bbknox

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Wow, it really has been a long time since I have been here and a lot has happened.  I had back surgery after I had my sleeve and know that I would have had a much more difficult time if I had not had the WLS first.  I had no complications from the back surgery and was able to start walking every day.

I have to admit that I did regain about half of the weight I had lost. I was not proud of it and knew I needed to do something.   I got a jump start when I had to have a colonoscopy in 2013 and although it has been slow I have lost al but about 20 lbs of the weigh I regained.

In 2009 I accidently got a job and was able to work until I got sick in December 2015 and had to retire.  I was working in Home Health and found that I really loved doing it.  I started having recurring UTI infections and the meds I was on made me sick, causing me to get weak, have not energy, get short of breath, and just not be able to get off the couch.  I could not convince the dr it was the meds but I finally refused to take them in April and started to get some better.   I have tried to find a dr that would research my symptoms and find a treatment for the remaining ones but so far they think I am nuts.  

One of my problems may be related to my surgery though.  I have started to get short of breath with minor exertion and get nausous and vomit.  Then I am sick for days and just feel really bad.  I have a lot of reflux that has gotten worse in the last few months with a supplement that my new dr put me on. ( I have not seen my surgon since my 1st year)   I had a barium swallow that showed I have a a large hiatal hernia with the fundus and a portion of the body of the stomach above the hemidiaphragm.  I have the test results but have not spoken to the dr yet so I don't really know what they will need to do about it.

Other that that I still would not trade my sleeve for anything and recommend it for anyone who is considering WLS. 

 

 

  

I truly  began my journey by attending the seminar with Dr. Strickland.  I was also able to have my 1st consult with Dr. Strickland.   I have lost 107 lbs since May 5, 2008   I can wear some size 12 pants and large tops.    I was wearing 28-30 and 3x or 4x.

During the next couple of months I started practicing for my new life by trying to eat slowly.  I spoke to Emily, the NUT at Dr. Strickland's to see what I could do to gt a jump start on my pre-op diet.  She told me to get Any Whey protein powder and mix it with Carnation Instant Breakfast since I am intolerant to artificial sweeteners.  I had 1 shake a day and ate a lot of  grilled meats and salads.  I tried to cut out fried foods and breads.  I lost 25 lbs  before my next appointment with Dr Strickland in July.  I have to admit to having last meal syndrome and only losing 4 more lbs prior to my surgery date of August 28.

The next goal was to make sure I had all the tests I could to be as sure as possible everything would be ok.  I had already had an ultra sound  that showed enlarged liver so I knew I had to lose  weight  before surgery.  I needed to be cleared by my kidney doctor, heart doctor and lung doctor as well as my PCP.  They all said GO FOR IT!

I started out planning to have the lap band.  A couple of days after my 1st consult, I had to go to the ER with severe abdominal pain.  After a CT scan I was told it was gastroparisis.  I began to research gastroparisis and Lap Band and was told it was not a good fit.  At that time I started to research other options.   I had seen a news article on the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy and my first thought was 'NO WAY".  But after finding out the band may not be a good match I started researching the sleeve.  I knew I did not want to have the RNY.  The more I learned, the more I liked the sleeve.  After seeing my gastro and having several tests I was cleared for either surgery.   

I chose the sleeve because I liked the idea of not having to worry about  the fills, flips, erosion's or food getting stuck  that come with the band.  After your stomach heals you can do anything you could before surgery except eat large amounts of food, drink with your meals, or eat fast.  You don't have to worry about taking certain meds that you do with other surgery types.

I thought I was going to have to change doctors because Dr Strickland didn't do the sleeve.  I found Dr. Smith in Atlanta who has a good reputation and a low enough price.  I was not thrilled with having to deal with Atlanta traffic and 2 weeks in Atlanta but I was going to do it before I found out Dr Strickland did do the sleeve.

The next problem was with the cost.  I was self pay and could not justify paying almost $30K .  Dr Strickland said if I had the sleeve I would need a filter that added  $4800 to the cost.    After researching costs and  a lot of conversation with Trisha in Dr Strickland's office, the hospital and Dr Strickland lowered the cost to something I was comfortable with. 

At this point I had spoken to Dr Smith's office and they were doing everything they could to get me in for surgery during the same time frame as I had scheduled with Dr. Strickland.  It came down to a week before surgery before the final decision was made to stay with Dr Strickland.

I had surgery on Thursday  August 28, 2008  and left the hospital on Saturday.  I had a drain until Sat morning but it didn't cause any problems.  The only problem I had was throwing up blood which scared me to death.  They told me it was not abnormal and gave me something to calm my stomach. 

I was really worried before surgery about pain but only took pain meds on Saturday after I left the hospital and Sunday morning.  I did walk as much as I could and had very little gas pain.    On Monday, I drove to Wal-Mart and Tuesday I went to get my nails done. 

This has been and exciting year but not without medical problems not related to my sleeve.   Sciatica and back problems have made it hard for me to get the exercise I need.   I am totally off all meds for diabetes and have a normal A1-C.  I love my sleeve and would not trade it for anything.  I am able to eat most foods but some of the things I loved pre-op just don't taste as good as they did before.  That is probably a good thing but I will admit that sometimes I miss the enjoyment of those foods.

I do still have a problem with body image.  I could never see myself as a MO person.  Now I see my daughter and myself together and I can not believe I was bigger than she is.  I also have a hard time seeing that I am as small as I am.  I will see myself in a store window and not know it is me. LOL. 

I try to be style conscience and learn the best clothes to flatter my body.  Since I am still losing I try not to spend a lot on clothes.  The thrift shop's  and sales are my best friends.  One thing I find funny is during the first phase of my weight loss I wore my old clothes until they almost fell off me.  Now I can't stand really loose clothes or clothes that feel too big.

The scales finally dropped below 200.  Today I am 199.8, down from 201.8 yesterday.  It will probably go back up tomorrow but for today I am claiming it.  I will wait to get my century card until it stays at 200 or below for at least 4 days.

I can now wear a size 14 pants and jeans (if they stretch) and a large or extra large top.  The biggest problem with the top is my batwings.  The only thing I can do for them will be surgery which is not on the horizon in the near future. 

I have been shopping for a new Easter Outfit but am having a hard time finding anything I like.  Most of the dresses & tops have the cap sleeves and I definitely need longer sleeves.  I really didn't want to buy another piece but it looks like if I get anything I will have to.  I am really trying to not spend any more on clothes than I have to.  I am about 30 lbs from my surgeon's goal for expected weight loss. 

I will be happy if I lose those 30 lbs but I really would like to lose 50.  I think anything more than that would be too much for me.  My mother-in-law keeps telling me I should not get below a size 12.  She said I wouldn't be me any more if I did.  LOL  My husband will only say that he wants me to be healthy.  He loves me no matter what size I am.

I am hoping to be able to start exercising soon.  I found the source of my sciaitia is a slipped vertebra and am getting epidural shots to try to fix the nerve.  If that doesn't work I may have to have back surgery.  I am hoping and praying the the shots work. I go back for the second one next week.

It is so hard to believe that it has been 6 months since I had surgery.  I have lost 63 lbs + another 29 before surgery for a total of 92 lbs.  I think I would have lost more but I still have not been able to do much in the way of exercising.  I have sciaitia and walking causes a lot of pain.

Even with the slower weight loss I am thrilled with my sleeve.  I have gone from wearing a size 30 jeans to a 16.  I can now go into a store and not have to head to the Plus Size department.  I was able to buy a pair of boots without having to buy Plus Calf size.

Aside from the cellulitis in my leg that I had from September to November and the ongoing sciaitia problem, I am doing very well.  I am completely off diabetes meds and I don't have to take arthritis meds on a daily basis.  I will be getting labs done in another couple of weeks but I am sure my cholestrol levels have dropped. 

Med List Before

Relafen  750 mg

Cymbalta 60 mg

Lasix 80 mg 

Glyburide 1.25 mg  1/2 tablet

Provingil 200 mg

Nexuim 40 mg

Synthroid 50 mg

Ditrapan  Tab 5 mg

Allegra 180

Zanaflex 4 mg

Syntest  HS

Lunesta 2 mg

Aspirin 81 mg

Klor-Con M20 (Potassium Chloride)

Omega 3 1200 mg (3 capsules)

Med List After

Cymbalta 60 mg

Nexuim 40 mg

Synthroid 50 mg

Ditrapan  Tab 5 mg

Zanaflex 4 mg

Klor-Con M20 (Potassium Chloride)

Multi-Vitamin

Calcium

Like so many others have said my only regret is not being able to have the VSG years ago.

 

Well my celulitis came back.  I was on antibiotics both oral and inter-muscular for most of October. In November,  I went back in the hospital for 6 days, came home on IV antibiotics for 8 days and on the 8th day I had to go back to the hospital.  After 7 days and various antibiotic cocktails I finally got to go home a few days before Thanksgiving.  Since then I have not had a problem with it, Thank God.

I am 3 1/2 months out and went back to the surgeon for my check up.  He said I was doing great.  My labs were all good and I have lost 51 lbs since surgery for a total of 80 lbs.  WOW!!  It seems strange to even think about it.  I may have lost even more but with all the hospital stays and problems with sciatica I have not been able to exercise. 

I have to say I love my sleeve and would do it again in a heartbeat.  I think it was worth every penny we had to pay. 
My husband bought me a pair of jeans for Christmas that was a 16.  I thought for sure I would never get in them but was flabergastic when I tried them on and they fit.  What a wonderful Christmas present.  I even got them mixed up with his jeans in the laundry.  There is no way that would have happened before surgery.

I am looking forward to reaching my next milestone -- onederland!!  I am 20 lbs away and hope to get there soon.

I went ER Tuesday for Chest pain and the doctor pressed really hard on my stomach.  He said my blood work was good, and my ex-rays were ok and he sent me home.

Friday I did  not feel well and in the afternoon I started running a slight  fever.  I also had a red place on my shin that was hot.  Friday night my temp went up.

I called my surgeon and they wanted me to go to the ER or come to Columbia.  I told him I would go to the ER here.  He then called back and said he would prefer for me to come to Columbia.  I told him I was 2 hours away and would prefer to go to the ER near home because the weather was bad.  He said to get them to do a CT scan with contrast and call him if needed.

Before I got to see the Dr my leg was red, hot and swollen halfway to my knee.  I was very scared because Allison had just passed away and I still didn't know why.  I was at the ER from 8:30 til after 11 before I ever saw the dr.  He came in and took one look at my leg and said it was cellulitis.  About 11:30 they brought me 2 16oz bottles of stuff to drink, ice cold.  I told him I could not drink that much and could not drink it that cold.  He finally brought me some other stuff to drink.  I drank about 4 oz but could not drink anymore.  I was taken for the CT scan about 1 am. 

About 2 the Dr came in and said they could keep me and give me iv antibiotics or I could go home on oral meds. Then he gave me a long list of things that could happen and I would have to come back to the ER.  Not wanting to spend anymore time in the ER I chose to stay.  I was told they had a room for me at 3 but it took until 6 am to get moved.

On Sunday, the dr again said I could go home with the same list that I would need to come back to the ER for.  My leg was even redder and more swollen than it was on Saturday and it hurt to walk on it.  I told him I did not want to take the chance I would have to go back to the ER.
I had also broken out with some pustular bumps.  He said he would keep me and give me different antibiotics + scan for clots in my leg and call in an infectous disease Dr.

It turns out I have a staff infections, blood clot was ruled out.  My leg was much better today and I was released to come home.


 

Well the scale has finally moved a little.  I have lost about 2 lbs for a total since surgery of 18 lbs.  I am eating soft foods and getting in more protein and water.  It still takes a couple of hours after I get up before I want eat or drink anything.  My fatigue is some better but having the fibromyalgia I don't know if it from the surgery or the fibro.  I have been able to walk some and tried to increase the distance each time.  If nothing else I have gone to the stores  where pushing a cart makes walking easier. 

I gave my granddaughter's stroller away or I would try pushing it up and down the road. I would probably have to put my life size baby doll in it so I did not look nuts.  Luckily I live out in the country so I would not have to explain to people who could see me really close up.


My first "meal" was at Red Lobster where we went for our 10th Anniversary.  I ordered the Child's Baked Fish with a baked potato.  I was able to get 3 meals out of it.

I have found that I do feel some discomfort when I eat.  It is not really a pain but I know it is not liquid going down.  I may be eating to much or it could be gas.  It is just below my waist on the right side so it seems to me to be in a strange place.

I am down from a 28-30 pants to a  20 - 22.  My 3x shirts are so big on me.  Some of the skirts almost fall off.  I bought a dress at Belk's yesterday that is a 1x.  I can wear it but it is tight.  I can hardly wait for the day it fits well. 

and so far no problems with my Sleeve.  No regrets!  I expected to have the " oh no, what have I done" syndrone by now but I haven't.

The staples were taken out Monday and steri strips were placed on my insions.  Most fell off before morning due to my skin flaking.  We bought more and I put them on just to make sure everything stayed together.  There was a couple of spots where it looked like the edges were separating because they were not matched up under the staples.  I put extra steri strips across it.

So far I have eaten bean soup, tomato soup, potato soup, butter & chive mashed potatoes, grits flavored with sausage and yugurt.  I am begining to be able to drink more.  The taste of plain water is still not good, but I can drink it with lemon juice.

I am experiencing a lot of fatigue.  I don't know if it is from the 4 days of not being able to get much of anything in because of the gout meds or it is from the surgery.  To tell the truth, it is not much worse than what I had before from the fibromyalgia - that could be what it is.

Because of the fatigue and the gout I am not able to exercise.  I need to figure out what to do about that.  I am hoping to get my foot straightened out very soon so I can at least walk some.

After going down to the wire, I finally got a price I could afford for the sleeve.  I paid the balance on Tuesday and had Surgery on Thursday.

Surgery went well, no complications.  I did start throwing up blood two times.  The doc said it wasn't that unusual and they gave me meds and watched my blood count.

I was released Sat around 12 pm. and we went to the motel across the street.  I slept pretty much the rest of the day.  On Sunday I took 1 pain pill and felt ok.  Monday I drove to Wal-Mart and was only a little tired.  Tuesday I went and got my nails done.  After that we decided we could go home and come back on Monday for my post-op appointment.

Tuesday night I had a little bit of a scare when I started pooping black goop. A midnight call to Dr Strickland confirmed it was just from the blood in my stomach after surgery.

After the 2 hour drive home my stomach was sore and felt swollen.  I started having trouble with getting my liquids in.  Nothing tastes good.  I think it is thrush, I got a script for mouthwash Tuesday, but only used it 2 times. 

My gout also started acting up Tuesday.  Thursday I could not put my foot on the floor.  I was in way more pain from it than my surgery.  I have taken more pain meds for my foot than my surgery.

Friday, I am having to force anything down.  I started moving around a little and got nauseous and wound up throwing up two times.   A couple of the incisions are red and have a little bit of pus at the staples .   I called the doc and got an antibotic so I hope it will clear up quickly.

I do not have Gastroparisis.  I do have a slight delay in emptying but no Gastroparisis.

My EDG/Colonoscopy was ok.  There was a couple of polyops.  One was the kind that turns into cancer but he said it was ok.  I will have to be tested again in 5 years.

As far as the Gastro Dr is concerned, I am ok for surgery.

I had my Psych eval last Friday.  She was very  enthusiastic about the research I have done and the steps I have already taken in trying to lose weight before surgery.  

So as it stands now, I have the green light from my PCP, My Gastro, and the Psych.

My next step is to call tomorrow for an appointment for the NUT and find out about a date.  Since I am self pay I don't have to jump through the insurance hoops.