Update at 46 months Post-Op RNY

Mar 14, 2018

This update is long overdue. I have updated my initial post of bullet points of my process. Please take a look :)

Things I have learned:

  • Life is significantly better on the other side of RNY
  • Yes, almost 4 years later, I still see negative people wishing me failure. <I'll just stick my tongue out here>
  • I wear my FitBit Charge 2 religiously, but never obsess about my weight anymore.
  • I do not procrastinate the way I did pre-op
  • I walk well, with the exception my 2009 spine injury limits me to (I was in a wheelchair 6 months pre-op. Sold the wheelchair not long after RNY.)
  • I rarely turn down a chance to go anywhere and do anything
  • I have experienced things in my new life (post-op RNY) that I never imagined in my wildest dreams. For example, endless amusement parks rides, long walks along beaches, any free or low-cost event I have seen come across any area we are in, talking to complete strangers while smiling (I am a major introvert, so this is huge for me), etc
  • I have learned to never beat myself up. I keep in mind I am not where I once was and I am here today. I do not focus on numbers. I do not stress with feelings of failure everytime I eat something I shouldn't, although I am mindful of every plate put in front of me.
  • Dumping Syndrome is not something to ever take lightly, but I am extremely blessed to suffer from Dumping Syndrome, as I am an admitted sweets addict.
  • I have learned that therapy is beneficial to getting to the root of the problem and then searching to find methods to deal with those past issues.
  • I have learned I am not perfect. I am worth living for though.
  • I have learned I am capable of being loved and loving
  • I have learned that I am stronger than I think I am
  • My 2018 resolution was to permanently delete my Facebook. My husband and I both did that on January 2 and today I am still sure I made the right decision. There are too many false stories, too much hating, too much gossip, too many exaggerated stories of perfect lives, too much bad news circulating, etc that caused inner pain and sleepless nights, whether you realize it or not. We shut it down and went back to real life communication. I call, I visit, and I talk to anyone who wants to talk. The relief and weight off of me once I took that page down was incredible! I even received a good old fashioned letter in the mail from an old friend explaining she missed my posts. I LOVE letters and cards and surprise mail. So much of that has gone by the wayside. I want that back!

I will stop here before someone has a barf-fest reading about my happiness since surgery. It is all truth though. Yes, I have had my share of medical issues, only one of which I could possibly but partially blame on bariatric surgery. I was taught pre-RNY not to drink coffee post-op because it adds to the risk of experiencing gastric ulcers. I did not drink coffee before RNY, but after RNY I started drinking coffee. Not normally drinking it. I was drinking a lot! I had ulcer after ulcer for a year or two until I learned that lesson. (Protonix and Carafate were my new found friend. UGH) I was not drinking it for the coffee taste though. I was drinking it because it was sweet once I added 2 Splenda packets to each 12 oz. cup of deliciousness. YES, I am still a sweets addict. Every sweet I eat or drink contains Splenda though. Dumping Syndrome is no joke. It is extremely painful, disgusting, and can be a horrible embarrassing inconvenience when it happens outside of my own home where I am free to lay across the cold bathroom floor in my underwear in between puking, pooping, severe sweating, and severe freezing for dear life! I would do anything for someone to reprogram that sweets urge/addiction from my pea brain though. I loathe that weak part of my mind. My brain gnaws at me endlessly for anything sweet. Well, in the past year I have cut down significantly on coffee and have not suffered a gastric ulcer since. Thank the Lord! 

I am happy beyond my dreams. I am not rich. My  body is not without flaws. I have not had any plastic surgery at all. I accept who I am, what I look like, and what I have become. That alone was eye-opening. I am as upbeat as possible, although depression, anxieties, etc remain and I do have those dark days, but in December I began with a new therapist. He is teaching me new methods of dealing with that which has haunted me throughout my life, as it runs deep in my bloodline. If you haven't tried therapy or have come across one or 20 therapists that do not work for you, pick yourself up and give it another try. Settle with the therapist who promises complete honesty, whether you want to hear it or not. If you don't agree with him or her, he or she is probably the exact therapist you need to break through your thick skull. I say that from experience. Oh have I had some doozies over the years!!

  • I am grateful to get out of bed in the morning next to a (2nd and last husband!) who not only supports me, only cooks healthy food, and encourages me to be active.
  • I am grateful to not have that sleep apnea weighing me down.
  • I am grateful to never have cholestrol issues post-RNY.
  • I am grateful to be able to sit behind the wheel of a car and to feel the locking of the seatbelt when someone slams on their brakes because I am SO MUCH LIGHTER than pre-RNY!
  • I am grateful to those scratch and dent stores where I find the essential post-RNY vitamins on a discount rack for like 99 cents, when I am lucky. (I religiously take each and every vitamin I was instructed to take during my Pre-RNY education at the bariatric center.)
  • I am grateful I don't have to turn anyone down for an adventure because I am afraid of how bad I will feel, how poorly those size 32 clothes looked with my triple wide sneakers, and because I don't feel as if anyone is staring at me for weight reasons any longer.
  • I am grateful to not hear whispers or giggles in a grocery store because at 383 lbs they judged me. I recently had to use a cart in a BJs after another major surgery (not weight related at all!). I felt so odd and remembered how ignorant people are as they rushed by me as if my mobile cart is going to slow them down! I had to stop and smile. I have a picture of my first trip to the grocery store the day of my first pre-op required dietician appt. I looked horrible. I felt horrible. I also had an excitement and feeling of hope inside of me. I am so glad my ex took that picture for me. How quickly we forget where we came from. Sometimes it is helpful to look back on those pictures and at any personal blogs!
  • I ALWAYS remember my life personal motto to never look down on anyone, no matter their size, color, disability, clothing, hair choice, excess skin, perfect or imperfect body type, sexual preference, etc because I have kept the best part of me-my common sense! I do not like jokes or gifs or anything else mocking an overweight or underweight person and I will be the first person to walk away from anyone doing those things. It isn't funny no matter what size you look at it from. We are who we are and to heck with anyone who attempts to belittle anyone for any reason. <end rant>

Okay, I will quit here. I have to be up early for an ultrasound for an orange-size ovary invader. LOL

 

Love yourself first and all of the rest will fall into place! The goal is to find peace in your life!! That is where I am today. <3

 

1 comment

My brother/My Inspiration

Apr 18, 2017

My brother/My Inspiration

 

My big brother Dan was piizzadude. He played a huge role in my life and my own decision to have RNY on 05/23/2014. Sadly, on April 5, 2017, his life was tragically taken by way of traffic accident. Pedestrian (Dan) vs. Truck. I am grateful for the living Dan experienced post-RNY and would like to thank Dr. Currie for having given him that new lease on life. We are a family of four siblings, all of which have had RNY, with Dan having gone first. So, by Dr. Currie giving Dan that new lease on life, other lives were rejuventated and I appreciate that. Sending love, hugs, and prayers to my brother Dan up above and many thanks to all who supported him along his journey.

2 comments

RNY: 32 Months Post-Op

Aug 23, 2015

Feb 17, 2017

I am 32 months post-op RNY now. I'm doing just fine. I take my vitamins religiously. I set reminders on my cell phone for every two hours so they are spaced perfectly apart. My levels are always spot on when I get my bloodwork done. Living in Florida for two years, I have not been able to find a bariatric doctor to take me on as a patient for annual follow-ups. Health care in Florida lacks on many levels, which is one reason why I am leaving Florida very shortly. The doctors I have come across here know nothing about bariatrics and do not seem to care to listen or learn. I need my regular dietician and I need those annual follow-ups. I like accountability and I will be the first to admit I need accountability.

Life is great though. I recently added a Fitbit Charge 2 and an Aria Fitbit Scale into my life, as did my very supportive husband. I had a Samsung Gear 2 that didn't last. The battery wouldn't make it through a day without needing to be put on the charger. Then it got to the point where the Gear wouldn't charge at all. I gave up on it. I came across the Fitbit Charge 2 and read the raving reviews. I am so thrilled with this Charge! It has stayed charged for over a week with no need to recharge. I love it! It does everything I needed it to do. I stand on that scale first thing in the morning. The scale sends the information to my Fitbit account, as well as to my MyFitnessPal account so I cannot forget to record my ups and downs. This is the best thing I have done as far as accountability goes.

At this point, I can tell you the mental struggle is still inside me. That will never go away and I can honestly compare it to the addiction of alcoholism or drug addiction. I do believe there should be at least five years of good solid counseling after any weight loss surgery. If you think you don't need it, you are sincerely kidding yourself. The changes you encounter on this life-changing journey are a lot to digest. You have to have someone to talk to about it who can work you through what it takes to move past what made you overweight to begin with. I am about to obtain a new insurance and I am told counseling will be 100% covered, so I will be taking full advantage of that even at 32-months post-op.

I cannot stress the importance of having a strong support system when going through of all these changes. There will be tons of nay-sayers out there just dying to see you fail and they will tell you stories of failure all day long, which will sit in the back of your mind and stew. You do your best to turn those words around and you remind yourself that you are worth it. You remind yourself that you are not everyone else and remind yourself with a picture or a blog or whatever that you are well-worth all of this.

Having weight loss surgery does not have to mean a lifetime of depriving yourself. It means you have to learn to love where your life is going. You have to find the things that make you happy and concentrate on them. The people who come in and out of your life like bad weather...they have their own issues and you have to remind yourself that those issues are not your own. 

I have been through everything and I see now what I need and what I don't need. All I need in my life is positivity and to live a constant, steady life. Life is too short and with a strong family history of cancer, I live everyday reminding myself that there is this strong possibility that could very well take me out. I know that sounds morbid but that is exactly what is in my head.

Anyway, life is great and it is getting better. I have not regretted my decision to have roux-en-y for a second. I am SOOOOOOOOOOOO appreciative and thankful to God for this second chance at living. I am not beyond faltering on this journey, but every day I get up and start again by reminding myself that it is a new day. 

God bless!

0 comments

Life is Worth Living Again

Jul 12, 2015

It's been almost 14 months since I had roux-en-y gastric bypass. My life has changed dramatically. I am living life, walking and enjoying being active, smiling, remarried to a supportive man, and relocated to the state of Florida. It is amazing how my entire attitude and will to live has improved. Every day is an adventure now. The last phase of my changes include getting back in to the work force. I have only lived here two weeks and it does not look like there are a lot of options for someone who has been out of work for 11 years but I will continue to search. I'm sure there is a place for me out here somewhere.

 

Stats on weight loss since surgery:

Surgery Date: May 23, 2014

Amount lost per month:

Month 1:  -25.6
Month 2:  -22.2
Month 3:  -11.5
Month 4:  -16.7
Month 5:  -8.4
Month 6:  -16.8
Month 7:  -10.6
Month 8:  -9.8
Month 9:  -12.2  (My highest BMI was 70. It is now 36.5)

Month 10: -8

Month 11: -5.2

Month 12: -6.14 (weight is 176 so in a year that is a total loss of 207 lbs from my highest weight of 383 lbs)

Month 13: -.06

To be honest, I have not been getting all 80 grams of protein in per day. I am very sleepy on a constant basis because of this. I blame this lack of compliance on stress. I've been through huge life changes and it did not help my weight loss at all. I am grateful I have not gained weight though. Honestly, I am very comfortable at my current weight of 173.8, although it is not my goal weight. I am wearing bikinis and am very proud of that. Yes, I have excess skin but I also have the attitude that this is my life and what other people think about my body is not important. When 2014 began, I was in a wheelchair. I am feeling completely helpless and lost. I no longer feel that way. I no longer need walking assistance of any kind. The extra skin is something I will always have to live with. I am not a wealthy person and do not want to put myself into debt trying to be someone I am not. I figure if I had skin removal surgery, I would have scars and imperfections anyway. What is the difference really? I will never be a super model but I am a much healthier, happier person for having had this surgery. The only regret I have is not having had this surgery sooner. God is good though and here I am. I just turned 42 years old. I feel like I am 21, although I stay grounded and real about my experience. I will tell anyone and everyone about my surgery because I have nothing to hide. If I can help one person take this huge step towards living then that is what I will do.

I do wish insurance companies supported counseling services for eating addictions. Since my surgery, I have searched high and low for someone to help me overcome my eating addictions. I have had no luck. I have a lot of emotional issues and food had always been my safe haven. I'd do anything to overcome the constant thoughts of food that run through my head and overwhelm my mind.

I am not on OH much. I tend to hang out in FB groups geared towards weight loss surgery patients. Every once in a while though I stop here to see how everyone is coming along.

Live life! Forget the opinions of others. Do what is best for YOU! This is YOUR decision. This is YOUR life. Live it!

2 comments

My RNY Weight Loss Stats

Feb 22, 2015

Stats on weight loss since surgery:

Surgery Date: May 23, 2014

Amount lost per month:

Month 1:  -25.6
Month 2:  -22.2
Month 3:  -11.5
Month 4:  -16.7
Month 5:  -8.4
Month 6:  -16.8
Month 7:  -10.6
Month 8:  -9.8
Month 9:  -12.2  (My highest BMI was 70. It is now 36.5)

1 comment

Wow! What a difference RNY Made!

Jan 20, 2015

In two days I will be celebrating 8 months post-op for RNY gastric bypass. I started at 383 in Jan 2014. May 23, 2014, I was 335 when I entered the operating room. Today at almost 8 months post-op I am down to 209 lbs! I have gone from a tight size 32 to a loose size 16. I feel amazing.

Christmas Eve my love proposed to me. We are planning a wedding for the fall. I never thought in a million years there would be a man entering my life that would be so supportive and loving. I am so happy about everything in my life.

Six weeks post-op I did have to have my gallbladder removed. That was the only problem I suffered until the 7th month. I began to have pains when I ate. As soon as food or drink would go down I would get excruciating pain that would go from my stomach to my back. I would cry and double over. I had visited several emergency rooms to no avail. Finally, one night I ended up calling 911. An ambulance took me to the hospital and I stayed 7 days. The doctors were clueless, running every test under the sun. They still have not given me a solid answer to my pain. My mistake is not going to the hospital where I had my bariatric surgery because the endoscopy performed at this local hospital showed nothing but one infected staple in my stomach, which they claim is not the cause of the pain. So, after complaining and begging, I finally got into my bariatric surgeon. He suspects it is either ulcers or a fistula. There is an endoscopy scheduled for Feb. 5 with a doctor familiar with bariatric patients. In the meantime, he has me on Carafate and Protonix. Those medications are helping. I am guessing it is ulcers just because these medications meant for ulcers are working wonders. I am not happy that the doctors are not in a hurry to get this test done. I want this pain to end completely or at least have my mind put at ease. Every time I went to an ER and was told to go home I would just cry. I was crying out of fear wondering if my intestines were twisted or if I was going to die from some weird malfunction that someone did not bother to check out. That is a very scary feeling. In one ER, I felt like they thought I was a drug seeker. I did not like that feeling either. I just wanted a doctor to listen to me and say, "Hey! I know what this is!" The ER doctors were just not taking that kind of time with me and they would not admit me. It was very frustrating. This has been a very scary experience but if I had a choice to undo my surgery I would absolutely keep things as they are. I am so damn happy since RNY that I would not change a thing. Pain or not pain from this glitch. I love what RNY has done to me and my life. I have no regrets.

One complaint I have is I am very tired all of the time. I feel narcoleptic. One minute I am having a conversation and the next minute I am out like a light. It is embarrassing. My dietician told me the other day it is because I am not eating 800 calories per day. I was concentrating on getting in 80 grams of protein. Sadly, I have stopped tracking my food months ago, which I totally don't recommend. So, post-op RNY shoot for 80 grams of protein and 800 calories per day minimum. If you are having trouble going to the bathroom like I have had, my dietician recommended Colace, Benefiber, eating at least one apple and one banana a day, and a chili a day to up the fiber.

Life is good! No regrets! It's a learning process.

0 comments

Life is so amazing!

Nov 08, 2014

I am almost 6 month post-op (on the 23rd it will be 6 months) and life has been completely turned around for me. I am so glad I had RNY gastric bypass. I have not one regret, even as I had the emergency gallbladder removal in July. I just feel relief. I feel like I have complete control of my life. My self-confidence is back. I am no longer afraid to speak up or face reality. I get dressed everyday and do what has to be done. I am no longer sitting up all night staring at the walls and wondering how I got here. I know what it took to get to happiness. This surgery brought me to happiness. I was in a marriage I was completely unhappy in for 22 years. I walked away a month after surgery. I was living to please other people and now I am living to please myself. One month ago today I met an amazing man who I know is worth every minute of every day because I took a chance and opened my heart; a heart I didn't even know existed anymore. I don't procrastinate anymore. I get things done that need to be done. I really love myself again. Actually, I don't know if I ever loved myself before this surgery.

My regrets:

  • not having this surgery sooner
  • not finding this man 20 years ago
  • not taking charge of what needed to be done
  • not standing up for myself
  • not walking out on that marriage from day one

If you are sitting there wondering if you should or shouldn't take the risk and have this surgery, I am here to tell you to get it done. It is worth the risk. Are you really living life right now as it is? Are you scared you are going to die? Well, death would have been a better option than the misery I was suffering through. In my opinion I wouldn't advise you to wait another minute. Life is too short. I am down 147 lbs for this year. 95 since my surgery in May. I have lost an entire person and gained a personality and a life. I no longer use a wheelchair or a cane. I no longer worry if I will fit in a chair or if I can walk the distance I need to walk when I go somewhere. I no longer feel like people are staring at me. I hold my head high and do what I need to do and feel like I fit in for the first time in my life. Do it! I want you to feel the happiness I am feeling today. Everyone deserves this kind of happiness.

 

1 comment

Post Op and single

Aug 10, 2014

When I was pre-surgery I used to wonder why people stop posting so much right after surgery. Now I know why. I am 2.5 months post-surgery and I barely read OH anymore. Every once in a while I will look to see if I have messages and I will glance over the topics but then I walk away. I have just become busy and I can't sit still so much. So many changes have occurred in my life. Everything seems to be going positively though. I cannot complain at all about my experience thus far.

The other day the family doctor told me he was cutting my cholesterol pill from 40 mg to 20mg, so that was a step in a positive direction. My respiratory doctor and I are playing phone tag. I would love to know if I still have sleep apnea. I packed my machine away already because I don't believe I have it anymore. The headaches are gone. I sleep fairly well. I don't wake up tired. If only I could catch this guy on the phone to confirm it once and for all.

My friends have lots of questions about my experience with this surgery. I do welcome all of the questions. I like talking about the surgery. It was a positive experience. If I can help anyone make a decision I surely will jump in on that, although I wouldn't want to be responsible for their ultimate decision because it is a very personal one.

I am dealing with being single right now. I am in very unfamiliar territory. I was never one to flirt or mess around on my husband. When a man looks my way I still quickly look down as if there is something wrong going on there. I need to stop that or join a convent. lol Someone encouraged me to try singles websites but I am not enjoying that. I put the profiles up and a few days later I take them down. lol

I have friends and family who have made it a point to get me out of my new apartment and doing fun, new things. Tonight three of my friends are taking me to a local casino I have never been to. This should be interesting. Yesterday I went to a baseball game. Last week I was invited on a trip to the shore, which I enjoyed immensely. Every day has been something. Since I moved into my apartment on June 30, I think I have stayed home one complete day to relax. Not bad considering before my surgery I was lucky to leave the house once a week, if that.

Yes, this surgery can change your life. It can force you to do things you may have been afraid to try before. It is a positive experience for me, even though I am proceeding with caution with each step I take. I have no regrets. I have only happiness welling up inside of me. I hope you feel the same way post-op. We all deserve happiness!

2 comments

Bra Fitting!! Get One!!

Aug 03, 2014

I have been aching to go for a bra fitting. My bras are so old and awful and I know my body has been changing way more than I realize. I am down over 110 lbs for the year now. I walked in to the store Catherine's for my free bra fitting wearing a 52B. My poor "girls" were hanging lower than ever. The lady measured me and I didn't believe her when she said what I was. She went and grabbed two great bras and let me see for myself. OMG I am a 44DD! What a difference those new bras make! I have about 160 more lbs to lose so I imagine my sizes will change often but today was definitely a much needed relief. I can look in the mirror again. Whew!

4 comments

Welcome to Size 24

Jul 28, 2014

For the past two weeks I have been wearing 1x size shirts when I can find them. I don't have many though. This morning I fit into size 24 Petite jeans! Yay! Today I am 2 months and 6 days (67 days) post RNY gastric bypass. I feel exceptionally well. I am walking when I can. I take the stairs rather than the elevator. I do a lot more than I used to and doctor appointments are constantly keeping me on the go.

Last night I had a sleep study. I just had one in January. Now that I have dropped 105 lbs, the doctor wanted to check me again to see if I still have sleep apnea or if they pressure needs to be adjusted. There was no need for a mask during the sleep study so that is good sign. I feel like the study went well. My appointment isn't for a few weeks yet.

I had some blood work done on Friday and a urine test. I was sent the results to my email and from what I see, everything looks good. If I had to guess I would say I have a bladder infection right now. Hopefully the family doctor will call today and let me know the results in layman's terms.

All is well. I have been separated from my husband since June 30. I have my own apartment now. I feel very independent and I wake up smiling knowing I have finally done the one thing I have thought about so long.

Last night I signed up for a Master's program. I am looking forward to it. I do not have a vehicle right now so I have idle time. I may as well make sure of it. Masters of Science in Addictions Counseling. My goal is to learn more about eating addictions and to pass on that knowledge through counseling in the future.

Life is good. I have no regrets, other than not having had RNY sooner.

2 comments

About Me
35.7
BMI
RNY
Surgery
05/23/2014
Surgery Date
Apr 23, 2014
Member Since

Friends 15

Latest Blog 24

×