ruthgal1

July 9, 2008

Current Photo 7/9/08

Filed under: Uncategorized — ruthgal1 @ 9:49 pm

Here is me 50 pounds lighter.

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Comments (4)

4 Comments »

Ruth,
I’m scheduled for surgery tomorrow morning (July 31st). I pivot between excited and nervous. My husband is getting a little worried as well. The ever supportive man is now asking “Are you sure?” Any final words of wisdom?

Karin

Comment by Karin — July 30, 2008 @ 6:11 pm
Hi Karin,

I’m sorry I missed your e-mail. I really need to check my blog more often.

How did your surgery go? I hope you realized what a positive step you took in your life. I know it can be a little scary but I am 100% sure I made the right decision. Physically you will feel so much better and soon mentally you will feel great too.

Feel free to write to me as you begin your new journey (ruthgal1@yahoo.com).

Ruth

Comment by ruthgal1 — August 1, 2008 @ 5:26 pm
Hello Ruth I just had surgery on July 22, 2008. I have lost 16 pounds so far. I get my first fill on August 19th I cannot wait because I am getting a little more hungry. How are you doing? When did you have your surgery? Hope to hear from you soon.

Comment by Angi — August 5, 2008 @ 7:12 pm
Wow! Sixteen pounds in only two weeks is great Angi! Congrats.

I had my surgery on March 6th. The first two weeks were a little tough because I was really hungry but that goes away once you get used to eating better.

I feel great now. I still have weight to lose but my confidence in my ability to do so is so high. I used to go on diets all the time but in the back of my mind I knew I would fail. This time, I won’t fail… and with losing 50 pounds so far I’m well on my way to success.

I’m getting a lot of comments from people now on how good I look. I finally decided to buy clothes that actually fit me instead of a bunch of baggy clothes and the great comments keep coming! It’s a nice feeling.

The other great benefit is how much better I feel. My back and knees don’t hurt like they used to and I don’t have nearly the stomach pains that I would constantly get.

You’re well on your way to a new you, Angi. Keep up the fantastic work and let me know how you are doing.

Ruth

Comment by ruthgal1 — August 5, 2008 @ 8:46 pm

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February 23, 2008

My journey begins

Filed under: Uncategorized — ruthgal1 @ 4:36 pm

Hi Everyone,

My surgery is scheduled for March 6th, 2008 with Dr. Richard Collier. So far everyone has been very helpful. I’ve just started my pre-op diet and admittedly that has been a little hard. After eating a bunch of junk food for so long and living on diet coke, it’s been a challenge to stop all of that. A good challenge, though. I am SO ready for this that just after a few days of dieting, I’m already starting to lose the cravings.

I got a clothing catalog in the mail today. Normally I just toss those out knowing that nothing would look good on me but today I looked through it anticipating the day I would be able to confidently buy new, pretty clothes.

Looking forward to March 6th and a new life!

Ruth

Comments (23)

23 Comments »

how was your surgery….how much did it cost if you dont mind me asking…

Comment by kelly d — March 7, 2008 @ 7:36 pm
The surgery went very well. The first couple of days are a bit rough with pain but that is to be expected. I had a hiatal hernia so the doctor repaired that. This is common in obese people. I’m looking forward to my new life and just being healthier overall. I highly recommend JourneyLite. They are professional and caring.

I paid ‘out of pocket’ and the cost is $13,500. I was able to get a loan for the majority of the cost. I consider this to be a very fair price. With this you get a life time of fills and one year with a nutritionist.

Ruth

Comment by ruthgal1 — March 7, 2008 @ 8:26 pm
I hope all goes well for you. I will be going to my first seminar 3/8/08. I am so ready to begin my journey. Keep in touch.
Dianna

Comment by Dianna — March 7, 2008 @ 9:08 pm
That’s fantastic Dianna! Best of luck to you.

Comment by ruthgal1 — March 8, 2008 @ 1:22 am
How did your surgery go? I had mine on 3/7 and had a hernia as well.I had no idea I had one.
Recovery has been ok. A little stiff and sore….bloated because of the carbon dioxide gas.
Im not sure if Im doing as well as I should because I havent lost any weight yet.
Ive been eating(drinking)what Im supposed to, though.
How are you doing?
I would like to correspond with someone who is going through the same periods of things as I am…kind of like a buddy system.
My surgeon was Dr. Collier as well.

Comment by sharon — March 12, 2008 @ 9:14 am
Hi, guys-
I had my surgery on the 11th. I’m bloated, feeling some pain and “weirdness” in my shoulder, (I think it’s gas, but I can’t alleviate it so it’s starting to peeve me!) I am really hungry today. I don’t know if it’s because I’m not getting any protein or what, but I actually ate about 12 regular cheerios just to stave some of the hunger. How are you guys doing? I’ve lost almost 10# since surgery day, but I think most of that is water weight.

Comment by Alana — March 14, 2008 @ 4:26 pm
Hi Alana,

What you are experiencing is very normal. A week after my surgery I am feeling much better. I would say most of my pain is around my port but it really isn’t that bad. Those first few days were a real bear, though. Just last night I was finally able to lie on my side without discomfort.

The pain in your shoulder is gas. That’s a real “fun” experience. If your not taking Gas-X start taking it. That will help. Also, walk around as much as you can. The gas just needs to work its way out of your system. It will take about a week but it will go away.

I have been hungry for a week! That has probably been the most difficult part. I must confess, I have not been drinking the protein shakes has much as I should. So perhaps you are right, protein is probably a very important aspect of our weight loss. I’ve order a product that I saw recommended on a lap band forum called Unjury (protein mix). I’ll let you know how that tastes.

Oh, and the web address for the forum is: http://www.lapbandtalk.com/. Check it out, lots of good information.

Wow! You’ve lost 10 pounds in just three days. Good for you! Water loss or not, that is a great success.

Can’t wait to hear more about your progress.

Ruth
ruthgal1@yahoo.com

Comment by ruthgal1 — March 14, 2008 @ 5:09 pm
Hi, Ruth-
Glad to hear that it’s not just me. I was seriously on the verge of hijacking some food off my 2 year old’s plate tonight at dinner! I didn’t think to ask, but I wonder if we can drink the Opti-fast shakes this week….I think that would help. I actually finally broke down and went a little into week 2 and had about 2 ounces of creamy tomato soup…talk about HEAVEN!! Yeah, I’m feeling you on the sleeping situation too. I found that sleeping with a pillow between my legs and kinda tucked under my belly helps a little. I’m glad I’ve got a “buddy” online….you…since you just had your surgery too. I don’t know what’s normal and what’s not. I was beginning to feel so frustrated and like, “what the hell did I do?” Definitely gonna have to invest in some GasX. The shoulder pain needs to go!

Comment by Alana — March 14, 2008 @ 6:30 pm
hi ruth my name is nena from fl i have my surgery done in dec 21 2007 i have lost 60 lbs sence it a very had decition to get the first step by one you start you can do it there is not much inf about after the surgery by i go to support group on wed and i write all the question that i have and share with every one. stay away from sugar and candie and pizza they are the worse food for you always measure your food that way you train you body and maind to be happy with that amounth only. each person can handle diffrent food and maybe what i can eat you may not be able to eat i wish the best of all lock you can do it have a good and heathy journey and keep those catalog because that way you can start looking what are you going to weare soon

Comment by nena — March 23, 2008 @ 12:33 am
I have my surgery schedules for thurs 4/10/08. Just 2 more days I haven’t felt excited and scared at the same time in a long time. Any recomendations since you guys have a month on me would be greatly appreciated since I am sure they don’t tell you everything. Good Luck to you all and keep the tips coming it is very useful.

Comment by Lisa — April 7, 2008 @ 9:16 pm
It’s been a month, how are you feeling?
How is the weight loss going?

Comment by Michelle — April 8, 2008 @ 7:22 am
Dear Ruth: So glad to read comments by other people so I know I am not crazy. Had my surgery June 27 - now 10 days post op. First week was a bummer! Very sore, especially that shoulder. Trying to drink 120 ounces of fluid was impossible. Sometimes I only made it though 32 ounces! Wish everyone had been more honest about the first week - at least I wold have known what to expect!! I had my surgery at JourneyLite and everyone was wonderful. I was treated like a queen. Second week not so bad - tired of liquids, but then I guess everyone is. Have not had anything except what I was supposed to have. My next doc appt. is Thursday so I should be able to go on full liquids on Friday - can’t wait. Good luck with your journey. If anyone who had the surgery around the same time as I would like an on-line buddy, I would love to write you. Write me at jocaschooley@tampabay.rr.com. Good luck to all!

Comment by Carol Schooley — July 7, 2008 @ 2:55 pm
Hi Everyone,

Sorry I didn’t respond to the comments in April. I guess they went into my spam box. I’ve lost 50 pounds so far! I’m so glad I made the decision to do this. I’ve had 3 fills and am at 6.8ccs. I’ve had my ups and downs but mostly ups. I feel so much better. I do admit that there are some foods that I really miss eating but those cravings are starting to go aways.

Everyone will have their days where they wonder if they made the right decision but the key is just remembering that it took us a long time to get over weight, it’s going to take time to lose it. You’ve got to hang in there.

Forming support groups are really helpful too. I talk with two other people who had the surgery the same I did and that has been so helpful. Plus a close friend of mine had it with me and so we are always encouraging each other.

There is a great forum you might want to consider joining too. http://www.lapbandtalk.com/ Lots of great information for people at all stages of weight loss. Carol this might be good for you since your early in your surgery.

Good luck everyone!

Ruth

Comment by ruthgal1 — July 7, 2008 @ 6:10 pm
Ruth- I was banded 5-7-08, and have had one fill of 4.5 cc. Do you have the Realize band of 9 cc?

Comment by Gayle — July 7, 2008 @ 11:39 pm
I have a 10cc band although I’m not sure what brand. I’ll stay at this fill level for a while now. At 6.8 cc it seems to be doing good. I have a doctor visit today and he said that was good fill level.

My problem… not exercising enough!! Ugh!

Comment by ruthgal1 — July 8, 2008 @ 6:23 pm
Hi Ruth, First of all let me say congrats on loosing 50lbs. I am scheduled to have my surgery with Dr. Collier on the 24th of this month. I saw him yesterday. I really like him. I started my pre-op diet today. I’m getting nervous. I want this very bad, but, I wonder if I can do it and keep up with. I don’t want to disappoint myself and my family. Mine is out of pocket and that is alot of money. Do you have any advice on how to deal with the doubt of being able to keep up with it? Thanks in advance for any advice!

Comment by Mary — July 9, 2008 @ 5:11 pm
Thank you so much for keeping up your blog. It’s nice to read about your experiences and what to expect. The post-surgery sounds similar to gall bladder. I have my pre-op on the July 15th, and tentatively have scheduled my surgery for the 31st. I’m excited, but concerned about how to adjust my eating habits. (I don’t like vegetables.)

I REALLY want this to work. I went to Fiesta Texas this weekend, and, for the first time, couldn’t ride the roller coaster with my children because the over the shoulder harness couldn’t buckle. I hate how the weight has kept me from doing things that I love.

Comment by Karin — July 9, 2008 @ 8:47 pm
Hi Mary. Congratulations on your decision to start a new life. Dr. Collier is wonderful. He really cares about his patients and will support you after the surgery. He doesn’t just take your money and run. I’m also self pay so understand your feelings.

I’ve had doubts throughout the process. But the results will help get you through those times. I cannot emphasize how much have a strong support system will be during the first few months after the surgery. When you feel those doubts you need to talk to someone about it.

The first few weeks after surgery will be a little difficult because you will need to really change your eating behaviors but you may not see much weight loss. This is very normal. The first few weeks are about healing, not weight loss. Once you have begun to adjust your eating, you will see the pounds come off and you will feel so much better.

Remember that the weight loss process is different for everyone. Don’t expect to lose 20 pounds in a week and then get frustrated. The band is just a tool. You have to change your thinking and eating habits. It will not work otherwise.

What has helped me the most is my thinking habits about food. I have found that I think differently about food. Not quite the obsession it used to be. I won’t lie and say I don’t have cravings. I definitely do. So if I want a piece of candy, I have a piece of candy… not the whole bag though! If I want some ice cream I have a scoop of regular (not fat free) ice cream, just not the whole container! This gets me through some of those times when I have doubts.

You may find you will occasionally go up in weight and that can be frustrating. I’ve been going through that lately where I lose 2 pounds and gain 2 pounds. It’s been driving me nuts. But I talked to Dr. Collier and he helped me through it by explaining I wasn’t getting enough exercise (my downfall) and not getting enough caloric intake. You might think eating just a little bit of food is a good thing but it is not.

So I guess I would say that you will have doubts. That is natural. Talk to people that are going through the same thing as you to help you through those times. Remember that it is worth it. You are going to feel and look so much better. Feel free to e-mail me when you need support (ruthgal1@yahoo.com). The lapband group is really good too because there is a lot of advice there.

Thanks for the ‘congrats’ on losing 50 pounds. I’ve got around 40 more to go and I have feeling I’m going to have to step up my exercise (well, actually start) and balance my food intake better.

Just know you are making the right decision Mary. Keep me posted on your progress.

Comment by ruthgal1 — July 9, 2008 @ 8:59 pm
Hi Karin - congrats to you too! I’m sure it was frustrating for you not to ride the coaster with your children. You’re making the right decision for you and your family. Nothing is more important then your health.

Here is my experience with post surgery. Definitely have someone with you who will listen to the nurse as she tells you what to do. They talk to you right after surgery and you are still kind of out of it. I don’t remember half of what they told me but my friend helped me for the first few days.

You’ll bounce back pretty quickly. I had surgery on a Thursday and was back to work on Monday. A bit sore and tired but still could work.

You will get pain in your left shoulder. Everyone gets it because of the surgery process. Make sure to walk around quite a bit and take Gas-X. I did not do this and what a mistake that was.

The scars really aren’t too bad. The port scar will be the largest but the other four are very small. I’ve been using a scar topically gel on the large scar just to lighten it up. But it’s still not bad.

I know some get nauseous after surgery but I did not experience that. Pick up the medicine they prescribe for you though just in case.

Follow the eating plan they give you. It will help ease you into the program. I will admit I was very hungry the first two weeks after surgery but then my body started adjusting to the new eating behaviors. Plus, you will only have a very small amount of fluid in your band so there is almost no restriction. Again, I cannot emphasize how important it is to use this time to learn new eating behaviors and work on changing you thinking process.

I’m not a big veggie eater either so I have found that I rely on salads a lot to get my greens in. You can alway mix in your protein with the salad so your getting a balanced meal. Or mix veggies in with other foods that you like.

Try to be creative with your foods while still being healthy to help with the adjustment. Make it fun so it doesn’t become a burden. Come up with recipes that you really enjoy. Eating healthy does not have to be a pain or full of gross food. I eat regular food. Just less of it. I don’t do a bunch of frozen, low cal items. Been there, done that and it didn’t work for me. I still go out to dinner but take it home for left overs. If you can split with someone else then you save money too. The fact is, you will not be able to eat full portions anyway.

Hope this helps. Keep me posted on your progress. I’m still learning and I make mistakes so we can help each other be successful.

Good luck!

Comment by ruthgal1 — July 9, 2008 @ 9:20 pm
Ruthgal -

Congrats on 50 pounds. That’s unbelievable to me. I’m in the throws of getting insurance approval or denial. I’m committed to having the LapBand surgery through JourneyLite no matter what though. I just promised my husband that I’d try the insurance first. My last little bit of inheritance from my Mother will pay for the surgery if need be. I’m determined. I’ve waited since February for this to happen, and I’m ready, but I’m also a little bit fearful that I can’t follow through. My sister had the banding in May and has lost about 35 pounds.

I’m so sick of feeling “larger” than life, and not being able to purchase clothing that’s stylish. All the big girl stuff seems to have big flowers or designs that don’t minimize what’s underneath at all.

Any words of wisdom you have about getting over these next weeks of waiting, then drinking meals for 2 weeks prior to surgery?

Thanks in advance, and congrats. Keep it up.

Jenny

Comment by Jenny — July 10, 2008 @ 10:44 am
Hi Jenny. One big advantage you will have is that your sister had the surgery. You will really be able to rely on her for support. That’s why I’m so glad my friend and I did it together.

In my case, I did not go on a liquid diet before surgery so I guess I’m not too much help with that. Anybody else have some advice for Jenny? I did follow the food plan my doctor gave me and lost 10 pounds. I must admit that I did “cheat” a bit before surgery. I knew there were certain foods I would not longer be able to eat so I did indulge a bit before hand. Hey, you only live once!

You know, I guess what got me through was just knowing I was going to look and feel so much better. Like you, I was tired of the flower prints (and isn’t that the truth!) and having to shop in the plus size while my friends were in the ‘regular’ size. I couldn’t even look in the mirror while trying on clothes. It was just depressing. In my case, I was just ready. You HAVE to be ready for this. It’s a life long commitment. I had come to a point in my life where I made the decision this was what I wanted and stuck to it so I didn’t have many doubts prior to surgery.

I did do a lot of research before hand to try to understand the whole process and understand what I would be going through during and after surgery. Educating myself help me get through the pre-surgery jitters. In fact, it helped me get more excited about it.

Good luck Jenny!

Ruth

Comment by ruthgal1 — July 10, 2008 @ 5:58 pm
Hello,
I am thinking of doing the surgery, what’s it like after the surgery. Are you allowed to eat reg. foods. How does it work, and how do you lose weight. I heard your only allowed liquid foods for the first couple of weeks is this true. Can you still get preggers and do you have to go back through surgery to get it removed to get pregnant?

Comment by Jennifer — October 5, 2008 @ 4:46 pm
Hi Jennifer,

Glad to see you are asking questions. Surgery is a big step and one you have to be committed to for life for it to work.

Each doctor has a different diet plan after surgery so your doctor will give you the specifics but in general, you have liquids for the first couple of weeks after surgery, then move to soft foods, then semi-soft foods, then “regular” food. For me, I no longer eat steak, bread, certain other meats, pizza, and other really solid items. It’s just too difficult to swallow that kind of stuff. But again, each person is different as to what they can tolerate after surgery. It also depends on your ‘fill level’ which is the amount of fluid in your band. I have 6.8ccs which is quite restrictive.

I’m not an expert in the process of lapband but basically there is a band that goes around the top of your stomach. As fluid is put into the band, it restricts the amount of food that can pass into your stomach. The more restriction = less food to go in. Because you are eating more healthy food and less can go in you lose weight. The key, though, is still changing your eating habits. If you eat a bunch of chocolate and ice-cream then you won’t lose weight.

Talk to you doctor about getting pregnant but from what I have read, yes you can have a baby after lapband surgery. I guess the doctor just takes the fluid out of the band but doesn’t take the band out.

Hopefully that helps. Write if you have more questions and good luck!

Ruth

Comment by ruthgal1 — October 5, 2008 @ 5:10 pm