Rhino5167
Just about a month out...
Feb 09, 2009
I am just about a month out and weighted in tonight at the facility where I was doing the Optifast program. I'm down 24 lbs since surgery!! A total of 148 lbs since I started this journey to a new healthier, sexier...ok healthier Rob. Hard to believe that back in June that I would be down this amount of weight in 8 months. It goes to show that if you really put your mind to it, IT can be done. I can't begin to thank all the friends I have made on here...all the love and support has been amazing. Since leaving the hospital...I no longer need my Type 2 meds, HBP meds or had to use my Bi-Pap machine to sleep!! Just this alone has made me feel tremendous. I have been able to keep everything down so far with out a problem....I am able to get 75 oz of water in a day as well. I did try a little steak yesterday which didn't work so well...but I was smart enough to throw in the white towel and realize that I am too soon out without getting sick...Steak you may have won this round...but I'll be BACK!!! :)
I wanted to get some thoughts down as my first month comes to an end....so a yr from now when I read this I will be like oh yeah...I remember having a problem with steak back then... I am fairly new to this so if any newbs out there have a question about Optifast or how I approached certain ways of geting my protein...please feel free to contact me!!
4 comments
I wanted to get some thoughts down as my first month comes to an end....so a yr from now when I read this I will be like oh yeah...I remember having a problem with steak back then... I am fairly new to this so if any newbs out there have a question about Optifast or how I approached certain ways of geting my protein...please feel free to contact me!!
1 week away...
Jan 06, 2009
I am finally 1 week away from having RNY...I can't believe it is almost here. I started this journey back in March 2008 with going to that 3 hr orientation at Roger Williams Hospital, coming off a slipped disc in my back and having sciatica...I wasn't sure I was going to be able to sit there the whole 3 hrs. At that time I thought Lap BAnd was going to be the surgery of choice...but after leaving that meeting and with my current co-morbidities..I knew that RNY was the better choice for me. Well met with Dr G in April and she told me that I needed to lose 75-80 lbs for her to be comfortable to do Lap RNY...I was thinking are you serious, lose that amount to get WLS is there a camera on me?? I now thank her for making me lose that amount. So I knew I had to get the weight off and keep it off...I decided Optifast would get it off the quickest. I started Optifast on June 13th 2008. It wasn't easy but I knew it would work if I dedicated myself.
The hardest day I had was that Sat in Sept..the day of Jimmy Buffett concert in Mansfield. Anyone who has been knows what the parking lot is like, that day I drank three Optifast shakes and three bottles of water...toughest day I have had on that program. I kept in mind to stay on the program and I did. While getting the test done I had great sucess on Optifast..managed to lose 120 lbs in 6 months. When I met with Dr G for the second time she couldnt believe how much
I had lost and said she almost didnt recognize me from our first visit..
So I here I sit one week away from getting a tool that will help me maintain a healthy weight...this will not be a magic pill I understand that. I am hoping that with this tool I will be able to enjoy some of the food and drink that I enjoyed before, in smaller portions and in moderation of course.
A couple of things I can't wait to do or have happen.....1) fit comfortably in a sporting arena seat(those who know me know I am always going to the Pats and Bruins games)...2) fit comfortably in a airplane seat with out needing a seat belt extension....3) ride the Aerosmith rollercoaster in Fla...4) pick clothes off the rack.. 5) look up at the bottom of a Christmas tree(inside joke there) I know there are other things I want to do but these come to mind at first...
But most of all, the main reason for having WLS is just become a healthier person, pain free, and enjoy the simple things in life....
7 comments
The hardest day I had was that Sat in Sept..the day of Jimmy Buffett concert in Mansfield. Anyone who has been knows what the parking lot is like, that day I drank three Optifast shakes and three bottles of water...toughest day I have had on that program. I kept in mind to stay on the program and I did. While getting the test done I had great sucess on Optifast..managed to lose 120 lbs in 6 months. When I met with Dr G for the second time she couldnt believe how much
I had lost and said she almost didnt recognize me from our first visit..
So I here I sit one week away from getting a tool that will help me maintain a healthy weight...this will not be a magic pill I understand that. I am hoping that with this tool I will be able to enjoy some of the food and drink that I enjoyed before, in smaller portions and in moderation of course.
A couple of things I can't wait to do or have happen.....1) fit comfortably in a sporting arena seat(those who know me know I am always going to the Pats and Bruins games)...2) fit comfortably in a airplane seat with out needing a seat belt extension....3) ride the Aerosmith rollercoaster in Fla...4) pick clothes off the rack.. 5) look up at the bottom of a Christmas tree(inside joke there) I know there are other things I want to do but these come to mind at first...
But most of all, the main reason for having WLS is just become a healthier person, pain free, and enjoy the simple things in life....
10 mistakes people make post RNY....
Aug 29, 2008
I saw this listing and I thought it would be good to have as a reminder for down the road...
1st Mistake: Not Taking Vitamins, Supplements, or Minerals
Every WLS patient has specific nutritional needs depending on the type of surgery you have had. Not only is it a good idea to ask your surgeon for guidelines, but also consult with an experienced WLS nutritionist. Understand there is not a standard practice that all surgeons and nutritionists follow in guiding WLS patients. So, it is important to do your own research, get your lab tests done regularly, and learn how to read the results. Some conditions and symptoms that can occur when you are deficient in vitamins, supplements, or minerals include:
Osteoporosis; pernicious anemia; muscle spasms; high blood pressure; burning tongue; fatigue; loss of appetite; weakness; constipation and diarrhea; numbness and tingling in the hands and feet; being tired, lethargic, or dizzy; forgetfulness, and lowered immune functioning.
Keep in mind, too, that some conditions caused by not taking your vitamins, supplements, or minerals are irreversible.
2nd Mistake: Assuming You Have Been Cured of Your Obesity
A "pink cloud" or honeymoon experience is common following WLS. When you are feeling better than you have in years, and the weight is coming off easily, it's hard to imagine you will ever struggle again. But unfortunately, it is very common for WLS patients to not lose to their goal weight or to regain some of their weight back.
A small weight regain may be normal, but huge gains usually can be avoided with support, education, effort, and careful attention to living a healthy WLS lifestyle. For most WLSers, if you don't change what you've always done, you're going to keep getting what you've always gotten -- even after weight loss surgery.
3rd Mistake: Drinking with Meals
Yes, it's hard for some people to avoid drinking with meals, but the tool of not drinking with meals is a critical key to long-term success. If you drink while you eat, your food washes out of your stomach much more quickly, you can eat more, you get hungry sooner, and you are at more risk for snacking. Being too hungry is much more likely to lead to poor food choices and/or overeating.
4th Mistake: Not Eating Right
Of course everyone should eat right, but in this society eating right is a challenge. You have to make it as easy on yourself as possible. Eat all your meals--don't skip. Don't keep unhealthy food in sight where it will call to you all the time. Try to feed yourself at regular intervals so that you aren't as tempted to make a poor choice. And consider having a couple of absolutes: for example, avoid fried foods completely, avoid sugary foods, always use low-fat options, or only eat in a restaurant once a week. Choose your "absolutes" based on your trigger foods and your self knowledge about what foods and/or situations are problematic for you.
5th Mistake: Not Drinking Enough Water
Most WLS patients are at risk for dehydration. Drinking a minimum of 64 oz. of water per day will help you avoid this risk. Adequate water intake will also help you flush out your system as you lose weight and avoid kidney stones. Drinking enough water helps with your weight loss, too.
6th Mistake: Grazing
Many people who have had WLS regret that they ever started grazing, which is nibbling small amounts here and there over the course of the day. It's one thing to eat the three to five small meals you and your doctor agree you need. It's something else altogether when you start to graze, eating any number of unplanned snacks. Grazing can easily make your weight creep up. Eating enough at meal time, and eating planned snacks when necessary, will help you resist grazing. Make a plan for what you will do when you crave food, but are not truly hungry. For example, take up a hobby to keep your hands busy or call on someone in your support group for encouragement.
7th Mistake: Not Exercising Regularly
Exercise is one of the best weapons a WLS patient has to fight weight regain. Not only does exercise boost your spirits, it is a great way to keep your metabolism running strong. When you exercise, you build muscle. The more muscle you have, the more calories your body will burn, even at rest!
8th Mistake: Eating the Wrong Carbs (or Eating Too Much)
Let's face it, refined carbohydrates are addictive. If you eat refined carbohydrates they will make you crave more refined carbohydrates. There are plenty of complex carbohydrates to choose from, which have beneficial vitamins. For example, if you can handle pastas, try whole grain Kamut pasta--in moderation, of course. (Kamut pasta doesn't have the flavor some people find unpleasant in the whole wheat pastas.) Try using your complex carbohydrates as "condiments," rather than as the center point of your meal. Try sprinkling a tablespoon of brown rice on your stir-fried meat and veggies.
9th Mistake: Going Back to Drinking Soda
Drinking soda is controversial in WLS circles. Some people claim soda stretches your stomach or pouch. What we know it does is keep you from getting the hydration your body requires after WLS--because when you're drinking soda, you're not drinking water! In addition, diet soda has been connected to weight gain in the general population. The best thing you can do is find other, healthier drinks to fall in love with. They are out there.
10th Mistake: Drinking Alcohol
If you drank alcohol before surgery, you are likely to want to resume drinking alcohol following surgery. Most surgeons recommend waiting one year after surgery. And it is in your best interest to understand the consequences of drinking alcohol before you do it.
Alcohol is connected with weight regain, because alcohol has 7 calories per gram, while protein and vegetables have 4 calories per gram. Also, some people develop an addiction to alcohol after WLS, so be very cautious. Depending on your type of WLS, you may get drunker, quicker after surgery, which can cause health problems and put you in dangerous situations.
If you think you have a drinking problem, get help right away. Putting off stopping drinking doesn't make it any easier, and could make you a lot sicker.
A GOOD REMINDER!!
1st Mistake: Not Taking Vitamins, Supplements, or Minerals
Every WLS patient has specific nutritional needs depending on the type of surgery you have had. Not only is it a good idea to ask your surgeon for guidelines, but also consult with an experienced WLS nutritionist. Understand there is not a standard practice that all surgeons and nutritionists follow in guiding WLS patients. So, it is important to do your own research, get your lab tests done regularly, and learn how to read the results. Some conditions and symptoms that can occur when you are deficient in vitamins, supplements, or minerals include:
Osteoporosis; pernicious anemia; muscle spasms; high blood pressure; burning tongue; fatigue; loss of appetite; weakness; constipation and diarrhea; numbness and tingling in the hands and feet; being tired, lethargic, or dizzy; forgetfulness, and lowered immune functioning.
Keep in mind, too, that some conditions caused by not taking your vitamins, supplements, or minerals are irreversible.
2nd Mistake: Assuming You Have Been Cured of Your Obesity
A "pink cloud" or honeymoon experience is common following WLS. When you are feeling better than you have in years, and the weight is coming off easily, it's hard to imagine you will ever struggle again. But unfortunately, it is very common for WLS patients to not lose to their goal weight or to regain some of their weight back.
A small weight regain may be normal, but huge gains usually can be avoided with support, education, effort, and careful attention to living a healthy WLS lifestyle. For most WLSers, if you don't change what you've always done, you're going to keep getting what you've always gotten -- even after weight loss surgery.
3rd Mistake: Drinking with Meals
Yes, it's hard for some people to avoid drinking with meals, but the tool of not drinking with meals is a critical key to long-term success. If you drink while you eat, your food washes out of your stomach much more quickly, you can eat more, you get hungry sooner, and you are at more risk for snacking. Being too hungry is much more likely to lead to poor food choices and/or overeating.
4th Mistake: Not Eating Right
Of course everyone should eat right, but in this society eating right is a challenge. You have to make it as easy on yourself as possible. Eat all your meals--don't skip. Don't keep unhealthy food in sight where it will call to you all the time. Try to feed yourself at regular intervals so that you aren't as tempted to make a poor choice. And consider having a couple of absolutes: for example, avoid fried foods completely, avoid sugary foods, always use low-fat options, or only eat in a restaurant once a week. Choose your "absolutes" based on your trigger foods and your self knowledge about what foods and/or situations are problematic for you.
5th Mistake: Not Drinking Enough Water
Most WLS patients are at risk for dehydration. Drinking a minimum of 64 oz. of water per day will help you avoid this risk. Adequate water intake will also help you flush out your system as you lose weight and avoid kidney stones. Drinking enough water helps with your weight loss, too.
6th Mistake: Grazing
Many people who have had WLS regret that they ever started grazing, which is nibbling small amounts here and there over the course of the day. It's one thing to eat the three to five small meals you and your doctor agree you need. It's something else altogether when you start to graze, eating any number of unplanned snacks. Grazing can easily make your weight creep up. Eating enough at meal time, and eating planned snacks when necessary, will help you resist grazing. Make a plan for what you will do when you crave food, but are not truly hungry. For example, take up a hobby to keep your hands busy or call on someone in your support group for encouragement.
7th Mistake: Not Exercising Regularly
Exercise is one of the best weapons a WLS patient has to fight weight regain. Not only does exercise boost your spirits, it is a great way to keep your metabolism running strong. When you exercise, you build muscle. The more muscle you have, the more calories your body will burn, even at rest!
8th Mistake: Eating the Wrong Carbs (or Eating Too Much)
Let's face it, refined carbohydrates are addictive. If you eat refined carbohydrates they will make you crave more refined carbohydrates. There are plenty of complex carbohydrates to choose from, which have beneficial vitamins. For example, if you can handle pastas, try whole grain Kamut pasta--in moderation, of course. (Kamut pasta doesn't have the flavor some people find unpleasant in the whole wheat pastas.) Try using your complex carbohydrates as "condiments," rather than as the center point of your meal. Try sprinkling a tablespoon of brown rice on your stir-fried meat and veggies.
9th Mistake: Going Back to Drinking Soda
Drinking soda is controversial in WLS circles. Some people claim soda stretches your stomach or pouch. What we know it does is keep you from getting the hydration your body requires after WLS--because when you're drinking soda, you're not drinking water! In addition, diet soda has been connected to weight gain in the general population. The best thing you can do is find other, healthier drinks to fall in love with. They are out there.
10th Mistake: Drinking Alcohol
If you drank alcohol before surgery, you are likely to want to resume drinking alcohol following surgery. Most surgeons recommend waiting one year after surgery. And it is in your best interest to understand the consequences of drinking alcohol before you do it.
Alcohol is connected with weight regain, because alcohol has 7 calories per gram, while protein and vegetables have 4 calories per gram. Also, some people develop an addiction to alcohol after WLS, so be very cautious. Depending on your type of WLS, you may get drunker, quicker after surgery, which can cause health problems and put you in dangerous situations.
If you think you have a drinking problem, get help right away. Putting off stopping drinking doesn't make it any easier, and could make you a lot sicker.
A GOOD REMINDER!!
About Me
Cranston, RI
Location
40.7
BMI
Surgery
01/13/2009
Surgery Date
Apr 17, 2008
Member Since
