leisac
Update
Aug 02, 2013
Thought it was time to update my story so far. Here goes.......
I had my original VSG in 2007 (weighed 172.5 kg or 380 pounds) and surgeon used a size 40 bougie. Lost down to 102 kg (225 pounds) before I started to regain (think it was at about the 2 year mark). Got up to 132 kg (291 pounds) before I went back to my surgeon. In August 2011 had a revision of my sleeve and this time lost down to 112 kg (246 pounds) before the regain started. A gastrograffin swallow showed that my stomach/pouch was quite a bit bigger than expected and my surgeon referred me to a colleague of his as he doesn't do bypass surgery. I have had a taste of the slimmer life and decided I had to do whatever it takes not to end up back where I started.
Had a revision to RNY on 10th July, 2013- unable to update my surgery due to a technical problem with the site which I have reported. Weight prior to surgery 127 kg (279 pounds). Had lots of problems with nausea and vomiting after both my previous procedures + severe shoulder tip pain with the 1st one that took months to completely disappear. Had to use a different surgeon and travel out of town for this surgery as it isn't performed here so different surgeon and anaesthetist this time. Zero post-op problems this time. Was up walking within about 3 hours of my return from surgery.
Started on my pre-op diet 2 weeks out from surgery and lost 6 kg (13 pounds) and since surgery I am down a further 7 kg.
I am currently on the soft stage of my post-op diet and doing well but am taking it cautiously. Given my previous history with weight regain I am shortly going to try and get some psychological counselling whilst I am in this "honeymoon" phase to help me cope with the challenges that I know will come as I get further out from surgery and able to tolerate additional foods.
Back to work tomorrow!
4 month surgiversary
Mar 30, 2008
Well here it is 4 months and a few days since my surgery. Missed a weeks weigh in because I was on holidays and didn't have access to my regular scale. Was a bit worried about how I would go when I did weigh because I wasn't all that good on my holidays (bloody easter eggs) and wasn't doing my usual amount of exercise. Anyway all turned out good and I had a 2.9kg (just over 6lb) loss for the fortnight. Even more exciting is the fact that I am now officially a member of the 100 lb loss club and am getting very close to losing 50kg. My total loss to this point is now 45.4kg (100lb).Developed a bit of pain just below my ribs over just about where my stomach would be while I was on holidays. Didn't seem muscular and was worse when I took a deep breath in. Felt otherwise well and managed to keep running agility courses at the competition I was at. The nurse in me thought it was pleuritic (to do with the lungs) at first. Maybe a chest infection or worse still a blood clot. But didn't have any other symptoms- breathlessness, etc so quickly put those options aside. Had a chest x-ray which was normal.
Then I started to think that I had stopped my Nexium a few weeks before. My burping was starting to settle and as I hadn't had reflux pre-op thought I would try and go off it. Did develop a bit of burping after stopping it which I took some over the counter medication for and then stopped that also.
Went to my GP and decided to try re-introducing the Nexium to see if that helped. Started that about 4 days ago and pain seems to have settled. Never felt at all like reflux so go figure.
My other most noteworthy news is that I have cut my hair very short. Had short hair all my life until about 7 years ago and then decided to grow it. Was well sick of the amount of hair I was losing and decided to go the chop. Hairdresser asked me about 6 times if I was sure about this before she finally starting cutting. Had trouble recognising myself in the mirror for the first few days. Heaps of people have commented that it makes me look quite a bit younger. Just a shame they didn't tell me that I was looking old before this!!
Onto NVS's. There have been a couple of late. When I went to the dog competition over the easter break ran into someone who I hadn't seen for about 2 years but we occasionally talk via email. She came over to our camp not long after I arrived and didn't talk to me. Thought that was a bit strange so I spoke to her and she went "Oh my god is that you Leisa?" Simply hadn't recognised me. Had to travel by plane for the first time since my surgery about a fortnight ago and the first time in many years that I haven't needed a seat belt extension. Also fit into an outfit that my partner bought me several years ago for Christmas. Have never been able to wear it previously.
Continue to meet up with Danielle from my hometown who is now just over 3 weeks post-op and one of my friends who is going to have this surgery in May is now also joining us. Great to have the support of others who understand what you are going through.
My Mum and Dad are probably going to visit in May so should be down my 50kg by then. They know about my surgery but will be hard for them to comprehend the real changes it has made until they actually see me.
2 month surgiversary
Jan 27, 2008
Doesn't seem all that long ago that I was going into hospital for my sleeve and here it is 2 months later. I've been pretty lucky so far I think. My weight loss is progressing along nicely and from about 2 weeks post-op I've really had no problems really.
My major difficulty has been learning to eat slower. Have always bolted my food. Came from having siblings that were very close in age and we were always competing to get the left overs and my nursing career certainly didn't do anything to improve this situation. I develop that classic pressure in the sternum if I eat too fast or too much. Many of you out there will know what I mean.
I'm a carnivore so have never really struggled to get my protein in and have always been a big water drinker. Living where I do certainly doesn't hurt to push the H2O consumption along.
I started out thinking that I would keep my surgery on the quite side. Pretty naive of me really because I am such an open book and besides which I now really don't care what people think of my choice of weight loss tool. So I'm now at the point where I'm happy to tell anyone. I even see obese people when I'm out and about and think wouldn't it be good if they knew what I know. Have stopped short of accosting anyone yet.
The NSV's are starting to happen as well. Lots of people are noticing that I've lost weight and commenting on it. The tape measure nows meets around my hips. Fit more comfortably into the chairs at one of the cafes at work. My clothes are much looser- lucky I have a bit of a range of sizes in my wardrobe.
I do try to make good food choices but hey I'm only human and some chocolate has made it past my lips. Difference is now I'm not beating myself up about it. The fact that I'm conscious that I only have limited space in my tummy and need to get adequate nutrients in certainly helps.
Haven't seen my Mum and Dad since the July before my surgery in November and probably won't catch up until October this year. Even though I have been updating them on my stats I think they will be in for a bit of a surprise. They seem to be really happy about my achievements so far.
I have never been able to lose weight like this before and am just so happy that I did this.
My major difficulty has been learning to eat slower. Have always bolted my food. Came from having siblings that were very close in age and we were always competing to get the left overs and my nursing career certainly didn't do anything to improve this situation. I develop that classic pressure in the sternum if I eat too fast or too much. Many of you out there will know what I mean.
I'm a carnivore so have never really struggled to get my protein in and have always been a big water drinker. Living where I do certainly doesn't hurt to push the H2O consumption along.
I started out thinking that I would keep my surgery on the quite side. Pretty naive of me really because I am such an open book and besides which I now really don't care what people think of my choice of weight loss tool. So I'm now at the point where I'm happy to tell anyone. I even see obese people when I'm out and about and think wouldn't it be good if they knew what I know. Have stopped short of accosting anyone yet.
The NSV's are starting to happen as well. Lots of people are noticing that I've lost weight and commenting on it. The tape measure nows meets around my hips. Fit more comfortably into the chairs at one of the cafes at work. My clothes are much looser- lucky I have a bit of a range of sizes in my wardrobe.
I do try to make good food choices but hey I'm only human and some chocolate has made it past my lips. Difference is now I'm not beating myself up about it. The fact that I'm conscious that I only have limited space in my tummy and need to get adequate nutrients in certainly helps.
Haven't seen my Mum and Dad since the July before my surgery in November and probably won't catch up until October this year. Even though I have been updating them on my stats I think they will be in for a bit of a surprise. They seem to be really happy about my achievements so far.
I have never been able to lose weight like this before and am just so happy that I did this.
11/12/07
Dec 10, 2007
Developed quite bad abdominal pain on Sunday night. Kept waking me up and didn't really respond to Panadol. Was worse when laying on my left side.
By morning I was pretty worried and contacted my Dr ASAP on Monday morning. They wanted me to come straight in and be assessed. Well after some blood work and a CT scan it would appear that I have a bit of a haematoma in my abdomen. Not entirely unexpected given that I did have some post-op bleeding. No-one can really explain why I'm getting the pain just now. The haematoma is about 9cm x 4cm x 4cm. My haemaglobin is OK so not an active bleed.
Dr was very specific about me contacting him if symptoms do not resolve or got worse. Was also given some stronger analgesia and an extra week off work. The whole team at my Dr's surgery have been fabulous- cannot fault them at all. Nothing is too much trouble.
Well today the pain is still there but much improved and I have resolved to take things a little easier for a few days at least.
By morning I was pretty worried and contacted my Dr ASAP on Monday morning. They wanted me to come straight in and be assessed. Well after some blood work and a CT scan it would appear that I have a bit of a haematoma in my abdomen. Not entirely unexpected given that I did have some post-op bleeding. No-one can really explain why I'm getting the pain just now. The haematoma is about 9cm x 4cm x 4cm. My haemaglobin is OK so not an active bleed.
Dr was very specific about me contacting him if symptoms do not resolve or got worse. Was also given some stronger analgesia and an extra week off work. The whole team at my Dr's surgery have been fabulous- cannot fault them at all. Nothing is too much trouble.
Well today the pain is still there but much improved and I have resolved to take things a little easier for a few days at least.
8/12/07
Dec 07, 2007
Well saw my surgeon yesterday and had lost another 6kg according to his scales. He also told me that I could start to try some puree foods if I wanted to. Sooooo sick of liquids that I wanted to rush straight off to the shops and buy the necessaries but alas another appointment to go to. Also got to take the dressings off my wounds. Still have some steri-strips on but suspect they will fall off pretty promptly in this humidity.
Anyway also had to go to work yesterday to sign some paperwork and weighed myself on my official scales and my total weight loss since 12/11/07 now stands at 15.9kg- i.e. 7.3kg since my last weigh before surgery. Feeling on top of the world.
Started trying some puree yesterday and it is amazing how little you can actually feel full on. It looks like my signal for being full is getting the burps and I thank god that someone had talked about this on the message boards otherwise I suspect that I would have charged on and eaten more than I should have.
Yesterday I also made contact with another woman from my home town who is booked to have the surgery in March next year. She is a bit nervous and has heaps on questions. We have already had quite a long talk and are planning to meet on the weekend to discuss any other concerns she may have. Hope she finds this helpful. It will be great to have someone to talk to who is going through the same things.
Anyway also had to go to work yesterday to sign some paperwork and weighed myself on my official scales and my total weight loss since 12/11/07 now stands at 15.9kg- i.e. 7.3kg since my last weigh before surgery. Feeling on top of the world.
Started trying some puree yesterday and it is amazing how little you can actually feel full on. It looks like my signal for being full is getting the burps and I thank god that someone had talked about this on the message boards otherwise I suspect that I would have charged on and eaten more than I should have.
Yesterday I also made contact with another woman from my home town who is booked to have the surgery in March next year. She is a bit nervous and has heaps on questions. We have already had quite a long talk and are planning to meet on the weekend to discuss any other concerns she may have. Hope she finds this helpful. It will be great to have someone to talk to who is going through the same things.
5/12/2007
Dec 04, 2007
A week out now and thought it time to add an update.
Well my hospital experience was much better than I expected. I have worked as a nurse at the major public hospital in Townsville for 11 years- most of the time in the ICU- and was a little worried about the whole private hospital experience. I was also a little worried as had never been in hospital before, let alone had an anaesthetic. Everyone was really great at keeping me informed through the experience and I really appreciated that.
The anaesthetist had me asleep pretty smartly and the next thing I remember is opening my eyes in the ICU and thinking what the bloody hell have they got up my nose. In the back of my mind I knew it must have been something to assist my breathing but even though I knew it was probably a little bit important felt the need to take it out.
Once that happened drifted off to sleep for a while and the next time I woke my best friend was sitting beside me telling that I hadn't been the easiest of patients up to that point. My airway was partially obstructed in the immediate post-op period- bloody sleep apnoea- hence the tubes in my nose. Yes there had been 2 but apparently I had removed the first one before I even had any awareness of doing so. The oxygen level in my blood was at around 52 when ideally it should have been above 90 and I also had some problems with high blood pressure that they needed to manage with medication.
Upon waking I made sure I asked for something for nausea as am very prone to having something called a vaso-vagal if I actually vomit. Basically it means that I pass out whenever I vomit which can be quite a hairy experience if you don't have someone with you and it also tends to freak people out a bit.
My biggest problem then was the left shoulder tip pain. Knew I was likely to get it but had no concept of how truly painful it would be. Give me morphine!!! Felt like I was a real sook for calling out when the orderlies were turning me to change my bed. The worst part was it lasted for more days than I thought it would.
The following day (Thursday) I was transferred to the Surgical ward and continued to make sure that I was regularly getting something for nausea. On the Friday my surgeon let me know that I was anaemic and needed a blood transfusion. Had 2 units of blood that night and even though the level hadn't come up quite as high as we had hoped he agreed to let me go home so long as I would take an oral iron supplement. No problems! So on Saturday I was home.
One of the things that I have noticed in this post-op phase is that I have the attention span of a gnat although this is slowly improving. Only needing infrequent simple oral analgesia at this time and can't wait to get my dressings off on Friday. Am also managing to run some simple errands around town.
I am also starting to get the shits with this liquid diet and am looking forward to the puree phase. Never thought I would say that. Have had a few problems with nocturnal hunger but have solved that by sipping on a juice popper during the night.
Have to say that I have also become a bit of a junkie for the OH VSG message boards. Have learnt lots of great stuff and love being able to interact with people who truly know the stigma and other problems associated with being overweight.
Well my hospital experience was much better than I expected. I have worked as a nurse at the major public hospital in Townsville for 11 years- most of the time in the ICU- and was a little worried about the whole private hospital experience. I was also a little worried as had never been in hospital before, let alone had an anaesthetic. Everyone was really great at keeping me informed through the experience and I really appreciated that.
The anaesthetist had me asleep pretty smartly and the next thing I remember is opening my eyes in the ICU and thinking what the bloody hell have they got up my nose. In the back of my mind I knew it must have been something to assist my breathing but even though I knew it was probably a little bit important felt the need to take it out.
Once that happened drifted off to sleep for a while and the next time I woke my best friend was sitting beside me telling that I hadn't been the easiest of patients up to that point. My airway was partially obstructed in the immediate post-op period- bloody sleep apnoea- hence the tubes in my nose. Yes there had been 2 but apparently I had removed the first one before I even had any awareness of doing so. The oxygen level in my blood was at around 52 when ideally it should have been above 90 and I also had some problems with high blood pressure that they needed to manage with medication.
Upon waking I made sure I asked for something for nausea as am very prone to having something called a vaso-vagal if I actually vomit. Basically it means that I pass out whenever I vomit which can be quite a hairy experience if you don't have someone with you and it also tends to freak people out a bit.
My biggest problem then was the left shoulder tip pain. Knew I was likely to get it but had no concept of how truly painful it would be. Give me morphine!!! Felt like I was a real sook for calling out when the orderlies were turning me to change my bed. The worst part was it lasted for more days than I thought it would.
The following day (Thursday) I was transferred to the Surgical ward and continued to make sure that I was regularly getting something for nausea. On the Friday my surgeon let me know that I was anaemic and needed a blood transfusion. Had 2 units of blood that night and even though the level hadn't come up quite as high as we had hoped he agreed to let me go home so long as I would take an oral iron supplement. No problems! So on Saturday I was home.
One of the things that I have noticed in this post-op phase is that I have the attention span of a gnat although this is slowly improving. Only needing infrequent simple oral analgesia at this time and can't wait to get my dressings off on Friday. Am also managing to run some simple errands around town.
I am also starting to get the shits with this liquid diet and am looking forward to the puree phase. Never thought I would say that. Have had a few problems with nocturnal hunger but have solved that by sipping on a juice popper during the night.
Have to say that I have also become a bit of a junkie for the OH VSG message boards. Have learnt lots of great stuff and love being able to interact with people who truly know the stigma and other problems associated with being overweight.
25/11/07
Nov 24, 2007
What a hectic and sad week. My FIL passed away and the funeral was yesterday. Managed to avoid eating any of the food at the wake and have just had a bit of extra fruit and veges over the last few days. Ended up telling my MIL that I was having surgery next week as I didn't want her to think that I was abandoning her. She was, as I imagined, very worried about the impending surgery but think I have managed to calm her down. She even offered to help pay for the surgery in the end- had to let her know that it was all sorted.
Have spent the day catching up on some of the things that have been neglected at home over the last week and buying some things I will need for hospital and when I get home. Have decided to take some extra calcium and will look at getting some Biotin- potential for hair loss is freaking me out. Already taking Berocca Performance so hopefully that will be OK. Here's hoping my tablet swallowing ability isn't impeded by the surgery. Must admit that potential vitamin and mineral deficiencies are one of my biggest worries.
Have also discovered Optifast bars today which make a bit of a change from soups and shakes. Bought a box of chocolate one's but will probably also have to add the cappucino one's to my shopping list once I can eat solids again.
Have my final visit with the surgeon tomorrow and they will check my weight. Wouldn't you just know it though after losing 8.2 kg in 9 days I got my period yesterday and that's always good for a kilo or 2 so will also weigh myself at work on Tuesday and take that as being my final weight before surgery. Excess fluid should be dissipating by then!
Suspect I will need a cart and a horse to get all my stuff to hospital- 3-5 day stay according to my surgeon. Will need reading material, my CPAP machine, clothes, toiletries, x-rays, etc.
Getting quite excited but imagine the nerves might kick in a bit on Tuesday evening- too busy with work, catching up at home and getting ready to be nervous before that.
Have spent the day catching up on some of the things that have been neglected at home over the last week and buying some things I will need for hospital and when I get home. Have decided to take some extra calcium and will look at getting some Biotin- potential for hair loss is freaking me out. Already taking Berocca Performance so hopefully that will be OK. Here's hoping my tablet swallowing ability isn't impeded by the surgery. Must admit that potential vitamin and mineral deficiencies are one of my biggest worries.
Have also discovered Optifast bars today which make a bit of a change from soups and shakes. Bought a box of chocolate one's but will probably also have to add the cappucino one's to my shopping list once I can eat solids again.
Have my final visit with the surgeon tomorrow and they will check my weight. Wouldn't you just know it though after losing 8.2 kg in 9 days I got my period yesterday and that's always good for a kilo or 2 so will also weigh myself at work on Tuesday and take that as being my final weight before surgery. Excess fluid should be dissipating by then!
Suspect I will need a cart and a horse to get all my stuff to hospital- 3-5 day stay according to my surgeon. Will need reading material, my CPAP machine, clothes, toiletries, x-rays, etc.
Getting quite excited but imagine the nerves might kick in a bit on Tuesday evening- too busy with work, catching up at home and getting ready to be nervous before that.
20/11/07
Nov 19, 2007
Things are starting to get a little hectic. My father-in-law is dying and I really want to be there to support my partner and his family but know that I still need to go ahead with my surgery and still have quite a bit that needs to be done. Haven't actually told my MIL and FIL about surgery as they are quite elderly (87 & 84) and would worry about me undergoing any surgery. Have just returned from spending 2 days with the family and managed to stick to my pre-op diet. Had to do a bit of ducking and weaving with my MIL as she is the type that constantly wants to feed you even though she has plenty going on at the moment. Have returned home for a day or two but won't be suprised if I have to go back sooner than that. Such conflicting emotions- sadness, nervousness, excitement. I'm really worried that there is a possibility that my FIL will die and that I will miss the funeral because I will be in hospital. I will be looked after as my brother lives close by and have a really good friend who is possibly more excited about the surgery than I am. My partner is supportive of me going ahead with the surgery at the planned time but I'm sure I will still feel guilty +++.
Reading the message boards heaps and getting some great information.
Reading the message boards heaps and getting some great information.
17/11/07
Nov 16, 2007
I have not long returned from an exercise class this morning and decided I would figure out how to start posting my story. My level of literacy with the computer leaves a lot to be desired.
My blood pressure was quite high when I was on the exercise bike this morning. Have one more class left before my operation and then they will be shut until after Christmas. Will be interesting to check my blood pressure once I start back there in the New Year.
My surgery is scheduled for 28/11/07 and I will need to spend some time this weekend making some lists of things I need to do beforehand. I'm working right up to my surgery and that combined with my secretarial duties for my dog club, setting up a room for my stepson who is moving in and altering care arrangements for my partners elderly parents means I won't have a lot of time to do what I need to do. Don't want to get to surgery time and be worried about whether I've done everything I need to do.
My blood pressure was quite high when I was on the exercise bike this morning. Have one more class left before my operation and then they will be shut until after Christmas. Will be interesting to check my blood pressure once I start back there in the New Year.
My surgery is scheduled for 28/11/07 and I will need to spend some time this weekend making some lists of things I need to do beforehand. I'm working right up to my surgery and that combined with my secretarial duties for my dog club, setting up a room for my stepson who is moving in and altering care arrangements for my partners elderly parents means I won't have a lot of time to do what I need to do. Don't want to get to surgery time and be worried about whether I've done everything I need to do.
