Barb S.

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Weight Loss to date is 120 Pounds

Well we are off to California. We are going to see old friends, see Disneyland, Go the beach and have some relaxing and good times.  My oldest son is in Quebec so it just my 7 year old and husband going.

The first most exciting part of the trip is....no seat belt extender required. Not only that but I don't think airline seats are so small anymore. It is funny to realize how much appearances change when you are smaller.  For instance. before when I looked at a row of airplane seats they seemed so cramped, the aisles felt cramped, everything felt like it was caving in on me. Now when I walk down the aisle of an airplane it isn't so bad.

Disneyland was another amazing experience. I fit on all the rides. Not only that but when the ride operator tried to get all 3 of us onto Peter Pan I kept telling him we wouldn't all fit.  He looked at  me like I was nuts...guess what...he was right. There was even room for more.  It was a fun experience. We even fit on the Haunted Mansion ride in one cart.

Going to the beach was also fun. We didn't put on bathing suits (well my 7 year old did) but it was nice walking in the sand. I didn't feel tired and exhausted from the trek. We just kept going and going. 

I also saw a number of old friends. They had last seen me about 2 years ago so although they knew I had the surgery they had no idea what to expect. It was wonderful.  I felt so much a part of everything and happy to be noticed. It is wierd how different I felt. It wasn't that my old friends didn't love me before, they did, it was just more comfortable. Food was not the centre of our activities.

Eating on our trip was challenging at times but I have learned to pack with me Barb friendly foods. I eat a lot of cheese sticks and nuts. I also eat fruit so we just made sure I had access to those things. We would make sure to eat out in a restaurant once a day to get a good meal of protien but the rest of the time we just snacked on healthy choices. It was good. I lost 8 pounds on our trip which I will attribute to walking, walking, and walking. I didn't do any other excercise when we were in California as I didn't want to take away from our family time together.

All in all it was a great trip!

I can not believe it has been six months since having surgery. In some ways it seems like yesterday, in other ways it seems like a long time ago. I have pretty much adapted to my new way of life. I really am not missing the food I used to have and I am definately finding it easier as time goes by.

I wouldn't say that the process is easier, what I mean by easier is that it is not as hard to accept not being able to have what everyone else is having. In all actuality I don't really want what they are having.

I still do not for the most part eat rice, pasta, potatoes, or bread. On occassion I will have a cracker or 2 or perhaps a bite of someone elses potato but that is so that I can just satisfy the need to taste it.  Having a taste of foods that are no longer on my menu plans is enough to satisfy that need.

Some foods remain a challenge for me. I can not eat poultry or pork. Beef however does go down nicely as long as it is rare and sliced very thin. I have not had anything get stuck in a very long time which is wonderful. I guess I have learned to chew things up enough. I would also be able to say I haven't really dumped. I have had an episode or 2 of feeling quite unwell after eating something but overall the feeling passes in a short time. I had a spoonful of spinach dip one day and really regretted it, I guess that would be the fat content.

I am still working out 3 times a week. I have found that as long as it is incorporated into my day I make it to the gym with no problem. If something comes up with the family or another obligation and sets me off track from my schedule then getting to the gym is a challenge.  I get really angry with the interruption or intrusion into my schedule so that is a good sign in my view.

I have lost 103 pounds since leaving the hospital on June 20. I have come up with some analogies to help me understand how much that is...how about 10 bags of potatos? How about 5 large bags of sugar or flour? Imagine attaching those bags to your body. That is how much weight I have lost.  I find that if I paint a visual picture of my successes and failures it helps make them more real.

My circle of friends have been amazingly supportive of my journey. I had chosen to make my journey open and share it with anyone who wanted to know. I work in an office of 100 people and their support has been great. One section of our office is all men and I have had some amazing comments about my new physical appearance from many of them. I like that people are noticing that I look good.

I was with a group of girlfriends last night who also were amazingly supportive. They are all courious but their curiosity has been motivating and supportive.

I do enjoy the shopping and getting new clothes but it also frustrates me as I find something I like and then it doesn't fit quite as nicely in a week or 2. I can see how people would transfer their food addiction to shopping, that is for sure.

I believe I posted before that I started a weight loss support group in my community. We have had a few meetings and have made some new friends. The meetings have been great for shedding light on our experiences and making me feel more normal with some of the emotional sides of things.

My family is also amazingly supportive. When I reached my 100 pound weight loss we went out to dinner to my favourite restaurant, Cactus Club. The kids were funny about it but enjoyed raising a glass of pop to my glass of water and cheering about my success. I told them for the first time that I had chosen to have this surgery because I wanted to live for a very long time and share more of their life with them. I explained the reasons were for my health and I hoped that they would continue to share in my success through this journey. They are willing!

The WOW moments just keep happening. One of the more amusing ones was yesterday when I was with one of my closest friends. We were having a banter about something and we both stopped and started to laugh. I asked her if she knew that my remarks were just in fun...she said, oh yeah Barb, I know. We are really quite the same...however one of us is just rounder than the other...We both then looked at each other and broke out into a grin as we simultaniously realized she was referring to herself as the rounder one.  The giggling lasted a while, The feeling of being proud of myself and having one of my closest friends realize how much happier I am will continue for quite a while.

One of the other amazing things is that at work. We have a treat table for the month of December. I have not even glanced at it other than when I brought in Spinach Dip. I am not missing it at all.

Well,  It is off to the gym and time to get things going for the day. The house has awoken...no rest for the wicked.

It has been 4 months now since my surgery. I am down 81 pounds & 59 inches since leaving the hospital on June 20. I feel like a new person. Some of the old person is still lurking but I can't believe how much energy and enthusiasm so many more things in my life.

Food does not seem to be much of an issue. I can eat most anything however am choosing to stay away from Rice, Potatoes, Pasta and Bread. I on occassion have some Shreddies or Muselix with some yogurt, but that is about it for starch. I don't really miss the food for the most part, occassionally the head hunger rears it's nasty head and I think I want something but once I really think about it I am pretty much over it.

I find that sticking with my meal plans and eating schedule is much easier during the week when I am at work. The weekends seem to fall apart, I am not sure if it is the lack of schedule or what but I just seem to forget to eat at the right times. I think that if anything this surgery in many ways makes me think about food more, and for most of my life I have tried to think of food less so as to not eat things I shouldn't. Maybe what it really is, is that now I have to think of nutrition more.

I am working out at Curves at least 3 times a week which is great. The girls there have been very encouraging and comment on the changes I am making.

One of the things I am also doing in an effort to make this experience as meaningful as possible is that I have started a support group in New Westminster. It is very rewarding to help others on this journey. I think that this is one of the best parts of this experience is sharing it with others.

Physically I feel great. I am still off all of my medications with the exception of one which I take for a nerve problem in my leg. No more Metformin or any of my other diabetic medications. I see my Endocronologist again soon and am anxious to have him agree that I will not be going back on my meds. My sugars are great and I do feel really good!

One of the things I find most amazing is the support and positive comments I have had from so many people. I had chosen to share my experience with just about everyone. People at work have been awesome. Not a day goes by that someone makes a comment about how great I am looking. For me this has been very positive. I haven't had anyone provide any negative input at all. The closest that anyone has come is more out of concern than anything else. Maybe I choose to only hear the positive, and don't get hung up on what other people think or say, I don't really know, but ultimately, for me it has been a positive thing for me to share what I was doing, before and afterwards with those I interact with on a daily basis.  I think to sum it up people just view my surgery as something I have done to be a healthier person. They have been supportive and positive. I am glad I chose this route.

Wow moments!!!!!  There have been many. It is probably easier to just list them....

1.  One of the guys at work told me I was looking amazing.
2.  I bought some clothes in the regular womens department.
3.  Sex is better.
4.  My son fits on my lap more comfortably.
5.  I fit in a size 20 jeans, and 14/16 top. (most clothes anyway) :)
6.  I have more energy.
7.  I can work out without needing to stop and rest.
8.  I am comfortable in chairs with arms.
9.  I am starting to like what I see in the mirror.
10.  I WANT to work out!
11.  I can control my serving sizes and not feel deprived.

There are so many wow moments that I can't list them all.  Overall I sum the list up by saying I am loving how I am feeling and how I am living.

I AM HAPPY!  I AM LIVING LIFE & LOVING IT!

I want to be down a total of 100 pounds by Christmas. I will be very surprised if I don't achieve that goal. I only have 18 more pounds to go to achieve that goal. Maybe I should shoot for another 30 by Christmas?


 

I had my 3 month check up today. It went great. I took a girlfriend with me for the drive to Seattle which always makes it more enjoyable. The drive down was uneventful, traffic was fine and the border was also not an issue. I went bearing gifts to Ethan, more Canadiana stuff. He is now the proud owner of a very Large Canadian Flag, socks, a wallet, and a whole bunch of stickers!  Pretty soon people are going to wonder if he is living in the wrong country.

Dr Chang's office has a new protocol in place for her Bariatric patients. Before seeing her you get to see a nurse who will ask a whole lot of questions about your health. I found it to be a bit odd as I was not expecting this and most of the information she had for me was information I already had been given. After seeing her and discussing my progress the Chief Resident came in and we went through everything else. When he was done Dr Chang came in and we chatted. She checked out my incisions, we talked about how things were going and then wished me well. I don't go back for another 3 months, it will be strange to wait so long.

My trip home was good. We shopped after having lunch and I spent a small fortune on clothes. I was in desperate need given my closet was empty. Having my friend Jen with me made it that much more fun! I am so fortunate to have so many friends who are supportive and interested in my progress.

I am eating just about everything I want to eat. I have lost about 68 pounds, give or take 2-3 pounds. Dr Chang thinks that is a lot for 3 months, I however wish it was a little bit more. I am proud of how well I am doing but now that the scale is moving in the right direction it is hard to be patient.

I work out at Curves at least 3 times a week. I am enjoying it and I know it is good for me. I actually find that I am quite good and making sure that other committments don't interfere with my work out times.

I went back to work today. It was good to be back and felt wonderful hearing the compliments and having my coworkers admire my success. I have lost 65 pounds so far and am thrilled. My energy levels seem good, I am walking almost everyday, and feel ready for everything life throws at me.

It was a wonderful summer and I am glad my surgeon suggested I take as much time as possible off from work after my surgery. It gave me time with my kids and husband and we all enjoyed the change of pace of having mum home over the summer.

I am down 65 pounds since leaving the hospital on June 20, 2008 and feel like I have a new lease on life. I will be going for bloodwork in the next week or so and am anxious to see if the numbers tell the same story. My biggest concern is wether or not my blood sugars are still good. I have not taken any diabetes medication since my surgery and am hoping that I don't have too.

I can't believe it has been 2 months since surgery. It will actually be 10 weeks tomorrow. It has been an amazing ride so far and I actually go back to work in 1 week. I feel so fortunate to have had this surgery and come as far as I have. It is not easy by any means but not as difficult as I thought it would be. I think the hardest thing is not drinking with meals and always having to have something different than everyone else.

I think I get the mourning the loss as food as my friend. It usually happens when the family or friends are enjoying the things I used to enjoy so much. I so miss a nice juicy steak, but beef is just not my thing. I have had some very thinly sliced roast beef which worked out okay but it just isn't the same.

We just came back from 2 weeks of holidays. I had a few ya hoo moments.  It was easier to get in and out of the boat, it was easier to enjoy camping. I didn't find the heat so troublesome, I almost got up on skiis, and best of all I didn't feel quite so disgusting in a bathing suit.

I know these aren't major ya hoo moments for everyone but I do feel better. I missed my protein shakes on holidays. A blender doesn't work very well without electricity.

I did some swimming at the lake and it felt really good. I don't mind excercising but getting around to it can be a challenge. I think going back to work will help a lot with my scheduling it into my day. I will walk at lunch on a regular basis and will try and walk again in the evenings. I will also start water aerobics when the kids go back to school.

I have lost 60 pounds since coming home from the hospital and am looking forward to losing lots more.

I am enjoying talking to others who are either booked for or have had surgery as well. It is nice to share experiences and realize you are not the only one experiencing what we experience.

Clothes are all getting too big. Shopping will take a tole on the pocket book I am sure.

I will have to get some pants and tops but am trying to put that off as long as possible. However, one must be presentable.

Well, I have an infection on one of my incision sites. It was quite ugly the day before yesterday so I called the surgeon and even though it is a long way to go she really wanted to see it. So....off to Seattle I went.
I left home at around 645am and got to Seattle before 10. I went bearing gifts of chocolate chip cookies a Canadian Flag and bag for Ethan. He has been such a sweetheart I had to take him something.

It would be funny to see him driving down the highway with the flag waving out his window!  For now it is hanging in one of the exam rooms.

I had the incision looked at by Larissa and then Dr Chang. They are not too worried about it as it seems better than it was the day before. They suggested I keep an eye on things, treat with peroxide if necessary (only a little bit) and come back in September for my next visit.

I met Nantims there who was in for her pre-op visit. She has surgery next Tuesday. It is always nice to meet people you chat with online as I like putting a face to a name.  I hope things go okay for her.

Shopping was good on the way home and I didn't have any problems at the border.  A good day but long!

I am now 5 weeks post op. Life is not that exciting. I have not really had any issues. I am still feeling pretty good and I am finding it easier to eat regular foods. I am craving salad like never before. I have tried beef, it was not that friendly. My favourites seem to be Tuna/Salmon sashimi, salad (very small amount), cottage cheese with yogurt and sugar free popsicles. I still struggle with getting enough liquids. I find it painful to drink water. I really like water and am craving it as well. I just need to remember to have some available for sipping all the time.

I am starting to feel more and more like doing things so I presume this is a good sign. My family is a bit amazed at my energy levels. I actually want to go and do things. I find it a nice change. 

I have developed some kind of infection on one of my incision sites so having spoken to the surgeon will make a trip to Seattle tomorrow to have it looked at. I suspect there is a small piece of suture that didn't disolve which has become infected. Oh well!

I guess I will have to stop and do a little shopping!  Ha Ha!!!

I am down to 294 pounds. I am thrilled!  I wish it was more but what the heck!  Down is what is important.

It seems amazing to me that as of right about now I have been home for 4 weeks since having my surgery. I am feeling pretty darn good and the weight is coming off. I have lost 39 pounds since I came home 4 weeks ago. It seems at times to be slow, but then I give my head a shake and smile...I am so anxious to have more and more melt away.

Food is becoming easier to eat. I have ventured into areas I didn't think I would venture into yet my mainstay is cottage cheese with all kinds of interesting things with it.

I am not having much of an issue getting enough protien, I eat cottage cheese and yogurt in the am, a shake in mid morning and protien for lunch as well. If anything I am probably not getting enough vegetables yet. I am craving them like there was no tomorrow. I have always been a salad lover so am missing those summer salads with a variety of greens and other interesting additions. I did have a couple of bites of salad the other night and it was to die for. It went down okay and stayed down which is a good sign.

I saw my diabetes doctor this week and received wonderful news. All my numbers look great and I am still off all of my Meds. I will see him in November and at that time we will reevalute things. He was surprised to see how well I am doing and had lots of positive comments. He was not overly supportive of the surgery but sees how happy I am with it and the fact that my diabetes is under control is an added super bonus.

I am still missing big glasses of ice cold milk and water. It is so hard to get enough of those two things. I am thirsty but just can't swallow enough yet. I am told that at about a year out most RNY post ops can once again down a big glass of water, we will see.

I am out walking almost everyday. I need to find other activities that I will do. I am thinking of trying the pool. I hate going out in public in a bathing suit still but oh well...Maybe I can find a friend to go with me. My friends have been so supportive it amazes me. Things in Canada are different than the states. It is still very rare to find people who have had the surgery so most of us are still going at it alone. I rely on the websites for support and find most peoples questions, comments and concerns of great help.
I will write again soon. I am pretty slow at keeping this up to date but will try and document my journey more frequently.

My first weekend was exhausting. I went to 2 lacrosse games for my little guy. He wanted me there and it was nice to get out but exhausting. Other than that I have spent a lot of time reading and just driving the kids to their activities etc. I have not had to take much in the way of pain medication so I am not having to hard of a time. 

On the 24th my son's entire class made me get well cards. It was really sweet. I don't know most of the kids in his class and they don't know me but the teacher was aware I was away having surgery and thought it would help my little guy get through his worries so had the class make the cards.  I was truly touched. I then felt I should do something for them and made cupcakes. That was definately exhausting but it was worth it. The kids were very proud of themselves and appreciated the thanks.

I am getting a bit stir crazy. I have been spending lots of time of the phone with friends and stuff. I am missing work (I know, that is crazy). I think more than anything it is the social aspect of things. 

I am getting bored of liquids, Soup, Spagetti sauce, Cheese sauce on Cottage Cheese, Jello and frozen juice bars are not that exciting. I am also eating lost of protien drinks.

My husband wants me to buy a scale. I am not so sure if I want to but I will think about it.