs, 5/06. I've been losing a little bit, down 45.1 total (13.1 since surg). I wasn't feeling any restriction really, but I am starting to get little signals when I eat that I need to slow down, chew more, or just stop eating. I get kind of a fullness in my esophagus sometimes. It seems to happen with chicken (especially if it's dry). I think I read that you had your first fill...how's that going?
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It's my 3-week bandiversary today. I saw my surgeon on Friday, and he said I could start on pureed foods, so I went home and scrambled a couple of eggs with low-fat American cheese. I realized that was probably too much to eat at one time, so I only ate half. It was delicious! He said to stick to things like yogurt, scrambled eggs, etc., for the first 4-6 days, then move to things like refried beans, chili, etc. In the few days since I started pureed food, I've gained 2 lb. What the heck? I'm logging my food intake on Livestrong.com (I love that Web site!) and never go over about 550 calories in a day. Yesterday was the first day I was able to get in 60 grams of protein. It's pretty hard to get all the protein in when I'm not eating much. He did say to supplement with protein shake if needed. I got rid of all the leftover Easter candy...way too tempting for me! I went back to work on Saturday and Sunday and had no problems, didn't even get tired. I just work at my computer all day anyway (I transcribe medical reports for a hospital). Going to take my dog for a couple of long walks today...time to get some real exercise in. No more dreams about food!
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It's my 3-week bandiversary today. I saw my surgeon on Friday, and he said I could start on pureed foods, so I went home and scrambled a couple of eggs with low-fat American cheese. I realized that was probably too much to eat at one time, so I only ate half. It was delicious! He said to stick to things like yogurt, scrambled eggs, etc., for the first 4-6 days, then move to things like refried beans, chili, etc. In the few days since I started pureed food, I've gained 2 lb. What the heck? I'm logging my food intake on Livestrong.com (I love that Web site!) and never go over about 550 calories in a day. Yesterday was the first day I was able to get in 60 grams of protein. It's pretty hard to get all the protein in when I'm not eating much. He did say to supplement with protein shake if needed. I got rid of all the leftover Easter candy...way too tempting for me! I went back to work on Saturday and Sunday and had no problems, didn't even get tired. I just work at my computer all day anyway (I transcribe medical reports for a hospital). Going to take my dog for a couple of long walks today...time to get some real exercise in. No more dreams about food!
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Vitamin D deficient?
matilda01 replied to ShellieBell's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I was vitamin D deficient and so was my coworker (we had our surgeries 1 week apart). I live in western NY and it tends to be cloudy here in the fall/winter. Lack of sunshine will contribute to vitamin D deficiency. They gave me a prescription supplement that I took once a week for 12 weeks. Didn't delay my surgery at all. At my postop visit I asked him if I should get a new prescription for vitamin D and he said, "No, just get some Viactiv." No worries for you! -
What dreams I had last night. I'm still on clear liquids, but I hope to start pureed food tomorrow. Anyway, last night I had a couple crazy dreams. The first one was about a seafood chowder or soup that I was watching somebody make. They were using all kinds of odd creatures from under the ocean. Even though the soup looked strange, all I was thinking was that I really wanted to eat some of it. Later, I had a dream that I worked in Krispy Kreme donut shop. I was putting the icing on the donuts. I woke up with a smile on my face. Food is now creeping into my dreams. Not sure about that seafood soup, but I really enjoyed the Krispy Kreme dream!
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Well, I have to the admit, the first 2 days of my 5-day preop liquid diet were hard. I kept really busy at work and home and just got through it somehow. After that, it wasn't so bad. I was really afraid to cheat because I thought it would make the surgery difficult for the surgeon. After surgery, I really had no appetite for probably 5 days or so. When it came back, I still was afraid to eat because I didn't want to cause damage to the new band. This week has been hard, and I have cheated a bit, had some plain fat-free yogurt a couple of times (no more than 2-3 oz). Today is my last day of clear liquids after 23 days (not that I'm counting). If I can do this, believe me, anyone can do it if they are motivated. I'm almost in onederland since my officical start in Nov 2009 (had to lose weight before insurance would approve me). Good luck and feel free to ask me anything! I was where you are now not too long ago.
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Congratulations on your band! I was just banded on 3/22 and feel wonderful now. Get some rest but also try to walk a bit because it really helps with the gas pains.
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What dreams I had last night. I'm still on clear liquids, but I hope to start pureed food tomorrow. Anyway, last night I had a couple crazy dreams. The first one was about a seafood chowder or soup that I was watching somebody make. They were using all kinds of odd creatures from under the ocean. Even though the soup looked strange, all I was thinking was that I really wanted to eat some of it. Later, I had a dream that I worked in Krispy Kreme donut shop. I was putting the icing on the donuts. I woke up with a smile on my face. Food is now creeping into my dreams. Not sure about that seafood soup, but I really enjoyed the Krispy Kreme dream! :thumbup:
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Wow! It's been about 2-1/2 weeks since my surgery. The time has really flown by. Except for my incisions still being scabbed over and not being able to eat yet, I feel like my old self. I'm still on clear liquids and 1/3 of a Carnation Instant Breakfast drink 3x a day. I actually feel better than my old self because I feel much lighter! Since my official starting weight at the surgeon's office in Nov, I have lost a total of 41 lb. Since surgery, I've lost 9 lb (well, really 16 lb since I gained about 7 lb with surgery). Yesterday, I went through my clothes, tried on things, and bagged up clothes that are just too big now. I'm going to offer the things in decent shape to my friend. Now I have to go shopping pretty soon because I'm running out of clothes! I used to hate shopping and avoided it as much as I could, but I have a feeling that I will really enjoy shopping again! Easter was a challenge, but I made it through. Cooked for the family (brunch & dinner). I really had to fight not blenderizing some of the dishes and eating, but the worst I did was lick a couple of spoons. On Monday, I used my Magic Bullet & made soups from the leftover veggies (artichokes and asparagus) and then froze the soups to use when I start purees (after my followup with the surgeon on Friday, 4/09). I'm going to do the same with the other leftovers, might make a cheesy potato soup and a split pea with ham soup. Can't wait! Even though I am counting the hours until Fri so I can start mushies, I'm a little nervous about it. I'll be going from about 100-200 calories a day to more calories, and it seems that will add weight back on. If my surgeon says I can start exercising, I think that will help. We just bought an elliptical that I'd like to get going on. Probably will go back to work on Sat and I'm actually looking forward to it!
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Thanks for the nice comments, Teach. The next 2 weeks will fly by and then you, too, will be on the banded side! So far, I'm really happy that I had the surgery. Every day I feel better and better, and I know this will be very good for my overall health. Good luck to you!
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Hi Friend, How are you? I'm doing well. I see the surgeon tomorrow & if all goes well, I can start pureed foods. I think he will also release me to go back to work, so I will start back on Saturday. I only work weekends about once every 3 months & this is my scheduled weekend, so I will work Sat and Sun, have Mon off, and then finish the rest of the week. A good way to ease back into work I think. Are you working again? Let me know how you're doing. Weight loss for me has slowed down a bit. I've been really tempted to nibble and have cheated a bit (peanut butter candies of all things). Stay in touch!
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Run - don't walk - to get the Magic Bullet!
matilda01 replied to gingerjane's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Wow, what a great idea of bringing one to work. I think I will bring the MB To Go to work! Awesome. I can share it with my coworker, who was banded the week after me! On Mon I made Soups from leftover veggies from Easter dinner, artichoke Soup & asparagus soup. I'm also going to make cheesy potato soup from leftover taters and some split pea with ham soup. Starting purees on Fri! -
Wow! It's been about 2-1/2 weeks since my surgery. The time has really flown by. Except for my incisions still being scabbed over and not being able to eat yet, I feel like my old self. I'm still on clear liquids and 1/3 of a Carnation Instant Breakfast drink 3x a day. I actually feel better than my old self because I feel much lighter! Since my official starting weight at the surgeon's office in Nov, I have lost a total of 41 lb. Since surgery, I've lost 9 lb (well, really 16 lb since I gained about 7 lb with surgery). Yesterday, I went through my clothes, tried on things, and bagged up clothes that are just too big now. I'm going to offer the things in decent shape to my friend. Now I have to go shopping pretty soon because I'm running out of clothes! I used to hate shopping and avoided it as much as I could, but I have a feeling that I will really enjoy shopping again! Easter was a challenge, but I made it through. Cooked for the family (brunch & dinner). I really had to fight not blenderizing some of the dishes and eating, but the worst I did was lick a couple of spoons. On Monday, I used my Magic Bullet & made soups from the leftover veggies (artichokes and asparagus) and then froze the soups to use when I start purees (after my followup with the surgeon on Friday, 4/09). I'm going to do the same with the other leftovers, might make a cheesy potato soup and a split pea with ham soup. Can't wait! Even though I am counting the hours until Fri so I can start mushies, I'm a little nervous about it. I'll be going from about 100-200 calories a day to more calories, and it seems that will add weight back on. If my surgeon says I can start exercising, I think that will help. We just bought an elliptical that I'd like to get going on. Probably will go back to work on Sat and I'm actually looking forward to it!
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Run - don't walk - to get the Magic Bullet!
matilda01 replied to gingerjane's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Guess what? I decided to check Craig's List before I went to BB&B with my coupon. Somebody there was selling a Magic Bullet AND a Magic Bullet To Go with all the pieces and 3 recipe booklets for $40. I asked him if he'd take $35 and he agreed. We just picked it up and it looks like it's in very good condition. There are even extra cups (I have about 8 cups). So now I basically have 2 Magic Bullets and can take the To Go to the cottage and travel with it! Running everything (but the motor, of course) through the dishwasher now. So if you are thinking about buying one, be sure to check Craig's List, you just might get lucky like me! -
Oh, don't worry about it. You will lose it I'm sure! We are not really supposed to even worry about losing weight right now, we are still in the healing stage. My scars are a little sore, too, mostly in the morning or if I move around too roughly. I do notice a difference in my clothes. the jeans that I wear the most were already a little big on me (I bought a pair of stretchy jeans before I even started losing weight & they stretch out way too much after wearing them for a few hours), so now they are pretty sad looking. I tried on a couple of jeans I had packed away, and they fit, but then I end up with a "muffin top" so not sure I'm ready to wear them yet. When do you start mushies? I still have another week of clears and Carnation Breakfast Drink...can't wait until 4/09! It's getting really nice here, going up to 80 this weekend, but I don't think it will last. Too soon to be warm for long here in western NY. Happy Spring!
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Run - don't walk - to get the Magic Bullet!
matilda01 replied to gingerjane's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Sold! I'm going out tomorrow and pick one up for myself. Thanks, too, Manda, for the link to BB&B. I just printed the coupon! -
Run - don't walk - to get the Magic Bullet!
matilda01 replied to gingerjane's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
OK, now I think I need a Magic Bullet. I have some questions.... 1) Where do you buy it? Can you get it in stores or is it better to get it on-line? 2) What do they usually cost? 3) I don't have a food processor anymore. Should I get a food processor instead or is the Bullet better (at least for the mushy stage, which I start in 10 days). Oh, and for mushy recipes, check out the food/recipe section here on LBT. There are pages & pages of mushy recipes. I found a bunch I can't wait to try! -
If you're following your doctor's plan, then I'm sure you're okay. I'm just a chicken and stick to my doctor's plan exactly even though he is pretty conservative. The Carnation Instant Breakfast drink is good, kind of like a thick glass of chocolate milk -not really a shake. I really could drink more than 4 oz -maybe even a full drink, but I'm too afraid. I've been getting out a little more since I can drive again. No more pain medication. I'm down to 211 from my starting weight in Nov of 247. I couldn't help it, I just had to weigh myself!
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Hi Fiona, How are you doing? I saw a post from you today that you were feeling icky. Get some rest, baby yourself. Tomorrow you will feel better! Hey, it's almost our 1-week bandiversary!