Lisa K.
measurements at 2 months
Oct 27, 2008
It's been 2 months since my surgery and here are my measurements. I am feeling great about all the inches except my arms. I MUST get in the gym and start working on toning! There were several places I didn't measure in the beginning, which is why there are blanks in the first column. I should have measured my face cheeks, as I have definitely lost there too! ha!
| 8.24.08 | 9.21.08 | 10.26.08 | loss | |
| upper arm | 14.5 | 14.3 | 14.25 | 0.25 |
| bust (measured w/o bra, upper breast) | 47 | 43.5 | 39.5 | 7.5 |
| bust (measured w/o bra, under breast) | 38.5 | 36.25 | 2.25 | |
| waist | 40.5 | 37.1 | 34.125 | 6.375 |
| belly | 48.5 | 44 | 4.5 | |
| hips (over belly) | 52 | 49 | 47 | 5 |
| hips (under belly) | 47 | 44 | 3 | |
| thigh | 27.5 | 26.5 | 25 | 2.5 |
| just over knee | 18.5 | 17 | 1.5 | |
| calf | 16 | 15.5 | 14.25 | 1.75 |
| neck | 13.1 | 13.1 | 0 | |
| total loss so far | 34.625 |
My first grumpy day
Sep 24, 2008
I got my period last night and the cramps are horrific as usual. Of course now I can't take anything that actually works on them. Liquid Tylenol just doesn't do it. It barely took the edge off the cramps.
This has made me very grumpy. This is the first bad mood I've been in since pre-surgery and that makes me grumpier.
Plus, I seem to be throwing something up every day and I'm still on soft solids. Something that's fine one day will make me throw up the next. It's really hard to get all my protein in when I can't keep it down.
Arrrgghh!
This has made me very grumpy. This is the first bad mood I've been in since pre-surgery and that makes me grumpier.
Plus, I seem to be throwing something up every day and I'm still on soft solids. Something that's fine one day will make me throw up the next. It's really hard to get all my protein in when I can't keep it down.
Arrrgghh!
it's been one month!
Sep 22, 2008
well 4 weeks ago today i was headed into surgery! what a difference a month makes!
i've lost 20 lbs. as of this morning.
here are my measurements. there are 4 places i didn't measure in the beginning.
i've lost 20 lbs. as of this morning.
here are my measurements. there are 4 places i didn't measure in the beginning.
| 8.24.08 | 9.21.08 | loss | |
| upper arm | 14.5 | 14.3 | 0.2 |
| bust (measured w/o bra, upper breast) | 47 | 43.5 | 3.5 |
| waist | 40.5 | 37.1 | 3.4 |
| belly | 48.5 | ||
| hips (over belly) | 52 | 49 | 3 |
| hips (under belly) | 47 | ||
| thigh | 27.5 | 26.5 | 1 |
| just over knee | 18.5 | ||
| calf | 16 | 15.5 | 0.5 |
| neck | 13.1 | ||
| total loss so far | 11.6 |
Who am I and what have I done with myself?
Sep 19, 2008
I feel great! I am waking up on my own every morning around 5-6 which is not normal for me at all!
I think there's really something to this clean living! No cigarettes, no alcohol, no caffeine, etc. I have more energy even at 3 weeks post-op than I can remember having in years. YAY!
And my worst day right after surgery was way better than my best day pre-surgery like with a hangover or just a damn "foodover".
I went to my first support group meeting this Tuesday. It was awesome. Jane, who leads them, is wonderful. AND, Dr. Castro comes to them! How many surgeons would spend their time doing that? Not a lot I'll bet.
He gave me the go ahead to exercise other than walking and I'm so excited. I got a Wii Fit and Dance Dance Revolution for my birthday and I can't wait to try them out.
Also one of my best friends, Antoinette, and I are going to start walking at a nearby park now that it's cooling down outside.
I haven't had a headache since before surgery.
I haven't been in a bad mood since before surgery.
I haven't cried since before surgery.
I haven't felt bad about myself since before surgery.
I am now actually looking forward to the rest of my life!
I think there's really something to this clean living! No cigarettes, no alcohol, no caffeine, etc. I have more energy even at 3 weeks post-op than I can remember having in years. YAY!
And my worst day right after surgery was way better than my best day pre-surgery like with a hangover or just a damn "foodover".
I went to my first support group meeting this Tuesday. It was awesome. Jane, who leads them, is wonderful. AND, Dr. Castro comes to them! How many surgeons would spend their time doing that? Not a lot I'll bet.
He gave me the go ahead to exercise other than walking and I'm so excited. I got a Wii Fit and Dance Dance Revolution for my birthday and I can't wait to try them out.
Also one of my best friends, Antoinette, and I are going to start walking at a nearby park now that it's cooling down outside.
I haven't had a headache since before surgery.
I haven't been in a bad mood since before surgery.
I haven't cried since before surgery.
I haven't felt bad about myself since before surgery.
I am now actually looking forward to the rest of my life!
The Stall
Sep 19, 2008
I hit a stall week 3. I had lost 14. I KNOW that 14 lbs. in 2 weeks is awesome but the stall lasted 8 days!
However, the replies from everyone here saying that is perfectly normal really made me feel better and I just waited it out.
I know that eating this way gives no option but to lose weight but that old mindset of "i've failed again, this is all i'm going to lose this time" kept trying to take over.
Well sure enough, this past Sunday or Monday the scale started moving again and I'm now down 4 more pounds for a total loss to date of 18 lbs! That's almost 20!
Look out world, here I come!
However, the replies from everyone here saying that is perfectly normal really made me feel better and I just waited it out.
I know that eating this way gives no option but to lose weight but that old mindset of "i've failed again, this is all i'm going to lose this time" kept trying to take over.
Well sure enough, this past Sunday or Monday the scale started moving again and I'm now down 4 more pounds for a total loss to date of 18 lbs! That's almost 20!
Look out world, here I come!
the surgery
Sep 19, 2008
I had to be at the hospital at 7 am. A friend drove me. They took me back to a room and gave me a gown and socks. After I changed a nurse started my IV and gave me several things to take. I remember one tasted really bad. This nurse was the first of many there at Methodist that was so good to me. I never felt unattended even for a minute, during my whole stay. I heartily endorse that hospital.
I lay there and watched TV until they came to get me. My surgeon has us walk into the surgery room so that we feel more empowered and strong and positive about everything. It did help. I remember laying down in the operating room but I don't remember another thing in there.
Next thing I knew I was waking up in recovery. I barely lifted my head and the nurse came over. I think I did this a few times. I remember a couple of times I awoke and wished they would hurry and take me to surgery cause I was ready to get on with it, then I would realize that it was already over!
They let me have something to drink immediately. The gave me Propel. Then a bit later I had my first New Whey. I have since grown more than tired of that taste and I still have a bunch of bullets in my fridge!
My surgery was at 10. I woke up around 12-1 or so. I got into a private room around 4-5. Shortly after I got my first visitors from two of my best friends Lizzie and Greg and a call from my other bestie Antoinette. Seeing and hearing them made everything that much better and comforting.
I had pretty bad pain through the night but they kept giving me meds as allowed. Most of the pain seemed to be from the gas they use during surgery. There is really no way go get rid of it. My incisions didn't hurt at all.
I do wish I had brought my own pillow but other than that I was good.
I got up and used the restroom, with a nurses help the first time because I didn't know how to undo the leg things they had pumping.
I slept a lot and watched tv. The next day they made me get up and walk. I had a route around the nurses' station I had to do. I was released around 4-5. Greg came and got me, took me to get my prescription and more Propel and took me home and got me settled. He had planned to spend the night but I was moving around so well that we decided it wasn't necessary.
I did fine at home alone. I think it probably helped speed up my recovery actually. I got up to get water. I got up to get ice. I got up to get my protein drinks. I got up to put movies in the player.
I was in pain for several days but nothing unbearable. My first day home was Tuesday and I believe I took my last dose of pain medication on Saturday. I didn't run out, I just didn't need it anymore.
They sent me home with a pain ball. It was around my neck and 2 tiny hoses went in my belly in 2 places. They said to think of it as a soaker hose, dispensing painkiller in the 2 spots that would need it most. I took them out as instructed after 2 days. It didn't hurt.
My follow up appointment was the following Tuesday, September 2. I had lost weight and felt good. He said I was doing great!
I was approved to return to work Thursday, September 4. I have an office job where I sit most of the day. He said I might get too tired to stay all day.
I did really well, only getting tired around 430! I felt even better the next day! I actually liked going for 2 days then having a weekend before going in for a full week. It made Monday easier.
My experience was wonderful. I had no complications and recovered very quickly. I have no regrets and no remorse. I feel very lucky indeed.
I lay there and watched TV until they came to get me. My surgeon has us walk into the surgery room so that we feel more empowered and strong and positive about everything. It did help. I remember laying down in the operating room but I don't remember another thing in there.
Next thing I knew I was waking up in recovery. I barely lifted my head and the nurse came over. I think I did this a few times. I remember a couple of times I awoke and wished they would hurry and take me to surgery cause I was ready to get on with it, then I would realize that it was already over!
They let me have something to drink immediately. The gave me Propel. Then a bit later I had my first New Whey. I have since grown more than tired of that taste and I still have a bunch of bullets in my fridge!
My surgery was at 10. I woke up around 12-1 or so. I got into a private room around 4-5. Shortly after I got my first visitors from two of my best friends Lizzie and Greg and a call from my other bestie Antoinette. Seeing and hearing them made everything that much better and comforting.
I had pretty bad pain through the night but they kept giving me meds as allowed. Most of the pain seemed to be from the gas they use during surgery. There is really no way go get rid of it. My incisions didn't hurt at all.
I do wish I had brought my own pillow but other than that I was good.
I got up and used the restroom, with a nurses help the first time because I didn't know how to undo the leg things they had pumping.
I slept a lot and watched tv. The next day they made me get up and walk. I had a route around the nurses' station I had to do. I was released around 4-5. Greg came and got me, took me to get my prescription and more Propel and took me home and got me settled. He had planned to spend the night but I was moving around so well that we decided it wasn't necessary.
I did fine at home alone. I think it probably helped speed up my recovery actually. I got up to get water. I got up to get ice. I got up to get my protein drinks. I got up to put movies in the player.
I was in pain for several days but nothing unbearable. My first day home was Tuesday and I believe I took my last dose of pain medication on Saturday. I didn't run out, I just didn't need it anymore.
They sent me home with a pain ball. It was around my neck and 2 tiny hoses went in my belly in 2 places. They said to think of it as a soaker hose, dispensing painkiller in the 2 spots that would need it most. I took them out as instructed after 2 days. It didn't hurt.
My follow up appointment was the following Tuesday, September 2. I had lost weight and felt good. He said I was doing great!
I was approved to return to work Thursday, September 4. I have an office job where I sit most of the day. He said I might get too tired to stay all day.
I did really well, only getting tired around 430! I felt even better the next day! I actually liked going for 2 days then having a weekend before going in for a full week. It made Monday easier.
My experience was wonderful. I had no complications and recovered very quickly. I have no regrets and no remorse. I feel very lucky indeed.
pre-surgery
Sep 19, 2008
Now that the surgery was scheduled, it was time to tell my friends and family. Most of them were very supportive. Several of them were not opposed to WLS, but wanted me to get lap band instead of RNY.
I had done the research. I had spoken to people who had done lap band and people who had done RNY. I knew RNY was right for me.
My parents were excited for me and so were all my friends.
I told anyone and everyone I was going to have the surgery. At this point I didn't see any reason to hide it. I know not everyone feels that way but this is my story and that's what I'm comfortable with.
I bought WLS for Dummies and that, along with the book my surgeon gave me, told me the things I needed to do and purchase. I did go overboard with stocking up for when I got home from the hospital. I still have tons of soup and broth but eventually it will get eaten.
My friend that had the surgery 4 years ago told me I couldn't possibly be alone at home after the surgery but I was determined. I live alone for a reason. I didn't want anyone hovering around. I set up my living room, stocked up on movies and magazines and readied my kitchen.
I also, even though they tell you not to, went on a farewell to food tour with some things I know I won't be able to have anymore.
And I started counting down the days.
I had done the research. I had spoken to people who had done lap band and people who had done RNY. I knew RNY was right for me.
My parents were excited for me and so were all my friends.
I told anyone and everyone I was going to have the surgery. At this point I didn't see any reason to hide it. I know not everyone feels that way but this is my story and that's what I'm comfortable with.
I bought WLS for Dummies and that, along with the book my surgeon gave me, told me the things I needed to do and purchase. I did go overboard with stocking up for when I got home from the hospital. I still have tons of soup and broth but eventually it will get eaten.
My friend that had the surgery 4 years ago told me I couldn't possibly be alone at home after the surgery but I was determined. I live alone for a reason. I didn't want anyone hovering around. I set up my living room, stocked up on movies and magazines and readied my kitchen.
I also, even though they tell you not to, went on a farewell to food tour with some things I know I won't be able to have anymore.
And I started counting down the days.
the decision
Sep 19, 2008
Well, I figured I better start blogging before too much more time passes. I've been talking about starting a dream journal for at least 20 years and never have so I'm not going to put this off any longer.
One of my best friends had RNY about 4 years ago. I watched as she lost 110-115 pounds. She is beautiful inside and out. I feel like a troll everywhere we go together. It doesn't help that all the guys talk to me just to get to her.
I have dieted, as have most of you, over and over and lost then gained over and over.
I have a group of friends who go camping every 6 months. At our last trip in May many of them had kayaks. It looked like so much fun. I was too scared to try it. Not because of the water but because I was scared I wouldn't fit in the kayak. Nor did I swim and enjoy the water because you think I would put on a bathing suit? Hell to the no! I had taken my man swim trunks with me that I had worn a couple of years ago. I put them on in my tent and they were too small. Also, to get up to the bathrooms and ranch house we had this hill to climb. It about killed me. OMG I said no more. I was done living this way. Rather, I was done with not living at all!
These are not the only reasons. I, like all of you, have a multitude of reasons I want to lose the weight. This camping trip was just my last straw.
After much research I decided upon RNY rather than lap band. I knew me and I wanted the further restrictions that RNY gives.
I found a doctor and staff I adore right in my own neighborhood.
After much worrying, crying, praying, etc., I got approved for surgery and got it scheduled for Monday, August 25, 5 days after my birthday. What a present! I couldn't wait to get the surgery and get on with my new life!
