sawyer77

I had a multitude of "that's it!" moments, very similar to all of you. They all just built on top of each other: -Noticing that I was becoming winded after climbing a flight of stairs. -Having trouble buckling in on an amusement park ride. -Seeing myself in photos and wincing because I did not realize I looked so terrible. -The DRESSING ROOM at the store. UGH! Watching the sizes go up and up and up! -Seeing the scale hit higher than EVER before. :-( I had always had a weight problem, but medications for fibromyalgia just skyrocketed my weight in the last two years. So awful. In July, I decided to go explore Medically-Managed Weight Loss, an option that was not as severe as surgery. During my consult, I had to tell them all of my medical problems, one of which is chronic vertigo. I was not eligible for their program due to the program medications involved and my vertigo. So, the Nurse Practitioner asked me, "What about surgery?" I had already been bopping it around in my head, but was going to try the Medically-Managed program as a last resort before final consideration. Now that option was off the table, I just dove in! I'm only two months post-op, but I'm so thrilled with my decision. :-)

I got myself a notebook, and listed every Wednesday (my surgery day) through August. I set ambitious goals for each week, 2 pounds lost. Each week has my weight going down by two pounds until I get to my goal weight. Right now, I'm ahead of my weekly goal, and it feels great! I've lost 23 pounds in 9 weeks. If you don't want to be as ambitious (as it could backfire on me!), I would go with one pound a week. I think it really helps me to see the pacing, and gives me something to work towards regarding the scale.

I was banded 1/20, and have lost 22 pounds. I go for my second fill next week. Right now, I have 2 ccs in my 10 cc band. I think we are right on track! In 9 weeks, I've lost 22 pounds -- I am not complaining! :-) It helps me to map out every week with the date and what my target weight is. I'm ahead of goal right now, and I think this helps me to see that I'm not too slow with my loss. I'm ahead! :-)

Thank you so much! It's a thrill. :-)

Good for you! I just ran AND FINISHED my first 5K yesterday, and I did it in 43:36 (My two goals were to finish, and do it in under 45 minutes). Keep it up! It's so great. :-)

Excuse me, Phil1336, who is complaining? Stating that there is some tenderness or soreness is not complaining. Jen asked if anyone else experienced it, and I answered. Simple, to-the-point. No complaining. (Though, if you DO want to hear complaining, I can find some stuff to complain about!)

I still have some port pain here and there. I am 7 weeks post-op today. My first fill was 2/25, almost two weeks ago, and that gave me some soreness, tenderness for about a week, too.

I had to do a crunch -- no numbing, though. Doc said that hurts more than the actual needle. First I did a crunch with my arms behind my head, and he outlined my port with a pen. Then he had me relax for a few seconds while he and the nurse prepared the needle, and then another crunch (and hold) while he injected. It was all over really fast, and wasn't bad at all. :-)

Are you getting enough Fiber? I use the gummies from Target.

I'm wondering how everyone is doing on their C25K journeys! We can do this. The secret is NOT STOPPING! I'm on W8D1 tomorrow, and my first 5K is in less than two weeks now. Today, I'm heading back to Fleet Feet to get new sneaks and a new sports bra, and maybe some other goodies! Someone here mentioned Moving Comfort brand sports bras so I'm going to check them out. How are you doing on C25K? I believe in you!

I don't know about the upper GI, but I just went in for my first fill (5 weeks post-op), and the nurse told me that my weight loss was on pace, and that at the 1 year check-ups, they're looking for 50% EWL. So, yes! The 55 is great! 45 to go, right?! Go, you!

I want to just add some "dittoes" to further recommend these items: - carmex/lip balm/chapstik: A MUST! I was slappin' that stuff on constantly at the hospital and upon returning home. - a sturdy pillow. My surgeon gave these out pre-op. It was very helpful to hold against my stomach in the hospital and upon returning home. - Slipper sox. Definitely great! I wore them at the hospital and upon returning home. Also, if you have pets, it would be nice to have someone there to tend to them, even after you return home. That helped a lot here. I also had Protein shots stocked at home, as well as the food others have mentioned. I was really not hungry in the first week after surgery, not at all. I needed those protein shots -- 3 oz = 20-40 grams of protein, depending on the brand.

Just to add my $0.02, I think this is a really bad idea. There will always be a "cruise" in life: picnic, wedding, Thanksgiving, etc. There will always be an opportunity to overeat. I'm learning that when I feel full, and I look at all the food that's left, I can't feel bad for the food. I can't feel bad for the extra food. I have to say, "Look what is not going to make me gain weight!" This is not why you got the band. If it sounds blunt, I apologize, but the band is there to *HELP* you in times like this, not be tossed aside.

I do the same thing -- only look at the whole number, and that counts for me. I could have been 179.9 yesterday and 179.1 today (which is almost a pound lost!) but to me, I am still at 179. I tell myself only to check in twice a week. Wednesday (my surgery day) and Saturday (my Biggest Loser group on Facebook WI-day). But I still sneak a WI often. And I do the same thing -- step on the scale about 4 times to make sure it's correct. Always before meals, after going to the bathroom and without clothes on. We're all nuts! Heh. :-)

I'm trying NOT to feel discouraged at 5 weeks post-op and *only* 18 pounds lost. I say, *only* because while I fully realize that 18 pounds lost in 6 weeks, with the preop liquid week figured in, is amazing!), I come here and see others that are close to my BMI and my surgery date that have lost so much more. I just got my first fill today, 2 ccs in my 10 cc band. Doc says I'm doing okay, and this is the time for the fill with the stall. I know I'm doing okay, but I'm still trying to fight away feelings of discouragement. How do you guys keep from being discouraged? I need to know it's going to be okay and that I'll get there. I will, right?!

Thanks, gang. I appreciate the words.

I'm 5 weeks post-op and I have it too, at times.

This is the one I do. I'm on W7D1 tomorrow. Cool Running :: The Couch-to-5K Running Plan

Dr. O did my surgery first thing in the morning (I'm 4.5 weeks post-op). I had not a single problem coming out of surgery, and Dr. O also repaired a hiatal hernia that I didn't even know I had. The hospital staff on the floor were just wonderful. Shonna was my favorite nurse -- she was so attentive and kind. You will learn all about the Bariatric beds! After surgery, sitting up is most comfortable, like a recliner. (And definitely make sure you have home all ready for your return -- all your liquids there, and a nice upright place to rest. Dr. O gave a scrip upon leaving the hospital and I was lucky enough to have my boyfriend go to the pharmacy while I rested at home.) They won't give you Water right away after surgery, but you can beg. Expect a sore throat from the intubation. They give you nice slipper socks to wear, and you'll get a hug pillow at bootcamp. It's the best. I held in to my stomach while I walked and sat. I was really surprised with how painful getting out of bed was. I'm not sure if that was due to the additional hernia repair or not, but it was helpful for me to have my boyfriend there (at home) to help me get out of bed. The bariatric beds made it so easy at the hospital! Also, walking walking walking (both at the hospital and at home) is so important to not only help you recover, but avoid the worst of the gas pains. Make sure you have a bunch of elastic-waisted pants clean and ready for your arrival home. Oh, and when you get discharged, they will NOT send you over the skybridge into Caesar's garage. Pick-up is at ground level, main entrance! Things ya learn... heh. My boyfriend was waiting on the 3rd floor of Caesar's garage and he had my cell phone with him. I begged them to let me go up to the skybridge and cross myself (no wheelchair). If you have any questions, happy to answer! :redface:

I think I had the same when I started C25K in November. I watched a lot of "how to" running videos, including how to breathe. Are you running outside? Could be the cold, also. I had trouble in the bitter cold running/breathing.

1. My band is empty, so pressure won't be too bad, right? 2. I won't set off any metal detectors, right? Just checkin'.

Thanks, gang!

My main incision is my belly button also -- single-incision, but I needed a few smaller incisions, barely noticeable. I had belly button pain, yep. I'm 3.5 weeks post op and am doing well now! :-)