BigBlueFan
One Year Anniversary of Surgery
Feb 06, 2009
I am very good on taking my vitamins...multi-vitamin, prilosec, and fish oil (my cholesterol was up a little after going off Lipitor, so we are trying fish oil) in the morning...and calcium citrate with vitamin D and fish oil at night. I take on B12 under my tongue once a week.
I was due for my one year check up 2 weeks ago, but an ice storm forced me to cancel. I am sure I will have a battery of blood tests for vitamin deficiencies.
I feel great! We went to a college basketball game last night...one year ago, I was huffing and puffing and wheezing, and could barely walk. Last night...I was bounding up the stairs and walking all over the place! It was great. That is why I wanted the WLS, to be able to live again. I still love food, still enjoy food, but it is not the priority it was. Now, I just eat so I am not hungry. And it takes very little still to fill me up.
I am back on the Diet Coke bandwagon...not like I was...but I drink one or two a day. I also drink a iced coffee I make at home with regular sugar creamer and Splenda...and it takes care of any constipation! Actually, I end up dumping, so I only drink when I will be home for awhile to let it take it's affect. I also usually get a Sweet Tea from McDonalds to drink on at work.
I started in a tight 24 pants and 2X shirts...now, am in size 12 pants (stretchy kind though!) and L or XL shirts.
I am still officially slightly overweight at 182...I would have to get to 164 or lower to be normal BMI...we will see if it happens. I am losing very slowly now, but I put no effort into it. I do not exercise other than playing Wii and cleaning the house. I know I should, for heart health, but I just haven't.
Anyway, to sum it up, I have no regrets about having the surgery and am very happy!
6 month anniversary
Jul 23, 2008
Today is my 6 month anniversary...I feel great!
I have lost 75 pds and lost 43.25 inches (from what I measured) from my body.
I had my 6 month check up and the only thing I got bad reviews on was exercise. I don't do any regular exercise. I just can't get motivated to sweat.
I kept a food log up until my 3 month check up and then stopped it. So, I do not know if I am getting in all my protein, but my bloodwork came back good.
I have been taken off my cholesterol medicine!!
I took Actigall for 6 months after surgery to prevent my gallbladder from going bad and I just stopped taking it.
I take a multi-vitamin, Calcium w/Vitamin D, Prilosec OTC (I might be able to do without it, but why risk the acid?), and B12 once a week.
I am horrible about water...I drink an iced coffee when I get up and drink a sweet tea from McDonalds the rest of the day. I am sure that isn't the best thing for me...but I can't get the water down.
A girlfriend asked me the other day if I could reverse the surgery, would my "eating habits" be better. I told her no. I told her that if I had an empty stomach...I would fill it. This is exactly the tool I wanted and needed. I CAN'T overeat.
I don't eat very balanced meals due to the limited space. I do try to eat protein first and I really don't seem to have my taste for sweets anymore.
I still have a tendency to eat too fast if I get too hungry.
I still can't eat alot at one sitting, but I am satisfied.
It really helped that I was mentally prepared for this surgery and did lots of research beforehand.
My weight loss has slowed to about a pound or two a week, but I am happy with that. I don't know if or when it will end.
I started in a tight 24W pants and now am in a size 16 regular.
I do worry about failing and putting the weight back on. I can't see how I would ever be able to eat more...but I am paranoid.
To sum up, it was the best decision I ever made...I wish insurance would cover it so everyone who needed the surgery could have it. But, like I told a friend, if my mom hadn't paid for the surgery, I would have taken a loan. It was cheaper than a new car, and MUCH better appreciation!!
3 months post-op
Apr 24, 2008
I had my 3 month follow-up appointment...did well in all areas except exercise. I just cannot motivate myself to walk on the treadmill. I have been doing more activities...I painted my bedroom and bathroom...I have been working outside and plan on doing some flower planting in May. I don't know why I am so lazy on walking! I like to sleep as much as I can, too. I think because there is no reason to get up early and get ready to go out to lunch! Food is still not all that pleasurable. I get hungry and dream of all I want to eat...but then, I realize it just isn't worth it and eat a small amount of whatever to fill up.
I am also having lots of problems in the potty. Either constipation or diarrhea. I just started back on Fibercon...and bought some fiber cereal. I hope this helps.
I do feel great and am glad I can do things around the house and yard that I have wanted to do. But I do miss food. I just missing eating fast and lots and be satisfied. I do not regret the surgery...I know I needed it...but I am trying to be honest.
I have to get my blood drawn to check all the vitamins, etc...hopefully, I can lower or get off my cholesterol meds...but I know that is hereditary, so it may not happen.
All in all...things are going well. I am over half way to goal...only have 49.5 pds left till my goal of 170. I am in a size 18 pants comfortably.
Two months post surgery
Mar 31, 2008
I was on vacation on the road for two weeks and that was very tough, eating wise. We traveled from Ohio to Texas and back and nothing I ate really seemed to taste good. Plus, I threw up at least 5 times on vacation from food getting stuck. It is hard to remember to eat slowly and chew to mush...and I paid for it. I also had diarrhea almost everyday. I think it is from introducing foods back to my system. It is very hard not to eat fried foods in the south...and I am sure that did not help! I would get hungry and be so interested in eating, but when I got the food, it would just not make me happy. My friend says this will pass...I hope so.
I did lose 5 pounds while on vacation, though, so that was great.
We also did alot of walking and I did very well with that! I took all size 22 pants/capris with me, and they were falling off. Before I left home, 20's were too tight in the waist, but when I got home...I could fit into the 20's! Yeah!!
One month post check up
Feb 22, 2008
Had my one month post op check up on 2/19. Everything looked okay and I was told to progress to soft foods...yeah! My husband and I went out to eat to celebrate and I was craving chicken fingers. I ate one! I felt a little uncomfortable, but okay.
When I got home, I cleaned the house as I was off lift restrictions. I reheated one of the chicken fingers and DISASTER! I threw it up! I don't know if it was too dry or what...but up it came. I have heard chicken can be very hard to eat...so I will back away for awhile!
Later on...I was taking a calcium pill and experienced what the call the "foamies". I just started getting a lot of saliva in my mouth and I threw up water only. I guess the pill got stuck? So, two new experiences with my surgery. I was glad to know what it felt like when I needed to throw up...it is certainly different than before. More of I want to get this food up and up it comes with hardly any effort.
I took my measurements today and have lost about 12 inches all over my body and 32 pounds total. I did ask the nurse if I was losing too slowly and she said not at all.
I am definitely eating better...tuna on saltines, peanut butter on saltines, little hot dogs, beef...I am a little worried about eating out and having problems...hopefully, if I do, I can make it to the restroom!
I am walking on the treadmill 30 mins about 5 days a week...trying to increase my speed from 2.5 upwards...my legs still feel weak when going up steps, but I am sure they will get stronger.
All in all, no complaints. I did have an evening of sadness when my coworker ordered food when I was on purees....but it eventually passed!
Post Surgery...
Jan 31, 2008
Had my surgery on Jan 22nd. Had to be there at 530am and surgery was at 730am. I woke up in my room with discomfort, but never any pain. I did have a roommate who was unexpected but I slept too much to care. I never had a sore throat but did have dry mouth, but couldn't handle much ice chips because I did have nausea.
The biggest problem I had was urinating. The nurse said that anesthesia could affect bowels and bladder and every time I felt like I needed to pee, I couldn't. It became an effort to get up and go to the restroom because my roommate had that side of the room and she had alot of visitors. Eventually very late that night, I told the nurse and she straight cathedared me to drain the urine. She said that might kick start it. Well, it didn't. Later, the next day, I asked to be cathedared again, but the nurse said if they did...I wouldn't be able to go home. So, I relearned to pee! I had to soak my hands in hot water in a basin! It did the trick! Phew!
My BP was pretty high in the hospital, which is unusual...166/86 or something like that, but nurse said it could be from the discomfort. I kind of ate a little of SF Jello and sipped on some Crystal Light and broth and they let me go home in the afternoon...so I only had to spend one night. Even though I was still nauseated, I knew I would feel better in my own home, in my own chair, in my own pajamas...and I wouldn't feel guilty to have my husband sleep in a chair overnight again! He was a GREAT sport!
I did EXCELLENT with my fluids and protein Nectar drinks for the following week after surgery. BUT, then, I made a mistake...I thought I was doing so well, I tried to double my protein and water intake....well, I got surgical gas...it was a killer. Started under my left breast and spread to my entire chest and shoulder and lower abdomen. I thought I was having a heart attack. Couldn't draw a deep breath. But, that is just what happens...it needs to come out since they pump so much air into us for surgery. I took alot of pain med that day and slept alot. It was pretty much gone the next day.
I had my 1 week post-op appointment with Doc...both Nut and Nurse said I was doing very well but I needed to up my protein. I also was told to start my pureed diet. Unfortunately, here is where I made another serious error...refried beans! Oh Lord...I thought I had burst my tummy! Oh the diarrhea and the pain... I just grabbed a pillow, dove into bed and slept for 2 1/2 hrs and was better. Phew. I am a dummy...too heavy of a food for so early!
The next day...I did much better...a more bland diet of Cream of Wheat, SF pudding, Cottage Cheese, Wendy's Chili, Protein Shakes, etc...and LOTS of water. Live and learn! I am down a total of 27 pds...I lost 16 during the pre-surgery liquid diet and 11 since surgery 9 days ago.
Pre-Surgery
Jan 16, 2008
I started the Medifast diet on the 9th of January. I had my pre-surgery tests at Jewish Hospital on the 7th and spoke to the anesthesiologist about what meds to take before surgery. On the 8th, I had an appointment with my regular doctor and he was pretty upbeat about my having the surgery (especially since I had gained so much weight since my last visit...having food funerals!). I went to see the Nut on the 8th...it was a group meeting and there were two other ladies having the Sleeve and a few others having RNY. The Nut talked about our diets and vitamin regime...and then, I spoke to the Nurse and picked up my Medifast on the way out.
My husband and I had my "last" meal at Grand Finale (how appropriate!) and I enjoyed every bite!
On the 9th, I started the Medifast. It would have been helpful to have had a taste test at the Nut meeting...it would have made me make better decisions. I went with some soups and some shakes, one pudding and some bars. Some of the stuff was tolerable, some barely so. Oh well... The only complaint is I have had horrible diarrhea...good thing I took off work. I guess they say "liquid in, liquid out". How true. I have been really hungry only twice, both in the late evening...but I have not cheated nor been tempted to do so.
I drink ALOT of broths to help me get through. I have made some purchases off Baratriceating.com to help me with the protein after surgery.
I am not scared...yet....just anxious.
Surgery scheduled...
Nov 29, 2007
Dr Curry's office called to schedule the surgery...I am to go to Jewish hospital at 11am on January 7th for pre-admission testing. I will have a meeting with the Anesthesiologist and am to bring all my meds with me, including OTC.
I am to have an appointment with the Nutritionist and a physical on January 8th at Dr Curry's office. I have a regular doctor appointment early that day with my regular physician. I am nervous about telling him of this surgery. Last time I mentioned it to him, he said I wasn't big enough to consider it. I find that odd, as why would anyone WANT to be bigger? I am already miserable. Oh well.
My surgery is scheduled on January 22nd. I have to be there at 5:30am. Oh boy!
As soon as I hung up with Dr Curry's office...I had a boulder in my belly...and if I think about the surgery and my life after that...it comes back!
Yikes!
Consultation with Dr Curry...
Nov 27, 2007
Had my consultation appointment with Dr Curry and staff. It was very well done...a little "cookie cutter-ish"...but they do so many surgeries, I imagine it all gets rote. The Nurse was very pleasant and Dr Curry answered my questions...the Dietician concerned me...as she spoke so quickly that my mind couldn't even wrap around all the questions I had! I assume it will be more slowed down and comprehendible when I have my Nutrition appointment with her. If not, I will have to tell her she needs to slow down!
Because of being self-pay, they went ahead and let me speak to the Psychologist on staff. Nice man. I really wanted to talk to him more, but I was in and out in 10 minutes. I guess if I need to speak to a psycho doc, I will have to see one on my own. I just have questions/concerns about how to deal with life without food, as I have known it all my life. My work has EAP (Employee Assisted Program) and I can have so many free sessions, if needed.
Beginning the journey...
Nov 06, 2007
My husband and I went to the free seminar at Dr Curry's. Originally, I had wanted the band, but prior to attending the seminar, I had done a lot of researching and found so many people had problems with food intolerance, hunger, vomiting and complications with the band it self, such as erosion. Plus, I don't like high maintenance things, and having to go in so many times during the first year for fills, plus, the extra cost of this made me look in a different direction.
I had seen the link for the Gastric Sleeve and having no idea what it was...I opened it. It is scary to see it is PERMANANT, but my obesity seems to be permanent, so, I feel that anything short of permanent would equal failure. So, I became very interested in it. I am concerned about leakages and about being hungry but not being able to eat...but I haven't read about too many instances of either...and I have to be hopeful.
My work insurance is not very good, so it would not have covered any of the WLS and my mom is generous and agreed to pay for it for me. If she had declined...I really think I would have gotten a loan. Having good health is priceless.
During the seminar, Dr Curry went over all three surgeries and a lady got up to speak about being Banded. It was all very interesting. I immediately went to the lobby to make a consultation appointment with Dr Curry for November 28th.
