sara31

Starting weight measured 12/03/2009: 288 First consulting appt 06/14/2010: 273 (-15) Last appt with Dr B4 Surg 09/09/2010: 262 (-11, total loss of 26) Weight day of surgery 09/15/2010: 254 (-8, total loss of 34) Weight at two week c/u 09/30/2010: 239 (-15, total loss of 49) Weight at first fill 10/26/2010: 235 (-4, total loss of 53) Weight as 11/08/2010: 228 (-7, total loss of 60) Next fill appt was supposed to be 12/09/2010- port flipped (they think) 1/25/11 - Port Revision surgery. Turns out the way my body is shaped was making the port sit funny. 1/28/11- Weight 223 (-5, Total loss of 65)

Mine is actually at the hospital, booked like a regular surgery. In fact, they cleared it with insurance all the way up to a full removal and new band put in. Talk about something freaking you out! I am so ready to get tomorrow over with so I can move on and get my band working right! I have only had it since September and only have been able to get one fill so far.

My "port fix" is scheduled for Tuesday. The drs office went ahead and got it approved for a complete removal (I guess just in case?!) This is my dr's first time he has had a port flip. They are giving me the option of either going fully under or under twilight. But what happens if it's more than just the port flipped? If you were under twilight, were you aware of them cutting you? (EW / Scary!!) How is it in comparison to the original surgery? Just looking for some advice...

I too am a side sleeper and slept on my side the first night after surgery. It was the only way I could get comfortable. I saw the "pins" when they were doing the xray. From what i could tell they looked like pig tails - corkscrew looking attachments. I am going to ask about sutures when I go back. Something important to note: Even though this has happened, I am still extremely happy I got this band. To me, this is not really a big deal - more of an annoyance than anything. I would do it again in a heartbeat.

I just found out today that I have to have surgery also to fix my port. Apparently the top two prongs (realize band) came loose and it's not anchored at the top anymore. They put me under the xray machine today and tried to fill it that way but could not get it to flip back correctly so they could fill me. Apparently I am the first patient of his that has had this problem. I had surgery 9/15 and my first fill 10/26. That first fill they pressed on it and it jumped when she did. She was still able to fill me though. I asked then if it was ok for exercise, etc and she said that all the healing that will be done will be done in the first 6 weeks, so not to worry about it at all. Since then, I have been heavy in exercising at the gym with various classes. One class in particular had a LOT of jumping and my port site was super sore the next day. I don't know if I really did it in then or what? The other thing that was different between last time and this time was that I had a cold and was coughing a LOT. She said the prongs probably tore through the muscle at some point but it could be a combination of things as to why it did what it did. It hurts to the touch right now because of all the poking and prodding I have been through in the last few days. 9 needle sticks (and searching for the port with the needle) and bruising later...ouch! TSALEEN: How long did you stay out of work for this revision? I was only out 3 days with the original surgery. Just curious. Did you do twilight sedation and local anesthesia or did you go fully under?

I have been working out pretty steady since I was 6 weeks out from surgery. It was my second time taking a class called Total Body Tune up which is modeled after the Insanity program. We did a LOT of jumping in this particular class and I noticed my port site was starting to feel really tender during and after class so I calmed down the jumping - but have any of you ever had this problem? My dr. said that there should be no problems with any exercise, just stop if it hurts. Thoughts? I don't want to mess something up.

It's so hard to get into a habit. I am trying my hardest to make it sink in...anyway, last night I did cardio fiesta at the gym (think latin zumba or latin dance) and it was so much fun!! Next week they do it with the lights real dim and you wear a white shirt and glow sticks. I can't tell you when I have been more excited about a class! When it's fun, its easier to do. Tonight is total body tune up (think Insanity / P90X in a gym class). Those make me sore as all get out but since you are switching up the movements so quickly, it goes by really fast.

I always liked seeing other peoples progress before I had surgery too. Everyone is different but I hope I can continue to lose!

So I can remember! Starting weight measured 12/03/2009: 288 First consulting appt 06/14/2010: 273 (-15) Last appt with Dr B4 Surg 09/09/2010: 262 (-11, total loss of 26) Weight day of surgery 09/15/2010: 254 (-8, total loss of 34) Weight at two week c/u 09/30/2010: 239 (-15, total loss of 49) Weight at first fill 10/26/2010: 235 (-4, total loss of 53) Weight as of today 11/08/2010: 228 (-7, total loss of 60) Next fill appt: 12/09/2010

That is so inspirational! That is the main reason I had my surgery - I also have PCOS. You give me hope

Mona, I just watched the show - I think you voiced how a lot of us feel! You did so good and were so brave. Thanks for sharing your story. One day at a time right?

At what point do you not feel like you have to dress like your old fat self? Or look in the mirror and see your old body? Halloween costume last night was MaryAnn from True Blood, so that required sleeveless. It took a LOT to get to suck it up and go without the jacket. Of course on the outside I showed confidence because it's what I do but on the inside I was thinking, these people are looking at my arms. They are wondering why the fat girl wondered why it was ok to wear sleeveless. What is she thinking? I did have a NSV today though - one of my friends posted pics from the party and a young rather cute guy said "whos the raven haired hottie? I am married and SO not looking, but it totally was a big NSV!!

Ok, so I walked out and forgot my lunch at home. I am still in the soft foods phase - where do you go? I am perplexed. I am tired of Wendys Chili and there is not much else besides something with bread. So far my Dr. has me not eating anything with bread, rice, peanut butter, pasta or raw vegetables. Help? If you had to run somewhere and grab something quick, where would go go?

The pictures discussion really has me excited to go do that at home...take all the old pictures I took front and sideways to mark "the start of the new diet" and with my current ones and see how they compare. For some reason I just can't get enough. I don't know if its because I amazed of my changing looks or if its because it's all new (I have been heavy all my life). Guys are starting to notice me, which is weird all in itself. I guess this is why people go to therapy. Its probably a good idea....

That google spreadsheet is awesome! I think I am on track so far. How did everyone do over the Halloween weekend?