Linda T.
37+ year old Wedding Dress
Jun 28, 2007
My husband and I got married November 1969. I wore a white mini polyester dress. For the time it was very cute and adorable. Long sleeves solid white with light blue buttons on the sleeves. My mother made it for me from a Vogue pattern size 12.
Polyester last forever! I put my dress away and there it has stayed for YEARS. While cleaning out the closet a month ago I got out all the saved clothing. There was the wedding dress. It looks so small, it did bring back so many memories. When we got married I had never worried about my weight. Lunch many days was a milkshake. Meals at home were beans and potatoes. Hamburgers were a treat on weekends. I didn't have a problem with my weight until after my daughter was born. Back to the dress.
My daughter and grand daughters came by for Fathers day! I showed the dress to her (I don't think she had ever seen it, not many photos). After the initial "oooh Polyster" statements, my 12 year old grand daughter put it on. IT FIT! She is not that big!!!! Of course she need a little more boobage but............ How small was I? I weighted 125 when I got married. I am 5' 2". Now I am really confused with sizing. I am already wearing a 10. I am just blown away by how small I was.
Polyester last forever! I put my dress away and there it has stayed for YEARS. While cleaning out the closet a month ago I got out all the saved clothing. There was the wedding dress. It looks so small, it did bring back so many memories. When we got married I had never worried about my weight. Lunch many days was a milkshake. Meals at home were beans and potatoes. Hamburgers were a treat on weekends. I didn't have a problem with my weight until after my daughter was born. Back to the dress.
My daughter and grand daughters came by for Fathers day! I showed the dress to her (I don't think she had ever seen it, not many photos). After the initial "oooh Polyster" statements, my 12 year old grand daughter put it on. IT FIT! She is not that big!!!! Of course she need a little more boobage but............ How small was I? I weighted 125 when I got married. I am 5' 2". Now I am really confused with sizing. I am already wearing a 10. I am just blown away by how small I was.
Jezzzz.
Jun 25, 2007
I thought Pneumonia was common thing. I guess it is common if it is someone else. I have been in bed since last Friday MAN OH MAN. The pain is down I didn't take pain meds today but still feel like a truck hit me. It has been hard getting down all my fluids and food. I just don't feel like it. Finally today I am so thirsty and hungry. I must be on the mend.
WLS doesn't mean it causes all your problems!!!
Jun 22, 2007
I have Pneumonia! It showed up Tuesday in X-ray in the ER but the DR was so sure it was related to the WLS he never mentioned it. The Radiologist even noted Pulmunary Enfussion, left upper lobe. I know now I had all the classic symptons but no cough. Thursday my Doctor "bless his heart" came in seeing me in the fetal possition on that hard exam table fever chills and in lots of pain just to breath. I was soaked with sweat, pale and runing a fever. He got all the reports together and listen to my chest and he knew. Sometime high tec does not replace being able to read reports that trained people are paid well to do.
Some things I do know for sure.
1. I am better at home than in the hospital and will get more rest here.
2. My Band is healthy, no slip, errosion, kinks, leaks, or problems.
3. My stomach and pouch are in great shape, some gastritis (probably stress as I see it.)
4. My Bile ducts are healthy, no stones or obstructions. (father died of bile duct cancer)
5. As bad as I felt every time they read my blood pressure 112/67 I had to smile.
6, Dilaudid is some gooooood stuff.
I am on some heavy drugs antiobotics and pain meds. Already today I feel some better today. I am taking a pain pill and going back to sleep.
IT'S NOT ALWAYS YOUR BAND. MY BAND IS MY FRIEND.
What is wrong with me?
Jun 18, 2007
The last week I had good weight loss, no real problems with food. Just didn't feel real good. Of course I started worring about THE BAND! Over the weekend I started to get a bad pain in the breastbone again! Plus pain under my left ribs radiating down and thru to the back. NO pain in the port area. Plus I started running a a low grade fever making me ache all over. Tylenol took the fever down but not the pain.
By Sunday night I called Dr Houston. I feel so bad because I woke him. He was real slow on the uptake! But he returned my call and told me to call Holly Monday morning while he was in surgery. He wanted to schedule a fluro unfill.
It was late in the day and living on tylenol but I made it. My band is great position and has not slipped. Dr Houston confirmed that it was my stomach (where the pain was)and ask if I had ever had an ulcer or diverticulous (sp) NOPE. He took out another .4 cc. Maybe this would help. He told me to continue taking the Nexium He said the temp didn't bother him unless it got above 100. This pain is worse than surgery. I am happy my band is okay, because now my insurance will cover what ever this is Monday night sleeping was horid. I was awake everytime I moved. My temp was up and then I was sweating.
When I awoke I was unable to get out of bed. I went to the ER on Tuesday. They were worthless! (did I say that outloud?) I had 2 EKGS, one cat scan, front side, back and flat chest Xrays, blood work, and a urine test. 2 tries before the IV went in. I can say I love the Dilaudid. Urine test show blood in urine. Go figure I have ICC (intercystial cystitus) in remission. He sent me home with a script for pain meds and an antiobotic. He even talked to my surgeon. I just wanted to go home.
I went to see the Gastro Wednesday for EGD and MRI on problems. He took an biopsy of my stomach, nothing. My band is in place not slipping or anything.
At this point I am out of it. Energy,emotional physical, I couldn't eat, keep dehydrated or stay awake. My huaband called my Dr and got me in to see my regular physican on Thursday.
By Sunday night I called Dr Houston. I feel so bad because I woke him. He was real slow on the uptake! But he returned my call and told me to call Holly Monday morning while he was in surgery. He wanted to schedule a fluro unfill.
It was late in the day and living on tylenol but I made it. My band is great position and has not slipped. Dr Houston confirmed that it was my stomach (where the pain was)and ask if I had ever had an ulcer or diverticulous (sp) NOPE. He took out another .4 cc. Maybe this would help. He told me to continue taking the Nexium He said the temp didn't bother him unless it got above 100. This pain is worse than surgery. I am happy my band is okay, because now my insurance will cover what ever this is Monday night sleeping was horid. I was awake everytime I moved. My temp was up and then I was sweating.
When I awoke I was unable to get out of bed. I went to the ER on Tuesday. They were worthless! (did I say that outloud?) I had 2 EKGS, one cat scan, front side, back and flat chest Xrays, blood work, and a urine test. 2 tries before the IV went in. I can say I love the Dilaudid. Urine test show blood in urine. Go figure I have ICC (intercystial cystitus) in remission. He sent me home with a script for pain meds and an antiobotic. He even talked to my surgeon. I just wanted to go home.
I went to see the Gastro Wednesday for EGD and MRI on problems. He took an biopsy of my stomach, nothing. My band is in place not slipping or anything.
At this point I am out of it. Energy,emotional physical, I couldn't eat, keep dehydrated or stay awake. My huaband called my Dr and got me in to see my regular physican on Thursday.
Fickle Band
Jun 04, 2007
After having my last fill removed things have been rough. I went on liquid and then mushies. Then real food! Nope it still didn't work. I went back on my Nexium and started taking Children's liquid Advil. Feeling better, no pain at breastbone. But the amount I can eat is so much smaller than it was before the fill, it is like I still have too much. Go figure. I guess I just irritated everything being tight for over a week. Weight is still coming off so can't complain too much.
It would never happen to me?
May 30, 2007
My last fill on May 18 went fine. I had the 48 hours fluid and progressed to regular food without problems. On the evening of Friday 25 my husband and I went out for dinner. I had General Tao Chicken. After about 5 bites of chicken (chewed well and slow) I was very uncomfortable. A pain in my breastbone. I made my way to the ladies room and was able to PB. Major pain in chest but no nausea. I was uncomfortable for over an hour. It even hurt to drink.
Saturday the next day I had a protein shake for breakfast with little discomfort after a cup of decalf coffee. Water was slow all day and an extreme feeling of fullness with each sip. Lunch I tried a tortilla with cheese heated and rolled. First bite was tight but gave it time and was able to eat the whole thing. After the last bite the fullness was overwhelming and another PB but not vomiting. Drinking still slow. Supper was one slice of pizza. Not a problem.
Sunday morning I had coffee followed by a protein shake a little tight but OKAY. Lunch was another protein shake. Drinking eased up but back was now hurting directly behind breast bone. By supper I was very hungry. Husband and I went out to eat. I had broiled fish and a sweet baked potato nothing else. I had about 2 oz of fish (well chewed and slow). I had one bite of sweet potato and naseua hit. I started deep breathing and got up and walked outside hoping that the movement would relieve the pressure. I was standing by the car trying to regain my composure when my husband came out. Well, my composure was not regained as I hurled behind a light pole. Now my husband was really worried about me. I was worried about myself.
Monday Holiday I stayed on liquid all day did well but still have mild pain in chest bone.
Tuesday called Dr who said I maybe too tight. I made an appointment for Thursday. I was taking my Mother the the Dr on Wednesday and could not make both in the same day.
The strangest feeling is being afraid to lose my fill. HUH! I am in pain! BUT... the brain says your losing great now 4 lbs in 2 weeks compared to 2 months and 4 lbs. Plus I am self pay and I don't want to pay $150 to have the last $150 removed. Or $300 for nothing. I want to lose 2 lbs a week without pain and I am sure the Dr will know best.
After we talked today he suggested we remove the complete last fill. Back to where I was not losing. Oh well, it feels so much better. He wants my band to rest for a couple of weeks and them if I feel like it we will "twik it". He thinks I am very close to the perfect fill for comfort and losing. I will be of liquids and mushies for the next few days then on to regular food. I had lost 3 lbs since the fill. I will hold onto them.
Saturday the next day I had a protein shake for breakfast with little discomfort after a cup of decalf coffee. Water was slow all day and an extreme feeling of fullness with each sip. Lunch I tried a tortilla with cheese heated and rolled. First bite was tight but gave it time and was able to eat the whole thing. After the last bite the fullness was overwhelming and another PB but not vomiting. Drinking still slow. Supper was one slice of pizza. Not a problem.
Sunday morning I had coffee followed by a protein shake a little tight but OKAY. Lunch was another protein shake. Drinking eased up but back was now hurting directly behind breast bone. By supper I was very hungry. Husband and I went out to eat. I had broiled fish and a sweet baked potato nothing else. I had about 2 oz of fish (well chewed and slow). I had one bite of sweet potato and naseua hit. I started deep breathing and got up and walked outside hoping that the movement would relieve the pressure. I was standing by the car trying to regain my composure when my husband came out. Well, my composure was not regained as I hurled behind a light pole. Now my husband was really worried about me. I was worried about myself.
Monday Holiday I stayed on liquid all day did well but still have mild pain in chest bone.
Tuesday called Dr who said I maybe too tight. I made an appointment for Thursday. I was taking my Mother the the Dr on Wednesday and could not make both in the same day.
The strangest feeling is being afraid to lose my fill. HUH! I am in pain! BUT... the brain says your losing great now 4 lbs in 2 weeks compared to 2 months and 4 lbs. Plus I am self pay and I don't want to pay $150 to have the last $150 removed. Or $300 for nothing. I want to lose 2 lbs a week without pain and I am sure the Dr will know best.
After we talked today he suggested we remove the complete last fill. Back to where I was not losing. Oh well, it feels so much better. He wants my band to rest for a couple of weeks and them if I feel like it we will "twik it". He thinks I am very close to the perfect fill for comfort and losing. I will be of liquids and mushies for the next few days then on to regular food. I had lost 3 lbs since the fill. I will hold onto them.
A fill a fill, a fill
May 25, 2007
I was scheduled for a fill on May 18th. I was not sure about it. I was not losing and was getting hungry quicker, but...... I was having problems with Chicken PB'ing. So needless to say I was not eating chicken. I had a nice talk with Dr Houston and he said I needed to learn to eat chicken. My fault all along. Chicken is stringyer than some meats and it takes more chewing to get it to a liquid form. My fault not chewing enough and taking to large a bit. So I got me a fill. I am now up to 2.4 in my band. I lost 2 lbs in a week and I ate chicken quite a few times without problems. So.........just because you get to be an old hand at this band does not mean that you know it all or can't fall back into old habits. Smaller bites and chew chew and chew!
Exercise! there I said it. I have been getting it too. Not in the normal work at it way. I have been getting in the pool everyday (weather permitting) I spoke to the Exercise Physo at Dr Houstons and told her I HATE to exercise and have an adversion to the word. So we worked up a playing in the pool routine. I love being outside and in the pool so it doesn't seem like exercise at all and it is kind to my knees and hip joints. I got to protect from those painfull impact stuff. I have even pushed myself to do jogging in place for 10 mins. besides the other things I do in the water.
My body has changed so much. My husband has not called me a Hottie yet and if he does I better call the Fire Dept. because the house will be on fire. But it is getting there and I am not even upset about the length of time it is taking. I am smaller now than I have been in years and years and I know that with each passing day I will be getting smaller. Now I still don't know what that goal weight will be, I am beginning to be happy just to be healthy. When my body stops losing and the Dr thinks it is time I will be happy I am sure. I can't even imagine how much more energy I will have when I get there.
Exercise! there I said it. I have been getting it too. Not in the normal work at it way. I have been getting in the pool everyday (weather permitting) I spoke to the Exercise Physo at Dr Houstons and told her I HATE to exercise and have an adversion to the word. So we worked up a playing in the pool routine. I love being outside and in the pool so it doesn't seem like exercise at all and it is kind to my knees and hip joints. I got to protect from those painfull impact stuff. I have even pushed myself to do jogging in place for 10 mins. besides the other things I do in the water.
My body has changed so much. My husband has not called me a Hottie yet and if he does I better call the Fire Dept. because the house will be on fire. But it is getting there and I am not even upset about the length of time it is taking. I am smaller now than I have been in years and years and I know that with each passing day I will be getting smaller. Now I still don't know what that goal weight will be, I am beginning to be happy just to be healthy. When my body stops losing and the Dr thinks it is time I will be happy I am sure. I can't even imagine how much more energy I will have when I get there.
Six Month Report
May 09, 2007
I have made it 6 months! I wanted to be closer to goal than I am but I am happy with my results. I have been stalled for so long. Not because I have been working at it. I am eating just enough it seems to keep me from losing. I started writing down everything AGAIN! I am making an effort to get more exercise in. Walking with the dogs, and I turned the heater on the pool on and hope to start swimming today. My BMI is down to 32 which is amazing. I am still off all my meds except the antidepression Lexapro. My daughter gave me a pair of pants that were too large for her. They were a size 10! I said they would be too tight for me. My 12's are getting saggy but the 10's I have I can't zip up yet. The ones she gave me are a perfect fit. Yep Pee.
Realize the Bliss
Apr 28, 2007
Life is a string of problems held together by moments of Bliss!
Realize the Bliss.
Life can be a pain in the butt. As we all know the alternative is no pain but a lot less desirable. We all have problems from big to small but to each one of us they are major and important. To others they may seem insignificant just because their problems are different. We all have them they are just ours. As bothersome as mine are I would rather have mine than yours!
Now how does this relate to the Lap Band. Everyone’s journey is different…extremely different…with ups and downs at different times. Our journey is directly related to what is going on in our personal lives. Our bands respond to stress, our old habits will spring into action because of stress. Just because we are banded doesn’t change the stress around us. Sometimes it even increases it.
Realize the Bliss. Change your thinking about what Bliss means. A moment of bliss could be a cup of coffee you love at Starbucks, watching birds feed in your feeder, a nap in your recliner, the feel of clean sheets on the bed, a clean windshield in your car. A hug from a child. Stop and smell the roses! BUT REALIZE IT IS A MOMENT OF BLISS.
Fast approching 6th month!
Apr 20, 2007
I realized today that I will have my 6th month anniversary soon. My weight lost is stagnate at best. That is my fault. Once you get off track it is so hard to get back on. All the bad habits that I work so hard to break came back in a flash. Yes, I know how to eat around my band. I have tested it and know its limits. I still am not "exercising", I hate that word and the thought of it. Now I don't mind working in the garden pulling weeds or grass that has grown in my flower beds. I can do this for 4 hours on end. I have lots of landscaping. They opened my pool this week. I have a heater and can turn it on as soon as the water is clear and clean. Now swimming is not an exercise, it is fun. I have lost most of my weight in the bottom half. I have large shoulders and upper body strength. That is where I want to lose the rest of my weight. My bottom is now a 10 petite but my upper is still a XL or a 16. Of course exercising would tone up that belly flab. Whooooo the thought of exercising sends me into a safe quiet place, like the couch.
About Me
Mt. Juliet, TN
Location
32.9
BMI
Feb 16, 2004
Member Since
