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LoriBecky

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  1. LoriBecky
    I had a question from a band patient about medications and what started me on this road to a sleeve revision, so i thought I would post here about my experience. Remember, this is just MY experience. Everyone reacts differently to medication. Believe me, I'm on a LOT of medications (mostly due to pain), but here is what happened to me...
    I was on a long term antibiotic therapy - CIPRO - for an intestinal issue (nothing to do with my band) that caused inflammation in the lining of my stomach - so that caused inflammation under my band. As soon as Dr. O heard what I had been on he told me to stop taking it immediately and gave me some alternative names of meds to choose. Dummy me should have checked with OCC before my US doc started me on this - but my US doc knew I had a band - I guess the inflammation doesn't happen with everyone, but I had been on this medication for 6 months, so there in lies the problem. It is possible for any medication to cause inflammation - but usually you aren't on them long term. OCC doctors had me start a regimen of anti-reflux meds - because they help to protect and heal the lining of the stomach, but the stretched pouch had already happened, and it doesn't seem like that ever healed. If it has been stretched for too long, scar tissue can form, holding that stretch in place, and that is probably what happened to me. Doesn't happen often, but looks like that is what happened to me....
    If you are going to be on any long term medication, just call Dr. So at 1866-376-7849 ext. 5 and review it with him and he can give you some pointers!
    And as always, if you notice any difference in the restriction of your band that doesn't settle down within a few days, CALL!
  2. LoriBecky
    And so it begins.... the liquid only phase of the pre-op diet that all sleeve revision patients that still have their band must endure. Its not too bad, of course, it is my first day. I don't have to be on it quite as long as others because nothing gets stuck at my band right now, and In the almost 6 years that I've had my band, I haven't PB'd - so the liklihood of inflammation is reduced. My husband is blending up some fabulous high protein shakes. I'm using the whey protein powder and mixing it with Soy Light Chocolate Milk - that reallly helps with the flavor, as do the Torani Syups! A splash of the sugar free peanut butter flavor in my chocolate shake goes a long way to making it taste better and gives me some variety!
    I'm still a little nervous about surgery, but if you've been following my blog, you'll know that is just my process. I'm really excited and just anxious to have it done!
    My port has been bothering me a bit lately, maybe its psychosomatic, my body's way of telling my worrying brain that this is OK, this is the right time for a change, and to quit questionning my decision.
    My husband is really on board at this point, he had his moments of wondering, but the more research he does on his own, the more he is really excited for this change as well. He has seen this last year of my struggles with my band, my fighting to keep it and then the resolution that its time to move on as my body doesn't seem to want to cooperate with the band anymore.
    Maybe its me mourning my band. We've been great friends for quite a few years now. I thought I'd have it forever. I wanted to have it forever. Most of our patients will! But for some of us, either a life change, an accident, illness, medication, a slipped band, insufficient weight loss - whatever it is, it changes our perspective and our relationship with our band, and we have to make a decision. I know without a tool, I will surely gain back the weight I've lost. Even though I have changed my habits, I do eat better than I did before, I know how easily those habits return, and I need a tool. In order for my body to stay at a lower weight, I have to eat less than many people at that weight would eat. I can't be as active as some are. So this is my decision to stay healthy and get even healthier.
    I'm ready for what's to come. I truly hope that, as in most cases, Dr. Ortiz and Dr. Martinez can remove my band and perform the sleeve revision during the same surgery, but even if it has to be a 2 step process, I'm ready.
  3. LoriBecky
    If you were to meet me, not having known me in  my past... you would probably never guess that I used to be a fat girl.  People are always surprised when I tell them, or when they see a picture of me pre 2006.  People who have known me a long time do forget how much space I used to take up in a room!  I showed my mom my "before" picture from the OCC Facebook page... and she said "that's not you!" she couldn't believe it because her mind has made that switch... this is Lori... this is the space she fills in a room... this is what she looks like.  And I think that's true for most people in my life.  Why is it so hard for me?
    So... that leaves the question of "why do i still see myself as fat".  I know what size clothes I wear.  I see what the scale says.  So why can't I just accept it and realize this is my new normal....
    I'm not sure if it is because I was in denial for so long about what my weight was doing to me and my health.  Is it because I was in denial that I really was that big... so maybe I'm in denial about my size now?  Or is it because I still don't feel "good enough" whatever that means.  Or is it because I'm afraid that I will fail at this so I don't want to get too comfortable in my weight/size now?
    I think it takes longer for our brain to wrap our heads around this concept.  To truly accept ourselves - whatever that means.  That the goal is HEALTH... and whatever else comes from that... a smaller size, more energy, more mobility... THAT is the prize... that is the change we need to wrap our heads around and fill our brain with.
    I'm not thin Lori, I'm not fat Lori... I am Lori... and I am good enough... so take that "Fat brain"...
     
    as always... if you have questions or are interested in weight loss surgery please call 1-866-376-7849 ext. 1 to speak with any of our spectacular Patient Coordinators or email coordinators@obesitycontrolcenter.com
    you can always get in touch with me at lori@obesitycontrolcenter.com
     

  4. LoriBecky

    Hair loss after surgery

    By LoriBecky,

    I thought I would share this post about hair lost after surgery from the OCC Nutritional Team.

    Many patients experience early postoperative hair loss, which is mainly due to telogen effluvium, an alteration in the normal hair cycle, a dormant or resting stage, that results from emotional or physical stress (i.e. surgery). This event is unrelated to protein malnutrition or vitamin and mineral deficiencies which is a common misconception.
    Hair loss experienced 3-5 months after surgery,
    ​ ​is more often due to the stress of the surgery and the extreme weight loss; in these cases, hair will grow back.
    However, there are nutritional deficiencies that can contribute to hair loss as well. A diet low in protein and/or calories can also cause hair loss. Nutritional deficiencies such as protein, iron and zinc deficiencies can increase your risk.
    If hair loss occurs after six months post-surgery, nutritional causes are probably involved in hair loss. The nutrients that are related to hair loss are protein, iron, zinc, biotin, essential fatty acids and vitamin b12. To prevent the nutritional cause continue following our dietary recommendations post-op: in addition to the bariatric multivitamins you should also include probiotics (in addition to gut health they produce additional biotin) liquid B12 which is better absorbed than in capsules, calcium+D3 and of course your protein. Don't forget to take separately the bariatric vitamins from the calcium as iron and calcium compete for the absorption at the gut.
    Working on your protein goals and taking your bariatric supplements will help prevent the nutritional cause. Attached you'll find a protein equivalents table to help you count your daily protein; let's aim for 70-80 grams of protein per day.

    As always, for OCC patients, if you have any questions about nutrition please email nutritionist@obesitycontrolcenter.com

    or you can email me, lori@obesitycontrolcenter.com



  5. LoriBecky

    Belly Dancing and me

    By LoriBecky,

    Sorry its been so long since my last blog entry, things have been very busy!
    I have always wanted to take a dance class, but before I lost weight, it wasn't something I was comfortable even really considering. I can be shy, I know that isn't the way most people would describe me, and if I have a "buddy" with me, I'm good, but entering into something new, all by myself (I tried and tried to get someone to come with me... my friends were even more intimidated then I was) was really scary to me.
    I kept seeing the Belly Dance for Fitness classes starting every couple of months, and I just decided to go for it, all by myself, not knowing what to expect, what to wear, how to be, nothing... I just jumped in with both feet (after some nervous butterflies were flying ferociously around in my stomach!)
    That was 8 weeks ago! I'm on my 2nd round of classes now, and while I still am a total beginner. I'm starting to shake things in mostly the right direction, understand some of the moves and their names, I'm no longer tripping over my own feet, and my body is loosening up, I'm standing taller, and my abs are really getting a work out!
    Some people would laugh at the notion of weight loss surgery truly changing someone's life in more ways then their overall health and the size clothes they were, but getting into better shape, not being quite as jiggly (I'm still fairly jiggly!), gaining confidence to do things that scare you... I do believe that is all a result of jumping in, having this truly life changing surgery, and letting go of "being the fattest girl in class". I only have to worry about getting my hips to go in the right direction and not shaking it so hard my back goes out... I'm only worried about having fun, trying to learn some new steps, and get my abs in the best shape ever. I'm not worried about what someone else is thinking. I'm not sure if that comes from the losing of the weight, or the fact that I took big steps to change my fate... change my health... change the way I look and that changed the way I feel about myself... I still struggle every single day to see the person on the outside that I really am now, and not the mental image that I still have of myself. I'm not sure the "fat girl" mentality ever goes away, but I am doing my best each day to over come that and live life in the moment... even if that means fulfilling a long dream of being a belly dancer (and yes, I did buy the coin belt and some special outfits to wear to class and I'm LOVING it!!) SO if you wonder where Lori is on a Monday night... she's dancing her heart out, giggling on the inside and the outside, and having the time of her life... and shakin' her groove thang (and everything else that wants to shake along with it)
    What have you done since you had surgery that you never would have done before??
    I want to hear from you!
  6. LoriBecky
    A simple quote... but wow... super powerful.



    I was reading though some things today, super busy at work, but this really caught my eye. I think in my head, sometimes, I still put myself down for resorting to weight loss surgery, like i gave up. Why do i do this to myself? When i know that 95% of people that try to lose more then 50 pounds on their own will fill. They either won't reach their goal, or even worse (and I had been there many many times) they will hit that goal... and slowly but surely the weight creeps back on... usually bringing some of its friends along. Then each time we try again (and again and again) the weight comes off more slowly, its harder to lose, and it creeps back even faster. We have messed with our metabolism one too many times. Then we start to develop health and physical complications from not just the excess weight, but the unhealthy means we have gone to to lose weight, then gain it back... lose some... gain more... yo yo.
    But this time.. i knew reaching out would make things different... I knew I just needed that helping hand... that tool to help me get on track, stay on track, and lose the weight, not just some of it, but enough to really get me to a healthier place. Lose it and keep it off. I knew this wasn't a magic wand, i knew i still had to put in the time, put in the effort, i had to werk it girlfriend... and I was ready. It wasn't just that I was lazy before, or that I gave up too soon (which, yes... admittedly, i did at times) but I was ready to ask for the help i knew I really needed to make it happen... i started to believe it could happen... and you know what... it did...
    I always say this, but i'm not sure people believe me, I wasn't an unhappy fat person. I was still fairly active, had a wonderful marriage, wonderful kids, but I knew what was coming... I knew I had to make change happen to continue to be happy, to feel well, to be stronger... am I happier now... YES, but I don't think its just due to the weight loss... I think its because I believed in myself enough to spend money on ME... invest in my future... the surgery gave me that confidence to find my inner strength. To believe in myself... so she did...
    So can you... are you ready to have your "after". Whatever that is... weight loss, health, happiness, that "after" can mean a lot of things...
    believe it you can... and you will!
    Join the conversation!
    As always... you can reach me at lori@obesitycontrolcenter.com or 1-866-376-7849 ext. 81
  7. LoriBecky
    I know this isn't a new subject for me, but I think some of our newbies need to hear this again. After weight loss surgery your size will be changing rapidly. Why spend all that money on clothes that you won't be wearing for very long?
    C'mon people.... let's go pop some tags!
    I bought almost all of my clothes at thrift stores or consignment stores as I was losing weight. And to be honest... these are still my "go to" stores. I love antiquing and I love browsing for that next great find at thrift stores. I've been at my goal weight for quite awhile now, but if I can spend less money and buy more things... I'M SO THERE!!!
    Last weekend my wonderful husband took me on a weekend getaway that was very much needed. On the way to Marina del Rey we hit some thrift stores - some in high end neighborhoods (always my favorite!) and as always, i wasn't disappointed!
    I got some great items, but my favorite was a scrumptious leather jacket. Sure, I need to replace a couple of buttons... but for $39 bucks for an easily $300+ leather jacket - I'm OK with that (it amazes me what rich people will donate!!) there isn't a mark on this jacket - just 2 missing buttons which I bought on Etsy for a total of $6!
    I say this because too often when we are overweight - we clothe ourselves in ill fitting, old clothes... sometimes because we feel we don't deserve to spend money on clothes or because we keep thinking we'll finally lose the weight and THEN we'll spend the money... well.. you are on your way, but you still deserve to look great on the way to your destination... this is a journey, and the motivation of looking good is real... and when you can buy a new pair of jeans at Goodwill for $4... just do it! Even if you won't wear them for long... you can donate them back and buy yourself another pair for $4 (or even less). Go find yourself something to wear.... feel great about yourself and stay motivated! You may even find something really nice... like my beautiful leather jacket.
    If you aren't a thrift store person... maybe start a clothing exchange at church or with other weight loss surgery patients in your area. Most major hospitals run support groups... find out... get involved...and look great doing it!
    C'mon guys... let's go pop some tags and look great doing it!
  8. LoriBecky

    Happy Thanksgiving!

    By LoriBecky,

    Count your many blessings name them one by one, count your many blessings, see what God has done!
    This is the time of year for reflecting on our blessings. I am thankful for so many things! Faith, a merciful God, I'm even thankful for my trials, that is often the times when my richest blessings reveal themselves. I am thankful for a loving husband, my family and friends, my 3 blessings that call me mommy. Thankful for a warm home and food on the table. Thankful that I am able to help those less fortunate. Thankful for my job and the wonderful people I get to work with, including my patients.
    What are you thankful for? Let's remember that our richest blessings can come from blessing others. Donating your time and resources to your church or food bank, charity, or community center. Reaching out to those in need. Give what you can, help when you can, really... in blessing others you are blessing yourself... and who couldn't use more of that this time of year.
    Giving thanks... giving appreciation.... giving what you can and turning that into a blessing.
    I am also thankful for my sleeve... which helps me to stay on track, slaps me back when I want to eat more then I should and keeps me healthy despite myself sometimes...
    What are you thankful for this season?
    I wish all of you a safe and blessed Thanksgiving this year... don't forget to stop and remember to be thankful for all that you have!
  9. LoriBecky

    Awesome Sauce!

    By LoriBecky,

    What a great week I had! Last week I got to spend 3 days at OCC, observe surgeries, learn more about the amazing advancements in surgical technique happening at OCC, meet with Dr. Ortiz and Dr. Martinez and Lucia, spend time with the great staff there, record some videos...and the best part, the awesome sauce, I got to meet face to face with patients. I rarely get to do that, and I got to do that in spades this time. I was able to meet an entire family of patients, some that have already had surgery, and several coming in for the first time. What an amazing family this is! Originally 2 of the sisters came for surgery, truly they are sleeve sisters, and they have done so well, and were so pleased with their experience, that another sister came in October, and then more family members. Now think about this... I think we are all willing to put ourselves out there for surgery, but bringing your most prized possessions, your family, your sisters, daughters, sons, aunts, the things that mean the most to you, bringing them to Mexico for surgery... i think that says a LOT about Obesity Control Center! I was so inspired by this family and lucky enough to be taken into this group as a sleeve sister. I've been working with this family, praying for this family, rejoicing with this family, and now watching them succeed towards their goals.... did I say it enough... INSPIRING!
    So, thank you to my patients, you are truly the Awesome Sauce on the Burrito of Life! Thank you for letting me be part of your journey!

    As always, if you want to reach me you can call 1-866-376-7849 ext. 81 or email me lori@obesitycontrolcenter.com
  10. LoriBecky
    Don't minimize the benefits of great support. Be it a good bra, compression socks, Spanx, family, friends, or the kind I'm going to talk about today... Sleeve sistas (and brotha's).
    When we are going through weight loss surgery we NEED support - for the pre-op phase, for surgery, and especially for after surgery.
    There are so many things we don't consider for post surgery... eating isn't just about nourishment for most of us - we know we should "eat to live not live to eat" but most people don't follow that rule. We eat because we are hungry, but we also eat because we are bored, we are sad, tired, mad, scared, so many other reasons besides nourishing our body. We need help to work through all of those things after surgery. We need encouragement, camaraderie, understanding, accountability, and sometimes a good ol' kick in the butt!
    We can find that many places, sometimes with friends and family but sometimes we need that from someone that truly understands what we are going through... someone that has been through it or is going through it.
    The occforum is a great place for that, the posts, the blogs, they are all so helpful. There is another new place where I am finding and giving that support - in the OCC Sleevers Support Group. This group was started by some of our patients and is administered by them. If you are looking for some support why don't you give it a try.... you just may find that extra help you need (and maybe a good bra recommendation too!)
    https://www.facebook.com/groups/758113717570254/?fref=nf
    as always, if you have any questions you can email lori@obesitycontrolcenter.com or call 1-866-376-7849 ext. 81
  11. LoriBecky
    I'm so sorry I haven't posted in awhile. We have been really busy at OCC and I've been really busy at home. Graduations, end of school, water polo season starting. Crazy train - woot woot!
    I recently read this article about weight loss surgery and pregnancy and long term health of the child, and breaking the cycle of obesity in a family.
    I had my weight loss surgery after I was done having kids, so I can't say I have first hand knowledge of this subject BUT... (and that's a big but) I will tell you that I have 3 kids. Two of my kids battle with their weight, the 3rd one, my last, hasn't ever had that battle. With my 3rd child, I was diagnosed with Gestational diabetes. I believe I had it with all 3, but it was only diagnosed in my 3rd pregnancy (after much urging on my part for more testing - all my babies weighed over 9 pounds, the 3rd weighed 10!) Since I was properly diagnosed with my 3rd, I cut out all sugar and most of my carbs during this pregnancy. Didn't gain much weight (yes, I was overweight already, but stayed pretty much the same weight throughout my pregnancy unlike the first 2) anyway, my eating habits were much different with my 3rd child. I do wonder if there is any correlation with my eating habits and my older 2 kids difficulty with their weight. So this article made a lot of sense to me. I don't think its just the weight loss surgery they talk about in this article, but the different eating habits that generally go along with a weight loss surgery.
    So.... I wanted to share this. I get a lot of questions from younger women coming in for surgery about how weight loss surgery will affect a future pregnancy... as always, Dr. Ortiz would recommend you wait 1 - 2 years after having surgery to get pregnant, at least 12 months as that is when most of your weight loss will occur and you want to keep that momentum.
    Here is the article: health.usnews.com/health-news/family-health/womens-health/articles/2009/09/02/weight-loss-surgery-breaks-families-obesity-cycle
    As always, if you have any questions about weight loss surgery, or revision surgery you can always reach me at 1-866-376-7849 ext. 81 or lori@obesitycontrolcenter.com
    Enjoy your weekend!
  12. LoriBecky
    There is about to be a love fest up in here... so if its too hot for you, best to leave the kitchen now
    Really, this is all about you guys! I love it when someone has read my blog and contacts me all excited about my journey, or looking to start a new chapter in their own life. You guys are so great! I appreciate your support, enthusiasm, excitement so much! You keep me inspired to keep on keeping on, and I love being able to inspire and support you as well!
    If you are ready to make a change, either with a first time weight loss surgery or a rescue/revision surgery, I would love to talk to you, share my experience, give your more information, and support you on your path!
    email me anytime lori@obesitycontrolcenter.com or call me at 1-866-376-7849 ext. 81, I would love to help you take that next step!
    Oh... and my favorite super bowl commercial was probably The Farmer (so nooootttttttt GoDaddy YUCK!!! - i'd prefer another wardrobe malfunction instead! none of the commercials were as good as the Volkswagon little Darth Vader commercial - that was fabulous!)
    As for the half time show... bring back Santana!
    The post lighting malfunction was a much better game then pre black out. My favorite FB post was the XX beer buy... "I don't always use a surge protector, but if I did, it would be for the superbowl!" lol classic!
  13. LoriBecky

    chew chew chew

    By LoriBecky,

    So the last several days I've noticed that I've had a harder time eating. I know its doesn't help that my allergies are horrible and I feel like a slime manufacturer half the time - so much "gunk" - and since I have a very small stomach now, it fills up pretty easily, plus I'm sure I'm a bit swollen or irritated from the "gunk" - but I also realized, I've gotten very lazy in the chew chew chew department. My band forced me to slow down, chew my foot thoroughly, and wait between bites. The sleeve isn't that obstructive restriction, and you can get a little lazy in that department. What I'm realizing is I'm not getting in the protein that I should because when I don't chew my food thoroughly and I eat too quickly, I can't eat very much at all. Its also easy to start relying too much on those really easy to eat foods (none of which have much in the way of nutritional content!)
    So I'm headed back to weight loss surgery 101 which is slow down, chew your food thoroughly, and take a moment between bites. I'm hoping this will help me up my protein intake and then once I get a handle on my allergies, things will get back to normal!
    My weight loss has slowed down, which is exactly what I want, I'm really at the goal I had set for myself (actually a little below that) and only 3 pounds away from the goal Dr. Miranda had set for me (which I NEVER thought I'd come close to!) I just want to make sure that the little bit I can feed myself, is good, healthy food (most of the time anyway!)
    Have a great weekend!
    If you have any questions you can email lori@obesitycontrolcenter.com or call 1-866-376-7849 ext. 81
  14. LoriBecky

    Video's

    By LoriBecky,

    There are some great patient video's on OCC's blog - if you haven't visited recently - stop by, take some time, and watch the videos... maybe you'll even see one of me
    http://www.obesitycontrolcenter.com/blog/
  15. LoriBecky

    150's wow!

    By LoriBecky,

    I'm so sorry I haven't been posting much lately, Carolyn has been on vacation for over a week now and I'm incredibly buried!
    I just wanted to put a quick note that I broke the 160 mark and am officially in the 150's (158.9) - haven't been down this low in over 20 years!
    I'm feeling really good!
    If you have any questions about weight loss surgery feel free to email me lori@obesitycontrolcenter.com or call me 1-866-376-7849 ext. 81 or visit our website www.obesitycontrolcenter.com
  16. LoriBecky
    Today would have been my 6th Bandiversary. I still feel like celebrating it, even though I no longer have my band. My friend helped to get me out of a dangerous part of my life, got me into a healthier weight range, helped resolve my health issues associated with my weight, and we had a great relationship for a long time!
    The best thing my band did for me was got me to OCC and Dr. Ortiz. The experience has changed my life forever, and I don't know how to express my gratitude enough!
    Even though I've moved on from my band to my sleeve revision (which i totally love!) I will forever be grateful for my band and the time we spent together so I continue to celebrate my bandiversary or maybe it will be my OCC-versary! Either way - Happy Day
    If you have questions about surgery - you can contact me lori@obesitycontrolcenter.com or 1-866-376-7849 ext. 81
  17. LoriBecky
    I'm sorry I haven't been posting too often, my youngest is graduating Jr. High today so the last 2 weeks have been extremely hectic! I'm looking forward to next week when I won't have to wish for a magic wand so I can be 2 places at once!
    I just wanted to report, that I got on the scale today, and I'm down 30 pounds so far! Lower then I ever got with my band and not even 2 months out from my sleeve revision.
    I haven't decided on where I'd like to end up, I think I'll let my body tell me as I lose weight. I know the weight loss will be slower now. I'm 5'7 and at 164 - so getting close to where I'd like to end up.
    My "bathroom issues" are not yet gone, but have improved some. I go back to my doctor next week to review the test results (I was hoping for this week but he is out of town)
    I think so much of it has to do with stress... its now over 2 months since my husband lost his job, and we haven't made any strides in that department... so for any of you that are praying people, I would love you to include that in your prayers. I know God will provide!
    That's all I have time for now, taking 1/2 a day off today so spend the afternoon getting my babygirl ready for her graduation tonight
    In case you have any doubts... I'm LOVING my sleeve!
    Take care and have a blessed day!
  18. LoriBecky
    I hope everyone is having a great Memorial Day weekend. I'm at work, because this isn't a holiday in Mexico
    If you are an OCC patient, I wanted to remind you to participate in the email follow up program. It helps our doctors stay on top of any issues you may be having, it also helps you to stay on track!
    During the first month after your surgery, you will get an email every week, then they slow down a little bit, each of them also include a seminar link once you've completed the questions (sorry, we have been having an issue with some of these, hopefully that is resolved now). As time goes by it may also ask you to have some blood work done at your primary care doctors and send us the results.
    When you answer the questions, it also alerts our doctors if you need additional follow up - you will be asked to get in touch with us.
    Don't ever hesitate to call with any questions or feel embarrassed about calling if you don't feel like you are losing weight fast enough, if you've gotten off track, or need some extra help. The surgery is just the beginning of your journey!
    On a personal note, I have been having some "bathroom" issues still. I went to my doctor last week after having several conversations with Dr. Martinez, taking me off all of my supplements, avoiding dairy, etc - I go in tomorrow morning for some blood work and "sample collections" (yes, this is a gross as it sounds LOL) but we need to be able to rule out what this is or isn't. It could simply be that my body is taking a little longer to get used to being sleeved (especially on a revision, the stomach is a bit "rigid" for awhile, so things flow through a bit more quickly, as the stomach relaxes a little, this problem tends to go away). I'll keep you posted about how the test results come back, but I think between the stress I'm dealing with right now, plus the changes to my body, and my predisposition towards "bathroom issues" anyway - because of my IBS - it will just turn out to be nothing that some time won't heal
    Lori's urban blog dictionary: Bathroom issues = diarrhea lol
  19. LoriBecky

    Checking In

    By LoriBecky,

    Let me start by saying, I'm really loving my sleeve! I still rarely feel hunger, which is a big change for me. When I eat, I feel satisfied really fast! I am still working on getting in enough liquids during the day. I have increase my intake, but I'm not up to where I'd like to be, so I'm working on that.
    I was reading something that had nothing to do with weight loss surgery today, but it reminded me of something that I already knew, but because my life with the band had become a struggle towards the end, I was always trying to figure out ways to "cheat it" because I couldn't get down enough "good food" - so I was eating easy to eat foods. What I was reminded of:
    eat as little as you can to feel satisified, intead of seeing how much you can get away with eating.
    Its a simple rule, easy to understand - very straight forward, yet so many weight loss surgery patients consistently push the boundaries of what they can eat.
    eat as little as you can... stop even before you feel full. I learned the hard way tonight, trying to get in one last bite can result in pain and nausea and in some cases vomiting. I didn't get that far, but that chicken tasted so good, I thought... just one more bite. well... a bite too far isn't worth it! I ended up "sliming" and burping and thankfully didn't throw up (I HATE THROWING UP!) I haven't thrown up in years, and I plan to keep my run as long as possible (last time was the stomach flu).
    even more then that, if I were to push my limits repeatedly, I could end up stretching my pouch... why would i want to risk that? nothing tastes THAT good!
    I'm still figuring out how to be a model sleeve citizen... trial and error and hopefully learning a lot as I go along, and sharing as much of it with you as I can.
    As always... any questions just email me: lori@obesitycontrolcenter.com or 1-866-376-7849 ext. 81
  20. LoriBecky

    Mother's Day

    By LoriBecky,

    I hope everyone had a wonderful Mother's Day with their family! I sure did! My kids (and husband) really wanted to see Avengers. I honestly didn't know that much about the movie, and the Incredible Hulk will always be Bill Bixby and Lou Ferrigno (or so I thought) - anyway... the movie was FABULOUS... My family went for the adventure, and I went for the "gun" show and I couldn't have been more impressed (evil grin) it did not disappoint, and the movie was really good, too! The guy that played Captain America... OMG... the guns on that dude. And Robert Downey, Jr... he's held up very well... mmm mmm mmm (honey if you are reading this, just know I love you and wouldn't trade you for ANYTHING and I did see you observing Scarlet Johansen fairly grippingly, so let's call it even!) and Mark Ruffalo played the Dr. Banner/Hulk really well (he's not hard to look at, either)!
    For a little while I thought the smell of buttered popcorn may be too much for me, but I found that I just didn't want it. Yes, it smelled great, and I could almost taste the butter/salt combo from inhaling so deeply, but I just didn't feel like it would be a good choice, and I wasn't sure how my gut would feel about it, so I passed.
    I did insist on a drive by to See's on the way home. One treat on mother's day so I had my beloved Bordeaux. Totally worth it!
    If you know me, you know I am hooked (HOOKED) on Downton Abbey! My kids got me the book "The World of Downton Abbey" to hold me over until Season 3 starts next year. My poor DVD's of Season 1 & 2 are going to be worn out between me re-watching them and new converts borrowing them to catch up.
    My family kept asking what they could make me, or bring home, for a special dinner that night, but I just wasn't hungry. They all got burgers, and I took a couple of bites of my husbands, and that was it, I was full and happy.
    It still amazes me how FULL i feel most of the time, even if its because i've had a few sips of vitamin water, or iced tea, I'm just not hungry!
  21. LoriBecky
    I've been thinking more and more about Dr. Ortiz and the way he calls the revision surgery a "rescue surgery". At first I didn't really get it. The more I think about it, and hear from people in need of a revision surgery, or those that have already had it, the term is perfect!
    I wasn't thinking of myself as a 'rescue' - but honestly, given more time, I surely would have been. My weight was creeping back on, if I had waited, I would have been feeling desperate, and probably a bit like a failure, and the rescue would have been much more serious! I would have been even farther from my goal weight, and my health would have been suffering.
    I'm so glad to have a surgeon like Dr. Ortiz that is sympathetic to this need... to be rescued! There is no shame in it, all we need to do is ask for help!
    For those of you out there, that have had a surgery and you aren't doing as well as expected, or you did well, and then something changed, remember there really his hope for a rescue!
    Think of rich and famous people, like Carnie Wilson, that could afford trainers, meal planners, anything she wanted, and yet she still needed her rescue! Look at someone like Star Jones, she is headed back up the scales, everytime I see her on air, she seems to have gained a few pounds.
    Maybe the fact that Carnie has made it so public, admitted to her struggles, reached out for help, will make it easier for all of us to seek that help when we need it.
    Whether its a failed gastric band surgery, a failed bypass surgery, or even a failed sleeve or plication surgery, there is still hope, you do have options!
    Don't hide because you are embarassed, and if you are one of the OCC patients that has been ignoring your follow-up program and not answering us back - DO IT! We aren't trying to embarrass you, don't be ashamed if you need help, we can't help you if you don't ask!
    I'm so thankful to Dr. Ortiz and OCC for rescuing me, even when I didn't think that's what I really needed
  22. LoriBecky
    Is it crazy that I'm a little nervous about my sleeve revision surgery? As the days go by I kind of just wish it was already over.
    The reason I ask, "Is it crazy" is because, I'm the Patient Coordinator. I'm the one always reassuring patients, explaining the details, and helping them through the process. I know everything will be just fine, I really do. But, this is my process, about everything. Turning it over and over, questionning my decisions, wondering if I tried hard enough or should have tried something else. Is that a "woman" thing?
    I've thought about this for quite awhile now, and I know the sleeve is where I want to go and I'm excited about it. I'm ready for a change! I'm in a bit of a catch 22 because of some physical limitations, I can't exercise my way to a healthier weight, at least not yet, but with the loss of more weight, my physical activity will improve, my back will improve, even recovery from my 2 foot surgeries will improve as I decrease my weight.
    If anyone else is going through this, I'd be happy to discuss it with you. Review your options with you, and reassure you about your choices.
    I'm excited about what the future brings, but, as always, I will continue to question myself.
  23. LoriBecky
    I've been debating on this for almost a year - to keep my band and see how it goes, or revise to the sleeve.
    I had a GREAT relationship with my band for almost 5 years. Did really well, got the weight off and kept it off. But in February of last year, I started developing some reflux, not bad, but went in to get a check up and discovered I had a stretched pouch. Some of the medication my US doctor has started me on was causing inflammation under my band, which has caused some over restriction, which caused the pouch dilation. I had all the fill removed from my band for quite awhile, then got my fill again - but didn't have much restriction. Then I had to have a surgery, so I had to get unfilled, then had an accident and severed the tendon in my foot (end of July 2011) - had to have surgery on that, got another fill - was too much, had a bit of an unfill - not enough, had to have yet another surgery to repair my foot in December 2011... so here I am, can't find the sweet spot with my band, still taking lots of medications, and now its March 2012, and I've been non-ambulatory for 8 months +. Yes, 8 months. I just got permission to start walking a bit last week. Finally out of a cast, step on the scale, and let's just say, I'm not pleased with what I find. I was expecting it. Basically I've been in bed for 8+months now. Only getting around using a scooter. I'm up 20 pounds and not happy about it! I never got all the way down to my goal, so this 20 pounds, really adds up to me needing to lose 40 to really be where I'd like to be! I'm not blaming my band. There have just been a combination of events (including a lot of really good - church lady delivered meals - and me with not enough restriction and being completely sedentary) - that have led to this decision.
    I feel like I need to "step it up a bit" since I can't get to that sweet spot, the scale is going in the wrong direction. And I seriously need to get the weight off as that will help my physical therapy for my foot (and my back!) if I can be at a healthier weight and not have the back and forth of the band.
    i've spoken with MANY sleeve revision patients at this point and most are so thrilled with their sleeve revision (i actually got a bit jealous!). So far, I really only know of 1 person that has really struggled after their revision to the sleeve. I know everyone is different, so my experience will be my own, but the purpose of starting this blog is so you can follow how my experience goes.
    My sleeve revision is currently scheduled for April 16th and i will keep you posted on my journey
    I'm excited and of course, a little nervous, but I KNOW i'm in the best hands! I've worked with Dr. Ortiz and Dr. Martinez for almost 6 years now and I absolutely trust them with my life! Its why I work for OCC! I'm always a patient first with them.
    You know how to reach me at OCC 1-866-376-7849 ext. 81 or lori@obesitycontrolcenter.com if you have any questions about my journey or are considering a revision surgery of your own.
    stay tuned....
  24. LoriBecky
    There is a Contemporary Christian Song by Stacie Orrico called "Don't Look at Me". So, that is totally ME!. Here are the lyrics:
    Don't look at me if you're looking for perfection
    Don't look at me I will only let you down
    I'll do my best to point you in the right directon
    But don't look at me
    No, no, no
    Don't look at me, look at Him
    So last night, I was really craving something sweet, I wasn't hungry mind you - but with overweight people, being hungry isn't always the reason we eat. So anyway... I got one of those little mini hershey chocolate bars (did I make it sound small? I'm trying to make this wee little miniature chocolate sound super small)! Anyway, I wanted it, I melted it in my mouth and made it last and linger and oh my... it was delicious!
    I tell you this not because i'm encouraging anybody to cheat on their pre-op or post-op diet, but because even when we need a little somethin' somethin'... its OK. We don't have to fall off and dive head first into a chocolate fountain (oh my... I just totally pictured myself doing this!) We can have a wee little tiny minature treat, and move on.... stay within our healthy diets and still have a chocolate moment.
    Am I following my post op diet very closely... YES! I am very proud of myself. Did I have a little treat yesterday, YES!!! I did! Do I regret it? NOPE... I had a treat, in extreme moderation (really... it was so tiny you could hardly see it)! and I got up today and had my oatmeal, and I'm drinking my Sobe Life Water, and I'm still not hungry!
    Remember... follow the pre and post op diets as outlined by Dr. Miranda, but don't kick yourself if you stumble a little.... when it comes to perfection... there is only one! And HE has blessed my life in so many ways, and I know he's not going to hold my little wee miniscule chocolate fix against me
    If you have any questions... you know how to reach me!
  25. LoriBecky

    Yummy mushy food

    By LoriBecky,

    I have a favorite salad, its chicken, walnuts, apples, cranberries, and light mayo. So tonight, I took some of the roasted chicken breast, some fat free mayo, walnuts, and cranberries (i'm out of apples) put it in the food processor and made a mushy, yummy, pulverized salad meal.
    Tastes really good!
    What mushy foods are getting you through the sleeve post op diet? I'd love some suggestions.
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