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Hello Friends-

So I'm 5 weeks out as of yesterday. I'm finally feeling very good. I have a bit of queasiness today because of a near dumping incident last night still hanging around. I'm fitting into clothes that I have kept around thinking... "One day I will be able to wear that so I'm going to put that away for now." 

I'm on a regular diet now but I still find noting more satisfying than Grapefruit. :) 

I can reach my feet and that is strangely very gratifying and I'm happy overall. 

Here's to approaching a new life! 

Hi dear friends-

I'm now 11 days post op as of this morning. I've been so impatient with my body. I suppose I didn't expect that I would be in pain for so long. I've never been so dependent in my life. 

I get up to walk for an extremely short time four times a day (usually to and from the restroom). This is a feat for me. I see progress, where as I'm now able to get up on my own and walk to the restroom to use the bathroom. I'm actually able to disrobe and redress independently. Who knew I'd grow to hate the panties I've collected with such love over time. 

I hate coughing and I avoid laughing as well, because no matter how drugged up I am, the pain returns to remind me of my current condition. Some days I feel sad because I feel stuck. I have no idea how long I will be like this and that sucks. But then I try to look towards the future and focus on the good to come. 

I'd like to hear some of your strategies for coping with the post op period that you were in recovery and not doing much more than trying to get well. 

Thanks in advance for your support and stories. 

B

Hi Dear Friends-

I'm sorry for not being present. Lot's of life changes. My boyfriend of 20 years and I broke up and I moved out. Moving out and preparing for surgery required me to manage alot of change.

I have persevered. I've lost 48 LBS since I started my efforts in April. I've maintained my liquid diet and have not cheated at all. I feel GREAT! I've been able to walk further than I have in a long time and that  feels the best. 

Tomorrow or I should say at 5:30 am today, I will head up and over to the hospital. Surgery day is finally here. 

I start the process at 6:20 and begin the procedure at 8:20 am CST. 

Thanks for listening. I'm blessed and very happy. 

B

[So it all begins]

Today I had a scary but kewl procedure called an "endoscopy."  When I had my upper GI exam there was a concern that my esophagus opens up more than expected when swallowing. This is symptomatic of a ring in the esophagus so they wanted to make sure that I didn't have one and if I did, to dilate it sot hat it wouldn't' be an additional restriction in the digestive process. 

My results came back all clear. No ring! Great... 

Now I'm sooooo close to my goal. "sugery clearance" from my insurance provider. I still have to get clearance from my primary care physician, which sound be all good because I've done everything I was suppose to do. 

I have so much awesomeness to achieve and this is just one of the three major areas in my life that I need to overhaul. The pre-op path has been a bit challenging of my patience. But I ain't seen nothing yet! 

So...

One of the struggles I have with this site is the tone. It really feels like a downer most times. 

It seems impossible to get a straight answer for the question you actually ask. 

I can ask.. "What experiences have RNY'ers had with stalls in your weight loss process?" Only to get, "Of all the things to consider this one shouldn't even be on the list." 

Ermmmm, I don't recall asking you that. I suppose this annoyance is the cost for free "consulting?" 

It also often feels like people who choose WLS almost subscribe to a different life than people who don't speak the lingo and as a result of having WLS, they suddenly become subject matter experts (SME's). I'm all for learning about the statistics and research people have performed to get the knowledge they have to share. However "research" has turned subjective based on the motive of the researcher. You can find research to support any opinion you have because people have underlying reasons for supporting any given subject.

Even though I have been researching this stuff for the last 2 years and I've challenged my surgeon, nutritionist and PCP with all of my concerns. Even they have an interest in being conservative about the outcomes (for fear of saying things that may not be the case for me). 

If I knew for certain I wouldn't ask questions. I just find the delivery of the answers to be a bit... "Know-it-all-ish."  And gessh the "Do your research geniuses,"  are the worst. No Stuff Sherlock! 

My temperament while pretty fair usually often gets a bit off balance by these sorts of interactions.

Today I was actually a bit rude to one lady telling her if my concern was too small of a concern to have that she shouldn't bother posting at all. I didn't like that I said it so I went back to delete it because even if someone is saying something that annoys you they really just want to help you and to tell you what they think is right. More importantly they are offering you something that is the most precious gift anyone has to offer, there time. 

Felt good to write this quick vent. 

B

Gosh, I've been large for so long there are so many things i want.

1. To cross my legs for the first time as an adult. (I believe I did this a few times as a small child playing grownup)
2. To shower and use the restroom on the third floor of my home without damaging it somehow
3. Walk more than a block or for more than 2 to 5 minutes at a time
4. Play competitive sports 
5. Take long walks with my love. He loves to explore the city
6. Fly without worrying that "Today is the day I will have to buy two seats!" or at the very least not having to wear a seatbelt extender
7. Not having to defuse awkward moments about furniture when visiting friends, family or clients with comedy about whether or not they will hold me up. 
8. No hating chairs with arms (That got a smile out of me)
9. Not having to fight off an asthma attack just because I walked two blocks 
10. No longer taking the long way home to avoid challenging routes
11. I want to run and play with my son
12. Be closer to my love
13. Increase my sexual positions from the 1 that was are down to. (SAD but true, maybe even a little TMI) 
14. Shop for boots that meet my knee 
15. Seeing all my parts again
16. Washing my body won't be a mild form of  cardio
17. Shopping for clothing in more than one store 
18. Buying tights, panty hose and leggings that aren't a compromise between uncomfortable because they only go as high as my thigh or uncomfortable because they are so tight I can't walk without ripping the "control top."
19. Develop and execute a sexy walk. I'm at a pretty steady waddle
20. No more pain in my ankles and knees! I'm so looking forward to this one!
21. No more being keenly aware that my friends only choose places to go with me that don't require much physical effort.

I'm certain there are more things and I'll just have to update my blog as I go along. I'd love to be inspired by your lists as well. 

B-