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Haven't posted in a while.  Starting the new year at 211.  Down 96 pounds thus far.  I've had several people tell me that they didn't recognize me.  Others telling me not to lose anymore..that I'd be too thin.  I've been fortunate and not experienced the excess skin that some have to deal with.  I have been workingout at the gym plus walking outside weather permittig.  I see the nut this week, but have been on 2000 units of vit D and vit C.  I also take 2 multi vit per day plus an iron supplement as I was getting borderline anemic.  Watch out for the iron pills...they can bind you up.  As a result, I supplement with fiber (fibercon and benefiber) to keep everything on the move.

I have found that there's really nothing I can't eat.  I do need to eat slowly to avoid sliming.  Never have had dumping.  Anything with macaroni fills me up really fast.  Watch out for alcohol...sneaks up pretty fast.  I had 3 bloody marys on new years eve and could barely speak!!  Good thing I was at home.

Well, here's to a healthy and prosperous new year!!

Down to 223.  Latest "wow" moment was buying new pants with a 38 waist.  Took 7 hefty bags of clothes to Goodwill.  Not looking back by saving the "fat" clothes just-in-case....  Still have not experienced dumping but have had sliming (about once a month).  It's always associated with eating too fast.

6/14/09
Hit 239 today.  Not sure why, but it feels like it is a significant milestone for me.  Went to the gym today and after the treadmill I resumed weight lifting.  Didn't overdue as I'm well aware of the delayed muscle soreness that will hit in the next couple of days.  68 pounds lost and 48 more pounds to go 'til goal.  Hard to believe it's been this fast.

6/8/2009
Weght loss continues but at a slower pace.  I'm not having any problems.  My biggest challenge is making sure I eat slowly.  I've had a few instances where I get sliming from eating too fast.  When I remember, I'm trying to wait a minute between bites.  Unfortunately that doesn't bode well for hot food.  But a trip or 2 to the microwave for re-heating fixes that. 

I'm making big piles of clothes for Goodwill.  I've bought a few new things but am reluctant to invest in a lot of new clothes while the weight loss is ongoing. 

I had steak for the first time recently and I tolerated that fine with lots of chewing.  I also tried alcohol (wine) for the first time since surgery this week.  I was slurring my words after 3 glasses.  I experimented at home first.  Dining out with drinks could be an issue.  Designated drivers are the solution.

Down to 245 as of 6/8.  Hoping to reach goal by XMAS.

5-3-09
Just a fews days over a month out and I've lost a third of my weight towards goal.  The nut was wowed as she said that I'm at a point most are at after 3 months.  She did say that I need more protein.  I've been using the CalorieKing software for a food diary and is really helps.  It counts carbs, protein, etc automatically.

Been feeling great.  No complications.  I've slimed a few times attributable to eating too fast. 

My treat is an evening snack of Simply Smart chocolate milk.  Tastes great and is an excellent source of protein.

4-27-09
It'll be 4 weeks tomorrow since the surgery.  I've lost 36 pounds since the surgery date and a total of 41 pounds since about a week before the surgery.  I feel great and haven't had any complications.  I "slimed" once when I ate cottage cheese too fast.  But I've had no dumping at all.  I've been very strict on the diet and have not deviated once.

I go back to the nut on Thursday this week and expect that she'll graduate me to phase four of the diet.  Currently still on the pureed foods.  Getting all the protein and water in is a struggle as there is no hunger associated with this surgery (for me).

People are starting to notice the weight loss.  Some just look puzzled and say, "there's something different about you..."  It's kinda funny.  I've gotten over the shyness about the surgery and will now discuss it with anybody who's interested.  I feel more relaxed about it, I guess.

4-6-09
It'll be a week tomorrow since the surgery.  I've lost 13 pounds in 6 days and am already walking 1/2 mile 4 times a day.   No complications.  Feeling a lot better than I expected.

4-3-09
Got discharged from the hospital Thurs afternoon (4/2/09).  Dr Campbell did a great job.  No complications.

Tuesday - Got to the hospital at 6AM.  First thing:  Lose the clothes and put on support stockings Knee high.  Surgery began around 7 and lasted about 3 hours.  Woke up in recovery with little pain, mostly naseau.  No throwing up, but felt a large bubble under the diaphram.  Was in my room by 1.  I was sitting up in a chair and walking by 5.  No food or drink.  The suggestion to bring chapstick and mouthwash was a great one!  Especially that first day. 

Wednesday - Catheter out by 9.  Water at a rate of 2 ounces (30cc) per hour.  And the breathing machine every hour.  I stopped using the patient administered morphine except for one boost at 9 (see above).  Had this sensation that I swallowed a football.  Lots of upward pressure on the diaphram which made it difficult to take a deep breath.  The "bubble" started to break up with walking.  The nurses emptied the drainage tube and ball ("JP") about every four hours.  An LNA washed my hair and gave a sponge bath.

Thursday - Graduated to jello, broth, and sorbert.  Lots more walking.  Stomach is a little distended and swollen from the surgery trauma and the gas.  Dr Campbell took out the drain tube (piece of cake), and explained why the tenderness on the most left side port incision.  That's where the staple gun is inserted and then removed.  Discharged and home at 5.

Friday - Starting a new chapter in my life.  FIrst up question is how to crush all the meds and get them in.  I put a couple in water, one I crushed and sprinkled like salt on pudding, one I just chewed.  yuk.  Got a pill crusher at the drug store.

3-30 - Well, tomorrow is the big day.  Today is a starving day on clear liquids only.  I think I'm all set.  No case of the jitters, just ready to turn the page.  They want me in at 6AM.  I guess I'm first up on the carving list.  My next post will be from the other side.

3-26 - Went to the Post-Op support group mtg last night at CMC and found it very encouraging and supportive.  Had a god suggestion to add chapstick and mouthwash to my list of things to bring to the hospital next week.

3/24 - 1 week to go.  Went shopping for the protein powder, diet jello and pops.  Next milestone is at 6AM on 3/31.

3/10 - 3 weeks to go.  I told my boss last week and he was very supportive.  The company nurse had several forms to fill out.  I need to call the company insurance company to apply for short-term-disability.  My plan is to take 3 weeks off.

I told the kids and I'll start telling friends soon.  (I've just been trying to avoid all the questions about it). 

Now up to 2 miles on the treadmill 'cause I know that after surgery I'll need to step up the workouts.

Getting closer to the March surgery date.  Dr Campbell changed my beta blocker from an "extended release" to a regular kind.  I've been stepping up my workouts on the treadmill.  I'm ready.

Had surgical consult with Dr Campbell on 1/12.  She was excellent and said I have an excellent chance of getting the diabetes into remission since I've had it less than 10 years.  I have a sugery date of 3/31/09.  The "evil" CIGNA surprised me and actually approved the surgery in 2 days!!  Perhaps they're trying to change their image.

10-13-08
Met with both the Nut and Dr Finokiaro.  No problems.  My A1C needs to get below 8, tho.  I have 1 support group left to go to and one more "lifestyles" class and then I'm done with all the must-dos.  After that I'm waiting for a consultation with the surgeon, Dr Campbell.

9 -28-08
Getting closer.  Have completed the 2 "psych" appointments.  Kinda weird but necessary I guess.  Lots of questions of suicide, drug abuse, etc.  So all checked out OK.  Appt with Nutritionist coming up on 10/1 and also an EKG and  bloodwork on 10/1.  It feels like a surgery date is likely in the Jan-Feb timeframe.
9-10-08
Had first appt with "Allison" (the PA that CMC has you see before you get going).  She was very nice.  BMI was exactly 40, so I need to be careful about losing weight before insurance approvals are in.  But because of comorbididties I can lose about 15 pounds.
Lots of activity:  Allison gave me a daunting list of things to get done including tracking down past records of medical events, appts for pych, enrolling in a lifestyle curse, attending support group meetings, etyc.  I have an appt with the nutritionist on 10/1, then another appt with DR F on 10/9.
I am now using the Bi-Pap breathing machine at night and after 1 week I feel much more rested.  My desire to nap in the afternoons had subsided and I don't feel like I'm going to fall asleep when driving anymore.