2muchgirl4u ~
JANUARY 2005
I'm a married, white, female, 44 years young. I've been overweight since early childhood. I have never been able to "stick to" a diet. I like the taste of food! I was recently diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. I also have Sleep Apnea and Controlled High Blood Pressure. I'm interested in the Lap Band. I'm such a WUSS! But keep telling myself that this couldn't be any worse than a hysterectomy (although I was younger then!). My PCP is totally against RNY Gastric Bypass. Hope the approval doesn't hinge on his opinion...My father has a medical condition that slows the processing of food through his stomach, that's why the lap band is of interest to me. I'm tired of my bra rolling up and my underwear rolling down! I have "lunch lady" arms,and those blobs of fat between my thighs- you know, the ones that make ALL of your pants sound like you're wearing corduroy! The same ones that eat holes through your pantyhose too :)
1-11-5 I attended first WLS seminar. Lots of folks there similar to me,nervous and anxious! There were also people larger than I am. It was strange to be somewhere that I wasn't the biggest.I will start sending letters soon to request med records. I want to have all of my ducks in a row. I am still interested in the Lap Band.I'm going to try to start working on my new lifestyle in the next couple days. I had already given up diet pop, artificial sweeteners, and caffeine. Those were choices I made to help with my Fibromyalgia. I'm going to try a 1200 calorie goal for the next couple weeks.
1-17-5 Okay, the ole stomach thinks that my throat has been cut! Maybe 1500-1600 calories will be less drastic.
1-23-05 Last med records I am waiting for are from my PCP :( I have my sleep lab studies and everything. Great documentation by my GYN since she's usually the only one who weighs me. She also dictates in her notes what your weight was last year and the year before. We discussed WLS earlier this month and she agreed with me. I'm really hyped right now! I'm positive now that I want to be a Bandster!
1-24-5 I faxed the last of my medical info to the coordinator at Dr. H's office. Several girls in my office are considering Lap RNY. I like having my parts where they belong! I'm also hoping that a reasonable weight loss rate will allow some elasticity in my skin to shrink back to size as I lose weight. I don't need the hurry up fast weight loss. My man was with me at my thinnest-172lbs, and now at my biggest 239lbs. He has become disabled since we got married (I'm kinda rough with my "boy toy" - just kidding!)so he has started to have weight issues of his own. He's trying the SlimFast thing 2-3 times a day. Won't work for me, cuz I need the sensation of chewing. I hear that chewing is a good thing for post surgery.
FEBRUARY 2005
2-1-05 I was scheduled for a bone density test today at my GYN's office. She was the last one who "officially" weighed me on 1-7-05. I have lost 7lbs! I just talk with the surgeon's office,and they have submitted the letter to my insurance. I called my insurance and they verified that they recieved it, and that it has been forwarded as of 1-28-05 to the pre-certify folks. They told me to allow 30 days for an answer.I am so hyped up!
2-10-05 The results of my bone density test came back...I need to take a calcium w/ vitamin D supplement. I have some loss in my hips and left wrist. More reason to get rid of excess weight- right? I called insurance to check on status...no determination yet :(
2-18-05 I GOT MY APPROVAL LETTER FROM UHC SBC!!!
2-26-05 I have my 1st appointment with my surgeon on 3-11-05. I see the dietician on 3-15-05. I had an EGD yesterday, no problems found!
3-8-05 My picture got added today! This was taken in October 2004 at our RenFest. 239lbs...just wait 'til this October!
MARCH 2005
3-11-05 I met with Dr. H today and he seems to think I'm a good LB candidate. I almost kissed him when he said "you're not big". I told him that compared to some of his patients I'm not "big", but with a BMI of 40.9 plus co-morbs, I'm still morbidly obese. Gonna try to have my lab work done 3-14. I meet with the dietician on 3-15 and I'm hoping I can do the pre-op stuff the same day while I'm at the hospital. My surgery date is...drum roll please... March 23rd! I'm excited and scared at the same time. DH went with me to meet the surgeon, but he was more nervous at that time than I was! Until my next post-thanks to everyone who has offered their support and prayers.
3-15-05 Had labs done yesterday. Did pre-admitting, EKG, and chest X-ray today.
3-21-05 Met with the anesthesiologist this morning. Guzzling this chicken broth and Propel today like I'm never going to eat (or drink) again! Tomorrow I'm going to go have a nice relaxing massage b4 I have to come home and drink that yummy bowel prep! Wish the doc's office would call and tell me they had a cancelation and that I could come tomorrow. I'm such a nervous waiter. I can't wait to be back in my own bed Thursday...
3-22-05 Well, tomorrow is my re-birthday. One week after my 45th birthday. My surgery is scheduled for 11:30am at Shawnee Mission Medical Center.I have to be there at 10:00am. I'm off to drink that gawd awful mag. citrate...see you on the losing side!
3-23-05 OMG! I just stepped out of the shower at 9:00am and the phone was ringing. It was the hospital wanting to know how quickly I could get there (the doctor was ahead of schedule). When I checked in at Admitting I told them that I had gotten a call to come earlier than scheduled. The lady took some info and put my hospital wristband on me, then she called for one of the "Senior volunteers" to escort me to surgery.This elderly gentleman called my name and acknowledged that my papers said "RUSH"...we then proceeded to take off at the speed of Tim Conway's little old man-2 baby steps at a time! He signs me into the surgery waiting room log, then comes back in a couple minutes to take me to pre-op. There they have me use the restroom and change into that stunning, backless gown! They take my blood pressure and temperature. Measured me for TED knee high hose. The doctor stopped by. He said if my swallow test was ok I could go home that same evening! The anesthesiologist came by to see if I had any last minute questions. They gave me a shot of heparin in the belly to help prevent clots. Started an IV and gave me a med to help with anxiety. They sent hubby to the car to bring in my CPAP and my albuterol inhaler. I did 2 puffs on the inhaler. I then told my hubby to go ahead and try to find my parents
(they didn't have time to ride with us becuz of the short notice). I woke up in the recovery room. Some pain, but not unbearable. I was extremely queasy. They kept asking what my pain level was on a scale of 1-10, and they kept me doped up appropriately! I heard someone ask if I was ready to go to x-ray for my swallow test, I told them I didn't feel like I could keep anything down. Not to worry, they said I would be coming back to recovery if I needed more rest. I think I agreed to go the 3rd time they asked. They removed my urinary catheter and we rolled. My recovery room nurse went with me since I had felt so sick to my stomach. In Radiology they were EXTREMELY patient with me. They had me sniff an alcohol pad to "re-set" the nausea receptor. My test was fine. I went up to my room where my family was waiting. The floor nurses took my vitals and kept me comfortable, but they could not get rid of the nausea. I told my family to go on home. I did not feel like going home that evening. I started asking for less pain meds to keep from having that nausea. I LIVED under a cold wet washcloth! About 8:15 I told the nurse I would like to dangle my feet off the edge of the bed, then maybe use the restroom. She said if I didn't urinate soon they would have to re-catheterize me :( Not fair, no one had even asked if I had to go! Fortunately I WAS able to have some "output"! My nurse said that Dr. H was not going to release me that night. I told her "no problem" as I had sent my family home hours ago cuz I didn't feel like going anywhere. I sat up in the chair and did my deep breathing exercises and leg moving (while I was in bed I had these little booties on that felt like they thumped the bottom of your feet,alternating back and forth to keep your circulation good). The nurse came in and told me she was going to switch me from Morphine to Toradol for pain relief. Boy, what a difference, the nausea was leaving..woooohooooo! I ate a few ice chips and went back to bed about midnight. Next morning I was just coming out of the restroom a little before 8:00am when the student doctor came in. She checked my incisions and said I was good to go when I was ready. I called hubby and asked him to shower and come get me (after he got there it took me an hour to get dressed).While I was waiting for my ride, they removed my IV and brought me some jello. I asked for a pain med b4 we left. Since they had already removed the IV, I got liquid Lortab. The nurse went over my discharge instructions and they wheeled me down to the car about 10:30am on Thursday the 24th...Hubby took me home, got me settled in, then went to the pharmacy to pick up a pill crusher and my liquid Lortab. So tired of these hot flashes since I've been off of my Estrogen for over a week-whew,pant,pant,pant. I'm like in a state of EXTREME PMS. Hubby and I met after my hysterectomy in '96, so he has no idea what to expect-grrrrrrrr! The dietician bariatrics nurse, and respiratory therapy all came in to see me.
p.s. I weighed 222 this morning
3-24-05 About my incisions...I have 5 of them. Looks like a skewed baseball diamond with a GA section on the left! At home and 2nd base I have 2 staples. At 1st and 3rd I have 3 staples each, and in GA I have just one staple. They are all covered with clear tape about 2" x 4". A couple of them look like I have leeches becuz of the blood pooled under the tape! I have to start drinking between 48oz and 64oz today. I'm finding that my Fibromyalgia which makes me extremely sensitive to lights, sounds, smells, etc.. is messing with me. I had been drinking Propel for weeks b4 surgery, now everything with a fruit smell is like being in one of those candle stores-wayyyy overpowering. I can't tolerate jello either. Guess I'll try diluted apple juice or grape juice..ahhh much better! I'm in a little bit of pain/discomfort. Guess I miss those good hospital drugs! I'm so whiny...when I woke up this morning I had one last nerve..and damn if you didn't get on it! I need to crush my estrogen and get it down soon. Jim helped me take a shower this evening. No problem standing, and the warm water felt good, but it seemed like everything was super sensitive (including my emotions!). I called Ashleigh who had her surgery 3-17 to ask her if coming home day was the worst, she agreed that she thought it was. She assured me it would get better soon. Here I had to have my 19 year old friend be the adult!
3-25-05 I woke up kind of laying on one side. I usually start out as a right side sleeper so I was glad to know that b4 long I should be able to go back to that.I had a really bad headache and realized that I hadn't been wearing my TMJ nightguard. Today was a much better day discomfort wise and emotionally. After my afternoon nap I had another headache. I think now that it's the Lortab. Codeine products do tend to give some folks a headache. Called the pharmacy, the don't carry adult liquid Tylenol but will order a bottle for me. Just rested most of the day. My exercise is mostly from going back and forth to the bathroom. I have liquid bowel movements, so I'm afraid to fart!
p.s. Argh! I weighed 228 this morning, but I'm not going to be a slave to these scales!
3-26-05 Nothing great about today...EXCEPT THAT I GET TO ADD SOME PROTEIN, CHEWABLE VITAMINS, MILK, YOGURT, CALCIUM SUPPLEMENTS, AND THINNED DOWN CREAM SOUP to my diet!!! I went to the pharmacy to pick up my Tylenol. I can only have 3 meals a day consisting of 2oz each of my selected "food". The rest of my 48-64oz liquids for the day need to contain enuf protein to give me between 60-70grams. I'm really not hungry (didn't think I would EVER say that!). Having trouble getting all my fluid and protein in though.
3-27-05 Went to the store today to get some Hood Carb Count milk. I almost started bawling as we passed the deli...there were SOOOO many things I wished I could have just "a taste of". My sense of smell has me feeling like a bloodhound, cuz I could smell every scent of food! It's finally not raining and dreary. Think I'll see if hubby will take me and the dog down to the park to walk for a little while. My staples are starting to itch. I must be healing. No Easter candy for me, it doesn't even sound good :( We're not going over to Mom's for dinner as I don't think I could stand the food smells.
03-28-05 Well, we went over to Mom and Dad today. Jim went to eat at Buffalo Wild Wings while I visited. He has been so good about not eating in front of me. I%
27m really not hungry, yet I have "head hunger". S
omething I smell or something I see on TV
that makes my stomach growl like I'm starving. Still struggling to get my minimum 48oz liquid and 60gram protein in. I think I like Unjury "unflavored" better than anything. I find it more tolerable in warm broth than in milk or juice.
3-29-05 Well my big news today is that I officially don't have diarrhea ( I had a formed soft stool!) I know, it's gross, but people want to know what really happens after surgery. We went and got our taxes figured, went to the store, and went to Walmart. I have a little "catch" in my left side that sneaks in a pain every so often. I see the doctor tomorrow to have my staples out and get a return to work date. Still struggling with liquids and protein.
03-30-05 Got ready to go to bed last night, and as I was brushing my teeth...EGADS! I noticed my tongue was black! I looked like a friggin' chow dog! I got on the Internet nd found that it's a condition caused my 3 main things 1) lack of roughage on the tongue 2)antibiotics 3) protein intake. Basically your food keeps your tongue scraped clean, without that scraping your tastebuds grow, and bacteria forms in it causing the black color. It is Soooo gross! I've started brushing my tongue with a peroxide wash.The dietician called to check on me. She said the extreme sensitivity to smell is not uncommon in bypass patients, but I was her 1st lap person to mention it. Went to the doc this afternoon. I am now stapleless. I just have steri strips. I had lost 11lbs since my pre-op (down to 218 from 229). He seemed very pleased with my progress. I got a 10cm Inamed band, and he said it was a perfect fit. Hubby talked to him about the possibility of having the band done too. He's 5'11" 270lbs. Doc said he would be glad to have him in the program. He said then I could be jealous of Jim, becuz he would lose weight faster (I very politely flipped him off!).Jim isn't able to do much physically due to a fused back, so the weight has really piled on him the last few years too. I was released to go back to work on Saturday 4-2, but lucky me... I'm off Saturday, Sunday & Monday!
03-31-05 Wooohooo! Today I get to add pureed meat, I am so excited. I'm tired of cream of chicken soup :( although I have one last serving in the fridge with some pureed chicken to have for breakfast. My crushed meds work well in that liquid state. 04-04-05 Life is good! Every day I am feeling better. Been working on laundry the past couple days. Today was my Mother's 72nd birthday. We spent about 2 hours at the zoo. Gorgeous weather in KCMO today-almost 80 degrees. I return to work tomorrow.
p.s. I weighed in at 215 this morning
APRIL 2005
4-6-05 2 weeks post-op today. I'm still eating 3 2oz meals a day, but I'm starting to have severe hunger pains after about 3 1/2 hours. I'm gonna talk with the dietician about 4 small meals a day, like at 6:30am 10:30am 3:30pm and 7pm, and also the possibility of not quite pureeing everything. Liquids are not taking care of my between meal hunger. I don't want to start "pouch packing" (that's where you keep something on your stomach all the time so that you don't feel hunger). Gonna run to GNC to pick up a couple things since my Gold Card gives me 20% off the first 7 days of each month. The dietician returned my call. She agreed that I might keep food in my pouch a while longer if I leave a little more texture to it. I will try that when I do my next chicken this afternoon.
4-12-05 Well, I haven't updated in a few days due to a pain that I've had. It started late in the afternoon on 4-8. It starts in my lower left abdomen, kind of a stabbing sensation that then radiates to my left shoulder blade. I took off early Friday afternoon, came home and went to bed. Saturday it was worse. Hubby was thinking I had made the wrong decision since I was upset and crying. I broke down and called the doctor's answering service about 2:30pm. The on call doctor returned my call within 15 minutes. He said he would be more concerned if the pain was in my chest. He offered to meet me at the ER. I said that I would wait awhile and call him back if I needed him. On a scale of 1-10, this pain spikes at an 8 or 9, then travels to my back. YIKES! I stayed in bed most of Sunday too(great way to spend a 3 day weekend, huh?). Monday I called my surgeon's office. The nurse took my info and called back later to say that doc wanted me to go to the hospital and have a "KUB" x-ray. He thought I might have a pinched nerve. After I got home, I looked up the "KUB", and found that it is an x-ray of your kidneys, ureters, and bladder. Hmmm... my pain was in the front left. Today is Monday, and I called in to take another day off. It's a little after 11:00am, and I seem to be a little more mobile. I'm able to sit up at the pc for awhile without a lot of discomfort. The nurse had told me that some people have pain from the anesthesia for 5-6 weeks after surgery. I guess this setback bummed me some because I had felt so good already. I've been sleeping so much that I have not gotten my liquid or protein in. Gonna try really hard to today!
4-20-05 Gosh, haven't updated in a little it-sorry. Today I am 4 weeks out from surgery. Wow, what a difference not having to have pureed food makes. I feel almost human! However, with the bigger selection of food, I also have the hunger Grrrrrrrrr. There is still a lot of cuss and discussion on the message board for those of us who were advised to only eat 3 2oz meals a day. The veteran bandsters say that's ok in the very beginning, but in order to keep out of starvation mode, you need to consume more quality calories at each meal. Many suggest the 3 "planned meals" plus "2 planned snack" theory. It makes sense that it would help with the weight loss if your body isn't hoarding. Hubby is going for his sleep study tomorrow nite. Trying to get all of his ducks in a row so that he can submit info to Nola. I still have a few aches and pains, though nothing major. I'm dancing around, antsy to call and schedule my 1st fill. Doc said he would do it 5-6 weeks out from surgery. I'm noticing that my face is a little thinner. I'm starting to get wrinkles where my 3rd chin was! Today's weight is 209lbs. I know that anything I lose b4 restriction is bonus, so I am definitely glad that I have not gained.
4-28-05 Well, I am struggling to maintain my current weight. I can tell that I am losing inches though, by the way my clothes fit! I get my first fill on May 4th! There is NO way I could only eat 2ozs per meal and feel full. I am battling stopping at 4ozs per meal now. Some days I do better than others. I'm still glad I chose the band, but it is NOT "EASY WEIGHT LOSS". These are the words of a 275lb man at work who was eating a one pound baked potato loaded with toppings, while I ate my 2ozs of cottage cheese and 2ozs of tuna one day at lunch. My co-workers are expecting me to lose at the same rate as the 3 RNY's in my office. It ain't gonna happen! I am so proud of my friend Tabi, she has lost 75lbs since December. Patricia has lost 40lbs since April 4th, and Crystal has lost 50lbs since March 23rd! Way to go girls! Although I chose the WLS I felt was right for me, it's hard to argue with their excellent results :(
MAY 2005
5-5-05 Happy Cinco de Mayo! My fill was really easy. Doc palpated to find the port position and marked it with a marker. Gave me a little Lidocaine to numb the area, then put 1cc into my 4cc band. I did liquids yesterday and this morning. The nurse said that I could ease into what I felt I could tolerate. At lunch I ordered fajitas. I ate the guacomole, sour cream, a couple pieces of chicken, and some beans. I have 5 more meals packed out of my leftovers! I'm one of the lucky ones who can eat leftovers without any problems. I always put extra sauce or moisture on whatever, and only heat it at 1/2 power. I am not sure that I have any restriction, but I am one of those people who hates to barf, so I haven't pushed it too hard!
Hubby's stuff should have been sent to our insurance last week. They have 30 days to reply, but I hope we'll hear back sooner.
My official weight at the doctor's office was 208lbs!
05-23-05 OMG, I am soooo looking forward to my 2nd fill on June 1st. I am starvin' Marvin! I keep bouncing around between 201 lbs and 203 lbs (on my scales). I'm keeping within my 1200-1500 calorie range, but I think my carbs and fats are too high. Although the weight isn't dropping off, some of the inches are. I've gone from a 22/24 blouse to an 18/20. Pants from a 22 to an 18 (elastic). My 4 week photos and my 8 week photos (at home in my undies!) don't show much loss. I started back to water aerobics a couple weeks ago. I will have to take it slow so that I don't cause a Fibromyalgia flare up. Will try to post more later...
5-23-05 Well, I didn't mean this soon! Doc's office called this afternoon to tell me that they are moving all of their fills to Fridays. They cant't do me 'til JUNE 10th, but I'm going out of town that day :( sooooo I moaned that I could NOT wait 'til the 17th. The gal was very nice, and said that they had discussed the possibility that some patients would not want to wait, and she would just let me keep my appt on June 1st. Bless her heart!
Hubby called UHC, and they confirmed that they DID receive the request for his surgery, but they have 30 days to respond.
SOOOO many people from MO/KS having surgery soon . I wish you all the best!!!
5-29-05 ONEDERLAND!!!
Need I say more?! I have been soooooo close for a week, but bounced the same 2-3lbs back and forth. This morning I was so psyched...I went in and got on the scales here at home...and I immediately started crying. My husband didn't suspect something wrong, he KNEW something was right! I get my 2nd fill on June 1st. I currently have 1cc in my 4cc band. Gotta love it! Thanks for your support!
228/199/140?
JUNE 2005
6-1-05 Well, I tried to kick up the exercise a notch and have ended up throwing myself into a nasty Fibro episode. Haven't been back to the pool since Monday. Muscle relaxers aren't helping, but Adult Liquid Tylenol is. I may go to the chiropractor tomorrow. Anywho...I did go get my 2nd fill today. I now have 1.5cc in my 4cc band. Doc was hesitant to fill since I had lost my 8lbs for the month. His scales showed 200, although I'm still sticking by my story of 199 at home! I have liquids the rest of today, and ease back into whatever is tolerated tomorrow. Doc had a hard time finding my port this time. He said that it was lower than where it should be. I think it took him 3 sticks to do it. I asked if we needed to have fluoro, and he said he hoped not. I'm very pleased with my results so far. January 238lbs. Pre-op consultation March 11th 228lbs.One week post-op March 30th (staples out) 218lbs. First fill May 4th 208lbs. Second fill June 1st 200lbs. Life is good!
6-8-05 Ok, it's been a week since I posted. Remember I said that Doc had trouble finding my port last week...so for a couple days after my fill I was tender. The next couple days, I was downright sore. The port area was warm to the touch, but no redness(I had a call in to the Doc). The next day I was so bloated, and I was crying from just having my clothes touch my abdomen. Apparently I contracted a bacterial infection :( I am on antibiotics now. Will update more as I know it.
Well, I just came from the Doc's office. He suspects that I have a hematoma/seroma. What the heck is a that? Well... seroma is an accumulation of fluid near displaced tissue... It is often a swelling at the surgical site. There is no redness, no fever, and no discharge... Heat helps to disperse the fluid back into the blood stream. Hematoma is blood filled, usually from a punctured blood vessel. So, Doc wants me to finish up the antibiotics and rest. I can do that!
6-15-05 Here's a copy of what I posted for Dr. Curry, and his response. I am scheduled for an ultrasound on 6-22-05 ***DO NOT THINK THAT I DON'T TRUST MY OWN DOC, IT'S JUST NICE TO GET A FREE 2ND OPINION! THERE IS NOTHING MY DOC COULD HAVE DONE TO PREVENT THIS (well, other than not stick me!)***
Question for Dr. C
First of all, thank you for all of the hours you spend reading, and answering our questions. No wonder your patients love you! I was banded 3-23-05. When I went for my 2nd fill on 6-1, my doc had trouble finding my port, and had to stick me several times. I went from 1cc to 1.5cc in my 10cm band. Over the next couple days I was tender around the port area, but that pain increased day by day to where it was downright horible. My doc started me on Levaquin 'til I could see him in the office on 6-8. He suspected that I have a seroma. Although the pain is better, I still am not able to find a comfortable position ( I feel like Al Bundy with my hand in my waistband!), or exercise. It's been 2 weeks today. Do you think I'm out of line to ask for a CT or some other test to verify that I do indeed have a seroma? How long does it normally take to disappate on it's own? Anything I can do to help it along? Thank you in advance! Brenda in KC 228/196/150?
RE: Question for Dr. C
Brenda, My guess is that you have a hematoma, not a seroma. A seroma is clear yellow-ish fluid that builds up in reaction to the foreign body of the port. This should occur right after surgery and probably hits maximum 2 or 3 weeks post op then be completely gone by 4-6 weeks post op. When you are poking around with the needle having trouble finding the port (been there, done that!) if you get into the muscle you can hit a blood vessel and cause some bleeding down in the rectus muscle. This bleeding will cause a collection called a hematoma. Because it happens fairly rapidly, it hurts like the dickens for awhile. It will go away on it's own, I don't see the need for any diagnostic testing. Good luck! Dr. C The Deaconess Surgical Weight Loss Center Cincinnati, Ohio (513) 559-2545
6-22-05
I couldn't get my ultrasound 'til this morning due to scheduling conflicts. I didn't go away from there with a "warm fuzzy". I told the tech that I had been banded. I told her I suspected a hematoma in the rectus muscle due to the problem with the fill. She looked around and found the port, then she said "ooh there's somethin' else there big...do you have 2 of those ports?" I told her no, that I hoped that was just what remained from a bigger hematoma. I again mentioned bleeding in the rectus muscle, and she told me "I'm way up here by your port" I hope she didn't think I was referring to my rectum (heck, even I can find my butt with two hands!). She finished up, and took it to the doctor to read. After about 15 minutes she came back and said that she understands the band now, " the Doctor drew me a diagram" (sounds like he drew her a picture-hehe!). She said "we'd have to do a different kind of test probably with a dye to see if your port is working" ummm, I don't think that was an issue, was it? I'll be interested to see what the report says... Well, I had fill #3 yesterday. He took me from 1.5cc to 2.5cc, just going to start mushies this evening. I am sooooo hoping that this gets me to my sweet spot. He didn't have any trouble finding the port either. I added a pic of me and my doc. All the young girls say he's a "hottie". I think the phrase from my era was "hunk"! I weighed 194lbs.
JULY 2005
7-10-05 I'm easing back into water aerobics. Still hurts where the hematoma was if I start bouncing around too much. Today I did a lot of side to side, and arm work. 10 days out from fill #3, and no restriction yet :O Maybe it will kick in in a couple days. I'm resorting to an old, bad habit...that is to "clean up" (eat) stuff that is here in the house. Now that Jim has had his surgery, I feel the need to eat up the stuff "he" shouldn't have. He has lost like 10lbs already since 7-6! I'm still holding steady at 190lbs (on our scale). 7-19-05 I'm waiting (not very patiently) for my 4th fill on 8-5. I hope I get some restriction. I'm going to have him withdraw the saline & verify that I do still have 2.5cc in there. The adventure of the hematoma continues... I don't think there is one! I think that's why he didn't answer my question about it at my last visit. I think he thinks that I'm friggin' nuts!
Have any of you ever had Plantar's Fasciitis? It is a very painful condition in your heels. It starts as a dull , intermittent pain in heel or arch, progressing to a sharp, persistent pain.
A sharp, piercing pain and/or inflammation through heel and foot that usually occurs in the morning or after resting and gradually disappears with walking. I have a similar pain in my left abdomen, and I think it was caused by muscle stress there too. I am currently on my own "self-initiated treatment plan" :) to let that area rest well b4 I try to use it again.
I'm going to have a new sleep study done the nite of 7-22. I hope that I can get rid of the CPAP since I'm not taking most of the night meds that I took b4.
My weight has stalled at 190lbs by my scale. I have averaged about 1,150 calories a day for the last 2 1/2 months. My Fibromyalgia has been acting up along with this belly problem, so my exercise has been below what I expected of myself. Future Update
8-5-05 I decided last week to try taking Aleve since it is an anti-inflammatory. WOW, what a difference that has made with "the belly". I can actually let my elastic waistband touch that area without pain-wooohooo! Doc okayed the use of Aleve since it will not be long term. I verified with him today that there was some kind of spot on the ultrasound. Because it is an image, not a picture, he still suspects that it was blood left from a hematoma. He said for me being a "smaller person" :) he has a hard time finding my port. He says it feels like there is scar tissue around it-hmmmm. He put .5cc in today. I now have 3cc in my band that holds 4cc. I am down to 187lbs!
I have to talk to Apria, but they called to set up an appointment to lower the pressure on my CPAP from 14 to 9!
Shout out to all my KS girls who are doing soooo well with their RNYs!
Tabi P, Crystal T, Patricia G, Laura R
Come on Davina, Jarod, and Sara-can't wait for you to be losers like the rest of us!
AUGUST 2005
8-11-05 I'm still on a search to figure out this pain around my port. I'm going to go to a pain management clinic next week to see if they have any ideas. One option is to move my port, and see if that helps. LISTEN PEOPLE...although the pain sucks, I would still get the band. Don't be scared away by my "Murphy's Law" life! My scale at home now shows...drum roll please...184lbs!
8-16-05 Pain doc put me on Mobic 2 xs a day, and gave me a lidocaine pain patch. Surgeon says I need to take Pepcid 2 xs a day too, to help avoid stomach upset. We'll see...
8-24-05 The patch made the area feel worse, so I quit using it. The Mobic's started to mess with my stomach, so I'm gonna quit that too. I had another appt with the pain doc this morning. He's changing me over to Celebrex. He said that it is gentler on the stomach. I got a trigger shot of cortisone & a numbing medicine in "the belly". It wasn't any worse than a fill. Doc says I can also try a TENS unit. I said I wanted to try the other 2 things first, b4 I go messing with that.
All that said, I was down to 182lbs, but I have found myself wanting/eating "comfort foods". I haven't been a good bandster :(
I get my 5th fill on 8-26. I know that I have some restriction for quantity, and I think I must be getting close to my sweet spot.
8-26-05 Well...no fill. He couldn't locate the port cuz I'm so lumpy in that area. After numerous sticks, I asked him to quit. I'm supposed to have 1cc added under fluoro on the 29th. I'm getting concerned, cuz that will put me at 4cc, and that's all my band should hold safely per Don Mills at Inamed. I've posted on the lap forum, and on the OH board for Dr. C to see if anyone has any suggestions. I only lost 1/2 lb in 3 weeks, and I'm sorry to say that I'm starting to get discouraged :(
8-29-05 Hospital Doc had no trouble locating my port under fluoro. However, it was several inches below where my Doc was trying to fill it. He was only able to withdraw 1cc of saline. I'm wondering now if my other "fills" were misses :( He put 2.5cc in my band. I'll try that a couple weeks, and see how I do. My scales show me at 182lbs. 09-17-05 I know, I've been bad again (haven't updated). I don't feel like I've had any restriction. The scar tissue area is a big ol' hard mess now. I had to go to the pain clinic for a second go round of Cortisone & Marcaine injections. I'm scheduled to have another fill under fluoro the 21st. Meantime...Still holding steady at 182. Pray there's not a tube leak!
SEPTEMBER 2005
9-21-05 Hallelujah! The fluoro doc was able to draw out the 2.5cc put in 3 weeks ago. I got an addl 1cc today. Stopped by my Doc's office to weigh on the way home. Down to 179.5lbs.
9-24-05 I finally have some restriction :) I can eat about 5-6 bites of meat. I follow it up with a little green veggie, and then a little starch. No doubt that the denser the protein, the less I can eat of it. It's hard to describe the feeling. I hope I'm at my sweet spot, since I'm already 6 months out. I get full quickly, but it doesn't hold me 3-4 hours yet. There is hope though!
09-30-05 Shortly after my last fill, I developed what I thought might be an incisional hernia...NOT. Something underneath the skin built up a lot of pressure, and caused a split right at the end of one incision. Doc has me on antibiotics :( My restriction is gone too.
OCTOBER 2005
10-12-05 Still taking antibiotics for this damn hole that won't close up. Not sure what it is. Doc says "it must be something that needs to come out of there". Not very re-assuring. I don't think I'm having rejection issues like AnnMarie. The hole is about the size of a pea, and it drains daily. I went to have my 3rd fill under fluoro today. The doctor did not verify what was in there. He added 1cc, which by my calculations puts me at 4.5cc. According to Don Mills at Inamed, we shouldn't have any over 4cc, but the Inamed rep who works with my doctor's office says there is approx 1.2cc in the tubing and port, that doesn't get into the band. Guess I'll just see if I blow up! weighed 177lbs today
10-22-05 OMG, I am so hungry. I'm craving stuff now that I haven't had in awhile. Especially sweets. I'm scheduled for another fill under fluoro on 10-26. The hole finally closed up yesterday, but wouldn't you know that today, I'm getting a blood blister looking thing like I did right b4 it popped last time. Guess I'll need to ask the doctor's office again Monday, if they will do a culture on it.
10-28-05 Well, my surgeon and I decided today that it doesn't look like this issue is gonna resolve itself...so, I am going to have the port removed to get rid of the infection. I'll let it heal for about 4 weeks, then he'll try to re-install? the port in a new location. Talk about Murphy's Law! weight 176lbs today
NOVEMBER 2005
11-30-05 Get my port taken out today :( My doctor and I agreed that all fill would be removed after my port is cleaned of infection.
DECEMBER 2005
12-14-05 Well, I'm still portless and packing. My port was removed 11-30 due to an infection that would not go away. I started out with a hole about an inch long, and 2 inches deep. In order to get it to heal from the inside out, I have to keep it open by packing a special gauze in it every day. I had my post op visit today, and it is healing well. Doc expects that my hole will close up completely in the next week. I have 4 days of antibiotics left. This will be the first I am off the antis since October 1st! I feel like I'm getting a little energy back. I have been such a slug with that infection. My hair had even stopped growing :( I have not been a good bandster. Without any restriction, I have eaten everything that is not nailed down. I have tried every food that I have missed the last 9 months in the last 2 weeks. Fortunately, I was still at 176lbs today. I'm going to have a low profile/mini port put in sometime the middle of January. Will try to write more later. 1-15-06 Somehow I managed to lose part of my profile from September. Sorry, I didn't have all of it saved, so I'll fill in some of the details. I'm going to get a "mini port" put back in on 1-18. I've been really bad with my diet. I have eaten everything I had missed since March. My last visit to the doc I was up to 182lbs. The great thing about the band is that I should be able to pick up where I left off. Many thanks to Erin and AnnMarie for sharing their port removal stories too. Erin got her new port the 11th, and Am is scheduled for the 26th!
JANUARY 2006
1-15-06 Somehow I managed to lose part of my profile from September. Sorry, I didn't have all of it saved, so I'll fill in some of the details. I'm going to get a "mini port" put back in on 1-18. I've been really bad with my diet. I have eaten everything I had missed since March. My last visit to the doc I was up to 182lbs. The great thing about the band is that I should be able to pick up where I left off. Many thanks to Erin and AnnMarie for sharing their port removal stories too. Erin got her new port the 11th, and Am is scheduled for the 26th!
1-26-06 I have a port! Everything went well in surgery the 18th. The pain was moderate the first 3 days, but I've managed quite nicely since then :)
My new port incision is horizontal in the mid chest. It sits below where my bra goes across. I took the surgical tape off yesterday, and was surprised that there are no staples! It looks really good. My post op is tomorrow. Doc said I might be able to get a fill then. I hope so. I've started going back to bandster rules. Protein first, no liquids for an hour after meals, etc... I haven't quite given up the sweets yet, but I am committed to getting back on track soon.
1-28-06 I now have 2cc in my new port! Doc thought my incisions looked good. He said the new low profile port was harder to locate, possibly because of a little swelling still around that area. Here's a toast to starting over. Cheers! Today's weight was 183lbs 2-18-06 got 1 more cc today. Up to 3 ccs in a 4 cc band. Weight today 184lbs :(
MARCH 2006
3-7-06 Yes, I realize I skipped the whole month of February! I was starting to get depressed (clinically) over my setbacks. If I look at the whole picture, from my surgery date 3-23-05 to now, I am very close to a pound a week average. A couple weeks after my last fill, I started to experience some heartburn. I had .25cc taken out on 3-1-06. Fast forward to the night of 3-3, I called my Doc after hours to tell him I thought I was gonna go to the ER. I could barely swallow my own saliva. I was in a panic mode.We agreed that if it wasn't signifigantly better the next morning, that he would meet me in the office for an unfill. He called me at 8am Saturday. It was much improved, and I decided to go in on Monday to talk to him. I started taking Tagamet 2x a day. Monday I had an appt. We talked about what I was eating (high acid foods), was I eating late b4 I went to bed, was I not stopping when I felt full, did I still have restriction. We iscussed the very unlikely possibility of erosion. I told him I wanted to keep my fill, cuz I don't feel "tight". Told him the Tagamet is helping a lot. Agreed I would stay on meds this week. Will go off of them next week, and see if the reflux returns. He has offered me a safety net-I can come in whenever I need/want an unfill. If I want an EGD, I can schedule one. This morning I feel about 90% better!
I have had 10 actual fills or unfills (and a couple attempts)
since 5-4-05. So much for the 3-5 fills that it takes most bandsters:( I had a port infection from a hematoma that got infected, so I was portless for 2 months. I'm having to tweak my fills right now. I'm still hungry A LOT, but I do finally get some restriction on quantity. I make good food choices about 80% of the time. I have started logging in FitDay again, just to be accountable to myself for how much crap I eat! Would I do the band again?!..........you betcha!
I now have 2.75cc in my 4cc band. My weight was 178.5
2008...
I have had over 20 fills with very minimal restriction. A KUB test in December showed that the placement was right, but an EGD this morning shows that I have erosion. I have been un-filled. I'm now waiting to see when my band will be removed, and try to research some of my revision options. I'm extremely depressed that almost 3 YEARS have passed now :(
August of 2011
I started my WLS journey at age 44, now I'm 51. I've accepted that the band failed me, I did not fail the band! I had gained all of my weight back within 3 months of having the band removed. The new weight, settled higher on my body than before. Most of it was now above my waist. My asthmas was worse, my sleep apnea was worse, etc...
I've dieted & exercised (to the best of my ability), and even gone to several sessions with a hypnotist. I decided to pursue VSG. I was told that UHC would not consider a second weight loss surgery for 5 years. I waited it out, and was ready to try again.
October 2011
The sleeve was approved! Surgery scheduled for 11-30-11. I have to be off of Estrogen for at least 4 weeks, due to the increased risk of blood clots.
November 2011
A lot of mental preparation this month. Some grocery shopping. A lot of "last supper syndrome"! I wanted to get a taste in of every food I could think of. I think I hit every buffet in town! I had a 2 day liquid diet & colon cleanse b4 surgery. Got my new best friend on 11-30-11. My surgery experience this time was pretty much the same as the band (other than the overnight catheter, and JP drain. I always have a lot of nausea after anesthetic. I stayed overnight in the hospital, and was released to go home early the next morning. I did a week of Arixtra injections in the belly (to prevent blood clots.)
January 18, 2012 Geez, I need to sign up for the slow loser's club :( I'm getting all of my vitamins in, at least 64oz of water, at least 70gr of protein, staying under 30 carbs, and exercising at least 30 mins a day. My calories average about 575. Tomorrow, I am clear to advance to all foods.
January 25, 2012 Stall finally broken! Lost 3lbs this week. I upped my protein to about 80, and consume about 725 calories a day.
February 15, 2012 Keeping carbs between 30-40, calories between 750-800, and protein about 80. Losing slow, but steady. My Psych asked if I still feel like I'm on a diet. Yes, I do. I definitely make healthier choices, and am aware of the nutrtional value of every food that I eat. Am I 100% adherent? No, but I also don't feel so restricted that I will majorly binge!
March 21, 2012 I made it through a family illness, my birthday week, and the loss of my beoved dog this week, and still managed to lose! I am .6 away from losing 50lbs since surgery! Note to self...the Doritos tacos at Taco Bell, are the devil!
March 28, 2012 I have officially lost 50lbs in 4 months-woohoo! I am less than 2lbs away from what I weighed when I met the man that would be my husband, 16 years ago. I am less than 8lbs away from what I weighed in 6th grade! I'm slow, but steady. I work to lose every pound. I eat 700 cals a day, less than 40 carbs, and approx 75gr of protein. I go to the Y every day, for a minimum of 1 hour of water fitness.
4/4/12 I started going to water aerobics at the Y on a 2 month membership. I don't like a lot of the things they do there in regards to their classes and policies, but the trial price was right. So, I'm gonna give it a shot. Today was weigh day. Kind of disappointed that I still didn't lose more than 2lbs this week. Guess I'm just slow and steady. I hit 4 months, and my hair really started to thin out. The chlorine isn't helping any either!
4/18/12 Glad to report that the hairloss has slowed down-yay! Still disappointed that I'm only losing a pound a week. I thought exercise would speed it up some. I understand the concept of muscle weighing more than fat, so I'll assume that I'm getting ripped-ha! I tried upping my calories a couple hundred a day last week to see if that helped. It didn't 
This week my focus will be to keep my carbs closer to 30 (rather than under 40). Wish me luck!
4/25/12 Wow, maybe I do need to keep my carbs closer to 30. I lost 3 pounds last week! Gonna try that again this week :)
5/10/12
A lot of emotional eating this past week, plus being out of town on a family emergency. I didn't even take extra clothes, let alone protein, vites, or anything else. I still managed to maintain my pound a week loss. I haven't been to the Y in almost 2 weeks. I treated myself to a new tattoo for my 50lb weight loss! I thought maybe I would walk the track, or do something other than water aerobics. However, if I don't enjoy it, I'm not motivated to do it :(
5/22/12 I got into a pair of size 14 jeans! I have never worn that small. Still lovin' my sleeve!
5/23/12 Ooh, I hate these weeks where I lose less than a pound. However, if I need a reminder that it's working, all I need to do is look at yesterday's post :)
5/30/12 6 month surgiversary, and I'm down 66lbs! I've gone from a size 22/24 on top to about a 16. On bottom, from a size 20, down to almost a 14!
6/6/12 OMG, I gained a pound this week. No one to blame, but me. I just cannot function for long periods on about 30 carbs a day, so I upped them. Unfortunately for me, I didn't add in good carbs. I ate crap, and it showed. I'm back on track now!
6/13/12 Busted my ass, and made good choices this week to get rid of the extra pound I gained last week. I'm still a slow, but steady loser. SF popsicles have become my friend in this hot, humid weather!
8/22/12 Well, for all intents and purposes, I have met my original goal of 150, and maintained it for a month. At the very least, I would like to lose the other 6lbs or so, so that I'm no longer considered overweight. While my face looks thin, and my boobs are nonexistent, the rest of me appears the same, just in a smaller version. I still have a lot of belly rolls and back fat :(
My highest weight all time was 239, about the time I graduated from high school.
My highest weight in 2011 was 238.
11/30/11 surgery weight 224.
12/7/11 week one post op visit 213
12/14/11 2 weeks out 209
12/21/11 3 weeks out 207
12/28/11 4 weeks out 204 down 20lbs in 4 weeks
1/4/12 5 weeks out 197.8 ONEDERLAND!
1/11/12 6 weeks out 196.4
1/18/12 7 weeks out 195.8
1/25/12 8 weeks out 192.4 down 32lbs in 8 weeks
2/1/12 9 weeks out 189.0
2/8/12 10 weeks out 188.0
2/15/12 11 weeks out 185.8 about 1/2 way to my goal of 150
2/22/12 12 weeks out 183.4 down 40.6lbs in 12 weeks
2/29/12 3 calendar months out 180.4 down 43.6lbs
3/7/12 14 weeks out 178.6
3/14/12 15 weeks out 177.2
3/21/12 16 weeks out 174.6 down 49.4lbs in 16 weeks
3/28/12 17 weeks out 173.6
4/4/12 18 weeks out 171.4
4/11/12 19 weeks out 170.6
4/18/12 20 weeks out 169.8 down 54.2lbs in 20 weeks
4/25/12 21 weeks out 166.8
4/30/12 4 5 calendar months out 166 lbs down 58lbs
5/2/12 22 weeks out 165.4
5/10/12 23 weeks out 164.6
5/16/12 24 weeks out 161.2
5/23/12 25 weeks out 160.8
5/30/12 6 calendar months out 158.0 down 66lbs
6/6/12 26 weeks out 159.0 up a pound :(
6/13/12 27 weeks out 156.8
6/20/12 28 weeks out 156.0
6/27/12 29 weeks out 156.0
6/30/12 7 calendar months out 155.2 down 68.8lbs
7/4/12 31 weeks out 154.2 so close to having lost 70lbs!
7/11/12 32 weeks out 153.0
7/18/12 33 weeks out 154.6 :(
7/25/12 34 weeks out 151.0 1 ib to go, to meet next mini goal
7/30/12 8 calendar months out 150.4 down 73.6lbs goal 150
8/1/12 35 weeks out 150.2
8/8/12 36 weeks out 150.6
8/15/12 37 weeks out 150.4
8/22/12 38 weeks out 150.6 maintained for a month! Next...
