AugerTA2
First Fill! :-D
Sep 23, 2009
I had my first fill today. I am 4 weeks post-op, and had almost no restriction. I've been eating less than I did pre-op, but that is mostly due to forcing myself to eat slower and portion control, and through that I've noticed that I feel full at about 75-80% of the portion sizes I used to eat.
At the doctor's office:
1. My blood pressure was good. I've always had good to so-so blood pressure, but I got so stressed during the last 2 months before surgery that I had a few BPs that were in the 150/90's range (which if sustains means BP medication time), and that was VERY unusual for me, so I was able to convince the docs that it was either stress or the "doctor's office effect" (where your BP is fine but you test high at the doc's office...it's been proven!).
2. I weighed in, and I am down 4lbs in two weeks. It is slow loss, but for no restriction AND a back injury (meaning I can't always exercise like I'm supposed to due to pain, and at this time I can't do intense exercise), I count -4lbs as a win. I've heard of people gaining during this time, so I was happy just to move the scale downward, little as it may be. The doctor who did my fill was pleased with my loss, though my surgeon told me to walk more and faster (I think he says that to everyone.).
3. The doctor who did my fill (not my surgeon, but another doctor in the office) really listened to my answers when she asked about my eating, feelings of restriction (or not), and her responses made me feel really good about my progress so far.
4. My fill went super fast. I thought I'd feel a big pinch or pain, but the doc didn't even need to numb me or anything like that. I asked if it was going to hurt (she said it wouldn't), and sure enough, it felt lighter than being touched by the edge of a fingernail. It was over and done pretty quick, although I did steal a glance at my belly--it looked so cool! Afterward, I had a few more questions, and asked if my weight loss was on track, etc. I drank the cup of water with no problems, but I had some fluid seeping from the bandaid (the doc said sometimes there is fluid around the port site), so I got two rounds of clean-up-and-bandage. My instructions are to keep walking, have full liquids/runny mushies for 24 hours, then go to softs, then normal food as tolerated, and my next fill is in 6 weeks if needed. I now have 5ccs in my 12cc band.
All in all, it went much smoother than I had anticipated, and I had a small dinner or 4oz refried beans thinned with enchilada sauce & a bit of water...and I felt full! I even stayed "full" for a good 3 hours! I could learn to like this...
:-D
Oh yeah, my mom went with me to the appointment, and she was fascinated with the whole "fill" thing. I think she enjoyed watching the process. After the doctor's, we went to a salon on San Fernando Blvd where mom got a pink&white fill and I had my first pedicure since the eve of my wedding! The salon was super clean and the ladies were all very friendly. I got the "spa" treatment pedicure and had my toenails painted french-tip style. I feel so pretty! :-D
One Week To Go
Aug 18, 2009
One Week To Go!
Appropriately enough, my back was hurting like CRAZY today. In the morning I could make do, but by the time I left work I was miserable. Last night I was having really bad spasms in the evening, and the worst one came as I was getting into bed. It was ferocious, and I was in tears within seconds. While I'm not happy about the pain, it does motivate me to stick to the program, and it reminds me why I need this procedure so badly. I am so very tired of being in pain!
Today I woke up with no appetite, and I had my pre-op physical in the morning, so I just had water in anticipation of having to go to the VAMPIRE for blood tests. The doc's office was nice, and there was no traffic, but when it was time for an EKG and the nurse/med tech INSISTED that I be topless for the procedure, I balked because I knew the little paper half-gown-that-opens-in-the-front wouldn't fit me. I asked to keep my lightweight, stretchy shirt on (the cardiologist's office had let me remain COMPLETELY dressed during their EKG), and she said no, and when it didn't cover, and I turned it around like a drape (securing it under my armpits), she ripped the thing and exposed my front completely, and went about roughly man-handling me while she attached the electrodes. I was not happy. Then, she couldn't get my blood pressure (the cuff was too small), and I pointed out WHY, she just tried again on the other arm, and when that didn't work, she said it didn't really matter but she'd try again after I saw the doc. --- The doc, however, was the polar opposite of his office wench, and addressed my concern about her behavior, and proceded to be very gentle and professional with me. After the doc, I visited the Vampire (Laboratory) for my pre-op blood tests (the gal working there was super friendly), and then I had my chest x-rays taken. The technician at the imaging office asked what surgery I was having, and then told me that she'd had the gastic bypass done by my surgeon two years ago. She was very encouraging and shared a few tips/stories with me. That encounter really brightened my day. :-D
The rest of my day was uneventful diet wise. I still want chinese food and popcorn, and now a trip to mim's cafe sounds ideal...but I know I have to wait. By the time I am allowed food like that, one restaurant meal will last me 2 or 3 or 4 meals, and I probably won't be "allowed" to order the same menu items anyway!! I'm one week away from surgery, and feeling good about it. My jeans are fitting loosely (already?!?), so hubby and I decided tonight was the night to take my "before" pics. I'm hoping that having those will keep me motivated in the future. Here's hoping this week goes by fast...
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Appropriately enough, my back was hurting like CRAZY today. In the morning I could make do, but by the time I left work I was miserable. Last night I was having really bad spasms in the evening, and the worst one came as I was getting into bed. It was ferocious, and I was in tears within seconds. While I'm not happy about the pain, it does motivate me to stick to the program, and it reminds me why I need this procedure so badly. I am so very tired of being in pain!
Today I woke up with no appetite, and I had my pre-op physical in the morning, so I just had water in anticipation of having to go to the VAMPIRE for blood tests. The doc's office was nice, and there was no traffic, but when it was time for an EKG and the nurse/med tech INSISTED that I be topless for the procedure, I balked because I knew the little paper half-gown-that-opens-in-the-front wouldn't fit me. I asked to keep my lightweight, stretchy shirt on (the cardiologist's office had let me remain COMPLETELY dressed during their EKG), and she said no, and when it didn't cover, and I turned it around like a drape (securing it under my armpits), she ripped the thing and exposed my front completely, and went about roughly man-handling me while she attached the electrodes. I was not happy. Then, she couldn't get my blood pressure (the cuff was too small), and I pointed out WHY, she just tried again on the other arm, and when that didn't work, she said it didn't really matter but she'd try again after I saw the doc. --- The doc, however, was the polar opposite of his office wench, and addressed my concern about her behavior, and proceded to be very gentle and professional with me. After the doc, I visited the Vampire (Laboratory) for my pre-op blood tests (the gal working there was super friendly), and then I had my chest x-rays taken. The technician at the imaging office asked what surgery I was having, and then told me that she'd had the gastic bypass done by my surgeon two years ago. She was very encouraging and shared a few tips/stories with me. That encounter really brightened my day. :-D
The rest of my day was uneventful diet wise. I still want chinese food and popcorn, and now a trip to mim's cafe sounds ideal...but I know I have to wait. By the time I am allowed food like that, one restaurant meal will last me 2 or 3 or 4 meals, and I probably won't be "allowed" to order the same menu items anyway!! I'm one week away from surgery, and feeling good about it. My jeans are fitting loosely (already?!?), so hubby and I decided tonight was the night to take my "before" pics. I'm hoping that having those will keep me motivated in the future. Here's hoping this week goes by fast...
Day 6 of the Full Liquid Diet.
Aug 17, 2009
Day 6 of the Full Liquid Diet.
Woke up not grumpy (just sleepy because I slept in on Sabbath and Sunday, and I hate Mondays anyway), and not hungry...but I was thirsty. I think my face looks a bit thinner in the mirror...just a bit.
I weighed in the morning and was down just over 9 pounds. However, at the surgeon's office later in the day the doc's scale said I've lost 11 pounds. Woo hoo! This means that I'm almost to my pre-op weight loss goal.
I don't care much for this liquid diet. I feel nauseated after the protein drinks, and the tummy-wobbles stick around for hours afterward. Also, I think I am ruining tomato soup for myself, so I am going to stop eating that. Also, I've discovered that while I LOVE butternut squash ravioli, I DESPISE butternut squash soup! I am having trouble getting enough calories and protein. I am drink-drink-drinking my water, but I don't have any appetite for the things I am allowed to eat. I am, however, craving Chinese food and popcorn, but am doing a good job of not cheating.
Optimistic.
:-D
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Woke up not grumpy (just sleepy because I slept in on Sabbath and Sunday, and I hate Mondays anyway), and not hungry...but I was thirsty. I think my face looks a bit thinner in the mirror...just a bit.
I weighed in the morning and was down just over 9 pounds. However, at the surgeon's office later in the day the doc's scale said I've lost 11 pounds. Woo hoo! This means that I'm almost to my pre-op weight loss goal.
I don't care much for this liquid diet. I feel nauseated after the protein drinks, and the tummy-wobbles stick around for hours afterward. Also, I think I am ruining tomato soup for myself, so I am going to stop eating that. Also, I've discovered that while I LOVE butternut squash ravioli, I DESPISE butternut squash soup! I am having trouble getting enough calories and protein. I am drink-drink-drinking my water, but I don't have any appetite for the things I am allowed to eat. I am, however, craving Chinese food and popcorn, but am doing a good job of not cheating.
Optimistic.
:-D
