Happy Friday! It's my 8-year Surgiversary!
Good morning my OFF family:
I know I've been MIA lately; kinda had a bug up my butt about something and had to get it out of my system before I came back. I decided to do it today, on the date of my eight-year surgiversary.
Eight years ago, I went in for my surgery at Blodgett Spectrum Hospital in Grand Rapids, ready to start my new life. But because the PA at MMPC (the bariatric center, now called Grand Health Partners) had given me antibiotics for a UTI, I had had diarrhea the weekend before; that caused me to have low potassium. So the nurse came in and said, "You can't have surgery because your potassium is too low." I became very upset and started crying. I had no way to get home; I was just dropped off at the hospital by a friend, didn't bring any money to get a cab home; I had basically nothing. I was devastated. So the head nurse came in and said, "No, you'll still have surgery; we just have to give you potassium by IV." Well, that calmed me down, until I got the potassium by IV; boy, did that hurt. The nurse then asked the anesthesiologist to give me something for the pain. After the shot of versed, I was feeling no pain and waited for the potassium level to come back up, then was wheeled down (or up, can't remember) to surgery, where Dr. James Foote was waiting to give me my new life.
I was only supposed to stay one day at the hospital, but for some reason had what was described as a "heart glitch." I had to wear a monitor for a day, they checked me for clots and, of course, they checked my potassium levels. After all that, all the cardiologist could figure was it was a "heart glitch" ... something strange and unexplainable that happened after surgery. It might have been because of low potassium. I still have low potassium and take two potassium pills a day.
This surgery was the best decision I've ever made. I thank God daily for Dr. Foote and his surgical skills. I started at 350 pounds and eventually, after 3 years, got down to 165 (that was after my first knee replacement surgery). Unfortunately, I've since regained and am up to 224 ... not happy about that. Some of the regain was from my failed knee surgery and the inability to do much exercise; some from depression over my job loss and financial issues; a lot from unrelenting pain in knees and back. I am rededicating myself to my healthy lifestyle starting today. I do not want to regain anymore. If I can't do it on my own, I may inquire from my doctor about their bariatric center here and see if I can get some help and guidance and accountability. And so I'm back here, too, to keep myself accountable and get back on track. I wish I could find someone to help me with my emotional eating issues. I find myself slipping back into those old habits.
Other than that, I'm dealing with an itchy cat, whose problem gets worse and she won't take her pill (sssh! I put it in her water); one of my coworkers had a stroke and his kidneys are failing and we don't know how long he'll be out (that might mean OT, but this week it meant my days off were split); my knees and back still hurt and I probably need to get the left one replaced, but don't have the days off to do that this year.
Such is my life. I am happy that I had this surgery; not so happy with the knee replacement/revision, which I had so I could walk better and all it did was leave me with more pain. Really like the pain doc here ... nice to look at, plus very knowledgable and easy to talk to. I think he can do something to help my back pain (without doing surgery).
I have rambled on long enough. I hope this will get me to sleep now. Have a great day. Stay cool, drink lots of water (it's 2 a.m and still 80 degrees).
Oh, and happy birthday Laureen!
(it's sugar-free).
I know I've been MIA lately; kinda had a bug up my butt about something and had to get it out of my system before I came back. I decided to do it today, on the date of my eight-year surgiversary.
Eight years ago, I went in for my surgery at Blodgett Spectrum Hospital in Grand Rapids, ready to start my new life. But because the PA at MMPC (the bariatric center, now called Grand Health Partners) had given me antibiotics for a UTI, I had had diarrhea the weekend before; that caused me to have low potassium. So the nurse came in and said, "You can't have surgery because your potassium is too low." I became very upset and started crying. I had no way to get home; I was just dropped off at the hospital by a friend, didn't bring any money to get a cab home; I had basically nothing. I was devastated. So the head nurse came in and said, "No, you'll still have surgery; we just have to give you potassium by IV." Well, that calmed me down, until I got the potassium by IV; boy, did that hurt. The nurse then asked the anesthesiologist to give me something for the pain. After the shot of versed, I was feeling no pain and waited for the potassium level to come back up, then was wheeled down (or up, can't remember) to surgery, where Dr. James Foote was waiting to give me my new life.
I was only supposed to stay one day at the hospital, but for some reason had what was described as a "heart glitch." I had to wear a monitor for a day, they checked me for clots and, of course, they checked my potassium levels. After all that, all the cardiologist could figure was it was a "heart glitch" ... something strange and unexplainable that happened after surgery. It might have been because of low potassium. I still have low potassium and take two potassium pills a day.
This surgery was the best decision I've ever made. I thank God daily for Dr. Foote and his surgical skills. I started at 350 pounds and eventually, after 3 years, got down to 165 (that was after my first knee replacement surgery). Unfortunately, I've since regained and am up to 224 ... not happy about that. Some of the regain was from my failed knee surgery and the inability to do much exercise; some from depression over my job loss and financial issues; a lot from unrelenting pain in knees and back. I am rededicating myself to my healthy lifestyle starting today. I do not want to regain anymore. If I can't do it on my own, I may inquire from my doctor about their bariatric center here and see if I can get some help and guidance and accountability. And so I'm back here, too, to keep myself accountable and get back on track. I wish I could find someone to help me with my emotional eating issues. I find myself slipping back into those old habits.
Other than that, I'm dealing with an itchy cat, whose problem gets worse and she won't take her pill (sssh! I put it in her water); one of my coworkers had a stroke and his kidneys are failing and we don't know how long he'll be out (that might mean OT, but this week it meant my days off were split); my knees and back still hurt and I probably need to get the left one replaced, but don't have the days off to do that this year.
Such is my life. I am happy that I had this surgery; not so happy with the knee replacement/revision, which I had so I could walk better and all it did was leave me with more pain. Really like the pain doc here ... nice to look at, plus very knowledgable and easy to talk to. I think he can do something to help my back pain (without doing surgery).
I have rambled on long enough. I hope this will get me to sleep now. Have a great day. Stay cool, drink lots of water (it's 2 a.m and still 80 degrees).
Oh, and happy birthday Laureen!
(it's sugar-free).
Happy Surgiversary Eileen, 
I can relate to a lot of your story, minus the knee replacement. You have done a lot in the past 8 years, and you should not be so hard on yourself.
You mentioned wanting to find someone to help you with the emotional eating issues. I know I need to get back to Overeaters Anonymous. I had been active there many years ago. I know their key objective is to help with the emotional eating issues. The beauty part of the program is the only requirement for membership is the desire to stop overeating. Also, there are no dues or fees to attend meetings. I think their website is www.oa.org, but don't quote me. You can Google it for sure.
The other thing I can share is what I have learned in my psychotherapy. My therapist has helped me to develop a bunch of self-soothing skills. Self-soothing is similar to some of the tools I learned in OA. The theory behind it is, I did not learn to soothe myself as a baby, or child, so I learned to do that with food (or alcohol, or any other habit that is now self-defeating). Now, I have to spend some time each day doing some sort of self-soothing, whether I need it or not.
Some of the forms I use include prayer, Bible reading, deep breathing exercises, regular meditation, and Mindfulness Meditation. Mindfulness Meditation is a skill that is usually taught in two hour sessions, over the course of eight weeks. I did find a helpful app for my iPhone that I don't use often enough. I think it was free, or relatively reasonably priced. Whatever, it was worth it.
I have not reached goal yet. My journey included a two year alcoholic relapse around a year post-op. That sent me from 199 pounds back up to 245. Since I have gotten almost two and a half years sober, I have begun the journey back down. My exercise sucks, but somehow, I am losing.
Sorry to blab. I have been having trouble sleeping lately. Tonight is the worst. Not sure what is troubling my body this time. My pain level is not as high as it could be.
Have a blessed surgiversary. Congrats on your renewed resolve to get back to gaol.
Hugs,
Trish
I can relate to a lot of your story, minus the knee replacement. You have done a lot in the past 8 years, and you should not be so hard on yourself.
You mentioned wanting to find someone to help you with the emotional eating issues. I know I need to get back to Overeaters Anonymous. I had been active there many years ago. I know their key objective is to help with the emotional eating issues. The beauty part of the program is the only requirement for membership is the desire to stop overeating. Also, there are no dues or fees to attend meetings. I think their website is www.oa.org, but don't quote me. You can Google it for sure.
The other thing I can share is what I have learned in my psychotherapy. My therapist has helped me to develop a bunch of self-soothing skills. Self-soothing is similar to some of the tools I learned in OA. The theory behind it is, I did not learn to soothe myself as a baby, or child, so I learned to do that with food (or alcohol, or any other habit that is now self-defeating). Now, I have to spend some time each day doing some sort of self-soothing, whether I need it or not.
Some of the forms I use include prayer, Bible reading, deep breathing exercises, regular meditation, and Mindfulness Meditation. Mindfulness Meditation is a skill that is usually taught in two hour sessions, over the course of eight weeks. I did find a helpful app for my iPhone that I don't use often enough. I think it was free, or relatively reasonably priced. Whatever, it was worth it.
I have not reached goal yet. My journey included a two year alcoholic relapse around a year post-op. That sent me from 199 pounds back up to 245. Since I have gotten almost two and a half years sober, I have begun the journey back down. My exercise sucks, but somehow, I am losing.
Sorry to blab. I have been having trouble sleeping lately. Tonight is the worst. Not sure what is troubling my body this time. My pain level is not as high as it could be.
Have a blessed surgiversary. Congrats on your renewed resolve to get back to gaol.
Hugs,
Trish
Seek always to do some good, somewhere. Every man has to seek in his own way to realize his true worth. You must give some time to your fellow man. For remember, you don't live in a world all your own. Your brothers are here too.
Albert Schweitzer
Albert Schweitzer
Hmmm, self-soothing ... well, I never thought of that. My mom told me something interesting when I was home in April. She said I cried a lot as a baby for no apparent reason and she couldn't get me to quiet down. So after awhile, she just left me alone in my crib and went outside and left me cry. I wonder if that has something to do with my current problems. Now, mind you, I'm not blaming my mom for my overeating, just saying that so much of our problems in adulthood stem back to what happens in childhood.
And of course, as soon as I told my mom I was having the surgery, she said, "You'll gain it all back." Because, of course, Carnie Wilson did, so I would, too. Because I fail at everything I do. Thanks, mom, for all your encouragement. I love her, but sometimes I want to slap her silly. She is who she is ... she can't help that.
Oh, BTW, for you old-timers, I spoke with Brenda Russell last night. She is doing fine, although her DH is having back problems now (as is Brenda). We are all getting old and creaky.
Thanks for your suggestions, Trish.
And of course, as soon as I told my mom I was having the surgery, she said, "You'll gain it all back." Because, of course, Carnie Wilson did, so I would, too. Because I fail at everything I do. Thanks, mom, for all your encouragement. I love her, but sometimes I want to slap her silly. She is who she is ... she can't help that.
Oh, BTW, for you old-timers, I spoke with Brenda Russell last night. She is doing fine, although her DH is having back problems now (as is Brenda). We are all getting old and creaky.
Thanks for your suggestions, Trish.
Congratulations on your success! I always like reading about the long time post ops. I understand the emotional issues, after three recent surgeries, a lot of the old issues I worked so hard to get rid of have come back and I'm working hard on dealing with the emotional eating. I'm up 20 pounds or so but working to lose it again. On the bright side, you've kept off 126 pounds for 8 years, which is fantastic. And I always think about how much bigger I would have been if I hadn't had the surgery since I was always in a slow gain. You've done well and even with all your issues, I'm sure you'll be able to lose the weight you've gained. As Shari always said, we can do hard things.
Good luck to you.
Jan
Good luck to you.
Jan
Eileen congrats on the surgiversary! What a road you have traveled. Glad things are getting better again for you.
As for the itchy kitty I can relate, I had one who was bald most of the summer due to allergies to fleas. I was able to brewer's yeast in her food and that seemed to clear up the problem. My current kitty is a duufuss.
I am trying to re-dedicate myself to healthy eating. I'm missing my exercise regimen that I had worked up to in Texas. Got out of bed this morning and pedaled on the pedaler for an hour. Then I mowed the lawn. Now I'll shower and finish the healthy treat I'm preparing for Mah Jong this afternoon.
I made a fruist pizza. The crust is pretzels, splenda and margarine. The filling is fat free cool whip and the topping is all fruit. I couldn't find the fat free/sugar free cool whip at any of the local grocery stores. To keep from snacking on the left over pretzels I ground them up into crumbs after I found myself indulging in a pretzel.
I find that I am trying to self soothe the boredom by eating so I am engaging myself in projects to keep more occupied brain wise. I'm coordinating a town garage sale, volunteering at the tiny town library and working on tearing up carpet in my loft area. Of course I have to deal with all the stuff I've squirreled away in the loft before I can even get to the carpet, thus the garage sale.
Well, after 6 days of continuous rain showers and at least 6 inches of rain the sun is out and the weather is supposed to warm up. The lake has risen with the rain which is unusual by this time of the year it's usually drying up.
Positive thoughts to all of you in need. Trish, I'll send you the recipe once I perfect it a bit more.
Cindi
As for the itchy kitty I can relate, I had one who was bald most of the summer due to allergies to fleas. I was able to brewer's yeast in her food and that seemed to clear up the problem. My current kitty is a duufuss.
I am trying to re-dedicate myself to healthy eating. I'm missing my exercise regimen that I had worked up to in Texas. Got out of bed this morning and pedaled on the pedaler for an hour. Then I mowed the lawn. Now I'll shower and finish the healthy treat I'm preparing for Mah Jong this afternoon.
I made a fruist pizza. The crust is pretzels, splenda and margarine. The filling is fat free cool whip and the topping is all fruit. I couldn't find the fat free/sugar free cool whip at any of the local grocery stores. To keep from snacking on the left over pretzels I ground them up into crumbs after I found myself indulging in a pretzel.
I find that I am trying to self soothe the boredom by eating so I am engaging myself in projects to keep more occupied brain wise. I'm coordinating a town garage sale, volunteering at the tiny town library and working on tearing up carpet in my loft area. Of course I have to deal with all the stuff I've squirreled away in the loft before I can even get to the carpet, thus the garage sale.
Well, after 6 days of continuous rain showers and at least 6 inches of rain the sun is out and the weather is supposed to warm up. The lake has risen with the rain which is unusual by this time of the year it's usually drying up.
Positive thoughts to all of you in need. Trish, I'll send you the recipe once I perfect it a bit more.
Cindi
Afternoon OFF family!!!
Congrats on 8 Years!!!! WOW!!! Sure doesn't seem that long now does it?? I went to the same place you did and had the same dr as well!! Great man to give us our new life again!!! If you want to be a partner with me I will help you try to get weight gain off if you will help me. You have my email addy...we can do it that way ok? I notice I have about 20 pounds back again since moving here!!! GRRRRRRRRRR.
Well I have a letter for the wacky tenant to move out in 30 days. Delivered that late yesterday afternoon to her. Heard nothing yet from her on that. Saw the guy walking the streets last night that scared the hell out of the tenants night before...had a letter for tresspassing on him so made a copy and Rick handed that to him personally! Drove to police station and gave them their copy. They said good job!! LOL Rick feels like Barney Fife now...LMAO Made copies of the letter for all the residents that WE are in charge here NOT Randy and that they should be telling US what is going on and NOT Randy...also made up flier on next BBQ for July 28th. YIPPEEE been a busy morning for me...now to get ready for the trip to the bank and then take the afternoon off and relax in this heat!!! Waiting for this beauty shop to call me back so I can get my haircut. Found a cute picture of how I would like it cut and my friend Carol said this woman can do it exactly like that photo. Soooo now I wait for her to call me back.
Well time for Bandit to go out and melt on his potty walk...Thoughts and Prayers for ALL that need them!!!
Happy Birthday Laureen!!!!
HUGS
Thanks, Judy, for your offer ... I will keep you in mind. We need to have a circle of long-timers who have inched back up. I devoured dark chocolate Reese peanut butter cup minis the other night ... mostly because I was tired and in pain. Not good reasons, but I did it anyway. I've gotten away from the other ways I used to deal with my emotional eating. Need to get back to those.
Happy "birthday" Eileen, because our surgiversaries are like a birthday to a new life....
Not such an old-timer as you as only 4.5 years out, but I too have regained as I already told you privately. I had an AHA! moment a few weeks ago when i saw a photo of myself and I was once again the largest woman in the picture...Managed to lose 3.5 lbs this past week, just cutting out some of my "go to" foods like too many 25% less fat Baby Bels and handfulls of almonds, and of course enjoying wine and nibbles...Did that 2 days ago and regained one of the hard lost lbs, so my net loss is I don't know yet as I'm not getting on the weigh-scale again until this coming Monday. I want to see results!
It's back to tough slogging trying to lose weight by dieting, as the "restart button" we had with surgery and the up to 2 years weightloss is now over...Back to the eating sensibly and sticking to protein veg and fruit and SF lo-fat yogurts, and best advice I can give you is: don't buy those no-no foods so you don't have them in the house or desk drawer and give in. You already gave in when you bought those Reese cups, so don't buy those bad comfort foods....make something which was a treat for you in those early days when you lost weight after WLS: like SF Hot Chocolate in winter, and cucumber slices and humus on a hot night when you need some munchies...Cold Gazpacho soup on a hot day makes a great good way of getting veggies in...
We have to rethink our bad eating habits and go back to our early losing days again...and stay away from those great tasting carbs which are the devil and got us overweight in the first place...One good thing, since our surgeries we are really less hungry volume -wise, and it really is comfort food and head hunger when we stray off what we know is sensible eating..like those Reese's cups!!
Now I'm getting off my soapbox,as what I'm telling you is something I have to follow myself...I have 2 months until end of August to try and lose 20 lbs...wish me luck, and I wish you better eating too!
I know pain makes us say what the heck, I'll have that ice cream or that glass of wine, but it is only a gratification fix lasting while you consume it and the high is soon over, back to self hate for giving in. Easiest is not to have any of that around, which is easier for us who live alone and don't have grandkids or family who need and want treats ( Food is Love, but feeding ourselves the no-no foods is not self-love and is self defeating) Drat, I'm still on my soapbox....
Anyway congratulations, even with the weight regain you are still less than what you were prior to WLS so pat yourself on the back...imagine what you would be like now without the "New Birthday" surgery! Give thanks, and onwards and upwards ( not more weight of course, but you catch my meaning)
Hugs
Jennifer
Not such an old-timer as you as only 4.5 years out, but I too have regained as I already told you privately. I had an AHA! moment a few weeks ago when i saw a photo of myself and I was once again the largest woman in the picture...Managed to lose 3.5 lbs this past week, just cutting out some of my "go to" foods like too many 25% less fat Baby Bels and handfulls of almonds, and of course enjoying wine and nibbles...Did that 2 days ago and regained one of the hard lost lbs, so my net loss is I don't know yet as I'm not getting on the weigh-scale again until this coming Monday. I want to see results!
It's back to tough slogging trying to lose weight by dieting, as the "restart button" we had with surgery and the up to 2 years weightloss is now over...Back to the eating sensibly and sticking to protein veg and fruit and SF lo-fat yogurts, and best advice I can give you is: don't buy those no-no foods so you don't have them in the house or desk drawer and give in. You already gave in when you bought those Reese cups, so don't buy those bad comfort foods....make something which was a treat for you in those early days when you lost weight after WLS: like SF Hot Chocolate in winter, and cucumber slices and humus on a hot night when you need some munchies...Cold Gazpacho soup on a hot day makes a great good way of getting veggies in...
We have to rethink our bad eating habits and go back to our early losing days again...and stay away from those great tasting carbs which are the devil and got us overweight in the first place...One good thing, since our surgeries we are really less hungry volume -wise, and it really is comfort food and head hunger when we stray off what we know is sensible eating..like those Reese's cups!!
Now I'm getting off my soapbox,as what I'm telling you is something I have to follow myself...I have 2 months until end of August to try and lose 20 lbs...wish me luck, and I wish you better eating too!
I know pain makes us say what the heck, I'll have that ice cream or that glass of wine, but it is only a gratification fix lasting while you consume it and the high is soon over, back to self hate for giving in. Easiest is not to have any of that around, which is easier for us who live alone and don't have grandkids or family who need and want treats ( Food is Love, but feeding ourselves the no-no foods is not self-love and is self defeating) Drat, I'm still on my soapbox....
Anyway congratulations, even with the weight regain you are still less than what you were prior to WLS so pat yourself on the back...imagine what you would be like now without the "New Birthday" surgery! Give thanks, and onwards and upwards ( not more weight of course, but you catch my meaning)
Hugs
Jennifer
BTW, me again...
.Contining with the "back on track " theme, can I recommend Eggface's site to all of us? Her photographs of her breakfasts, lunches and other meals, and quick recipes, give you an idea of what her "maintenance' meal sizes are...Her cool Bento boxes really don't contain much food when you look closely, and they tend to be her portable lunches..( You can do same amounts in zip locks!!!).Her breakfasts seem to be protein smoothies although she has some other ideas...And her bite-size crustless quiches are a boon to prepare and freeze for scarfing down when you are hungry, even cold without reheating....
Gives you an idea of where we should be now in our eating patterns..and volumes....
Of course we have to consciously ban our comfort foods demons...and control emotional and reactive eating of non-essential foods.
Keeping a Food Diary will keep you honest with yourself...you don't have to show it to anyone, but you may be surprised at how much you are actually eating now, even "good" foods...
.Contining with the "back on track " theme, can I recommend Eggface's site to all of us? Her photographs of her breakfasts, lunches and other meals, and quick recipes, give you an idea of what her "maintenance' meal sizes are...Her cool Bento boxes really don't contain much food when you look closely, and they tend to be her portable lunches..( You can do same amounts in zip locks!!!).Her breakfasts seem to be protein smoothies although she has some other ideas...And her bite-size crustless quiches are a boon to prepare and freeze for scarfing down when you are hungry, even cold without reheating....
Gives you an idea of where we should be now in our eating patterns..and volumes....
Of course we have to consciously ban our comfort foods demons...and control emotional and reactive eating of non-essential foods.
Keeping a Food Diary will keep you honest with yourself...you don't have to show it to anyone, but you may be surprised at how much you are actually eating now, even "good" foods...
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