chunkeymonkey99654

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 Greetings....

So aside from my lil mental hunger last week, I am doing well. I am at 18 days post op, no pain and more energy than before. I'm sleeping great too. getting liquids down is easier now too. I have lost a total of 18 lbs, in 18 days. I am getting used to my new tum and a lot of changes have happened for me since my surgery. I am not on solids, of course, although I know some who are, I have about two more weeks till I can officially be on solids, according to my Dr.'s plan for me. I am ok with that. I am not having any more issues with the jello and the few new items I was able to introduce to my diet, are going down nicely with no pain. 

I plan to increase my walks now that the weather is warming up and feel like 3-4 miles is a good number, not every day, but at least 3-4 days a week, and smaller walks in between or my bike rides, just to change it up. 

For anyone who is thinking of surgery, Mexico is a great place to go for self pay, I highly recommend Dr. Kelly. 

Not much to report just doing what I need to do, on a daily basis. I do have another trip scheduled to Sunny Ca. in about a month & a half. Looking fwd to that. Will be doing tons of walking there. I am hoping to be able to eat something of protein solids by then with no issues and really get the chance to enjoy what I eat when I eat it.

It's hard to get excited over soups & yogurt, but it beats broth every day of the week, lol.

  Thanks to all who write & keep me motivated. I feel very strong and glad I am not feeling the mental hunger anymore, wow it was a trip. 3 weeks on liquids was tough, not that I was hungry, just the whole idea of it. but I am in a good place now and moving full speed ahead with a good head on my shoulders, not sorry for that experience, b/c it taught me, to trust in what I need, not in what I think I want.  

Mellissa

 I can't complain about the weather, it is so nice out, the sun feels so good while I'm out walking. Day before yesterday, I walked 4.7 miles, around the neighborhood. Felt really good until the last 1/4 mile, rain clouds came and my sunshine was gone. I made it home b/f the showers, though. lol

Yesterday I worked in doors, equally as much, lots of house cleaning, laundry and that was enough to make me sweat, I have a lot of hard wood floors, and it takes a lot of energy to get them clean. I liked being out doors more, but this too needed to be done. 

Today I am going to Walmart, cheapest place to buy a bicycle. I'm looking for one of them cruiser types, as I am not the type to do mountain bike riding, now or in the future, too rough and I am wayyy too chicken, to off road it, so I will stick w/ my beach cruiser. 

I was having a  lot of discomfort when I ate my jello, appears my opening was still very swollen, and jello, can be a little rigid, even in small... small bites, A lot of swelling has gone down, I can feel it, I can see it. Clothes is fitting looser. I am pretty pleased, so far. I am having to really push myself on the liquids, helps when I walk, I am naturally thirsty. I seem to always have a water or gatorade bottle in hand, which is good. I am on Flinstones Gummy vitamins, have other vit's but will switch over later, possibly. I am almost 2 weeks post op, and had my first Dr. Check up, last Wenesday. I didn't go to my Primary Care Provider, she is being a pill, and is still not on board w/ my surgery, too bad...it's already done. 

I went to the local clinic and saw the Dr. I had been seeing all along, since 2003. He said I am NOW at the weight I weighed in 2007. He encouraged me to keep walking and staying active and hydrating. He checked my incisions and said they all looked great. My blood pressure was a lil high, hopefully that changes in the weeks to come. I am only on a liquid diet still, as my after care plans do not call for yogurt and cottage cheese, mashed potatoes or refried beans till week 4. 

Right now I am on broth, hot or cold tea, gatorade, OJ, water and jello. I am starting my protein drinks this Monday. Yummm, no not really. Since that hunger gland was removed form my body in surgery, it has helped tremendously in not being hungry, but there is still MENTAL hunger. Like when my family sits down to eat, the smell of foods, can be overwhelming sometimes. 

Last night, was very difficult. I wasn't hungry, I had already eaten, what I could yet when my family had their dinner I was somewhat bothered I couldn't eat that. . My daughter ( 20 yr old), in her infinite wisdom, made some sort of comment like, "well your the one who chose this mom, so I guess you just have to suck it up".

That comment hurt, as I was really needing support, when I was at my weakest moment. My husband was NOT OK w/ my daughters comment, and told her that was insensitive. Of course my daughter apologized. She's young, thin, healthy, does not understand the magnitude of my journey. And that is okay, it's not for HER to understand, but when someone is down, you don't kick em. 

Anyway.....

They were eating mexican food, and I was feeling weak. Mind you, I was not hungry, I knew I could NOT eat this, I was NEVER going to eat it, but the mental hunger of it all really got to me. The smell of it, I think I mentioned my sense of smell seems to be on steroids!!!

That was the first time I felt like that and it was really hard to be me. I think I was feeling sorry for myself too and I felt completely vulnerable and fragile. I went to my bed room, locked the door, went inside my bathroom & cried. I'm not embarrassed to share that, b/c this is my journey, the good, the bad and the ugly. 

After a good cry, I felt better, still not hungry (of course) but able to get through the night. Today, it's as if I didn't even have my lil mental break down. I am looking fwd to my bike purchase and afternoon stroll. 

I just want to say, I am a VERY honest person, that's just HOW I am, so if your going to knock me for my vulnerability don't even comment. I know I chose this surgery & I am happy with it, but.....I am only human, I am not perfect and neither are you, so don't judge. I'm only 2 wks out, doing the best I can on a clear liquid diet.  It's tough. It does not hurt to take in my liquids. I am able to drink just fine. 

I know some who are not on clear liquids anymore and have been given the "green light" to move on to the next stage, my plan is very different. But I know I will get there in time. Take care & have a fabulous weekend!!!

I'm down 14lbs. 


Mellissa

 We landed a lil before 9 pm. I have to report, I had absolutely NO PAIN, on or in between flights. It was amazing. I always have pain when I travel, but this time I had none. NADA.... IDK!! Just grateful I guess. I had some broth, ice water and some jello during my travels.

The smell of Cinnabon was heavy in the air, and there I was.... content with my chicken broth, especially after I saw this lady in the bath room, she was walking around huffing and puffing (like I did at my worst) and then as soon as she got out into the lobby, she went straight from the bath room to the Cinnabon.
it was sad to see. Like an old mirror. I am so grateful for this new beginning.

I'm going to go buy my protein drinks tomorrow, not to drink now, I'm not at that stage yet, but so I can have on hand, also some vitamins my doc suggested. I met some real great people on the flight up, Dennis from Seattle, a very interesting man. he is a frequent flyer and had accumulated 700,000 air miles last year.      
                                                  That's insane!!

He rode in first class w/ me, my husband is an MVP and gave me his seat, which was a god send, when feeding time came, Dennis was nice enough to take the sandwich which looked like a piece of art, back to my hubby.

Then on my second leg, I rode in coach & sat next to Trudy from Anch who was very interested in WLS, so I shared my story w/ her and told her All about Dr. Kelly. I told her she is prob the reason why I didn't have any pain on my flight, I was too engrossed in our conversation. lol

Anyhow it was a great day, even with the lay over in Seattle which wasn't even bad. Before we left Seattle, I went to the bathroom, used the swabs my doc gave me, cleaned up my incisions and felt quite refreshed. In passing, I saw a cover of a People magazine in the airport & saw how much I missed in just one week away from the tv. Geez!!

I need to get used to that cuz.....I don't plan to spend as  much time as I used to  in front of the tv anymore, I am going to be continuing my light walking, probably in my neighborhood,  as it is pretty quiet and not much traffic. Should wk out good.

Sooo....It's 4 days after my surgery, not sure when most weigh themselves or if we should discourage ourselves from doing that right away. Me???? I plan to step on the scale in 2 weeks.

So it might be awhile until I update again. unless something really good happens or I win the lotto, I will update sooner. Never mind, Alaska is too conservative to have a lotto!! Talk to you later. 

Thanks, 
Mellissa

I am getting the royal treatment. Dr. Kelly, my surgeon just visited  me at the hotel, a few minutes ago. The time he puts into each and every patient, the individualzed attention, is amazing. There were 3 of us on Surgery day (Monday).

I was first to go, and had a little bit of  complication, my surgery ran around 2 hours, or so, due to having a very small torso, made it challenging for him to get inside & manuever, but he did it. I had my 2nd leak test this afternoon, b/f arriving at the hotel Lucerna, which is very nice, glad I opted for the upgrade, as I do apprec. nice hotels. lol

I had my first supper tonight, 1/3 cup of tortilla soup broth, from the rest.. in the hotel, which my doc reccomended. It was great, the warmth felt good. I am pretty much still on clear liquid, but broth is ok, no meat, no tortilla, just broth & flavor. I also had 2 mini gatorades, 12 oz, each, plus ice chips and water, through out the day. Calories will be really really low for now, no protein drinks for 2 wks, I am starting on some gummy vitamins tomorrow.  My surgeon also gave me a list of good protein drinks to try, I can get them online or some other kind from GNC. He said, for me not to freak out on protein drinks sooo much, as that is mostly related to RNY surgery. He said in a months time, I will be getting my protein from meat and other sources of protein, not so much the drinks.

I feel really good, am I am out walking around outside the hotel, went down the block and around the corner. Hung out by the pool, with my SUN BLOCK!! lol Yes Martin you did say to wear that. I learn the hard way sometimes!!! lol Pain is gone now tho.

Watched my husband swim around in the pool, which was fun. My husband just had a dessert from the rest, a huge piece of choch cake, didn't even phase me, you know what did look good tho, the pear in the fruit basket. lol
I need to take my nightly meds. The bed here in this place is heaven, my husband really likes it.

Nothing major planned for tomorrow, may go out sight seeing a bit, but nothing too long, or taxing. Would like a nice peice of art for my mantel at home, if I can find one I like. I miss my dog, I miss my daughter. Will be leaving back to Alaska on Friday, flight home is at 2pm. Pain meds are not messing me up, stomach is doing a ok so I am thrilled about that. I was not looking fwd to a long flight home off of pain meds.

Ok everyone, thanks for the messages. I am ok and doing fantastic. I was up the first night, going potty, 10 times, lots of fluids from the IV, I had no issues getting up and out of bed. Just did it and that was it. This hasn't been too tough on me, certainly not like the experience I had with my gall bladder surgery last April. That was the worst!!!

Night All.

Sincerely,
Mellissa

Hello all This is Mellissa's husband, she wanted me thank all of you that sent her messages through email these last couple days.  She will get back with you all when she is feeling up to it. 

Mellissa made it through like a trooper.  Her surgery took a little over two hours.  Dr Kelly came in and explained that it took a little longer because Mellissa has such a small torso, smaller area in which to operate.  He told me that she was fine and every thing went well. 

They put her in to bed and she sleeped for several hours, she was hooked up to a IV and several meds were admistered.  During the night she was able to get out of bed to use the rest room, many times.  After about 18 hours now, her only real complaint is that her sternum hurts.  Dr Kelly told me that he used some sort liver clamp?  Not sure what that is, but when he comes back I'll get a better explination.  The nurse staff has been giving here meds to help ease the pain.  Dr Kelly and the hospital staff have been fantastic, Dr Kelly came in to see Mellissa two times after the surgery yeaterday, and then again this morning.  His visit this morning was almost an hour, very good man. 

The rooms here have a full sized bed for the person that is taking care of the patient, in mellissa's case, me.  It's nice to be able to sleep in the same room as my wife during this time.  Be forwarned its an extreamly firm bed!  A couple other things Mellissa and I are from Alaska as you all know, and they have the temp set at 76*, very toasty for us.  There is no temp control in the room, so we asked, and the staff were able to dig up a old fan from somewhere, but had I known, we would have brought our own.  Also there are free meals here at the hospital for us caretakers, its a very nice dining hall, but the food is terible, Diner yeaterday cosisted of the most awful awful speghetti I have ever had.  I thought the military cooks were bad.   I can't wait to get to the hotel.  Mellissa roled her eyes and said that no one can mess up speghetti, let me assure you it can be done.  There are a couple restraunts accross the street that look good, I just haven't gone yet, but it is an option. 

After surgery Mellissa was bloted from the CO2 used to expand the abdominal cavity I was told that gas x was something that she could use.  Unfortunatly I thought that I had more than I acually did, and ran out.  Anyway our neighbor a couple doors down had some.  Mellissa said that after a couple days with out food, that gas x strip was delicious.  Bring some with you, there is a pharmacy around the corner of the building, but they don't carry gas x.

Mellissa is napping now, I'll post something else later. 


 

Greetings everyone!! First of All, I am sooo happy that martin & his wife are safe and doing well at home, recovering from their RNY's.

At the moment....I am sitting here in my room, here at the Hospital Florencia, in Tj Mexcico. Had a wonderful trip in Ca.
Was a lil disapointed in my hotel accomodations in Anaheim. But Disney Land was sooo much fun. I got sun burnt though. And I am desperately trying to relieve the pain, lol. But I have a nice base tan, so I can't complain too much. Yes I am a girly girl, can't help it.

My trip into San Diego, was awesome!!! We went on the Midway Aircraft Carrier, was super cool. My husband was like a little boy again. Adorable!! The weather was great and we spent a lot of time petting peoples dogs, talking to people, walking around and taking in the sights. Later that night........we went on a Ghost hunting walking tour for 90 min. in the Historic Old Town. I ate very light on my vaca and watching my husband scarf down enchiladas, wasn't too painful.

My hotel in San Diego, was worth every red cent. OMG!! What luxury. The room had the most amazing view from the 26th floor and we were located in a corner King room, with pretty much a panoramic view of the San Diego Harbor, man what an amazing view, all kinds of saling boats, speed boats, yahts, cruise ships going by and a clear shot of the Seaport Village shopping area, where vendors offer shoppers like me lots of discounted items. It was sad to see so many homeless people camped out on the grass. 

We were picked up by the driver, Ricardo, from our hotel this morning, around 7am. He drove us across the border. We arrived at the hosp & I began my paperwk. 

It's 11:01 & I just had my xray and they called in the 'Specialist" to administer my IV. The last nurse about killed my hand!!!
four sticks and a speiclist later and wa...la!!!

My surgery is supposed to be about 5pm so I have some down time. typing this out now with one finger, as Im right handed  but my iv hurts if i use that hand. So, I'm going to have my husband type the rest of this out for me.  So bare with me he hates spelling. lol 

My Surgen came in, my Cardioligist came in & we discused all kinds of stuff. Cardialigist said that I was low risk for any Heart problems, but really incouraged me to stop my 1 to 2 cigarettes a day, but I don't know about that, I'll cross that bridge when I come to it, for the next few days I'm sure that it will be the last thing on my mind. 

Next I need to meet with my Anesthsiologist, and nutrionist, still to come.  The nurse that almost killed my hand came back in and dressed me in white thigh high stockings, which help with blood clots during and after surgery.  All I know is that they hurt, I feel like an albino sausage!!!!!!!!!  I'm starting to think that every time I see that nurse comming, things may get a little unpleasent, but she's nice and feels bad that she brings pain.

My room is nice it has its own private bath with a shower, cable tv, telephone, free wifi, a closet to store my belongings, a comfy bed for myself, night stand, and my husband has a full size bed all to himself here in the room.  My husband is also getting all of his meals here for free.  He said that breakfast sucked, but what does he know.  I'm about to go the next three days with out food so its had for me to feel sorry for him right now. lol

From my bed I have a perfect view of the clear blue sky  and a beautiful palm tree blowing in the wind.  In five hours or less I'll be starting the first day of the rest of my new life. What more can I ask for?  I will update my blog after surgery later today, with input from my husband to discribe my condithion.   I still have yet to make my final payment for this procdure "VSG", but I'm sure some one will show up to collect it.  Possably the first IV nurse. lol  OK signing off.

 Hello Everbody!!

Okay so tomorrow night I lv Alaska and land in Ontario Ca. We are then driving to Anaheim, staying at the Marriot, relaxing, maybe go see the Hollywood Wax Museum and play Putt Putt, lounge around in the pool & jacuzzi. Nice, can't wait.

It's in the high 60's there, so that is already shorts weather there for me, as it is currently 48 degree's here. My friend Martin & his wife are having surgery tomorrow, wish them both a speedy recovery, my prayers are with you both!! 

Yesterday I worked all afternoon outside, doing yard cleanup, and in Alaska it is called "break up" season, b/c the snow is now going away and everything that was hidden all winter long, (mostly trash) is now visible and it is usually not very appealing.

Also there is always a huge amount of mud and water everywhere during break up, so it makes doing early clean up, even messier. But it needs to be done. Also it was a good time for me be outdoors and get the blood flowing. My back was aching by the end of it, but I had accomplished a lot. I treated my self to a long soak in the hot tub, last night.

My husband returns today from the village of Takotna, where he was working
We still have some packing to do and last minute things around the house. I'm trying to get everything cleaned up so when I return there is nothing to fuss about. 

I plan to buy some protein drinks today, to try, anyone who knows of the best tasting ones please message me, I would love some tips on that. I like chocolate flavor.

I'm very excited to be going to Mexico for my Gastric sleeve surgery. Wish I had done this years ago. I don't know why I didn't. I do know my husband did not support the idea the last time we had discussed it, early on last year. I think this time, he saw how much I wanted it. His feeling on my surgery in "Mexico" have changed 100% and I'm happy for that, b/c I needed his support. I have a 20 yr old daughter, who is 110% there for me on this and I love her so much for that!!

I am really looking forward to the "Day" I can fit into a North Face jacket. I saw these beautiful black ones last year around Christmas time and tried one on. Of course I went  for the  XL.....No way!! it didn't fit!!! lol

I asked the store clerk if they had a XXL, she said "no we don't make them that big". lol

Yup....I think that is when it really hit me. I remember just standing there in the store, with this blank expression on my face, watching her walk off, as if she had said nothing to me at all.

I knew then..... I was outta control and at my height, 5'2, you feel every pound, in your knees, hips & back. you know what I mean, I'm sure it is the same for everyone. 

Back to my story.....I remember I got the jacket zipped up but I looked like a stuffed sausage! I looked at myself in the full length mirror, trying different angles, who was I trying to kid. Myself?? Possibly. I DIDN'T"T purchase it.

I wanted it to fit comfortably and it didn't. That was a sad moment for me, but also an (((((((Awakening!!))))))

Because here I am today, just days away from surgery!!! Hallelujah

I could care less what the tag says, Small, Med. Large, XL.... I just want to feel good in what I wear and be able to do physical activities again. And to be able to fit into a North Face jacket would be nice too. lol

Will update in Ca.  and of course before surgery and after. I still need to add my measurements and my tracker. Thanks Martin for that reminder!  wink wink!!

 Hello everybody!!!!...

I'm very excited, as today I'm going back to Lowes & Home Depot, my 2 fav stores. I need outlet covers and light switch covers, I want the nice ones, something that will compliment my walls, & add a bit of contrast. Also the rest of the crown molding is going up on the top of the fireplace/mantel. Its going to look fabulous!!! 

My husband is off for the weekend, he is an electrical hydro power plant engineer, and builds alternative energy sources in rural Alaska, as the cost of fuel in some areas is up to 10 dollars a gal. 

When my husband is home, which isn't often;  we continue working on our home, we bought it new a few years ago but it needed some flavor, thats what I am doing, Slowly, a little at a time, more fun that way too.

He surprised me with 2 doz roses this morning, sitting on the dining room table, which I initially walked right past & didn't even notice right away, he had been pissy yesterday & took it out on me, this was his way of saying he was sorry. He's forgiven, of course. : )

I lost a total of 2 lbs this past week. I am planning to read Martins blogs on vitamins and hair loss, this evening. I'm not sure if that is associated with RNY surgery only or also affects VSG patients as well. Will be a good read. Thanks Martin for putting that out there. It's important to know about, b/c vitamins and supplements will be a necessity, for life.

My husband also bought me a chocolate doughnut this morning, I thanked him and then let him eat it!!!!



Have a wonderful weekend,
Mellissa

 WOW!!!! WHAT AN UNDERTAKING. MY MAC DIDN'T WANT TO COOPERATE BUT I AM FINALLY DONE. NEXT PICS WILL COME FROM MY TRIP TO CALI AND THEN MEXICO FOR MY SURGERY. I DO KNOW  I WILL VISIT MY PHOTO'S OFTEN IN THE MONTHS TO COME AFTER SURGERY. JUST A MOTIVATION TOOL FOR MYSELF, WHAT EVER WORKS, I GUESS. I AM NOT EMBARRASSED TO POST PICS OF MYSELF THAT SHOW ALL MY FLAWS, I AM HERE FOR CHANGE SO WHAT MATTERS. GOOD LUCK TO ALL WHO HAVE SURGERY COMING UP SOON. I'M ALWAYS LOOKING TO MEET NEW FOLKS WITH THE SAME AMBITION I HAVE AND ARE READY FOR CHANGE OR JUST WANTING TO BOUNCE IDEAS OFF ONE ANOTHER. FEEL FREE TO ADD ME. MY KNOWLEDGE IS NOT AS GREAT AS SOME OF THE PRO'S ON HERE BUT I AM ALWAYS AVAIL. TAKE CARE & GOD BLESS!!

NITE!

MELLISSA

 Hello!! Spent the afternoon yesterday cleaning up the back porch and tending to the hot tub. Man.... what a work out!!! It is now up and running again, didn't use it last year. I miss it, was wonderful, even jumped in this morning. Sooo nice!! 

I'm uploading pictures from the last 2 yrs, these photos show me at my worst, and now at the present.  I was soo out of control and am now slowly looking like the person I want to call myself. It's amazing how a persons features change sooo much. I notice that right away with me. I hope to have lots of pics to share in the months to come after my surgery. 25 days and counting!!!
I am soo excited. I checked the scale today dropped another lb. I want to stay focused for my surgery. I don't step on the scale too often. So it's nice to see another one gone. Gonna go for my walk this evening. After I upload pics.

The shorter the hair, the older the picture. I'm going to try & label them. I believe I was 207 lbs at my highest weight. Some might say, that isn't much but I am short and my frame WAS small, just became large due to excess weight. Had horrible back pain and knee pain. I'm only down 12 lbs from that , but I feel better already. Imagine after surgery.