deeno
Hi all! I just copied my old OH info and pasted it here.
May 11, 2004
I called Carmel St. Vincent Bariatric Surgery program to schedule my consultation. I requested either Dr. Cacucci or Dr. Jones as both doctors seemed to be very good from what I read on their website from patients who had their surgeries. They told me that there is a longer wait for Dr. Jones, so I went with Dr. Cacucci. They scheduled me for May 17. I asked at t hat time if there were any other appointments I could schedule that I would need to do. The suggested I get my psych eval done, and that Dr. smith might even be able to see me the same day. I called Dr. Smith (they said I could go anywhere, but I was already going to be at St. V’s, and Dr. Smith was right upstairs) and scheduled my appointment for the same day. The ball is rolling, and it is good.
May 17
I didn’t receive my packet of initial paperwork to fill out, and I knew it would be huge. Before going to the consultation I typed up my history of obesity starting at age 13 to now, age 32. I documented what size and weight I was (to my best estimation) and what diets I’d tried. I documented my successes and failures. I also had a food diary that I kept for 2 months. I was eating 1500 calories a day and exercising and not losing weight at 268-272 pounds. My metabolism was broken basically. There was nothing I could do to lose weight. This is why I’m choosing surgery to help me.
I arrived at 7:55 (they open at 8:00), and the appointment was at 8:30. I wanted to get my paperwork started right away so I wouldn’t be tempted to work on it while the doctor was talking (bad habit of multi-tasking from my old school days). Since they weren’t there, I went up to Dr. Smith’s office just to see if I could find it—easy to find. They were in, so I picked up his paperwork and brought it back downstairs. When I got downstairs, the bariatric office was open, so I went in and signed in and got started on the small mountain of paperwork.
The paperwork included some basic family history stuff, diets I’ve tried (there’s a big list they provide—there were some I forgot to include in my own typed up history), just general paperwork but it was a lot of writing. I frantically wrote for around 40 minutes. Thank goodness we started a little late and I was able to complete my paperwork.
Dr. Cacucci came in and provided a short seminar and discussed the surgery and what to expect. There were about 12 people there. She talked about the types of surgery available, and why they do the Roux-en-Y. She let us ask questions in the group, which was nice as there were some questions that I wouldn’t have thought of regarding medicines and drinking water. I felt very good about the surgery and understanding the risks. Then she met with us face-to-face. I was first in line since I signed in at 8:00.
As she looked at my paperwork I told her that yesterday was my husband’s 2 year bariatric weight loss surgery anniversary. I told her that he had Dr. Ditslear, and we really liked him, but because of the change at Winonna I chose to come here. Also I chose St. V’s because it seemed as if they had more experience with the Laparoscopy procedure, and that was very important to me. I talked with Dr. C. regarding my weight loss history of eating controlled calories and exercise and not losing anything. I didn’t even lose one pound on Atkins, and I followed that diet 100% not even a Tic-Tac. She commented that she would either leave my small intestine longer or shorter—I can’t remember, but she mentioned she would change the length to alter the way my food is absorbed in my system to help with this problem. I told her about my sports life and how important it is to me, and how it is becoming harder for me to participate because of my weight. I told her about football, and she was pretty interested in it! She said if all goes well I will be able to play 4 weeks after surgery. How cool is that?
Dr. Cacucci said she would send me a letter by the end of this week telling me what I needed to do next. In the mean time, she said I should get a letter from my family doctor and any other doctors would also help. I left her office and called on my cell phone right away to my family doctor asking for a letter, and also to my podiatrist.
My appointment to meet with Dr. Smith was at 1:00 and it was 10:30. So, I went upstairs and spoke with the gal at the desk. I said, “ I’m Dr. Smith’s 1:00 and I know I’m early. Does he have any openings any earlier?” She said he could see me right now! I went back to his office after waiting about 10 minutes.
He asked me questions about my general psyche (am I depressed, do I have suicidal thoughts, am I under any excessive stress). He asked me what I thought would be the most difficult thing (food or otherwise) to give up, and how much weight I expected to lose. The meeting lasted about a half hour and was very pleasant. I felt good getting the psych eval out of the way. I asked Dr. Smith if I “passed” and he said I did. I asked him if he could give me a copy of the eval that said in bold letters across the top “Not Nuts”, he laughed. He did give me a copy of my evaluation to send to my insurance company for surgery approval.
5-19
I haven’t gotten anything yet, but today I took an odd lunch break (1:00-2:00). So, I called my insurance company and asked them what documentation I would need to get bariatric surgery approved. They said I would need a letter from my primary care doctor, a history and physical (thank goodness I had one last year), any doctor’s notes, and any previous treatment for weight loss. The nice lady from my insurance also gave me a name and fax number to send my information to to make things go faster. So I called my doctor’s office again and asked for all of that stuff. They said I could come in and pick it up tomorrow, so I did. They had already mailed the letter from the doctor.
5-21
I received my information from Dr. Cacucci. I am hoping to get my letter from my family doctor tomorrow, and to fax everything right away. Also, I will make a copy of everything and send it by mail as well. This may sound crazy, but it’s my goal to have my surgery done ASAP. I am working in an unsatisfactory place and I have found another job. I don’t know how long I can keep this other job on hold, but I want my current insurance to pay for the surgery. So this needs to get done as soon as possible. I am hopeful that it will be scheduled in June. We’ll see.
May 24
I stopped by my doctor’s office to pick up the letter that was sent to me last week (per the phone nurse) as it hadn’t arrived yet. Well, it turns out the doctor never even wrote the letter, let alone sent it. So, I was pretty ticked off. I asked the nurse again to make sure the letter was written, and to call me when it was ready and I would pick it up. I also asked if it was OK for my husband to pick it up as I have a crazy schedule this week. She said it wouldn’t be a problem. What do you bet that they won’t let him pick it up due to cofidnetiality? I am going to try to think positively, but I’m also going to hope that I have the time to pick it up myself and there won’t be any delays.
5-26
Impatient me called the doc's office. No letter yet. So, I called the insurance company and asked them what my doctor should include in his letter. I asked if it needed to be on their letterhead, and she said "no". I wrote my own letter and took it to my doc's office and he signed it. I now have all of my documentation, and will be faxing it this evening. It is 30 pages long, can you believe it?
6-2
I ended up not faxing my information, and really wishing that I did. I figured with the Memorial Day holiday, it wouldn't get looked at until Tuesday at best, so I might as well have mailed it. Well, I mailed it before noon on Thursday, and as of noon on the following Wednesday there is no record of it at the insurance office. They keep telling me that it hasn't been entered into the system. I keep telling them I don't care about that part, I just want to know that the info I sent is somewhere in their building. Of course, they can't tell me that.
I just got back from vacationing in New Orleans. I wish I were thinner. My feet hurt a lot, and I just couldn't keep up with my friends. I ate alot, too, but not too bad. Lots of seafood. I'm happy to be home and to get back to a normal routine. I'm hoping to lose my vacation weight, too. I was afraid I wouldn't be able to fit into my work pants, and that I'd need to "call in fat" today. Pants still fit, so I went to work.
June 4
My information was entered into the computer at my insurance company. They said I was being sent for review. I should know in five to seven business days whether or not I've been approved for surgery.
I can't schedule my nutrition class until I've been approved for surgery. My schedule is very, very constricive so I really want to get that scheduled ASAP. It is possible that if I am appoved I could have my surgery as early as late June or early July. That would be awesome. Think happy thoughts, and wish me luck.
June 8
I called my insurance company on a whim just to be pesty. The very nice lady on the other end said I was approved for surgery. Sure enough, when I came home from work, there was an official letter in the mail stating that "After careful review based on the information submitted, it has been determined that the above referenced procedure (RNY) is an eligible expense....""...deemed medically necessary".
So, I'm in. Three cheers for me! I was worried that I would need to fight this, and I had a appeal letter ready to go. I am very thankful that none of that was needed.
I called the surgery center, but they were gone for the day, so I will call tomorrow to get the ball rolling. Whoopie!!
June 10
I am officially scheduled for surgery on July 7. Unfortunately, that is the same day that my husband is having his body lift surgery (to remove excess skin). Because of the circunstances of both of our jobs, neither one of us can reschedule our surgeries. His parents are going to come into town to be with him, and my mom will come and be with me (they all live 2.5 hours away). We'll be at different hospitals, too. His surgery is at 10, and will last 8 hours. Mine is at 11:30, and will only be ~2 hours or less--if all goes as planned. We're livin' on the crazy train right now, but there really is no other way. Happily, it will all get done and we'll be off work together. We have the support of our families, and with luck on our side all will go well.
My pre-op stuff is scheduled for 6-21, and I will call on Monday to get the nutrition class scheduled. I'll be happy when all the pre-op stuff is done and over. I am not worried about "passing"--I'm fairly healthy except for my feet (arthritis). I know I'm lucky, and I'm having this surgery because someday my luck will run out.
June 22 PRE-OP TESTING
Everything went smoothly, and it really wasn't that bad. It all took about 3 1/2 hours--they seemed to be running a little behind due to some emergency in some department. I did have to wait at a few stations, but it wasn't bad at all--not what I would consider abnormal at a doctor's office. Tinkle in a cup, give a little blood (well, 5 or 6 vials), huff and puff for the respiratory therapist while sitting down, have an ultrasound (they squirt a little goo on you and rub a camera on your belly and side--they do need to push hard to get a good picture, but it was far from uncomfortable), meet with the surgery nurse to get the "low-down" of surgery day and what to expect....and then....the barium.
The upper GI (barium) started out OK. Just a few pictures of my tummy. Then I had to swallow these crystals with a shot glass full of water. These crystals were like very bitter acidy "pop-rocks"/alka seltzer. They burned, and I wished I had more water at that moment, but later on I was glad that that was all the water they gave me. The crystals make you gassy--to inflate the stomach area for a better view. After the crystals, I drank a glass (I'm guessing about 6-8 ounces) of barium. The taste wasn't that bad--not a lot of flavor--kind of vanilla mint without sugar--hard to describe. The glass was heavy, and the consistency was like plaster only a little less chalky. The thickness and heaviness is what made it hard to drink, and felt bad in my tummy. Then they had me roll around on the table--to mix up the barium in my stomach--and took more picures. Then I had to drink a thinner barium--maybe around 4 ounces--and they took pictures while I was drinking the barium to watch my stomach in action. The thinner barium is more bitter tasting, but goes down easier because it isn't as heavy. I really, really wanted to vomit after the testing, but I was a little scared to. So, I kept it down like a trooper and went about my day. Even an hour later, I really wanted to puke, but I didn't. I went to work, and I umpired softball that night, and I was fine. I even drank a beer with the boys afterwards with no ill effects. However, my morning poop was greyish white--like the barium. It was weird looking. Sorry if this is "too much information", but when it's your turn you'll see the same thing. I will be happy when the barium is out of my system and my poop returns to normal.
My nutrition class is scheduled for 6/24, so that's my next item on the agenda.
UPDATE 6/25
My surgery date has been changed to 7/6! This works out so much better for me and my husband--his body lift surgery is 7/7. Now he can be with me for my surgery.
My pre-op went well, but they needed to run a CT scan of my chest. Something came up on the X-Ray of my chest. I am hoping that it was just a calcium spot. They said 99% of the time it is nothing serious, but they needed the CT scan to confirm everything is OK. I'm glad they are checking, but of course I am nervous about it. I am hoping to get word on monday that everything is OK.
7/5
Everything was fine with the CT scan (pre-op). Surgery is "a go" for tomorrow. I'm not nervous about the procedure. I'm nervous about my recovery and my new life and new lifestyle. I'm ready for it, though. It took a long time to get here, and I feel good about it all.
No more sides touching the chair when I sit. No more shopping in specialty stores for big women (or men's clothing). No more looking around the room to see if I'm the fattest one there. No more fears of meeting new people because of my weight. No more wondering if I am going to break that piece of lawn furniature by sitting on it. No more being judged as a person by my weight. No more fat jokes.
I will go to a water park. I will be a better athlete. I will have more confidence. I will feel better about myself. I will have more energy. My feet will feel better. My mood will be better. I will feel more comfortable particiapating in life instead of watching from the sidelines. Tight jeans will be a choice. Clothing will be chosen because of how it looks on me, not because it fits. I will be comfortable being hugged by other people.
I am having surgery for weight loss because I can not lose weight on my own. That method has failed for 15 years. I will succeed this time, and I am greatful this surgery is available to me.
I'll post again when I am home and feeling good. Hopefully soon.
7/10
I can't believe how good I feel. If I didn't have this darn tube hanging out of me, I would have strongly considered going out and playing volleyball tonight. The hardest thing to do right now is the "daily routine" of drinkning fluids constantly, trying not to think about food (still hard for me), walking, doing my breathing exercises, taking my meds, drianing my JP tube--it's all a full day's work right now, but it will get easier--especially when some of my meds are reduced and the JP tube is gone.
Immediately after surgery (in recovery) I had some pain, but it was immedidatley controlled with pain meds, and then I was fine. I don't remember the time I spent in recovery, I was probably sleeping most of it, but I do remember seeing my hubby when I got to my room afterwards. I was groggy, but OK. I slept a little, and then it was time to go for a walk.
For my first walk, I made it about 40 feet or so. It wasn't painful, I was just so rubber-legged from all the drugs--I felt "unsteady" and it made me nervous. So, I went back to bed. My second walk I made a full lap around the ward (1/16th of a mile). I could have went farther, but I don't think it would have been a good idea. So, one was enough for me.
Everything went well, and there were no complications (so far). I was in the hospital for just shy of 48 hours, but could have been sent home after 30 hours easily. I was happy to stay the extra night. The care provided by the staff was the best hospital care I have ever witnessed. I was very comfortable.
**will post more later--it's 4:30 am, and I just couldn't sleep--now, I'm tired. OH yeah, energy level after surgery has been great--no problems.
7/14
I weighed myself on 7/8 on my scale at home, 2 days after surgery. The weight was the same--280. I weighed myself today (7/14) and it was 266. Fourteen pounds in one week. I feel great, too. Ocassionally I feel a little weak, but it's just my body adjusting to the new routine. My desire to eat is high, but I only want to eat the three meals--no desire to snack as long as I am busy and keep my mind off of food (head hunger).
I try to get out and do something everyday. So far it has been doctor follow-ups for both me and hubby, and going to the store to get prescriptions filled. We also went shopping (briefly), but it was good to get out. We walked in the mall yesterday because of the air conditioning (it was 88 degrees outside). Tonight I am going to a softball game to watch my team play.
So far, I have had no trouble with the surgery or any foods I've eaten. I have become lactose intolerant in a big way, but always suspected before surgery that I was slightly lactose intolerant. I take a "lactaid" pill before drinking my milk based protein shake, and the problem is solved.
Oh, yeah, I almost forgot. I did have one problem after the surgery. The little drain tube they put in me caused some major pain. Not at the sight where it went in, but up in my left shoulder. It hurt so bad that it made me cry (and I am one tough chick). Pain drugs didn't help it either. After surgery, my pain never got higher than a 5 on a scale of 0-10. The morning of my follow-up, before the tube came out, my pain was an 8. I called the doc and they moved my appt. time up so I could get that darn thing out of me. Once it came out, it instantly felt better--within 5 seconds I was pain free. The shoulder pain can be a sign of something serious, like a leak, but I was doing great on my incentive spirometer (the little breathing thing), so there was no suspicion of a leak. I thought it was gas from the surgery, but when I called the doc's office, the nurse said it was probably the tube and she was right. Man, I was happy to get that thing out of me. Showering is easier, and it was a pain recording and draining out the fluid (gross, too).
One more thing--small victory. My BMI is down from morbidly obese to severely obese. Baby steps....baby steps....
July 23
Well, I've had some ups and downs. I've been eating pretty well, nothing seems to really bother me but of course I've been careful about what I eat. I did vomit because I ate baked fish and it felt "stuck". I have always hated to vomit, but this was easier, and gave me instant relief. I think it wasn't chewed well enough. Well, I took the remaining fish and mixed it with some mayo, and it went down just fine. I even tried pureed sweedish meatballs--looked terrible (like cat food), but tasted great.
Fluids are going down well, except I only want to drink water or ice water. I think my tastes are changing.
Protein is my biggest problem right now. I get nauseated thinking about the stuff. It really doesn't taste all that bad, and I know the nausea is in my head. I try to drink my protein every day, but it isn't easy. I occasionally feel a little week or light headed, but it passes. I probably wouldn't have this problem if I were more fanatic about getting my protein in earlier in the day.
August 21
Wow....30 pounds gone for good! I had to pack away my larger pants, and I'm now wearing the pants that were too tight--you know, the ones I wore FOREVER swearing that I would not buy a bigger size (until that day where I thought I would have to call in "fat" because my pants no longer fit me). Anyhow, I feel great, and I'm looking better and people are beginning to notice--it's way cool.
Pretty much anything I eat goes down well. Once in a while I eat too fast, or I eat something too dry and it gets "stuck". Once it comes back up, I feel fine. I still don't ever really feel "hungry", and I don't ever really feel "full". So, I just eat 3 times a day, and I measure my food. It's not easy, but at least I'm seeing progress (where before the surgery I wasn't seeing any progress).
My only post surgery concerns are:
1. Getting enough fluid. I have trouble drinking/eating in the morning, and with my busy schedule it is hard to sip all day (but I try). All I want is water, not crystal lite or anything flavored. I don't think I'm dehydrated, but I worry about it.
2. Getting my calcium and daily multi-vitamin in. I think I'm doing OK here, but I know I could be better.
3. I occasionally experience an acidy taste in the back of my throat. It isn't uncomfortable, just odd. I will probably need to take an antacid on a regular basis at some point.
Other than these minor things, it is all good. For a while I worried about protein, but now that I can eat more (variety), I'm doing very well at getting my protein in. Plus, I found a protein bar that I like (Atkins Advantage), and turkey jerky is awesome.
My weight loss has been slow, and my doc said it would be because I was so active before surgery and all of the trouble I had losing weight before the surgery as well. But, I have lost 30 pounds where before the surgery I tried for 2 years to lose 10, and couldn't do it. So, I'm happy with the results so far even though they are slow. I am hopeful that I will lose around 30 pounds before Christmas, but I'm not worried about it. Whatever happens, happens. I'll just keep floating along and doing what I'm supposed to do, and all the pieces will fall into place.
September 7
Two months out and 41 pounds gone forever. I am feeling great. The biggest worry of my day is getting enough water it and eating enough protein. Before surgery I was "water conscious", too, but it was easier to slam some water down-now I have to think about it all day long and keep sipping.
The only side effect I feel is occasional slight nausea. Some days I don't have any nausea, other days it lasts all day. No way to predict it, and I can't seem to make it go away--but it is only mild, so I am learning to live with it. A small price to pay in my mind.
I'm doing well with all of the different foods I've eaten. No major catsatrophes. I eat just about whatever I want. I just don't "want" certain things anymore (like bread, steak, sweet stuff). I'm really happy with how well everything has gone. I am wearing a size 20 now, instead of a snug 24. Life is good.
September 17
Uh, make that a size 18--they are snug, but don't look bad on me. I bought a size 18 jeans last night. 45 pounds gone, too.
October 12
I am now 228 pounds, my smallest adult weight ever. I have lost 52 pounds. I need to lose 14 more pounds to be considered "overweight" instead of obese.
I have given away a bunch of my clothes and winter coats--nothing fits! Old clothes I've been "hanging onto" that didn't fit before are now getting loose on me. This is so cool.
October 28
My size 18 pants are starting to get a little loose on me. How cool is that? I'm looking forward to Christmas, and I am hoping that I am a comfortable size 16 by then. I have at least 2 office Xmas parties to go to, and I've already scoped out a nice used clothing store for dresses to wear. I mean, I'm not going to buy a new dress that wont fit me next year, right? *wink*
Football is over now, and volleyball is starting. It's a good workout (better than football believe it or not), so my weight loss may pick up a little. Even if it doesn't, it's been steady and I'm thrilled iwth that.
Again, no food problems. I can eat just about anything I want. I can even drink a little milk now--my lactose intolerance is now mild/moderate instead of severe. I still can take lactaid pills when I drink milk to lessen/eliminate the lactose intolerance, but I hate taking pills if I don't have to. So, I get my dairy from other sources. No big deal.
Lovin' life. Can't wait to see my mom--haven't seen her for about 8 weeks. She'll be amazed at my shrinkin' butt.
November 9
Just got back from vacation with my husband and in-laws. We went to Branson, MO--had a blast. I didn't lose any weight, but I haven't gained any either, so I'm doing OK. Just a little "plateau"--but I deserve it. I ate a bunch of junk on vacation. I will spare the details, but we had to eat out at a restaurant every day. I made mostly good choices, but I also made some not so good choices. Regardless, I ate what I wanted and I didn't gain any weight. First vacation I can ever say that about!
I'm glad to be back and be eating real food again. Also glad to get back into the exercise routine, too. I'm still hoping to lose 6 pounds by Thanksgiving. Hard to be patient, but I know it will happen.
December 14
Plateau is semi-busted! I have lost 3 pounds.
Here are my goals (no dates or deadlines, just goals):
211 pounds--I will officially be "overweight" and not obese. 6 1/2 pounds to go to get to this spot. I am hoping to get here early next year, as I am a slow loser--but at least I'm losin'!
205 pounds--this is -100 from my heaviest weight ever. I am going to do something special for myself at my 100 pound weight loss. I've been thinking about having the hair from my legs permanently removed so I'll never need to shave them again. I don't know much about this procedure, so let's just say I'm looking into it.
199 pounds--busting the big 200. Hard to believe this is within my sights. 17 1/2 pounds to go. If I lose 4 pounds per month (conservative estimate, again--I lose slowly) I should hit this by the end of April.
Anyhow, I'm doing great. I can eat just about anything, I don't dump and I almost never get sick--this is good and bad--I am happy that I can eat as I know that others can't, but I know that it means that I need to exude my own will-power even more, and that's hard to do.
I'm still wearing a size 18, but they fit very nicely.
December 31, 2004
The last day of the year, so I thought I should update. I now weigh 215---finally busted that plateau that started 10/28. My 18's are getting pretty loose, espeically in the rear end area, but 16's are just a little too snug.
My New Year's Resolution is to TAKE MY VITAMINS! Yeah, I haven't been very good about that...perhaps that is why I plateaued....who knows. I have my 6 month follow-up in January, and I will be honest with Cacucci about my lack of dilligence on the vitamins. I am getting better about drinking milk, and I've always been very good about monitoring my fluid intake.
Anyhow, life is good, and I'm looking forward to a skinnier New Year. It would be incredibly awesome to be a size 12 by my one year anniversary. That's my "mini goal". If I make it, great. If not, I'm OK with that, too.
January 9, 2005
I bought a pair of size 16 loose fit dress pants, and they look great on me. Right now, some 16's fit, and some don't. My hairdresser asked me if I was a size 12 (I LOVE HER!!).
I go in for my 6 month follow-up at the end of the month. I'm concerned that I can eat A LOT! I ate 2 cups of "home made" hamburger helper type of casserole in 20 minutes (it wasn't HH, but it had noodles, sauce, and hamburger in it). So, that is on the top of my list of stuff to chat with Dr. C. about.
My New Year's resolution was to take my vitamin every day, and I've been doing a great job of that (proud of myself even though this is an easy goal---baby steps......). My next New Year's resolution will begin when the weather gets warmer. I get enough exercise through volleyball, but I want to be a regular walker for exercise. But, I'm too big of a whimp to start that when the weather is cold. Also, I really don't enjoy walking at the mall (excuses, I know). Regardless, this is me, and my goals, and my choices. So, this spring, the walking begins--you heard it here first!
January 20, 2005
HOORAY FOR ME!! I'M OVERWEIGHT!! At 5'10 1/2 211 pounds puts my BMI at 29.8. I am now in the overweight category for the first time since high school. I am wearing more size 16 pants now, but they are still a little snug on me. I bought some men's size large polo style shirts that fit nicely.
I have some serious hanging skin issues. I mean, I've seen worse, but man it's kinda gross. My arms have always been bad, and I'm sort of used to them, I guess. I still want to have plastic surgery on my arms, though, but not for a while. What has suprised me the most is my stomach and inner thighs. The hanging skin there is gross. I'm probably going to need a tummy tuck by the time I'm done losing. I'm not looking forward to that, but it's a possibility. Arms are my first priority, though. More people see my arms than see my stomach.
My next goal is to get down to 205 pounds. This is 100 pounds below my heaviest weight. Gosh, it won't be long until I'm in "onederland".
2/1/05
I've been hovering around 210 pounds for a while now. I've upped my exercise a little--I got one of those "Walk Away the Pounds" DVD's. It only takes 20 minutes to walk a mile, and I'm doing that in the morning now. I felt more "energized". I also felt a little more hungry. I'm monitoring that, too. I've started writing down everything that I eat. I hate doing that--it's like punishment. But, I have to hold my self accountable for what I'm eating. it has deterred me from eating mindlessly so far.
I'm hoping to lose 10 pounds by Easter. Actually, I'm supposed to start on Valentine's day, and lose 10 by Easter. Well, I'm starting now and we'll just see what I lose. I am, after all 11 pounds away from 199. As far as I'm concerned, pounds lost are pounds lost. It's all in my favor.
Feb 21
I admit it....I weigh myself every day. Many days more than once a day. I do track my weight, and it seems that I am losing ~3 pounds/month. This appears to be somewhat slow, but I'm losing and that means a lot to me after my struggles with diet and exercise before WLS and never seeing the scale move even a little bit. I'm hopeing to get down to 200 pounds by Easter. It could happen--I'm due for a surge of weight loss--it seems to come in waves, and I have no idea why, but it does. It doesn't even appear to be related to how much I eat or don't eat, what I eat, or how much I exercise. It just comes off when it comes off. I need to be more patient with my weight loss, especially this time of year when I can't get out and walk. I do the indoor walk (not as often as I should, but I do it), but it's not the same as a "real" walk, but it sure beats going outside! I still have trouble staying warm, and I always have long sleeves on, even when I exercise.
Anyhow, everything is going very well. I just wish that my weight would come off faster, but who DOESN'T wish that? three pounds per month is blazing speed compared to what was going on before WLS. I'll take it.
2/28/05
I'm wearing size 16 courderoy pants today. I just thought that was cool. They fit great. Although I haven't lost any more weight (well, I did lose that pound that I gained), I'm seriously considering looking at at size 14 pair of jeans. Yeah, it's in my future. Cool.
3/8/05
I just got back from a weekend umpire school. There were ~180 guys and maybe 10 ladies, so I stuck out like a sore thumb. Anywhoo, for the weekend, I am just "one of the guys". They are all really great, and they respect me, but we do drink beer and joke around. It was all way too cool.
I didn't gain any weight over the weekend, and I could have eaten so much worse than I did. I did discover to my dismay that I am capable of drinking a lot of beer (we were playing cards....what can I say). I'm usually not a big beer drinker, or even carbonated drinks in general I steer clear of. This weekend I let loose and had a blast. I don't think I'll be drinking carbonated beverages for a while though. Everything went down fine, and I drank slowly as to not hurt my pouch.
The guys that I work with were impressed with my weight loss and said I looked great. One guy even said he didn't recognize me. However, being guys, they all wanted to know if my boobs shrank. Needless to say, they really haven't. I went from a 42D(tight) or 42DD to a 38D. Now, I just have to roll them up and tuck them in my bra (or my pants). **wink** I felt so much more outgoing, too. I mean, I'm normally pretty darn out going. But, being away out of town and hanging out "with the guys" was so much fun. And being a "normal"-ish sized person now made me more comfortable around strangers, too.
I'm looking forward to umping this year. It's going to be great.
4/5/05
OK, now this plateau is really getting to me. No inches lost this month, no weight lost this month. I started the plateau buster's diet yesterday. I've stayed on it 100% for 1 1/2 days now. It's only for 10 days, and believe me, I'm counting the days. The diet is like the Atkins diet, only I can only eat 15 ounces of food a day (5 meals of 3 ounces each). I'm hungry--both real and in my head. It's not an impossible diet, but it isn't a "breeze" either.
Now, immediately after surgery for around 6 weeks or so, I was 100 % perfect at following my post surgery diet. Then, I started to try new things to see if I could tolerate them. Not bad stuff, really, just seeing what would go down and stay down. Then I started trying the bad stuff (sugar, bread, etc...), and it went down well, too, unfortunately. I have always been careful not to overindulge in the sweet treats. But I ate more than I should have for a person who is still trying to lose weight. The weight hasn't been going up more than 2-3 pounds, and it always goes back down those same 2 or 3 pounds. With summer approaching, I really want to lose a good bit of my remaining 30-50 pounds. Plus, I am still hoping for reconstructive surgery this fall after football is over. My number one area of concern is my arms. Then, of course, my stomach. Do you think that after a tummy tuck I will feel comfortable letting people see my stomach? Is it possible that I will wear a 2 piece bathing suit for the first time in my life? We are building a house, and we want to have a hot-tub--I think I need to have a 2 piece suit. My thighs are big and droopy, but I'm not so sure I want to have a thigh lift done. We'll see.
I'm feeling hungry, but it's not too bad. I want to eat, but I can avoid it. I am water-loading to avoid hunger, and it's working pretty well so far. I'll check in again when I weigh in after the "buster" diet is over.
4/23/05
I had my 9 month follow up earlier this week (Monday). I talked to my doc about my ability to eat large quantities. She said some people just don't get that feeling of fullness, and apparently I'm one of them. She mentioned "scoping" me or doing an upper GI, but as far as finding something and then treating it--well, there would be risks involved, and honestly may not be worth it--and I agree. She also stated that since I was so active before surgery, and ate healthy, it would be harder for me to lose in the long run because of my "broken" metabolism. Others who have had WLS who may not have been eating healthy or active will lose faster as their bodies are in "shock". Plus, when they start an exercise program it kicks their metabolism into gear and they lose even more.
So, my plan is to be more mindful of my food quantities, and not rely on my stomach to tell me it is full. I need to rely on my brain, and measure my food and stop eating, full or not. I was hoping the surgery would help me more here, but it looks like I need to help myself (I guess this is ammunition for telling people that WLS is not the easy way out). I also need to "step up" my already crazy exercise routine. Well, maybe not "step up", but at least change it. I did the stair master today (5 minutes, then break, 10, then break, then 5 more--it felt good, too). I'm going to try it again tomorrow. I'm hoping that this change will help.
I mentioned to the doc that I've been feeling tired lately, too. She ordered a blood draw, and I'm waiting for those results. I'm expecting low iron, as I have a family history of low iron (mom and sis). I haven't gotten any results yet, so I'm going to give the doc a call next week to get the scoop.
OH, yeah, the buster diet.....it was really hard to stay 100% on it, but I did a pretty good job most days. I did lose 3 pounds to get back down to 210 (my lowest has been 209 so far). Thanks to the buster diet I've reintorduced myself to protein bars. I've found some that I really like (and that's saying something!). I actually look forward to my protein bar now. I've never had trouble getting my protein in, but it doesn't hurt to get a little more. PLus, I've had trouble with staying away from sweets--now I get the best of both worlds--a sweet treat with protein.
4/29/05
The scale moved....it's going down! I'm 207 this morning, and thrilled. You know, that's 2 pounds away for one of my mini-goals. When I hit 205, I'll be 100 pounds less than my heaviest recorded weight. It will be the first (and last) time I've ever lost 100 pounds. What a miracle.
Diana
8/10/05
Well, my one year anniversary blew right by and I didn't update! Needless to say I've been a busy girl! Softball is just ending and football is ready to take off into full gear. I umpired my first National Softball tournament (it was a blast, and I did "fair"--always room for improvement, and I was pretty "green"--learned a lot, though, and that's what counts). I ran around in 90+ degree heat in polyesther pants. Sweatted my buns off (literally!) and lost weight down to 205. I've been floating between 205 and 208 for the past few weeks now, and I'm OK with that. I'm still hoping to get below 200 at some point in the near future, maybe even before plastic surgery. Yeah, that's right, I need it. My arms are awful, and a source of embarrassment to me. They are smaller than they were last year at this time (by a few inches--really!), but they are totally flabby, and because of the extra skin it's hard to find clothes that fit. Plus, I hate to wear short sleeves even in this hot weather because my arms are so darn big still. So, I meet with the PS on 8/15 to reconstruct my arms later this year. And while he's at it, I may as well have my spare tire removed, too (tummy tuck). When I run, parts of me jiggle to the point where I'm uncomfortable. I mean, my stomach looks bad, but it's not noticable when I wear clothes, so I don't really care that much about it. But I feel it when I run, and I don't like it. So, we'll see what the doc says. I'll post more after I meet with the doc.
I am still unfortunately able to eat much more than I think I should, but I stop eating out of fear. Don't get me wrong, I am satisfied with what I eat, I just feel that more restriction would have helped me to get to my goal. So, thoughts of changing my exercise dance in my head frequently, but it's hard to make the change. I need to do more cardio (I mean, softball really isn't exercise, you know??--but it takes up my time). I think now that softball is finished, I will gain two nights in my schedule (but I lose one to football---but that's actual exercise there). So, I get an extra night to walk or whatever. Hubby's been talking about exercising again, too, so maybe we could do it together. Yeah, that's a good idea---now motivate and do it, Diana!! Sheesh!
I go for my 1 year check-up on Friday, but I've already had the labs done (I was feeling really tired--I honest to God think I either had mono, or I was pushing myself too hard) and my labs were fine. And, I'm not tired anymore now, so it's all good.
Anyhow, I'm a size 16, and I'm lovin' life. I'm getting rid of my XL shirts (large only now) to keep me in the "shrinking" frame of mind.
December 23, 2005
I've been approved by my insurance for a Tummy Tuck. I'm also getting my arms done and thigh fat sucked out, too. It was quite a hassel getting my insurance company to communicate with my doc's office. I ended up being the go-between and doing all of the work on it. But, it's done and the outcome was what I wanted, and I'm thrilled.
December 28, 2005
My surgery is scheduled for January 25, 2006. I'm taking 2 weeks off of work, and they are being very compliant, caring, and helpful (lucky to work with good people--thank you!!). I'm excited about my "upcoming journey", and mostly curious about what size I'm going to be. I'm only 10 pounds heavier than my skinny husband (woah!) who is also ~2 inches shorter than me, but I still cant fit into his pants because of my thighs and tummy skin. I have a feeling that will all be changed.
My goal from way back when I started all of this was to be able to wear a size 12/14....and it's gonna happen. Normalcy....well, the biggier end of normal, but still normal. It's so hard to believe.
I just want to run up to overweight people and wisper in their ear "there's a way out....", but I don't know that everyone wants to be helped/"saved". I'm glad that I was saved....so, so glad. I will never be bigger than I am right now, and I'm thrilled abou that (I know, I know...I'm in control of this, too....I'll always have a handle on it from now on...not like the "old me"). There is nothing about my old life that I miss. Nothing.
If you (yes you) are reading this profile wondering if surgery is the answer you are looking for.....no one can answer it for you but you. I can only tell you that if you do decide to do this....well, if you are as half as happy as I am, what the hell are you waiting for?
*winks*
**new pics to come soon. I need to post before surgery and after surgery photos**