ButterflyWings
November 28, 2007
Nov 28, 2007
Well, here I am.... back from just over 2 months away from the boards. I have had some really good and really sad things happening and I will try to fill myself and everyone else in. After all.... this is for me and my healing, right?
I was able to go home for Thanksgiving, for 2 weeks, to see my family. IT WAS AWESOME! I had such a great time and with 2 weeks to spread out my visiting and relax, I was able to see ALL of my family and enjoy some time with everyone. Remember, with my family, that's a lot of people. I used to drive home to Pittsburgh for visits a lot more often when I first moved to New York 12 years ago, but because of my expanding weight and the really poor condition of my knees, I have been less and less able to handle the 7-8 hour drive without severe debilitately pain. And that is even having someone to share the drive with....... WELL, ANYWAY..... I was able to drive to Pittsburgh, BY MYSELF, and handle it with only making 2 stops - one to fill up on gas and one bathroom break. PRETTY GREAT!
I handled eating really well also. I was able to eat Thanksgiving without getting sick (I had a plate with a tiny bit of everything, except bread, and grazed on that for about 3 hours). AND..... I MANAGED TO LOSE WEIGHT too. At Thanksgiving I had lost 70lbs. THAT'S 2 MONTHS POST-OP.
I forgot to mention that my DH got sick right before Thanksgiving and to make a long story short, is still very VERY sick. Doctors don't know what is wrong, except that he has some type of bacterial infection that they cannot identify. Still testing though.... and more importantly, praying.
Gotta go for now...
I was able to go home for Thanksgiving, for 2 weeks, to see my family. IT WAS AWESOME! I had such a great time and with 2 weeks to spread out my visiting and relax, I was able to see ALL of my family and enjoy some time with everyone. Remember, with my family, that's a lot of people. I used to drive home to Pittsburgh for visits a lot more often when I first moved to New York 12 years ago, but because of my expanding weight and the really poor condition of my knees, I have been less and less able to handle the 7-8 hour drive without severe debilitately pain. And that is even having someone to share the drive with....... WELL, ANYWAY..... I was able to drive to Pittsburgh, BY MYSELF, and handle it with only making 2 stops - one to fill up on gas and one bathroom break. PRETTY GREAT!
I handled eating really well also. I was able to eat Thanksgiving without getting sick (I had a plate with a tiny bit of everything, except bread, and grazed on that for about 3 hours). AND..... I MANAGED TO LOSE WEIGHT too. At Thanksgiving I had lost 70lbs. THAT'S 2 MONTHS POST-OP.
I forgot to mention that my DH got sick right before Thanksgiving and to make a long story short, is still very VERY sick. Doctors don't know what is wrong, except that he has some type of bacterial infection that they cannot identify. Still testing though.... and more importantly, praying.
Gotta go for now...
It's Been A Couple of Weeks - But I'm Back
Oct 26, 2007
Well, I have not posted since Friday, Oct. 5.
A lot has happened these past couple of weeks. For starters.... I had my first meal on Saturday, Oct. 6. Egg Salad blenderized with a little mayo and a tiny bit of chicken broth. Sunday, Oct. 7 smoked turkey and cheese blenderized. Monday, Oct. 8, scrambled egg blenderized. THERE IS a reason I'm telling you all this.....
By Monday night I felt really sick. Actually Sunday I started having a sharp pain in the center of my chest and it was worse by Monday. Every pill I took, every drink of water, broth or tea caused pain and vomiting. Tuesday I had such a fever and chills and chest pain, (I thought I was gonna die). By Wednesday, I called and called and called the doctors office to speak to the PA (doctor was unavailable) and she never called me back. DUMMY me never thought to speak to their WONDERFUL and sweet dietician.
At 4:20 pm, I got the office and was put on hold 3 times and then disconnected. When I called back, the office was closed and the answering service picked up. Needless to say, I was LIVID! But I did get a call back in 4 minutes from the resident on call, who said 'Go to the Emergency Room Now". I did and I spent 3 1/2 days there suffering from severe dehydration. They repeated the swallow study and another CAT scan, but everything looked good. I still couldn't hold down my meds, so the doctor changed those up again and again. He thinks the problem was, my stomach was very narrow and still swollen and my system wasn't read for "real" food yet.
I came home on the 14th and was on clear liquids until the 23rd. I did try to eat baby food on Thurs. the 18th because I JUST COULDN'T HANDLE ANOTHER DAY ON CLEAR LIQUIDS. Not great, but different and that is what counted at the time.
At the doctors on the 23rd, my weight was......... DRUM ROLL PLEASE... ............... 324 lbs. AMAZING!!!! That's down 42 lbs since surgery!!!
Well, since last weekend, I feel great. More energy. My clothes are hanging. People are noticing. I still am not hungry, but I am noticing some issues with the emotional side.
For instance. Thursday, Oct. 18, my friends wanted to see me really bad and so we met at a chinese buffet. That wasn't bad (because I hate this place and it used to make me sick on the rare occasion I ate there). But it was still wierd.
The next day, my husband and I were out and he wanted to stop for food and that was wierder still - just sitting there with my water..... watching!
Then, on Monday, Oct. 22, my husband and I went upstate for the day and (even though I brought my babyfood and soup and water), we ate at this great little restaurant that serves tapas and of course, I had a mental break. We left there and I said "NOT AGAIN". Too much in too short of time. I was somewhat of an emotional eater before the surgery and just being around all that food and not being able to taste any of it was JUST TOO HARD! (I forgot to mention that they did have a pureed squash soup that I ordered {very small cup}, but it was sooooo sweet I couldn't eat it).
I am, however, hear to say that "I Am Feeling Wonderful and Doing Great and even with these little bumps in the road..... I would do it all over again ....... IT WAS SO WORTH IT!"
A lot has happened these past couple of weeks. For starters.... I had my first meal on Saturday, Oct. 6. Egg Salad blenderized with a little mayo and a tiny bit of chicken broth. Sunday, Oct. 7 smoked turkey and cheese blenderized. Monday, Oct. 8, scrambled egg blenderized. THERE IS a reason I'm telling you all this.....
By Monday night I felt really sick. Actually Sunday I started having a sharp pain in the center of my chest and it was worse by Monday. Every pill I took, every drink of water, broth or tea caused pain and vomiting. Tuesday I had such a fever and chills and chest pain, (I thought I was gonna die). By Wednesday, I called and called and called the doctors office to speak to the PA (doctor was unavailable) and she never called me back. DUMMY me never thought to speak to their WONDERFUL and sweet dietician.
At 4:20 pm, I got the office and was put on hold 3 times and then disconnected. When I called back, the office was closed and the answering service picked up. Needless to say, I was LIVID! But I did get a call back in 4 minutes from the resident on call, who said 'Go to the Emergency Room Now". I did and I spent 3 1/2 days there suffering from severe dehydration. They repeated the swallow study and another CAT scan, but everything looked good. I still couldn't hold down my meds, so the doctor changed those up again and again. He thinks the problem was, my stomach was very narrow and still swollen and my system wasn't read for "real" food yet.
I came home on the 14th and was on clear liquids until the 23rd. I did try to eat baby food on Thurs. the 18th because I JUST COULDN'T HANDLE ANOTHER DAY ON CLEAR LIQUIDS. Not great, but different and that is what counted at the time.
At the doctors on the 23rd, my weight was......... DRUM ROLL PLEASE... ............... 324 lbs. AMAZING!!!! That's down 42 lbs since surgery!!!
Well, since last weekend, I feel great. More energy. My clothes are hanging. People are noticing. I still am not hungry, but I am noticing some issues with the emotional side.
For instance. Thursday, Oct. 18, my friends wanted to see me really bad and so we met at a chinese buffet. That wasn't bad (because I hate this place and it used to make me sick on the rare occasion I ate there). But it was still wierd.
The next day, my husband and I were out and he wanted to stop for food and that was wierder still - just sitting there with my water..... watching!
Then, on Monday, Oct. 22, my husband and I went upstate for the day and (even though I brought my babyfood and soup and water), we ate at this great little restaurant that serves tapas and of course, I had a mental break. We left there and I said "NOT AGAIN". Too much in too short of time. I was somewhat of an emotional eater before the surgery and just being around all that food and not being able to taste any of it was JUST TOO HARD! (I forgot to mention that they did have a pureed squash soup that I ordered {very small cup}, but it was sooooo sweet I couldn't eat it).
I am, however, hear to say that "I Am Feeling Wonderful and Doing Great and even with these little bumps in the road..... I would do it all over again ....... IT WAS SO WORTH IT!"
Friday, October 5
Oct 05, 2007
Saw the cardiologist again today. Same weight loss (24lbs) and better (but higher) blood pressure. Now he's putting me on a lower dose of a med I was on 1 year ago and he doesn't want to see me for 2 months, unless I need to.
The girls in his office were so great. They all came over to me so excited for me and all said they could SEE a difference in me already. I was glowing and looked happy and they could tell that I have lost. They really made me feel great.
Today was the first day that I drove myself around (because of my blood pressure issues) and so I went to the grocery store and Linens and Things for a really cool chopper (for chopping and chopping....). It was fun. I even managed to get my son to unload the car for me (without a fight).
I made egg salad for myself for dinner since this was my first meal and I had some cheese. Nothing great since I spent the whole 45 minutes worrying about it getting stuck, am I chewing enough and so on.
Hopefully the eating experience gets better, BUT, I don't know, this might be a good thing..... not liking or wanting to eat.
I talked to my parents tonight. They just got back from a trip to Kentucky/Ohio. My mom said she had a dream that I was lounging on a chaise by a pool in a tiny black two-piece swimsuit and she just kept telling me how great I looked (and could she have all my old clothes). Great dream!
The girls in his office were so great. They all came over to me so excited for me and all said they could SEE a difference in me already. I was glowing and looked happy and they could tell that I have lost. They really made me feel great.
Today was the first day that I drove myself around (because of my blood pressure issues) and so I went to the grocery store and Linens and Things for a really cool chopper (for chopping and chopping....). It was fun. I even managed to get my son to unload the car for me (without a fight).
I made egg salad for myself for dinner since this was my first meal and I had some cheese. Nothing great since I spent the whole 45 minutes worrying about it getting stuck, am I chewing enough and so on.
Hopefully the eating experience gets better, BUT, I don't know, this might be a good thing..... not liking or wanting to eat.
I talked to my parents tonight. They just got back from a trip to Kentucky/Ohio. My mom said she had a dream that I was lounging on a chaise by a pool in a tiny black two-piece swimsuit and she just kept telling me how great I looked (and could she have all my old clothes). Great dream!
First Post-Op Visit 10/4/07
Oct 04, 2007
Saw the Physician's Asst. today. She answered all my questions... like "what's a bougie", "what is it for and what does it do", "can I go in the pool or hot tub when I go away on 10/14"...... blah blah blah.
Yes, I CAN go in the pool! Yeah! My incisions healed wonderfully and she removed the steri-strips. She confirmed my weight loss of 24 lbs and also said that the stomach is still swollen and it will get easier to take the vitamins (NEVER suggested taking chewables or liquids).
She also said I could start with small weights for my arms and I could start using my elliptical machine.
I must say, that I am very surprised. I don't miss food, or crave anything, and I'm not hungry. I know it is only 2 weeks out, but I am still shocked.
(I did do something stupid this afternoon..... don't tell..... I tasted a Cool Ranch Dorito. Just put a small piece on my tongue to taste the spice. Didn't eat it! BIG MISTAKE! I mean BIG! Within 1 minute I was running to the bathroom and vomiting.... I will NEVER test the waters that way again).
Yes, I CAN go in the pool! Yeah! My incisions healed wonderfully and she removed the steri-strips. She confirmed my weight loss of 24 lbs and also said that the stomach is still swollen and it will get easier to take the vitamins (NEVER suggested taking chewables or liquids).
She also said I could start with small weights for my arms and I could start using my elliptical machine.
I must say, that I am very surprised. I don't miss food, or crave anything, and I'm not hungry. I know it is only 2 weeks out, but I am still shocked.
(I did do something stupid this afternoon..... don't tell..... I tasted a Cool Ranch Dorito. Just put a small piece on my tongue to taste the spice. Didn't eat it! BIG MISTAKE! I mean BIG! Within 1 minute I was running to the bathroom and vomiting.... I will NEVER test the waters that way again).
Tuesday, October 2
Oct 02, 2007
Tasted 1/2 tsp. of my husband's Weight Watchers yogurt last night about 10pm. Tasted good except it sat in the middle of my chest all night long and of course, I took my nighttime meds and they also sat like a knot too. I had my protein shake this morning and it went down, but I just couldn't get rid of that KNOT..... until 1:27pm (to be exact).... I threw up (nothing at all), but I felt much better. It was really weird! Won't be having WW yogurt again!
After that, I had a very good day (except taking those darn pills).... they're gonna kill me! There has to be an answer.
After that, I had a very good day (except taking those darn pills).... they're gonna kill me! There has to be an answer.
Monday, October 1
Oct 01, 2007
I feel much much better after my med change. It's amazing how a little pill can affect you. Well, I am walking and also walking stairs. I feel really good, but I do have some issues with my pills (vitamins) and also water. I used to be a WATER FIEND and now water tastes funny to me and my pills feel like they are sitting in the middle of my chest like a golf ball. I try to space them at least 15 minutes apart, but it doesn't seem to matter. I even tried to cut the larger ones, but then they were jagged and really get stuck.
Gonna have to talk to the doctors about that. I also have an appt with surgeon this week (well, the PA that is). I don't get to see the surgeon until one month out, supposedly. That's okay though - as long as there are no problems.
24lbs GONE IN ONE WEEK!!!
Sep 28, 2007
Went to the cardiologist today! Wooooooo Hooooooooooo! They have not been able to get my weight since I started seeing them almost 2 years ago.
TODAY I weighed in at 342lbs! THAT'S 24lbs GONE!!!!!!! In ONE week!
Anyhow... the blood pressure was definitely an issue. It was 80/60 and after blood tests, I was also dehydrated. He took me off one of my meds and I will see him in a week, unless I have a problem.
Home from Hospital Today 9/23/07
Sep 23, 2007
They sent me home today and I am not quite happy about it. The surgery went great! No real pain and only discomfort, like they said. My swallow test went great and my walking and peeing and eating.... all great! But my blood pressure was very low. Each and every time I stand, I feel like I'm going to pass out... or crumble to a pile on the floor. But, they said "you'll feel better at home and make sure you schedule an appt with your doctor within the next week". I could be dead by then!
Tomorrow I will call my doctor about that appt.
Tomorrow I will call my doctor about that appt.
Day Before Surgery 9/20/07
Sep 20, 2007
Well, I am not nervous... I am actually excited. I know, go figure! I'm about to be cut upon and I can't wait. I have waited for this day for so so long and it is finally happening and I just want to jump up and down like a little kid on the bed (better not do that until I drop a few, huh).
I went to my pre-surgery doctor visit today so that the dietician could tell me what to expect, etc. etc. There were about 12 other people there (all about 2 weeks pre-surgical). I was definitely enlightening and something you don't want to miss.
They told me I should be at the hospital at 9:00 am because I was second in line for the day. Don't think I'll sleep much tonight!
I went to my pre-surgery doctor visit today so that the dietician could tell me what to expect, etc. etc. There were about 12 other people there (all about 2 weeks pre-surgical). I was definitely enlightening and something you don't want to miss.
They told me I should be at the hospital at 9:00 am because I was second in line for the day. Don't think I'll sleep much tonight!
About Me
Peekskill, NY
Location
31.2
BMI
Sep 19, 2007
Member Since
