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LoriBecky

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  1. 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.
  2. 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/
  3. LoriBecky
    I officially hit the 140's yesterday. 149.6. Barely in the 140's - but I'm taking it! Especially with all the extra sweets and eating out I did over the weekend for my birthday and I still lost weight - woohoo! For sure the weightloss is slowing down, but I'm happy about that since I'm closing in on my goal! woohoooooooooooooooooo
    Have I mentioned that I love my sleeve
    1-866-376-7849 ext. 81
  4. LoriBecky
    I say this to my patients all the time, don't weigh yourself everyday and don't get frustrated when you don't see the scale moving. This past week, I dropped a couple of pounds, but with the extremely limited intake I've had, well honestly I don't know what i was expecting! I started this 2nd phase of my journey at 195 on the pre-op diet and now I'm at about 173, so considering I don't have a large amount of weight to lose, I guess things are going pretty well. What I'm really noticing is that i'm easily getting into clothes that I couldn't get into for quite awhile. In fact, though the scale only showed about 2 pounds this past week, my clothes showed quite a bigger loss. My old fav. size 10 jeans are fitting me better then they ever did... I believe they will soon become those big comfy jeans you wear when lounging around the house!
    I'm thinking that this weekend will be when i start pulling those clothes out of the back of the closet - you all know what i'm talking about. The ones we bought when we were on our "way down" the first time - that we bought slightly small because we just knew we'd get into them, or ones that we fit into for a short period of time, and held onto - waiting for that day we would be into them again.
    All of my incision are healing really really well the only one I'm still babying a bit was where the drain was. I'm putting neosporin on it every day and keeping it covered just to make sure it heals well.
    I'm having a little trouble getting in enough protein right now, and I think its showing up in my energy level (or lack thereof) that could also have something to do with my lack of sleep... I've always been an insomniac, and its just been worse this past week or so... really hope I can settle in to a better routine this next week. Too much on my mind right now - hubby's lack of employment, fighting with disability and insurance on his knee.. and the list goes on, as it does for all women!
    Trying to take some time to put myself first at least a little bit each day and take some "me" time (not always easy with a full time job, 3 kids, 2 dogs, and a husband).
    Really anxious to start the mushy food stage on Monday! those mashed potatoes are calling my name!
    How is everyone else doing on their journey? I'd love to hear from you!
  5. 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
  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 was able to start on real solid food and it really seems to be helping my energy levels and my gut issues! I think my body just needed something to "work" with! lol
    I spoke with another sleeve revision patient yesterday, and she said she had some of the very same issues I was having... you know, making sure there was always a bathroom in sight!
    So far, as of noon yesterday, I'm doing better. We'll see if that holds up since I had a few bites of pizza tonight. Mostly just the toppings, but I did have part of a very small piece, it tasted really good, and was really nice to eat with my family... but I can't eat much of it, which is good, as pizza has to be near the top of the list (ok maybe THE top) of my favorite food...
    Still amazed how little I am eating and how satisified I feel!
    Now... Pizza I realize is not a good weight loss food, I do get that, and I know I didn't get nearly enough protein out of that meal, but again, we were all sitting together, watching a movie, and it was nice, after several weeks on liquids, to just have a few bites of whatever they were eating.
    So far, no reflux, which was my biggest concern!
    I hope everyone has a wonderful Mother's Day tomorrow!!
  8. LoriBecky
    I had my sleeve revision surgery yesterday and so far so good. I had a minor issue with the drain in the afternoon, but Dr. Martinez fixed me right up.
    Dr. O said my stomach tissue was in great shape and he could tell I had not abused my band at in the past - i never had issues with PBing or forcing my band. Like I've said in prevous posts, for over 5 years I had a great relationship with my band (june would have been my 6th year bandiversary) - you can read some of my previous posts for what brought me the to the decision to have a sleeve revision.
    I don't have much pain - some tenderness at the drain site where I needed a couple of extra stitches. I'm back at the hotel now, and having been walking some, sleeping a little, and staying hydrated.
    Even with the problems I was having with the pre-op diet shakes, I still managed to get off 10 pounds before surgery - probably one of the reasons my surgery went so smoothly, I did exactly what I was told to do to prepare for surgery! (How can I tell my patients what to do, if I won't do it myself!)
    I'll keep posting to the blog to let you know how I'm doing. Right now I'm really happy that I have my sleeve, but I am still mourning my band. For a split second I was going to ask if I could keep it, but I have no idea what I would have done with it LOL
    So... i'll always be your band budy, but I would also like to get to know some sleeve sisters too, so we share our experiences!
    If you have any questions you can email lori@obesitycontrolcenter.com
  9. LoriBecky
    Well... I've been suffering, how shall I say, with bathroom problems from the protein shakes. I know I'm lactose intolerant so I've been mixing my shakes with Soy Milk or Almond Milk, but still, its been brutal. I did some research today and discovered that my protein shakes are Whey based and Whey is derived from (drumroll please) MILK!
    good grief!
    So... today I'm off to purchase some soy based protein shakes and try to calm my poor gut down a bit!
    I'm guessing these protein shots I bought for after surgery are going to be a problem as well, since they are Whey shots. I think I may do OK with those because I plan on spacing each shot out all day - it is 42 grams of protein in each 3+ ounce shot - so I'll put some in my water or crystal light or tea once I'm back from my sleeve revision surgery to make sure I keep up my protein intake.
    So here is the tip... if you suffer from lactose intolerance, or find yourself having trouble with your protein shake, you may want to switch to Soy based - or vice versa - and see how that goes!
    I'll let you know how the switch goes
    I leave Sunday to head to TJ for my Monday morning surgery! I will have my computer with me so I'll blog from there!
  10. LoriBecky
    Just a quick note, I got my test results back and nothing is wrong with me (well at least not with my blood work!)... so that's good!
    I just wanted to report that before my band surgery 6 years ago, my cholesterol was up over 270
    my number today was 137
    My LDL - the bad cholesterol is only 69 which is remarkably low! woohooooo
    My HDL - good cholesterol is a little low too - still within normal - but should be higher, but this probably has a lot to do with my extremely sedentary lifestyle over the past year because of 2 foot surgeries and over 9 months in a cast and not walking! I hope to resolve this as my foot continues to heal!
    all my other numbers look really good
    So what that means, is my other issues are probably related to stress (hubby lost his job over 2 months ago now - so stress is probably warranted!)
  11. 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!
  12. 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
  13. 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
  14. LoriBecky
    I took a few days off to see my youngest get baptized in the ocean and to celebrate my 47th (gulp) birthday. I had such a wonderful day yesterday. My husband and I spent time shopping and just having a wonderful time. We had a delicious lunch at a small italian restaurant and when they offered to bring the dessert I told her I couldn't have gluten so they brought me a fabulous FABULOUS flourless chocolate cake with raspberry sauce. It was SOOOOO delicous and I had 3 bites and was in heaven and totally satisfied!
    I love my sleeve! Have I mentioned that recently? No regrets and I would do it again in a heartbeat! I feel great, can eat a wide variety of foods (even steak which gave me trouble when I had my band). We ate out almost every meal the last 4 days, but the sleeve let me control my volume of food, I made good choices (most of the time!) but felt totally satisfied even with the small amounts (and my husband loves it because he usually finishes up what I have left over!)
    Happy Birthday to ME!
    If you are wondering about a weight loss surgery or a revision surgery, I'd be happy to speak with you anytime!
    Lori@obesitycontrolcenter.com or 1-866-376-7849 ext. 81
  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
    Still recovering from surgery of course, but feeling better every day and increasing my physical activity, while following the post-op guidelines.
    I'm doing well getting down my liquids. I do best with hot tea or soup (Miso is my favorite!) but the colder liquids are getting easier. I did give myself a treat and had a no sugar added fudgesicle... what a delight!
    I still seem to have some issues with the protein shakes. Not sure what it is since I've eliminated lactose by using the soy protein powder and they aren't high in sugar, but they send me running to the restroom. Of course this happened after my original band surgery, too, so I'm not too worried.
    Before surgery the Protein shots tasted fine, but post surgery, they just taste way too sweet, maybe its my taste buds changing already - not craving the sweets? I may try to dilute them down a bit since they are a great source of protein. I'll keep you posted.
    The recovery from the sleeve revision is going really well. I was able to sleep on my left side last night, so I slept much better. I'm a left side sleeper and since that is where the drain was, I was a little sore on that side, but that is really lessening as the days go by.
    I would do the surgery again in a heartbeat. If you've been following my blog, you know I had some nervous moments leading up to surgery, I even begged Dr. Ortiz to let me be one of the early surgeries, even though revisions typically go last. I guess it helps to have friends in high places But the surgery was easy and I felt really great even right after, had a few "crampy" moments with the drain, but once that was out, its been smooth sailing!
    I'm anxious to get through this liquid phase and take my new "shrimp stomach" for a ride and see how it feels to eat again.
    If anyone has questions about a revision surgery, either from band to sleeve or from bypass to band please email me at lori@obesitycontrolcenter.com or call 1-866-376-7849 ext. 81
  17. 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
  18. 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!
  19. 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!
  20. 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
  21. 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!
  22. 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!
  23. 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!
  24. 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....
  25. 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.
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