Megg40

Ok....tomorrow is one month post op and bandster hell is kicking in...I find myself wanting to graze during night time...These are habits/demons that I have to learn to battle...there is no magic pill or band that will stop me from eating too much. I have to deal with these problems and fix them myself. I am feeling better day by day...I have been swimming a lot this week but not losing....not gaining either which I guess is the best part. I am now on soft foods and don't really know what my coloric intake should be,,,,I see surgeon on 5/4 for first fill and I see the NUT then as well. Maybe I can get some more info personal to me....I was very excited today becasue I put on a pair of shorths that last year were uncomfortably tight and now they feel very good. Also a lot of my tops are just way too big, but I continue to wear them....I am getting a great tan, and hopefully toning my body as well as burning calories in the pool... I want to start walking but I'm afraid to push it to much right now...in 15 pounds I will be in twoderville....maybe I will start walking then. Life is pretty good today....glad I have the band even tho theres nothing in it....gotta stop the night grazing...I feel like my health is already a bit better. On my journey to self love....pretty cool!!!:confused: Meg

Well, I am almost 3 weeks post surgery and what a ride its been already. The surgery wen well and I did experience some pain for the first 5-7 days. But by day 3 I went to the movies and started getting out of the house regularly. About 2 weeks post op, the depression came. I realized what I had done to myself and was sad at the "divorce" from food. Food was my best friend and I was letting it go...It was very hard to let go, but I made my peace with it and told it that I no longer needed that friendship in my life. It was ruining my life.... I am still a bit depressed, although not as bad. I am going to ask my psych doc to increase my antidepressant for a bit. I am seeing a therapist to help me deal with my food issues but I do not think she is the right therapist for me. We really dont talk about food issues. We mostly talk about her....I will ask my psych doc for a therapist who deals with addiction and had experience with food addiction....since I am a food addict. Since being banded, I have bought a adult 3 wheel bike, sketchers shape up shoes, and a Wii. I have been looking forward to using this stuff but now have come down with bronchitis and a head cold. I'm feeling crappy physically. I am down a total of 33 pounds which makes me feel good....but I want more. I want everything I have been dreaming of, and the things my morbid obesity has kept me from doing. At my post surgery appointment everyone said how good I was doing and that I have healed up properly. Now, it is time to really start this new life...the healthy life...the active life...the life I have always dreamed of... This will be hard, emotional, powerful, painful,wonderful, exciting, amazing, joyous, eventful and the best thing I could ever do. I'm ready....I just need to get over this cold/bronchitis... I love myself today.... :thumbup:

Thanks for posting on my blog....Yes recovery sometimes can be painful for some. I am a belly sleeper as well and could do that again after about 8 days....I slept in a recliner the first 4 or 5 nights. It does get better...I wanted it out after I got home as well...I think that is normal....You will come to realize it was a great decision and you will be feeling better and more energetic in no time...Hang in there and message me if you ever need to talk....Take good care of you and be gentle with yourself...Meg

Well...Im almost 1 month post op 6 days til post op anniversary of one month. I can't believe everything that has happened to me already. Healing from surgery was not pleasant, and I really do believe that I did recover more slowly than others because I am a smoker. Since then after two weeks of recovery, I got bronchitis and a head cold....they are finally leaving my body now. I also have had a bout with more depression and anxiety and I have seen my psychiatrist and she has increased my meds for now. The depression is getting better. I have found that I am more in a "funk" when I stay home all day and do nothing. It's those days I want to nap or feel down....So, I need to get out of the house daily. Even if it's just to go lay by the pool or go to the tanning bed...anything to get me outta the house is good for me. The last 2 days I have been walking. Saturday, I walked for 45 minutes and today I walked for 35 minutes. It really does feel good to get my body moving....a few weeks ago, exercise was just taking the dogs out. Now, when I do take them out I go for a longer walk with them then just the amount of walk for them to "get down to business" I can't believe I AM WALKING...ME the one who has so much pain in her knees...ME the one who hates to sweat, ME the one who weighs still over 300 pounds is walking. ME ME ME!!!! It is such an awesome feeling to know that I CAN start taking care of my body....that I CAN be physically active. 4 months ago, I would go to wal mart and get a motorized chair to shop with.....NOT ANYMORE!! I CAN WALK. I still have 2 weeks before my first fill and "bandster hell" has not been too unbearable. I guess because I drink a lot of water between meals and I'm getting in a lot of protein....some days over 100 grams. I feel so excited that I may possibly be getting my life back....It scares me though to think "well maybe this still wont happen for me"...I do still have those thoughts but they are getting less. I have been in the fight for my life for years and I had given up. Until Jan 4th 2010 when I attended my lap band seminar. Then the wild ideas about having a life again were just so amazing...amazing that MAYBE, it could happen to me.....I think it finally is.... I am so very proud of myself and I know there will be bumps ahead but dang this feels so good....it feels better than a reecees peanut butter cup would taste, or even chocolate mint ice cream.....this feels better than that!!!! I hope and pray that it continues.... Meg:unsure:

Well...Im almost 1 month post op 6 days til post op anniversary of one month. I can't believe everything that has happened to me already. Healing from surgery was not pleasant, and I really do believe that I did recover more slowly than others because I am a smoker. Since then after two weeks of recovery, I got bronchitis and a head cold....they are finally leaving my body now. I also have had a bout with more depression and anxiety and I have seen my psychiatrist and she has increased my meds for now. The depression is getting better. I have found that I am more in a "funk" when I stay home all day and do nothing. It's those days I want to nap or feel down....So, I need to get out of the house daily. Even if it's just to go lay by the pool or go to the tanning bed...anything to get me outta the house is good for me. The last 2 days I have been walking. Saturday, I walked for 45 minutes and today I walked for 35 minutes. It really does feel good to get my body moving....a few weeks ago, exercise was just taking the dogs out. Now, when I do take them out I go for a longer walk with them then just the amount of walk for them to "get down to business" I can't believe I AM WALKING...ME the one who has so much pain in her knees...ME the one who hates to sweat, ME the one who weighs still over 300 pounds is walking. ME ME ME!!!! It is such an awesome feeling to know that I CAN start taking care of my body....that I CAN be physically active. 4 months ago, I would go to wal mart and get a motorized chair to shop with.....NOT ANYMORE!! I CAN WALK. I still have 2 weeks before my first fill and "bandster hell" has not been too unbearable. I guess because I drink a lot of water between meals and I'm getting in a lot of protein....some days over 100 grams. I feel so excited that I may possibly be getting my life back....It scares me though to think "well maybe this still wont happen for me"...I do still have those thoughts but they are getting less. I have been in the fight for my life for years and I had given up. Until Jan 4th 2010 when I attended my lap band seminar. Then the wild ideas about having a life again were just so amazing...amazing that MAYBE, it could happen to me.....I think it finally is.... I am so very proud of myself and I know there will be bumps ahead but dang this feels so good....it feels better than a reecees peanut butter cup would taste, or even chocolate mint ice cream.....this feels better than that!!!! I hope and pray that it continues.... Meg:unsure:

Hello and CONGRATS on being banded....When I first had it done, I wanted it out. I was in pain for 5 days. It is normal to not be able to drink much....focus on staying hydrated even more than the protein right now....You will faind each day it get easier and less painful...I am a little over 3 weeks post op and I am finally excited to have my band. This will not only save my life, it will help me to have a life....if I use this tool properly. Alos remember that this is recovery period and its NORMAL to no lose too much weight before your fills....I am down a total of 35 pounds and 22 was from pre op...so only13 since surgery.... take good care of yourselves, pamper yourself and your band....your body has been through a whole lot but you will realize soon if not already that this is soooooo worth it!!! MEG:thumbup:

I am pre band. If all goes well I will be banded on 3-24!! Twoderville and Onederville seeem like only a dream to me....Especially Onederville. I haven't weighed under 200 since high school...I am 40. Anyone else feel like its a dream? They say to dream the impossible ..... I know these are realities for many, losing that much weight over time but wow...it blows my mind to even THINK it could happen for me.... Take Care, Meg

Well, I was banded 3/24 and as far as the band is concerned i feel great about it. I started this journey at 350 and i'm down to 317 but i'm stalled. I have 3 weeks before first fill.... i am also trying to recover from bronchitis and a head cold I caught earlier this week... I feel like I might get my weight down if I would start exercising but i havent really started yet. The days ( before the cold ) that I did exercise, I overdid it and was sore for like 2 days after....this happened twice. Then I got sick.... I cant seem to psych myself up for exercise....I cant get motivated, because of all the pain I have when I walk. I have very bad knees... I need some help....I am wanting to start exercising by Sunday, I believe I will feel better from the cold and bronchitis by then.... I just dont know how to get started....any advice??? Meg

Wonderful thread.... What I want from weight loss... Yes I want to look better, only because that's boosts my self confidence, not really out of vanity. I want to be the woman I know I really can be...confident, strong, independent, serene. I want to be active everyday in some way and not feel like it's going to kill me. I want less pain in my knees when i am active. I want much improved health...to get off my cholesterol and triglyceride medications. I want to be no longer pre diabetic. I want to be able to do all the things I have wanted to do such as hang gliding, and rock climbing. I am considering going back to school to be a veterinary technician. I wanted to go a few years ago but knew that it was a physically demanding profession and I would not be up to it.... I want to be able to take my dog on long walks....and to the beach. I want to live to see my nephew grow up. Lastly, but most importantly, I just want a normal life....I want to participate in life not just watch life pass me by.... Meg

WOO HOO!!!!!!! WAY TO GO.....YOU ARE AN INSPIRATION FOR ME....VERY PROUD OF YOU AND YOUR HARD WORK!!! :cool::thumbup::eek::thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::thumbup: meg

Well, I am almost 3 weeks post surgery and what a ride its been already. The surgery wen well and I did experience some pain for the first 5-7 days. But by day 3 I went to the movies and started getting out of the house regularly. About 2 weeks post op, the depression came. I realized what I had done to myself and was sad at the "divorce" from food. Food was my best friend and I was letting it go...It was very hard to let go, but I made my peace with it and told it that I no longer needed that friendship in my life. It was ruining my life.... I am still a bit depressed, although not as bad. I am going to ask my psych doc to increase my antidepressant for a bit. I am seeing a therapist to help me deal with my food issues but I do not think she is the right therapist for me. We really dont talk about food issues. We mostly talk about her....I will ask my psych doc for a therapist who deals with addiction and had experience with food addiction....since I am a food addict. Since being banded, I have bought a adult 3 wheel bike, sketchers shape up shoes, and a Wii. I have been looking forward to using this stuff but now have come down with bronchitis and a head cold. I'm feeling crappy physically. I am down a total of 33 pounds which makes me feel good....but I want more. I want everything I have been dreaming of, and the things my morbid obesity has kept me from doing. At my post surgery appointment everyone said how good I was doing and that I have healed up properly. Now, it is time to really start this new life...the healthy life...the active life...the life I have always dreamed of... This will be hard, emotional, powerful, painful,wonderful, exciting, amazing, joyous, eventful and the best thing I could ever do. I'm ready....I just need to get over this cold/bronchitis... I love myself today.... :thumbup:

I agree 100% My band is my sponsor and it tells me the things im doing right and tells me when im not doing so right.....good analogy. Meg

Hello and welcome.... I was banded 2.5 weeks ago and I know what you mean about the success/failure thing....I feel it too. I have had a food addiction for a long time and i'm getting it under control now...I too have depression and anxiety and take meds. I see a psych and a therapist. I go to the lap band support groups and they help me a lot....What i do at night to stay away from eating is I go into the chat room on here...lots of support and fun. it keeps me outta the kitchen and not thinking too much about food.... Take Care, Meg

I am 2 weeks post op and got clearance from surgeon to start doing things physically. I bought a 3 wheel bicycle last week and rode it a few times but today I really went for a 12 minute fast ride. Now, I feel like I could take a nap....ugh Is this normal...to be so fatigued in the beginning? If you were and you felt like napping, did you nap?? Yes, I know its going to take time to build up but god....I am really tired. I have not been active in many years.... I'm just looking for some words of wisdom and someone who's been there... Thanks, Meg

I appreciate yalls comments but as I said in my first post...I was cleared to exercise....I was cleared to do anything except the 20 pound lifting for 2 more weeks. I was feeling like napping, but Im not sure if thats the "old habbits" or real. Before the pre op process and surgery itself, I would take a nap everyday. Sometimes because of depression, fatigue or boredom. Now, I just feel like i have more energy, and I want to become active instead of sedentary. I am listening to my body and the bike ride ( during it ) just felt so good. I live in Florida where it is getting warmer. I will be better about pacing myself and cooling down....so thanks for that info. I guess old habits die hard. The daily napping is not needed anymore, everyday, but yes sometimes it would be good for me to nap while still recovering. If I keep active maybe I wont need my sleeping pills anymore...I would just be wore out and able to sleep...:thumbup: Take Care, Meg

Hi all... I was banded 8 days ago and the last 3 days have been doing quite well. I am starting to gently exercise and really have not been hungry...Thing is, tonight, I really want to binge....I want to eat whatever I can. I don't know why since everything is going pretty well:unsure:. I have not binged and will not, but just having the feeling of wanting to is kinda scary for me....I am even wanting to binge on things I am allowed at this point. I am still in the liquid phase and have another week of that....I swear i could drink 2-3 cups of soup or have 2-3 protein shakes....just something!!! UGH!!! Anybody else ever feel this way when things are going good??? Maybe my mind wants to sabotage the good things I am doing for myself...I don't know. Any suggestions or words of wisdom...??? Thanks, Meg

Thanks for all of your responses....I guess my wanting to binge that night and any night is because it IS NIGHT. Night time was always so bad for me...I would just sit in front of the TV and eat. I know it will take time to change my mindset. I am following the liquids to the letter tho. Just the desire was there. The things that pull me through are this site, and the goals I have for my life. When I focus on the positives...I feel and do much better. I am one of the fortunate ones that could have this surgery and have my insurance pay for most of it....I know how lucky I am. I have wanted to lose a lot of weight for a long time....and needed to...and now I have the opportunity and I will NOT let anything distract me or take me away from my goals....Sometimes, I just forget them....and need to be reminded. And yes, my signature line is very true, for me at least... Take Care All, Meg

Wow...I am having the same experience. My port site has been sore since surgery 3-24, but getting less sore by the day. Friday, I felt so good that I rode my bike and walked a lot. I also bent over a few times to pick things up. Yesterday, (SAT) I was having port pain but it felt "different" from the pain I had been having....I called surgeon and she said probably over did it and most likely nothing is wrong. She said if my port moves around, I could have popped a stitch, but I have felt it and it does not move. She also said to ice the area every hour or so for 10 minutes. I will know for sure when I go see her Tuesday for first post op appointment but more than likely, its fine! I AM PRAYING IT IS.....:bored:

I, am looking forward to mushies...but I'm scared as well. During all of this, the pre op diet and now liquids, the weight is really falling off and I want that to continue. I am so scared that when I CAN eat mushies and solid foods that it will all just come back....I guess sometimes i still have the mindset that "this" will not work for me.... Was anyone else scared of moving to mushies and then towards real food???? I'm not even sure what mushies are going to be ok for me as far as carb and fat content...I see the DR on Tuesday of next week for my first post op visit. I guess I will ask her and the dietitian what is ok for me....I'm just nervous..... Meg

Oh Ruthie, I am so sorry for your loss and hope the traveling goes well for you. This time last week, I was being banded. I thought I was just going to die the first few days afterwords. But I have to tell you that the excitement is back. The looking forward to weight loss and gaining health. Since I started my pre op diet 3/10 I am down a total of 27 pounds:thumbup: and I'm really starting to feel good and feel good about myself. I'm not experiencing very much pain at all and I think the gas is gone....I've "pooted" my fair share in the last few days....lol I go to my first post op support group tonight and I'm looking forward to it. I intend to make these a regular part of my life..."my aftercare"...I have my first post op appointment next week and then 4 weeks til a fill. I can do this!! I really can...I wasn't too sure a few days ago, but now I'm feeling that this is awesome.... HUGS TO ALL OF YOU Take Care, Meg

So, surgery was Wednesday the 24th and i had lost 22 pounds pre op. Since coming home, I have lost and gained the same 2 pounds these last few days. I just don't get it. Yesterday I was down to my pre op loss of 22 pounds. Today, I am up those 2 pounds. My caloric intake was about 400.....whats the deal....?????

I LOVED this post. I am 5 days post op and need to start exercising. I am going to start with walking, but in a few weeks...hit the pool Thanks, Meg

Thanks Cathy, I am now sitting here crying and feeling depressed and confused. I feel like I'm all alone. Everyone in my life is supporting me....but its me that is going through this. There is a support group on Wednesday night that I WILL BE AT!!!! I will also call Dr tomorrow.....just feel like crap in every way... I don't mean to be so negative and I appreciate all of you guy's support. I guess I'm just having a rough day today/tonight. I hope this passes and I start feeling better soon.... Meg:crying:

Well here it is...Sunday night and I'm not feeling so well. I still have a lot of the pressure that makes it hard to take normal breaths sometimes and I'm really hungry but find I can not eat much. I know that's the point but I'm not sure what feeling is what....if that makes any sense. Like am I full or am I having gas pains or is it still swelling pains....??? I'm so confused. I was feeling pretty good yesterday, and today, I did get out of the house and go to the movies. I just dont know whats wrong with me, or if anything is wrong with me....I will call surgeons office tomorrow....this recovery period is confusing and more painful than I had thought or anticipated. Wondering if I should take a dose of my pain meds....??? Take Care All, Meg

Hi all.... I had surgery Wednesday and I'm feeling better each day. I'm still a bit sore and bruised but actually going to go to the movies today....YAY!! My question is about sugar.... My Dr suggests sugar free puddings as a snack. I bought the Hunts sugar free chocolate. But I looked on the nutrition info and even though it said sugar zero and 70 calories it had a lot of sugar alcohol in it? What exactly is sugar alcohol and is that still "bad"? My goal is to not be on sugar and to be low carb but I don't think this pudding is low carb....any suggestions, advice or answers appreciated. Hope all of you are well.... Meg