Linn D.
02/22/04 - I'm a 37 (soon to be 38) year old wife, mother, and chemist, who, like most others here, has struggled with weight all my life. I began researching WLS last summer, found a surgeon, and am just home after having a laproscopic RNY.
I really was thinking "Why did I do this?" for the first 2 days after surgery, but when I started feeling better, there was no more doubt. It's funny how we are. Of course, I wasn't sure I'd EVER feel better. I had the hiccups and was nauseous and puked for the first 2.5 days in the hospital. I finally started feeling better the evening before I hoped to go home. I got lucky, and as soon as I passed the swallow test and was able to drink some water, I did my last puking and was on the upswing. When people say it's not the easy way out, they really do mean it.
By the way, it's really important to remember: sip, sip, sip. It's also very difficult to remember sometimes. I'll get a big swig of water and have to take 3 swallows of it.
My husband is retired AF and lives 120 miles away finishing college. In some ways that makes this easier. He brought me home and took care of me, then left me to relax. When he worries about me, it makes me worry more, so it's easier to just take care of myself sometimes. We've only been married 3 years, so those things will eventually even themselves out. I did convince him that I needed him to take the scale away. I don't want to ever be chained to it again. Time to really listen to what my body is telling me.
My son is 18 and a handful, but I hope he doesn't make things too difficult in the early stages. I need to make sure I don't hurt myself, so I'm hoping he'll make himself useful.
Take care and I'll update after my first post-op visit.
02/24/04 - I was just sitting here and realized that it has been one week since I went under the knife. It's really quite amazing how well I'm doing. I have heard a lot of horror stories, but I've been doing swimmingly. I've been at work the past two days for more than half days and am able to concentrate on work. I haven't even taken any pain medicine except at night before bed for the past two days. With the exception of anaesthesia sickness, I couldn't have asked for the process to go any smoother.
I won't know what I weigh until Friday, so I'll update after the weekend. I'm looking forward to spending a little better quality time with my husband this weekend than we got last weekend. I'd much rather be feeling like this when I see him.
By the way, a little trick I learned to measure 2 oz. without a measuring cup. I use a double-jigger shot glasss! Sure made it easier to get my 2 oz. of nourishing fluid per hour.
02/25/04 - Today is my birthday. We usually have cake for birthdays at work, but my boss made me a sugar free jello mold this year. How thoughtful. It was a really nice day, and I went home from work early. Not much else to say.
03/01/04 - Had my Dr. appt Friday. He took out the staples and drain tube. Then he weighed me. I've lost 10 lbs. since surgery day. He was happy with that, and asked me what I thought about not being hungry. I said it's still weird getting used to, and he then reminded me how hard it would've been to lose that much while being hungry. He really tries very hard to make you see the good points and how this surgery helps us be successful. He did say something else very nice. He said it looks like we're going to have yet another success story. It's nice to have your doc believe in you. Of course, I knew going into this that I would do everything in my power to adhere to the rules and do what I'm supposed to do. I need this success.
I noticed this morning when I went up the stairs into work that my knees already are feeling better. The 20 total pound loss is starting to give me some of the positives that I wanted as a result of surgery.
I'm still having a little trouble 'seeing' how much I'm supposed to eat at a time. I did finally buy some disposable 4 oz. containers so I can fill them 3/4 full and have 3 oz. I did eat cottage cheese at a diner this weekend and was careful not to eat too much. I have yet to either eat something or eat too much that makes me vomit. This is a good sign. I guess I'm really cautious of that since I was so sick in the hospital.
I started using my elliptical tonight. I went the full 20 min the doc recommended. I don't want to go too long or increase the tension. I'd prefer preventing the loss of muscle to building any at this point. That's what I end up doing. I'm going to do my best just to keep cardio in decent shape and not lose too much muscle so that when I decide to start training for the half triathlon that I'm determined I'm going to do either this summer or next. It'll probably be next summer, so I can work just on the weight loss this year.
That's it for now. I won't get another weight until March 8. I have to get a physical for work.
03/08/04 - Had to get a physical for work today. I work in fire science, so I needed to get a physical before I could take a 'pack test' even though I'm only doing the light this time.
I've lost another 5 lbs. since last time I was weighed. I can tell, though, that I'm going to be one of the slow losers. It's a little depressing to see others lose so much more, but I just have to be confident that I'll do what I'm supposed to do and it will eventually come off. I know that I was a lightweight, and that we generally lose slower, but it's still a little hard to come to grips with. Well, all I can do is my best, so I'll just have to be okay with that.
Not much else, just that I've been really busy with work right now. I was involved in a study late last year, and really have to hustle to get all my data analyzed and into a spreadsheet that we can look at. Busy busy, but I really do prefer it that way. What can I say, I'm a glutton for punishment.
I have my next check-up with the surgeon April 12, so probably no news until then.
03/18/04 - Just had some disturbing news. It seems that my surgeon might lose his license. He's had 4 patients have internal bleeding and 2 of them died. They are saying it's negligence on the part of the surgeon. Don't know what's going to happen to my follow-up care if he no longer practices medicine. Maybe I'll have to see the docs here but they were unwilling to do my surgery (they were afraid I wouldn't be approved). It's just plain a bad situation. I hate those kinds of things.
On to my progress. I'm doing well, still, and have only had trouble a couple of times. I think that I do dump, but on what I'm not sure. The first time was last week after I ate tuna mixed with some Hidden Valley Lite Ranch Dressing because that's all I had at work. It might've had too many sugars in it. I got really sleepy and was feeling just awful. I even missed my afternoon class - just spaced it out and that NEVER happens. The other time was after I had a latte. I was sure I asked for sugar-free flavoring, but either got twice the amount I'm used to or it wasn't sugar free. Half an hour later I told my husband I wasn't feeling too good and he said I looked terribly pale and told me to go lay down. He said I looked bad the rest of the day even though I started to feel better after a couple of hours. However, since that day, I've not once had a problem. I've had a latte without any repercussions, but I bought some nonfat mayo and mix my tuna and chicken salad at home before I go to work.
Food. I alternate between cottage cheese and a scrambled egg for breakfast. I usually have either tuna or chicken salad for lunch with 4 Ritz crackers or leftovers from the night before (if my son doesn't finish everything first). I have a snack at about 3 which is usually some sugar free pudding (2-3 oz.) but sometimes I choose sugar free jello. Dinner is generally some sort of meat with veggies. I can eat most any meat as long as it's tender. A tough steak or pot roast won't do - in fact it hurts for a long time - but even a good pork roast does me just fine. I'm still having trouble figuring out when to stop eating meat and finish on veggies (I don't measure the meat), but it's getting better all the time.
I've lost 22# since surgery, 32# total. My BMI is now below 36 (just barely since it's 35.9) so I think I'm doing just fine in that department also. I did print out the weight loss chart I got from this site, and so far I'm pretty much right on with it. I think it was designed to be conservative, so since I know I'll be a slow loser (I'm a lightweight), I shouldn't have trouble staying close to it. The first 2 months, though, they expect about a 40# weight loss. I'm not sure I'll lose that much so soon, but as long as I can continue plugging away at it, I'll be happy. I'm following my instructions, so I'm not too worried about how things will turn out. They are already so much better than they were before surgery.
'Till next time!
04/07/04 - Just a little update. I've still been feeling well with very few problems related to surgery and eating. I've been eating a little bit of a lot of things. I still eat cottage cheese and yogurt for breakfast with an occasional egg or omelet. Most lunches are meat salad (ham, tuna, chicken) with crackers, but sometimes I have leftovers from dinner. So what's for dinner? It's usually something like stir fry, a burger patty, chicken thigh, or some fish or seafood with some veggies. I occasionally have a snack like fat free splenda sweetened ice cream, sugar free pudding, or peanut butter and crackers.
What else to tell. I've been on another plateau already (this makes 2 plateaus in less than 2 months). This one's lasted about a week already, but I've been either too busy or pre-occupied to exercise this past week. Next week will be better. I moved my son out last weekend and have an exam tomorrow, so this past week has been hectic to say the least, but next week should be better.
I have my next check-up next Monday, so I'll have another official weight next week. I can't wait to find out what it is!
04/12/04 - Had my check-up with the surgeon today. First of all the good news. I AM NOW BELOW 200#!! My official weight today was 198#, which is pretty good considering the stress I've been under coupled with not being able to exercise much.
I was told today that my meals are to be 1/2 cup each and I'm to only have 2 of them a day. I am not to drink anything with calories (including protein shakes). I may have a small snack, if I really want one, but am to try to avoid doing that. I am also to exercise 5 days/week for 2 reasons. First, to keep the metabolism moving, and second, to keep my body from eating itself up. I know this already, but there are some times it's harder to exercise than others. This is one of those times for me.
What else is there to say? I had a problem with a protein bar yesterday. Evidently even though there were only alcohol sugars in it, I still dumped slightly. For me, dumping means feeling not necessarily nauseous, but light-headed, ill, and really sleepy for about an hour or two. I've only had this happen twice so far, and I think that's more than enough. However, I'm still learning what I can and cannot take, so it may be a while before I completely figure it out.
04/26/04 - Since last week I have been having a lot of pain when I eat or drink. I called Dr.Allen and he thinks I may have developed a stricture. He put me on clear liquids for three days and some antacids followed by three days of full liquids just in case it's an ulcer. I'm also going to my PCP tomorrow to get a referral for another scope. There is no way of knowing if it's a stricture or an ulcer unless I get scoped, so I need to get one scheduled soon. There's about a 2-week wait to even get in to have a scope done, so the sooner it's scheduled, the better.
Since this is really the only problem I've had so far, I'd say I'm pretty lucky and doing quite well. I should say that I've been good about getting my exercise in 4-5 days/week. I only do 30 minutes on an elliptical with low resistance since I'm not interested in building any muscle.
My husband took some more pictures of me a couple weekends ago, and I'm going to try to get them posted here. I just need to remember to e-mail them to the volunteers.
05/04/04 - I just got back from Phoenix last night. My sister turned 40 and I flew out to see her. We had a great time, and I think she felt pretty special. That was the point anyway.
On a medical note. I had my EGD done this morning, and I was right, I had a stricture. The opening was barely the size of a pinhole! No wonder I was having trouble. Anyway, the doc dilated it and I already feel better. He did prescribe me some Carafate suspension that coats the stomach so it won't get irritated while I heal from the scope.
I'm now down to about 185. That puts me in a size 14 pants. I still wear a large or XL top, but the pant size makes me happy. I just got a new pic up, I see. It's nice to see the progression so far.
My husband graduates from college this weekend. I'm pretty excited about it since he lives so far away (120 miles) and we'll get to live together again. He wants to take some time in Dillon (where he's from) and just veg out for a while and putz around with little things that he either needs or wants to do. The house his dad built is there and is owned by all 6 kids, so he's got somewhere to stay. Besides that, a bunch of his stuff is stored there. I don't like it much because it seems I'm always the one who has to drive to him, but it won't last forever.
That's about it for now!
06/15/04 - I haven't updated in a while, so I thought I'd just say a few things.
I started a new exercise program. It is a walk-to-jog program designed so that after 12 weeks a person is capable of running a 5K. I'm going to try to find one to run in by the end of the summer.
I have noticed that I am having some serious head hunger at times, but I'm not entirely certain if it's just because I've increased the intensity of my exercising and actually need more calories or if it's something else. There are a few foods I do miss, though. There have been several times that I just wanted some toast, but breads make me sick. I'm glad my surgeon told me to have a before picture available. It sure has helped.
As far as body image goes, I still see the same person in the mirror, so it doesn't look to me like I've lost much weight. Then I look at the pictures and can see how far I've come in such a short period of time. Wow, today it's been 17 weeks! I've gone from wearing a tight size 18 to a size 12. That's the last size I have in my dresser, so I may be buying new clothes soon. I'm afraid to do that too soon, though, because I really don't want to spend a bunch of money buying clothes I'll only wear for a few months. There's already been a bunch given away!
Oh, food. I can eat most anything, but breads bother me a lot. I don't have any trouble with any meats, and really am enjoying my veggies. My snacks are usually low-carb yogurt or sugar-free pudding. I still don't drink shakes, and can't stand the taste of most protein bars. I have had small bites of cake, but that is rare. I can eat a mini bag of popcorn, but also only have that on rare occasions.
Not much else to say, but I really am enjoying my new exercise program and all the attention I seem to be getting from people. Even the guys at the gym are noticing and commenting on my progress. It sure is nice not being invisible!
07/20/04 - Well, I've been having some trouble lately with dizziness. I went to see my PCP last week and they did lying/sitting/standing blood pressures. They were nearly identical, so we doubt that I'm having any dehydration problems. Dr. seems to think it's just my body readjusting, but had some bloodwork done anyway. Don't have the results yet, but doubt that there's anything deficient.
I've been doing more running, and have had the feeling that I'm completely famished when I get to work. Even though the surgeon told me not to eat more than 3 times a day, my PCP suggested that I eat a yogurt before I even go to the gym and then eat a complex carb when I get to work. I'll then eat lunch and dinner as usual. I tried that for a couple of days last week, and it really seemed to help. I've also discovered that I can't wait any longer than 4 hours between meals, or I get that shaky gotta eat feeling again. So I guess I eat 4-5 times a day now, and am feeling quite a bit better.
The weight loss continues to be slow, as you can see, but I think I'm doing fine. People are saying that I look like I'm losing weight even though I'm not. Must be my exercise program.
I'm now at the stage where I'm supposed to jog 5 minutes, walk one. I haven't been able to do it for the whole 30 minutes yet this week. I'm going to have to add a minute walk after the 3rd rotation. I'd like to at least finish the workout all at once instead of stopping and continuing 5 minutes later. Monday I felt like I needed to pee so bad I couldn't hold it, today I felt like I needed to have a BM. I'm pretty sure that mentally it was just an excuse to stop for a few minutes. Hopefully tomorrow will go better. My legs sure feel the difference this week. This has been the most difficult progression so far.
Not much else to report. I occasionally have trouble with some foods (especially breads), but not too much anymore. I'm eating about 3/4 cup at most meals now, and am generally pretty happy with how I feel.
My 20th HS reunion is in a few weeks, so I decided I needed a little fixer-upper. I got a hair cut and nails put on. I love it! I'm feeling all girly again. I also bought a new dress online. It's a halter dress, yellow, size 12, and I hope it looks good on. I'm pretty excited about it and should get it tomorrow. Even if it's a little tight, I might be able to wear it by reunion time.
07/27/04 - I got my lab results over the weekend, and it looks like everything is just fine - within the normal range. That's good to know. The dizzy spells have lessened, so maybe the doc was right about just being my body's way of adjusting to all the change.
I also got the new dress. It's a little tight, but I might be able to wear it by next weekend. I'm really hoping it works out. It's such a cute dress!
Exercise has been much better since late last week. Must've been just working too hard. It's been doable this week. I won't be too disappointed if I can't do next week's until later in the week and then just continue with it the next week after. I really do see the improvement, so it keeps me going. Next week it's jog 7 minutes walk 1. I think it's just mentally difficult to think of jogging that long at one time. I always seem to do it, though.
I am down 3 more pounds to 167. It's slow, but still going.
08/05/04 - I've been reading a few profiles here today and thought I'd post. Some folks sure do have lots of problems that it just breaks my heart. I've had it so good in comparison to them. My 6-month check-up is in a couple weeks, and I'm looking forward to having the doc see my progress so far. I want to be able to tell him all I'm doing. I don't think he'll be happy that I'm eating 4 times a day, but it can't be helped. I need the food for the exercising.
I can fit into the dress I got, so class reuinion time should be fun. All I need to do is get some white shoes to wear with it. I'm hoping I'll be able to find something cute. I've lost a lot of weight, but I still have wide feet that are hard to find cute shoes for.
My husband is working now, but he's always so tired it seems we don't have much fun time together. Also, since he and my son don't get along very well, there's a lot of tension. I don't really like being a mediator between two people I love so much, but I don't seem to have much choice right now.
As an aside (and so you understand the tension), I kicked my son out in April. My husband was still in school, so he wasn't really involved in the decision. I got him an apartment in the town my husband is from (since we spend a lot of time there on weekends and can help him out if he needs something) and told him to get a job and work on his GED. Well, he ended up taking the tests, but some of them got lost in the shuffle, and he's going to end up taking them again. He had a job, then lost it. Got another job and lost it, too. He's got ADD and hadn't been taking his medicine. There are conflicting ideas on this, but my son is too scattered to survive in the world right now without taking something to help him keep himself straight. Well, he ended up hitch-hiking to somewhere near Portland, Oregon on a wild goose chase looking for another job. He ended up getting there, but was too late and didn't have any contact info. He ended up sleeping outside with no food to eat, and no money to get any. He was lucky enough to have someone take him in and allow him to use the phone and got him something to eat. He didn't call me, but did call someone who called me, and we got him a bus ticket back home. No stress in my life! He's a neat person, just is having a hard time thinking past the next 2 minutes. He's been working for one of his friends' dad doing some painting for the past couple of days. Hopefully he can continue doing this for the rest of the season so he can get a little money to pay off his accumulated debts from being jobless and maybe a good reference for another more permanent-type job.
There, got that off my chest. I love my people, but I threatened last week to slap the shit out of both of them and take the dog and just run away. I'd never do it, but sometimes I dream...
I'll update soon with info on my class reunion and 6-month Dr. appt.
08/27/04 - Well, the class reunion was great! I never got so many compliments in my life! Everyone was so wonderful to me, and no one had to ask me who I was. There were people I didn't recognize until they either began to speak or told me their names, but they all knew who I was. It was cool. I was also told on Saturday that I was the talk of Friday evening (our first get-together) between how good I looked and what I've accomplished in school/career. That was also nice to hear. I don't think my husban realized that I was as well thought of in my home town as I was. He knows now. I really was a big fish in a little pond.
I picked up golf clubs for the first time in my life. That was fun. I finally hit a decent shot on the 9th hole, and think I might actually want to learn to play one of these days.
I was able to fit into the new dress, and made sure I wore it. I got more compliments. I love it! It's been so long since I've been given that kind of attention. I know my hubby loves me and thinks I'm beautiful, but sometimes you just need to hear it from someone other than those who love you.
I ran away from home last week to visit my sister and my folks. It was fun, and I really needed to get away. On another good note, I fit into size 10 Levi's jeans! I nearly cried and couldn't believe it was actually me in the mirror! What a great feeling. I'm still bigger on top, but it's the pants size that I like to see going down. I am mostly in size M tops now, as well. It's time to go back through my clothes and give them all away again.
On to the 6-month check-up. I did that on Wednesday. Even though the scale there said 162, I started my cycle yeaterday and between the water weight and not having a BM for a couple days, I'm down another 4# since then. I'll count it as 158. My BMI keeps moving down, and I'm getting pretty close to being in the normal range. I like that.
The doctor reminded me of a few things when I was there, that I must have needed to hear, because I felt so wonderful when I left his office. He told me that the way I look right now, you'd never know that I ever had a weight problem. What a nice thing to say. He was very happy with my progress and also that I am running. He also said that if I didn't lose one more pound I've done just great, but if I want to, I can lose to as much as I see fit. He thinks a goal of about 140 would be great, but I should set the first goal at 130 if 140 is where I want to stay. As long as I keep running and stay active, though, he thinks it's not unreasonable for me to make it down to 130 and stay there. He also said that people will say I'm losing too much, but to not listen to them. Just listen to my own body and do what I want. He also reminded me to look back on my life and remember what it was like before surgery. He didn't think that I truly needed to look at the before pictures to keep me going since I was doing so well, but if I should start to stumble, I might want to remind myself of where I was before I started. One other thing he reminded me of is that what I choose to put in my mouth is a decision that I make, and that I no longer have this uncontrollable urge to eat. I had almost forgotten how it felt to be hungry all the time and feel like I never had enough to eat. What a wonderful change. I am still so happy I had surgery, and am truly enjoying all my life has in store for me!
09/14/04 - A new wrinkle developed in my health. Yesterday I went home from work in a HUGE amount of pain. I finally called my surgeon and he suspects gallstones. I'm not real happy about that, but there's not much I can do about it. I have an ultrasound scheduled for next Monday and a HIDA scan, so I'll know for sure then. I'm not optimistic that it won't be gallstones, but it'll be better to know for sure. I know that rapid weight loss often brings on acute gallstone attacks, but it never occurred to me that I would have that problem. Looking into family history, however, my grandmother ended up needing her gall bladder out after having a rapid weight loss. The attack sure was bad, though, and don't ever want to have another one that severe.
As you'll see from my profile above, I've lost 4 more pounds. I'm now only 9# from being in the normal BMI range, 13# from the century club, and 24# from goal. I wasn't sure I'd ever make it to goal, but I'm starting to be more convinced that I can.
I keep running and try to get 5 miles a day. Most days I make it, some days I don't. It all depends on how I feel. I did need to get new running shoes, and my feet and legs sure feel the benefit of it already. Now if I could just get my nipples to not hurt. I've been having trouble with this since I started running more, and I don't see it getting any better as I continue to lose weight. The 'girls' keep getting more and more deflated, so they move more and more with activity. That's the only PS that I think I'll really need, but I'm beginning to think that I might want to have a tummy tuck as well. The loose skin sure jiggles a lot when I run and it feels funny.
Hubby started a new job yesterday, and it's actually in the field he has training for! He likes it so far, and also likes the folks he's been working with. Big plus in his life, which of course spills over into mine. He sure was good to me last night when I was in so much pain and feeling awful all around. I need taking care of sometimes too, and sure enjoy it when he does it so lovingly. We've had our problems, but whether or not we loved each other was never a concern. I like it when he is able to show that he cares, not just saying so.
I have new pictures to post, and they should be up soon. I'm wearing size 10 Levi's and a size medium sweater.
10/07/04 - Well, I ended up needing to get my gall bladder out. that surgery was on Tuesday and I think I'm doing okay. Going to try to go back to work tomorrow. I'm still sore and swollen, though. What I find strange is that I was more nervous for this surgery than I was for the RNY. It worked out okay, though. I had a good anesthesiologist who did everything she could to make sure I didn't get sick. I'm having a little nausea still, but I feel much better than I did after the RNY. I have added a few more scars to my abdomen, though.
On a brighter note, I entered a 10K race on 10/02/04. I had 2 goals for the race: jog the whole way (not need to walk) and finish in less than an hour. I was vey excited since I ACHIEVED BOTH GOALS! I ended up finishing in 58 minutes 23 seconds for 19th in my age category and 76th overall. Now that it's over, I can think of ways that I could do better the next time around. I am also going to start swimming soon to get ready for a triathlon next summer. I'm a horrible swimmer now, so I'm afraid it's going to take quite a bit of work to get ready.
So, it looks like I've had 2 complications of WLS. The first was a stricture, the second was gall bladder problems. At this point in time I still think it's been worth it. I'm much more fit and healthy than I was before, and I can't be happier about that. My relationship with my husband is still good, and I'm finding how supportive and concerned he truly is (not very good at expressing himself). My life today is what I have wanted for it to be for so long. I'm still in disbelief. I have always been competitive and athletic. Finally being able to do these things again is a feeling I just can't explain. I love being able to do these things and can't wait to see what more the future brings.
10/13/04 - I had my post-op yesterday from gall bladder surgery and told the doc that I had some serious pain at times and asked if it was from the CO2 they fill you up with to do lap surgery. He said it wasn't normal and that I should be scoped. I should have been feeling much better than I am, so he thinks I've either got another stricture or possible an ulcer. I'll be scheduled for my scope next week, so we'll see what's happening and I'll update again then.
On the up side, I'm down another 4# this month and getting closer and closer to having a 'normal' BMI.
12/16/04 - I just realized it's been nearly 2 months since I've updated! What is there new to say?
The scope showed some ulcerated areas around the stoma. I was given carafate again and it helped. I'm once again feeling very good.
I'm planning another visit to Arizona in January and decided to see if there were any races going on the weekend I'm planning on being there. What I found was... the Rock 'N Roll Marathon. There is also a half marathon that I'm going to enter. It costs $75 so I need to wait until after Christmas to sign up, but I've already told my friends and family, so I'm committed (maybe I should be committed)! I found a training schedule online, so I've been working with that. I'm hopeful that I can run the whole way. That's really my only goal for this one. We'll see. I'm pretty scared about it.
Classes are finally done for the semester, so I'll be glad to leave some stress behind for a while and just enjoy running and spending some more quality time with hubby. I get pretty crabby when I'm so busy and we don't really get to spend much time together.
I'm pretty busy just living these days. I never have to think about what I'm eating or concentrate on chewing enough. It's all pretty well ingrained in me by now. I do occasionally have a cookie or two, and I eat chips sometimes, but my diet is pretty good. I don't know how many calories I eat a day since I'm not good at counting, but I'm still losing sizes. Tonight I'm going shopping for a couple new pairs of jeans - size 6. Hard to believe that I weigh as much as I do and still only wear a 6, but I do have muscular legs. In fact I have to buy the stretch jeans just so my legs will go in them!
I'm really nervous about whether or not I can do the race next month. I did find a good training schedule that I'm going to follow and we'll see how it goes!
I guess that's about it for now.
01/25/05 - Just thought I'd add another little note. I had a wonderful time in Arizona with my folks and sister. I did my half marathon and finished in 2hr 23 min and in the top 39th percentile of all finishers. I would have liked to be faster, but I'm going to start working on my speed next.
I started doing some strength training last week. I knew I was weak, but I didn't realize just how weak I was until I was fighting with the snomobile to make it turn! It won a lot of the time.
One thing I did notice during our most recent snowmobile outings is how much easier it is for me to move this year than it was at this time last year. I could easily move from side to side on the sled so I only got bucked off it once. Even though this was something I did and enjoyed while I was so heavy, it is so much more enjoyable now. A friend of my husband's who we go with a lot would have never taken us (because of me) to some of the back country we've visited this year. I am truly appreciative of the life I've been given back.
I made a phone call to my insurance company this afternoon, and certain plastics are covered post gastric bypass, so I'm going to start looking into it. It does have to be deemed medically necessary, but I don't think I'll have much trouble. I get sores under my breasts when I run, so I would like to have a breast reduction. I'm not sure if they'll go for an abdominoplasty since I don't have much hangy skin there, but it hurts me when I run, so I think I'll try for it anyway. I might get a good surgeon who is good with the lingo. I'm not sure if I want to wait or have it done sooner. I'd like to do a triathlon this summer and want to be healed and training by then. Otherwise, I think I'll have to wait until Fall and I'm not sure I want to wait that long. We'll just have to see.
I guess that's it for now.
02/28/05 - Well, it's been over a year now, and I've had my yearly follow-up. What is there new to say?
During my follow-up the doc seemed a little upset that I'm still as heavy as I am until I told him how much exercise I get. Then he seemed more pleased. I had blood drawn, and was told that everything is in the normal range. Good to know.
I'm still running and eating about 5 times a day. 3 pouch-filling meals and 2 smaller snacks. I was told that as long as I'm running and exercising like I do that the amount I eat is necessary. If, however, I quit doing that I need to cut back to just 2 meals a day. Makes sense. I'll try to remember that if I ever get tired of exercising. I don't see that happening any time soon, though, because of how I feel physically after I've finished a hard run and mentally because I can do it.
I'm planning another 10K race next month. I'd like to do it under 50 minutes this time. I do need to start getting in the pool, though, if I'm going to do a triathlon. It's just so hard to make myself do since I'm so bad at it! Imagine that. A pisces who is a bad swimmer!
I've decided that my body fat analyzer scale is fine because it is now telling me things I want to hear. I got on it this weekend and was pleasantly surprised when it told me (it has such a sexy voice) that my body fat was 23%. Well inside the normal range even though my BMI is 25.6 and slightly above normal. I'd been wondering since my weight has stayed about the same if I was still losing fat. I guess I am. When I bought the blasted thing it told my my body fat was between 30 and 33%. I didn't like that at all because I really didn't believe it. Looking at my body, I do see the differences between now and then. I have a lot better muscle definition in both my arms and legs. I haven't measured my waist lately, but I doubt that has changed any. I will always be big-waisted. I could probably go down another size if it weren't for my big legs and waist. I probably shouldn't worry about it though. I intend to keep exercising, and I've learned good eating habits, so there's no reason to expect that I won't continue to lose fat. I know I go through short periods when I don't eat as well (eat more junk) but I don't feel as good and those times don't last long.
My husband still doesn't ever say much about my size, but he does think I'm getting pretty skinny. He's still a little afraid that I'll get too small and be unhealthy, but he does see that I am aware of what my body is doing and that I try to do right by it.
I do have a plastic surgery consult June 13 that I intend to keep. Although it would be wonderful to have a flat and tight tummy, I don't think insurance will cover a tummy tuck. Besides that, the boobs are bothering me much more. That's what I'd really like to have fixed. I was always top heavy and would like to be more normal. I'd really like my husband to not have to chase them around when we have sex. That really bothers me even though it doesn't bother him at all. Of course I had the RNY for my own self, and will have plastics for my own self as well.
Not too much else I can think of. I'm just busy living life and enjoying being more able to recreate and exercise easily. It is truly amazing how much better I feel. I still have issues with eating occasionally, but I'm working on it. I need to find a happy medium between my exercise plan and my diet. I don't think I'm doing it quite right because I get really sleepy after I eat my morning meal.
I do hope my profile is helpful to anyone reading it. Please just be aware that this is a learning process for all of us - even this far out.
06/02/05 - At nearly 16 months out, there really isn't anything new to say. Since my last update I've run 2 more races and my times are improving quite a bit. I'm still not competitive in my age category, but I'm not in it to win. All I want to do is see steady improvements. I did my best 10K race at 52:55 in April which made me very happy.
We're buying a house and should close on Monday. I have so much work to do, but I am so happy at how much easier it is for me to do everything than it was just a little over a year ago.
I still occasionally eat too much sugar and pay for it afterwards, but those times are rare. I listen to my body when it says I'm done and won't even try to eat that one last bite anymore. Some things just come with time. I can't remember the last time I ate too much and had to vomit.
I have very little knee pain anymore - even after a long run. I can't begin to tell you all how much that means to me. The only down side to being much smaller is that I am also much less strong. Sometimes that bothers me, but there are very few times I need it!
I still exercise very regularly. The last support group meeting I went to, the speaker talked about long-term success. The one thing in common with the people who were having problems was the lack of a good exercise program. I find that I need it as much for my mental well-being as I do for my body. It's the one thing I do for myself and no one else. Those kinds of things are very liberating and sooooo good for the inner self.
If I had one piece of advice to give to people, that would be to make sure you take care of yourself and your needs first before worrying about others. You can't take care of anyone else unless you are truly taking care of yourself.
