18 Month Check Up

Jun 26, 2009

Yesterday, I had my 18 month post-op visit.  The results...

Weight:  202.8
BMI:  30
Vitamins:  All great except, B1 was slightly elevated (no concern) and B12 was on the low side.  I will be increasing my B12 intake to 2000 mcg.

Concerns that I discussed - vitamins, plastics, heart palpitations and protein intake. 

As far as my vitamins go, the NP asked that I increase my B12 from the 500 mcgs that I take to 2000 mcgs a day.  The deficiency could be the reason I have been so tired lately.  My PCP noted an elevated B1 level (156), but the NP wasn't concerned as B1 is water soluble and won't cause any issue when only slightly elevated.

Plastic surgery has been on my mind a lot lately.  While I don't think I'm quite ready, I did want a second opinion.  Since the scale has (finally) moved again, it gives me hope that I may reach my initial goal of 180.  Depending on how the scale moves over the next couple of months, I may (or may not) get a consult in late fall.  My reason behind delving into all of this is the huge chunk of blubber (or skin) that is hanging out front, making everything I wear look bad and making me feel miserable (especially when I sit down).

A couple of weeks ago, I started having very noticeable heart palpitations.  At the onset of the palpitations, I had also experienced a few episodes of dizziness.  Needless to say, I was concerned.  The last time I had noticeable palpitations was when I had HBP and needed to be on BP medication.  In talking with the NP, we determined that the palpitations were likely the result of dehydration.  Linking one 'event' to another helped us get to this conclusion.  That was the period in which I was trying to cut back on calories - specifically by eliminating or at least reducing my protein supplements.  When cutting back on the supplements, I was increasing my intake of dense protein foods.  That caused me to be so full that I didn't want to take in anything else - including my water.  The challenge now is finding the right balance between protein foods, supplements and water intake... and not falling back onto 'easy' foods that won't make me feel so full!

As a sidenote, HBC is currently without a dietician.  D went back to the hospital, and B is at home with her child.  The new one, K, is going to be starting in July.

While I will continue to get labs done at 6 month intervals, check ups at HBC will not be on an annual basis.

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