Melonie P.
Been awhile
May 11, 2007
So I had my 6 month checkup and all is well with my bloodwork (Yay!) - even my protein level is good (I have always benn low there even before wls). My weightloss is sloooowwwww (nothing lost for 2 months). I know it is because I find I can eat anything I want (and I have eaten some non-plan thin gs) and I don't always measure my meals. I also eat too many meals a day - so says my surgeon. He says I should get myself to 3 meals a day now, no snacks, and no supplements recommended. I know I need to work on my lifestyle things. It is difficult though - I seem to get a bit light-headed every 2-3 hrs and want something to stop the empty feeling I seem to have in my pouch. I am trying to get protein in first, then vegs and some carbs. I try to work the plan. My insurance will not cover the weightloss center aftercare and I can't afford to pay it outright monthly myself - so I am going to support group, researching and trying to keep on a plan - it is difficult, but that is how I got to 318 in the first place. The good news is that I just lost 4 more pounds last week after losing none for 2 months--- YAY! Maybe I am getting back on plan and will be losing again. 29 weeks and 61 lbs lost - slow indeed......this is Not easy!
Coming up to 6 months
Apr 04, 2007
I will soon be 6 months out - and I am doing fine. Losing my hair now, but I know this is normal, so it is not stressing me out - my hair is fine and thick so I still have good coverage overall. I have not lost any more pounds in the last month, but the inches are dropping. I have been cheating some, since I have no problems with any foods - it is difficult to control myself with Easter candy at the office, and some birthdays with chocolate cake - but I think "that is what got me where I was and I was soooo miserable". My loss to date is noticeable and I feel so much better these days - more energy, moving better, no more aching knees and ankles. I need to get back to the plan (protein, water, no bad carbs or sugar at all) and use this tool. I have been lucky to find some great clearance buys in clothing - smaller sizes (YAY) and getting back into some clothing I had put away when it got too small (a BIG YAY!). Overall, no regrets on doing this!
Working on it
Jan 28, 2007
I am 14 wks out now and feeling wonderful! I am glad that I had the surgery. I can eat anything without any issue, just less (some days more, it varies I find) but overall I am eating protein first and getting my water in (eating healthier) and taking in smaller portions, which was my reason for my surgery (I have always eaten healthy but too much). The weight is beginning to come off again after stalling a bit, so I am happy. I am not concerned with the rate of loss as long as the scale continues downward. My goal is to be close to my goal of 150 pounds by the end of the year - that is still about 100 lbs to go - will be interesting to see how I do. I feel so much better already, physically and mentally. I smile more. I still need to get in more walking and exercise.......that is tough for me to schedule since I work all day (7.5 hrs) and commute 50 min. to work each way - combined with the tasks of running things at home too, 4 pets and my hubby, there isn't alot of time for me -- but this weightloss is for me and my challenge now is more exercise. Working on it!
3 Month Checkup!
Jan 18, 2007
Had my 3 month followup with my surgeon today - my first bloodwork analysis. All is well except that my protein level is a bit low (more meats, cheeses, poultry, seafood, etc.) and my zinc is a bit too high (so I will be cutting back). Dr. Monk says walking each day is fine for exercise, eat 3 regular food meals and no snacking now going forward. He also says to not rely on protein bars or supplements but focus on "real" foods. That will be difficult for me. I have been doing small protein-heavy foods, with supplements, about every 3 hours or so for the first 3 months (per his instruction). He also says I should find something to have fun with (as a substitute for what food used to be). He says pottery, reading, artwork, whatever. That is my assignment for the next 3 months until I see him again. I am doing ok overall, my weight coming off slowly, healing well, I am on track and ok. Just need to work on the protein, walk, adjust my zinc supplement (b12, calcium, iron, folate, etc all fine) and develop a fun activity to replace food. I believe I can do this!
Getting through the holidays
Dec 27, 2006
I am getting through the holidays but not being good in sticking to my food plan. As a result, my weightloss is slow. I am "lucky" in that I am able to eat regular foods now and nothing bothers me (causes pain or dumping) but that also makes each day during the holidays a struggle for me. I am eating smaller portions but grabbing sugars (esp. chocolate) and carbs (Christmas cookies). I have to buckle down now and get in control again.....I am feeling well, energized, I am down one size and 40 pounds at just over 9 weeks postop, but I should be doing more to control what I eat. I know what I should be doing....but I am being "bad" right now. The holidays have so many temptations.....
It's my birthday!
Dec 11, 2006
I haven't posted for awhile - probably because all is going well in terms of how I am feeling now that I am 7 wks post op. Today is my 49th birthday. I have not lost any weight in the past 2 wks but I am feeling fine. I feel lucky because I seem to be able to eat anything now (as of 5 wks out) with no dumping or anything, no stomach issues really. It scares me a bit because I must really choose my food - and I admit to testing myself on a couple pieces of Dove chocolate which was no problem........It reminds me that this is doing what I wanted in restricting how much I can eat but still requires that I be consciuos and choosy on what I eat. Today is my birthday - my goal is to be at about 180 pounds or less by my 50th birthday next year. I am very hopeful that I will soon be losing again - must walk more, and get on a regular exercise routine now.
Back to Work and my regular routine!
Nov 21, 2006
I went back to work this week (4 wks after my open RNY) and all is well. No problems with fatigue, eating, etc. I am happy to be back to my job and my normal routine. I will be able to enjoy Thanksgiving tomorrow, being on regular food now, just have to limit my intake of course. I see a difference in my clothes, getting looser.....and my coworkers say they can see a difference in my face too now that I am back. My incision had to be reopened a bit to drain and is healing - I consider that to be a minor thing. All-in-all I am feeling well and know this is a good decision for me to help me be healthier as I approach 50. I will be 49 in a couple weeks and expect to be in good shape by next year. I hope my good fortune continues, time will tell, but for now I am happier than I have been for awhile, since I started this journey just over a year ago when I began to look to gastric bypass.
Going back to work!
Nov 14, 2006
Had my followup yesterday - almost 4 wks post op and I have lost 28 lbs! I can see the difference in the way my clothes fit. I am having a problem with my incision healing on one end - not causing much pain or any fever but Dr. Monk had to open it to get some fluid out and I go back tomorrow for a wound check - but I am confident it will heal. I am on regular food now (no food problems with intolerances or anything), taking my vitamins, getting to walking more, and my energy is good. I am driving again, and cleared to go back to work next Monday (yay!). It will be nice to get back to my regular routine - I am getting bored at home.
staples away!
Oct 31, 2006
My staples were removed yesterday and steri-strips put on for the next week - so much more comfortable! Dr. Monk says I am healing well - may be able to drive again in another week - if I can turn the steering wheel ok and step on the clutch and brakes....hopefully! My energy is increasing. Still having some heartburn now & then if I eat a bit too much or too fast -- still working on that. I have lost 11 pounds in 11 days! No vomiting, except one eve when I took meds (oh well).
Dr. says I can return to work whenever I feel ready (- maybe around Thanksgiving??? we shall see....) Work says don't push it and be sure I feel well enough to return - it's slow at my office at this time of year so that is good. All-in-all I am feeling ok - working on my puree diet and adding some soft foods now. Coming along well. :)
Dr. says I can return to work whenever I feel ready (- maybe around Thanksgiving??? we shall see....) Work says don't push it and be sure I feel well enough to return - it's slow at my office at this time of year so that is good. All-in-all I am feeling ok - working on my puree diet and adding some soft foods now. Coming along well. :)
Home Again
Oct 22, 2006
I am home again! My open surgery is over and all seems to have gone well for me. I have a 6" curvy scar across my abdomen, stitched and stapled - not too sore. I did crushed ice for a day and today had some spoonfuls of cream soup, applesauce, sf gelatin and runny vanilla pudding with no prob (at my surgeon's suggestion). I will be on clear fluids for a couple days then told to go to full liquids and puree/soft. Taking this slowly, so far I am pleased. Hopefully, this continues for me. Thanks to those of you who sent me well wishes and put me in their prayers!
About Me
York, PA
Location
42.4
BMI
Surgery
10/20/2006
Surgery Date
Oct 17, 2006
Member Since
