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Jessica M. Milwaukee, WI, USA Post Op - BMI: 30.1 Surgery Type: RNY Member ID: W1155879132 Surgeon: James Wallace, M.D. |
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Glitter My Words
Latest Update: August 13th, 2008: 1 Year, 11 months Post Op
3 months Post Panniculectomy/Lipo
Measurements:
Bust: 53"
Waist: 48"
Belly: 55"
Hips: 57"
Thigh: 31"
Arm: 15"
So I checked in the hospital Wednesday at 6:15am and was sent to my pre-op room in the day surgery area. I was so surprised to see my room that all my co workers had decorated the night before They even made me footies and my surgery bonnet with rhinestones and pink ribbons!
So I had to have labs drawn and a blood thinner, Lovenox, injection-(which leaves HUGE bruises all over your tummy!) said my "love-you's" to my mommy, and was wisked away to the holding area at about 8:45am. Once I got to the holding area, I spoke with Dr. Wallace who gave a me a last few assuring words and my CRNA came in to begin my IV. I have ALWAYS been an easy stick, of course the day of surgery my veins are MIA! Dr. Wallace stood by and watched as we had trouble with the first stick, my CRNA said "she's got petite veins to match the petite frame she's going to have!" So I ended up getting the IV right on the underside of my wirst, VERY tender! And a purple, old lady bruise where the first stick was! Just give me the Versed! My surgery was scheduled for 9:15, everyone said their "see-ya-in-a-bit's" and we rolled in. They positioned my head in a "flower sniffing position" to prepare me for intubation, I got some good gas and IV meds and after two heavy bats of the eye lids, I was out like a light!
I woke up in recovery with an oxygen mask pumping nice cool air on my face, I just came in and out seeing my nurse sitting right next o me and telling me we'd be going to the room shortly. I would just wake up and rub my belly and moan and fall back out. Having all the familiar faces helped me alot, they were all around me snapping my gown back up (they bring you out half naked!) and talking to me, VERY comforting. So we roll to my room, where my mom was already waiting for me with a card the the cutest little monkey! This room was also decorated by my co-workers! I am already in the "Big Girl" bed, and the pain and nausea kicks in. Honestly the gas from the laprascopic part-that fills your belly up- was the WORST part! The gas kind of migrates up because it's trying to get out, so it sits right in the top of your abdomen, in your shoulders and neck. It's just so uncomfortable. The morpine helps, but the only thing to help the gas, was to walk,walk,walk- and how can a sister do that when she's nau-nau-nauseous! My bed was hard as a rock, so in addition to the nausea, I had a pretty crappy first night. I couldn't get up without getting woozy, I was connected to an IV, foley cathater and the stupid leg things- that prevent blood clots, it was just a pain!
I never once said "what have I done?!" Or that I regreat doing this, because I knew this wasn't going to be a walk in the park, but with each day, it will get better. On the plus side, Dr. Wallace came to see me and said everything went perfectly, no surprises no complications- he said I looked excellant...Riiight! They did the bypass as well as a liver biopsy. I guess people with fatty livers (as all of us obese people have) can ened up with hepititas, so the biopsy helps determain if that will happen. My mom was there with me for a while then left, I wasn't really in the mood for company, I made her promise to bring back my "woobie," my favorite pillow with these pink lambs on it, that I have had since I was born. I felt pretty crappy, I just wanted to get through the night.
And I did, I had some awsome nurses and residents that got my nausea under control with lots of different tries, the next day the pain was a bit less and I had the leak test to look foward to! I think my angel was my night nurse who I luckily had both nights, her name was Jessica, (of course!) and she's the one that FINALLY got me the meds I needed and my first night's sleep! She also sat and rubbed my back as I dry heeved!
*~*Thursday September 14th, 2006*~*
So Jessica (the nurse) finally got me to sleep. I wanted to move the gas so I asked her to walk me, she promised she'd be back after checking her other patients, and in about an hour I heard my door open but I had FINALLY reached my slumbur and she just let me sleep, as I was hoping she would! I was up and walking with the IV and catheter at about 4am, because I HAD to get this gas out. After my short walk, I sat in the chair because I despised my bed, I dozed off a bunch and began to ask for pain meds. I went for another walk before going for my leak test at about 8:45am. I had to drink this bitter brown stuff and actually got to watch it make it's ways through my pouch, no leaks, Yeaa me! Crappy after taste, especially when you have been NPO with nothing but a water soaked sponge to wet your mouth... So this also meant my foley would come out and I could drink! This also meant I could have dinner, but I was so not anticipating eating!
Nedra, the Nurse Practioncer for Dr. Wallace came in with my goody bag that included 5 medicine cups. I was to take a small sip from each every 2 minutes until I finished, alot harder than it sounds! I did well, I didn't drink too much or too fast so then I got the "big girl cup" to drink from at my leisure, no straws. I still had uncomfortable pain so once I was was free from the cathater I walked but butt off around the unit to try and move the gas. The IV morphine stopped and I began oral, liquid pain meds. We made sure to mix it with IV Benedyrl to avoid nausea and we were good to go. I took a nice, HOT shower that felt SO good on my belly, it's amazing what a good shower can do! My IV got wet, and while I waited for the nurse to bring new tape, it slipped out! Son-ova!! Luckliy once of my nurse friends from my dept. came to visit me and was once on the IV team so she put it back in, my other arm, effortlessly!
Dinner was purred chicken, tomatoe & zuchini, and applesause. I saw Dr. Wallace that night. They wanted me to take small bites from each but didn't expect me to finish, which I didn't. No nausea, no pain, although I was afarid of every little swallow! While walking the halls, I spotted my mom with my "woobie" and my sister and grandma.They brought me a "regular person" bed, which was like heaven compared to the bariatric rock! I slept that night, finally!
*~*Friday September 15th, 2006*~*
I was woken up a few times by various residents, then groups of them, (it's a teaching facility) and all was well. They looked at my sites, 2 of the 5 puncture sites were a little red, but was probably from the band-aid. You can see how bloated the belly is as it is filled with the gas. I couldn't even see my feet when I looked down! "GET IN MY BELLLY!!"
They also said to drink more water and I would be taken off the IV,thank goodness, I'm free! I got up around 7am, was peeing on my own, walking on my own, just holding a rolled up blanket on my tummy for support. The days truely got better one after the other, the gas kind of moved just to my belly on the right side, nothing a little walking can't help- I was walking 4 times a day, twice around the unit each time. Also, with the puncture sites they went through muscle, so that was sore, not to mention my swollen internal organs, eh, it'll get better. Each time I talked to my mom I could tell I was sounding better, so I knew there'd be light @ the end of the tunnel.. this is NO walk in the park, nor is it the "easy way out!" Lemme tell ya!
Now my new goal was to eat my protein first at every meal, as opposed to small bites from each. Because my pouch was EXTRA small, I wouldn't be able to eat my whole meal, I had to eat the most important stuff first.
**Breakfast**: Scrambeled eggs, Cream of Wheat, and Applesause. The eggs were quite good, I finished them all, I was pretty proud of that! I had a few bites of applesause but I was done. I spent the rest of my afternoon walking and drinking.
**Lunch**: Cottege Cheese, Applesause, and Squash.
Dr. Wallace and Nedra each came in to give me their last speeches and let me know I am not alone in this and could always reach someone with questions. My mom came to pick me up around 3pm and we were on our way!
We picked up the narcotic perscription, which I was weary of because I didn't want to be all nauseous again, so I decided to get some of the Children's Chewable Motrin for my day time pain (the liquid motrin kind is filled with sugar) and I would take the narcotic at night so I wouldn't fight the wooziness, and it all evened out and gave me a good night's rest.
My mom has been so great through everything, she is actually the only person I confided in while deciding on having WLS. Through the whole process, the up's and down's and even when I had to make a change of heart and change procedures, she was the first person I went to advice for.She always had the "do what's right for you" attitude. When I was iffy about telling people I had this surgery, she was my rock and basically said "who cares what anyone thinks, this is for you, you don't have to explain anything to anybody." She going through this with me, shopping for baby food, taking me to the grocery store 5x a week because I am bored with the food, or need new protein ideas, and just very intune to this whole new process. 'Thank you' will never be enough for all that you do, I love you!
SO... I made my self dinner that night, 1/4 C pureed chicken salad with low fat mayo, baby food peas and some mashed potatoes-all 1/4 cup. I got through the chicken and a few bites of potatoes and that was it. I did finish a sugar free jello cup, went down nicely. I had to take a walk to help my food digest, walking makes a HUGE difference, even my little 10 minutes made me feel so much better. Took a syringe full of pain meds and I was in bed around 9:30pm.
*~*Saturday Setember 16th, 2006*~*
3 days post up, down 12 lbs. (312 lbs. --> 300 lbs.)
Typical Day, very early on in the post-op stage:
So I got up around 9am and followed my water routine. (NOTE: Nausea in the AM is very common, you are dehydrated overnight, keep water at the bedside to sip in the middle of the night and right when waking up in the morning.) So I Drink in the morning, stop 1/2 hour before and after meals, took my children's chewable vitamins and some Children's Motrin. I had 1/4 cup cottege cheese fortified with 2 TBS powered egg whites, to add protein. In about 30 minutes I finished it. I did a little work around the house and it really took a toll, I was beat! I tried to drink, drink drink.
I still have some uncomfortable pain in my belly,mostly after sitting or laying for a while, because like any other muscle, it's stressed, and when it's relaxed it hurts to move again. Other than that the only pain I have is this little sting of pain in my upper left chest when I am not sitting up right and take in a sip or take in too much air when I am walking. I am contributing this to the gas, it should resolve.
Lunch was 1/4 cup chicken salad fortified with 2 TBS powered milk, for added protein, 1/4 cup baby food bananas and 1/4 cup mashed potatoes. I finished the chicken and potatoes and was stuffed, so I walked for 30 minutes after lunch then took a shower and nap, I was pooped!
I got up and ate dinner around 7pm of a scrambled egg and 1/4 cup cottege cheese, both fortified with extra protein. I am not even hungry at meal time, I eat because I have to. I am also expected to complete my meal diary for my doctor which documents that I am getting enough H20=64oz; Enough Protein=60g; 2 children's chewable multivitamins; and 60 minutes of exercise, each day. (Usually walking.) It's hard work, with less intake! So I took another 30 minute walk after dinner, had a sugar free creamsicle (I was afarid to yesterday!) and around 11pm, took my pain meds and went to bed.
*~*Sunday Setember 17th, 2006*~*
4 days post up, down 14 lbs. (312 lbs. --> 298 lbs.)
So I have my routine down, I get up and drink and eat at the same time each day. I am still not getting all my protein and H20, it's hard in the beginning because you have no urge to eat or drink. Nedra and Dr. Wallace said I may not be able to get all my protein in but the H20 was very important. My urine is still kind of dark so I am trying! Lord knows I don't need to end up with dehydration! I take a 30 minute walk after lunch and dinner which really helps digest and burn what little calories I have consumed. After my lunch walk, I shower and nap, my body is still very tiered and I get so pooped after doing a little housework or a few errands! After my dinner walk I relax with a sugar free fudgesicle or creamsicle and head for bed pretty early. I am 4 days post op and I haven't taken any pain meds during the day, it's bareable, but I do take my night time narcotics, just because I'm rolling on my belly through the night and it can get uncomfortable. The pain has definatly lessened, it really just feels like one of those water belly aches, when you drink too much H20 @ once. Dr. Wallace said most people after 5 days feel better than ever, I think he's pretty accurate. Each day gets better than the next.
*~*Monday Setember 18th, 2006*~*
5 days post up, down 16 lbs. (312 lbs. --> 296 lbs.)
Well, I am 5 days post op now, down another 2 lbs., and when I woke up this morning the pain in my belly was very minimal. Just like Dr.Wallace said, the 5th day is when it all starts to make a turn for the better. I felt kind of queezy this morning, I just layed down and rested before lunch. My fatigue has definitly improved- after my lunch walk, I came home and showered, no nap! I started taking H20 with me during the walks, I think that played a big part in being so pooped! I am ready to gag on the fortified egg whites and powered milk, blah! I need to find ways to keep my protein at a maximum with regular food! I am going to try milk today...pray for me!
*~*Tuesday Setember 19th, 2006*~*
6 days post up, down 17 lbs. (312 lbs. --> 295 lbs.)
1 more pound... I decided to be brave and try to drink more milk. I figured since the 8oz went down well I would drink 16 oz and decided to do this both before lunch and dinner. Ooooh Boy. Now I figured it was okay because my pouch didn't immediatly react... but a couple hours later big craming and gas that just wouldn't budge! I had to skip lunch and nap for 45 min because I felt so crappy. I walked and it was better. Milked it up again before dinner, same thing, couple hours pass and I am in hell again. I knew it wasn't my food so I figured it was just too much lactose at one sitting, this along with my ummm ..."impatient" plateau concern and a little morning nausea are all things I plan on asking Nedra about in the AM.
*~*Wednesday Setember 20th, 2006*~*
ONE WEEK post up, No change... 295 lbs.
Okay so the impatients has set in- AND ONLY A WEEK OUT?! I got so giddy with the numbers moving at sometimes 2 at a time, then when it started going 1 lb-or if any- I started getting discourged! I even started looking at the post op forums and reading all the profiles about plateaus and slow losers, etc. I spoke with Nedra today and she said "Jessica! Stay off the scale!" She knows first hand I have negative-no patients! So I will relax, I know 17lbs is great success, I just have nothing better to do with all this time off than worry and weigh myself like 5 times a day, everyday!
I also have been having bouts of nausea each morning and asked her about this- she said our bodies are now so dehydrated in the morning we have to drink the H2O right away and not to rush any activity and definitly not to rush into breakfast. That explains that.
The milk thing... yea, before I even finished my saga she "umm humm'd" me and said that was way to much this soon and that's exactly what would happen with all the cramping and gas and such. I figured it was more protein and liquid, cliche of any fat kid.. "more isn't always better!" So she said to go back to ONE 8 oz. glass a day and wait a week. Can do.
I have upped my excercise to 35 minutes x2 a day so I am doing well, she said all my questions were very routine and I was doing great- I just need to relax... Relax-Shamax... and have patients. So I am going to stop being a "scale nazi" per Nedra's orders and wait until my 2 week post op appt. to see how I am doing. I will update after the appt., September 29th. Until then...
*~*Friday Setember 29th, 2006*~*
TWO WEEKS post up, down 23 lbs. (312 lbs. --> 289 lbs.)
Well today I saw Dr. Wallace and Deb for my 2 week post op check-up.They were very pleased with my weight loss thus far as well as my food journals. I have been getting at least 60g of protein and drinking at least the 64oz. Because I am younger, Dr. Wallace wants me to shoot for 65-70g of protein and you can never have enough water. Which is fine by me, I am really concentrating on the protein for both my body and reducing the loss of hair! So all in all they were so proud and said I looked great, and although I am bored outa my gourd sitting @ home, Dr.Wallace wants me home at least 2 more weeks- until I see Deb- before I can return to work... humf!
On a side note I have started reading to pass time, I read both of
Carnie Wilson's books: "Gut Feelings," and "I'm Still Hungery," EXCELLANT reads. She goes through her meal plan, body issues, pouch issues, etc. Very Relateable!
So I am now officially on Stage 2, anything soft. It's mostly 4 oz yogurt or one scrambeled egg with 2 oz cheese for breakfast,
1/4 C shrimp/tuna salad for lunch and 2 oz chicken breast for dinner. It's not too bad at all. I can add in a little of the "block" cheese or string cheese with my meals now, also. I was a little scared because lately I can eat a little more, but they assured me this would happen, the swelling is coming down and allowing for more capacity. This is definitly my best week and I am only feeling better and learning my body more as time goes on. To date, I have had no vomitting, no dumping, no diarehea, etc. I am at the gym regularly now doing about 30 minutes of cardio and 30 minutes of weight training and balance ball routines- I am going to do EVERYTHING in my power to reduce the saggy skin! So, October 16th is the official one month-er, I will update then...
*~*Friday October 13th, 2006*~*
ONE MONTH post up, down 33 lbs. (312 lbs. --> 279 lbs.)
Well kids, it's been a whole month and I am proud to announce I hit my first goal, -33lbs!! I also lost a total of 12". FYI "Head Hunger" is a Mother!!! I always thought it was black and white, I just had a big appetite for the wrong things, I ate because I was bored, etc. Now I am learning, food for me, is a HUGE psychological battle to fight. Even as I gave in and snacked on something as innocent as string cheese, as I was chewing it I would think to myself, "My stomache doesn't growl, I am not even hungry!" "This isn't even satisfying!" and there it was- 100 extra calories, for what!? A little more complex even though this is the "easy way out..." Ha.
I am pretty much eating anything I want, I just make smart decesions. I stick to the 3 meals a day and focus on foods with protein and make it a point never to "graze." Like the obvious diet keys, I cut the white stuff (carbs are the devil!!) and I keep calories/fat at a minimum. I have not had any alcohol, candy, or sweets, with the exception of "sugar free" stuff, only because I am terrified of the consequences-I have not bothered to "test" my pouch, it's not worth it.
Issues? I have not thrown up or had any dumping issues to date. Some things rub me better than others but thus far, there's nothing I "can't" have. I have experienced over eating once when I ate a few more bites of steak and it is a very uncomfortable gut ache that sits there for about an hour, I did not get dizzy or vomit though. I also experienced swallowing a piece of roasted potatoe whole, because it was so hot, and it was probably the worst expereice I have had this far. I could feel it trying to go up and down my esophogus and I started to salivate big time, like a dog! Then I got nauseaous and kept gagging but all that came up was the saliva, ga-ross! SO needless to say I don't stuff myself nor do I mindlessly swallow whole foods, lesson learned!
I saw my Nurse Practicioner today and she was overjoyed I was doing so well and staying so committed-I exceeded her expectations for this month. I am on the general phase now and was happy to know I am free to make the quick and easy Lean Cuisines and Lean Pockets for lunch, which is oh-so-convienant for myself.
My first delima: The NP did tell me I would be able to eat a bit more when I expressed my concern that I once finished a Mac & Cheese Lean Cuisine, because these foods are softer and processed. However I made a Lean Pocket, which is not that soft, and finished ALL BUT A BIT! I was horrified!! I expected to be full @ 1/2, I even cut it in half! The Docs told me to eat until I was full, but I ate this for lunch BEFORE surgery, so how the hell am I going to loose weight when I am eating the same way!? So I took it upon myself to contact a fellow WLS patient that has the best Journal I have come across on her website, I e-mailed her my delima and inquired about her pouch capacity variations. She
told me to use this surgery as a "tool," so even if I have the ability to consume more, don't. SinceI have no hunger, growling, or urge to eat, I can be satisfied the same way I was after that whole lean pocket as I can be if I cut it in half and only eat the one half. I don't feel like I am still hungary so I don't know the difference. It's like an Epifany! So I pre-portion and cut everything in half and only eat what's on my plate, and I am SATISFIED! Okay, so maybe this will work... I am incredibly pessamistic!
I also work out at the gym EVERY SINGLE day for about an hour and a half, doing cardio, weight training and ab workouts on the balance ball. As far as my skin goes, I am moisturizing daily with some good firming lotion, I am going to do everything I can so that when the time comes, if surgical intervention is needed, I will know I did all I could! So I posted a new pic and my new measurements, I am FINALLY going back to work tommorrow, after a friggin month off! I am going to have to work my shrinking ass off next month, because my 2 month goal is also -33 lbs. My body is done with the shell shocked thing so it's going to take some serious effort, I'm not worried! Until November, my friends....
Bust: 53" ............... 51"
Waist: 48" ............... 45"
Belly: 55" ............... 53"
Hips: 57" ................ 56"
Thigh: 31" ............... 28"
Arm: 15" ................ 14"
*~*Monday November 13th, 2006*~*
TWO MONTHS post up, down 52lbs (312 lbs. --> 260lbs.)
Well it's been two months and I can honestly say I am back to normal. For my second month I have lost a total of 19lbs. and 14" Bringing the grand total to 52lbs down and counting! When I did the goal thing, I somehow made it a goal to loose the same amount I did the first month, 33lbs. Realistically, not going to happen. My NP told me it was literally impossible because my body was not in the same state of shock to loose 1-2lbs everyday of the month again. So I finished with 19lbs. and she was shocked I had lost that much. The weight loss isn't as fast as the first month, but that's to be expected. And I have delt with a plateau for only about a week, then it breaks and I am down 3-4 lbs the next week. Can't complain. My NP says I am loosing more than average because of my exercising- I am going to OPTIMIZE this whole "honeymoon phase" of the first 6 months!
So I am back at work and eating a general diet with no complications. I have yet to dump, vomit, over-eat, or get any type of uncomfortable pain or diaherra. I finally got the balls to test some sugar, just because in my mind I kept thinking 1 little bite=DUMP! But I successfully ate a fun size kit kat, and even a small piece of angel food cake with a bit a frosting, all good in the hood! I am sure if I ate another 8 of those kit kats, or a bowl of ice cream, Ida paid the price, but one bite was satisfying enough. I don't really have a sweet tooth to begin with, but I could go to town on some bread! I look at things and think, "I could have that." But I don't. Fast Food, salty soups and stews, junk food, etc. Smaller portions of course, but I still don't see the point in sabatoging my weight loss, I've come too far!
I am really quite thankful to have had such an unremarkable recovery because I read my share of horror stories of people who can never eat bread or certain meats, or this or that gives them diaherra, so on and so forth. Don't get me wrong, although I can the same foods as I did, I am still responsible and make the right decesions. I cut everything in half, 3 meals, no snacks, no carbs and low fat/cal... And of course water,protein, and vitamins! Exercise is not up for debate! Every morning for an hour and a half! I have made great progess and am moving right along! See ya at month 3....
Bust: 51" ............... 47"
Waist: 45" ............... 42"
Belly: 53" ............... 50"
Hips: 56" ................ 54"
Thigh: 28" ............... 27"
Arm: 14" ................ 15"
*~*Wednesday December 13th, 2006*~*
THREE MONTHS post up, down 64lbs (312 lbs. --> 248lbs.
So three months down, I lost 12lbs and 12 inches this month- 64lbs total. Not as great a loss as my 19lbs last month, but I have already solved that mystery. My NP says the average each month from the second month out, is about 10lbs, so I am still over acheiving... I just didn't pay any attention to the whole protein thing this last month. I stayed committed to the gym, which is how I lost another 12 inches this month, and I am pretty disciplined with my eating. I just need to focus on protein, so I started food journaling again. I wasn't drinking milk, and this is the easiest way to up the protein count so I have factored in three 8oz glasses a day, dun deal!
No longer "extremely obese!" Just... "Obese" (BMI:38.8)
I had my first set of tri-monthly labs drawn, my Potassium, Vitamin D and Iron were all at a low count. This didn't come as a surprise, I kind of felt like something was off lately. I would get sudden tingling then cramping in my hands and feet at random times of the day, and I was unbelivably fatigued for the last few weeks! I'm talking on the verge of falling asleep on the way to work at 1 in the afternoon! The potassium was low because of the diuretic I take for kidney stones constantly flushes me-and my nutrients- out so I have been put on Iron and Vitamin D supplements in addition to the rest and ordered to drink more milk and pop a bananna-a-day.
So things are well, mooooving right along! Until #4....
Bust: 47" ............... 46"
Waist: 42" ............... 41"
Belly: 50" ............... 49"
Hips: 54" ................ 50"
Thigh: 27" ............... 26"
Arm: 15" ................ 14"
*~*Saturday December 30th, 2006*~*
So I don't usually update in the middle of the month, but I made an accomplishment! Yea I lost a bunch of weight, things are looser and I feel better, blah blah, but most importantly I fit into an old pair of jeans from 2002!
I recently moved and am going through boxes, I came across a pair of Old Navy Low Rise-ers that have been sitting in my closet for a couple of years because the low rise just wasn't happening anymore, I thought "I know there not going to fit yet" as I pulled them up, up, up! They buttoned without sucking in! Not even a muffin-top PEOPLE!
Now, when I went through my period when I initially gained a good 50#,it all went to my "pannus," or lower gut. So now loosing 70lbs, didn't have all that dramatic of an effect on my sizes because I still have the belly to loose, but I was close to a 24 and those low rise-ers are a 20 average. Yea Bitchesssss!
Oh, I forgot to mention, I do believe I am beginning to loose some hair. It's not to the point where it's handfulls when I touch my hair, but it's definatly a bit more than usual, I am taking Biotin, I will begin to double up on the 1000mcg (1mg) so hopefully it helps!
*~*Saturday January 13th, 2007*~*
FOUR MONTHS post up, down 79lbs (312 lbs. --> 233lbs.)
So I am now 4 months post op, down 15lbs this month- 79# total. I don't set goals because the weight factor depends on SO many things, but as long as I over-acheive the "normal" monthly weight loss, I'm satisfied. I wanted to be at 230lbs, so I fell 3 short, but medically-speaking, I should be only about 243lbs so who's cryin'!? I actually moved into my new apartment at the end of December so I must admit the gym has not seen me for about 3 weeks! Miraculously the scale still moved in the right direction. ("correct," that is.) I wasn't really eating responsibly either, grabbing what I could when I could kinda thing, but hey-whatever works!
Everything is moving along nicely, I changed scrub sizes from XXL to XL, that's exciting!
Most importantly, still no dumping or vomitting to report. The only issue I've had was some uncomfortable cramping of my tummy after eating some raw veggies... apparantly they weren't able to digest well... Ha! Whatt ya know, got me a medical reason for me not to be able to eat vegggies! :) It was an odd discomfort so it's steamed veggies from now on.
I am happy to report that the poop situation is nicely controlled with the assistance of some daily Colace. (Which is heaven sent, compared to the first few months when I was not taking anything to assist the poop shoot!)
I won't have labs drawn again until month 6, but I have upped the milk and started taking my Iron and Vitamin D in addition to my other daily supplements- I don't have the weird finger and feet tingling or fatigue so I think it's working.
I can eat a little more now, and I do actually recognize hunger- (doc said this would happen at 9 months) mostly at night, go figure!
The only downfall since surgery...the hair thing. It's started to fall out. Luckily it's thinning from the bottom when I kinda pull at my ends, as opposed to thinning from the crown which would mean bald spots and receiding hairlines! So I am only loosing maybe a grape sized hairball ammount each day, as long as things stay that way and it's from the thicker part of my hair, we're all good. I upped the Biotin from 1000mcg to 5000mcg (5mg) so we'll see.
Until #5...
15lbs, 79 total
Bust: 46" ............... 44"
Waist: 41" ............... 39"
Belly: 49" ............... 49"
Hips: 50" ................ 49"
Thigh: 26" ............... 25"
Arm: 14" ................ 13"
*~*Tuesday February 13th, 2007*~*
FIVE MONTHS post up, down 79lbs (312 lbs. --> 233lbs.)
OH MY LANTA! What a month. If you read my profile diligently enough you will notice my weight is the same as last month... let me tell you a little story about freaking out! Never in my research or wildest thoughts would I think of a WLS chick NOT loosing a single pound as early a 5 months out! It seemed simply unheard of! I couldn't believe it and I decided the surgery has somehow failed and I knew I shouldn't have given away those damn clothes!
My hunger "almost" seems as though it's returned-although my stomach has yet to physically growl- I feel RAVENOUS all the friggin time! I will admit I tapped back into the world of carbs and breading and sweets-oh my! The joys of simple carbs! But seriously, no loss?! I immdeiatly called my NP and scheduled an appt, she said not to freak and this was completely normal. So I see her on Monday 2/19.
I AM proud of myself overall-I am definatly ahead of the game loosing a total of 79lbs by 4 months, and maintaining through the 5th. Better than gaining right? The same 5lbs go down, then up, then stay, then down, ay yi yi! So if I really take a breather I know I have not failed, but when that scale stops for just a day I convice myself that's it's over and now I gotta come up with the excuse as to why I am a WLS reject! I did, however, still loose about 5", 2 of which in the abdomen because I have been working on the abs like crazy- so there's some positivity for ya...
Other than that, no dumping, no yaking, still no food issues. Veggies do rub me in the wrong direction though, raw is off limits due to immediate stomach cramping I can surely do without and asparagus seems to not want to go down too easily either, which sucks because it is the only veggie I care for! Imagine that! I- medically speaking-cannot eat veggies! Where was this excuse when I was a kid! Hair loss is still ongoing, only strands-not clumps-and only when I pull at it from the bottom, so I'm not complaining. I think the 5,000mcg of Biotin is working because my skin and nails are lookin lovely! A lady at work who's about 4 years out and maintaining said she's starting to loose hair again-this blew my mind because I thought it was a one time deal! She said it's for life, if at any point your not getting your protein in, it starts to thin and fall out again! Makes perfect sence but I never really considered that! Just Geeer-ate!
So I am going to be Negative Nancy until I see my NP Monday, I will update with some, hopefully, reassuring news and god-willing...some pound lossage! To Be Continued.....
.... SO no change in weight yet BUT I got some positive insight and I have chilled out a bit... I just needed someone who "knows" about this to tell me to be patient and this is normal and blah blah... a regualr person saying it just doesn't serfice! Anywhoo, she said everything I was going through is completely normal-it's just that this usually happenes for people at 6-7 month. Leave it to me to be the over-acheiver!
She said this is the 2nd phase when hunger may seem to linger in between meals. We went over my schedule and basically decided I needed to make sure meals are 5 hours apart and I am eating a good amount of fiber and protein to keep me filled until the next meal time. Volume and Density are the keys now so soft foods should be limited.. we now need denser foods to keep the pouch full. She also said to wait a good 1-2 hours after a meal before drinking because now you want to start slowing the emptying of the pouch for as long as possible. I told her I am starving at work right between lunch and my dinner break-around 3pm so she suggested I bring milk everyday and drink that at the same time in between those two meals, and BY GEORGE it worked! I was eating a handful of almonds, you know..the "good, filling fat." But she said there are alot of calories in the nuts, although a good fat, it takes more to fill up on them which would bring in too many calories-so milk it is!
I also told her about starving after work and since I hit the gym after work, I don't get home until midnight (last meal was at 5:30pm) so she said it was okay to pop a piece of turkey and cheese for a night time protein snack... so I think we're getting somewhere!
As far as the plateau thing goes, I lost 24lbs for Jan & Feb, (I missed my Jan appt.) so I did loose about 12lbs per month which is right on target.. she said if I didn't weight myself every single day I would have never known and would have never been freaking True... but there's no way I'm givin up my scale!
So she said it's normal now to be able to eat more and incorporate more foods in to a meal, 1/2 protein, 1/4 fruit, 1/4 starch and that slower weight loss is expected now because my body is fighting to hold on to the fat... I just need to keep eating right and hitting the gym and hopefully is breaks! I am about 20# away from the 100 mark, gotta make this happen! Wish me luck!
Bust: 44 3/4" ............... 44 1/4"
Waist: 39 3/4" ............... 39"
Belly: 49" ............... 47 1/2"
Hips: 49" ................ 48"
Thigh: 25 3/4" ............... 25 1/2"
Arm: 13 3/4" ................ 13 1/4"
*~*Saturday February 24th, 2007*~*
Ahhhh Sweet Mother of Jesus the friggin scale moved! I have been doing well with my protein packed 3 meals a day, milk in my little "sippey cup" each afternoon and taming my cravings at night... oh, and a whole lota green tea and Mother of Perl, it worked! I have been going 233...236..240..237..234... and today.. 230! How ya like them apples! I swear I don't ever want to see two-hundred-and thirty-ANYTHING, EVER AGAIN! Lord I hope this isn't a monthly episiode... a sister is gonna loose her mind!
*~*Tuesday March 13th, 2007*~*
SIX MONTHS post up, down 87lbs (312 lbs. --> 225lbs.)
So half-a-year down and half way at my goal. I am aiming for 145lbs so we're about 80lbs to go... my NP says I am down "92lbs" so she was ecstatic... not sure where she got her numbers BUT whatever's clever! So after the panic attack, the scale did move, I am not a ravenous heffer any longer and things are nicely under control. I am back to 3 meals a day, keeping the carbs to a minimum! That's playing with fire, lemme tell ya... Oh little tip for ya, "Jenni O So Easy Turkey"...things... (they have 3 different kinds that are pre-stuffed with cheese/stuffing/ham/broccoli,etc. and ready to be microwaved) 30 GRAMS PROTEIN!
I did my 6 months lab and although my Iron is better, since the added supplements, my Vitamin D has fallen even lower! The normal range for D is 32... at 3 months it was 22, so we started the supplement of 800iu... this month.... friggin 11!! Where is it going! So now I have to start-get this- 50,000iu of D! I have to take it on this weird schedule for 3 months then re test, things should get better and I return to the 800iu.
No real dramatic changes in sizes- things no longer fit as they did, more like saggy booty jeans, t-shirts are now dresses, and my underware goes up to my armpits, other than that Ima sexy mama! I have just opted to wait it out to buy anything, inless I go out, like last weekend I bought some jeans that actually fit. I had some doubts as I grabbed a smaller size that wasn't stretch, but those suckers zipped right up-not even a muffin top! **As I sit and update this 2 weeks later, those jeans are now inducted into the saggy booty collection!** Could life be any lovlier? I will let you know at month 7, tah tah!
Bust: 44" ............... 43"
Waist: 39" ............... 37"
Belly: 47 1/2" ............... 47"
Hips: 48" ................ 45"
Thigh: 25 1/2" ............... 25 1/2"
Arm: 13 1/4" ................ 13 1/4"
*~*Friday April 13th, 2007*~*
SEVEN MONTHS post up, down 94lbs (312 lbs. --> 218lbs.)
So seven months post op and things are consistant. I still have no issues to report, not a single dumping incident, no yakking, no pains, not even indegestion! I am happy to report the poop department is also pretty kosher, we all heard the horror stories of constant diaherrea or being horribly stuffed up, not this heffer!
Anywhoo, this month was good, I lost 7lbs and saw some big changes in clothing sizes, so I am satisfied this month. The weight loss obviously starts to slow and I know now that exercise is crucial at this point to continue to work towards my goal. So I am slowly but surely gaining a positive attitude about getting to the gym and sticking with it. I got a nasty sinus/head cold thing so that excused the gym that week, then I sat around like a big fat Cadbury Bunny and ate Easter candy and skipped another 2 weeks-soooo the scale didn't move. Granted it didn't go up, but I have no business taking advantage of the honeymoon phase! Damn Starburst Jelly Beans! (No I don't dump, although times like this, it'd be a nice slap on the wrist!)
I still have a bit of thinning hair but not anything to write home about, my hair lady and I have worked out a plan to give my hair some extra TLC and it's going well. (My hair is quite important to me, if you can't tell.) Please believe THERE WILL BE NO bald spots or having to chop off locks! I am also still on the Bioton and even my nails are long and strong! I was a HABITUAL nail biter all my life, we're talking down to the bleeding nub, then the SKIN when I ran out of nail! Now a sisiter can see nail OVER the finger tip! I HIGHLY recommend the Biotin!
So yea, everything is moving right along, I am still on this massive dose of Vitamin D, my green Drop-Dead-Fred pills....which should help rev things for the next 3 months, then I am tested again and should return back to the regular D supplement. So long as I don't get that fatigue or finger/feet tingling it's all good! Good times, good times, see you @ 8!
7lbs, 94lbs total
Bust: 43 1/4" ............... 43 1/2"
Waist: 37" ............... 37"
Belly: 47 1/2" ............... 44"
Hips: 45 1/2" ................ 45 1/2"
Thigh: 25 1/2" ............... 25 1/4"
Arm: 13 1/4" ................ 13 1/4"
*~*Sunday May 13th, 2007*~*
EIGHT MONTHS post up, down 97lbs (312 lbs. --> 215lbs.)
Okay, hold the phone... I am going to do a little blog...err vent. I dispise bloggers and the myspace world, (that's why I don't have the new profile format) because honest to Pete, unless your Paris Hilton, I could care less what you had for breakfast and which foot you put in your pants first each day, BUT I need to "blog...." SO when I sit here and read all these profiles on here about the journey though this crap, there are so many people that say each month through out their progress.. "I love life!" "The weight is just falling off!" "Oooops another 20lbs gone this month!" "I am a size and a half and I love life!" KABLOOEE! That's what I say, because this heffer's journey IS NOT taking place on Candy Cane Friggin Lane, and it's not all gumdrops and lollipops everyday!
So yes it's true, 'anatomically' I am the poster child for this surgery- I don't dump off of sugar, I have never thrown up or eaten to much, I don't have any colon problems, I can eat bread until the cows come home and not have it stick like glue or whatever people say... BUT I can't deal with this plateau crap! I was doing so well in the beginning then I cried like a little biccchhhh about a short couple of weeks the scale didn't move and I called it a plateau!? Okay because no. This month NOTHING moved and I only lost an inch and a quarter! Who has gastric bypass and doesn't loose weight! Isn't that like an Oxy Moron!! Can I also say I am livid reading some of these heffer's profiles who eat all this crap or don't even so much as take the stairs instead of the elevator and have dropped the weight like it's nothing!
So those 3 little lbs came off right in the beginning of the month and nothing since! PLATEAU! I eat what I am supposed to and the last 2 weeks I have been doing a 45 minute walk/jog for 3 miles in the morning AND at night, 6 FLIPPIN MILES A DAY! And I am running!! Where I come from you don't run unless you have a reason to be fleeing! I have NEVER been this active in the history of life, and even if I was a "regular person" sans the surgery, I should loose some kind of weight!! OH and the sizes! Yea things are bigger but SERIOUSLY nearly 100lbs lost and I am just squeezing into a 16, on a good day?! Okay yea that's 4 sizes down, but how many oragns do I have to see some results?! I don't have anything on these "I went from a 12 to an 8 in two months jerks!"
This screws up my monthly plan! I was supposed to be in the ONES by now! (You will never see me say "ONDER-LAND" I think that is the corniest crap!) I have never been so frusturated! The positive people around me say they're surprsied I am JUST NOW hitting a palteau, after 8 months and almost 100lbs... BALONEY SAUSAGE! I don't wanna hear that, I want the scale to move! When, or IF the scale moves, I better get interest for all the shin splints, blisters, and sweat I have been enduring with all this new activity! I figured I would be the one to share the possible mental breakdowns that accompany this "amazing experience" PAH-LEEESE! I am going to give myself an ulcer! I can't just "shake up my routine, drink water and give the scale a rest." Get real! I swear to goodness anyone who knows me knows this is so my bag of beans, SO typical of my luck! I don't know who I screwed over in my past life, but I am ALWAYS challanged! I am going to put "one in a million" on my tombstone! Because that's the way it works, if something bad is to happen to one out of a million, PRESENT! (At my apartment, all the mailboxes are cemented in the wall, who's just happens to fall of of the CEMENT wall?! That's Jessica, the one out of a million, or 20, you know what I mean!)
Whooooo-Sahhhhh, okay that was satisfying, I am sorry I have nothing to gush about, this is a lot of stress for a sister! Hey, maybe this Plateau is a good thing, it will allow my body and skin to catch up after the sudden shock of dropping almost 100lbs, HAHAHA, yea, I didn't believe that hooey-kablooee as I typed it either!
Anyways, same old same old, 8 months down- maybe I'll be Positive Polly at 9... I see the NP that month anyways, so it's either I will be in the ONES and have some jellybean jumping news to report or I want my money back and a full refund of my parts!!!!
**I do like my new pic... Like Mah Bodddy? (Just like Anna Nicole!) I
got some neck bones!
Bust: 43 1/4" ............... 42 1/4"
Waist: 37" ............... 36 3/4"
Belly: 44" ............... 44"
Hips: 45 1/2" ................ 45 1/2"
Thigh: 25 1/4" ............... 25 1/4"
Arm: 13 1/4" ................ 13 1/2"
*~*Sunday June 10th, 2007*~*
So Negative Nancy is back with a little mid month update... I am still on board with my routine of exercising and eating as I should, I shake up my routine and eating to try and keep my body guessing...turn the furnance back on-if you will... But one positive change... OUT THE DOOR went the scale! It's a horrible contraption that was spauned by Satan himself! I went 7 days clean without weighing in. I was simply curious after 7 days and I weighed in at 3lbs less for that week. Happy? Well I wouldn't be me if I were COMPLETELY satisfied, now would I? I really thought I would sort of incrue interest for all the weeks of nothing and drop 50lbs in a week! Okay so it wasn't very realistic, but hey, it moved. SO, I put the scale back away and will not weigh in until 6/13 which is the official 9 month date. It's quite liberating not living by the scale x5 day and letting the numbers deteramine my mood and plan of action for that day. I do what I am supposed to and let the big guy upstairs to the math! For statistic's sake I will do the numbers each month and that's all she wrote!
So crybaby news aside, I decided to have my body fat measured and THIS has put me back in the competitor's mode! My body fat was 34.4%! Normal body fat for women is 25-30%, I am only 4% over! I really thought it would be a lot higher just going by current weight. So that, if nothing else has taught me this isn't a black and white picture! I am a lean, mean, muscle machine and quite healthy...which shows me all my running and power walking is effective, as is the Pilates and weight training! This also tells me the little plateau thing was good for me, I am not looking like a hefty bag with saggy skin because I have lost at a great rate and retained my muscle! So screw the scale I say, this made my day! (I sound like Cat in the Hat!) I learned that Subject A may be a normal weight but a bigger size than Subject B who is at a higher weight and a smaller size. UREKA!
*~*Wednesday June 13th, 2007*~*
NINE MONTHS post up, down 100lbs! (312 lbs. --> 212lbs.)
Your girl is back! 100 pounds... FINE-AL-LY! So it's 9 months and I hit the "century mark." This would give us a 3lb loss for this month- after a painful month+ plateau! Slow, to say the least but in retrospect I think the plateau was good for my body, things are regulating and I am maintaining my muscle mass=no saggy skin! Putting the scale away and just 'doing me' made things a hell of a lot less stressful! Also, this week I started my summer classes for Nursing and so I am really changing up the routine: getting up at the crack, going to school until noon, working 1-10 and studying until 2am! I haven't been able to do the 3mi in the mornings simply because I will not be abducted walking that damn early in the morning, and my Pilates and toning isn't easy to fit in after work because I need to study! I have off on Fridays, so I work it all out Friday-Sunday and just keep eating as I should all week long.
Saw my NP last week and I let it alllll out! She had nothing but praise and said I was "part of an elite group of patients" of hers whom are truely committed and dedicated to making this work. I let it all hang out and was 100% honest telling her how I feel like I am sabatoging this because I choose breaded chicken over grilled sometimes, how I hate fish, how I still use regular mayo, and how I come off my routine on the weekends. She just sat and nodded her head and said I wasn't doing a thing wrong. I don't need to obsess over calories and carbs because my pouch's restriction alone will keep me from ever going overboard with the cals/carbs-inless of course I were to stuff myself silly. She said having breading is not sabatoging anything and coming off my routine is perfectly fine because I am not going nuts with what I do choose to eat on those days and it's only 1-2 days of the week. I also told her how I get all into reading how people on here eat-them and their protein shakes and 1/2 a string cheese... she said it's not a healthy way to eat and chances are they are not being 100% truthful about their total intake. Let's be honest, people on diets are the BEST liars! We have a hard time FULLY admitting everything we've eaten in a day and tend to over exagerate our exercise report. True, true. And besdies I am greatful that I eat so normally, so I will be proud to admit that I am that heffer in a corner eating a candy bar and NOT dumping, "Why? Because the Candy Girl CAN!" (...you know just on the weekends! ;))
So in a nutshell RE-the-freak-LAX! So I am just going to sit back in the cut and let the pouch do what I paid the doctor to make it do! I see her again at my anniversery date, my how time flys! I have no goal set because I'll be a big crybaby for the next three months if I do!
Wanna know how I get down @ 9 months out? A here-here-it-goes...
Green Tea and vitamins when I get up
Breakfast @ 6:30: Protein shake: 2c skim milk; frozen berries; scoop of vanilla protein powder and blend! Another good one, 1 tbsp crunchy peanut butter and chocolate protein powder... just like a Reece (?) Cup Blizzard! (I haven't had a 'Reece' Cup in so long, I can't even spell it!)
Lunch @ 12:30: Toasted whole wheat pita pocket with 2-3oz turkey or tuna, slice of deli cheese (lettuce/mayo/mustard) My favorite- Toasted wheat pita with 2-2.5oz grilled chicken breast strips, reduced fat shredded cheddar, few sliced canned mushrooms and lite sour cream.
De-Light-Ful!
Snack @ 3:30: South Beach high protein breakfast snack bar(Cinnemon & Raisin/Maple & Nute/Chocolate) Not one of those meal replacement bars, just a smaller 140cal/10g protein bar. Fake icing wrapped around it, yummy!
Dinner @ 5:30: 4oz chicken, many different ways prepared/ 4oz Orange Roughy (breaded of course, I HATE fish!) / South Beach pizza, OH and my absolute favorite- 4oz spicy chicken breast-breaded- chopped on top of romaine lettuce and Kraft Lite Ranch. Sometimes I eat it 3 times a week!
Snack @ 8:00: Yoplait Lite Banana/Key Lime/Lemon Meringue pie yogurt with walnuts or Kashi cereal on top...or a Granny Smith with reduced fat peanut butter.
I do still battle the night time demons when I get home from work at 10:30pm, I just want to inhale anything that is available! This is why I don't have any kind of snack or cheat food in my house, because if its not here, I can't eat it. I don't care how triple-churned Edy's ice cream is or baked those Lays are, they can reduce the fat in Cheese Nips until the cows come home... I look at it like this-I still have weight to loose. I can't afford to add in unecessary calories. When I have reached my goal and am maintaining my wieght I will allow myself to have things again, only because I have learned control and what to eat and what not to eat. I do have my cheat day or maybe two days on the weekend... to keep me from not feeling like a Starvin Marvin and keep my metabolism guessing. I'm usually at my parents on the weekend doing homework and laundry so there is where I can enduldge THEN GO HOME! I still do my protein shake and exercise and I don't go overboard and binge like I did back in the day. I simply give up the control for 1-2 days and let the routine go. I also don't cheat in the sence that I visit three drive thrus in a day- it's more like.. himm a want some doritos... now I feel like 1/2 tky sandwich on wheat... sure I'll have a left over peice of pizza. Just a little unscheduled freedom not boat loads of calories!
So this, above all, is what I have gained from this surgery. Yeah, this will keep me from killing a large pizza, BUT since I can eat anything or everything I want, I had to learn how to eat. I make smart decesions and have become disciplined and focused on my goals. I know how to make the scale stop and I know how to make it move, this is what really matters now and what will keep it all off in the end. For me, the surgery only affected the ammount I eat. I could still eat fast food x3 a day, I just wouldn't have as much food each time. I also could eat, get full then eat again and again, etc. BUT I have to decide to eat lean protein, instead of the greasy food and to stick to a set routine of meals and snacks and not constant eating as soon as my pouch empties. I am living proof this is not majic. I have to work for every pound and was not blessed to be one of the "I don't exercise or watch what I eat and just keep loosing!' jerks! But it's okay, because like everything else in my life, I have to work my ass off to get what I want, and in the end I am incredibly greatful and proud. This is what will keep the weight off because it was not easy to do and I have never let something fall apart after coming so far.
So that's how I eat, VERY normal. But I have had a habit of bringing one of the dinner choices above and nothing else, it's enough to fill me but an hour later I am hungry. So new goals now- I need to start bringing a side like rice, veggies, fruit-any extra fiber to keep me satisfied. Oh yea, the body fat..down another percent... 33.6 baby! Oh and my Vitamin D FINALLY jumped to 93! No more perscription D... see what a little bit of the 'Electric Beach' can do for a sister! ;) Until 10....
Bust: 42 1/4" ............... 41 3/4"
Waist: 36 3/4" ............... 35 1/4"
Belly: 44" ............... 44"
Hips: 45 1/2" ................ 44 1/2"
Thigh: 25 1/4" ............... 24 3/4"
Arm: 13 1/4" ................ 13 1/2"
*~*Friday July 13th, 2007*~*
TEN MONTHS post up, down 104lbs (312 lbs. --> 208lbs.)
Well, well here we are at ten months and I am a much happier, more content, camper. The NP says the average loss from about 6-7 months out is about 4-5lbs, so I am right on track. I am still in "scale detox" trying to break the habit, but getting better. I was able to let go of some of the control and not freak out and obsess about every little thing. I am just doing what I should and sitting back in the cut.
I have been so friggin busy with school and work I haven't had the spare time to waste thinking about this. My summer mini semester of Anatomy & Physiology and Psych are done next week, thank the high heavens, so I am excited to get back into my exercise routine. You will never in the history of life hear me say I enjoy any aspect of exercise, but I do love the effects and the feeling after so I do what I gotta do. I don't believe in that Endorphin crap, I think I am defficient But, with all the plateau bullish I delt with, I learned some new habits and routines that I am on now... I decided 3 meals isn't for me, I feel hungary all the time when I block out just 3 square meals. SO now I have 3 meals and 2 snacks, pretty much eating every 2-3 hours. My meals are no more than about 200-300 calories and my snacks are only 100-150 calories and always contain protein and/or fiber. I don't waste it on 100 calories packs of muffins or cookies or chips. Low cal and tasty? Yes, but satisfying and beneficial to my weight loss, eh..no. I can't wait to tear into a Skinny Cow icecream on the weekend though! Fat girl at heart always looks foward to the cheat weekend day! But hey it's all still low cal stuff, just things I won't allow on the weekdays. Oh yea, got the shorter dew now and dare I say it, I think the hair thinning has slowed down! I am still taking Biotin faithfully but I don't have anything coming out in my hands in the shower lately-could be the shorter dew, but either way, a sister can make a thick little poney tail now!!
Anywhoo things are well, exercise will resume next week, with the 3mi walk/jog x5 week, pilates/toning at night alternating with stability ball cardio work out on Fit TV. About 1000 cal/day, Protein and Water! Poster child or what?! I also realized a pattern in my weight loss which is another reason to stay off the scale.... ever since my 4-5th month, right before the 13th (my anniversery day) I would drop like 8lbs in a week and couldn't figure out why, esp. if it was during a time when I was eating chicken patties on buns and not exercising regularly! (yea yea, I had my moments-but I was in the middle of moving!) BUT then 5 days later, I was up 8lbs and would sit there right until the 13th of the next month then resume! I would start to freak that I had gained 8lbs in just a few days but it's just how my body fluctuates. Weighing EVERY DAY would obviosuly drive me stright into a padded cell! This month for example, I dropped to 208 June 14th, one day after my 9 month... so this was my lowest weight for July, then this week, within 2 days...215!? How in the love my god's green earth!? FLUC-TUR-FRIGGIN-UATION! Psysiologically I know I didn't gain 7lbs of body fat in 2 days, so I have to ride it out and sit here probably until August 12th or so. Whatever's clever, SCALE... NOT GONNA GET THE BEST OF ME. So that's that, steadily making my way down the yellow brick road of adipose tissue! (Can you tell my head is in the science books these days!) Until the 11th...
Bust: 42 3/4" ............... 41"
Waist: 35 1/4" ............... 35"
Belly: 44" ............... 44"
Hips: 44 1/2" ................ 44 1/4"
Thigh: 24 3/4" ............... 23 3/4"
Arm: 13 1/2" ................ 13 1/2"
*~*Monday August 13th, 2007*~*
ELEVEN MONTHS post up, down 109lbs (312 lbs. --> 203lbs.)
So here I am, almost one year out and down 5lbs this month. I am told that 3-5lbs per month is average at this point, so it works for me. Just as I lingered around a few measley pounds before hitting the -100# mark, here we are again as I am on the brink of hitting >199#... creep, creep,creep. I lost about 4lbs right after my 10 month mark (the 13th) then a few weeks later, one more pound so I am hoping those few pounds will move pretty quick and I will hit my one-hundreds within the next couple weeks. When I hit the 203, I thought getting down a few more pounds in a week would be no prob and I could hit that >199 before my deadline-today... YEA, not realistic! I had ALREADY lost 5lbs, and to loose 4 pounds in like 4 days...I don't know what I was on! Sounded good when I thought it up!
So at any rate, not much to report, still never vomitted, never dumped, etc..etc..etc.. I am eating roughly 5-5.5oz meat now.. and have since added sides like a mini corn on the cob or small red salad baked potato with my meals. I have not found anything my pouch doesn't like and have never overstuffed myself, I just eat and exercise like I should and let it be.
The hair... shedding is now minimal.. I think we may be getting somewhere! I got me a new dew and I think that may have also helped... either way I don't have a hand full of strands when I pull at it anymore!
I am no where near as obsessed as I was- although I would still freak if I somehow stopped loosing! I said from the beginning my goal was 145#... now, I am not so sure. I don't have the slightest clue where the number came from! Scientifically the proper weight for my age and height (which NO ONE is!) is about 121-165lbs. I don't ever remember being 145 so I don't know where I dreamed it up from, it's not like I recall likeing myself at that weight... I dunno! Anyway my doc says she expects me to hit 165-170# by the 18th month, that's the window for WLS. I can continue to loose thereafter but it's not up to the pouch anymore, just me. People don't think I look like I am 200#, they have said they'd guess 170#! Which excites me but also makes me reevaluate...SO the new goal is 155lbs.. right-smack-dab-in-the-middle! Size-wise, I am in a 16 now, down from my highest, a 24. I think somewhere between a size 6-8 would be to my liking, and shirts NO SMALLER than a medium. I WANT meat on my bones yet, I like a filled out look. So we'll see... I see the doc next month at my anniversery!! How excitable!
Bust: 41" ............... 41"
Waist: 35" ............... 35"
Belly: 44" ............... 42 3/4"
Hips: 44 1/4" ................ 44 1/4"
Thigh: 24 3/4" ............... 23 3/4"
Arm: 13 1/2" ................ 13 1/2"
*~*Thursday September 13th, 2007*~*
1 YEAR post up, down 111lbs (312 lbs. --> 201lbs.)
Happy, happy Surgi-versery! I am one year out today giving us a total of 111lbs down. I had a slow month, loosing 2lbs-because as soon as I lost that 2lbs right in the beginning of the month- BAM! I am on another joyful stall! I don't know what beef my body has with me, but the first plateau hit as I anticipated -100#.. it lingered 2-3lbs before it finally budged.. and now... all I wanna see is <199 and after moving nice n steady, it stops 1-friggin-pound away! WHAT-EVER! I never set goals for exactly THIS reason and the two big goals I do set, she wants to play games! At any rate I am down 3" this month, which is fan-tab-ulous because I have been down only 1.5-2.5" each month. So 3 firm inches means the bod is contouring... it will be nice NOW to see the changes since I am down to a decent weight where the inches and weight loss will show immediatly and a lot more dramatically. As a big girl is takes forever to finally see results... when skinni-er people loose, any little bit shows and dress sizes reflect the loss immediatly!
So I saw the doc today, little sad there were no balloons and streamers waiting for me BUT she was pleased with my progress. I told her I see people on here who loose in 6 months what I have in a year, and how the weight just falls off them.. she said I am reading "fish stories!" I guess I will go with it, she said I am loosing exactly as I should, any faster and I would not look as lovely and toned as I do! She said even just my arms look great, better than the last time I saw her 3 months ago, so I am not having any skin or flab issues! But since a little revision IS covered by my insurance I asked when I could have it, she said after hitting a year, I can go whenever! But I should wait until my 18th month when I should have hit my goal and my body will be at it's final state. Then, we'll see. I am completely honest and told her how I slacked on exercise because of my school sched. the last few weeks but have never and will never go an entire week without any exercise. I freaked out to her about how I feel like I am eating too much-as usual! But when you look in my fridge you see lite yogurt, cottege cheese, reduced fat cheese, stone wheat crackers, turkey, string cheese-so I need to cool it. I don't have any chips, ice cream, M&M's, etc. in my house so I am not sabatoging anything. She said what is important is that I realize what I need to do and that I am making this work for me, even if I am not going by the book, I am doing it my way and it's still the right way. She also said even when patients lie and say they eat right she can tell because they have fatigue and feel like crap and I am a bubbly little bumblebee! She was glad I was not as worrysome as I was a few months ago... her nice way of telling me to chill the freak out!
So...life, 1 year later you ask? Well dudes, I never vommitted, nothing ever got stuck, nothing ever went down wrong or made me feel like crap, never overeaten, no pains, no poop issues.. never even known I'd had it! And my locks are coming back nice and thick, no more thinning hair! I read these 'graduate' profiles on here and sorry to say, I am not on that CORNBALL COMMITTEE who all rave "my life has changed so much" and "I LOVE MY NEW LIFE!" ... Only because I am an all-or-nothing-girl. This whole 'one year' thing is whooee kabloee to me, hollar at me when I hit my goal weight then I will bust out the cartwheels! Only 40# to go, my doc made me promise to show some excitement at least when I get below 200#, I told her I will see what I can do!
I will say I never once regretted my decesion and I feel so much better then I did last year, just to be able to get up and put on fitting jeans and a tee or tank top,and not have to cover up and adjust and suck in and strap down- that's all a girl really wants! So here she is, 201lbs, 111lbs lighter than I was one year ago today. Healthy as an Ox and just wait, wait, waiting to hit the 'one's'... the CORNBALL COMMITTEE calls it "ONE-Derland!"...ummm..no. I went jeans shopping and couldn't find my way out of the Plus Sizes! Everything was too big so I stood in the middle of the store and thought, "now where do I go???" I am surrently wearing a 15 pants (I think this was last seen around freshman year.) and L/XL in shirts. (Praise the lord I haven't lost "the girls!" ) I am also lucky to have maintained some curv-age.. some people who loose weight get all flat and you almost think they look better off..round-but measurements tell no lie and I still got me some hips and thighs AND a smaller abdomen... what can I say..she get it from her mama!
Bust: 41" ............... 40"
Waist: 35" ............... 34 1/2"
Belly: 42 3/4" ............... 41 3/4"
Hips: 44 1/4" ................ 44 1/4"
Thigh: 23 3/4" ............... 23 1/4"
Arm: 13 1/2" ................ 13 1/4"
*~*Saturday September 29th, 2007*~*
*~*Saturday October 13th, 2007*~*
1 year, 1 month post up, down 115lbs (312 lbs. --> 197lbs.)
So I did my cartwheels, the scale read 198 and finally put me under 200! I did pretty darn well this month, since weight loss is like molasses this far out, my 4lbs are ground shattering!
Now, with my new found glory, I had a few epiphanys', or lightbulbs go off-if you will. Allow me to proceed... it's a very well known fact that this surgery CAN be sabatoged and it HAS failed some people and it IS possible to gain every last ounce..and thensome.. back. I am very realistic about the fact that this will be a never ending battle even when, or if I do hit my goal. I will still have the Little Debbie demmons on my shoulder and heffer tendencies I had to begin with-but it will be my daily battle to tame that hungry lion and maintain what I have worked so hard to achieve. BUT I can tell you THIS girl will never see 200+ on any scale ever again! I really didn't do my little dance until I stopped fluctuating and the numbers were stopping at 199! I feel like I am finally getting somewhere and yea, I guess I do see a difference 115lbs later... humf!
Anywhoo, same old story, still no reprucussions, still thanking the good lord for my health... oh yea and my hair is no longer thinning or coming out in strands, we're comin in nice and thick again.... so just trucking right along. So I decided to initiate Project Tummy Tuck since it's covered by insurance because I did the bariatric program. I don't have any real skin issues but it's certainly not the tight abdomen of a 23 year old girl who's been of normal size all her life, SO why not go ahead and tighten some thangs up! I work in surgery so I know the plastic surgeons, so I settled on one that I was most comfortable with. There's some McSteamys' who I just can't fatham droppin trou' in front of and then working with them the next day! ESPECIALLY if it's anything like I see on tv... the women have on paper gowns, and paper g-strings (or just a poor personal choice in undies!) and they just flash the surgeon and let them color all over their lumps and humps! So I picked the family man! I still have about 40lbs more to drop to hit my goal which should happen by March-my 18 month visit, or at the very latest, May-which is when I am going to have the surgery as a birthday present to myself! I have my consult in two weeks so I can be sure I can be deemed 'medically necessary' and not be counting all my chickens before they hatch! (?..put my eggs in a basket..? You get my drift!) I planned this very strategically before the end of the year because I have to pick my new insurance for 2008 and if I am going to have the surgery I need to pick the better option so I pay less. One fan-taboulous tid bit I learned is that my $3,000 surgical deductible was a ONE TIME deal! Whooo! All the more duckets for my new belly ring! LOL ... Until next month....
Bust: 40" ............... 38 1/2"
Waist: 34 1/2" ............... 34 1/2"
Belly: 41 3/4" ............... 40 1/2"
Hips: 44 1/4" ................ 44 1/4"
Thigh: 23 3/4" ............... 23 1/4"
Arm: 14 1/4" ................ 13 3/4"
*~*Thurday October 25th, 2007*~*
"I'm too Booty-liscious for ya babe!" I had a great consult today with my plastic surgeon, Dr. Hijjawi, also with Froedtert. I knew him personally because I work in surgery and as I said I decided on him because I felt a lot more comfortable dropping trou, and that I did! It was just like I watch it on TV and I guess those horrible string bikini, itty bitty underwear people wear, aren't just a poor personal choice, apparantly they're part of the ensamble! A triangle over your butt and a itty bitty triangle to cover your cha-cha, the rest is elastic string! If I wasn't sure I needed some work before, these underwear cleared everything up!
So he came in and had a look-see and I got some positive-unexpected-feedback! I have the lower gut/tire thing that just won't leave and that's skin that could be tightened up with the typical abdominoplasty, where he will make an incesion from hip to hip and cut away the pannus and pull the rest of my skin and ab muscle tight-this also included pulling up that "kitty kat skin" that all of us girls knows also droops with weight loss. Then the muffin top area above the belly button is a bit pudgy so that would be liposuctioned, as well as two small areas above my butt, on my hips. He had me cough to flex my abs and said I really had some good muscle under there and he said my shape was great, I have a coke-bottle kind of shape under the skin and he said that was "all me" -it's just the skin that doesn't let it show through. He said my legs and thighs looked great and he wouldn't even touch that-which coming from a plastic surgeon was a shocker because they think EVERYONE could use a little work EVERYWHERE! He said he would have no problem doing it presently but the fact that I wanted to wait to loose about 40 more was even better-he said I was going to look really great! Way to motivate a sister!
So we will wait to take pictures until I loose what I want to because it will be even more dramatic which is all the better for the insurance company, which he believes will cover and we can deem me a 'medically necessary.' Dr. Hijjawi suggested I follow up with my primary doc regarding rashes and antifungal cream and be sure he documents my issues and that coming in to see him early on was another smart move because he would dictate that I am expressing concerns now, which would only be more relative after looking more weight. So cool beans, I did a little dance when he left the office! This definatly motivated me to get moving and go hard on the toning! I planned on this as my Birthday gift in May, but the sooner I can get the weight off and tone, the sooner I will go back and see him! I refuse to be one of those heffers still overweight and trying to get a tummy tuck! How excitable!
*~*Tuesday November 13th, 2007*~*
1 year, 2 months post up, down 115lbs (312 lbs. --> 197lbs.)
Well here we are 14 months out and she decided she would plateau for the 2nd time... nada, zip, zilch! Can't complain though, I mean only a second plateau after loosing 115# in a year? That's pretty durn good! The true testement is the inches and I still lost 2.75" this month mostly in the wait and arms so I am breathing easy... weight-schmaight! I have been doing my exercising and toning and it's obviously working so I don't get all freaked out. I am not a big weido about the scale and weight obsession any more like I was.. I don't let this give me mental anguish anymore! Will you hear me say that I am "super proud of loosing 115# and if I didn't loose another pound I would still be super satisfied?" PAH-LEEESE! HECK NO! I don't care about anything but 155-160lbs, but I am not going to blow a gasket with every stall! Yea 115# is spiffy, but we're not done here yet kids.
So I did my norm 5-8lb fluctuating after hitting my 197.... up, up, up to 202 I sat, some days 205 just for the hell of it.. and I did that for about 2 weeks, currently I am back to 197.0, steady. So for me that means I stalled out, no gain no loss, got back down to my lowest and now it will continue to move to the left. I am living and breathing low carb and swear by it! THAT, my friends, is how you get the scale moving. Screw the calorie counting, yogurt and all that other skimpy crap, it's when I cut out all the excess carbs and limit my self to 20g/day PLUS my protein shake (which is free* x1/day) that I get results! My cravings disappear, I am not all hungry all the time, it's jusy peachy! I am back on the exercise wagon, balls to the wall until tummy tuck time!
Let's see... still never thrown up, nothing ever disagreed, never dumped, no poop-shoot problems.. my hair is coming in nice n think again, got me a thick little poney coming right along! And as far as pouch size-damned if I know! I don't think it's changed much since maybe my 5th month when I was able to actually finish meals...
Now I have a protein shake for breakfast at 7am... (vanilla protein powder, 1c skim milk, 2-3 tbsp Sugar Free Hazel Nut Coffee Creamer)
Cottege cheese for a snack around 11...
Chicken strip salad or a wheat pita pocket concoction for lunch @ 12:30pm... (I have my carbs at lunch only so there's time to digest during the rest of the day!)
A String cheese for a snack at 3:30pm...
Chicken or Steak and a hard boiled egg for dinner around 5:30pm...
Sugar Free Jell-o for my last snack at 8pm
And of course like Taco Bell, there's always a "4th meal" because I am home from work at 10:30pm and don't sleep until like 2am.. but it's usually some cheese/ tuna/egg salad/or my little Johnsonville weinies... just NO carbs!
And then exercise-cardio 30min and toning 20 min. And there you have it, so very normal! Just disciplined and scheduled...Well dudes, we'll see where we are next month, tah-tah!
Bust: 38 1/2" ............... 38 1/4"
Waist: 34 1/2" ............... 33 1/2"
Belly: 40 1/2" ............... 40 1/4"
Hips: 44 1/4" ................ 44 1/4"
Thigh: 23 1/4" ............... 23 1/4"
Arm: 13 3/4" ................ 12 3/4"
*~*Thursday December 13th, 2007*~*
1 year, 3 months post up, down 120lbs (312 lbs. --> 192lbs.)
So 15 months and we're at 120 and counting...5 big ole pounds this month, shocking I tell ya! AND this occured duing thanksgiving, riddle me that one! I must say 120lbs sounds like a lot lost, and to think "it's a whole person" seems mind boggling, but I really don't see a dramatic difference. Now this is not the infamous "fat girl complex" because I know I am thinner, mathmatically and physically... but I think I am just one of those people that was lucky enough to carry it well. I never looked like "who dun it" even at my heaviest. And so now when I look back I just don't look like that stuffed mushroom-quartback-heffer anymore, I have bones in my face... my shoulders are relaxed, my chin isn't resting on my chest... but "OH MY GOOOOOOD?!"Ummmm... no. Doesn't really matter anyways I guess.. I am just looking ahead to travling down the little yellow brick road of sizes-that's all that matters. These numbers are nothing to obsess over- I weigh a good 50# more than my mother and yet I am fitting her size 14 pants and size Large shirts.. know what I mean vern!
Anywhoo... exercise was non existant this month, not gonna fib... my semester was ending this month so I just didn't make the effort. BUT the treadmill has been moved back in front of the TV so I just needa watch the Biggest Loser and get motivated again. 5lbs was nice, but the inches will tell the truth, we'll see...
And holy moses, the panniculectomy is calling my name! I don't have the skin issue, I don't have any stretch marks, everything looks very well toned and elasticized, so says me and everyone else... BUT it's not tight and so it shows in clothes and keeps me from my true sizes and fits. Juniors pants pretty much stop at the crotch so if you have the pudge it's only gonna push UP, UP, AND AWAY to muffin-ville! No freakin way will I look like that! But it's only because of that mush that shouldn't be there! So I have to wear pants that come up and over... sucks. I will stand in the mirror and pull up and think "mannnnn THIS is what it could be!" I just can't wait. I could do it now, but I think it's nonsence when these people get tummy tucks and lipo and still are overweight. I won't be a statistic so we'll wait it out until spring, lordy am I anxious!
Until 16 months...
Bust: 38 1/4" ............... 38 1/4"
Waist: 33 1/2" ............... 33 1/2"
Belly: 40 1/4" ............... 40 1/2"
Hips: 44 1/4" ................ 44"
Thigh: 23 1/4" ............... 23 1/4"
Arm: 12 3/4" ................ 12 3/4"
*~*Sunday January 13th, 2008*~*
1 year, 4 months post up, down 120lbs (312 lbs. --> 192lbs.)
Well 16 months today, no loss to report this month-which does not surprise me. I will admit with all the hussle and bussle of the holidays and what have you, I have been pretty much omni-present at the gym and eating-well-I don't eat CRAP, I still eat pretty much chicken and dairy, but I haven't been restricting in a way that would make me actually loose-just maintain. I am fine with that, maintain is better than gain, at least I will know how to do it when I am at my goal. Also I think the plateau has set in-like the REAL plateau. My weight stays the exact same no matter what I do, work out and restrict or not work out and eat normal or have a "free" day-nevertheless! The big picture is that I lost 120# and have only about 35# to go, I think this is about the time when my body is struggling to hold on to the flubber! I am going to get back to the gym each night and restricting my eating and I will bust thru, I am not worried.
I do think the inches are still moving, I am in size 14/medium pants and Large in shirts- COMFORTABLY, now. Before I could get into them, but it wasn't the most suitable, now I think I can safely own the new size. So... scale-schmale, the sizes are moving!
Excitable news is that I am scheduled for my 2nd consult with my Plastic Surgeon-Dr. Hijjawi, January 31st! I figure I better not wait intil my 18 month check up with the doc to schedule the plastics-when I want surgery in May. That's pushing it, and I should know better than anyone to prepare for the bullcrap insurance may want to throw my way! So I am seeing him next week and we will draw and take pictures and submit to insurance. I have some new ideas to discuss in addition to the tummy tuck.... it's sick when you start to accept the idea of plastic surgery, it's like anything you don't like you start to ponder getting it "fixed!" I mean he's going to have the little sucky-tube thing going anyways, might as well suck some out of the thighs right?! And the boobies... I have not shrunken, (thank Jesus!) I still have a full C-D, just a little more drooped than I would like, so I am going to discuss a "Mastopexy" or breast lift. No implants, but more invastive because your messing with muscle and nipple relocation, etc. Who knows... the kicker is that it would be outta MY pocket...struggling college student... ha, mom will love that one! Well see what he says....
So anyway, same old, same old.. except I am pretty sure my "surgery" is done-zo! Or like the OH freaks say "the honeymoon is over!" I think I have lost all that I will with the surgery alone-yea I still have the restriction thing which will help me out for life, but now it's on me to really kick myself in the ass and get on a restricted diet plan to drop the rest of the weight and stay motivated and work out... as it should be. This surgery shouldn't carry anyone to their goal-although some of these cows have been lucky enough to have that happen, I am not one of them! This goes to show, I am a real person on a real diet and I have to put on the big girl panties and loose it just like anyone else! The surgery was done because I had so much to loose, and it effectively made me drop a huge ammount that is satisfactory on all accounts, I could stay like this and be happy and call it a success... but we're not done folks!
Bust: 38 1/4" ............... 38 1/4"
Waist: 33 1/2" ............... 33 1/2"
Belly: 40 1/4" ............... 40 1/2"
Hips: 44 1/4" ................ 44"
Thigh: 23 1/4" ............... 23 1/4"
Arm: 12 3/4" ................ 12 3/4"
*~*Wednesday February 13th, 2008*~*
1 year, 5 months post up, down 120lbs (312 lbs. --> 192lbs.)
Well 17 months down and the last and lowest the scale moved was after Thanksgiving so we're at a bit of a stand still... however I can say I do know that is a result of myself and not my body physiology. I have not been at the gym since maybe the beginning of January, since then I have been pretty spractic with the home treadmill and toneing.. school is pretty intense right now so I haven't made the extra effort. I see the doc next month for the 18 month visit, I haven't seen her since my year visit in September and I think that was part of the problem! I had 6 months on my own to loose and planned on coming back at goal... PA-HAAAA! Give me a little string and I will hang myself!! I kept putting it off thinking 'I got another month' and here we are!
I did e-mail my NP and informed her of the stall and the fact that I have not been to the gym-I also inquired if my calories were on track or too little-I am taking in maybe 1000 on an average day. She recommended I get back into the exercise regimen first and see if that makes the numbers move, then in March, when I see her, if not luck, then I will meet with the dietician. I have lost 12lbs since September, and even though I haven't had movement in a few months, she said loosing any amount was great. because she will usually see people back at 18 months with no weight loss so I am still ahead of the game, even when I feel like all is hopeless!!
So let's see, nothing new... never puked, never overate, etc... can eat anything, no signs of distress... blah-blah-poster-child-for-WLS-blah! On to the best-est news... Plastic Surgery Baby! I met with Dr. Hijjawi at the beginning of this month for my final consult. I still want to loose 30-40lbs, which is why I am prolonging the surgery until May so I still have time to drop. For insurance purposes, he stated I am stable weight, and medically necessary. So we discussed the surgery-incesion hip to hip, pull down on this, make a new belly button with that, few lipo suctioning spots-I am also going to request some in my inner thighs -(I mean he's already gonna have the sucky stick thing out, might as well!) couple of drains and a night in the hospital. Drains out after a few days of oozing and I will be out for about 3-4 weeks. I am not scared of surgery, just like the GB, it's more of a business "something I gotta do" type of thing.. but I know there will be pain with this bad boy! Before it was a lota CO2 gas being uncomfortable but really no pain with the little laprascopic incesions... this is a whole other beast! Ahh well.. this is one surgery I will literally wake up and see an instant difference! Bring on the morphine and I will be just peachy!
*~*Thursday March 13th, 2008*~*
1 year, 6 months post up, down 120lbs (312 lbs. --> 192lbs.)
So 18 months down, still sittin' pretty @ 192#, but the numbers have finally started to shake,er... fluctuate, so that usually means as long as I do what I need to, we're on on way down! Anywhoo, the ice and snow is finally melting and I have already gotton back outside where I like it. I walk my 2 miles every morning as long as it's above 30 degrees and the sidewalks are clear! I figured I wouldn't waste time on pictures and measurements if there is no measureable change!
I saw my NP for my 18 month visit, she said she was surprised to see my 12# weight loss, because usually people come back at 18 months with no loss or even some gainage so-although stalled, I have done wonderfully. Of course none of that means much until I see that big number in the sky! Let's see, we did labs... B12 is sky high and postassium is down a bit, nothing serious-at least she knows I am not lacking in vitamins! I never understood how people got lazy with that, how flippin hard is it and how much does it suck when you feel the effect? Yeaaah.
I'm all about plastics right now, still keeping every limb crossed while I wait. Of course I was originally submitted like Feb 4th, and it's lost in the mail.. so I am resubmitted at the end of Feb and NOW, they're waiting on pictures that were sent seperately. Way to get it together people. So irritated as ever, I am checking up and it should all be decided on within the next two weeks-MAX! I am not too worried because I am a hospital employee, that actually has great advantages to insurance when your procedures are being done at the same hospital and with the same docs. I didn't have to even pick up the phone with approval for the gastric bypass. So anywhoo I have decided I am going to go with a thigh lift in addition to the tummy tuck. I thought about lipo until I realized I would just have more saggy pudge. So I am going to go see the doc and discuss next week and throw it in the whole kit-in-kaboodle!
*~*Friday March 28th, 2008*~*
So finally, after weeks of waiting and my oh-so-sexy belly pictures floating around Wisconsin, the insurance company finally got all of the papers and images and have approved the procedure!
We did some talking of an additional procedure-"medial thigh lift w/ lipo, he would call it 2 instead of 4 spots" and it estimated $9,000.... sooooo then I said well maybe just lipo and we'll wait and see how that looks...$7,000 because then I would be charged for ALL spots... ummmm no. I am not about to "finance" plastic surgery, my mom would kill me!! So back to basics and was actually is covered by insurance-the TT. I will probably have to pay for lipo- 3 spots and he'll call it 1, and a 20% employee discount, so that's the plan. I figure if I really want to fix the thighs, I will wait another year or, during which I will work to reach my goal weight, focus on thigh toning and pay off any existing debt, THEN decide on that kind of investment! I really don't have a thigh issue, except for your normal inner flab that accompanies weight loss, but like anything else-gimmie the option and I take it and run with it! Ahhh well, so now we wait for the paperwork to be pushed and the scheduler to ring me.... on-going saga!
*~*Sunday April 13th, 2008*~*
1 year, 7 months post up, down 120lbs (312 lbs. --> 192lbs.)
La-dee-dah, still the same...no need for pictures. I am sure I had some measurement dips because my body has been changing like crazy, but..eh, I will measure before my.. TUMMY TUCK, BITCHESSS! (Sorry, just a bit excited!)
Am I sad and mad my weight has been holding like piss on a road trip?! No, actually I am not. Simply put, I have been so flippin busy these past few months, and this is why I have had no time to put in the work to getting the pounds off, so how can I be upset it hasn't come off without effort? Yea maybe 1 month post op I could pull that crap, but CLEARLY we're not in Kansas anymore Dorothy!
Anywhoo, I have had my share of emotions with everything being so crazy and yet my weight has not suffered as a result, as it once did. Looks like I conqured me a demon! Debby Downer, as I may always portray, is not gonna show through this time around-I am proud I have been able to control my eating and be conscious of the fact thay I am unable to work out-this has kept me from taking in more than I am putting out, so I am vey happy with me... I am sure Peter Pouch is also greatful! Yes, I have named it... any GB person knows, these pouches have a mind of their own and it is in your BEST interest to maintain a buddy-buddy relationship, or you'll be sorry!
So same song and dance, as it gets nicer, I am getting more motivated, it will come off. More importantly...I got me a date!!
Surgery is at 11:30am and I will go home the next morning. He gave me off 5/30-6/27.... no, no, no. I have summer school starting June 6th so.....drains or not, I will be front and center in lecture hall 2 weeks post op! I can give him 3 weeks, tops! I am again looking at this the same way I did with the GB.... not excited, not scared, it something I have to do, a scheduled task..a business meeting, if you will. LOL I don't know why I look at such serious surgeries like that but it's just another part to an on-going journey.... I dunno. Also, I have a lota control over everything because I work in surgery and know my surgeon and the OR staff personaly.. I got to choose one of my good friends to do my anesthesia, so it puts me at ease.
I also don't know what to expect. I just can not, for the life of me, imagine no having this stomach anymore. I mean, a flat stomach, no big spare tire, no muffin top, no butt belt fat..? Contour? What is that?! I will have a waist, and evem a raised "va-jay-jay!" Just can't believe that is going to happen...very obviously "too good to be true!" Guess I will verify for you after it's over.... wow.
So this is my "mound," pre-op...
*~*Tuesday May 13th, 2008*~*
1 year, 8 months post up, down 120lbs (312 lbs. --> 192lbs.)
Here were are 20 months out and just a little bit of inches action happening... it's weird I lost inches in my belly, but yet not in the abdomen-this proves I am getting all squishy!
Anywhoo, I am finally done with this semester so I have time to get back into the exercise routine, thank jesus! It's never too late, I just had to deal with the sitting still of the numbers for a bit until I finshed stupid Microbiology! I am happy to report my numbers maintained and I have not gained weight! Look at me being all Paula Positivity!
So blah, blah..on to what REALLY matters...OPERATION TUMMY TUCK IN EXACTLY 1 WEEK AND 3 DAYS! Lordy am I excitable! I see the PS Thursday, I guess for ANOTHER talk... or just another consult-damn-charge! Then I have my pre-op testing stuff next Tuesday... then Friday... THE MOUND IS GONE!!!!
Bust: 38 1/4" ............... 39"
Waist: 33 1/2" ............... 34"
Belly: 40 1/4" ............... 39 1/2"
Hips: 44 1/4" ................ 44 1/2"
Thigh: 23 1/4" ............... 24"
Arm: 12 3/4" ................ 13"
*~*Saturday May 31st, 2008*~*
Well it's done, I've been tucked as of yesterday...and cut, and jabbed, and mutilated...whooooo...THIS is a whopper! The RYN was nothing but a few laprascopic incesion slits and some muscle soreness... I now feel like I have been hit by a damn semi! The doc told my mom that he thinks I will be VERY happy with everything, just can't really tell right now! 6lbs of flesh and a liter of fluid removed...So how it went down...
Let's see.. I was cut hip to hip-a smiley face- if you will- and the skin was pulled nice and taunt. I did not have to screw around with muscle stuff because I am sans children, so these muscles did not need to be tightened or pulled... I was, however, informed that I have an abnormally high belly button! Which meant that when my skin is pulled down, the hole where my BB was will be down at my pubis!! SO I had to have a new hole cut-same BB, but you can see the incesion above my pubis where my BB was, weird.
So then I have massive bruises all overly butt from the lipo-looks like I got MY ASS KICKED! Literally! I got lipo in the upper abdomen and both flanks. I am swollen as hell, wide as a wale-BUT I don't have the spare tire anymore!!! I actually walk and don't feel my belly on my upper thighs-mind boggling. I have two drains for the fluids that I have to keep track of until they are minimal enough to remove-that's probably the most uncomfortable part. Two little holes for the drains that are right in my thigh crease-constantly irritated. Everything is just so tight and stretched right now so I am moving as slow as molasses, taking pain pills and antibiotics.
The whole hospital experience was a doozey... I knew everyone that took care of me, even hand picked my good friend to do my anesthesia so all the familiar faces made it easy. She gave me great relaxation meds before and after, no nausea, they loaded me up on meds, I was feelin good, just sitting in recovery smiling and waving to everyone. They gave me ice chips for my irritated throat from the tube and some gum for the nasty anesthesia taste, and I sat and waited for my room. I was all good throughout the night, even stolling around-half bent of course. UNTIL 4am... my IV was irritated so my hand was swollen and pain was kickin in. My new night nurse took her sweet time after I'd called for meds and proceeded to blow 3 veins trying to re-stick me! After I literally started bawling from the pain and multiple sticks, another nurse stepped in and hit it on the first try. I got a quick fix of morphine and antibiotics and tried to sleep. No luck, so I walked... and now it was harder because I was bent over which cramped my back... anywhoo it was rough. So doc came to see me in Saturday AM, everyone thought it looked great, and assured me this WAS NOT the final result, I was very swollen still. (They saw the lack of excitement in my face!) So I was released that day, less tan 24 hours.
Anywhoo, I am 3 days post op, and everyday is better than the previous. I am learning what does and does not work. I take the pain meds mostly at night, and maybe 1 or 2 during the day if I start to feel swelling/sorness suddenly. I saw the PA today and she said it looked really good. (All the medical staff have been really impressed with my surgeon's work-they know good incesion line and all the technical aspects.) The regular people have just commented on how skinny and slim I have suddenly become because I have a FLAT...BUT I the respond that I am as wide as a house! I can't even fit the oldschool BIG GIRL PANTIES!
So here's some sexy bitch images for ya. The first is the binder I have come to love-the constriction feels SO good! Especially around my butt where all the bruising and swelling is from the lipo..can you believe THAT hurts more than the huge incesion! You can also see the stupid drains I am stuck with until I drain only 20cc/day, each drain...right now the PA says I am still draining a huge amount (100cc/day, per drain) so they are definatly staying put for a bit, couple weeks maybe.. :(
You can also see my new belly button location, same BB though...the darker incesion right above my pubis area is where my OLD BB was until they pulled the skin all the way down.
And then the side shots show the lipo areas, sore as hell. He did quite a bit of upper abdomen lipo, but no bruising.. just VERY tight feeling and NUMB! It all feels like it's "sleeping!" Ughhhh, I can't wait for the swelling to go down, then we'll have some stuff to show! So, until then ladies and gents, enjoy the educational-national-geographic- photos!
*~*Friday June 6th 2008*~*
Well one week post op an honestly today was finally my "turning point" I have been waiting for. When I had the GB I remember the doc telling me most people feel like crap until like the 6th day or so and it's a huge turn around...so I kind of focused on that and was hoping it would apply just the same, and it did!
I had to get up early for the doc and was able to get out of bed and shower almost effortlessly...slow, yes, BUT I got er' done! I took a pain pill because I knew I would be up and moving and so I was all good...did my hair, make up and got dressed for the first time in a week..felt SO good!
So the doc was very happy with everything, took off the bandage, which you can peep below... looks icky, but medically perfect. He pulled out the gauze from my BB and put a new sterile soaked one in just to keep it clean... he said everything turned out perfect..."very attractive abdomen" he says...watch out now! He also said he used my old lap scars for the lipo sites, so that's cool, no new scars...no "dog ears" like he warned were possible.. couldn't be better. He was glad to hear I really only take the narcs at night this early in the game...but I am still draining too much-less than earlier in the week but I am still at about 60cc/day and I need 20cc....so I have until Monday to see if I have 2 full days at 20cc then I can come in and pull em'..otherwise he's in clinic again Thursday and more than likely they will be pulled then. I start school Monday so I am praying to god they drain minimally this weekend, otherwise I need to work on hidin "my balls!"
*~*Monday June 30th 2008*~*
1 year, 9 months post up, down 120lbs (312 lbs. --> 192lbs.)
1 month, Post Tummy Tuck!
So here I am with who knows what weight loss because I am swollen as a freakin whale! I saw the scale jump up as much as 219 since the TT...I am one month out from the TT and STILL have one drain in! Ughhhhh it bites the big one! I got one out after 3 weeks and they said after a day or two of doing the job of two-my last drain should start to minimalize and within that week I should be at about 20cc/day and I can get it out. Skip to a week later and draining about 80cc/day! He said it is not that uncommon, many GB patients have a lot of tissue and drain excessive amounts, and some people just keep draining so at some point there will be hope and the little bastard WILL come out! Ughhhh....
BUT I have had zero complications and the doc LOVES the work he's done! As do I! I have a really nice contour-coke bottle shape-if you will and even a little rivit down the middle from my abs that were hiding during all my ab work at the gym! So I am greatful AND happy for that... I will stop complaining about the drain... it just SUCKS! I definatly have the curves now, little waist but hips...REALLY makes a sister want to persue the thigh lift... then I think I want the femininity of the a shapley bod...BUT when I am sans SPANX...the jello-jigglers are not lookin good! I hear that's a MOTHER of a recovery, so who knows.. I would NOT pay for it and only go for it if insurance covers, so I guess I will just talk to my plastic surgeon if he thinks I can start the process, I'll go to my primary and have him do some notes. Eh, in a year or so.
Anywhoo... my weight has gone down to 203 or so... so lots of fluid still.. obviously since I am over my real weight AND had 6lbs of tissue and a liter of fluid removed... you can see my swollen belly right above the incesion where excess fluid still remains...he just says to wear my binder TIGHT! So I keep pulling until I can't breathe and secure the damn velcro! Well dudes, enjoy the shots, I'll update when this god-for-saken-drain is taken out!
*~*Sunday July 13th 2008*~*
1 year, 10 months post up, down 120lbs (312 lbs. --> 192lbs.)
2 month, Post Tummy Tuck!
So 2 months post belly and things are progressing nicely. Oh the drain FINALLY came out! And for those keeping track, just a little re-cap...the first drain came out at 3 weeks, the second remained just a bit over a month, god was I happy! You get to a certain point where you can't imagine life without worrying about your safety pin and the damn drain! Anywhoo, so after they removed that she instructed me to begin to masage the scar with moisturizer each day to help it not to heal all "knotty.," The moisturizer is not as important as the whole masage part but I still got some Vitamin E and do it x2/day. It helps the collagen spread out I guess.
So I saw the doc this week (which is actually the week of the 21st) and he was very happy with everything... 3 licks to the hand for letting sun get to my scar...well, the "electric beach" (wink, wink ;) ) I swear I covered the scar but the healthy UV must have gotten in... so it got a bit red.. or maybe he assumed bc the rest of me was all sexy and bronzey...at any rate-I'm done tanning, summer sucked anyways! So I wear my binder during work and at night now, really tight to help this swelling along still. He said it's best when I am standing and moving because of the whole gravity thing-I swear I swell at night too. I just don't wear it when I am going out in public, it's all bunched up and weird-kind of hard to look cute bonded up! For the first time in forever I got to get dressed feel my sexy mama-ness sans binder, sans drains, just real live underwear and pants..... I'm at the bar, got my buzz going in like 3 1/2 minutes, THEN a family member passes out from dehydration! In a nut shell, I sat in the ER as cute as can be for like 4 hours-that was my night!
Well so here's the pics, lookin better each day-note the swelling still in the middle, but I can definatly see the defination and progression compared to previous shots. I was also given "silicone strips" to cover the entire scar-for best results...23 hours/day for 3-6 months! DEATH SENTENCE! It's funny with all this gel strip and masage instruction and avoiding sun all to have a "pretty scar"-I never thought or cared about having a scar-I cared about not having a tire of flub hanging down...not an ugly scar.. I also hate naked people so I don't plan on standing in the birthday suit in front of anyone to be worried about the scar-but whatever.
I do see instant results with those silicone strips kids! It's flatter and lighter already after only a few days! They are so difficult to use and reuse but well worth it! I see the doc in 6 months, so it's all on me now!
Oh, so the weight is maintained so I don't bother with those stats and pics, no change. Still got 30 more to loose and I finished biochemistry this week so balls to the wall-I am back on the Kanye West workout plan!
*~*Wednesday August 13th 2008*~*
1 year, 11 months post up, down 120lbs (312 lbs. --> 192lbs.)
3 month, Post Tummy Tuck!
So here we are almost two years out-I'll do the whole reflecting and 'look how far I've come' thing nxt month! Curently still maintaining my weight and honestly as the months pass, I couldn't be happier that I have mastered the most important aspect to this surgery, MAINTAINING. I used to think I was using that as an excuse when I had not lost anything for the month and wanted to scratch the eyes out of the people who would say "most importantly, you haven't gained!" However, recently I watched a True Life episiode on MTV, "I can't stay thin." It was 2 people on yo-yo diets that would binge then do some extreme diet, each week there was huge flucuations and they lost all control and would stuff themselves silly. One guy even moved away from family and locked himself in an apartment on a 500 cal/day diet, then would binge 1500! SICK!
At that point I thought of how far I have come, how I eat nomally 2-3 meals a day and don't really count carbs and calories like the obsessive feak I once was. If I want a Hershey bar, I will eat it, I won't sold myself and feel like a depressed fat heffer for doing so-I simply tell myself, I have had my sweet for the day. I don't buy chips and candy, I regularly eat healthy and eat out raerely. This is truely success!
I do have weight to still get off but with school in full swing, I have not been able to commit myself to workouts-this is my next goal. Instead I get in as much exercise as I can-taking the stairs everywhere, taking the longer route, walking after my dinner break at work, etc. When I can get back in the gym, I WILL loose the last of it, period! I am not scared or worried I will not be able to get to my goal-life has caused me to put it on hold, but I now have the tools to do it-not like before when it was hopeless. So until then, I get up in the morning, I eat and try and get some exercise in and I go to bed. I am not obsessed with every scale in every location, I am not starving and living on 4.5 carbs and a bunch of met and cheese.. I am eating normal and here I am, down 120lbs and no regain, MUAH!
Oh and as far as the plastic suregery thing goes, swelling is still coming down-I recently switched to "Keto Kote" or something like that...a clear gel to be applied over the scar. YEAH my incesion started popping open and my skin got super red and irritated-doc said it kind looked like the ANTI-KELOID CREAM WAS GIVING ME A KELOID! WTF!? So I was to stop that and go back to the silicone strips, I have since done so and have seen an imporovement in the first 2 days....whew! I see him in 3 weeks to check and he said if I am starting to form a keloid we'd have to inject it with steroids! holy canolee!!
...Update...they''ll be no steroiod action-I was to see the doc Thurs but did a quick little assesment on my self and decided I was good to go. My skin has since recovered from the adverse reaction of the crappy cream, the scar has turned a bit purple, but that's what scars do, most importantly my scar is not raised which means there is no keloid formation happening. These "visits" are like $400 for 3 minutes and for him to tell me "looks good." Yea I have insurance but I STILL pay 90%...and 90% of bullcrap is not in the budget! SO here's my glamour shots, a juicy close up of sally-scar and a nice full shot. I am loving it more and more each month as things settle in... Whenever I get compliments now from random people about how good I look, I just say, "it should, I paid for it!" !
Surgeon Info:
Surgeon: James Wallace, M.D.
I jumped on this WLS rollercoster in Novemeber of 2005, with Dr. Zane Prewitt at first, then found out my insurance would only pay if Dr. Wallace did the surgery and at Froedtert, my employer. After 4 months of preperation with Dr. Prewitt I had to start all over with Dr. Wallace, being his FIRST Lap Band canidate, I went throught MANY more hoola hoops! In the end, I was never so glad to have all of the hassles and delays. I actually opted to change procedures to the more invasive Roux-en Y-which I would have never considered doing had I not had such confidance in Dr. Wallace and his reputation. Keri, Colleen, Nedra, and Amy were absolutly phenomonal through the whole ordeal!
Insurer Info:
Wausau
Wausau did a good job of informing me about what was needed to be approved for WLS, for the most part. In the beginning there was some miscommunication about what surgeon could preform the surgery, but both times I was submitted I receieved follow up within 1-2 weeks. They were always able to answer my questions and follow up with me- the girls and I were on a first name basis!