GrandmaT
A Little was too much
Mar 08, 2009
I went in for my 6 week check and asked to have some fluid removed from my band. After talking with the nurse and Dr. Smolik we were in agreement that the stress of my granddaughter's tumor reoccurring has had an adverse effect on my band. Everything I was eating caused me pain - even yogurt. Dr. Smolik removed 1cc of fluid and that seems to have done the trick. I feel so much better. I still have pain if I don't chew enough but otherwise its all good. I did still lose 5 lbs. but I don't think that would last to much longer as I was leaning towards eating things that weren't so good for me. My old habits were creeping back in as I was seeking comfort.
Our granddaughter will be beginning her 3rd week of radiation therapy tomorrow. So far she is doing well. The doctors say that her throat will start to get soar this week and that her appetite will decrease since it will hurt to swallow. Right now she is stocking up on protein and carbs. She was here for dinner last night and ate a good helping of beef and noodles and wanted more noodles. I've suggested some protein supplements to my son and daughter-in-law so hopefully Miss Ava will not start losing weight. She's such a tiny thing already that I can't imagine she's got 2 lbs. to lose. The doctors will start her on steroids if she loses too much.
The week ahead will be busy at work and home so I'm hoping I can get on track and keep up the losing. I have been walking a lot more with my sister and I think that helps a bit with the stress.
Just a little one please
Jan 22, 2009
After that last fill I didn't expect to get much of one this time but I did get .25cc this time. Just enough to put a little squeeze on things. I thinks it's working pretty well since I couldn't eat much yesterday. I am noticing changes in the way I eat, mostly it's just slower and oh my do I chew, chew, chew. I have gotten "stuck" twice since my big fill (2cc) and it was no fun at all.
I guess I'm just a slow learner since I've read and read about chewing really well and did I follow the rule, no, I had to find out the hard the way.
I must say that I'm feeling really well. I'm walking more and we just bought a Wii and are having a ton of fun with that. We have been "bowling" with the neighbors and it's been a blast.
I've been buying new clothes and th old clothes are getting really baggy on me. I'm going to have to go through my closet and get rid of bunch of stuff. I even had to get new bras since the girls were really starting to point south. Had to throw out the old ones since the were no support at all. The girls feel so much better being up where they belong. One of my goals at the end of my weight loss is to get the girls tacked back up where they belong. I swear they will be to my waist by that time (they aren't far now)
Dr. Smolik is the BOMB!
Dec 10, 2008
I went in for another fill yesterday expecting Dr. Smolik to say he'd add 1cc to my band but to my surprise he said let's add 2ccs. I was hoping he'd do that but I figured there was no way. I had talked with the nurse at our support group meeting and she found out that I could eat any and everything, steak, apples with peel, bread, oranges with the membrane - just everything. I think she must have convinced the doctor that I should have a bigger fill.
Dr. Smolik did warn me that 2cc was a lot and if I felt chest pressure when eating or couldn't swallow my own spit that I needed to get back in right away for an unfill. So far so good. I was concerned when I took my pills this morning that I might have some difficulty but it all seems good right now. YEAH!!
I'm hoping that the weight starts coming off a little faster now. As of yesterday I'm down 40 lbs. I'm not complaining about that I just want it to continue.
I, like everyone else, am extremely busy with holiday stuff. I have to just keep plugging away in order to get it all done.
Dr. Smolik did warn me that 2cc was a lot and if I felt chest pressure when eating or couldn't swallow my own spit that I needed to get back in right away for an unfill. So far so good. I was concerned when I took my pills this morning that I might have some difficulty but it all seems good right now. YEAH!!
I'm hoping that the weight starts coming off a little faster now. As of yesterday I'm down 40 lbs. I'm not complaining about that I just want it to continue.
I, like everyone else, am extremely busy with holiday stuff. I have to just keep plugging away in order to get it all done.
Listen
Dec 09, 2008
An OH friend sent this to me - I thought it was worth repeating.
I found this on a BB on the website for the show "Ruby". It touched my heart because so much of it describes me, my thoughts, and my feelings ... so I thought I would share it with all of you ... God bless each and everyone of you!
~*~*~*~
LISTEN TO THE LIFE OF THE MORBIDLY OBESE
Author Unknown
LISTEN to the embarrassment we encounter in our every day life. The name-calling, stares, rude comments and looks of disgust we endure battling the last acceptable form of discrimination. People we meet that give us a far wider berth than we need when passing us on the street, in the hall … in life. Afraid that somehow our disease of obesity might be contagious.
LISTEN to our apprehension as we expertly eye the chair. Will we break it, or will we fit. Will we ever fit into life, as "normal" people know it?
LISTEN to our agony as we just walk and perform the simple activities of daily living on joints screaming in pain from an incredible burden they were never meant to carry.
LISTEN to the pain of our humiliation when ridiculed by a doctor for "allowing" ourselves to get so fat. Realizing even the doctor's office is not a "safe" place, we tend to neglect our health even more. Hey doctor, didn't you take an oath to help?
LISTEN to our hopelessness after being turned down over and over for a job or promotion because we don't "match the corporate image" of the person they envision for this position.
LISTEN to our guilt. Because of our size, we feel we've cheated those we love out of the parent, spouse, child or friend we feel we should've been. Our embarrassment has now become theirs as well.
LISTEN to our anticipation as we eagerly embark on yet another diet. THIS will be the one. This time I WILL SUCEED!
LISTEN to our frustration as once again we fail at another attempt to lose weight, reinforcing once again our feelings of worthlessness, failure and defeat.
LISTEN to our fear for what life holds if we don't have surgery. We try to ignore it, to stuff it down, but when we are brutally honest with ourselves, we realize an early death is an almost certainty.
LISTEN to our indecision as we do extensive research, trying to outweigh the risk of complications (up to and including death) versus the chance of a new life. A chance to improve our health, move without pain, play with our children, the opportunity to just "fit in" to society.
LISTEN to our indecision as we second-guess our decision to have surgery. As we ask ourselves, "Should I try just one more diet?" … And tell ourselves, "If I only had more willpower." Knowing that willpower isn’t the whole answer.
LISTEN to us as we eagerly meet with the surgeon, with our five-page, single-spaced, list of questions in hand. Let down by the medical profession in the past, can I really trust this person who looks at me with compassion, as he assures me I'm a "good candidate" and he can help? Please God, I want to believe him, tell me I'm not setting myself up for failure once again.
LISTEN to our feelings of helplessness as we place our future in the hands of an insurance company. Fully aware that with a simple denial letter, all the work we have done to this point, may be pointless. This surgery is not without cost, physical, emotional and monetary.
LISTEN to our joy as we open the long awaited "approval letter" or obtain financing to make this dream a reality.
LISTEN to us as we grasp for a chance at improved health, of moving with ease and just living life as a "normal" person.
LISTEN to our renewed hope of living long enough to see our children grow up, get married, play with grandchildren and grow old alongside our mate.
LISTEN to our fear as we roll into the surgical suite. The sights, the smells, the needles, the faceless people behind the masks. Do you care? Do you understand, or will you too make cracks about my weight once I'm asleep? My life is now in your hands, please take care of me. I have a brand new life ahead of me, and so much to live for.
LISTEN to the sigh of relief as we wake up in pain … but alive! Stand up, walk a few steps, cough and deep breathe. Sure nurse, whatever you say, I can handle it … because I'm alive!
LISTEN to our delight as the weight starts to drop off, realizing this is for real. We are actually on the losing side.
LISTEN to our misery as the body we once knew so well, now betrays us with nausea and vomiting when we attempt to eat.
LISTEN to our frustration as we attempt to do something as simple as drinking a glass of water.
LISTEN to our panic at the first plateau or weight gain. As that little voice inside tells us, "Once again I'm a failure."
LISTEN to us relax and let out our breath as we watch the numbers on the scale edge down once again. Plateau over. Renewed hope. Maybe I will make it after all.
LISTEN to our efforts to move as we slowly and painfully attempt to exercise in a body that is still morbidly obese.
LISTEN to our confusion as our emotions wreck havoc with us. Why am I crying? Why do I feel depressed? Why am I mean and snapping at the ones I love? I don't like this person that has taken over my emotions.
LISTEN to our sense of accomplishment the first time we walk a mile. It rivals the high of any runner completing their first marathon.
LISTEN to our depression when we realize we can no longer soothe our emotions with food. We now have to learn to feel and deal with these emotions.
LISTEN to our tears as we mourn the loss of that brief but satisfying sensation of gratification we once obtained from the "comfort foods" we can no longer have.
LISTEN to our obsession surrounding the scale, vitamins, protein drinks and carb counts, determined not to fail "this time".
LISTEN to our sense of accomplishment as we pass up that calorie laden, high carbohydrate treat, telling ourselves, "My new life is sweeter than any dessert."
LISTEN to our elation as we reach that "century mark" that once seemed so distant, but now is a reality.
LISTEN to our resolve to reach our goals. Moving the weight on the scale down another notch, reaching a new "century" of numbers, wearing the dream outfit and attaining our "goal" weight.
LISTEN to the gratefulness in our hearts as we thank our surgeon for not only their technical skills, but equally important, their understanding and compassion for the morbidly obese. Thank you doctor for the opportunity to rejoin society and live a fulfilling life.
LISTEN to our amazement as we come to the realization that "reaching goal" wasn't the most important thing in life. It was the lessons we learned, the friends we made and the sense of accomplishment we gained along the way.
LISTEN, don't talk, don't give advice, don't judge, just listen. And then, maybe then, you will start to understand the life of a morbidly obese person.
I am getting a fill today so hopefully that will get me back on the band wagon!
I found this on a BB on the website for the show "Ruby". It touched my heart because so much of it describes me, my thoughts, and my feelings ... so I thought I would share it with all of you ... God bless each and everyone of you!
~*~*~*~
LISTEN TO THE LIFE OF THE MORBIDLY OBESE
Author Unknown
LISTEN to the embarrassment we encounter in our every day life. The name-calling, stares, rude comments and looks of disgust we endure battling the last acceptable form of discrimination. People we meet that give us a far wider berth than we need when passing us on the street, in the hall … in life. Afraid that somehow our disease of obesity might be contagious.
LISTEN to our apprehension as we expertly eye the chair. Will we break it, or will we fit. Will we ever fit into life, as "normal" people know it?
LISTEN to our agony as we just walk and perform the simple activities of daily living on joints screaming in pain from an incredible burden they were never meant to carry.
LISTEN to the pain of our humiliation when ridiculed by a doctor for "allowing" ourselves to get so fat. Realizing even the doctor's office is not a "safe" place, we tend to neglect our health even more. Hey doctor, didn't you take an oath to help?
LISTEN to our hopelessness after being turned down over and over for a job or promotion because we don't "match the corporate image" of the person they envision for this position.
LISTEN to our guilt. Because of our size, we feel we've cheated those we love out of the parent, spouse, child or friend we feel we should've been. Our embarrassment has now become theirs as well.
LISTEN to our anticipation as we eagerly embark on yet another diet. THIS will be the one. This time I WILL SUCEED!
LISTEN to our frustration as once again we fail at another attempt to lose weight, reinforcing once again our feelings of worthlessness, failure and defeat.
LISTEN to our fear for what life holds if we don't have surgery. We try to ignore it, to stuff it down, but when we are brutally honest with ourselves, we realize an early death is an almost certainty.
LISTEN to our indecision as we do extensive research, trying to outweigh the risk of complications (up to and including death) versus the chance of a new life. A chance to improve our health, move without pain, play with our children, the opportunity to just "fit in" to society.
LISTEN to our indecision as we second-guess our decision to have surgery. As we ask ourselves, "Should I try just one more diet?" … And tell ourselves, "If I only had more willpower." Knowing that willpower isn’t the whole answer.
LISTEN to us as we eagerly meet with the surgeon, with our five-page, single-spaced, list of questions in hand. Let down by the medical profession in the past, can I really trust this person who looks at me with compassion, as he assures me I'm a "good candidate" and he can help? Please God, I want to believe him, tell me I'm not setting myself up for failure once again.
LISTEN to our feelings of helplessness as we place our future in the hands of an insurance company. Fully aware that with a simple denial letter, all the work we have done to this point, may be pointless. This surgery is not without cost, physical, emotional and monetary.
LISTEN to our joy as we open the long awaited "approval letter" or obtain financing to make this dream a reality.
LISTEN to us as we grasp for a chance at improved health, of moving with ease and just living life as a "normal" person.
LISTEN to our renewed hope of living long enough to see our children grow up, get married, play with grandchildren and grow old alongside our mate.
LISTEN to our fear as we roll into the surgical suite. The sights, the smells, the needles, the faceless people behind the masks. Do you care? Do you understand, or will you too make cracks about my weight once I'm asleep? My life is now in your hands, please take care of me. I have a brand new life ahead of me, and so much to live for.
LISTEN to the sigh of relief as we wake up in pain … but alive! Stand up, walk a few steps, cough and deep breathe. Sure nurse, whatever you say, I can handle it … because I'm alive!
LISTEN to our delight as the weight starts to drop off, realizing this is for real. We are actually on the losing side.
LISTEN to our misery as the body we once knew so well, now betrays us with nausea and vomiting when we attempt to eat.
LISTEN to our frustration as we attempt to do something as simple as drinking a glass of water.
LISTEN to our panic at the first plateau or weight gain. As that little voice inside tells us, "Once again I'm a failure."
LISTEN to us relax and let out our breath as we watch the numbers on the scale edge down once again. Plateau over. Renewed hope. Maybe I will make it after all.
LISTEN to our efforts to move as we slowly and painfully attempt to exercise in a body that is still morbidly obese.
LISTEN to our confusion as our emotions wreck havoc with us. Why am I crying? Why do I feel depressed? Why am I mean and snapping at the ones I love? I don't like this person that has taken over my emotions.
LISTEN to our sense of accomplishment the first time we walk a mile. It rivals the high of any runner completing their first marathon.
LISTEN to our depression when we realize we can no longer soothe our emotions with food. We now have to learn to feel and deal with these emotions.
LISTEN to our tears as we mourn the loss of that brief but satisfying sensation of gratification we once obtained from the "comfort foods" we can no longer have.
LISTEN to our obsession surrounding the scale, vitamins, protein drinks and carb counts, determined not to fail "this time".
LISTEN to our sense of accomplishment as we pass up that calorie laden, high carbohydrate treat, telling ourselves, "My new life is sweeter than any dessert."
LISTEN to our elation as we reach that "century mark" that once seemed so distant, but now is a reality.
LISTEN to our resolve to reach our goals. Moving the weight on the scale down another notch, reaching a new "century" of numbers, wearing the dream outfit and attaining our "goal" weight.
LISTEN to the gratefulness in our hearts as we thank our surgeon for not only their technical skills, but equally important, their understanding and compassion for the morbidly obese. Thank you doctor for the opportunity to rejoin society and live a fulfilling life.
LISTEN to our amazement as we come to the realization that "reaching goal" wasn't the most important thing in life. It was the lessons we learned, the friends we made and the sense of accomplishment we gained along the way.
LISTEN, don't talk, don't give advice, don't judge, just listen. And then, maybe then, you will start to understand the life of a morbidly obese person.
I am getting a fill today so hopefully that will get me back on the band wagon!
Latest
Dec 07, 2008
When I went for my last fill apparently I only had 2cc in my band so I go another 2cc and went on my way. I haven't really noticed a lot of difference except that most meat goes down slower. I can eat most anything else (including pizza) without much difficulty. I do find that I'm getting full faster but it still seems like I'm eating quite a bit.
I was holding between 290-292 until this last week and now I've dropped down to 287. I can't think that I've done anything different but hey I'll take it.
I did start tracking what I'm eating again and I noticed that I was going over the 1200 calorie mark so maybe that is what has helped me lose those 5 lbs. - being more conscious of what I'm eating.
I go for another fill on Wednesday and I'm hoping that this is the sweet spot. If not though, I'll just keep on plugging away.
I do wish I could exercise more. The arthritis in my knees has made it difficult even to walk. I can walk but I pay for it later. I'm going to have to come up with a better solution - something not so hard on the joints and that doesn't require a bathing suit. Let's be honest, I got rolls where there shouldn't be any and any pool would clear out immediately once seeing me. Hey, that might not be a bad idea; I'd have the pool all to myself.
I was holding between 290-292 until this last week and now I've dropped down to 287. I can't think that I've done anything different but hey I'll take it.
I did start tracking what I'm eating again and I noticed that I was going over the 1200 calorie mark so maybe that is what has helped me lose those 5 lbs. - being more conscious of what I'm eating.
I go for another fill on Wednesday and I'm hoping that this is the sweet spot. If not though, I'll just keep on plugging away.
I do wish I could exercise more. The arthritis in my knees has made it difficult even to walk. I can walk but I pay for it later. I'm going to have to come up with a better solution - something not so hard on the joints and that doesn't require a bathing suit. Let's be honest, I got rolls where there shouldn't be any and any pool would clear out immediately once seeing me. Hey, that might not be a bad idea; I'd have the pool all to myself.
Restriction? What's that?
Oct 21, 2008
I am wide open. I have another fill scheduled for next Wednesday and I can't wait. On the up side - people are noticing my loss. Two of my kids said they can see in in my forearms. I'll be able to see my wrist bones soon! And that ugly butt shelf is going away too. I went shopping and got sweaters in a 2X!
I was missing the signal
Oct 14, 2008
I went to support group last night and was talking about this feeling I get when I'm eating. It's kind of like the beginning of heartburn and feels like food is lining up in my throat. I attributed it to eating to fast. If I sit up straight and give it a minute the feeling passes. I told nurse Chris this and she said that she thought this is probably my signal to stop eating. What the .....! I didn't even consider that. She said the next time it happens to just stop eating and see how I feel.
Even though I've been waiting for a signal I never thought that would be it. I haven't been following the rules so well lately so I'm back on the bandwagon now!
Even though I haven't been following the rules the best (drinking with meals and not measuring food) I'm still losing. I think my choices are better or I'm just eating smaller quantities. Whatever it is, I'll take it.
I lost another pound this morning so the total is 38.5! I can't wait to hit the 40, 50 and 60 lb. marks.
Even though I've been waiting for a signal I never thought that would be it. I haven't been following the rules so well lately so I'm back on the bandwagon now!
Even though I haven't been following the rules the best (drinking with meals and not measuring food) I'm still losing. I think my choices are better or I'm just eating smaller quantities. Whatever it is, I'll take it.
I lost another pound this morning so the total is 38.5! I can't wait to hit the 40, 50 and 60 lb. marks.
Cake
Oct 12, 2008
I'm still not noticing much difference in the amount of food I can eat since my fill. I do notice it going down a little slower so maybe that is the difference.
I went to a baby shower and a wedding on Saturday and had cake at both! AAAACK! I should have known better. I think it was too much sugar since Sunday I ended up with diarrhea. I tried to blame it on the green peppers in my breakfast omelet but I'm pretty sure now it was all that sugar. Lesson learned - I'm now sensitive to sugar. Actually this is a God send!
I'm down 37.5 lbs. as of today so I have no complaints. I need to slow down my eating and take smaller bites. Behavior modification is a major part of this tool.
I went to a baby shower and a wedding on Saturday and had cake at both! AAAACK! I should have known better. I think it was too much sugar since Sunday I ended up with diarrhea. I tried to blame it on the green peppers in my breakfast omelet but I'm pretty sure now it was all that sugar. Lesson learned - I'm now sensitive to sugar. Actually this is a God send!
I'm down 37.5 lbs. as of today so I have no complaints. I need to slow down my eating and take smaller bites. Behavior modification is a major part of this tool.
1st Fill
Oct 08, 2008
I had my first fill today. Dr. Smolik inserted 3cc of saline in my band. Right away I could tell that fluid was not going down as quickly so I guess he hit the right spot. I've lost 30 lbs. according to them so that's great. I had been hanging right at 295.5 for the last 2 weeks and then this morning all of a sudden I lost 2 lbs. That just amazes me how the body works.
I have my next appointment scheduled for 6 weeks for another fill but was told that if I felt like I could eat anything/everything before then to come back and I could get another fill.
This is so awesome! I can't wait to see how the next 6 weeks turn out!
It's time to turn up the exercise also. I had cortisone injections in both my knees this week so everything is feeling good again!
I have my next appointment scheduled for 6 weeks for another fill but was told that if I felt like I could eat anything/everything before then to come back and I could get another fill.
This is so awesome! I can't wait to see how the next 6 weeks turn out!
It's time to turn up the exercise also. I had cortisone injections in both my knees this week so everything is feeling good again!
It's Back!
Sep 28, 2008
My appetite that is. It's back full force. This must be what they call bandster hell. I'm trying to make good food choices in reasonable quantities. We've had birthdays and baby showers this last weekend so cake seemed to be everywhere. I swear I heard it calling my name yesterday - you know how it goes, in a whisper "Terry...I'm over here. Come and get me. Mmmmm, I taste so good. One little bite. Come here!"
I did eat some but we gave the rest to the neighbors. Thank goodness my husband had a sane moment because I could have eaten the whole mess.
I'm down 14 pounds since surgery so I'm pretty happy with that. I'm excited for my fill next week. I know it won't be a lot but I'll be able to move forward from there. I won't have to wait 6 weeks for another fill unless I want to.
Good luck to my friend Jill, she's getting her band tomorrow!
I did eat some but we gave the rest to the neighbors. Thank goodness my husband had a sane moment because I could have eaten the whole mess.
I'm down 14 pounds since surgery so I'm pretty happy with that. I'm excited for my fill next week. I know it won't be a lot but I'll be able to move forward from there. I won't have to wait 6 weeks for another fill unless I want to.
Good luck to my friend Jill, she's getting her band tomorrow!
About Me
IA
Location
45.9
BMI
Surgery
08/26/2008
Surgery Date
Jul 09, 2008
Member Since
