Carla N.
3/30/08
I had my Panniculectomy on 3/21/08 and let me tell you my surgeon, Dr. Ronald Rosso (310) 326-3636, was awesome! Here I am a week later happy, alert and on the road to recovery with minimal discomfort. I just have to say that it's a hard decision to find a surgeon and give them your disfigured body that I had abused for years by being obese and have him transform me into someone who is proud to walk out of her door now. Living in LA puts so much emphasis on looks and with the help of my Bypass surgeon Dr. Milton Owen I was able to combat my obesity. The aftermath of weight loss is lumpy, unattractive skin and when you're single that's the kiss of death when it comes to wanting to be intimate with someone new. So I have not dated in the nearly three years of being a post bypass patient. Why? I don't know really but for me personally I absolutely hated the way I looked naked. Then in September of '07 I got my insurance to approve a consultation with Dr. Rosso. I was thrilled and apprehensive because I had never heard of him but I went to my consultation like a wide-eyed child at
10/31/07
So that boot camp thing was great, but I could not keep it up. There is something to be said about cardio endurance! I learned that I really need to run more in order to build up my cardio endurance. How did I discover that lovely little fact? Well, picture me believing that I was in shape, so I am doing those sprints where you run to one line bend down touch it, and then haul ass to the next line back and forth.... then all of a sudden. I seriously cannot breathe! I was hyperventilating and had no clue what the fudge was happening. Luckily, I was working out with a cardiologist who had me to stop, walk and breathe in long slow breaths until my breathing returned to normal. I had asked him what the heck was that episode about and he said that my heart and lungs fell out of sync. My heart rate was too high and my lungs could not keep enough oxygen in my body to regulate itself. NICE! Working out, lifting weights did improve my health but my heart health didn't really improve because I was not able to strengthen it properly..... Who knew! So, now I am buddying up to this cardiologist one, because he was so very nice and two I was really curious about the importance of cardio endurance. What is it? Well, swimming, running, and jumping rope makes your heart stronger. Makes your lungs work harder to put more oxygen into your body and well, we all know that oxygen and water is the key to life so by doing those three exercises you then are increasing your chances of living longer because you are working on improving muscles that need to be strong later in life. Hmmmmmm - well after trying this theory out I realized you can flush out a lot of fat. Not muscle from starvation which most by passers become almost jelly like after weight loss because the body cannibalizes on the muscle for fuel because we don't eat enough. Well, with that knowledge I have been able to burn fat only and getting very ripped in the process because of my high protein diet and weight lifting which I only do twice a week now. Granted, running sux, swimming sux (especially if you are a woman of color because hair issues are no joke!) but jumping rope is wonderful. 10 min a day is like 30 min of running... I love that math. I can do anything for 10 min!! So, all I do is jump rope, push ups and sits for 30 min everyday and I can honestly say I am so on track to healthy and I like it. I no longer kill myself in the gym; of course I still go for the classes like spinning and BELLY DANCING!! Well, that's about about it on fitness... on to the good news!! GUESS WHO GOT APPROVED FOR A TUMMY TUCK AND BREAST REDUCTION/LIFT? Yep, me!! On December 3rd I go in for my TT and then 6 weeks later I get my Breast lift/reduction which I am not wild about. I have had large breasts my whole life and the thought of being small chested kind of frightens me. My doctor assures I will have volume since I am currently a 36DDD but I would really like to have at least a D once he is done. We can only hope. My insurance is covering the procedure so I really can not complain one bit. (Yes I can, I am PMS'g) :-) So, that's my wonderful news. I am so excited about having my hanging gut gone, I am excited about not having my nipples tell me what cute shoes I am wearing because they can only look down and I am REALLY excited to see go is that jiggle in my belly when I walk from the excess skin!!!!! My insurance was AMAZING about the whole process and the approval. I have to say I am incredibly fortunate because I have read over and over about other insurances denying these two processes. Which really agitates me, because we as overweight people have had to struggle with so many obstacles in life. Once we choose to end our battle with obesity only to be left with the remnants of our other lifestyle is not creating the healthy mindset we need. When I look down and see my sagging belly and breasts, and have to run bow-legged because my thigh skins flaps together I get angry because why would my insurance only bring my body half way? How can I feel fully over my battle when I have to look myself in the mirror daily with a body that I previously abused with food? Luckily, my insurance company listened and was able to help. So, I will let you know the outcome. Next time I post will be in January post my tummy tuck. Have a great day!!
7/2/07
So....what's new? Well, not a whole lot. I just began a fitness boot camp (@ss Kicker!) from 6am to 7am three times a week. I am hoping that this will kick start the burning off of the last 25lbs that I want to lose. I have been at 175 now for A WHILE! Which essentially means that my body is used to my current exercising and food consumption. Which is great! I now know what to eat to maintain my weight and I have been less rigid about the rules as I have been eating SUGAR! I can eat a certain amount prior to dumping 20g!!! Which is sad because I know what I can tolerate but I still can and will dump off of too much fatty oils. I have to be really careful about sauces at restaurants as I get so sick and dizzy off of oil based sauces. I have even dumped off of peanut butter filled pretzels. The serving size is for 11 pieces I had about 15 then bammo!!! sick as a dog, dizzy and in dire need of a nap. I thank God for that dumping it's what keeps me honest and my sugar amounts very low. I don't eat breads and stay the hell away from pasta as it's not worth that stuck pig feeling I get when I eat it. I mainly eat carbs in the form of frozen fruits from Trader Joe's and the no sugar added puddings but they tend to go bad a lot in my fridge as I just cannot eat a whole lot still! I can probably get in about 5.5 oz of food which is awesome as I haven't stretched out my pouch too much, but I REALLY have been strict with the NO fluids and my meals... it blows because I eat with friends and just watch them gulp down soda after soda with their meals and me.... nothing or a sip here and there. I have a friend who says they watch what they eat but i watch them make the most horrific food choices of anyone I know. I mean honestly... they will eat burgers, fries and cokes at 11:30 at night. I so don't want to be that food police person because I've changed my life style but to hear them say how they need to do something and then don't makes me look for a near by soap box..... but I don't... well I try not to. Sometimes I just rant at them but I know that had it not been for the surgery I too would still be that out of control eater that got me to 295 in the first place so I cannot harp on someone that knows that they should eat smarter. Do I feel responsible for their choices? No, I can't so I don't I just smile and keep on stepping. Mind you, I don't always eat what I should.... I have had Doritos (2 handful limit then I toss the contents of the bag in the trash) - A McDonald's breakfast (I tss out one half of the english muffin, then eat only half the sandwhich and half the hashbrown then toss the rest) that's how I manage my cravings. I give into them but manage how much I consume so it's never a rediculous amount of food nor calories. I will only allow myself one meal, once a week where I just don't think about it.... and honestly that has helped because I find that I won't binge on any one thing nor do I go overboard any other time. I have maintained the 90% pristine eating and 10% balls out and believe me that has been the best way to control that out of control habit that I have fought with my whole life. As for life altering changes... yeah, none of that. i am still single. I meet a lot of guys, in fact I am lucky as I make the acquaintance of some guy everyday BUT the quality of the guy has been the same so I stay single. I am still hoping to meet someone attractive, health conscious and does not want children. It doesn't seem like a lot to ask but it has been hard to find that mix. Because I am able to date so often I don't feel like I am lacking in my life. When I am not on a date, I still enjoy myself but I find I like being outdoors so much more. The last great date I had we went to the dog beach and indoor wall climbing. Oh my goodness!! SO MUCH FUN than just dinner and a meal. I would love to have every date as action packed!! Well, that's it for now.... *hug* I hope your journey is going well and remember, think, think, think before you eat. I know... but you have to ask yourself: Am I really hungry or am I just bored, sad, anxious or what have you. Feel the emotion and not the calories. :-)
2/28/07
Today marks the day, that I will update my profile more! Yeah, I am sure we've read that one before! Actually, lots of exciting things have happened. One, I have not lost more weight BUT my body is re-shaping itself. I've lost inches but not weight so my newest stats are 36-31-38 I have an hourglass figure which is really nice. I was pretty much anti-Tummy Tuck, but the more I think about it the more I want to see this skin on my tummy gone. I still work out a lot in fact I go for about 2hours straight 3-4 times a week. I had a guy friend try to keep up with me at the gym and he couldn't! That was a nice lil' compliment. I do find I have a lot of guy friends, more than ever before BUT they are guy friends from what we call here in LA the "scene" it's a community of BBW's and guys that like big girls. We have a few nightclubs that cater to plus size women and it's fun, the music is great. I went before because I wanted acceptance in fact some of the club Bounce owners were featured on Dr. Phil recently, it's a nice place to go and feel comfortable even at my smaller size I am made to feel welcome even though the club owners refer to me as a "skinnie-minnie" which is flattering but hey, it's LA and a size 10 woman is still considered fat here. It seems that women are adored who are below a size 4, especially where I work. I don't see myself getting that small, I like being warm more than I like being super skinny. Super thin women seem to run chilly, I think it's the lack of nutrients *wink* In any case, It's a wonderful lifestyle to have energy. I notice that I have so much more desire to be outdoors, and I enjoy being out of the house! I look forward to my time in the gym. I tried to bring a friend to the gym with me and his very being around me kind of threw off my work out. I know he didn't mean to but I learned I like that time because I can tune into my body and adjust my workout according to what my body is telling me. It sounds kind of new-age but it's such a true fact. I am in tune with my body *ohmmmm* As for dating, I am doing lots of that and yeah, men are still men.... nothing amazing has happened there......yet! I am waiting to see where I end up with my physical transition. My mind is starting to catch up with my body and I like the results. So, in a nutshell. Now that my window is closing as it's been nearly 18 months you can still change your shape by maintaining your weight lifting in the gym. Even though I work out a lot I still have a lot of belly fat/skin. There isn't enough workout time in the world to burn that off so I am cutting it off! That's my resolve on that. I can no longer shop at Torrid or Lane Bryant as all of their clothes are too big now. I started off wearing a size 11 pantie or a 22/24 and I am now in a size 6 pantie or a size L depending on the brand. I am still at a 36DDD (formerly 46DDD) so nothing has changed up top. Have a great day! *hug*
*One Year Surgiversary*
WHOO HOOOO! Okay, with that out of the way, let's take a look at where I was and where I am today. I was FAT and now I am THICK! I much prefer thick as I never ever wanted to be skinny. I was horribly out of shape now I am more and more fit. I was afraid of being accepted and today I am still afraid of that. (losing weight can only change so much). I was a size 24, I am now a size 10/12 in everything. I was intimidated by the thought of being smaller and now I am no longer afraid of the "what-if's" in life. I was resigned to being single because of my size. I am now still single but know it has nothing to do with my size. I honestly dated more when I was heavier but it only to men that "liked big girls". Then I didn't really like myself and today, I have my head battles but overall I know and fully appreciate the fact that I kind of rock and stuff! :o)
9/18/06 -
I haven't written anything in a while because frankly I've been very busy. I started school, and I work out about 4-5 days a week. I have been wrestling with getting out of bed early and going first thing, but I find I am in better spirits through the day and sleep best if I work out right before bed. Call me crazy! That's what my body likes. What am I eating? Pretty much the same things over and over but I have incorporated a bit more carbs in the form of fiber such as beans and oatmeal to help keep things flowing. I can eat more but I don't I can also snack more and when I do, I just do it, to end that head-cycle and get back on track. I have learned that I didn't get this surgery to eliminate food from my life. I've read some crazy stories on here where people just starve themselves and well, I had a problem with over eating. I had a problem with food. Eliminating food doesn't eliminate the problem it masks my addiction to it. I've learned to develop and maintain a HEALTHY relationship with food. Yes, I do eat and I enjoy it! I refuse to starve myself because while exercising all I get is sick and dizzy, what's the point of doing something healthy if I am not going to fuel properly? So, from learning to eat right I have not lost any hair, I have not had bone and tooth loss from a calcium deficiency. While I do take my supplements daily I have also added two more. I now take the dry vitamin A&D along with a dry Vitamin E and a packet of essential fatty acids. The Vit. A helps with my eyes and the E and EFA have helped my skin, hair and nails tremendously. So, that's my story of the day. I am coming up to my year and while I am only 9lbs from goal I simply have enjoyed the journey. No, I don't dress like a hootchie mamma with my new bod. No, the man of my dreams has not come into my life, in fact, this weekend I was stood up twice by two different guys.... so yeah, even though I am smaller the men who pursue me are the same....."not worth the trouble" type of guys. I am still not "skinny" by LA standards but I am so cool with that. I see SO many girls around me who are thin, cold and vomitting up their meals on a daily basis. It's SO not for me. I have realized that I don't need to be a twig to be happy in my skin. Working out and Yoga has taught me that. I have learned that while smaller I still don't like to be naked in front of a man, not because of my size - now it's because of my skin. So yeah, there are still some image issues that I need to work on. I have time...and I still want to enjoy where I am instead of continually focusing on where I am not. *hug*
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7/12/06 -
What am I eating these days? Mostly proteins. For breakfast I will have one scrambled egg, no oil with spinach and garlic. For mid-morning snack I will have either a low carb yogurt or string cheese. For lunch I will typically have what ever I want but usually end up only eating the meat. Mid-day snack is either a string cheese, yogurt or a sugar free hot cocoa... it really just depends on the day. Then it's off to the gym for an hour and a half then for dinner if I didn't go in the morning and if I do the gym then dinner is something super light like popcorn (yeah I know, but hey.... I am being honest) or some nuts. My eating choices are SO much better now that I have had the surgery. I have yet to get back to eating fast food. I enjoy salad as a meal more than three times a week which pre-op was just non-existent. I shop so much better. True, I am spending way more money but my body feels so much better for the better choices. It's worth it. I believe I am in a good rhythm at the moment. I like where my mind is and I am enjoying the responsiveness I am getting from my body when at the gym. I don't over do it so I am not as sore or damaging my body anymore. I learned to work out smarter instead of harder and the results are here. I am in a regular size 12 pants and dresses and large size tops. This is down from a 22/24W or a 3X - 4X tops and dresses and pants. My bra size went from a 46DDD to a 36DDD so my girls are still big but not huge... I like that!
7/3/06
Only a slight change of 5 lbs for the last month, but it's still a loss. Even as I only lost 5lbs I've lost a complete size. I am now down to a L in shirts and a regular size 12 in pants and dresses. This is an amazing feeling. If you feel that you are slacking please go back to basics. Stop the snacking and get back to eating 90% protein, drink all and more of your water and exercise. It really is what's most effective. I had to learn that the hard way... but at least I learned. :) I am almost to goal of 165!
5/10/06
*YAY* it's moving!! - Then I gained some back, I went up to 190! Now it's off again, but man... talk about frustration. I really have to learn to live a life without carbs. The moment I begin eating any starchy carbs like crackers or popcorn my body's losing trend comes to a grinding hault! In order to get to my goal weight I have to live off of lean meats and veggies alone. *blah* it's the ONLY thing that works.
5/8/06
5/1/06 - That plateau that I THOUGHT was busted must have been a flucuation of water weight. I lost two lbs last month. I think I am going back to full liquids for a bit. Nothing is really working and it's frustrating. I know plateaus are normal but after nearly two months you'd think it would get bored and move onto someone else. BUT NOOOO, I am still at a plateau. I see my doctor in a few weeks and I seem to be about twenty pounds above everyone else in my surgery group who have my same height and starting weight. I am a bit jealous that everyone else is in the 170s and I am still in the 190s but alas, that's life. I am still going to do everything in my power to shake this darn thing. Turn up the weight lifting or something. Even though the scale is not moving I do seem to be shrinking. I am a lose 14 now which is killer and in a large top. I am VERY happy with that. People say I look younger than 38 so with that... I am happy too. More to follow in a month. Wish me luck on actually breaking this plateau.
3/31/2006 - This morning my plateau busted and I am now officially OVERWEIGHT! Wow, hard to believe I only have 40lbs to go to goal. It's just amazing.
3/29/2006 -
I've had a plateau this month. My first real plateau. Nothing gained but nothing lost either. I know it was due to my lax eating habits. I've picked up this obsession with peanut butter that has been unreal! Nuts period come to think of it. I am not sure why but for some reason I have become nutty over nuts... (corny I know but couldn't be helped) So, as of the last two days, I have sworn off nuts, but then I brought a can of cashews over the weekend and I brought them into work (unopened) only to devour a few handfuls through out the day!!!! Talk about your old habits dying hard. So, I took the can of evil fat and put them in our kitchen where they are sure to be eaten quickly. I beat myself up over this but I've learned that just giving up bread, pasta rice, fast and fried foods isn't enough. You also have to give up the right kind of foods too in order to get your scale moving again. So, I have a strict adherence to protein and veggies. For a "sweet" I make one of my snacks a dallop of non-fat cottage cheese with some sliced apple in it. That's it! It's like you REALLY have to give up food as friend. I had to give up eating every two hours as I found it easier to graze. It's been a real battle learning how to eat properly. I haven't dumped as I don't eat anything sugary and I haven't really been sick that often. When I have been sick it's been because I didn't chew enough. In any case I say all this to say that here at six months I am still in a learning curve. I get all of my vitamins in, I exercise 3xs a week and I drink my water. I have been losing inches, but nothing big. In the month that I didn't lose any weight I lost 10 inches all over my body. That's proof that changes happen even when the scale is staring back at me with that retarded blank stare. So, there you go, if you stall or plateau it is very important to keep track of your measurements it's the only thing I tell you that has prevented me from putting my foot squarely up the butt of my scale. (well, you know what I mean:)
Carla
six month surgiversary 3/29/2006
2/20/06 -
I typically wanted to post at the end of every month to coincide with my surgery day, but TODAY is no ordinary day.... TODAY is my first day in ONEDERLAND and I just had to share!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I'm very excited.... Here are my stats, pictures to follow. Thank you!!!
1/30/06 - 4 month anniversary and here is my progress.
Switching things up a bit made a big difference. I am just a few points from being in the "overweight" category instead of obese. I am really excited about that. Still no real complications, but I read this board daily and learn the do's and dont's so hopefully I am on the right track in keeping my levels where they should be. I see my Doctor on Thursday for my official weigh in (their scales are always higher than your own) so it will be interesting to see what my surgeon says. He will also be performing my first blood work since surgery. Let's keep our fingers crossed that everything goes well.
1/20/06 - Stalling - moving - shopping - and falling in love with myself!
Well, This is my 4th month post op. I have only lost three pounds this entire month so I went onto fitday.com and found that I was consuming a lot of fat in my meats. So, I've elminated the meat, and increased my protein shake intake. Just in doing that I lost three pounds. Instead of getting my protein from meat source which seems to also have a lot of fat I am getting my protein from the shakes and my body seems to process it much better. Even though my meats were lean like turkey bacon and tuna it was still collectively too much fat in one day. I also learned that I was making the wrong snack choices. Instead of Light string cheese and cottage cheese like I was doing I switched to sunflower seeds (190 calories a 1/4 cup serving!) and light popcorn with splenda (like a low fat kettle corn!) those snacks were high in overall fat and costing me a lot of calories in the end. I love Fitday.com, I've learned a lot. My hair has began to fall out which is fine I can wear extensions without a second thought so I am not too worried about it at this point but it IS alarming at how much comes out.
My work has been REALLY supportive about my surgery. I work in a VERY Los Angeles environment where looks come before everything and my co workers have been so excited for my results. I'd like to think they are happy for my improving health and it is kind of nice to have some input when they are going on about what new exercise they've learned at the gym or the spiritual benefits of yoga, a year ago I would have just rolled my eyes and walked on but now since I too am apart of that fitness world, I have some things to contribute. It's really a nice feeling. I went into my first "normal" (non-plus sized) store last week and it was SO cool to buy something off their racks! I got some really nice yoga pants from Nike Town - wow, skinny chicks have to pay a lot for their clothes! It was just so cool, because for so many years those stores were off limits to me and now I can shop with friends and not have to say, I'll catch up with you while I scope out a Lane Bryant or Torrid. *yay* I am feeling more normal. Well, I've always felt normal on the inside but so many in L.A. are not concerned about your insides unless your outsides are appealing. It is really nice to be apart of something that is so natural for non obese people. I don't expect anyone that has never had a problem with weight to understand that though. This surgery gives you the tool and the ability to say no to foods that would normally plague you. I like the liberation I feel from food. I feel like I am out on parole and have the chance to start over again. I never want to go back to that food prison EVER again. Hope your day is well..... Til' next month.
1/2/06 - Happy New Year!
I am pretty much half way to my goal! - This feels fantastic :o)
12/27/05 - I've lost one lb. this week. Yay me!
12/19/05 - Blah! That's how I feel about this silly stall thing. Once my "monthly cycle" leaves so does the weight loss. I've noticed that once my monthly cycle begins I am down a pound or two, then once it leaves I stall out for nearly two weeks! This happened last month as well. So, now I am going to see if it happens in January then I will know it's just the way my body loses weight. I am now down to 223, I entered December weighing 230, so I've lost seven pounds for the month.... pretty sad if you ask me, considering. Oh well, I will be patient. I am only getting in 600-800 calories a day, I exercise 8-10 hours a week, drink water, eat protein. I am more fanatical about my food intake now that I ever was pre-op, its just now I am making better decision which is great. I didn't realize how expensive eating well was. I spend a lot more at the grocery store now in order to get the right foods as opposed to spending less and eating more. I know it sounds like I am complaining and I'm not, just trying to wrap my head about what goes on. I'm learning about my body and I am learning about my horrible snack habits. I've managed to keep my snacking down to a minimum but it was a way of life for so many years so it's hard to talk myself down from the snacking ledge at times, but I do it. I love that I don't over eat anymore and I love even more fitting into clothes that were once "someday clothes" in my closet. Life is good, men are starting to notice me which is odd as I've been invisible to men for years. I don't think I'll "find love" after all of this but my perspective is shifting and I like that very much. I used to be "the friend" to guys. Can you imagine for years listening to guys tell me how in love with my "hot" skinny friends they were and "what a cool chick" I was. I have helped so many guy friends find love and I've just now started catching their eyes as well. It's wierd. My guy friends tell me that it's NOT that they were shallow but I just wasn't their type. My thought to that is well.... now you want to go out on a date with me and the ONLY thing about me that has changed is my weight. They say no, that it's not just my weight but my personality has changed, where as before I was just cool, and now I am cool and hot.... *eyeroll* Do you smell BS? LOL.. oh well, it's just one of the many, many changes that I've experienced post op. I am 38 - never married and no kids, nearly engaged but not quite. I wonder what my future holds in that department. Besides from that, my health is good even though I am still on High Blood Pressure meds, my overall health is strong. Thanks to the killer gym work outs. I absolutely LOVE going to the gym now. I look forward to sore muscles as that's my bodies way of telling me I was doing the exercise right! Well, I hope you have a great day.... talk with you when I have some news.... Oh, I almost forgot, I am now getting into size 18s... the 20s are getting lose. *yay*
11/27/05 - Well, I havent updated as I had no new news. last month I had lost close to 30 lbs and this month, I have only lost 13. Which is amazing for a total of 43lbs in two months BUT a bit of a mind game in the scale watching. What have I learned from this? NOT TO WATCH THE SCALE! Wow, you read and read about other members who say how discouraging it is, and well the light literally had to blind me for me to understand that. In the three and a half weeks of November I have lost close to 12 inches all over my body! Now that is amazing!! I would not have known this by scale watching. I started wearing 22s & 24s I am now in 18s & 20s. To finally be leaving the 20s behind is quite nice after only two months. Reading the message boards for my surgery month has been the best validation ever! The ladies are so insightful and helpful. Just when I think I have done some damage here comes someone who is either in the same boat and can sympathize or someone offers some really great advice. I just adore the ladies of my message boards. It was soooo nice to spend a holiday in control of my eating. I did manage to eat 3oz every three hours, but that was about it for the bad. I gave myself the one day and I am over it. *thank God* Well, that's my posting for this time. I hope you had a great holiday.
11/1/05 - BEST NEWS OF THE DAY! Please read below:
You have a BMI of 36.9.
This indicates that you are Obese.
I am officially out of the Extremely Obese category!! It's too early in the morning to dance but wow, that sure feels fantastic. I guess just reading that makes up my mind that I definately did the right thing. In my head I KNEW I made the right decision all along but actually SEEING that I am doing something makes that point hit home that much more. *Does the Happy Dance Anyway* Wow, I think this is actually the first Monday morning I am smiling :o)
10/13/05 - Went to my first Post Op appt. today and had my drain removed. Still just a touch sore, still on the shakes for another two weeks but my dr. told me to start lifting weights as soon as possible as this burns the most fat from our bodies. He also said that my mission for the next 6-8 months was to bust my buns exercising to ensure the maximum amount of fat loss during that time. I was so happy to hear that! So, off I go to the gym :) - Oh, and according to his scale I weighed in at 258! So, that's 18 lbs in two weeks!!
10/3/05 Okay, so I am home. Surgery went as well as it could. Due to my HBP my pressure went through the roof as I was coming out of anesthesia. I was admitted to the Progressive Care Unit in order to monitor my heart and blood pressure for the next 24 hours. Everything settled down nicely. My surgeon was amazing! He performed my gall bladder removal and RNY laproscopically in under two hours! I feel sore but no true pain (except when I cough). Well, I take that back, having to empty my JP (Jackson/Pratt) Drain thingie 3x's a day is a true pain. I won't see him for another week but I tell you HE IS ONE AMAZING SURGEON! My mom liked him to even though she is skeptical about surgeries and anyone "cutting on her baby", so that says a lot to me. I had the surgery on 9/29/05 and got on the scale today to the tune of a 10lb weight loss! I am drinking clear liquids (tomato juice, veggie juice, chicken broth and sugar free popsicles (Crystal light - Vanilla protein frozen over night. Not bad tasting either!) along with crystal light (to drink) and water. Since I have lots of liquid varities I am not tooooo bored yet (it's only been 5 days though) The trick for my body in getting all the protien in is to have everything ICE COLD for some reason that is tolerated by my pouch quite easily. I SIP fluids all day long and walk the dog often so I am not tired, nor am I worn out. I am looking forward to having my drain taken away so I hope next week when I see Dr. Amazing he will take it away. Not to overly gush (but here it comes) when I thanked my surgeon for saving my life and doing such an amazing job, he just looked off and said no... he just brings me the door; it's up to me to walk through... well I am through it drain bag and all!!
9/1/05 It's like I am waiting for my life to begin on 9/29/05. I'm 37 and fairly active even though I'd been heavy my entire life. I even tried to enjoy getting fit but with the limitations brought on by my weight I continually injured my back and hip exercising. My Othropedic doctor said I should lose weight and that would alleviate my back and joint problems.... all I could say was... Really? Did he happen to even listen as to how I injured myself? In January of 2005 I went to see Body Worlds it was a science exhibit where you got to see first hand what a lot of ailments looked like IN your body. After viewing the effects of smoking, drinking (which I've quit both!), heart disease and arthritis it was amazing to me. The final exhibit was SUICIDE BY OBESITY where they had a 300lb man who died at 50 due to his "disease". That exhibit stopped me cold in my steps. Seeing the constricted arteries, the enlarged heart and deminished capacities of his organs I just couldn't speak because THIS was my path. The impact of that exhibit combined with a gallstone attack I quickly gave up fast food, switched to a low fat diet and began walking. To my surprise the weight did not melt off, in April of 2005 I began a rigorous exercise schedule and that combined with the low fat diet gave me a 25lb weight loss! Then I sprained my hip! (I didn't even know you could sprain your hip) which ended my exercise schedule. I was devastated - it was then that I realized that my bodys ability to workout was compromised by my years of being overweight. Now I am turning to the GBS (gastric bypass surgery) in hopes of permanently switching the gears that I could not do on my own. I'll keep you posted!!
About Me
Before & After
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