Today was my 2 Month Post-Op with Dr. Srikanth.  I was very nervous (my blood pressure was 155/115 when I arrived and I have no history of hypertension) and then very relieved when he told me that I was doing a super job!

I have lost a total of 85 pounds since 10/01/2008.  I lost 40 pounds pre-op between 10/01/08 and date of surgery, 11/19/08.  Since Surgery (almost 9 weeks) I have lost an additional 45 pounds (I had a stall week 3, but for the past few weeks have been averaging a loss of one pound daily).

I am very pleased with my progress and very happy that I'm achieving it with a purely restrictive procedure.  I'm still on soft foods, but this Wednesday, 01/21/2009, I move to the period of virtual endless possibilities.  Obviously, my new tiny tummy is doing its part in allowing me to "eat" only about 1/3 cup of most things thicker/denser than soup.  I'm very pleased with my decreased hunger - I literally have to force myself to eat because I am just not hungry!  As long as I continue to make healthy food choices, drink my protein, and take my vitamins/supplements I am confident that I can continue losing weight at a steady pace.

The exercise component is a burden for me due to osteoarthritis in both knees, chondromalacia patella, Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.  While I'm pleased with my weight loss, a part of me is also frustrated because I know that if I could exercise like a normal person; especially aerobic exercise, I'd be losing even faster.  That said, I am exercising at least 30 minutes daily; I attend a "gentle yoga" workshop weekly, and physical therapy twice weekly for back pain.  My last two PT sessions have been in the pool and I was told today that as a patient, I could use their pool free of charge to walk laps, etc..

I have outgrown most of my clothes.  I've been living in clothes that other WLS patients provided to me.  In Oct 2008, I was wearing at least 32/24's.  I had to purchase a pair of black slacks for a function in Seattle tomorrow night and found that I could fit into pants ranging in size from 22-26 depending on style, manufacturer, etc.  I'm wearing size 24 jackets.  My regular shirts have gone from 5X to 2X.  One of the hardest things to get used to is clothes touching my body.  I was definitely of the mind that baggy would camouflage my girth.  I am very much looking forward the OH WA Forum members meeting this weekend; to both get rid of some clothes and hopefully find some new ones.

It's not been a bed of roses these past two months.  I've dealt with fatigue and exhaustion brought on by both over exertion too quickly and not getting my protein/liquids/supplements in every day with 100% compliance.  I'm having issues with rashes under my breasts and in my abdominal folds.  I developed a series of boils (I have a history of cystic skin issues) under my arms and around the sides of both breasts which had to be lanced and required antibiotic treatment.

Even given the above, I have never, not for one second, regretted my decision to have WLS.  At minus 85 pounds I already have more energy and feel better overall.  Each day is a blessing and each day provides a new opportunity for success.  I will continue to take advantage of the gifts I've been given and thankful for the support I receive from my family, my friends, my surgeon, and members of this forum.

It's only going to get better!

Amy

ps:  MY NSV's are too numerous to recount here, but I will tell you that several weeks ago I took a bubble bath; something I'd not done for almost 10 years!

OBESITYHELP.COM WASHINGTON FORUM

WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY GET-TOGETHER

SATURDAY 01/24/2009 2:00 – 4:00 PM

ISSAQUAH LIBRARY MEETING ROOM

1)   All Procedures Welcome.  Pre-Op’s Welcome.  Support (spouse, partner, friends) Welcome.

2)   Healthy Snack Potluck:  Please bring a snack that can be shared by the group.  The only requirement is that each "dish" be accompanied by a recipe or list of ingredients and includes  nutritional information (protein/fat/sugar/calorie content) so that every person, regardless of WLS procedure, can make an informed decision as to whether or not to eat the snack. Beverages will be provided.

3)   Protein Shake Swap:  Got a great tasting shake that you think others should try?  Bring 10 servings, each in an individual baggie with nutritional information, to swap with others.  A blender and cups will be available so that shakes can be tasted at the meeting.

4)    Clothing Swap:  Is your closet too full of clothes that you can no longer wear because you've lost weight?  Are you near the end of your ability to "shop in your own closet" for smaller sizes?  Does the idea of spending money on clothes that you'll only be able to wear for a few weeks or months just turn your stomach?  Bring your now too big clothes (please make sure they are clean and in good shape) to the swap (no underwear, please - but bras and swimwear welcome).  You'll be helping someone else and in all likelihood find a few "new" outfits for yourself.

5)   Product Giveaway: Did you buy a canister of that new protein shake that everyone raved was so delicious and discover it made you gag?  How about chewable vitamins that you found unpalatable?  Are you stuck with a whole lot of baby spoons, sippee cups, etc. that you want to give away?  Bring them to the meeting!  One person's junk is another person's treasure!

6)   Door Prizes: Like they say, you have to be present to win!

7)   On-site childcare provided.

LAST NIGHT MY HUSBAND AND I WERE VERY FORTUNATE TO HAVE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO ME BARBARA B. (BABSINTEX).

 
 

SHE IS VISITING THE SEATTLE AREA AND WE HAD DINNER AT THE RED HOOK BREWERY’S FORECASTER’S PUB IN WOODINVILLE, WA.  SHE ORDERED A HALF PORTION OF SOUTHWESTERN NACHOS AND ONLY ATE MOST OF THE CHICKEN PLUS JUST A FEW CHEESY CHIPS, WHICH BARELY PUT A DENT IN THE ENORMOUS MOUND OF FOOD, AND I ORDERED A CUP OF SOUP, OF WHICH I ONLY ATE A FEW SPOONFULS (DH HAD A HAMBURGER WITH THE WORKS AND HELPED EAT SOME OF BARBARA’S NACHOS).  IN THIS PHOTO, SHE IS 8 ½ MONTHS POST-VSG AND I AM EXACTLY TWO WEEKS POST-OP.  WE’RE LOOKING GOOD! *ALTHOUGH I CAN’T HELP BUT TO NOTICE THAT WHILE WE’RE ABOUT THE SAME HEIGHT, HER BOOBS START AND STOP ABOUT 4 INCHES ABOVE MINE; RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY HERE I COME! **EDlTED TO ADD THAT BARBARA HAS NOT HAD A BOOB JOB; SHE HAS WORKED HARD AT TONlNG THORUGH EXERClSE AND lS A FlRM (NO PUN lNTENDED) BELlEVER lN GOOD FOUNDATlON (l.E. BRAS).

BARBARA IS A PHENOMENAL WOMAN AND WE GOT ALONG VERY WELL. IT WAS EXTREMELY NICE TO SIT FACE TO FACE WITH A PERSON WHO, AT 81/2 MONTHS POST-OP, HAS LOST A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF EXCESS WEIGHT AS A RESULT OF PURELY RESTRICTIVE WLS.  SHE IS HAPPY AND HEALTHY!  AFTER COMPARING “FAT” STORIES, THE CONVERSATION EVOLVED TO INCLUDE WORK, FAMILY, AND EVEN RELIGIOUS BELIEFS.

ASIDE FROM HOW MUCH I PERSONALLY ENJOYED THE EVENING, I KNOW THAT MEETING BARBARA WAS ALSO EXTREMELY HELPFUL TO MY HUSBAND, JOEL.  NOT ONLY IS SHE LIVING PROOF THAT VSG WORKS, SHE WAS FULL OF GOOD “ADVICE” FOR HIM IN TERMS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF SUPPORTING ME.  IT WAS ALSO NICE FOR HIM TO BE ABLE TO SEE THE WAY SHE LOOKED AT THE MENU, MADE HER SELECTION, AND ATE SO THAT HE COULD GET AN IDEA OF THE WAY, ONCE I AM ABLE TO RETURN TO A “NORMAL” DIET, I WILL BE EATING FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE.

ALL IN ALL, IT WAS A VERY GOOD EVENING INDEED!

AMY