eelarual
Time to start a journal:
08 May 06: Today I had my final doctor appointment. Everything was fine and we're 'a go' for next Wednesday. I got the final prescriptions and last night I even packed the items I was told to pack. The coolest thing: I lost 2.5 pounds since starting on the walking program (2 months ago).
23 May 06: I was *finally* able to get back online to this system - sorry I haven't been able to update before. Okay, this may long, but I wanted anyone that's coming in to be able to know some of the things that happened to me (since reading others' profiles helped me).
I was *really* happy with the admitting process - everyone there was wonderful. The family was allowed in and they were kept aware of what was going on. I beleive the surgery (RNY) was over by 10 ... I think I made it to my room at around 11 or so. I don't know if I'm able to comment on negative things ... but I was truly unhappy with the nurses at the hospital - I found no bedside manner and I continued to feel as though I was being too much of a pain if I asked for assistance.
There was a bit of a complication and was not able to leave the hospital until late Saturday (around 5pm).
Anyway, here are some of the things I've noticed since being home (ready?):
- If you are discharged with your drain, and are able to wear undergarments, see if you can tuck the drain inside. Otherwise, you'll hit yourself with the thing (or it will get you nauseous just feeling it ... it did with me)
- If you are feeling hungry, it could be because you're not getting enough protein. My first day back, I tried to drink a bunch of water and broth ... very little protein ... and I was famished. Once I made one of those protein drinks, I found myself extremely full. Of course, this can also be a negative - since you're supposed to drink like a fish.
- If you did not experience much pain, but, all of a sudden, have incredibly sharp pains in the side, it *could* be gas. One of the ladies at NSG told me it could also be too much CO2 in the stomach. If it's gas, which is what I thought it was, I took some milk of magnesia (the no-name brand worked fine) and found a great deal of relief. The lady at NSG told me I could try walking more - but, the amount of pain I was having, walking was not as easy as I had thought.
- If you have little pieces of tape on you, don't worry - they'll fall off on their own. I found them itching like crazy and then they started to curl up a bit. I was a bit too scared to try and change the pad around my drain.
- Oh, here's one that I hadn't read before. If you find yourself crying for no apparent reason, it's okay. They told me so. I couldn't read the paper or watch a game show without balling like a baby - I thought perhaps it was something else (like maybe I gave birth or something???) (no, thank goodness).
okay, that's it for now.
25 May 06: My one-week post-op visit. Tough to say exactly how much I've lost. My weight was at 228 right before the surgery ... and now it's at 214!!! I could say that's 20 pounds total ... or 14 in just 8 days - either way, I'm thrilled. I don't have a scale at home and don't plan on getting one (many people say there's a time when you just "level off" and that can get depressing). Anyway, the drain was removed (not the funnest thing in the world) and that's good - I don't go back for 3 more weeks. I can now start on the vitamins. I'm trying to work out some sort of schedule ... it's not working well .... yet.
07 Jun 06: I don't have a scale at home, but decided to weigh myself at work two days ago. So, I'm now down to 209 (25 pounds lost)! I go back to the doctor next week and hope to be able to graduate to other foods. I've always been a picky eater and have been getting my protein from chicken, turkey deli meat and tilapia (fish). I've really been craving a piece of meat. I guess the best part is that I'm not craving chocolate. I'm still feeling itchy on my tummy, but have not had any more problems with that initial pain.
New things learned:
- The taste of vitamins and pills when crushed is putrid. Someone told me, though, that instead of taking the calcium citrate, you can take antacids instead (they have a good amount of calcium). The bad thing about that: if you take antacids, you can't take pepcid (or similar). But, for now, I'm going the "Tums" route
- They did say you'd have interesting breath (I didn't want to say 'bad'). They were right. Brushing teeth does not work. I think they said something about ginger drops - I think I'll look for those. I want to thank my family and co-workers for not telling me how vile my breath is
- I have found a way to get all of my protein. I eat 3 ounces of fish, chicken, or turkey twice daily (that's 42gm). Two glasses of skim milk (another 16gm). That's 58gm - 60 is the goal. Being a picky eater, the protein drinks make me feel ill
- I don't know if this is correct or not, but I've never been a huge water-drinker (unless taken with a meal). To drink like a fish, I made some crystal light and that's only 5 calories/8ounces. While I'm not quite at 64oz/day, I'm a lot closer since going that route
16 Jun 06: I had my 4-week checkup - and, excluding the 3 pounds they took away for clothes (I don't think they are that heavy), I'm down 34 pounds! I can finally graduate to stage 4 (which translates to ... finally ... a piece of meat).
New things learned:
- I don't have to continue to use the antibacterial soap - it was really making my tummy itch.
- I can try *one* new thing a day ... and corn is really not considered a vegetable ... they said it's rather sugary. Darn
- I wanted to take Tums instead of opening up the calcium citrate pill (because it tastes foul) - but they said the Tums is calcium carbonate. I thought it was a good idea, though...
22 Jul 06: I hadn't checked my weight in quite some time ... it seemed to be "stuck" at 192. When people at work were complimenting, I thought I'd check - and it was at 187! I go for my next doctor appointment 7 August, so I'll have a final number then.
26 Jul 06: Four days from last post and another few pounds! I just hit my first "cool point" - 50+ pounds!!! Not too happy, no???
New things learned:
- I found that "reduced fat" and "low fat" foods (fat-free crackers, low fat peanut butter) taste really disgusting. This was making me upset that I had the surgery (because nothing tasted good). Then I took on a bit of a different philosophy: eating 1/2 teaspoon of peanut butter (regular) is okay. Don't get me wrong - I am still being very careful with what I eat - but I also don't want to be miserable.
07 Aug 06: Well, I just came back from vacation. I figured I would have gained weight because I did two *very* naughty things. I ate fried fish - there's a super place called Ye Olde Fish and Chips in Woonsocket, RI - and I had to have some. It took me three meals to eat it - but, man, it was yummy. The second no-no was I had 2 ounces of potato chips. Again, the taste was incredible. I decided to enjoy my vacation and these were the two things I jut had to do. I'm happy for doing it, too, otherwise I'd start to feel angry about the surgery. Nevertheless, I decided to weigh myself at work and was more than shocked to see that, again, I had lost weight! I guess it was all the walking I did when I was away. I go to the doctor today and will have a "true" reading later today. Okay, back from the doctor - and, not taking away for clothes like they did ... drum roll .... 174!!!! 60 pounds total. Yippee!!!
New things learned:
- Life is for living. While I'm not eating ANYWHERE near as much as I had, I'm happier with my life. I find that, when I try and eat "just one more little bite", I start to sweat. I don't like to sweat - so I stop. It's working well for me and it's keeping the amount of food intake low. And, although I have not had any sugar since the surgery, I have found that one ounce of potato chips every third day is wonderful.
24 Sep 06: I'm now down to somewhere between 162 and 158 (depending on which scale - work or doctor's office) and am *thrilled* with the results thus far. I went out yesterday and actually found a shirt and slacks in size 12 (that's twelve). I cannot even remember when I had a size 12 - perhaps when I was born.
New things learned:
- I am much happier with the "life is for living" motto. I'm avoiding sugars at all costs, but, if I'm feeling a true need, I do have a few potato chips (yes, still). I even had a little, tiny bit of mashed potatoes with margarine in it - I didn't eat as much, but it tasted so much better than having it with none. I'm not huffing and puffing any more - and I can even keep up with my daughter when we go to the mall. Those are the two things I wanted to accomplish - and accomplish them, I have.
25 Dec 06: I'm now down to approximately 137 (according to the doctor) to 141 (the scale at work) and am finally feeling incredible. It's been two months since my last update and have since moved from Virginia to Pennsylvania, started a new job and am enjoying everything about being here. I was trying to find a bariatric group in this area ... to no avail, but I am in contact with a few people that had the surgery in Virginia.
New things learned:
- I have lost almost 100 pounds and understand that, after a certain amount of time, the body "settles in" to the new figure. It's time for that to happen. I do, now, find that I'm able to eat a bit more and enjoy that. I really think this has been the best thing that's ever happened to me - and for that I'm grateful.
28 Mar 07: The scale at work shows me at 132 which is over my goal of 100 pounds lost!!! Now I'm trying to maintain. I found a few people at work that had the surgery and have a name of a group that I can to go to. I do miss the group in Virginia, but still adore it here.
New things learned:
- What an incredible experience all of this has been! Going to the store to purchase clothing is such a joy. I'm understanding 'eating' so much more now and hope that continues. I also hope to remain at this weight (or gain a little bit more).
27 Nov 07: I am now (finally) maintaining a steady weight (between 123 and 125). I continue to learn things about myself.
New things learned:
- If I eat too quickly, I either break into a sweat or need to "facilitate". At other times, I guess I go through a pseudo "dumping" stage (it feels like my heart is racing a mile a minute).
- I cannot seem to be able to handle drinking anything besides water. Even a little bit of milk (excluding a smidgen in some cereal) does not settle. This is rather odd - I used to be able to handle other liquids (a bit). Well, everything is a learning process.
- I seem to be able to eat more "sugar". Although I'm not trying to do this as a habit, it's good to know that I can have a cookie every so often. I found the "50% less sugar" cakes (they are rather inexpensive at Wal-Mart) are quite lovely - so is the sugar-free chocolate pudding (which also gives me the calcium I need)
Happy Holidays!
27 Feb 10: I cannot believe it has been so long since I have written, but here are the latest:
New things learned:
- I had the plastic surgery back in March, 2008. I returned to my plastic surgeon in Virginia and he (Dr Alspaugh) was amazing. I had my neck and stomach "taken care of" and the results were great. I was in a bit of pain but not too much; the procedure was done outpatient and I was able to return home after a week.
- More notes about the plastic surgery: I was told that I may lose some feeling in my neck area; this is TRUE. As of this writing, I still do not have full sensation there. This is not a bad thing, but it should be noted.
- The plastic surgeon also informed me that the scars would improve and this was also true.
- Would I recommend having the surgery? Definitely - as long as you trust your plastic surgeon. I feel so very much better and do not feel as though my face looks quite so drawn (see latest pictures).
08 March 2011: Another year has passed and I figured I'd stop by the website.
New things learned:
- My weight remains in the 114-120 range. I keep finding foods that I still cannot eat or drink (milk does not work well with me) and those that I am able to eat "more" (sugar). I still try and watch what I eat.
- I now have started working out ... it's been almost a year and I bike and lift. Okay - I do not "lift" a great deal; I started with 2 pound weights and am now at 4 and 5 pounds. I find biking gives me more energy
27 January 2012: Another year has passed and I figured I'd stop by the website - the husband of a lovely lady with whom I worked is going to have the surgery in a few weeks.
New things learned:
- My weight still is in the 114-120 range. Milk still does not work for me - and I'm now finding that the chocolate I had been able to eat over the last year or two is no longer feeling "right" when I eat it. Odd - I can eat candy - but give me a piece of cake and I just cannot handle it. I'm keeping the candy to Hershey Kisses - I am not faced with an "entire" bar that I *should* eat in its entirety. BUT - I *can* eat an entire candy bar (not a good thing, but I don't keep anything more than "fun size" candy around so I won't be tempted. Do I still watch what I eat? Definitely ... but I'm not compulsive about it. I find that if I eat late at night, my weight is higher in the morning. SO ... I try to not eat after 7:00pm - I say it's better for heartburn and not try and say it's because of weight (it's a mind-trick thing).
- I work out every so often ... but not with quite as much vigor as before. I have a bike (now is not the time to bike, though) and enjoy walks after dinner with my husband when the weather is warmer.
- If Craig is reading this - I hope your surgery goes smoothly and you enjoy the results for many years to come!
08 January 2013: Another year has passed and I figured I'd stop by the website.
New things learned:
- My weight continues to be in the 114-120 range. I had my gallbladder removed in April and found more food "weirdnesses" ... I can now drink about 1/4 cup of milk - but rice is now a definite no-way.
- From what I learned from a bariatric surgeon in Harrisburg, PA (not the quack that did my gallbladder) is that many of the gastric bypass surgeries done when I had mine done (2006) had the connection "backwards". I guess the tie was placed in the back and quite a number of people experience a pressing pain as a result. To "switch" this would require an inpatient stay - but it is possible. Although I'm not doing that, you may want to ensure your "tie" is made in the front so other organs don't press against it.
- A message to Robby Bear - just in case he decided to read this ... you're amazing and I hope you are approved for the surgery. It's a rather crappy road back in the very beginning, but I have never regretted it. Good luck, honey!
23 May 2018: Quite a few years have passed and I just stopped by the website.
Update (not as many 'new things learned'):
I am now twelve years “out” (and six days).
- My weight fluctuates between 122 and 130 pounds, depending on where I am, what I am wearing, and what time I last ate.
- I can now eat anything, which is both good and bad. I try to eat as slowly as possible (still difficult to accomplish).
- Looking back over my updates, quite a number of “lessons learned” still exist. I had not remembered the initial comment about sharp pains in the side – I just experienced this exact same thing a few months ago – so now I shall try some Milk of Magnesia.
- I still am not good with drinking plenty of water. This has resulted in kidney stones, which I believe is a common problem with RNY patients. Of course, I am trying to drink more, but, with a choice between eating something or drinking water, the choice is obvious.
- I am very happy with where I am in my life now. The desire to eat is still ever present – but I still can make a meal eaten ‘out’ last for two or three meals.
- If anyone else is reading this, I still recommend the surgery. It is a pain, but the results are worth it. Just follow doctor orders … but also continue to enjoy life and the food that exists in it.
