raysarstorm93
First Fill- No big deal
Aug 22, 2007
I was able to get my first fill in radiology on Monday August 20th.
I was somewhat nervous, but the staff at the hospital were absolutely fabulous (as always).
I thought I might be grossed out by seeing my insides on the screen, but it was actually kind of cool. The radiologist numbed my port area a few times, which didn't hurt anymore than being pinched. The fill was absolutely painless.
I am hoping this fill will help since my weight has been at a stand still since August 6th.
I am excited for next week. My daughter will start kindergarten (hallelujah) and I will have a bit more time to myself to do things I need to.
I am really happy today to try out some real food and see how things go down. I'm not going for fancy, just some nice regular healthy food.
So far it has been an uneventful week. Here's hoping the rest of the week goes smoothly.
I was somewhat nervous, but the staff at the hospital were absolutely fabulous (as always).
I thought I might be grossed out by seeing my insides on the screen, but it was actually kind of cool. The radiologist numbed my port area a few times, which didn't hurt anymore than being pinched. The fill was absolutely painless.
I am hoping this fill will help since my weight has been at a stand still since August 6th.
I am excited for next week. My daughter will start kindergarten (hallelujah) and I will have a bit more time to myself to do things I need to.
I am really happy today to try out some real food and see how things go down. I'm not going for fancy, just some nice regular healthy food.
So far it has been an uneventful week. Here's hoping the rest of the week goes smoothly.
Scale Victory!! Down 30 lbs
Aug 06, 2007
So yesterday I got on the scale and I am down 30 lbs!!! I am at 329, which is the least I have weighed in over a year. I am really hoping that I can lose another 30 lbs by Christmas time so I can be 299, which will be the least I have weighed in a decade.
My incisions are healing nicely now. Antibiotics totally helped to get rid of the infection and the only thing that bothers me now is the marks from the bandaids.
I'm starting to have more energy now (hooray) instead of being so tired in the afternoons. I am also amazed that I am able to take 30 minutes to eat a cup of food, instead of eating a huge meal in under 5 minutes like I used to.
People are starting to comment that they are proud of me and that I am looking better.
I am so glad that I had this surgery!! I have already scheduled my first fill for later this month. I'm a little anxious about it, but know that I will be in good hands at the radiology department at the hospital.
I'm feeling very optimistic about my future and about life right now.
My incisions are healing nicely now. Antibiotics totally helped to get rid of the infection and the only thing that bothers me now is the marks from the bandaids.
I'm starting to have more energy now (hooray) instead of being so tired in the afternoons. I am also amazed that I am able to take 30 minutes to eat a cup of food, instead of eating a huge meal in under 5 minutes like I used to.
People are starting to comment that they are proud of me and that I am looking better.
I am so glad that I had this surgery!! I have already scheduled my first fill for later this month. I'm a little anxious about it, but know that I will be in good hands at the radiology department at the hospital.
I'm feeling very optimistic about my future and about life right now.
Incision Infections
Aug 02, 2007
Things are going well. I am loving this mushy food stage. It is so much better than drinking my meals.
My port incision is still hurting and was getting infected. My doctor's nurse got me in straight away and they now have me on anti-biotics. I will be so glad when the infection clears up.
My weight has gone up a few pounds, but is starting to come back down again. I'm not discouraged by this because bodies adjust and rearrange weight as we lose, so it may be up a pound or two today, but will come back down.
I've been keeping a food log so I can send that in to get a fill scheduled.
It seems weird to me that my insurance has to approve a fill, when they already approved my surgery. Seems backwards to me, but whatever. At least I will be covered.
Life is good right now. I am enjoying my knees not hurting all the time and I am motivated to exercise now that I don't hurt so much all the time.
My port incision is still hurting and was getting infected. My doctor's nurse got me in straight away and they now have me on anti-biotics. I will be so glad when the infection clears up.
My weight has gone up a few pounds, but is starting to come back down again. I'm not discouraged by this because bodies adjust and rearrange weight as we lose, so it may be up a pound or two today, but will come back down.
I've been keeping a food log so I can send that in to get a fill scheduled.
It seems weird to me that my insurance has to approve a fill, when they already approved my surgery. Seems backwards to me, but whatever. At least I will be covered.
Life is good right now. I am enjoying my knees not hurting all the time and I am motivated to exercise now that I don't hurt so much all the time.
Don't drink too fast--or else it'll get ya!
Jul 22, 2007
I am learning so much as a new bandster. Apparently, some things you just have to experience for yourself before you "get it".
Like the other night, I was dehydrated after standing in line for 45 minutes to get the 7th Harry Potter book, so when I got home, I drank a lot of water- just totally gulped it down. --BAD MOVE
A few seconds later I thought I was totally going to thow up all over everything. My chest was tight and I was 'sliming'. In my head I kept thinking, don't panic, just breathe. I managed to burb and felt a lot better, but then about 20 minutes later, I felt the whole thing all over again as I was laying in bed and trying to sleep.
Yesterday, I managed to drink properly and enjoyed relaxing and reading. Deathly Hallows (HP7) is definately my favorite. Today, I have continued to relax and read. I finished the book. There is one chapter where I just started to cry (I'm sentimental). I didn't cry when any of the characters died, but there was just one moment when I just had to cry. This book was amazing. Sorry- no spoilers here, you'll just have to read for yourself. I will say that all loose ends are tied up in this book and that I thoroughly enjoyed it.
My port incision is still sore, everything itches, but otherwise I'm feeling really good. I'm so glad I had this surgery. I'm looking forward to working out tomorrow.
Full liquids
Jul 20, 2007
It's hard to believe that I made it to full liquids. I was so very happy this morning to have something other than the clear protein drinks.
I started off with carnation instant breakfast (no sugar kind) in rich chocolate. I got it nice and frothy and it tasted so fabulous. I really don't remember it tasting so good, but after protein drinks I probably could eat anything and think it tasted good. lol
I was able to have cream of chicken soup (strained). I like to put part milk, part fat free sour cream in it with a bit of salt and lemon pepper. It really bulks up the taste. I wasn't able to eat all of it at dinner, and I only had 1 cup of it. Totally amazing.
For snacks I had sugar free chocolate pudding. This stuff is heavenly right now. I like being able to take my time to eat it. Before being banded I could go through 4-6 servings in a matter of minutes, now I take nearly 15 to eat just a 1/2 cup. I really feel like I am tasting my food and enjoying it, instead of stuffing my face.
I feel so much stronger today. My incisions aren't hurting, except for the port one. This totally makes sense to me since it is 3 times as big as the other ones and a lot of things have been moved around in that area- so of course it is going to hurt more. lol
We had a family party tonight. It was wonderful. I brought my strained cream of chicken soup and pudding. I felt a little bit sad seeing all the good food I love so much and not being able to eat it, but I will be there soon enough. I really enjoyed talking to everyone and being able to enjoy the conversation, instead of having food be my main focus.
OT: Harry Potter Book 7 comes out in 2 hours. I actually didn't pre-order it this time. I'm just going to pop in the car and drive to the local supermarket and pick one up just after midnight. They promised to be on display at midnight, and last time a book came out, they had loads of them and at a better price than the book stores- so we'll see how this little experiment pays off.
I started off with carnation instant breakfast (no sugar kind) in rich chocolate. I got it nice and frothy and it tasted so fabulous. I really don't remember it tasting so good, but after protein drinks I probably could eat anything and think it tasted good. lol
I was able to have cream of chicken soup (strained). I like to put part milk, part fat free sour cream in it with a bit of salt and lemon pepper. It really bulks up the taste. I wasn't able to eat all of it at dinner, and I only had 1 cup of it. Totally amazing.
For snacks I had sugar free chocolate pudding. This stuff is heavenly right now. I like being able to take my time to eat it. Before being banded I could go through 4-6 servings in a matter of minutes, now I take nearly 15 to eat just a 1/2 cup. I really feel like I am tasting my food and enjoying it, instead of stuffing my face.
I feel so much stronger today. My incisions aren't hurting, except for the port one. This totally makes sense to me since it is 3 times as big as the other ones and a lot of things have been moved around in that area- so of course it is going to hurt more. lol
We had a family party tonight. It was wonderful. I brought my strained cream of chicken soup and pudding. I felt a little bit sad seeing all the good food I love so much and not being able to eat it, but I will be there soon enough. I really enjoyed talking to everyone and being able to enjoy the conversation, instead of having food be my main focus.
OT: Harry Potter Book 7 comes out in 2 hours. I actually didn't pre-order it this time. I'm just going to pop in the car and drive to the local supermarket and pick one up just after midnight. They promised to be on display at midnight, and last time a book came out, they had loads of them and at a better price than the book stores- so we'll see how this little experiment pays off.
Surgery to Post op Day 2
Jul 19, 2007
So now I am 2 days post op. I actually feel well enough to sit at the computer and type for a bit. I probably should do a quick rundown of how things have gone for the past few days.
SURGERY...
Oh my gosh, I was pretty nervous that morning. In fact, I don't think I slept much that night. I got ready pretty quickly and my hubby took a 'before' picture. I weighed in at 333 lbs, which means I have lost 20 lbs in one week.
We drove to the hospital and got checked in. After changing into the hospital gown, which was definately big enough for me, I got the heparin shot in my belly. It didn't hurt as much as I thought it would. Then it was time for the i.v. The nurse numbed my hand, which did hurt- but not much. Putting the i.v. in didn't hurt at all, what a huge difference! So if you ever need an i.v. in your hand, ask them to numb it up first. It is worth it, IMHO.
I had the coolest anesthesiologist. He was so hip. It totally put me at ease. He gave me a shot through the i.v. to calm me down. I remember them wheeling me into the operating room and then he put the mask over me and I took deep breaths. The next thing I knew, I was in a recovery room. The nurse was so nice. I felt like I had just had the most wonderful sleep, except I felt really tight around my chest. Once I was more awake, they moved me into a post-op room where my hubby could be with me. They took off the support bandage, which is why I felt so tight, and I felt a whole lot better. I was up and walking around about 45 minutes later and I was able to go home about 30 minutes after that. The rest of the day I spent in bed, except to get up to go to the bathroom.
POST OP DAY 1...
Yesterday I was so sore. I definately took as much lortab as I could, and I used the icepack I got from the hospital a lot too. I was able to get up on my own, but it was really painful. I drank liquids every chance I got, and then I rested in bed. My little Sprite cat didn't understand that she can't crawl up on me like she usually does, but she eventually got the hint. She curled up near my feet and batted at them, or sat on them. In the afternoon, she just curled up on the other side of the bed. It was nice to know she understood I was in pain and that she just wanted to be near me.
POST OP- DAY 2...
So now I am 2 days post op. I am feeling a ton better. I don't need as much lortab for pain, and it is much easier to get up and about. I still need a lot of rest, and I was really enjoying my ice pack, until I set it down to go to the bathroom and Sprite put her claws into it. Now there is water at the foot of my bed and a cat looking up at me with the "I didn't do it" look. lol
I get to move to full liquids tomorrow. I am so happy for that. I can hardly wait till I can have strained cream of chicken soup, or sugar free/fat free pudding. It will be heavenly. But for today, I'm still on clear liquids.
SURGERY...
Oh my gosh, I was pretty nervous that morning. In fact, I don't think I slept much that night. I got ready pretty quickly and my hubby took a 'before' picture. I weighed in at 333 lbs, which means I have lost 20 lbs in one week.
We drove to the hospital and got checked in. After changing into the hospital gown, which was definately big enough for me, I got the heparin shot in my belly. It didn't hurt as much as I thought it would. Then it was time for the i.v. The nurse numbed my hand, which did hurt- but not much. Putting the i.v. in didn't hurt at all, what a huge difference! So if you ever need an i.v. in your hand, ask them to numb it up first. It is worth it, IMHO.
I had the coolest anesthesiologist. He was so hip. It totally put me at ease. He gave me a shot through the i.v. to calm me down. I remember them wheeling me into the operating room and then he put the mask over me and I took deep breaths. The next thing I knew, I was in a recovery room. The nurse was so nice. I felt like I had just had the most wonderful sleep, except I felt really tight around my chest. Once I was more awake, they moved me into a post-op room where my hubby could be with me. They took off the support bandage, which is why I felt so tight, and I felt a whole lot better. I was up and walking around about 45 minutes later and I was able to go home about 30 minutes after that. The rest of the day I spent in bed, except to get up to go to the bathroom.
POST OP DAY 1...
Yesterday I was so sore. I definately took as much lortab as I could, and I used the icepack I got from the hospital a lot too. I was able to get up on my own, but it was really painful. I drank liquids every chance I got, and then I rested in bed. My little Sprite cat didn't understand that she can't crawl up on me like she usually does, but she eventually got the hint. She curled up near my feet and batted at them, or sat on them. In the afternoon, she just curled up on the other side of the bed. It was nice to know she understood I was in pain and that she just wanted to be near me.
POST OP- DAY 2...
So now I am 2 days post op. I am feeling a ton better. I don't need as much lortab for pain, and it is much easier to get up and about. I still need a lot of rest, and I was really enjoying my ice pack, until I set it down to go to the bathroom and Sprite put her claws into it. Now there is water at the foot of my bed and a cat looking up at me with the "I didn't do it" look. lol
I get to move to full liquids tomorrow. I am so happy for that. I can hardly wait till I can have strained cream of chicken soup, or sugar free/fat free pudding. It will be heavenly. But for today, I'm still on clear liquids.
2 days to go! Wholly Cow!
Jul 15, 2007
Oh my, 2 days till my surgery. My nerves are starting to get to me. What in the world was I thinking? Oh yeah, I was thinking that this was a fabulous idea and that I am worth this effort.
I got on the scale this morning and my weight is 337 lbs. The last time I weighed under 340 was a year ago. This liquid diet is totally working. I had always wondered how people lost 20 lbs before their surgery, now the mystery is answered. lol
I have had a relaxing weekend. My wonderful, considerate hubby went up to Idaho to do some fishing and took our daughter, Allie, with him. My hubby's oldest sister, Arlene, is such a saint. She is everyone's favorite aunt. She absolutely adores her neices and nephews. She offered to let Allie stay over for the weekend and they have both had a fun-filled time together. My hubby went fishing with his dad and brother and they had a lot of success. As for me, I watched several movies that my hubby will never want to see, I dyed my hair (yes loreal is a girl's best friend), got my nails done and had a relaxing pedicure.
Tomorrow is my hubby's birthday. It sucks that we can't go out to eat, but we'll get through it. At least my daughter and he can enjoy some cake and icecream.
I am excited about my surgery. I know I can get through this. God is mindful of me and He will see me through this.
I got on the scale this morning and my weight is 337 lbs. The last time I weighed under 340 was a year ago. This liquid diet is totally working. I had always wondered how people lost 20 lbs before their surgery, now the mystery is answered. lol
I have had a relaxing weekend. My wonderful, considerate hubby went up to Idaho to do some fishing and took our daughter, Allie, with him. My hubby's oldest sister, Arlene, is such a saint. She is everyone's favorite aunt. She absolutely adores her neices and nephews. She offered to let Allie stay over for the weekend and they have both had a fun-filled time together. My hubby went fishing with his dad and brother and they had a lot of success. As for me, I watched several movies that my hubby will never want to see, I dyed my hair (yes loreal is a girl's best friend), got my nails done and had a relaxing pedicure.
Tomorrow is my hubby's birthday. It sucks that we can't go out to eat, but we'll get through it. At least my daughter and he can enjoy some cake and icecream.
I am excited about my surgery. I know I can get through this. God is mindful of me and He will see me through this.
About Me
UT
Location
48.1
BMI
Surgery
07/17/2007
Surgery Date
Mar 06, 2007
Member Since
