Sept. 14, 2006 - Day of Surgery

On the way to the hospital, my nerves were getting the better of me and I had a detailed conversation with my husband about how to spend the life insurance money should I not survive surgery. Even though I knew I was a good candidate and the risk of death was miniscule, you can't help but feel afraid when you are a wife and mother.

Of course the operation was uneventful. I was up walking that evening and took a shower the very next morning. The only problem I encountered was a lazy bladder that didn't want to start working again even though I was drinking a lot of fluid. I had to have the catheter reinserted. Once it was removed again, it wasn't easy to get things moving.

Sept. 16, 2006 - Discharged Home

After the surgery, I think the thing that surprised me the most was the fact that I really didn't feel any pain. I had a breast reduction about 2 years prior and there was considerably more discomfort after that surgery. This was a walk in the park in comparison. When I left the hospital, my husband and I stopped at Wal-mart to do the grocery shopping and once I got home I fixed a pot of spaghetti sauce for my family.

Jan. 6, 2007 - One of the Lucky Ones

Over the last four months, I have not had any surgical complications and very few food challenges. My biggest issue is getting in all of my water. I've only vomited a handful of times - usually as a result of eating too fast. Thanksgiving, I tasted some very rich foods that made my pouch object. I can eat any type of meat and dairy products, but avoid almost all carbs, except fruit and vegetables.

I eat about 1/2 of a cup to 3/4 of a cup of food three times a day - usually 4 tablespoons protein, 2 tablespoons fruit, and 2 tablespoons vegetable - per my surgeon's instructions. I'm allowed a protein snack in the afternoon if I need it. But, I'm still in the honeymoon stage and don't feel any real hunger. I've lost a total of 61.8 pounds so far, including the 10 prior to surgery.

I joined a local gym in December and have started exercising to help kick start my metabolism, protect my muscle mass and tone to minimize the flabby skin. My goal is aerobics three days a week and weight training two to three days a week. Right now, I'm getting to the gym about three times a week. Some mornings, I'm just too tired to get up at 4:45 a.m. to make it to the 5:30 a.m. class. I'll get better, though because I know how wonderful it feels the rest of the day when I've had a good workout.

I hit one of those wonderful WOW moments today when I borrowed a pair of my husband's jeans and they fit. I haven't had a 34-inch waist in more than 10 years! He's so proud of me and enjoying the whole transformation.

February 28, 2007 - Hit a Wall

For the past two weeks, my energy level really hit an all-time low and my mind hasn't been the sharpest. Since it didn't seem like a case of the blues, I finally put in a call to the surgeon's office and the nurse quickly faxed over an order to have my labs drawn. As I suspected, my iron was low, so now I'm taking iron supplements in addition to my multi-vitamin and calcium.

I also hit the hair loss phase. It's a good thing I started with a lot of hair because a good third of it ended up in the drain. I've been supplementing with biotin, but who really knows if it helps. If I wasn't taking it, maybe I'd lose even more hair. The hair loss is just a minor inconvenience though in the grand scheme of things.

Today, I weighed in at 155 pounds, which is just amazing to me. I purchased a clingy wrap dress that accentuates the curves that are now emerging in most of the right places. It feels great to be able to wear clothes that don't look like tents.

March 7, 2007 - On the Rebound

The iron supplements are improving my energy level; however, the downside is the impact on bathroom habits. I have to drink more water to counteract the iron's binding effects. Again, these are just minor inconveniences.

Now that I'm almost 6 months out, my weight loss has slowed, but I feel great and I continue to lose inches and clothing sizes. I can wear a size 10 or 12, depending on the cut. It's fun trying on new styles to see what works with my new body shape. I think the transformation has really amazed many of the people that I encounter at work.

Although I still don't experience hunger, I think it would be very easy to slip back into old habits at this stage. I have to keep reminding myself that the habits that I've developed over the last six months must be maintained for life to achieve and maintain my goal weight. That means measuring my food, eating protein first, avoiding most carbs and sticking to three meals a day without grazing. When we're inundated with so many opportunities to make bad choices, it's not easy to make the right ones.

March 11, 2007 - Finding My Inner Athlete

In addition to reaching a normal BMI, one of my personal goals is to run in the Boilermaker, a 15K run in Utica, NY. I figured lose my weight first and then start training to be ready to run in 2008.

Then, I read an article in Friday's paper about a training group for newbies. I couldn't help it. I set my alarm for 6 a.m. Saturday morning, drove to the indoor track at the local high school, paid my $55 and started training to be ready to run 15K by July 2007.

The group really is wonderful for first-time runners. We walked for five minutes, ran for 1 or 2 minutes, then it was back to walking. It's a supportive, non-competitive environment.

I feel so motivated. Today, my boys joined me for a 30-minute walk and we threw in a couple of bursts of running for good measure. I'm hoping we'll make this a family event and we'll all improve our cardiovascular health.

I still have about 27 pounds to go before I reach my personal weight goal. But, I'm sure the new training routine will help assure that I get there.

April 5, 2007 – I’m a Size 8!!!!

I've been picking up a few new outfits off the sales rack all along my weight loss journey because I need to dress professionally at work.  But, they've all been business attire.  

So, when I hit 147 pounds, I decided it was time to treat myself to a pair of jeans.  I slipped into a pair of 10s and low and behold they were too big.  I tried on a size 8 expecting them to be too tight, but they fit perfectly.  I never dreamed I'd be in the single digits, not when I started at a size 24.

With 82 pounds gone, the transformation is amazing.  I can't believe how many inches I've lost around my chest, waist and hips.  I've become a fan of "What Not to Wear" to help me learn how to dress to accentuate the body parts that I used to try to hide.

April 14, 2007 – Ran 4 miles!!!!

Today I accomplished an amazing feat.  I ran 4 miles without dying.  In preparation for the Boilermaker, the training group ups the length of its runs at regular intervals.  I can’t believe that in only a month, I’ve gone from being able to run only 4 minutes to running 4 miles.  Saturday I’ll be running my first 5K with the group.  It’s such an exhilarating feeling.  Exercise comes so much more easily without all those extra pounds weighing me down.

I also found out this week that my total cholesterol is now well within normal limits.  It dropped from about 230 to 126.  Amazing!

April 21, 2007 - Took 3rd place

What an exhilarating day! I ran in my first 5K today.  With only a field of 46 runners, I took home a third place medal for my age group.  It was a terrific experience and I can't wait for the next race. 

May 5, 2007 - Training for a Half Marathon

My weight loss has slowed significantly now that I have less than 20 pounds to reach goal.  I know it's to be expected so I'm not discouraged.  My training for the 15K is going so well that I registered for the Disney half marathon in January 2008.  I figured setting the next goal would keep me on track after completing the Boilermaker. 

 I'm truly thankful for my running partners who are quickly developing into valuable friends.  One of the woman may actually join me in Disney for the half marathon.  These are the kind of relationships that will help me maintain an appreciation for exercise for life. 

The surgery is having an impact on so many people around me.  My co-workers and I are now walking during lunch.  My children are becoming more conscientious about their own food choices and are getting more exercise.  My husband is also running, though he may have tried to do too much too soon.  Thursday he has to go for a bone scan to see if he has a stress fracture.  Hopefully not.  I really enjoy our Saturday mornings together with the running group.

Amazing!

May 24, 2007 - 10K and 90 pounds gone 

I ran my 1st 10K development run Wednesday evening, finishing in 1:20.  It was definitely the most challenging course I've ever run with its back to back hills.  Up, UP, UPPPP.....

Beyond the pure exhilaration of running, my reward this morning was reaching the 90-pound loss milestone. Since I've been playing with the same 3 pounds, I'm sure it was probably due to a little dehydration, but I'll take it.

I'm running three days a week now in preparation for the Utica Boilermaker, a 15K in July.  Then, I'll put my training plan together for the Disney half marathon in January.   

Every time I run, I'm amazed how far I've come since starting my training two months ago.

July 8, 2008 - I can fly

OK, so I can't run as fast as the Kenyans, who finished today's 15K Boilermaker race in under 45 minutes.  But, I was flying high through the entire course.  As the Star Spangled Banner played to mark the start, tears streamed down my face at the realization that gastric bypass has been my own personal Independence Day.  I am strong!  I am healthy! I am alive!  How triumphant I felt even before the starting gun.  

It was an amazing day.  With all of the adrenaline, I started off a little fast, but settled into a nice comfortable pace. Since my only goal was to finish in under 2 hours, I was amazed when my time clocked in at 1 hour and 46 minutes.  Ten months ago, my body would have never been able to endure that intensity of aerobic activity for that long.  Before, I couldn't take a leisurely walk without my body beginning to ache.

I love this new life and can't wait for the next event.  After a two-day rest, my training resumes.  I already have four more runs on my race calendar:  a 5K July 30, a 14K Sept. 23, a half marathon September 30, and another half marathon in January.  I'm sure I'll find a couple more for October and November.

In the two weeks leading up to the Boilermaker, I broke my plateau.  I'm now down 95 pounds and fitting comfortably into a size 6.

December 2, 2007 - Born to Run

I haven't posted in a while because I've simply been too busy enjoying my new life.  My weight stabilized at 130 pounds.  No matter how much I run, my body stubbornly continues to hang on to those last 5-6 pounds.  I guess 130 is normal for me.  I can't complain.  I'm a size 4 and I am healthy.

Running continues to be my passion.  I ran my first marathon November 18th, just 11 days before my 40th birthday.  It was such an exhilarating experience.  As I ran mile after mile through the historic streets of Philadelphia, I couldn't help but smile, knowing how far I'd come.  I've defeated my demons.   Eight months ago, I could barely run for 1 minute.  Now, my body can run 5 hours and 55 minutes without breaking down.  Of course, I want to shorten that time with my next marathon.  I have my calendar of races planned for 2008.  My training partner and I will put in the time and energy to run each race a little faster than the last time.

Long term, I know I will always have to be careful with my food choices.  I still like chocolate and baked potatoes smothered in butter, sour cream and cheese. . . and I treat myself to these on rare occasions in small portions.  When I start slipping back into bad habits, I increase the protein, increase the water and get out of the kitchen.  Exercise has truly been the saving grace. 

 

January 6, 2008 - Countdown to Disney

Despite the snow and cold, I've been running three days a week in preparation for the Disney half marathon.  My running partners and I ran a 12-miler Dec. 29th as our last long run before the taper.  Each run is always different.  Some are easy.  Some are hard.  It rarely has anything to do with the number of miles.  If my mind is in the right place and I've had plenty of sleep, water and fuel, I can run for miles.  If I cut back on the sleep, water or fuel, 3 miles can feel like 10.

Disney should be a blast! It's a girls-only trip, my first without my family.  We're planning to celebrate crossing the finish line by seeing the Blue Man Group at Universal Studios.  

January 15, 2008 - Disney Magic

The Disney trip was a great time.   After we checked into our hotel Jan. 10th, we went to the expo to pick up our race packets and switch starting corrals.  When we had registered, we had no idea what our finishing time would be and we had underestimed our pace.  So with proof from our most recent races in hand, we were moved to the beginning of the second wave of runners.  Our goal was to shave a few minutes off of our Lake Delta marathon finish of 2:32.

Since the race wasn't until Saturday, we took advantage of the local sites - including the outlet malls and Downtown Disney dining.  The ribs at House of Blues were delicious.  Friday night we were trying to figure out how were were going to fall asleep at 8 p.m., so we would still get enough hours of sleep before our 2:30 a.m. wake-up call.  We decided a little bit of wine would do the trick.  We were well hydrated, so figured a little bit wouldn't hurt.

When we arrived at the staging area, there was music and merchandise and lots of people to help pass the time until the 6 a.m. start.   The time passed much quicker than I expected.  With a flash of fireworks, we were off.  The first part of the race was in the dark.  It was about 60 degrees and a little humid, but we felt good.  I had to resist the urge to speed ahead and risk burning myself out before the finish.  The most amazing feeling of euphoria rushed through me as we rounded the corner into the Magic Kingdom and ran down Main Street towards Cinderella's Castle.  It was truly magical.  The trip through the various worlds was much too quick before we were back on the highways heading for Epcot.  At about the 10 mile marker, my running partner encouraged me to go on ahead.  She didn't want to hold me back since I was having such a good run.  At Epcot, I crossed the finish line at 2:22 a full 10 minutes faster than my last half marathon.  It was a great run!

Sunday, we hit the Boardwalk to pass time until our flight and we saw several runners with Goofy medals around their neck and felt a sudden surge of envy.  So, I know we will be back to tackle the Goofy challenge.  I suspect January 2010 will be our attempt to run a marathon and a half in the same weekend.

February 2, 2008 - Boilermaker Training Begins

Well, now both my boys have decided to train for the Boilermaker.  It's a pretty impressive goal considering they have to get up at 6 a.m. on Saturday mornings for the group training sessions.  I've decided to be a volunteer to help them and the other new runners go from 0 to 15K by July.  We've got a nice group of people who are both new and returning runners.  My husband, running partner and I are continuing to train for the Buffalo Marathon Memorial Day weekend.  It's a smaller race, but I'm sure we'll have a good time.

May 25, 2008 - Buffalo Marathon Memorable

Thanks to the inspiration of my Obesity Help friends, I finished the Buffalo Marathon Sunday in under 5 hours!  Curt said to think of them when the miles got tough and that’s exactly what I did.  My official chip time was 4:55:24, almost an hour better than my first marathon in Philadelphia in November 2007.

Saturday, we drove to Buffalo and checked into the host hotel, which was overbooked with marathoners, Elks conventioneers, wedding guests and beauty pageant contestants.  Fortunately, we brought air mattresses for my boys, so they had a place to sleep when only a king room was available.

 
After check-in, we went to the expo to pick up our packets and I had a free foot/ankle screening by a physical therapist, who identified several bio-mechanical problems with my feet that would benefit from functional exercises.  He recommended that I tape my “problem” foot for the marathon and showed me how to apply it.  I’m sure he hasn’t read the “runners’ rulebook” that clearly explains that you don’t try anything new on race day.


Well, wouldn’t you know it - as soon as I started walking around the expo with my foot all taped up, it started to hurt.  Phantom pain? Real pain?  Who knows!  I ripped that tape off faster than you can say 5K.


Now foot loose and fancy free, we walked to St. Anthony’s Church Hall, for the free pasta dinner, where the beer flowed freely.  Although I’m not a beer drinker, my husband, Art, and my running partner, Marlee, enjoy the stuff and I was getting a little nervous for them when they had finished their fifth round.  They were clearly taking the laid back approach to their first marathon.  When they started craving chicken wings later that evening, I burned off a bit of nervous energy and walked the mile to the Anchor Bar for a bucket of original Buffalo wings.  Then I had my half a glass of wine to knock me out ‘til morning.

 
Sunday, the alarm went off at 5 a.m. to give me plenty of time to have my coffee, wait for nature to take its course, and eat my pre-marathon meal, which consisted of a banana and a peanut butter protein bar.  I’m normally pretty organized, but I kept misplacing everything that morning.  By the time we got to the starting line, we were 10 minutes from race time and there wasn’t an opportunity for a final trip to the loo.


Despite the last minute rush, it truly was a glorious morning with 50-degree temperatures and bright blue skies, just perfect for running.  The Buffalo Marathon is a relatively small race with only 850 entrants (710 finishers).  After the first few blocks, our numbers swelled as the 1816 half-marathon runners joined our ranks to complete the first 13.1 miles on the combined course. 


Art was going to hang out with Marlee and I until we reached the first photographer, but his engine was revving.  We set him loose in the first half mile to run his own race.  He was shooting for a finishing time between 4 and 4.5 hours, while Marlee and I hoped to finish in 5.5 hours. 


Early in the race, as we were approaching the Lake Erie waterfront, the elite runners came flying by and I welled up with pride, knowing that regardless of my time, I was here running the same event. 


The miles zoomed by and before we knew it, Marlee and I had finished the first 13 miles in about 2 hours and 15 minutes – faster than our previous half marathons.  We weren’t sure if that was good or bad.  Had we gone out too fast and now risked bonking early?  Or were the stars perfectly aligned for an amazing finish?


Since we missed the loo at the start, we had to make a quick pit stop and resumed our pace for the second half.  Somewhere around mile 16, Marlee started having stomach problems and within the next mile she was urging me to go on ahead.  I resisted, but she insisted.   I ran on, but slowed my pace and she caught up with me around mile 19.  About two miles later, she was sending me on my way again.


I didn’t hit the wall until mile 23.  After going up a slight incline, my hamstrings started to quiver in rebellion.  Buffalo is a pretty flat course and those muscles didn’t like the change after all those miles.  I wanted to walk, but I looked down at my Garmin and saw that I had just finished 23 miles in 4 hours and 15 minutes.  A sub-five marathon was in my grasp if I could just keep running.


So, for the next 3+ miles, I drew my strength from my online buddies.  I remembered Curt’s post and I started repeating their names with every step . . . Curt, Mary, Linn, Scott, Joe, Kim, Rob, Deanna, Kellee, etc. over and over.  I’m sure the folks I passed on my way to the finish thought I was nuts. Curt, Mary, Linn, Scott . . . “She’s delirious.  We’ll see her in the medical tent.”  Joe, Kim, Rob, Deanna. . . .


I can do this.  Only 2.2 miles to go.  Curt, Mary, Linn, Scott . . . Just 1.2 miles.  I can do this. 

The clock read 4:56:00 as I crossed the finish line.  My friend wasn’t that far behind at 5:04:08.  My husband ran an amazing 4:18:01 for his first marathon.  It truly was a memorable Memorial Day weekend! 

September 21, 2008 New PR at Lake Delta Half Marathon

Today was our local half marathon around the lake.  It's a small rural event hosted by the area running club that's just a lot of fun because of all the familiar faces.  I knew going into the race this morning that I had a chance for a great run.

Weather:  Perfect. Overcast,  cool, low humidity.
Sleep/Hydration/Fuel:  All good. No intestinal issues before, during or after the race.
Familiarity with the route:  Trained on the hilly course many times.
Training cycle:  The last 13-mile run before my marathon Oct. 5. Lots of miles under my belt.
Injuries:  None - ankle has been strong and pain free.

So, with the stars perfectly aligned, I finished the half in 2:06:09 - for a 9:37 pace.  Last year, it took me 2:32 to finish the same course!  The body is truly amazing in its ability to adapt to the demands that we place upon it.

Now, it will be interesting to see what kind of a pace I can maintain for the full marathon in two weeks.

September 28, 2008 - To run or not to run

Well,  it's a week away from the Wineglass Marathon and the tenderness from last weekend's half marathon hasn't gone away despite the ice and cutting back my mileage.  Based on the symptoms, either the  trochanteric bursa or IT band is inflamed.  Regardless, the treatment is the same.  Rest. Ice.  NSAIDs.

So, reluctantly, I'm going to rest this entire week.  No running, no biking, not even easy walking, in hopes of relieving the inflammation so I can run the marathon. Hopefully, it'll calm down and I'll be good to go.

October 3, 2008 - No Wineglass for Me

Despite the ice and rest, the pain in my hip didn't improve, so I saw my doc this morning.  She said no marathon, continue to rest, and referred me to physical therapy to be treated for IT band syndrome.  Hopefully, there won't be a lengthy delay in the referral process, so I can hit the road to recovery.  Just these 12 days of rest have been tough, so I hope it won't be too long before I can run again.

October 15, 2008 - Out for a Spin

Today was my first spin class and boy was it tough!  I had the aerobic capacity, but my quads were jelly when I climbed off the bike after an hour of sprints, climbs and jumps.  I was surprised by how fast the time passed, though.

October 16, 2008 - Test Run

When I finished my PT session today, the therapist said I can give running a try Saturday.  After iontophoresis, ultrasound, stretching and strength exercises, the hip is feeling better.  He said to just listen to my body and quit if it starts to hurt.  I've been using a foam roller every night and I think that has helped speed things along.

November 11, 2008 - Back to cross training

I'm back to cross-training and stretching.  The return to running didn't go so well, so I'm off the road for another month.

November 26, 2008 - Light Run

Tonight, I joined the local running club for a fun run to kick off the Christmas lights display in our community.  For me, it was a slow 2.5 miles, but I was just thankful to be out on the pavement again.  The hip held, but towards the end of the run, it reminded me why I have to continue to build slowly. 

November 29, 2008 - Rebuilding Slowly

I did a 1-hour spin class and 35 minutes on the treadmill - 25 minutes of that was a slow run with NO PAIN in the hip.  Over the next 7 weeks, I'll continue to slowly increase my ratio of running time vs. cross training time in hopes of still running the Disney marathon.  I have my fingers crossed and just keep working the stretches, strengthening and cross-training.  We'll see.

December 14, 2008 - Test Run for Disney Marathon

Well, the cross training was a decent substitute for running during my rehab period.  I did a test run of 8 miles today on the hard, cold city streets to see how my hip would hold up.  When I finished the 8, I knew I could do more, but I'll save that for the Disney Marathon.  Until then, I'll continue putting most of my training time in on the spin bike and elliptical to minimize the chance of reinjury.  But, it was reassuring to know that I can still get out there and run!

January 1, 2009 - Hangover Run

This morning, bright blue skies and sunshine beckoned my husband and I out for the Hangover Run to start the year out right.  It was a positive 1-degree at the start, with windchill, I'm thinking it was probably 10 below.  My mind said do the 10K.  But, as the icicles caked onto my eyelashes, the 5K turnaround was a welcome sight and good enough for me on this frigid morning.  It was certainly invigorating!

January 13, 2009 - Disney Marathon Biofreeze is My Friend

Well, I’m pleased to report that all the hours of cross-training were an acceptable substitute to finish the Disney Marathon Sunday.  My hip held through mile 13 and Biofreeze numbed it through the second half for a 5:28 finish.  Although this was my third marathon, I felt an even deeper sense of accomplishment as I crossed the finish because of the hurdles I had to overcome to get there.

As a result of an IT band injury in September, I was unable to run for 2.5 months during which time I learned to appreciate spinning and hate the elliptical.  In the final four weeks leading up to the marathon, I was able to start running again, but my longest run was 11 miles on a treadmill. 

Although I kept telling myself that the cross-training would be enough to beat the Disney sweepers, I couldn’t help but feel a little concerned about causing more damage to my hip.   I had a terrible case of the “what ifs . . .” What if the pain is really a stress fracture and my hip crumbles?  Calling to mind the collective wisdom and inspiration of my pals on the Exercise and Fitness board helped me to silence the mental demons.

Disney Pals

I truly enjoyed meeting Rob and his wife for dinner Thursday. On the boards, Rob is a role model because he’s more than five years out from surgery and hasn’t lost the passion for fitness.  He’s proof that this addiction can be sustained.  Just take a look at his 2008 race calendar on his profile for a little inspiration.   I missed Chris and Scott, but am still in awe of their Goofy exploits.

The Tale of Two Halves

I felt like I was in a meditative state for the first half of the marathon as the miles flew by.  I was amazed to see a time of 2:23 at the halfway point.   Then the hip started to sing the blues.   The second half took me over 3 hours as I alternated walking, running, stretching and stopping for Biofreeze.  The silver lining of this run/walk strategy was having the opportunity to run a short distance with Jeff Galloway before it was time for me to walk and stretch again.

After crossing the finish line with tears of joy in my eyes, I claimed my Mickey medal, grabbed a couple of bags of ice to apply to my hip, downed some water and headed for the massage tent.  I don’t know if it was the ice, the 20-minute massage, the dip in the pool, the compression tights I wore to bed or some combination of the post-race strategies, but I awoke the next morning with no residual muscle soreness.


About Me
24.5
BMI
RNY
Surgery
09/14/2006
Surgery Date
Sep 20, 2006
Member Since

Friends 17

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