Lesa34
Obesity Help Conference in Lexington, KY
Oct 27, 2006
October 28, 2006
Trip Report on Obesity Help Conference in Lexington, KY 10/27 & 10/28
Just wanted to let you all know this was an EXCELLENT conference! It was jam-packed with pertinent info and support for WLS people pre and post-op. I have been to many different kinds of conferences over the years (other than WLS) and this one far exceeded my expectations. The speakers were almost entirely all post-ops themselves so were very realistic and knowledgeable about WLS. There were breakout sessions on emotional eating, nutrition, breaking plateaus, relationship and boundary issues, exercise using resistance bands and balls, plastic surgery, lapband stuff, revision surgery..you name it they had it! The atmosphere was warm, friendly and so inviting. I felt like I was amongst friends and made several new ones in Lexington. The OH staff are such amazing people. It is so obvious how much they all love their jobs. In addition, the conference was well-organized! Unbelievable..
Lynette and I stayed at the conference hotel. It was held at the Radisson in downtown Lexington. The hotel is centrally located, easy to get to and connected by enclosed walking tunnels to many other downtown businesses, hotels and restaurants. We were just steps away from a Starbuck's! ...literally! We also found this excellent bar/grill that served lowfat turkey chili (257 cals) for 3.59 and it was award-winning! YUMMY
The hotel rooms were clean, had down comforters and sleep number beds. We had fun trying to figure out our personal sleep numbers..LOL
There were several vendors offering info/samples and discounts on their products. The vendors were surgeons, personal trainers, WLS post-ops, etc. I now have a new favorite product..Achiev One protein drinks! OMG are they good! Lynette and I were able to get several samples thru the conference. Then she won a whole case at the closing ceremony! And the generous person that she is shared some w/me! We also tried some Bariatric Advantage chewable mult-vitamins, chewable iron and calcium citrate lozenges. For those of you "book-club" members these are the same ones Susan gave us to try. In addition to the chocolate and mint they had some awesome cinnamon ones. I would highly recommend these over the other flavors.
Friday night they had a wonderful masquerade ball w/a DJ..it was blast! I will post a few pics when I get a chance. There was a pumpkin carving contest (we were given those cool Styrofoam pumpkins you can actually carve w/a butter knife) and we won a prize for ours! We carved the Obesity Help logo on the front (it is in the pics) The ballroom where the party was held was really nice and they had wonderful fresh fruit, sugar-free jell-o and crystal lite lemonade (in fancy glasses w/fresh lemons). There was a costume parade and contest (we didn't win..darn!) but, had a blast looking at everyone. There was a guy dressed like Colonel Sanders and he looked like he just stepped off the bucket of chicken! We cracked-up!
All in all it was well worth the money and I would go again in a second! I would highly recommend going to a future event if you get a chance!
Trip Report on Obesity Help Conference in Lexington, KY 10/27 & 10/28
Just wanted to let you all know this was an EXCELLENT conference! It was jam-packed with pertinent info and support for WLS people pre and post-op. I have been to many different kinds of conferences over the years (other than WLS) and this one far exceeded my expectations. The speakers were almost entirely all post-ops themselves so were very realistic and knowledgeable about WLS. There were breakout sessions on emotional eating, nutrition, breaking plateaus, relationship and boundary issues, exercise using resistance bands and balls, plastic surgery, lapband stuff, revision surgery..you name it they had it! The atmosphere was warm, friendly and so inviting. I felt like I was amongst friends and made several new ones in Lexington. The OH staff are such amazing people. It is so obvious how much they all love their jobs. In addition, the conference was well-organized! Unbelievable..
Lynette and I stayed at the conference hotel. It was held at the Radisson in downtown Lexington. The hotel is centrally located, easy to get to and connected by enclosed walking tunnels to many other downtown businesses, hotels and restaurants. We were just steps away from a Starbuck's! ...literally! We also found this excellent bar/grill that served lowfat turkey chili (257 cals) for 3.59 and it was award-winning! YUMMY
The hotel rooms were clean, had down comforters and sleep number beds. We had fun trying to figure out our personal sleep numbers..LOL
There were several vendors offering info/samples and discounts on their products. The vendors were surgeons, personal trainers, WLS post-ops, etc. I now have a new favorite product..Achiev One protein drinks! OMG are they good! Lynette and I were able to get several samples thru the conference. Then she won a whole case at the closing ceremony! And the generous person that she is shared some w/me! We also tried some Bariatric Advantage chewable mult-vitamins, chewable iron and calcium citrate lozenges. For those of you "book-club" members these are the same ones Susan gave us to try. In addition to the chocolate and mint they had some awesome cinnamon ones. I would highly recommend these over the other flavors.
Friday night they had a wonderful masquerade ball w/a DJ..it was blast! I will post a few pics when I get a chance. There was a pumpkin carving contest (we were given those cool Styrofoam pumpkins you can actually carve w/a butter knife) and we won a prize for ours! We carved the Obesity Help logo on the front (it is in the pics) The ballroom where the party was held was really nice and they had wonderful fresh fruit, sugar-free jell-o and crystal lite lemonade (in fancy glasses w/fresh lemons). There was a costume parade and contest (we didn't win..darn!) but, had a blast looking at everyone. There was a guy dressed like Colonel Sanders and he looked like he just stepped off the bucket of chicken! We cracked-up!
All in all it was well worth the money and I would go again in a second! I would highly recommend going to a future event if you get a chance!
9 Months Post-op and at a HEALTHY weight!
Oct 22, 2006
October 23, 2006
I had my 9 month post-op appt.today and I am officially in the "healthy" BMI category! I weigh 140lbs. I would like to lose about 10 more lbs. My surgeon and the dieticians say that is the lowest I should go. I had to promise that I would start adding more calories once I lose 5 more lbs. I can't even begin to say how shocking it is that people are now concerned I may get TOO THIN!! Me??! Too THIN?!! Never in a million years did I think I'd hear those words spoken about me. In some ways I thought I would never get to this weight..it seemed to take so long. But, in others I am astounded at how fast my weight loss has happened. Does that make sense? I have been so focused on losing that I didn't quite realize it when I got here..I kept thinking about reaching the next milestone. First it was to be under 250, then in the "obese" BMI range, under 200 and so on. To be at a healthy weight for the first time since I was very little seems strange and so unfamiliar. I think it is going to take some time to let this really sink in. I catch my reflection in a mirror and sometimes wonder who that is..I have spent so many years avoiding looking at myself that I hardly recognize this person I've become. I am so grateful to have been given this opportunity to live the rest of my life at a healthy weight. WLS no doubt saved me from so many future obesity related illnesses. I know that this journey is far from over and that some of the hardest work is yet to come. I still have many food demons and emotional eating to battle. Gastric bypass surgery can't take those away only I can.
I had my 9 month post-op appt.today and I am officially in the "healthy" BMI category! I weigh 140lbs. I would like to lose about 10 more lbs. My surgeon and the dieticians say that is the lowest I should go. I had to promise that I would start adding more calories once I lose 5 more lbs. I can't even begin to say how shocking it is that people are now concerned I may get TOO THIN!! Me??! Too THIN?!! Never in a million years did I think I'd hear those words spoken about me. In some ways I thought I would never get to this weight..it seemed to take so long. But, in others I am astounded at how fast my weight loss has happened. Does that make sense? I have been so focused on losing that I didn't quite realize it when I got here..I kept thinking about reaching the next milestone. First it was to be under 250, then in the "obese" BMI range, under 200 and so on. To be at a healthy weight for the first time since I was very little seems strange and so unfamiliar. I think it is going to take some time to let this really sink in. I catch my reflection in a mirror and sometimes wonder who that is..I have spent so many years avoiding looking at myself that I hardly recognize this person I've become. I am so grateful to have been given this opportunity to live the rest of my life at a healthy weight. WLS no doubt saved me from so many future obesity related illnesses. I know that this journey is far from over and that some of the hardest work is yet to come. I still have many food demons and emotional eating to battle. Gastric bypass surgery can't take those away only I can.
8 Months Post-Op and only 17 lbs to my goal weight!
Sep 27, 2006
September 28, 2006
Wow..can't believe how long it's been since I've updated my profile! I am now 17 lbs from my goal weight of 130lbs! I am wearing a size 8-10 and signed-up for my first 1/2 marathon in January! It will be at Walt Disney World and my husband and daughter are doing it also. I can't wait! I am still doing spinning classes, running and a variety of other workouts. Exercise is a main part of my life now and always will be. The only downer is that my weight loss has slowed significantly. I really want to be at my goal weight NOW..LOL I know it's going to take time...I'm just impatient. Also, the food demons are back and I know I've got to work at keeping them away. I didn't get to be morbidly obese w/o a great deal of binge eating and food issues. Several of us from WLSIndy.com are doing a book study on: Life is hard, food is easy a great book written about combating emotional eating. I know this will be a life-long struggle. I will write more soon..gotta run to spinnning class!
Wow..can't believe how long it's been since I've updated my profile! I am now 17 lbs from my goal weight of 130lbs! I am wearing a size 8-10 and signed-up for my first 1/2 marathon in January! It will be at Walt Disney World and my husband and daughter are doing it also. I can't wait! I am still doing spinning classes, running and a variety of other workouts. Exercise is a main part of my life now and always will be. The only downer is that my weight loss has slowed significantly. I really want to be at my goal weight NOW..LOL I know it's going to take time...I'm just impatient. Also, the food demons are back and I know I've got to work at keeping them away. I didn't get to be morbidly obese w/o a great deal of binge eating and food issues. Several of us from WLSIndy.com are doing a book study on: Life is hard, food is easy a great book written about combating emotional eating. I know this will be a life-long struggle. I will write more soon..gotta run to spinnning class!
Welcome to the Century Club!
Jul 19, 2006
July 20, 2006
Four days from 6 months post-op and I am down 99lbs! My goal is to be at the 100 lb mark by my 6 month appt on Monday. I sure hope I can make it! Life is good..I am finally feeling alot lighter. I can tell I am smaller not just going by sizes. I can feel bones I haven't felt in MANY years! My fitness level is really increasing now and my endurance too. I am doing about on average 4 spinning classes/week and running on alternate days. Both my daughter and husband have jumped on the fitness bandwagon. They are losing weight right along with me. This is so helpful not to have all the junk food/snacks/sweets in the house. It is easy not to even think about bingeing when there's nothing here to binge on! Oh..almost forgot I am no long OBESE! I am in the overweight category for my BMI is now 29.2! Never again will I be OBESE! I just hate that word.
July 21, 2006
I made it! I have lost 100.5 lbs! I weigh 163.5 as of yesterday! I posted the above before I weighed that day. Imagine my shock when I got on the scale and saw I met my goal! It is totally surreal to think I've lost this much weight in only 6 months. People constantly stop me and can't believe how good I look. This is such an amazing journey. Today is also the Brooks & Dunn concert at Verizon. My friend LeAnn is coming and we will meet up w/Courtney & Belinda at the concert. LeAnn is staying over and we will be doing another race in the morning. I am thrilled to tell everyone my news. What an exciting day!
July 22, 2006
This was an early day..especially after the late concert last night! LeAnn, Courtney, Belinda and I had fun at the Brooks & Dunn show. It started to rain towards the end so we left around 10ish. I still had to prepare my "bariatric-friendly" Ambrosia for todays brunch after the race. The race was called "Pound the Pavement" and was a benefit for an area runner who died suddenly from heart problems. It was held in Pendleton at the Falls park. The race began at 8am and we still had to register so arrived about 7:20 am. They had run out of size large shirts so I had no choice but to get a medium. Imagine my complete shock when it FIT! The race was fun. Several other WLS Indy people came: Bob and Jill, Wendy (Wendymples), Sue (Suewho) and Joey, Dean and Lisa, Melody, Lynette, Jerri, LeAnn and my hubby Rob. I decided to walk the race since I didn't know the course and thought it might be hilly. Sure glad I didn't try to run it as it was very slippery in spots (from the rain) and I probably would've broken something. Rob took 2nd place in his age group for walkers! He finished at 37 mins! We were all amazed. He got an award (water bottle)there was also a health fair at the race. I got me blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure checked. My blood sugar was 77 and I wasn't even fasting! My cholesterol was 125! and my blood pressure was 100/60! WOW simply amazing what losing 100lbs will do for your health, huh??!!...then it was off to Sue's house for brunch. Several other people met up there from the Anderson area. I met another Lisa, Ellen, then Heather H. came (preop) w/her kids too. The brunch was really nice! We had scrambled eggs, fruit, veggies, flatbread toasted w/splenda and cinnamon, cheese, SF apple crisp and my ambrosia. It turned out to be a really nice day and we sat outside visiting for several hours. Bob and Jill just adopted a new basset hound and brought him for a visit! What a cutie. They decided to name him Oliver. He kept us entertained playing w/Sue's overweight golden named Lucky. After we left in the afternoon LeAnn and I decided to do some shopping. We hit the consignment store where LeAnn found some great deals then off to flower factory and marshall's. I got home around 7:30 ate some dinner and was really pooped! what a day!
July 24, 2006
Today was my 6 mos appointment. Dr. Cacucci was thrilled to see I've lost over 100 lbs in 6 mos! She is normally kinda stoic so I was shocked to see her get so excited. She did say we may need to add some more calories if I get down too low. Me? Too low..yeah right! She is 100% certain I will get to my goal weight. She wants to see me around 135..not lower than 130. I totally agree. Can't wait to see that weight! Melinda the dietician gave me a t-shirt for the 100lb loss and was very happy for me too. She took pics and also measurements. I have lost over 44 inches! Incredible! Then after my appt I hit Goodwill for some clothes. I tried on 12's and these all fit! Then, I saw the cutest skort in a size 10. I thought Ok I will buy it even if I can only get it over my hips I will be able to wear it soon enough..well, it FIT! A size 10! I almost started crying right in the dressing room! I don't remember EVER being in a size 10!
Four days from 6 months post-op and I am down 99lbs! My goal is to be at the 100 lb mark by my 6 month appt on Monday. I sure hope I can make it! Life is good..I am finally feeling alot lighter. I can tell I am smaller not just going by sizes. I can feel bones I haven't felt in MANY years! My fitness level is really increasing now and my endurance too. I am doing about on average 4 spinning classes/week and running on alternate days. Both my daughter and husband have jumped on the fitness bandwagon. They are losing weight right along with me. This is so helpful not to have all the junk food/snacks/sweets in the house. It is easy not to even think about bingeing when there's nothing here to binge on! Oh..almost forgot I am no long OBESE! I am in the overweight category for my BMI is now 29.2! Never again will I be OBESE! I just hate that word.
July 21, 2006
I made it! I have lost 100.5 lbs! I weigh 163.5 as of yesterday! I posted the above before I weighed that day. Imagine my shock when I got on the scale and saw I met my goal! It is totally surreal to think I've lost this much weight in only 6 months. People constantly stop me and can't believe how good I look. This is such an amazing journey. Today is also the Brooks & Dunn concert at Verizon. My friend LeAnn is coming and we will meet up w/Courtney & Belinda at the concert. LeAnn is staying over and we will be doing another race in the morning. I am thrilled to tell everyone my news. What an exciting day!
July 22, 2006
This was an early day..especially after the late concert last night! LeAnn, Courtney, Belinda and I had fun at the Brooks & Dunn show. It started to rain towards the end so we left around 10ish. I still had to prepare my "bariatric-friendly" Ambrosia for todays brunch after the race. The race was called "Pound the Pavement" and was a benefit for an area runner who died suddenly from heart problems. It was held in Pendleton at the Falls park. The race began at 8am and we still had to register so arrived about 7:20 am. They had run out of size large shirts so I had no choice but to get a medium. Imagine my complete shock when it FIT! The race was fun. Several other WLS Indy people came: Bob and Jill, Wendy (Wendymples), Sue (Suewho) and Joey, Dean and Lisa, Melody, Lynette, Jerri, LeAnn and my hubby Rob. I decided to walk the race since I didn't know the course and thought it might be hilly. Sure glad I didn't try to run it as it was very slippery in spots (from the rain) and I probably would've broken something. Rob took 2nd place in his age group for walkers! He finished at 37 mins! We were all amazed. He got an award (water bottle)there was also a health fair at the race. I got me blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure checked. My blood sugar was 77 and I wasn't even fasting! My cholesterol was 125! and my blood pressure was 100/60! WOW simply amazing what losing 100lbs will do for your health, huh??!!...then it was off to Sue's house for brunch. Several other people met up there from the Anderson area. I met another Lisa, Ellen, then Heather H. came (preop) w/her kids too. The brunch was really nice! We had scrambled eggs, fruit, veggies, flatbread toasted w/splenda and cinnamon, cheese, SF apple crisp and my ambrosia. It turned out to be a really nice day and we sat outside visiting for several hours. Bob and Jill just adopted a new basset hound and brought him for a visit! What a cutie. They decided to name him Oliver. He kept us entertained playing w/Sue's overweight golden named Lucky. After we left in the afternoon LeAnn and I decided to do some shopping. We hit the consignment store where LeAnn found some great deals then off to flower factory and marshall's. I got home around 7:30 ate some dinner and was really pooped! what a day!
July 24, 2006
Today was my 6 mos appointment. Dr. Cacucci was thrilled to see I've lost over 100 lbs in 6 mos! She is normally kinda stoic so I was shocked to see her get so excited. She did say we may need to add some more calories if I get down too low. Me? Too low..yeah right! She is 100% certain I will get to my goal weight. She wants to see me around 135..not lower than 130. I totally agree. Can't wait to see that weight! Melinda the dietician gave me a t-shirt for the 100lb loss and was very happy for me too. She took pics and also measurements. I have lost over 44 inches! Incredible! Then after my appt I hit Goodwill for some clothes. I tried on 12's and these all fit! Then, I saw the cutest skort in a size 10. I thought Ok I will buy it even if I can only get it over my hips I will be able to wear it soon enough..well, it FIT! A size 10! I almost started crying right in the dressing room! I don't remember EVER being in a size 10!
5 months post-op and losing, losing, losing!
Jun 24, 2006
June 25th, 2006
Well, it has now been 5 months since my surgery and I have lost 88 lbs! I am down to 176 lbs now! My next goal is to be at the 100 lb loss by my 6 month checkup July 21st. Between spinning classes 3-4 times/week and running the other few days I surely have a good chance to get there. I am feeling really good and can tell now by looking in the mirror that I've lost a great deal of weight. Sometimes I forget and avoid looking..or think I can't fit in tight spots..it's kinda weird how much of a habit that was for me. It is also amazing the constant flow of compliments. People who barely know me come up and tell me how wonderful I look. It's a bit like being a celebrity. I can't sneak in and melt into the crowd.
Quite an adjustment!
Well, it has now been 5 months since my surgery and I have lost 88 lbs! I am down to 176 lbs now! My next goal is to be at the 100 lb loss by my 6 month checkup July 21st. Between spinning classes 3-4 times/week and running the other few days I surely have a good chance to get there. I am feeling really good and can tell now by looking in the mirror that I've lost a great deal of weight. Sometimes I forget and avoid looking..or think I can't fit in tight spots..it's kinda weird how much of a habit that was for me. It is also amazing the constant flow of compliments. People who barely know me come up and tell me how wonderful I look. It's a bit like being a celebrity. I can't sneak in and melt into the crowd.
Quite an adjustment!
Getting to ONEderland and other WOW moments
May 03, 2006
May 4, 2006
What a spectacular day! I got on the scale expecting to be around 200 lbs (since that's where I've been for the past week or so)and Whoa! I am 197lbs!! I finally made it into "ONEderland"..I am so excited! Then this afternoon my friend Susan came over to go walking and brought me more clothes. Her 14's are all way to big. Well, since I just got into 16's about 2 weeks ago I knew these wouldn't fit but, decided to try them on anyways. Guess what??!! All but one pair fit!! I am just amazed!! What a WOW moment for me! And yesterday I completed my first spinning class at the "Y"! I wasn't sure I could finish the class up until the first 20 minutes or so but, after that I was cruisin'! It was a GREAT workout and wow was I sweaty! I know I couldn't have finished it even a month ago. I am so proud. This surgery has been such a blessing for me. I am feeling so much better. This outweighs any regrets I have or grief over my missed foods. It is so worth it!
May 10, 2006
I turned in my "better body bingo" card today. I was the 2nd one to complete it! Everyone at the "Y" was so excited for me. The first 4 completed get some kind of special prize. I'm just happy to be the 2nd one done! Woo Hooo! What an accomplishment! I also did 2 more cycling classes and have dragged my daughter along..now she's hooked! These spinning classes are a great workout! Can't wait to see the weight start dropping again!
May 19, 2006
I have now lost 73 lbs! I am 191 today. This is the thinnest I have been in over 10 years. 192 was my lowest that I was able to get down to before. I am so excited to keep losing! And..I have been actually RUNNING!! For the first time in my life. Now I am not running very fast..I am actually "jogging" at about a 10 minute mile. The first time was on Sunday May 7th. I needed to jog/run for 30 minutes to complete a square on my "better body bingo" (an employee exercise incentive where you do different cardio workouts to make bingo 3 ways on a pre-printed bingo card. I decided I would take it easy and jog for 5 minutes then walk for 5 minutes until I got the 30 minutes done. My husband came along to help time & encourage me. He said 30 minutes is a lot for a first time runner. Well..I felt pretty good and jogged for the first 10 minutes before taking a water break..then I did 5 minutes got some more water and then finished the last 15 all at once! I was a bit sore the next day but, oh so proud! The following Sunday (Mother's Day) I met a friend (Lisa H) at the park by my home and ran over 3 miles in 30 minutes straight! I am so excited and proud of myself. I could've NEVER done that before losing weight!
Three Months Post-Op and My Battle w/canned peaches!
Apr 20, 2006
April 21,2006
Today was my 3 month post-op appt w/Dr. Cacucci (surgeon) My goal was to have lost 60lbs and guess what??!! I made it! Yea! I am 204lbs today! My doctor is very pleased w/how I am doing too. I can now increase my meals to 4oz and add rice, pasta, salad, citrus fruits...etc! How exciting to have more variety! I am also pleased to say I have avoided several possible complications by this time post-op. My surgeon said I could develop an ulcer or of course malnutrition issues but, because I don't smoke and I am very careful about taking my vitamins not likely. She said it is too late to worry about stricture (narrowing of the new stoma due to scar tissue formation) and also any blot clots or other early post-op issues. The only "problem" I've had was last week I ate some peaches too quickly...I will copy/paste my post on this from WLSIndy.com:
Posted: Mon Apr 10, 2006 9:23 pm Post subject: My battle with canned peaches/or 1st post-op "complication"
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Okay...I felt like I was literally going to die today. It was one of the scariest, physically and emotionally draining days of my life. I know it sounds dramatic but, honestly I feel like I've been beat up!!
*Be Warned the following may scare some newbies/pre-ops or new post-ops*
It sure scared the %#^$&@ outta me!
Today started out like every other recent post-op day. I made some scrambled eggs w/a sprinkle of cheese in the micro w/a side of 60 cheerios (yes I really do count them...I'm a bit anal about portion sizes) I ate my breakfast no problem..got ready for work at the Y.
The Y was crazy busy! No time to take a break and eat my lunch (I worked 12-4)
Well..by 4pm I was famished! I really haven't felt hunger like this since my surgery. I was also almost out of gas so went to Sam's and got in line. I ate 2 oz of tuna w/1 TBS of lowfat mayo and 1oz canned peaches w/splenda. I did eat kinda fast..remember I was starving!
Well..by the time it was my turn to fill my gas tank the chest pain hit. It hit me like a ton of bricks! I quickly bypassed the gas pump and pulled into the parking lot.
I prayed the feeling would pass. It didn't. It only got worse. The pressure was incredible! I felt like I was having a heart attack. I called my friend Debe who is 3 years post-op and asked her what to do. She tried to calm me down and suggested I walk a bit to see if the food would move. Well, soon after I started throwing up. It was liquid and foam. I began to panic because I couldn't get the food up. I called Debe back and asked how long this would last..she said could take up to 30 mins or so. She also suggested sipping a small amt of water. I did this only to puke it right back up. After several more episodes I called our fellow WLS Indy friend Cheryl H. I asked her what to do..it was now 40 minutes later and the food wouldn't budge. She suggested a call to Dr. Cacucci. I did this and of course it is after-hours so left a message w/the answering service.
Well..the pain only got worse. I was getting so scared. I decided I should probably go to ER. I called my husband..who was stuck in a meeting at Lilly. He left immediately but, was at least 1 hour away w/rush hour traffic. Cheryl offered to take me and arrived at Sam's very quickly.
We were heading down 96th street towards St. V's when Dr. C called me back. She explained that I needed to get some meat tenderizer and mix it in warm water. Sip on this until it dissolves the food.
I thought she was out of her everloving mind! I told her this must be something worse because by now it had been 1.5 hours!! She said that's not unusual and the pain is from spasms. I yelled at her that I didn't think I could take much more (I feel kinda bad about that now) she said I could go to ER but, they would call her and she would tell them to give me meat tenderizer!
So, Cheryl headed to Kroger...she ran in (even w/her injury! gotta love her) and I began throwing up harder now. I got out of her car, threw up a few bites of peaches then again only this time it was the whole pile of them!!
Praise the Lord! The pain was GONE. It was like turning off a switch. I quickly called Cheryl to tell her the tenderizer was no longer needed but, she was already on her way out of the store.
I was so happy. I'm sure I was quite the sight...mascara running down my cheeks..probably pale...
So, we decided to celebrate and headed to Starbuck's! I had a herbal tea (Dr. C said I should have liquids only for the next 24 hours) and treated my hero to a latte`.
Moral of the story...Heed the warnings NEVER, EVER eat your food too fast regardless of how hungry you are or how rushed you may be. It is just not worth it. Trust me this is NOT something you want to experience!
Thanks for listening. I just had to vent. I am now headed for the couch with some warm liquids to replace all that I lost today.
And I can't thank my friend Cheryl H. enough for coming to my rescue today. I really owe you one!
_________________
Lisa D. Lap RNY 1/24/2006 Dr. Cacucci
Today was my 3 month post-op appt w/Dr. Cacucci (surgeon) My goal was to have lost 60lbs and guess what??!! I made it! Yea! I am 204lbs today! My doctor is very pleased w/how I am doing too. I can now increase my meals to 4oz and add rice, pasta, salad, citrus fruits...etc! How exciting to have more variety! I am also pleased to say I have avoided several possible complications by this time post-op. My surgeon said I could develop an ulcer or of course malnutrition issues but, because I don't smoke and I am very careful about taking my vitamins not likely. She said it is too late to worry about stricture (narrowing of the new stoma due to scar tissue formation) and also any blot clots or other early post-op issues. The only "problem" I've had was last week I ate some peaches too quickly...I will copy/paste my post on this from WLSIndy.com:
Posted: Mon Apr 10, 2006 9:23 pm Post subject: My battle with canned peaches/or 1st post-op "complication"
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Okay...I felt like I was literally going to die today. It was one of the scariest, physically and emotionally draining days of my life. I know it sounds dramatic but, honestly I feel like I've been beat up!!
*Be Warned the following may scare some newbies/pre-ops or new post-ops*
It sure scared the %#^$&@ outta me!
Today started out like every other recent post-op day. I made some scrambled eggs w/a sprinkle of cheese in the micro w/a side of 60 cheerios (yes I really do count them...I'm a bit anal about portion sizes) I ate my breakfast no problem..got ready for work at the Y.
The Y was crazy busy! No time to take a break and eat my lunch (I worked 12-4)
Well..by 4pm I was famished! I really haven't felt hunger like this since my surgery. I was also almost out of gas so went to Sam's and got in line. I ate 2 oz of tuna w/1 TBS of lowfat mayo and 1oz canned peaches w/splenda. I did eat kinda fast..remember I was starving!
Well..by the time it was my turn to fill my gas tank the chest pain hit. It hit me like a ton of bricks! I quickly bypassed the gas pump and pulled into the parking lot.
I prayed the feeling would pass. It didn't. It only got worse. The pressure was incredible! I felt like I was having a heart attack. I called my friend Debe who is 3 years post-op and asked her what to do. She tried to calm me down and suggested I walk a bit to see if the food would move. Well, soon after I started throwing up. It was liquid and foam. I began to panic because I couldn't get the food up. I called Debe back and asked how long this would last..she said could take up to 30 mins or so. She also suggested sipping a small amt of water. I did this only to puke it right back up. After several more episodes I called our fellow WLS Indy friend Cheryl H. I asked her what to do..it was now 40 minutes later and the food wouldn't budge. She suggested a call to Dr. Cacucci. I did this and of course it is after-hours so left a message w/the answering service.
Well..the pain only got worse. I was getting so scared. I decided I should probably go to ER. I called my husband..who was stuck in a meeting at Lilly. He left immediately but, was at least 1 hour away w/rush hour traffic. Cheryl offered to take me and arrived at Sam's very quickly.
We were heading down 96th street towards St. V's when Dr. C called me back. She explained that I needed to get some meat tenderizer and mix it in warm water. Sip on this until it dissolves the food.
I thought she was out of her everloving mind! I told her this must be something worse because by now it had been 1.5 hours!! She said that's not unusual and the pain is from spasms. I yelled at her that I didn't think I could take much more (I feel kinda bad about that now) she said I could go to ER but, they would call her and she would tell them to give me meat tenderizer!
So, Cheryl headed to Kroger...she ran in (even w/her injury! gotta love her) and I began throwing up harder now. I got out of her car, threw up a few bites of peaches then again only this time it was the whole pile of them!!
Praise the Lord! The pain was GONE. It was like turning off a switch. I quickly called Cheryl to tell her the tenderizer was no longer needed but, she was already on her way out of the store.
I was so happy. I'm sure I was quite the sight...mascara running down my cheeks..probably pale...
So, we decided to celebrate and headed to Starbuck's! I had a herbal tea (Dr. C said I should have liquids only for the next 24 hours) and treated my hero to a latte`.
Moral of the story...Heed the warnings NEVER, EVER eat your food too fast regardless of how hungry you are or how rushed you may be. It is just not worth it. Trust me this is NOT something you want to experience!
Thanks for listening. I just had to vent. I am now headed for the couch with some warm liquids to replace all that I lost today.
And I can't thank my friend Cheryl H. enough for coming to my rescue today. I really owe you one!
_________________
Lisa D. Lap RNY 1/24/2006 Dr. Cacucci
Happy St. Patrick's Day! Completed my 2nd race!
Mar 16, 2006
March 17, 2006
Sorry it's been so long since my last update. I've been busy working out and losing weight! I completed my 2nd race today..the St. Patrick's Day race. It was again held in downtown Indy. I walked w/my friend LeAnn. My goal was to improve my time from the last race. Well, I knocked almost 5 whole minutes off! I walked a 16 minute mile! Yea!!! Several WLS Indy friends joined up after the race at Starbuck's (our favorite meeting place) and visited. It was a wonderful day. I am so proud of myself!
Sorry it's been so long since my last update. I've been busy working out and losing weight! I completed my 2nd race today..the St. Patrick's Day race. It was again held in downtown Indy. I walked w/my friend LeAnn. My goal was to improve my time from the last race. Well, I knocked almost 5 whole minutes off! I walked a 16 minute mile! Yea!!! Several WLS Indy friends joined up after the race at Starbuck's (our favorite meeting place) and visited. It was a wonderful day. I am so proud of myself!
Adjusting to life after WLS..my first race, watching the scale
Feb 05, 2006
February 6, 2006
Sorry it's been a few days but, I've been so busy! It is still a challenge to get all my protein, fluids and food in but, I am doing it! Today is my first support group meeting that I will be a POST-OP!! It was so darn exciting to see everyone and stand up announcing my 23lb loss since surgery! Last month at this time I still didn't know if I was even approved! My how things can change quickly! Tonight's support group was a panel discussion w/WLS couples and individuals a few years to 4 years out. They shared personal experiences about the way bariatric surgery changed relationships with family and friends. It was GREAT! A few of my WLS Indy friends were on the panel and it was so amazing to hear their stories. Jill and Bob, Missi and Chris were eager to share their experiences. Jill and Bob both had the surgery. Bob had his several years ago before St. V's even had the bariatric unit. He had to stay on a general surgical floor. Jill had no idea what to expect or how to care for him. He was home a couple days and began having severe shoulder pain. Well, since he was in a bed w/a trapeze bar both of them assumed his shoulder was sore from using his arms to lift himself out of bed. However, when the pain got worse they went straight to ER. It was a leak! Bob spent many more days in the hospital. Happy to say he recovered completely and 2 years ago Jill had the surgery. Hers was uneventful and they are both in excellent health. Missi and Chris had some serious marital problems as a result of her surgery. Missi hadn't expected all the attention she got after losing so much weight..her and Chris had grown apart. Once they shared activities revolving around food and after surgery this all changes. Missi began exercising and subsituting food for healthy options. She became involved w/another man. When Chris found out all hell broke loose. Now, a year later, after months of marriage counseling they are very happily married. Both stories were lessons you won't find in any of those weight loss books about surgery. It was the best support group yet! And...after it was over I went straight to the "Y" and walked 2.5 miles on the treadmill w/my friend Debe. It will be 2 years this April since she's had the surgery and she is struggling to get the last 20 lbs off. She says I will inspire her..I hope so.
February 14th, 2006
Happy Valentine's Day! I'm down 26lbs today..Yea!! And I don't have any more activity restrictions. After taking Ally to get her braces off-Yea..!! We headed to the "Y". I did circuit training then 30 mins/2.11 miles on the elliptical! Wow, what a workout!
February 17th, 2006
29lbs down..Yea! Tonight Rob and I went over some fellow WLSIndy members home for cards and kareoke (sp?) Dean and Lisa have a beautiful home and were so kind to have around 24 of us over! Several people (my hubby included)played poker, 4 of us played euchre then we went downstairs and joined the rest for kareoke. What a blast! Dean has quite the set-up..he has the song lyrics on a big screen and a smaller one w/4 microphones on stands. Plus, he has a great disco ball.. Despite the fact that most of us can't carry a tune we all sang..who cares! I am going to try and list everyone that attended: Rob and I, Courtney, Leann and Chris, Dean and Lisa, Jill and Bob, April and Paul, Eric and Patti, Carmen and Butch, Lisa G and Hubby, Norma Jo, Sheila, Bridget, Missi, Lori, and another couple I didn't know. We sure had a wonderful time, can't wait for the next fun event!
February 18, 2006
30lbs gone Forever! Today I actually walked a 5k for the first time! The race was downtown Indy and appropriately called the Polar Bear Run and Walk. I chose the coldest day of this winter of course for my first race! The temps this morning were around 10 degrees w/a wind chill of -10! I had several layers on and other than my nose I wasn't a bit cold! There are a group of WLSIndy.com people who almost always attend the races and were so encouraging to me. I hitched a ride to the race w/Jill, Bob and Melody from Starbucks. We got downtown around 8am picked up our race packets and waited for others to arrive. Leann, Sue, David, Beth, Jeff, Jared, Ron, Scott, Lynette, Melinda?, Tina and I all got together for the walk. I walked alongside my dear friend Leann who kept my stride and watched over me (even though she could've walked much faster)..what a sweetie! We chatted thru the entire race and it went by so quickly. I loved walking around downtown and seeing places I've only heard about. We started at the War Memorial walked around the circle then straight by Lilly and back to the War Memorial. I finished with a time of 55:22 or 17.49 min/mile! Not bad for my first race and considering the temps! Jill, Bob, Mel, Ron, Scott, Lynette were all waiting at the finish line for me and took pictures. It was such a great feeling! My first WOW moment. We all gathered at Starbucks to warm-up and visit. I can't wait until the next race..and I will beat my time!
February 21, 2006
32 lbs gone forever! Started on the semi-soft foods too! Yea! I had a scrambled egg beater and 5 saltines for breakfast, 2oz cheese for lunch and 3 strawberries..Yummm!! I am getting ready to have dinner: 2oz pureed turkey breast and 1oz broccoli..can't wait!! Now for those who haven't had surgery this probably isn't a huge deal but, after full liquids for 4 weeks it is heavenly for me to have a bit of variety! I also began a weight lifting class at the "Y" just for women today. I want to prevent as much sagging skin as possible and develop more muscle to burn calories! It sounds like a great class!
Sorry it's been a few days but, I've been so busy! It is still a challenge to get all my protein, fluids and food in but, I am doing it! Today is my first support group meeting that I will be a POST-OP!! It was so darn exciting to see everyone and stand up announcing my 23lb loss since surgery! Last month at this time I still didn't know if I was even approved! My how things can change quickly! Tonight's support group was a panel discussion w/WLS couples and individuals a few years to 4 years out. They shared personal experiences about the way bariatric surgery changed relationships with family and friends. It was GREAT! A few of my WLS Indy friends were on the panel and it was so amazing to hear their stories. Jill and Bob, Missi and Chris were eager to share their experiences. Jill and Bob both had the surgery. Bob had his several years ago before St. V's even had the bariatric unit. He had to stay on a general surgical floor. Jill had no idea what to expect or how to care for him. He was home a couple days and began having severe shoulder pain. Well, since he was in a bed w/a trapeze bar both of them assumed his shoulder was sore from using his arms to lift himself out of bed. However, when the pain got worse they went straight to ER. It was a leak! Bob spent many more days in the hospital. Happy to say he recovered completely and 2 years ago Jill had the surgery. Hers was uneventful and they are both in excellent health. Missi and Chris had some serious marital problems as a result of her surgery. Missi hadn't expected all the attention she got after losing so much weight..her and Chris had grown apart. Once they shared activities revolving around food and after surgery this all changes. Missi began exercising and subsituting food for healthy options. She became involved w/another man. When Chris found out all hell broke loose. Now, a year later, after months of marriage counseling they are very happily married. Both stories were lessons you won't find in any of those weight loss books about surgery. It was the best support group yet! And...after it was over I went straight to the "Y" and walked 2.5 miles on the treadmill w/my friend Debe. It will be 2 years this April since she's had the surgery and she is struggling to get the last 20 lbs off. She says I will inspire her..I hope so.
February 14th, 2006
Happy Valentine's Day! I'm down 26lbs today..Yea!! And I don't have any more activity restrictions. After taking Ally to get her braces off-Yea..!! We headed to the "Y". I did circuit training then 30 mins/2.11 miles on the elliptical! Wow, what a workout!
February 17th, 2006
29lbs down..Yea! Tonight Rob and I went over some fellow WLSIndy members home for cards and kareoke (sp?) Dean and Lisa have a beautiful home and were so kind to have around 24 of us over! Several people (my hubby included)played poker, 4 of us played euchre then we went downstairs and joined the rest for kareoke. What a blast! Dean has quite the set-up..he has the song lyrics on a big screen and a smaller one w/4 microphones on stands. Plus, he has a great disco ball.. Despite the fact that most of us can't carry a tune we all sang..who cares! I am going to try and list everyone that attended: Rob and I, Courtney, Leann and Chris, Dean and Lisa, Jill and Bob, April and Paul, Eric and Patti, Carmen and Butch, Lisa G and Hubby, Norma Jo, Sheila, Bridget, Missi, Lori, and another couple I didn't know. We sure had a wonderful time, can't wait for the next fun event!
February 18, 2006
30lbs gone Forever! Today I actually walked a 5k for the first time! The race was downtown Indy and appropriately called the Polar Bear Run and Walk. I chose the coldest day of this winter of course for my first race! The temps this morning were around 10 degrees w/a wind chill of -10! I had several layers on and other than my nose I wasn't a bit cold! There are a group of WLSIndy.com people who almost always attend the races and were so encouraging to me. I hitched a ride to the race w/Jill, Bob and Melody from Starbucks. We got downtown around 8am picked up our race packets and waited for others to arrive. Leann, Sue, David, Beth, Jeff, Jared, Ron, Scott, Lynette, Melinda?, Tina and I all got together for the walk. I walked alongside my dear friend Leann who kept my stride and watched over me (even though she could've walked much faster)..what a sweetie! We chatted thru the entire race and it went by so quickly. I loved walking around downtown and seeing places I've only heard about. We started at the War Memorial walked around the circle then straight by Lilly and back to the War Memorial. I finished with a time of 55:22 or 17.49 min/mile! Not bad for my first race and considering the temps! Jill, Bob, Mel, Ron, Scott, Lynette were all waiting at the finish line for me and took pictures. It was such a great feeling! My first WOW moment. We all gathered at Starbucks to warm-up and visit. I can't wait until the next race..and I will beat my time!
February 21, 2006
32 lbs gone forever! Started on the semi-soft foods too! Yea! I had a scrambled egg beater and 5 saltines for breakfast, 2oz cheese for lunch and 3 strawberries..Yummm!! I am getting ready to have dinner: 2oz pureed turkey breast and 1oz broccoli..can't wait!! Now for those who haven't had surgery this probably isn't a huge deal but, after full liquids for 4 weeks it is heavenly for me to have a bit of variety! I also began a weight lifting class at the "Y" just for women today. I want to prevent as much sagging skin as possible and develop more muscle to burn calories! It sounds like a great class!
Early Post-op days
Jan 29, 2006
January 30, 2006
I went to see the dietician today at 2pm. I saw Jessica. She's fine but, I really love Melinda since I've been working w/her for several months pre-op. My next appt I will ask for her. I am doing pretty well eating, drinking and even getting most of my protein in. I did have an episode of serious diarrhea after drinking the fortified milk shake the dieticians recommend...4 C 1% milk + 2 C nonfat dry milk + SF Carnation instant breakfast= approx 80 Gms of protein. I think it was just too much concentrating lactose for me. I asked for other suggestions...Jessica basically told me to look on the purple sheet they gave me at pre-op class and try some of those. I then went to my appt w/my surgeon Dr. Brenda Cacucci. I saw her nurse Sue first. She told me to remove my binder & she would remove the drain. I had some liquid Lortab to take for this..she said don't bother it is very quick and there isn't even time for the med to work. I sat on the exam table, Mom sat on a bench in front of me, Sue was way over on my left side. She told me to take a deep breath. I did and she pulled the drain out very quickly. My feet went flying in the air and I couldn't breathe for a sec! The pain was incredible! I felt like she took out some intestine w/the tube. She kept urging me to take a breath..LOL I did of course but, WOW that was not fun! Sue then covered the drain site w/gauze and said the discomfort should ease quickly. I had a stinging sensation and w/in 5 mins the pain was completely gone! I mean NO PAIN AT ALL! No pulling, pinching..nothing. Once the drain came out I felt wonderful! Dr. Cacucci came in examined my tiny incisions and had to replace the gauze over the drain site because it had seeped thru. She said the drainage would stop w/in 24 hours and to leave it open to air when possible. No sutures or steri-strips..it will heal on it's own. I discussed the recent protein and diarrhea issues. She said both are very normal and that I will need to find a protein supplement I can tolerate. She said the diarrhea I had may have been from the antibiotic I was on after surgery, could've been just being a fresh post-op or possibly lactose intolerance. She suggested I keep trying the milk every so often to see if it's okay. Even if I am lactose intolerant now that can go away sooner or later. She explained that I sometimes have a dark green stool because of the bile not being totally broken down. I will see Dr. Cacucci again in 6 weeks. She gave me a pedometer and said after 3 weeks no restrictions at all! And I can drive now that I have no pain and not taking the Lortab. Well, that's great! I drove right from my appt. Mom and I did some shopping looking for protein. I went to the LoCarb Marketplace and tried some samples there. YUCK is all I can say. I think for the time being I will stick w/the Isopure and keep trying the milk to see if I can tolerate it. I feel like a NEW WOMAN! I am so excited not to have any pain. I forgot to mention I am also done with the binder & TED hose too!
January 31, 2005
My Mom left for Florida early this morning. I was so glad she felt confident I could take care of myself and my family when she left. It was such a blessing having her here too. I think it really made her more positive about my surgery having met so many friends from WLS Indy and Obesity Help too. I am simply amazed at how good I feel! No pain at all!! My drain site has stopped leaking and I can now leave it open to air. It even has started to form a small scab. I picked up Ally from school and took her to therapy this afternoon too. No problems at all! Now to really start exercising. I want to prevent as much sagging skin as possible!
I went to see the dietician today at 2pm. I saw Jessica. She's fine but, I really love Melinda since I've been working w/her for several months pre-op. My next appt I will ask for her. I am doing pretty well eating, drinking and even getting most of my protein in. I did have an episode of serious diarrhea after drinking the fortified milk shake the dieticians recommend...4 C 1% milk + 2 C nonfat dry milk + SF Carnation instant breakfast= approx 80 Gms of protein. I think it was just too much concentrating lactose for me. I asked for other suggestions...Jessica basically told me to look on the purple sheet they gave me at pre-op class and try some of those. I then went to my appt w/my surgeon Dr. Brenda Cacucci. I saw her nurse Sue first. She told me to remove my binder & she would remove the drain. I had some liquid Lortab to take for this..she said don't bother it is very quick and there isn't even time for the med to work. I sat on the exam table, Mom sat on a bench in front of me, Sue was way over on my left side. She told me to take a deep breath. I did and she pulled the drain out very quickly. My feet went flying in the air and I couldn't breathe for a sec! The pain was incredible! I felt like she took out some intestine w/the tube. She kept urging me to take a breath..LOL I did of course but, WOW that was not fun! Sue then covered the drain site w/gauze and said the discomfort should ease quickly. I had a stinging sensation and w/in 5 mins the pain was completely gone! I mean NO PAIN AT ALL! No pulling, pinching..nothing. Once the drain came out I felt wonderful! Dr. Cacucci came in examined my tiny incisions and had to replace the gauze over the drain site because it had seeped thru. She said the drainage would stop w/in 24 hours and to leave it open to air when possible. No sutures or steri-strips..it will heal on it's own. I discussed the recent protein and diarrhea issues. She said both are very normal and that I will need to find a protein supplement I can tolerate. She said the diarrhea I had may have been from the antibiotic I was on after surgery, could've been just being a fresh post-op or possibly lactose intolerance. She suggested I keep trying the milk every so often to see if it's okay. Even if I am lactose intolerant now that can go away sooner or later. She explained that I sometimes have a dark green stool because of the bile not being totally broken down. I will see Dr. Cacucci again in 6 weeks. She gave me a pedometer and said after 3 weeks no restrictions at all! And I can drive now that I have no pain and not taking the Lortab. Well, that's great! I drove right from my appt. Mom and I did some shopping looking for protein. I went to the LoCarb Marketplace and tried some samples there. YUCK is all I can say. I think for the time being I will stick w/the Isopure and keep trying the milk to see if I can tolerate it. I feel like a NEW WOMAN! I am so excited not to have any pain. I forgot to mention I am also done with the binder & TED hose too!
January 31, 2005
My Mom left for Florida early this morning. I was so glad she felt confident I could take care of myself and my family when she left. It was such a blessing having her here too. I think it really made her more positive about my surgery having met so many friends from WLS Indy and Obesity Help too. I am simply amazed at how good I feel! No pain at all!! My drain site has stopped leaking and I can now leave it open to air. It even has started to form a small scab. I picked up Ally from school and took her to therapy this afternoon too. No problems at all! Now to really start exercising. I want to prevent as much sagging skin as possible!
About Me
Fishers, IN
Location
24.8
BMI
Surgery
01/24/2006
Surgery Date
Jun 23, 2005
Member Since
