I actually made it to this weeks' tops meeting. I missed last week because I didn't feel well. The way I have been feeling lately, I thought for sure I was going to gain. Whew! boy was I happy to have a loss. I am still +1.25lbs from my lowest after surgery. But that is gonna come off plus much more next week. If I were to say that I have been super motivated and behaving myself completely that would be a huge lie! I don't know if it's the weather or what but I have been in a "funk" lately. Hopefully by Thursday I will be feeling more like myself.
I can't believe it's a month already since I had my surgery. I would have posted something sooner but that darn thing called work has gotten in the way of a lot of my hopes and plans. I will get an updated pic soon. I am hoping to get a pic taken every so often so I can have a visual to go by. Once I do I will be posting a new pic eventually.
Thursday I will be going in for my very 1st fill! I am so excited to get my fill over with. I am a little nervous about it too. My appt is in the middle of the day of course. So I will be using my "lunch break" to go to my appt. Then clear liquids for the rest of the day. I guess tomorrow after work I will be making some jello for my dinner! Yummeeeee! I have some restriction now, but not as much as I should.
I will update on Thursday after my fill & maybe add a pic or 2.
~Jennifer~
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Scrapbooking weekend
I spent this last weekend at out annual scrapbooking weekend. I look forward to this weekend every March and October. I was worried about having all the temptation that is around during scrapbooking. Sue, the hostess, is an AMAZING cook. Besides, all the soda at your fingertips, and homemade caramels & chocolate covered marshmallows. I did have a couple (watered down!) sodas, and only 1 caramel. They were soooooo good! And they lasted me forever it seemed. That, and I didn't want to stand out because of my restriction. I was also afraid that with my luck I would end up getting sick for the 1st time there. (Well that did happen, just not at scrapbooking. It happened at home while getting ready to go scrapbooking.)
I started a new scrapbook, also titled My After, that I am using to keep me motivated that I can track my progress. I did work my tail off getting my pages done thou. I needed that caffeine to keep me going!
Today at work, I have had a few people already saying that it is noticeable already that I am loosing. One of Hospitalist was seeing a pt on our unit and said that it was already noticeable that I am loosing. I can't remember what exactly he said. But it was a nice feeling. Even a pt told me I was loosing my "chubby cheeks".
Tonight is another weigh-in at TOPS and I am hoping that after this last weekend that I will come in with a loss. It's going to be slower now that I am eating all textures. I know it will be a lot different once I get my 1st fill this next week. I am excited and nervous all at the same time
But of course, just like scrapbooking came to an end, so must this post.
Until next time ~ Princess Jenn
I started a new scrapbook, also titled My After, that I am using to keep me motivated that I can track my progress. I did work my tail off getting my pages done thou. I needed that caffeine to keep me going!
Today at work, I have had a few people already saying that it is noticeable already that I am loosing. One of Hospitalist was seeing a pt on our unit and said that it was already noticeable that I am loosing. I can't remember what exactly he said. But it was a nice feeling. Even a pt told me I was loosing my "chubby cheeks".
Tonight is another weigh-in at TOPS and I am hoping that after this last weekend that I will come in with a loss. It's going to be slower now that I am eating all textures. I know it will be a lot different once I get my 1st fill this next week. I am excited and nervous all at the same time
But of course, just like scrapbooking came to an end, so must this post.
Until next time ~ Princess Jenn
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Back to work/ Week 3 weigh in: +2.25lbs
It has been crazy here lately. Well the days my life isn't crazy are days days I don't answer the phone and stay home in bed. So it's not very often.
I started back to work on Monday. Man, oh man, those 12 hour days are long! Answering a phone should not be that tiring. I hope that by next week I will be back into the swing of things. I hope! Plus I need to work on some serious meal planning and packing my lunch for work.
On the weight loss front, I could have done so much better. I actually gained back 2.25lbs. I'm not surprised now that I am eating just about all textures now. I should start loosing again now. It won't be long and I will be going for my 1st fill. I have some restriction but it's not quite enough. My Dr. said to do 5-6 meals a day, each about the size of a hockey puck. I have been trying to stick to that and not get used to eating any more than that. I am doing better at eating slower & taking smaller bites. I am positive that from now on my weigh in's will even out. On the upside, I am down 24lbs down from my initial consult with the surgeon till now. So I am still down!
I am so excited about scrap booking this weekend. I printed a ton of pictures. I have enough things to start my surgery scrapbook and work on plenty of niece & nephew pictures. I am a little concerned about the whole eating in front of a strangers. Sue (the hostess) is an incredible cook so I'm not worried too much about that. However, I will have to take plenty of food with me so I will be able to have my 5-6 small meals. Otherwise, I might get a little cranky by not being on my schedule. I have already found that if I go too long between eating I tend eat too fast.
Wish me luck that I behave myself at scrap booking and don't fall asleep on my pages!
I started back to work on Monday. Man, oh man, those 12 hour days are long! Answering a phone should not be that tiring. I hope that by next week I will be back into the swing of things. I hope! Plus I need to work on some serious meal planning and packing my lunch for work.
On the weight loss front, I could have done so much better. I actually gained back 2.25lbs. I'm not surprised now that I am eating just about all textures now. I should start loosing again now. It won't be long and I will be going for my 1st fill. I have some restriction but it's not quite enough. My Dr. said to do 5-6 meals a day, each about the size of a hockey puck. I have been trying to stick to that and not get used to eating any more than that. I am doing better at eating slower & taking smaller bites. I am positive that from now on my weigh in's will even out. On the upside, I am down 24lbs down from my initial consult with the surgeon till now. So I am still down!
I am so excited about scrap booking this weekend. I printed a ton of pictures. I have enough things to start my surgery scrapbook and work on plenty of niece & nephew pictures. I am a little concerned about the whole eating in front of a strangers. Sue (the hostess) is an incredible cook so I'm not worried too much about that. However, I will have to take plenty of food with me so I will be able to have my 5-6 small meals. Otherwise, I might get a little cranky by not being on my schedule. I have already found that if I go too long between eating I tend eat too fast.
Wish me luck that I behave myself at scrap booking and don't fall asleep on my pages!
Sunday, October 12, 2008
1st trip post surgery
This past weekend I went with my parents to the UP to visit my cousin. I spent 9 hours each way in the car. Let me say, I am so happy to be home. We went all the way near the Wisconsin border. We ended up getting a hotel room in Wisconsin because it was closet to where we visiting.
Anyway, this was my 1st weekend out of town since my surgery. I am now coming up on 3 weeks post surgery. (In 2 weeks, on Oct 30th, I have my 1st fill. Which means I am on the soft foods & adding textures part of my staged diet. I got to start this part of my eating habits in restaurants. It was a little scary at first. I have known for a while that that I can tolerate mashed potatoes, mac & cheese and applesauce. So I thought since my 1st fill is a week sooner than usual I decided to start adding things like the Dr said to. I was honest about starting the soft textures early and he said that it was OK since I had no problems.
So this past weekend I learned I can tolerate in very, very small portions: burgers, fries, hash browns, toast, eggs (duh!), pasta (duh!), broasted chicken, and pasties (with gravy). I was happy know that I can tolerate bread. I never thought I would miss salads so much!
It's not easy to eat healthy when you are traveling but I am certainly eating less. I tried to order off the kids meal when possible. Also, I shared as many meals as I could with my parents & cousin.
Not that I didn't have any problems. It is extremely hard to change your habits. I am catching myself over and over again taking drinks and bites that are too big. When that happens, I try to chew really good and take several swallows. Of course that happens after I have swallowed too much and start feeling uncomfortable. I have been able to keep from getting sick by taking sips of whatever I had with me and trying to get out any of the extra air.
I have to keep reminding myself of what I should be doing. Like sizes of the portions, bites, and drinks I take. From now on when I go shopping I will start getting a dish or 2 that are more suited to my new portion sizes. Like dessert dishes & small juice glasses. It is definitely going to be different eating at work with this band. I am going to have to be much better about taking my lunch. The eating slowly part could be a bit tricky as far time factors into work and break times.
Speaking of work. It's time to dust off my name tag & find my parking sticker because Princess Jenn is going back to work tomorrow. I wish I could say I am excited to be getting up at 5:30am again. I like getting a paycheck so I am going to get my ever shrinking behind to bed.
Goodnight!
Anyway, this was my 1st weekend out of town since my surgery. I am now coming up on 3 weeks post surgery. (In 2 weeks, on Oct 30th, I have my 1st fill. Which means I am on the soft foods & adding textures part of my staged diet. I got to start this part of my eating habits in restaurants. It was a little scary at first. I have known for a while that that I can tolerate mashed potatoes, mac & cheese and applesauce. So I thought since my 1st fill is a week sooner than usual I decided to start adding things like the Dr said to. I was honest about starting the soft textures early and he said that it was OK since I had no problems.
So this past weekend I learned I can tolerate in very, very small portions: burgers, fries, hash browns, toast, eggs (duh!), pasta (duh!), broasted chicken, and pasties (with gravy). I was happy know that I can tolerate bread. I never thought I would miss salads so much!
It's not easy to eat healthy when you are traveling but I am certainly eating less. I tried to order off the kids meal when possible. Also, I shared as many meals as I could with my parents & cousin.
Not that I didn't have any problems. It is extremely hard to change your habits. I am catching myself over and over again taking drinks and bites that are too big. When that happens, I try to chew really good and take several swallows. Of course that happens after I have swallowed too much and start feeling uncomfortable. I have been able to keep from getting sick by taking sips of whatever I had with me and trying to get out any of the extra air.
I have to keep reminding myself of what I should be doing. Like sizes of the portions, bites, and drinks I take. From now on when I go shopping I will start getting a dish or 2 that are more suited to my new portion sizes. Like dessert dishes & small juice glasses. It is definitely going to be different eating at work with this band. I am going to have to be much better about taking my lunch. The eating slowly part could be a bit tricky as far time factors into work and break times.
Speaking of work. It's time to dust off my name tag & find my parking sticker because Princess Jenn is going back to work tomorrow. I wish I could say I am excited to be getting up at 5:30am again. I like getting a paycheck so I am going to get my ever shrinking behind to bed.
Goodnight!
Thursday, October 9, 2008
2 Week Post op appt.
I had my appt today with the surgeon. It's been exactly 2 weeks today since my surgery. It went GREAT! He even wrote on my chart "Doing Great!!" Yes I looked, I'm nosy. So far to date I am am down 23 lbs since my initial consult on June 6th, and 14 since Sept 11th. Dr Kam, my surgeon, said I should be down total 80lbs by the end of the year. OMG!! I cannot even imagine that. But I guess when you break it down, 60lbs in like 12 weeks it is not nearly as daunting. I can take myself cloths shopping for Christmas. :)
My incisions are almost healed. Of course, I have had a minor set back with that. I had an allergic reaction to the tape they used to hold my incisions closed. But hopefully with a little bit allergy cream and hydrocortisone cream I will be as good as new.
Unfortunately, the fun is over too soon. I have to go back to work on Monday. But as much as I hate to admit it. I am starting to get bored. I know work itself won't be bad, it's the getting up at 5:30Am that's is going to be awful. I don't do mornings. When I stopped in to work today to turn in my return to work paper everyone was very supportive as usual. They are making this transition very easy on me. Thank you.
My incisions are almost healed. Of course, I have had a minor set back with that. I had an allergic reaction to the tape they used to hold my incisions closed. But hopefully with a little bit allergy cream and hydrocortisone cream I will be as good as new.
Unfortunately, the fun is over too soon. I have to go back to work on Monday. But as much as I hate to admit it. I am starting to get bored. I know work itself won't be bad, it's the getting up at 5:30Am that's is going to be awful. I don't do mornings. When I stopped in to work today to turn in my return to work paper everyone was very supportive as usual. They are making this transition very easy on me. Thank you.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Lapbandtalk.com
I'm enjoying what is probably my last my day off. I have my 2 week post op appointment tomorrow. I am going to have a hard time getting up at 8am. It's going to be much worse getting up for work. I went to bed today (yes today!) at 5:30am. That's when I should be getting up for work. But I could not sleep to save my life.
Is it bad that I want more time off. I love my job but I can't imagine working 12 hours. Not that I have a physically demanding job, but still 12 hours. I am going to miss sleeping in.
I recently started looking into lapbandtalk.com. It was actually a site recommended by a fellow bander. I have only made a few post and already the support and encouragement is astounding. There are so many different points of view and it is so nice to read all the threads people start and how others respond,
I have so much to do here before Private Practice comes on. I am going to try hard to get to be a decent hour.
Wish me luck tomorrow at the surgeons. :)
Is it bad that I want more time off. I love my job but I can't imagine working 12 hours. Not that I have a physically demanding job, but still 12 hours. I am going to miss sleeping in.
I recently started looking into lapbandtalk.com. It was actually a site recommended by a fellow bander. I have only made a few post and already the support and encouragement is astounding. There are so many different points of view and it is so nice to read all the threads people start and how others respond,
I have so much to do here before Private Practice comes on. I am going to try hard to get to be a decent hour.
Wish me luck tomorrow at the surgeons. :)
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Week 2 Weigh in: Turtle
I'm here again. It's 2 days shy of being 2 weeks since surgery. For those of you who don't, a "Turtle" is a term from tops. It's when you don't gain or loose any weight since your last weigh in, you stay the same.
That being said, that puts me at -10lbs. To be honest, I would have preferred a loss but I am okay with a turtle. I thought loosing 10 last week was way too much for me to lose. Plus it has been nice to have more than clear liquids. Of course, it will be nice after my 2 week post-op appt when I can more variety. I'm not so much excited about what more I will be able to eat (ok, ok, ok, I am a little bit or lets face it I wouldn't have needed this surgery to begin with). Anyway my point was, I am excited to be able to cook. I miss that more than I thought.
I am ready to get to bed. So until Thursday after my appt. & maybe before I go back to work.
That being said, that puts me at -10lbs. To be honest, I would have preferred a loss but I am okay with a turtle. I thought loosing 10 last week was way too much for me to lose. Plus it has been nice to have more than clear liquids. Of course, it will be nice after my 2 week post-op appt when I can more variety. I'm not so much excited about what more I will be able to eat (ok, ok, ok, I am a little bit or lets face it I wouldn't have needed this surgery to begin with). Anyway my point was, I am excited to be able to cook. I miss that more than I thought.
I am ready to get to bed. So until Thursday after my appt. & maybe before I go back to work.
Friday, October 3, 2008
It's been a week!
Just wanted to do a quick post since today makes it a week since surgery.
I am very happy to say I can now have more than just clear liquids. I had tomato soup & ice cream and yogurt today. Let me tell ya, MMM good, doesn't even begin to describe it. I actually started yesterday with the full liquids though. I had my hot chai tea yesterday with honey and 1/2 and 1/2 (low fat even cuz I prefer it over reg). I love my coffee and tea but I came do black unless its ice and with honey or sugar. I figure the tiny amount of honey and sugar I actually use most certainly isn't gonna kill me.
Overall I feel pretty good. I don't get as tired as easily now that I am actually getting some nutrition in me. Plus, I haven't had the hiccups all day today. My pain has gone down to almost nothing. Of course, it comes blazing back if I try to overdo it. Bending is still not a good idea, probably because where the port is and how tender is can be still. I plan on starting to drive again tomorrow since I have been only using pain medicine at bedtime. Another week of this & I would go nuts.
Until next time - Princess Jenn says goodnight *_*
I am very happy to say I can now have more than just clear liquids. I had tomato soup & ice cream and yogurt today. Let me tell ya, MMM good, doesn't even begin to describe it. I actually started yesterday with the full liquids though. I had my hot chai tea yesterday with honey and 1/2 and 1/2 (low fat even cuz I prefer it over reg). I love my coffee and tea but I came do black unless its ice and with honey or sugar. I figure the tiny amount of honey and sugar I actually use most certainly isn't gonna kill me.
Overall I feel pretty good. I don't get as tired as easily now that I am actually getting some nutrition in me. Plus, I haven't had the hiccups all day today. My pain has gone down to almost nothing. Of course, it comes blazing back if I try to overdo it. Bending is still not a good idea, probably because where the port is and how tender is can be still. I plan on starting to drive again tomorrow since I have been only using pain medicine at bedtime. Another week of this & I would go nuts.
Until next time - Princess Jenn says goodnight *_*
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Hiccups & Coughing - Not a good idea
OMG!! Who knew that either of those could hurt so badly. Now that I have finally said it allow me to explain.
First, Hiccups. I have had hiccups on an off every day since surgery. The little tiny, lets call it a "jolt". For starters: 1) Hurts like hell, especially at the incision sites where the actual band and port are placed. 2) Come and go for now rhyme or reason. 3) Make me have no desire at all to even try drinking anything let alone want to eat & 4) I'm a sure there are more issues with this that I am just not thinking of right now.
Now everything I have read and been told says that with the lap band system eating too fast causes hiccups. Not once have I had the hiccups when I was eating. I get them in the middle of the day between meals and long periods of time after I have even taken a sip of water. So since I don't what is causing them, I cannot stop them from happening. The plus side, even though painful they have not lasted more than a couple mins each time.
Coughing I really had not thought about since I didn't really have to much until last night. Again, OMG! I don't really know remember what made me cough or why. That sounds insane but I had just laid down to go to sleep in my own bed with my big ole dog cuddled next to me when it happened. I coughed one of those deep, hearty, throat clearing coughs. I had was laying on my side with my hand under me covering my biggest wound (where the port is) and it still hurt very much!! I even felt myself starting to cough again and stopped myself because I absolutely did not want to feel that pain again. And mind you this is after taking my pain medicine like 30 mins before, so I'm sure it could have been much worse. Now it still feels a little extra tender today after last night. I'm going to try not to overdo it today by bending too much.
That's all for now so until next time. thank you again
- Princess Jenn
First, Hiccups. I have had hiccups on an off every day since surgery. The little tiny, lets call it a "jolt". For starters: 1) Hurts like hell, especially at the incision sites where the actual band and port are placed. 2) Come and go for now rhyme or reason. 3) Make me have no desire at all to even try drinking anything let alone want to eat & 4) I'm a sure there are more issues with this that I am just not thinking of right now.
Now everything I have read and been told says that with the lap band system eating too fast causes hiccups. Not once have I had the hiccups when I was eating. I get them in the middle of the day between meals and long periods of time after I have even taken a sip of water. So since I don't what is causing them, I cannot stop them from happening. The plus side, even though painful they have not lasted more than a couple mins each time.
Coughing I really had not thought about since I didn't really have to much until last night. Again, OMG! I don't really know remember what made me cough or why. That sounds insane but I had just laid down to go to sleep in my own bed with my big ole dog cuddled next to me when it happened. I coughed one of those deep, hearty, throat clearing coughs. I had was laying on my side with my hand under me covering my biggest wound (where the port is) and it still hurt very much!! I even felt myself starting to cough again and stopped myself because I absolutely did not want to feel that pain again. And mind you this is after taking my pain medicine like 30 mins before, so I'm sure it could have been much worse. Now it still feels a little extra tender today after last night. I'm going to try not to overdo it today by bending too much.
That's all for now so until next time. thank you again
- Princess Jenn
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