va_viv
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Everything posted by va_viv
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Not fun at all but not totally terrible either.
I honestly don't feel any different with this fill, hopefully the 2nd fill will do something. YAY! How exciting 2 months will FLY by.
Oh what a bummer, but makes sense that you can't do any appts before getting approved. But seriously you'll get approval in like 2 days and things will happen A LOT quicker then you might like. LOL At least that's how I felt. The psych eval will go great, have you decided who to go with?
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Hey Nat! Everything is going well. No complaints! I went in for my first fill today, ekk. It was a bit uncomfortable because Christina (the PA) couldn't find my port, so there was a lot of searching and pressing down on my stomach. What she thought was my port was scar tissue, I can't blame her though it felt like my port. But I eventually got my fill. I got 3.7 cc's in my 10 cc band. I have to be on liquids for 48 hrs, then soft foods for 1 day then back to solids. Not toooo bad.
How's everything with you? Hope the classes are going well. Have you started going to your appts? Hope all is well with work and school
Viv
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Don't know how to feel.
va_viv replied to Boyfriend21's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Hi! I have to say, reading this reminded me of my boyfriend and me. I was diagnosed with PCOS in April...after 5 years of constant weight gain and not understanding why. Nobody knows the feeling you get when you're told by the dr "the biggest reason for your weight is the PCOS" (unless they've been there of course) and there’s nothing you can do about it. Let me tell you a little about my story. I had never been super skinny but I was fit and very comfortable with my body, I was a dancer and volleyball player...always weighed between 150-160 lbs. Then in the course of 2 years I gained 80 lbs and continued to gain until I had lapband surgery. In the 5 years that my weight went up (I didn't know about the PCOS) I felt disgusted by my body; I hated looking in the mirror and tried so hard to lose any weight. I joined LA Weightloss, Jenny Craig, nutrisystem, a gym and had a personal trainer....I usually averaged 3 lbs a MONTH. It was the most frustrating period of my life because I tried it all. The metformin I started taking after I got diagnosed was the worst. I had constant stomach pain from the medicine and I knew that I couldn't continue. I seeked out info about lapband and told my bf about it every step of the way. He didn't like the idea of surgery but after he saw that I was well informed he slowly gave in. Currently I've lost 30 lbs (had surgery on Oct 6th) and it is the BEST thing I have ever done because I KNOW that if I hadn't had the surgery I would have continued gaining...it's just how it works. I also know that without the surgery weight loss would've been nearly impossible. I hated feeling like the fat ugly girl amongst all my skinny friends, but I know that I truly did it to feel comfortable in my own skin (being skinny is a plus), to be the happy person I used to be, to go shopping without any reservations, to smile at myself while looking in the mirror because I think I look GOOD. I did it to be skinny yeah but I did it to feel better about myself, to love myself, to finally be able to live the life I know I was meant to live. I did it for ME. My bf finally understood that and he had not other choice but to accept it and support me. Support her, nothing but good will come out of this...take it from all of us who know. Good luck to both of you :rolleyes2: -
Hey! Congrats on taking the steps to better your life. 1. How much loose skin do you have with the lap-band®..I've known people that have had the gastric, and they look like bats because of all of the skin, In my mind I thought that since the band is a longer process that there wouldn't be as much skin, is this true? I'm only a little over a month out and have only lost 30 lbs. Those 30 lbs have definitely been a blessing and my body has conformed so far. My surgeon told me that the younger you are the better your skin treats you, so we have that on our side. I'm hoping that my skin will continue to conform as I lose more weight. 2. I weigh 267 right now and I was wondering what you think would be a reasonableweight, I'm 5'7 and have a large frame on top of that. I started at 265 and I'm 5'4, currently at 234.2. My goal weight is 170 lbs. I think the closer I get to that goal I might consider changing it, but for now I'm hopeful and content with that "number". 3. Please tell me of the success you have had, it would really encourage me:thumbup:. I started gaining weight when I was around 20ish. I gained around 80 lbs in 2 years...it felt like I snap of your fingers and bam I was fat. I couldn't understand why and what happened I tried losing weight and it was nearly impossible. I would eat right, work out and I would lose like 3 lbs a month. After 5 years of struggling I found out (in April) that I have PCOS. My PCP explained to me that it is EXTREMELY difficult to lose weight having that, it can happen but very very very slowly and it's hard. Since I've had the surgery I have been able to lose 30 lbs...something I know I wouldn't of been able to do before. I'm so thankful, and I know it will continue. :wink5: 4. What's the worst thing you have expierenced as a result of being banded--I just want to be prepare!:thumbup: The gas after surgery really sucked but I eventually got through it. So I must say that everything has gone well...but if I had to mention something it's not being able to eat rice. I'm hispanic and rice to us is very important, so giving it up was a bit of a struggle but I did it. I know that maybe in the future I MIGHT be able to eat it again. I'll be fine without it. :lol2: Hope that helps! Take care!
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Hey guys! I've lost 4.8 lbs since last week. YAY! I was sick for 95% of the week, maybe that's why I lost so much...but I'll take it!
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I'm in, I've joined all the challenges isaviolinist has! It's helping me with my goals. I lost 4.8 lbs since last Monday! YAY! Good luck peeps!
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Hey Melissa! I just wanted to say HI and hope all is well with you and your approval, how's that coming along? Did you get the good news yet?
Let me know! Take care! Viv
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So hard to get the protein!
va_viv replied to anewlife10's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
If you like chocolate the unjury Protein shake is really good, and it's 20 grams per serving. If you drink it with 1% milk that adds another 8-9 grams. So, with one shake you'll get 28 grams already and do that twice a day and you should be almost good to go. The nutritionist told me that you should only try and get 20 grams at a time in your Protein Shake. The milk doesn't count in that. Good luck! -
My first nsv since being banded
va_viv replied to dhawkins's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Congrats on your success! I can understand about not thinking your weight loss has made a big difference. I'm down 26 lbs and I still can't really tell. But I have gotten compliments which is nice. Personally, I haven't been telling anyone. To think about it I was only asked once. I didn't lie per se but I just omitted the lap band part, I said "I'm watching what I eat and exercising" which is 100% true. I just don't want people knowing because I don't want that to become the center of all our convos. I've seen it happen and I don't want it. Maybe as more weight comes off things will change but as of right now that's how I'm feeling. Congrats again and good luck, the first day of work is always the toughest!! :hi: -
I am binge eating again - scared that band slipped
va_viv replied to GipsyGirl's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Hey Maria! I'm sorry to hear you're having such trouble, I was wondering how it was going with fellow band sister. I'm currently on my third week of mushies. Did your dr not make you go through this stage? I find that my hunger came back full force week 1 of the mushies stage, the swelling has definitely gone down and I'm back to feeling like I can eat anything and everything. But, I don't. What has helped for me has been measuring my food every night before I go to work. I have containers that I found at Wal-Mart that are 4 0z (1/2 cup) each. The nutritionist told me that I should only be eating up to 1 cup a meal so I measure 2 containers for Breakfast and lunch. For dinner I do the same, I cook something and measure it in my container and put it on my plate. It's been tough because I find myself hungry about 2-2.5 hrs after I eat but when I start feeling that way I drink Water. It's definitely a mind game, I constantly have to tell myself "you can do this, you'll get through this" and I move on. I also try to keep myself busy when I start thinking about food. We have practice some serious self control, but you can do it! Just try and start off slow, try by measuring your food and eating slowly...and when you're done with it you're done. Get up and do something else and you'll feel satisfied enough to last you a while. OH and I almost forgot don't forget the Protein shakes, they help a lot with the hunger in between meals. If you ever need to talk or anything just message me...here for ya band-sister! Vivian -
I haven't done so well lately, I'm almost at 4 weeks post op and this last week has been weird, I only lost 1 lbs. But, I will continue to push on. I'm so excited at the idea of reaching both goals. Thanks isaviolinist for the spreadsheets! I joined both. :thumbup:
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Guess who doesnt have a muffin top?!?!?
va_viv replied to ape087's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Congrats! I had a pair of jeans that were really tight and hard to zip...last weekend I tried they on and they slid right up and zipped with no problems...and no flab hanging out. They were a little loose too. YAY for us! Congrats guys! -
Hey congrats! I'm 3 weeks post op and I've lost 10 lbs since the surgery and 25 lbs all together. I'm excited and nervous about my first fill. I heard it's nothing to worry about, but still. My biggest fear is that the port will flip. Every time I move fast I stop and think "crap did I just make my port flip" LOL I know I'm a loser what can I say?!?! Good luck with everything and congrats again! :thumbup:
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Girl do I know how you are feeling!!! I am STARVING in between meals; the swelling they talk about has DEFINTELY gone down no more restriction for me. I’m about to start my third week of mushies and I am soooo over it. I can’t take it anymore, I want real food. My nutritionist told me that I should only be eating ? of a cup of food but if I’m hungry to eat up to a cup…are they flipping crazy? A ? of a cup would be torture; I’m doing the 1 cup and get hungry like 1 or 2 hrs after I eat. I’ve only lost 10 lbs since surgery as well and it’s kinda pissing me off. I was hoping to lose 5 more lbs by Halloween but that was a no go. Is this what bandster hell feels like? Like you I can’t wait for my fill, it’s scheduled for Nov 15th…can’t come any sooner.
Good luck! Just keep your eye on the prize…slutty Halloween costumes for next year. HAHA
Take care! Vivian -
Hey girl! How's everything going? Just wanted to say HI and hope all is well! Let me know!
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Hey! I'm doing great, thanks! I'm on my second week of mushies and I'm soooo over it! I can't wait to be able to eat REAL/NORMAL food! LOL But the band is working I've lost 26 lbs. YAY! Hoping to lose another 4 before halloween.
How's everything with you? Hope alllll is well with work & school!
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Good for you! I'm happy that everything is going well.
Thanks! I'm excited, I'm hoping that it continues like this.
I haven't gone to any meetings, but there is one next week on Wednesday (I think) in Woodbridge, I'm probably going to go to that one.
How about you? I wish I could find one strictly for bandsters.
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Hey! Nothing's really new. Everything is going really well!
Today is officially 3 wks post op, YAY! I'm on my second week of mushies and I'm kinda over it already. I'm super hungry between meals so I can't wait for my first fill. They say you should be eating a 1/4 of a cup...serious I don't think so!!! LOL Been eating 1 cup of food. I have 5 lbs to go to meet the 30 lb mark. YAY! Oh and I started exercising yesterday, it sucks but gotta do it! LOLHow are you doing? How's everything going? Are you done with the liquids? How's the hunger? Hope all is well!
Thanks for checking in!
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Exercise after Band
va_viv replied to J in Vermont's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I was told I could do elliptical and treadmill after my post-op visit (1 week post op) but no weights more then 10lbs, no ab workouts and no swimming for 6 weeks. Oh and I could resume going to zumba, but not do the ab parts. I'm almost 3 weeks post op and I haven't been doing much, however, I am starting my exercising this week. I finally feel 1000%. I'm doing the C25K (starting today) and going to the gym the rest of the days. Good luck everyone!!! Wish me luck with the C25K I'm a bit terrified because I've never been much of a runner! :huh2: -
manhannant, I've had 2 previous surgeries and have never been asked to stop taking my pills. I thought it was really strange but my surgeon, nutritionist and nurses kept telling me that it was VERY IMPORTANT to stop taking them. Oh well I guess! LOL Now I'm just waiting to get my period to be back on them. I shouldn't really complain because I rarely get a period without them but I've been told that this is one way to gain weight. Oh the wonders of the female body! :wink2:
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I was told the same thing. I had to stop my pills 1 month before and can't start it til 1 month post-op. It sucks because I have PCOS and getting my period monthly DOESN'T happen unless I'm on the pill. With my pill I have to wait until I get my period to start them...so I'm sure that I'll have to wait 3-4 months before I get my period so I can start my pills. |
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I went to the support meeting last night that Fair Oaks offers. They offer it every 3rd Monday of the month...for post and pre-op patients. It was ok, better then the one in Woodbridge, a lot more people. There were still the bypassers that thought that they were better then the bandsters (or that's the vibe I got) but the handful of bandsters stood up for ourselves. LOL I think I will continue going.
The support group in Woodbridge is not bad, there was only 1 bandster there, that's kinda why I didn't like it. I'm thinking of going to another one, they meet the 1st Wednesday of every month.
Just wanted to let you know about it.
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I'm back to being 100%...piece of cake right? LOL I'm assuming you're doing well. Hope everything went well. Did you stay overnight?
Oh btw, I went to the support group last night (at Fair Oaks), it was a little better then the one in Woodbridge, a lot more people. There were still some of the bypassers that thought they were the end all be all but I guess that comes with the territory.
Dr. Halmi actually went and talked to us, which was cool. Wishing you a speedy recovery.
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Hey! Welcome to band-land!
Hope you are doing well and recovering nicely.Good luck and let me know how you're doing.