thoughts on my 1st fill...

It's been 2 days since my first fill.  I've read a lot about how it can sometimes take a new fill a while to "settle in" so I decided to give it a few days before passing judgement.  I'm still not sure if mine has settled, yet.  But, here are my observations so far:

• Overall, I don't think it's made a huge difference.
• I do notice that I have been eating smaller quantities.
• I also notice that I am eating these smaller quantities more often.

My conclusion is that this fill has resulted in restricting the amount of food that I can eat at any given time, but it is not sticking with me.  I seem to be hungry again within 1-2 hours of eating.  I've read others who have mentioned that it sometimes takes a full week for their fills to kick in.  Perhaps this is the case?  Or, maybe it will just take a couple more tries to really get it going.  It *is* only my first fill, after all.  

Cheers!

Chicago B.O.O.B.s clothing swap...

Rani, over at A Brand New Roo has a great idea for anyone going to Chicago in September. (If you don't know about Chicago, check it out here)  She has suggested a sort of "Sisterhood Live" type clothing swap.  Check it out here.

i has been filled, yo! (and instructions for reaction boxes)

It's been a wonderful day so far.  First of all, I hit a new low this morning...220.0 lbs.  This means I have lost 21.5 pounds since starting my pre-op diet 8 weeks ago.  Secondly, I GOT A FILL!!!!!!  I saw my surgeon's partner (who I really liked, by the way) and she gave me 2.25cc's.  It was done under a fluoroscope and she was able to check the positioning of my band (perfect, she said).  I drank a liquid with dye in it (tasted like Milk-of-Magnesia) and saw the restriction in action.  So cool to watch!  I am on liquids for the rest of the day and back to "normal bariatric eating" tomorrow.

As promised, here are some instructions for adding the reaction boxes to your blog.  These instructions assume that you are using Blogger.  I hope it makes sense.

1. Make sure you are signed in.
2. Click on the DESIGN tab in editing.
3. Go to the Blog Posts box and click on EDIT.
4. You will get a pop-up window.  Under Post Page Options, click the check box beside Reactions (it is the default text in the white box--you can change the label if you want).
5. You will be presented with default reactions, but if you click Edit, you can change it (I changed mine to "me likey" and "your crazy!")  Also, although the default has 5 check boxes, I could only get 2 to actually show on my blog.  Not sure why.
6. Save your changes and, Viola!

Cheers!

new product for scars...

Disclaimer:

This is not a product endorsement.

I've only been using it for a couple of days and I have no idea if it's effective.

I was at my dermatologist's office on Monday for an upper lip/chin IPL Laser hair removal treatment.  As I was leaving, I happened to ask if they could recommend a product to help with scarring.  They gave me Neocutis Bio-Restorative Skin Cream.  I got the "small" tube for about $95 (gasp!).  But, they say that it will last me for 4-5 months--so, not so bad really.  I use it twice a day.  I should see improvement in a few months.  But, since it takes incisions up to a year to fully heal (scar tissue and all that) it will be about a year before they totally "disappear" (the dermatologist's words, not mine).

I asked about using it on a surgery scar on my elbow.  Alas, this product only works on "new" scars.  My elbow surgery was 5 years ago.

Cheers!

you likey?...

 "Some days I have absolutely nothing to say - but I'd like to acknowledge that I've read and liked someone's post."

 I think that Work in Progress brought up a good point in her recent post.  In response, I have added some REACTION buttons to my blog posts.  Let me know what you think!

PS  I finally had the courage to weigh myself after coming home from vacation on Friday.  I am actually exactly where I was 3 weeks ago (beginning of TOM and then vacation right after).  I am pleased!

PPS  I have my first fill scheduled for tomorrow!  Let's hope this one actually happens.

almost home...

Ah...Portland, Oregon--The City of Roses. I will definitely move here if the opportunity ever presents itself.  My plane is scheduled to take off @ 10:55pm today--for an overnight flight back to the east coast (arrival @ 6:35am tomorrow morning).  I love it here, but I am ready to be home.

I spent two wonderful afternoons with Tina (Losing It!).  She took me shopping around the Pearl District & ate sushi with me (something my husband won't do).  The next day, she took me to some of the local vineyards.  She was a wonderful host and has a wicked sense of humor!  I don't think I've ever laughed so much with someone I've only known for a few hours.

I won't be surprised to find that I'm up a pound or two when I get home.  Portland is known for its incredible cuisine--and I did not shy away from tasting.  Regardless of what the scale says, I am pleased with my choices.  I allowed myself to sample anything I wanted--but, I was careful to limit the portion sizes and made sure to drink before (and not after) and chew, chew, chew.  We did a LOT of walking--which I'm sure will help.  I am encouraged by the fact that all of my pants still fit and do not even feel tight.  This is a huge improvement over my last vacation during which I gained enough in just one week that I had to buy new pants for the plane ride home.

I'll post some pictures sometime in the next couple of days.  Until then...

Cheers!

murphy "helping" Darrell play a video game...

If you're a dog lover or a gamer, you might find this amusing.  Murphy is our Welsh Terrier--and he actually watches and interacts with television programs (and video games).  We play our games downstairs in the "theater" where we project the image onto onea of the walls.  This is a really cool setup since it makes the images almost life sized.

soooo not happy with my doctor right now...

So, more dramaz with the surgeon's office.  Basically, they called yesterday to tell me that my 1st fill appointment would be July 22--after I specifically told them that I would be out of town until the 24th!  So, what was their response?  

Them:  "Well, the next available appointment is on the 26th."

Me:  "Fine.  I'll take it."

Them:  "...of August."

Me:  [stunned silence]

So, I gave them an earful.  Apparently, the surgeon "only does fills on Thursdays." And, he "only works 2 Thursdays each month."  Therefore, if I can't come on the 22nd, then I'll just have to wait until the end of August (fyi--3 months after surgery).  I told them that was unacceptable.  I reminded them that the surgeon's assistant had told me I would get my 1st fill @ 4 weeks (which would have been my appt. last week).  I reminded them that if they had given me the correct information in the first place, I would have arranged my travel plans accordingly.  I also told them that if the doctor couldn't manage to accommodate his patients in a timely manner, then perhaps he should take on fewer patients.  I also told them that if I had known that I would not be able to see my doctor when I needed him, then I would have chosen a different practice.  Their response was less than promising.  I'm supposed to get a call back today.

In the meantime, I contacted Ellie--my Aetna case manager.  I told her about the problems I've been having and asked about changing doctors mid-stream.  She said that I absolutely had the right to change doctors and that I shouldn't have a problem with Aetna coverage if I did so.  She agreed that my treatment has been unacceptable and will be calling my surgeon's office today to talk to them.  Currently, they have "Center of Excellence" certification with Aetna.  However, Ellie mentioned that if they want to keep their certification of "excellence" they need to give "excellent" care--which they have not so far.

Ellie's big concern is whether or not I'll be able to find another doctor who is willing to take me on at this stage in the game (already had surgery, but still fresh from it).  I've done some research and will be making some calls to a few places today.  Hopefully, I'll be able to get some consultations set up so that I'll have all my ducks in a row if I do decide to go ahead with the switch.

So, that's it in a nutshell.

***UPDATE:  I have since spoken with 2 bariatric offices who will be willing to consider  taking over my care.  One office was super-friendly and offers fills 5 days a week--but, they are about 40 miles away; the other office is super-convenient (~ 10 miles from home) but I forgot to ask about their fill policy.  The catch is that they both require a referral (with surgical notes) from my current doctor.  Somehow, I suspect that getting that referral won't be easy.***

***UPDATE #2:  I actually just got a call from the surgeon's office and I have a fill scheduled for July 29 with one of the surgical fellows.  I'm okay with this for now.  I think I will continue to explore the option of finding a new doctor.  I feel I owe it to myself to at least meet these 2 new doctors and go from there.  Although I'm sure his technical work above par--I've had too many dramatic moments and let-downs with this one.***

In happier news, we're leaving for Portland tomorrow!!!  I'm spending today getting things in order for the house-/pet-sitters (my sister, her partner, & their dog).  I also hope to make it to the store to buy a new pair of jeans since I was able to take my old pair off last night without evening un-buttoning or un-zipping!  I guess that counts as my first NSV!

I don't know if I'll be blogging much during my vacay.  So, if you don't hear from me for a couple of weeks--don't worry.  I'm sure I'll be back with a vengeance after the 24th.

Until then...

Cheers!

50...2...4...

...followers!  Thanks Pie!

...pounds gained since last "official" weigh in.  I'm not worried.  I've been eating according to plan and it's TOM.  I've never really tracked my weight during this time, so I don't know if 2 lbs up is normal for me or not.  But, I'm sure it will go back down when it's time.  In the mean time, I'm doing what I'm supposed to be doing--eating right, drinking water, even walking a bit (as much as I can while my ankle is still healing).

...days until we leave for Portland, Oregon.  I'm counting today (since it's still morning) and the day of departure (since our flight leaves in the PM).  I'm so excited.  It's my first trip to the Pacific Northwest.  Portland has a reputation for being one of the greenest cities in the States.  And, you guys know how I've really started embracing the whole local & organic life-style lately.  Portland reportedly has some great gardens and a world class zoo.  Restaurants featuring locally harvested, organic products are abundant.  Oregon wine country is famous for it's organic wine offerings.  And, our hotel (LEED certified Gold Standard) was mentioned in this month's Natural Home magazine!  Oh, did I mention that I might get to have coffee with our very own celebrity?--S.O.B. Tina!!!!

Cheers!

dinner (& a product endorsement)...

Recently, I have been trying a few recipes from "Eating Well After Weight Loss Surgery" by Pat Levine & Michele Bontempo-Saray.  Pat Levine is a writer for Gourmet Magazine and she had Lap Band surgery a few years ago (2003?).  She came up with the recipes in an effort to prepare good, flavorful, band-friendly meals that she could also serve to her husband.  

I am super impressed--and my husband loves the meals, too!  Tonight, I'm considering making either the Sausage & Ricotta Giardiniera or the No Noodle Zucchini Lasagna.  

You can vote on my dinner in the comments.

Cheers!

it's a brand new day...

Thank you all so much for your kind words and support after my pity party yesterday.  It's exactly what I needed.  

I'm over it and it's time to re-focus.  The fact is, I didn't get a fill yesterday and I just have to deal with it.  Instead of drowning myself in cheeseburgers, I will continue to do my best to stick with the plan.  After all, I'm doing this for ME--and anything else is just counter-productive.

So, I have 3 more weeks until my first fill...here's what I'm gonna do about it:

• I'm going to lose 6-8 more pounds between now and then (2-2.5 lbs per week).  
• I'm not going to use my trip to Portland as an excuse to overeat.  I can enjoy the local flavors a few small bites at a time.  
• As soon as the orthopedist says my ankle is okay, I'm going to go to the gym I just joined at least 3x each week (even if it's just to walk on the treadmill).

Here's my challenge to you.  If you've hit a bump in road recently, what are you going to do about it?

Cheers!

so sad...

Boy, my surgeon's office really know how to knock the wind out of your sails.

No fill today ; 2-hour wait for a 5 minute check-up;  didn't even see my doctor (just a resident) because he was "too busy seeing patients" (am I not a patient);  NOT ONE SINGLE PERSON in the whole place commented on the fact that I've lost 21 pounds since they saw me 6 weeks ago.

So, what did I do?  I retaliated by going to Wendy's and getting a single Baconator, small fries and a Jr. Frosty.  And I ate. every. single. bite.  Seriously?--am I back to that mindset again?

I'm even more frustrated because this the 2nd or 3rd time that I've been mis-informed about what will be happening at my appointments.  The doctor is really nice and likeable--if you ever actually get to see him.  Most of the time, though,  I wind up feeling like just another cog on the conveyer belt.  Don't they know that fat people NEED validation?

Now, I'm sitting here feeling really uncomfortable because I ate too much.  What a crappy, crappy day.

***UPDATE:  I guess it isn't all bad.  I did lose 21 lbs, afterall.  I've also lost 5" from my waist and 3" from my hips.  Keep your fingers crossed--I see a size 16 in the horizon!***

i finally jinxed myself...

I believe it was just yesterday (or maybe the day before) when I commented on another blog about how I felt fortunate that I have escaped the gurgles.  I really should learn to keep my mouth shut!  My tummy has been gurgling at me all morning.  And, I'm still belching (I had hoped it would be one or the other--not both).

In other news, I am pleased with my food choices this past holiday weekend.  We went to a friend's lake house for the typical cookout (hamburgers, hotdogs, BBQ chicken, smoked Boston Butt, chips, pasta salad galore, key lime pie, etc).  I managed to get by with 1/2 hotdog (no bun), 1/2 kids size hamburger patty (no bun), 5 potato chips and 3 bites of key lime pie.  Considering that I don't get my first fill until tomorrow and that I'm working with little/no restriction, I feel pretty good about it.  I made sure to chew, chew, chew.  And I ate slowly (in fact, I was the last one in our group to finish) so nobody noticed how little I actually ate.

I've lost a whopping .75 lb in the last week (official weigh day is tomorrow AM).  So, I really hope the doctor comes through with my 1st fill tomorrow.  This is also my 1st checkup after surgery, so I don't really know what to expect.  Wish me luck!

Cheers!

stalled...

Well, it looks like my weight loss has stalled.  I have been sitting at 222 since last Wednesday.  I can't say that I wasn't expecting it, because I was.  I am 3 1/2 weeks from surgery and eating like a "regular" person (almost).  I'm still on soft foods, but that includes things like ground meats, cheeses, and even toast!  Plus, there's a good chance that I'm about 1 week away from TOM.  So, basically I'm just thrilled to be holding steady and not gaining.

I'm still not experiencing the Hell part of Bandster Hell.  But, I will admit that most of my progress the last week or so has been due to pure willpower.  Well, willpower and fear.  I am so scared of doing something to screw up my band (eating too much; eating too fast; eating the wrong thing).  It turns out that, for me, fear is an excellent motivator!

Cheers!

I actually made it this time...

You may remember this post a couple of days ago when I suggested that I might be making Turkey Stuffed Portabellos for dinner.  Well, I finally got around to making it last night and the results were AMAZING!!!  My husband even asked if we could have them again sometime.  The only change I made to the recipe was to use 1/2 ground turkey and 1/2 ground pork.  And, it was really easy!  You must try them.