Jump to content

Apple Blossom

Members
 View Profile  See their activity

  • Posts

    77

  • Joined

  • Last visited

  • Days Won

    4

 Content Type 

Posts posted by Apple Blossom

  1. Sleeve Pre-OP

    in Pre-op Support

    Posted

    I'm on the pre-op to the pre-op for band to sleeve surgery next month. This means Atkins until I reach the liquid phase. I actually appreciate this phase because I feel like it's going to ease me into the liquid phase more gently. I am steadily losing a nice amount of weight and my abdomen is deflating. I carry a lot of weight in the highest part of my abdomen which is right where surgery will take place so it feels especially important to me to comply. I want a flawless surgery.

    When I move to the liquid phase I know I will be much more hungry and challenged. My idea between now and then are to pick out some Pinterest projects to complete. My kids are nearly grown, ages 14-20. The first project is to create timelines with beautiful photos of their accomplishments on a wall in our "hang out room". This should take quite a bit of time because I have hundreds of photos and digital images to go through. I'll have to get larger prints made, purchase frames and possibly decorate some of them, etc. I know I will need to be more involved in doing something with free time to help keep the urge to eat under control.

    Is there anybody else in one of these phases that wants to share what they did or are doing to trudge through the hunger successfully?

    Judy

  3. Considering Plastic Surgery?

    in Plastic Surgery

    Posted

    If anybody has had batwings removed at OCC, I would like to hear how it went. It's something I've considered a few times during my life, but the long scar is hardly worth it to me. I have put it off, waiting to hear that they can now trim and pull to the armpit for a scar there. (no news like this yet) I need a mini tuck, only for the upper most arm. I am converting band to sleeve next month, so the cart is in front of the horse for now, but the time will come soon when I'm hating that part of my body again.

    Judy

  4. Protein news letters

    in General Health, Fitness & Well Being

    Posted

    I really love click mocha also. I like Fit Miss but it also has 15 or 17 grams protein. I imagine after surgery I can mix with 50/50 unsweetened almond milk and water to give it a boost. I like the proticcino bottles by healthwise. I am imagining it really is difficult like Doolittle said to get that much protein with so little room. Are the protein requirements even higher for men?

  12. Vegetarians getting adequate protein?

    in Gastric Sleeve (VSG) Support & Discussion

    Posted

    Boogirl- I think that proceeding forward should be done only if you experiment first. Try eating a diet of only proteins that you will eat. Get 70-100 grams of it daily for a few weeks and see if you can life with it. Do you like tofu? Do you like veggie "meats" made from soy and tofu? You don't have to answer to me, but what is the reason for the aversion to eggs and milk- both can be purchased from local farms if you want to make sure animals were humanely treated. If you can't tolerate the digestion of these, then I would think twice and seek other vegetarians who have already done it to see if it is something you could live with - forever. Nuts are a protein source, but a high calorie one and a food that in my early research seems to be used mainly for those who need to stop weight loss and maintain.

    Best wishes,

    Judy

  14. After Surgery-Before Fill

    in Diet and Nutrition

    Posted

    I got my "full" diet back officially as of July 30. I did a bit of a mushy stage that was not in my instructions from Dr. Miranda. I struggle with food. I feel that scrambled eggs, peanut butter, runny oatmeal and the like saved me from tossing in the towel and eating way off plan before I got to the solid stage. I'm not proud of myself, but that's what I did.

    The band obviuosly doesn't cure my addiction. I didn't expect it to. I also struggle with an all or nothing mind set when I diet.

    Right now, I am really concerned about the next 2 1/2 weeks until my fill. I feel like I am one of the few who has an appetitie that is equal to my pre op appetite. I feel compelled to eat lots of foods I've missed that are not healthy. I know I don't need them but the urge is there. I am already questioning whether or not I will be successful, but I am still optimistic.

    I know the band is there and I know it is in place. I was shopping last week and got tomato soup at Target's food court. It came with a bread stick....a very soft bread stick that I did not resist. I got a piece stuck and learned the feeling........... PAINFUL. Sliming....it was more like foaming from the mouth and nose along with the mucus in my throat. It was an awful experience, that's for sure. I almost did it again this evening and I realized the coincidence. I need to really pay attention when carrying on conversation while eating. I tend to swallow quickly if I want to talk and that's what triggered the bread episode and the near episode tonight.

    In getting to the point, my appetite is in full swing. I haven't found anything I can't eat. I chew well and things go right down. I am hungry. Yes I have huge head hunger but I also have real hunger when my stomach growls.

    I find very few messages refering to this period and the struggle. I feel so alone. I wonder if I am alone or people don't talk about it. My will power needs practice and I already have a 2 pound gain since switching to solids. I am afraid of this pattern. Can anyone else share their experience with this period between full foods with no fill up to their first fill?

    Thank you!

    Judy

  15. August Fill Patients

    in Fill Doctors & Fill Trips to Tijuana

    Posted

    I have scheduled a fill for August 20th at noon. Is there anyone who wants to share a shuttle to and from the airport on the same day? I would also love company taking the bus and trolley since I am nervous doing this on my own for the first time.

    Diana

    Hi Diana,

    I'm scheduled for August 20 at 1PM....but I just got a letter from my youngest sons teacher that kindergarten open house for seeing his classroom, his seat, etc, is on the same day. I'm very booked the rest of the week and then school starts for my kids the following week so I was considering a fill more locally although not under fluro. That makes me a little nervous though because it's my first fill. My husband "can" take my son to the school, but I'm in limbo. I would be really happy and feel much more comfortable learning the trolly/bus system with a buddy. Please PM me if you are still scheduled for the 20th.

    Judy

  16. First fill with local fill doctor!

    in Fill Doctors & Fill Trips to Tijuana

    Posted

    Hey everyone,

    I just had my first fill today locally and it went very smoothly. Of course I was nervous, but all went fine.

    I'm happy for you Judy. May your weight loss pick right up again! Was your Dr. a fill centers Dr? If you don't mind me asking, what was the cost? I am going back to Dr. Ortiz for my first fill, but I saw that a fill center is opening soon within 2 hours of me and I'm trying to get an idea of what people are paying.

    Judy

    Banded 7/9

    -19

  17. Mikey is back!!!

    in Gastric Band Support & Discussion

    Posted

    Hello everyone! It's been a hot minute since I've been on the boards of any kind and am feeling bad because many of you are sending me private messages wishing me well and hoping that my surgery was a success...when in reality my July 18th surgery never happened. It's been post poned to Monday August 27th! :P

    My pre op Atkins diet has been in full effect since the day after I had my 1st consultation with Dr. Miranda and Dr. Ortiz. My minimum weight loss goal was 40lbs. Well 2 weeks before my set surgery Dr. Miranda called me to make sure my diet was going good. I believe she had nothing but good intentions when she did this and reminded me of my goal weight loss, pre op. Well she informed me that it would be BEST for my health and for the surgery to lose the maximum weight goal that she mentioned at consultation vs. the minimum and well that was far from what I had lost at the point of when she called me so we talked and we met somewhere in the middle so I now have a weight loss goal of a little bit higher amount. I felt horrible after speaking with her BUT do realize that she is doing this all for my health so come on someone looking out for your health can't be a bad person at all! ;) So yeah - because of work time off issues it was only supposed to be pushed forward a couple of weeks but finally got a date compatiable with time off at work and room at OCC so it's set for Monday August 27th, 07. I will arrive in Tijuana on Sunday probably around noon or so.

    I've talked to a few people and have realized my pre op diet seems extreme to some and everyone tells me if I'm able to lose so much before surgery in a short period of time why don't I just save 8 grand and lose it on my own....and I respond with this...I do believe I could possibly lose all the weight on my own in due time BUT I also am positive I would probably gain all the weight back and then some. I am confident that with the band not only will I be able to lose all my unhealthy weight in due time but the band will be my tool to assist me in KEEPING it OFF. Also people seem to forget I have a lot of weight to lose....I don't have no 30lbs to lose like some, I have about 150! I'm so confident in this band and in myself that my surgery is still set and the wheels have been in motion since May 15th and nothing is going to stop them, not even a few additional pounds I must lose!!! <_<

    So again I do apologize to all who have sent me personal private well wishes. I do appreciate all your support and all your concern so much, that's for sure.

    I will keep you updated and make sure you look at my new signature...it has my updated weight loss, which is very exciting to little ol' big me!

    Mikey,

    I'm sure you were disappointed, but you have a great attitude and you will be banded soon. You've done a great job losing weight so far. It's a huge commitment. Congratulations.

    Judy

    Banded 7/9

    -19

  19. Recipes

    in Gastric Band Support & Discussion

    Posted

    I don't have a recipe, but I ordered some products online by Nashura Nutrition. They are for bariatric patients. I ordered chicken soup, beef soup, jello, flavored drink packets and hot cocoa. All of them are very tasty and each are liquids. The soup is broth. They have 15 grams of protein in them and nearly no sugar...most had no sugar at all. About 60 calories each. The protein helps me with hunger pangs. I don't want to promote the website I found so just do a search and you'll find them.

    Judy

    Banded 7/9

    Pre-op -11

    Week 1 -8

    48 to go

  21. AM I SUPPOSED TO PREPARE

    in Gastric Band Support & Discussion

    Posted

    I wasnt told ( LOW BMI???) to prepare for the band by drinking liquids. Should I just go crazy and pig out? Or do you guys think I should cut back prior to being banded? I know I read here.. food wont go away forever etc.. is the liquid phase a good stage for most of the weight lose?

    Also.. if i am about 200.. NOO 197!!////// On average what do they say I can lose banded? 50?

    Samia,

    I'm not sure what your BMI is, but are you using Dr. Ortiz? I did and I still had a pre-op diet. It was in the big packet of medical history. I had a "lower" bmi - almost 33 at inquiry and 31 at surgery. The pre-op shrinks the liver to help make surgery safer. The post-op was altered by the nutritionist though and she said it was due to lower BMI. You are right, food issues do not go away. I still struggle and miss over eating.

    Judy

    Banded 7/9

    Pre- OP -11 lbs

    Week 1 -8 lbs

    48 to go

  23. I WANT BANDED... NEED HELP!!

    in Gastric Band Support & Discussion

    Posted

    Are you going back to Mexico for your fills? I'm not sure what I'll do, I'm still searching my area for a place. I hate the thoughts of traveling back to Mexico so often for fills. I read some other patients stories, and it seems like they pay as much for a local fill as it would cost for airfare back to Mexico!! If I think of anything else, I'll be sure to ask. Thanks! Darlene

    Hi Darlene,

    I hope you don't mind me intercepting. I don't think you'll be getting fills as often as you anticipate. After talking to Dr. Ortiz prior to my surgery, I learned that the average is 3-4 fills for your LIFETIME. I asked him to repeat...I thought from reading the message boards that I would be going back every couple of months. He said, so long as you don't challenge the band....repeat, don't challenge the band, you will need few fills.

    Judy

    Banded July 9 (4 days ago!)

    -5 lbs since surgery

    16 since pre op diet

    45-50 to go

  24. just a little nervous

    in Gastric Band Support & Discussion

    Posted

    It's so easy for me to say from the "other" side of recently being banded to relax. I was also super worried, but had I known how great the experience would be, I would have not worried a bit. I watched Extreme Makeover in the Hotel the night before surgery and got a great quote from it. "There are lots of things to think about, but nothing to worry about."

    BTW, you will lose weight if you follow the simple rules and don't challenge the band....."Don't challenge the band"-words from Dr. Ortiz prior to my surgery. I keep repeating them. I am losing weight nicely and you will too.

    Judy

  25. Back Home

    in Gastric Band Support & Discussion

    Posted

    Hi Judy,

    Glad to see you and your mom had a safe trip back. I ended up spending 12 hours traveling back home...between flights, delayed flights and layovers. Had my water, juice and broth in the airport though and did absolutely fine. Feel great today but won't return to work until Monday. Will enjoy the recovery a while longer. For anyone else reading, my experience at OCC was the same as Judy's. I was amazed at the fact that I had no nausea following the surgery and didn't experience any gas pains, just a little soreness. Judy, I wish you the best with your weight loss....you and your mom are so sweet :) Keep us posted on your successes.

    Lady558(Judy)

    Sending you a hug Judy. I'm so sorry it took you so long to get back home, but you were a trooper. I look forward to hearing of your successes also.

    Judy

×
×
  • Create New...