5 YEARS LATER

Oct 25, 2010

Well here I sit.  5 years post op.  It has been a roller coaster ride that is for sure.   it is nothing like getting on a Harley and just letting the wind blow all your troubles away.  Each day is different, and there can always be food trouble.  Life continues to be really good as far as my surgery.    I have had no major  or minor complications.  I have actually been healthier than I have ever been in my entire life... 

Food choices are the culprit of my day.  Some days I can eat anything, some days everything I eat makes me sick.  I am fortunate enough that the sugar bug still gets to me.  I can only do small bites of sweet stuff, or I will get the shakes, sweats and my heart will race and race.  Same with the carbs.  They make me really just sick period. 

I have learned to eat tons of veggies and meat.  Salad is still my number one choice of food with soups.  I still drink lots of water, and tea, and the little chrystal lite thingy's you drop into water.  That is my saving grace.  Other wise, I would probably be dehydrated every day.

  I still drink a ton of coffee.  I have not had to ever give up my Non fat Latte with sweet and low and no foam.  That is my highlight of my day, most days.  Now if it is good for me or not, that is a whole another story.  But in my little warped mind, it is non fat, and milk has protein, and coffee gives me energy. :)  So that is something I have not given up.

I do occasionally drink a diet coke.  I can only do small amounts at a time.  The fizz bloats me, but I love the first taste and then I am pretty much good.

Alcohol-- so many people loose weight after this surgery and turn to other addictions.  Alcohol is scary for me.  I can drink wine, but due to the absorption issues.  It hits me really fast.  I get really drunk quick, then it goes away within about 30 minutes.  I don't like that feeling, of the quickness and the drunken stupor I am in, so I really limit alcohol to home, and on a very stressful day.

Sleep is my big problem.  it gets worse.  I don't know if this had any thing to do with my surgery.  But over the past 5 years, my insominia has grown.  I have to take something, and my drug of choice is Tylenol PM.  I  worry about the Tylenol every day, but at this time, damage to my liver being a possibility, or not sleeping.  I guess I am taking the damage.  I just have to sleep...

I am faithful with my vitamins, and supplements.  I still do B12 shots 1-2 x a month, depending on how I am feeling.  I get tired easily, but I can do things I have never done before.    I find myself h aving to push the protein a little more these days. 

I have to take a hormone shot due to the absorption issues.  That is my only issue with this whole surgey.  Absorption.  I had no Hormones in my body a couple years ago, and my doc, deemed it necessary to take a shot, to keep me from driving everyone nuts, including myself.   It is amazing what your hormones control.    I can go about 30-40 days then I have to get my shot... My mood swings get worse, I start feeling all jittery, light headed, and actually become a total bitch.
(oh my gosh can you believe that?).  I usually warn everyone when we hit day 30, but I try to let it go as long as I cand due to the side effects.   I usually retain fluid a week or so after the shot, so I fluctuate between 160-170. pounds.   I actually would like to get back to 150.  I really don't want to be any smaller.  I looked really sick in some of my pictures.   So I am happy pretty much where I am.  I can live with it... yes I have gained a few pounds, but I still consider myself a success.

So advise to you newbies, and maybe you oldies too. 
Remember each day is a new day. 
You will always mess something up. 
Don't stress over it, regroup and move on to the new task at hand. 
Just Try to always do what you are suppose to. 
Remember that weight loss surgery is a TOOL.  Use is as you would any other tool.
Take care of it.  Don't abuse it, and cast it away when it's newness wears off.
Love like today is  your last.
Don't worry about what everyone thinks, you can't please them all.
Please yourself, and be true to your self.
Do those things you never could do as an obese person. 
LIVE while you have the chance.  This is a second chance to live life to the fullest.
 Be thankful for those who touch your life each day, and make the world a better place to be in.
Spend time with God, and grow close to him.  He is there when no one else is.
and most of all, remember that each one of you who has been on this 5 year journey has touched my life.
I may not be in touch as much as before, but the thoughts, comments, support, praise is always engraved in my heart.

Dr. Jaykumar, I thank God each day for you, and the opportunity have my life back. .  You continue to be my night in shining armor.  You gave me back life, love and happiness, all wrapped up in a little 1-2 ounce pouch that saved my life.
I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

To my family and personal friends.  I thank y ou for putting up with me on this journey.  It has not always been easy.
I thank you for the support and the flexibility in all that we have done over the years due to my diet.

I hope each of you reading this continue to be blessed.
Walk in Peace.
Vickie




0 comments

JULY 2009

Jul 01, 2009

Well life good..  I turn 46 in a couple of days.  I am so healthy.  I just worry I am not getting enough fluids.  I don't want a repeat of last  year.   I really want to have my arms  done.. (brachioplasty) but I have to save up for it... That is really the only plastic surgery I am considering.
I am back in marketing.. and it is good for me.  Makes me feel good to have to get  up and get dressed up instead of run around in scrubs all day.
My Harley baby is growing 75 pounds and 10 months old... She is the love of my life.
0 comments

3 YEARS POST-OP

Nov 11, 2008

Well life has been a roller coaster for me.   I am so happy to report that these 3 years post op have been the best in my life.  October 25th was 3 years since I had my life changing surgery.  I have been so blessed to have had a wonderful successful journey.  I have only had a couple mishaps.  One being dehydration back in the 3 digits of the hot summer, where I just did not get in enough water.  I became dehydrated, passed out, and ended up with 8 stitches in my head.  But some IV fluids, some potassium and a few sutures, and I was good to go.

I really learned my lesson this last summer.    My other mishap, was not having any hormones in my body.  Seems over the past 3 years, I have been so consumed with making sure all of my vitamins and minerals were taken and absorbed, I totally forgot about my premarin.  I  was in trouble.  So I ended up being put on some shots to get my body back to normal, and hopefully I can go back on the premarin soon.
Other than that, medically I am good to go. 

I saw Dr. Jay this month, and he seemed pleased.  He told me I needed to be doing weight training.  Funny, I am paying for a gym membership, and I hate to go.  I have always hated the gym, and I am not sure if I can ever like it.  I guess I need to focus on that.
 I still drink way to much coffee.  I wish I would have never started drinking that stuff.  I love it, and guess that is why it is hard to stop.
I love the smell, the taste, everything about it.

Life is pretty good.  I am enjoying everything that I do.  It is amazing how much you do enjoy when you can do so many things you never good.  When you really feel good, and want to do things.  Not stay cooped up in your house because you  are ashamed of who you are, and what you cannot do.

My little country boys are growing.  They are all boy...  Love John Deer tractors and the cowboy life. 

I have a new love in my life.  My little Harley... I have an Olde English Bulldogge. She is adorable.
 Well I hope if your reading this your journey is blessed also.  May God Bless you all and continue to.....Walk in Peace.


September 2, 2008

Sep 02, 2008

Well I was actually telling someone about this Blog today, and decided I had better get on here and update.  I am so bad about this.  Okay, so far, I am doing pretty good.  I had my 3rd Hormone shot today.  Talked to GYN and she said to cut it back due tot he weight gain, and me having to have loading doses to get the HRT back into my system.  I also held off as long as I thought I possibly could.  I felt myself getting bitchy, so I decided why put my friends, family and most of all, my coworkers through my bitchiness.  Gosh, you don't realize how much Hormones maintain homeostasis until you have none in your system. 
I talked to DR. J, and he said that this issues takes priority over anything right now.  Hormones and Vitamin Therapy is the best way to treat the issues that I am dealing with.   I just hope and pray that this is working, and the next testing comes back more positive than the last.

So my Whitney is in Nursing School.  I wish so bad we were closer.  This long distance phone studying isn't cutting it.  I have to tell you, grandma misses her little country boys.


My oldest one is in Law School, and my son is in Waco, in School..
WOW, 3 kids all grown and in college, and I just turned 45.
Life is good.   A great job, great friends, and the wind in my face riding the Harley, what could be better.
God Bless......

July 2008

Jul 15, 2008

Well, lets see, life is pretty good.  I am doing well with my weight loss life.  I have only had 2i ncidents since my surgery, and that was dehydration and low potassium.  Happened a couple months ago.  Suffered a light concussion, 8 stitches in the top of my head, and ended up getting 2 potassium tablets, and some IV fluids all for around $6,000.00...ummmmmmm Moral of this story... Get in your water, especially when it is 103 degrees in Texas on a hot friday afternoon.  I have recovered well.  Back to carrying my big pink 64 ounce jug with me.  

2nd..... Hormone replacement....duh..... I take multiple vitamins and supplements, and worry about getting them all in to keep me from getting into trouble.  You would think, that as smart as I think I am, and being a nurse, I would remember that my body does not absorb.  (HRT).... Had my blood levels done and they were 8..... Normal is over 50 range.  Tried the patch, and it dropped to 7.... Next step. A big old shot in my droopy butt.   But it seems to be working.. Now if I can just get my system back in order, hopefully I will be feeling all better.  Sad thing, and It is really freaking me out, is Hormone replacement makes you retain fluid, and I have gained 7 pounds... That is just driving me nuts....
Other than these minor little things.  Life is good.
Much love and loosing.


I AM SO BAD

Apr 21, 2008

Well if you are reading this, you know from my infrequent postings that I am horrible about posting.... I have to say that I have let life, take me away from my computer.    Who would have thought?  
I am doing good though... My weight is steady around 146.  I think I could probably loose some more, but I don't want to look all drawn up and  well you know... I am healthy.  My only  problem that I see if I drink way to much coffee... I sit here now at starbucks... enjoying my Venti, Non Fat 2 sweet and Low Latte.... Gosh, that is a mouth full..... 

Life is good, the kids are good, and Austin is good..... It is beginning to warm up, and I am happy....

Support group is slow, and some times, I wonder if it is worth it... It seems there is only a few that really come.... But I need this for me, and I guess I just need to rev it up a bit... Who knows.
Hope everyone is doing great... Will try to post a new pic soon...
MUCH LOVE AND LOOSING

WELCOME

Jan 16, 2008

Welcome to the support Group.  It's A Good Year Support Group was created in honor of my weight loss surgery in 2005. I had RNY surgery on October 25th, 2005.  The name has special meanings.  

(It was a good Year!!!!) My life changed forever, and the second meaning, Goodyear, is my Last name in English..... (Buenano)  This support group is my way of paying it forward.  I am a firm believer that what you give, you get back 3 fold.  

I am very passionate about my weight loss, and having this surgery.  It has given me back my life, and enabled me to do things I never could have ever done without the surgery. 

It is my hope that everyone involved will be there for each other, and we can all pay it forward in some small way.. It is also my hope and prayer that we can all have a "goodyear" for each and every year for the rest of our lives.
Much love and Loosing.
Vickie Buenano
Support Group Leader


STRESSED OUT.

Jan 04, 2008

Well, I am so stressed out.  I don't know if it is the Holidays, the family issues, or a new job, or what... I know I need to pray more,and hope that God will just deliver me from this stress.

I have managed to stay at my goal weight, actually below.  But it is because I am so damn afraid of being fat again. 

I do have a new addiction  (wow, I have an addiction) Never thought I would ever say that, because I believe we control our lives, not food, alcohol or drugs.... But I LUUUUUUUUUVVVVVVVV STARBUCKS....    It is pathetic.... I know I don't need this, and just  think, it would save me $3.84 each time I think i can't  live without one.  If I had a starbucks every day, and (thank God I don't)  I would spend $1404. a year..... Can you belive that??????????   I needed to just put that in writing to see it, because I know people that tell me they have 1 or 2 every day.....

So my babies (grandbabies) are doing great.... The oldest is almost 2 and the baby is going on 6 months.  they are adorable, and I love them so much.

I got laid off at Girling with the big sell out, and now I am doing Home Health for the Brookdale Sr. Living Homes.  I really think I am going to love this job.  

I went to the coast for a couple days during Christmas, and I so needed it... It was 78 degrees on Christmas day.  I was laying on the beach in a bathing suit.... It was so awesome.

Well I guess I  will close for now.  My goal is to try to be more pro active in my posting and journaling.
Much love and loosing to you reading this.
Vick


2 YEARS POST OP

Nov 01, 2007

Well I have to admit that it hardly seems like it has been 2 years since my life was changed by having Gastric Bypass.  October 25th was the day 2 years ago that my nerves were a little tried and I knew that when I woke up, my life would never be the same.

I am so healthy.  I had my 2 year appointment with Dr. Jaykumar.  He seemed pleased.  I was estatic.  I have lost from 304/296 to 143 pounds in his office.  I fluctuate between 138-144.  I am pretty happy with that.    I am pretty strict with my diet most days eating what I should.  I sometimes  slip, and want something sweet... and I pay for it, for the most part.    Some foods just don't agree with me, and I have just learned to leave them alone.. I hate the sick feeling.   I avoid carbonated beverages, they just make me miserable, and it isn't worth the feeling that I get, the same with alcohol, and carbs... So I have pretty much become a high protein and veggie girl.



My labs were pretty good.  My b12 was within normal limits but on the low side.  So I am taking my shots every 15 days now.  My hemoglobin was low, so I am increasing the iron.    

I am doing things I have never done in my life,  and some things I have not done since my teenage years. like walk 3-5 miles at a time, dance again, learn to ride a harley, and be a very happy grandma that chases her grandkids.  I am eagerly wanting to get back on a horse, and my daughter and grandson have agreed to  oblige me.  So Life is good....

I still have the support group.  It is slow, but it keeps me in check... I need to be a good example for everyone else, and that has helped me so much to just do what I am suppose to.  It is so easy to get off track.

I am busy at work.  I am still doing Community Education For Girling Hospice.  I have to wonder if I would have this job if I was 304 pounds ????? I think not!!!!  I love my job, even though some days it is really disappointing... It is hard to market Hospice.  I feel like I am selling death in a way...... and some of my friends tease me about it... But if you have ever been a hospice nurse, or a hospice family you will totally understand where I am coming from.  It is such a great opportunity for the dying and the families.  

Well I hope everyone is doing well.  I hope that everyone is being successful.  Keep me in your prayers as I do all of my WL friends.

Much love and loosing
Vickie B. AKA goodyear0703


JULY 20, 2007

Jul 20, 2007

Well, I am really bad at posting.  I guess I just have not been dedicated to this blog.  I find myself disgusted with most everything these days.  I get easily aggitated over stupid small shit.  

It has been rough.  Life, relationships, kids, work.  I find myself so lonely these days, and wanting to eat crap.  I really have to focus.  I guess I need to get into support group, but I am feeling kind of pressured.  We have this support group thing at work every other monday, and I just don't feel comfortable sharing much of anything about my feelings of work with anyone there.  I feel that is something that needs to stay between me and my supervisor.  I don't know it stresses me out, because I tend to be a little testy, and I just don't want to be backed into a corner.    I like my job for the most part, but like any other job, it is just that... A job.  I really don't think my heart is in nursing anymore, but what on earth would I do. 

I have gotten active in church, and that makes me happy.  I look forward to serving more.

My weight loss is going okay... I have been at 140 pounds now for 2-3 months.   I guess I have pretty much stopped.  I am happy with it.  I don't have a lot of excess skin, which is good... my butt is droopy, and my thighs sag a little, and my arms drive me nuts....
So I hope to be able to have them done really soon, like this winter.  I can't see myself doing this now, with the heat here in Texas....  and I don't have the time to take off.

My doc appt went well. I was happy for that.
I guess I just need to connect with other people.
I missed the OH convention due to family emergency... I don't know if I will ever get to make one, it seems.....

Support group is still going, it is slowly growing, but now since summer is here, it is hit and miss.
I just wish things would progress, and get better...
I will be moving into a house this next month, so maybe that will make it better... We won't have to meet at Central Market, and I will feel like I have more of a home for the group.

If you are reading this... I still have no regrets... I would do this surgery all over again in a heart beat... It is the best thing I have ever done in my life.
much love and loosing.
vickie


About Me
AUSTIN, TX
Location
24.3
BMI
RNY
Surgery
10/25/2005
Surgery Date
Sep 11, 2005
Member Since

Friends 63

Latest Blog 35
3 YEARS POST-OP
September 2, 2008
July 2008
I AM SO BAD
WELCOME
STRESSED OUT.
2 YEARS POST OP
JULY 20, 2007

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