Rose125
July 5, 2011 - Oh, boy, I have gained 35 pounds and feel awful. I am tired and just do not feel like doing anything. This is stopping right now. As soon as I finish this post, I am getting up and moving. I know I can get this wait off before I continue to spiral out of control. I crave carbs along with night time eating. My sleep apnea never went away. I am going to think about a healthy routine for myself with sleeping, eating, and moving.
I have to say that this surgery has been one of the most rewarding things I have done for myself. Some of the things it has helped me was giving me the courage to stand up for myself and know that my views count.
July 26, 2008 - Whoops, I should update. I'll be back soon.
I love this journal.............. http://bariatricbytes.com/intro.html
August 11, 2006
It has been almost nine-and-a-half weeks since Surgery. I weigh 236.2 pounds as of this morning. That is about 43 pounds. Yeah! The last couple of weeks' loss has been slow.
June 15, 2006
Today is my ninth day after surgery. I am feeling pretty good today. It is our 26th Wedding Anniversary, and my husband is taking me out for soup.
I intend to post more about everything very soon.
March 4, 2006
It has been a long journey so far, and I am only just getting started. I went to my first symposium last June, 2005. I went to a second symposium in January, 2006. I got my insurance changed to Blue Cross HMO Physician Associates. It started with the new family in July.
I saw my physican who was wonderful. I had to do a six-month diet. Of course, lost some, gained some.
I got clearance mentally. I just got a letter from the insurance company that they approved the referral to the consult for the gastric bypass. I'll call on Monday for the appointment. I am excited. Maybe things will move more quickly. It has been nine months so far.
I have to say that my primary physican was very thorough and complete with me regarding what to expect, when, and why. I adore him. My husband changed to him also.
I have been on obesityhelp.com constantly. I feel blessed that so many people share their experiences.
March 8, 2006
I saw Dr. Powell today. He is great. Very friendly. Very soft spoken. I got all the paperwork and now just wait for the approval for the doctor required tests. I already did two of the test. I just need the upper GI, cardiac test, and nutrition consultation. I am excited. It has been a long nine months. I am not sure what I weighed in at; but, I think, it is about 273. I am about 57 BMI. The girl that gave me all the papers was very friendly and very thorough. I like that in a person.
March 10, 2006
No word yet. I am very anxious. My friend had the surgery last July and looks fantastic. I am using the same surgeon.
March 15, 2006
I got my approval for the Mammogram today.
March 16, 2006
I called for my mamogram appointment. March 22. I am concerned because of the biopsy from last June showed something to watch. December's test still showed something. I am glad that I am having the test next week. I don't know if I am causing some intenseness in my left breast. I'll know something later.
March 17, 2006
No calls, no mail from insurance company. I am getting nervous.
March 18, 2006
As I was reading over the booklet I received from the surgeon's office on all the information on the surgery, I was getting a bit anxious. Well, my mail came as I was just finishing it up.
YEP - I got approval today on all the tests, except the abdominal ultrasound, which will come Monday. I also got the approval for the surgery.
I just looked at my records. The insurance company took one week. Hello - that is pretty good.
It is a happy day. Then I got to thinking - stinking thinking - that the insurance company thinks that I cannot control my eating and that I am way to fat and they are certain that I will die from overeating. They are willing to pay out $25,000 - $30,000 to cut my stomach up so I don't over eat.
Truthfully, that is how I feel. But I know that I need to start over and start over with the certainty that I can do this and win at this losing game. I am very excited.
It has been ten months. It now seems like just a few visits to the doctors. Ten months went by fast; so I am sure that the next ten months after surgery are going to be fantastic!!!!!! Yeah......
March 23, 2006
I couldn't get the mamogram yesterday because I am have some pains in my left breast. They want me to get a diagnostic referral so if anything needs to be handled, they can do it all in one day. It will be much better. I am scared. Tomorrow I'll call my primary to make an appointment to see him and see what he says. He will probably refer me for the diagnostic testing.
Tomorrow I will also make the upper G.I. appointment.
Today I made the following appointments: cardiopulmonary stress test, April 19; dietician, April 6; and the abdominal ultrasound, March 29.
I'll probably do the blood tests on Saturday.
Lots of tests - I'll be tested out. I am happy for all these tests.
That is about it for now. I am off school next week; so I am going to start exercising tomorrow at the gym. I may get on the treadmill tonight for a while. Yikes I hope it will hold me.
March 24, 2006
I made my primary doctor appointment to get the diagnostic mamogram referral. I am not able to see my doctor, but I can see his assistant. I also made my abdominal ultrasound appointment.
So next week - Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday - I'll be taking off part of each day. My boss is understanding.
I did some study on my biopsy results - I think I am okay. I have been panicked for the past couple of weeks. Shooting pains in my breast. I am confident all is okay.
March 26, 2006
Yesterday I was at my chiropractor's office getting an adjustment. Some lady was sitting next me and all of a sudden said,"Obese people do not eat more than thin people. There is an obese lady, who I work with, who does not eat much. She does not eat breakfast, and for lunch, she drinks a diet coke and eats a bag of fritos. I eat a normal lunch." Hello, why would she say this? I am laying on the table minding my own business. I said nothing to her. I didn't even look at her when I walked in. Anyway, it did not bother me until my husband asked me about it on the drive home. He said that when he heard her say that, all he could think of was me. I got mad when he brought it.
Anyway, tomorrow I see my pcp about the referral for the breast diagnostic. As I said, I really read some stuff about the changes that have occured, and I am certain all is okay. I do need to immediately stop caffeine and chocolate though. That is something I need to do anyway. I'll start it in about two hours. Notice I didn't say tomorrow, I said two hours - today. Maybe I am changing.....
Later on March 26, 2006
John and I went to Carmine's Italian Restaurant. I believe that I just had my last Diet Coke ---. Iced Tea next to go - probably tomorrow. I am having some Rocky Road tonight - then that's it. I read that caffeine and chocolate should be avoided regarding breast situations. So they are gone. I am also going to start on the treadmill....
March 29, 2006
Well, I have had a few diet cokes. I really need to work on that for sure.
My doctor's assistant gave me a thorough breast examine and felt no lumps. Happy about that. He referred me for a diagnostic breast mamogram. I went over to the breast clinic place and was told the consult was wrong. So now I will handle that.
Tuesday, I did the upper G.I. Today, I did the abdominal ultrasound. Yeah!!!
Next week is my dietican class. Then April 20 is the cardio test. This is going to happen.
I am terrible - I just ordered a beautiful bracelet (rose color) and a shaky thing for protein drinks off HSN.
Well, I got to go. I have to finish up my adding my tax receipts.
April 1, 2006
I copied these two posts for future reference and inspirationl.
Long term Postop secrets for success?
Original Post by Quinns Mom at 7:48 PM PST on 04/01/2006
RNY (07/12/2001)
I think almost everyday we see a post from someone who is 2 years or more postop who are struggling..many say they didnt always follow their diet (i hate that word! lol) or didn't exercise as much etc..
For Postops who are 2 years or more out..what do YOU do..to be successful?
Now success doesn't mean..that you lost all of your weight..that you never eat a cookie..that you exercise 10 hours a day.
What i'm asking is..how do you stick to your program within reason without going over the edge? How have you managed to lose weight and keep it off?
For me..it's a few things.
1- I went into this realistically. I didn't go in thinking i'd lose 100% of my excess weight or that it would happen in 6 months or that i'd never do or eat things ever again..my surgeon was very upfront about me never using the words never ever lol..he promised me that if I did..i'd very disappointed.
2- I always have and still am involved with a postop support group. It keeps me grounded and keeps me attached in a way to the old me..because it gives me the opportunity to see the old me in other people. It gives me a reason to set a good example and it keeps you humble. Plus at my support groups, none of us are barbie dolls and none of us are "perfect" so we all complain about eating a cookie or those damn bags of Easter candy! lol
3-I exercise..every single day..at first..I hated it..but with each day..it got better..and I felt better..I dont do it to lose weight..I do it for my overall health and well being..running is a release for me..I can put my ipod on and run and run and clear my head..and it's such a high..moreso than any high I ever got from a twinkie..or a big mac
4- Give back..I always believed that if we gave back..it would come back to us..it's like a circle..plus..it's harder to fall..if you have many good friends and a wonderful support system to help hold you up.
So I encourage all the people who feel like they have not done well..to please get involved with a support group..it really does make all the difference in the world.
Oh and one more thing..for newbies..
I read posts about "this isnt what I expected"..never go into this..expecting to lose a set amount of pounds..you will most defintely be disappointed.
Also..your body doesnt "stop or decide to stop losing"..you can get to any weight you want to..but..you gotta work for it..at some point.you must change your behavior and eating habits..
Sorry..just some thoughts..and I thought that if people who have been there, done that and got the tshirt..could share how they do it..it woujld help others..because as us oldies know..life at a few years postop is VASTLY different than the first 2 years or so..
It breaks my heart when I see people desperate to get to that number..and I know that i've learned over the years..that I refuse to let a number define who I am as a person and I refuse to let a number define what success really is.
Success for a postop, is losing at leat 50 percent of the excess weight..success is being able to get up in the morning and look forward to living that day..success is not being a slave to medication..success is not being a slave to food.
There are so many different ways to define it..much moreso than what we weigh..
Some will lose all and then some..some will get within 25 pounds..some will get within 50 pounds..and some will never get there at all..
It's totally in our hands..the pouch doesnt determine what weight we end up at..we do..we're the only ones who have the control.
I'm just glad I get up in the morning and can do anything I want..within reason of course lol
I'm just grateful I was given this chance
RE: Long term Postop secrets for success?
Response from Dx E at 7:57 PM PST on 04/01/2006
Oxford, MS – RNY (07/04/2003) – R. Walker Byars, M.D.
Great Post!!!
Secrets for success?
None!
I do have some Tips and Tricks
I picked up from folks along the way!
I’ve gone from a BMI of 50.1 at 385lbs to a BMI of 23.6 at 179lbs.
I’m about 3 months away from 3 years out
And I’ve been @ or below Goal of normal range BMI for well over a year.
For any lurker / readers looking in,
Who have read my crap
In the past,
You know that I’m a big advocate
Of “Sneaking” healthy food into
Your normal routine until it takes over bit by bit.
(I’ll save my food thoughts for later)
The same “sneaking in” is true with Habitual Exercise.
Yes, I do set aside time each day now
To get in my walking
And 3 days a weeks now for “working out.”
But the cumulative effect
Of little bits of added exercise
Are also just as important.
Here are some of the things that I did that
I still keep as part of my daily routine of little things
That add –
Calorie burning,
Muscle stretching,
Stress relieving
Activity to my life without getting in my way.
I’m always on the lookout for more
So if you’ve got some,
Add them on here….
A starter list of "activating" strategies:
Don't use the nearest bathroom.
I only use the one
In an adjacent building to my office,
That requires me to walk a good bit.
(approx. ¼ mile round trip, with some stairs)
Serves the Dual function
Of not leaving a noxious cloud in my workspace.
Always park in the furthest space.
At first I parked mid-way from door,
Now, I park Far from any main entrance.
I added this bit by bit over the last 2 years.
Now, it’s just habitual
And I don’t have to “think about it.”
Leave the TV remote
On a table in the middle of the room.
I don’t have to walk all the way over
To the TV to change the channel
But I do have to go through the action
Of getting my ass up.
Never take an elevator fewer than three flights,
Take the stairs.
I also started this as a One Flight rule,
And have built up to 3.
Now that my Knees are happy
With this little man they are
Carting around, they don’t seem to mind at all.
Get rid of the electric can opener and use a manual one.
I cook a lot and as my old Opener Died,
I didn’t replace it.
Easy, but since I cook a lot,
It adds just a tiny bit of fore-arm action
To every meal I make.
Never Wait without walking.
My Airport Exercise.
Where I used to try to find a good place to park my Butt
While enduring a lay-over at an airport,
I now walk from one end of the Concourse
Or Terminal to the other to pass the time.
Still able to Cell phone like a crazy-man, but
I’m adding a little exercise while doing it.
Your gonna’ be sitting on the plane anyway,
Walking right up until you get on,
Makes even the worst seat
Seem a little more comfortable after putting in a few
Miles in the Terminal.
Never see another TV commercial again.
I get up and walk to another room
Whenever there is a commercial on the tube.
I started this back when I was
Just getting able to walk again,
Using it as a “timer” to get in walking,
And I’ve just kept it.
I Put my favorite coffee mug on a very low shelf,
So I’ll have to squat down to get it out and put it back.
I’ve also done this with my paper for my Printer and
Other items at my studio.
Low enough so I have to REALLY
Squat low or get on a knee to reach it.
The getting down, and then back up activity
Becomes second nature.
I practice "aerobic shopping" by taking a lap
Around the mall or grocery store
Before I go into a mall store
Or put an item in the cart.
I’ll “Do” the outer ring of
The Grocery store and look at sale items,
Then start back in the produce area.
I really push right along with some speed
So as not to add to much time to my shopping trip.
Never go through a "drive-thru."
I don’t frequent the fast food places any more,
But if I am stopping by a Taco Bell or such,
I park (at a distance) and walk in.
It takes some of the “shine” off
Of those places that once offered
Semi-immediate satisfaction.
I don’t even “Drive-Thru”
At the mail drop at the Post Office.
“Park it and Walk” can add a good bit
Of walking over the course of a month.
Sit on the Floor.
When ever I’m at home in the living room,
I try to use a cushion or pillow and the floor
As often as possible for sitting.
Watching TV,
Enjoying the Fireplace,
Playing with the dog, whatever.
The simple act of getting down and back up
(which would have only happened
In the past as the result of some accident)
Adds stretching, and simple exercise to each day.
I tie my shoes without bringing them up to me.
No more crossing my leg up
To make tying my shoes easier.
Bending on over, even while sitting,
Forces extra stretching of my back and general
Extra effort on my part.
I did it at first at the suggestion of my Physical Therapist
As a way to get more stretching in for my back.
I’ve kept it as –
“This is just how I tie my shoes Now!”
Keep my Wallet and Keys on the floor.
I’ve always had a big bowl
On a side table in my bedroom
Where I put my change,
Keys and wallet every evening.
I still have it,
Now it just sits on the floor under that table.
I have to bend down each time to put my stuff in it
And every morning when I gather up my crap.
I tried putting it up high so I’d have to reach up
But I ended up dropping coins once to often.
I get the same extra stretching and effort out of
Picking these items up from the floor.
Now it’s just second nature.
I don’t sit while talking on the phone.
I’m forced to sit at my computer so much while working
That I added the “stand while talking” rule to my phone time.
It actually makes getting to the papers and stuff I need to
Refer to while on the phone much easier anyway.
And if the call is just about ideas or stuff,
I seem to think better “On my Feet” anyway.
If nothing else,
The getting up several times a day
And walking around
Adds a tiny bit of exercise.
Eventually all of this adds up.
On those days when my Life gets too busy
To make time for my 3 to 5 mile walk in the park,
Or my workout at home with weights,
I still have to pick up my wallet, tie my shoes, etc…
I’ve tried adding lots and lots of little rules
To get in more activity
But these are the ones that stuck.
For all of you who are just starting out,
While you are losing weight at record speeds,
Add in some little habits
For the future when you won’t have
The positive re-enforcement of constant
“Wow Moments”
To keep you going.
“We Are what we repeatedly Do.
Excellence, then, is not an Act,
But a Habit.” – Aristotle
Smart old Greek!
I’m enjoying Habitual Health Now
And making Habitually Good Food Choices.
My “Wow Moment” is the Daily realization that this
Is a Forever Thing, and that It keeps on working!
Sorry for the Habitually Long Ramble…..
Hope someone finds it useful.
Best Wishes-
Dx
April 6, 2006
I did the Nutrition Counseling today. I learned a lot.
April 20, 2006
I did the cardio-pulmonary stress test today. The doctor and technican were surprised that I could go the nine minutes. They needed four tests results, and I was able to hold on and give them what they needed. I felt pretty darn good. I am on blood pressure medicine so they were not too optimistic that I could get the blood pumping. Being the blood pressure medicine and doing this test is like stepping on the gas and the brake pedals at the same time. My lungs are a slight problem. They said I have asthma. I knew that but did not want to admit that I did. I have an inhaler but never use it. The lung test ideally would be 85 percent and mine were 49 or 47. At the end of the exercise my oxygen was at 17 and ideally should have been 30. Other than that, it went well. The doctor said I was good to go. The technican said that could handle several of my comorbidities with the surgery - asthma, high-blood pressure, sleep apnea
April 28, 2006
I did my diagnostic mamogram today - mamogram and sonogram. I had a biopsy last June. The Hill Breast Center doctor say nothing and was unsure why a biopsy was even done. I am so relieved.
May 1, 2006
The day of the immigrant protests. I have not heard from the surgeon's office. I'll wait until Wednesday/Thursday to call them. I am very nervous, but I am very sure of getting this surgery.
May 12, 2006
My schedule date is June 6. Three weeks from now. Yippee! I wish I could eat properly now. I would like to lose a little before the surgery. My husband's niece had a baby boy today. He was born the same day as his Greatgrandma Claudine.
May 14, 2006 - Mother's Day
I had a wonderful weekend with my daughter. On Saturday, we watch lifetime movies. Don't ask me what they were. It was just nice and relaxing. On Sunday, we went to the gym to swim, then protein drinks, massages, and then to our favorite Chinese restaurant - Chi Dynasty with Marina and her boyfriend, Todd. It was a very nice weekend. I am so lucky to have such a fantastic daughter, husband, and daughter's boyfriend. We ran into a friend of Marina's at the restaurant with his mom and family. That was nice too.
My decision is completely made - I am having the surgery and will tell my boss tomorrow. I am a little scared to tell her only because we are so busy at work.
May 21, 2006
I told my boss Thursday afternoon. Everything went extremely well. She is completely supportive of me and my decision. She has lot a lot of weight over the years. She is a very compassionate person. I nominated her for Administrator of the Year for our school district. She won. The luncheon was yesterday. I wrote my speech Friday night. I spoke before 100 people. I have never done that before. I was numb with fright. I nailed it. Of course, I had a very easy subject - my boss. She is very deserving of the high honor.
We saw The Di Vinci Code. I fell asleep during part of it. The part I saw was good, but my husband had to explain it to me. I will see it again. My Mom and I discussed it also today.
The next two weeks will be long.
May 23, 2006
I signed the consent forms today at my doctor's office, got the official weigh - in and photo. I also got my FMLA certificate signed by the doctor. The nurse game me the SDI paper. I went to my doctor's support discussion. Last week they had two plastic surgerons there. Starting in July, once a month, one of the gastric-bypass surgerons will be at the meeting. They also hold a symposium once a month.
May 26, 2006
I typed up the list of appointments so I don't mess anything up. Everything starts for me the morning of June 2 - blood tests, chest x-ray, EKG, and preregistration at the hospital which includes meeting the nursings staff and seeing where my room will be. I am very impressed. I am excited and scared. Tonight our daughter came over and we went out for sushi. How am I going to live without sushi???
June 4, 2006
Planning on getting a new sleep apnea mask tomorrow, handle leave from school, and going to the hot springs for relaxing in the hot and cold tubs and get a body scrub. It is hot here and I am tired. Barely want to do anything. Have to pack a small bag for hospital. I need a manicure - no nail polish this time.
Last day on eating. I have gotten some favorites in. Not going hog wild, but want to eat everything. Maybe lobster tonight.
June 5, 2006
Breakfast of one piece of toast, one egg, and a couple bites of watermelon at 9:00. Wow that is it on food for a while.
Went and had a colonic, Beverly Hot Spring where I went from hot mineral tub to cold mineral tub - back and forth and back and forth - napped three times, dry sauna, and a whole body scrub.
On the way home, I stopped and a manicure and had my nails buffed.
I am rested for sure. Tomorrow is the big day.....
