carolia

Send Message

Block

Add Friend

Well, here I am two years post-op and doing fine.  Have had my "lost the most" moment and now have gained the "you will gain some back" moment.  It is a struggle, I am not going to be dishonest about that.  Surgery is a tool and only a tool..........I still have to do the hard work to keep the weight at bay.  I will have my annual check up with Dr. Jamal/the clinic soon and will see what their thoughts are about my progress.  

I feel great and have plenty of energy and good health.  I do Jazzercise three times a week (well, at least twice a week) and use my Gazelle three days a week.  I take one day off just because.  

People ask me all the time, "would you do it again" and my answer is always "most definitely".  It was the best thing I did for myself and really helped my health improve.  I take my supplements faithfully and eat so-so.  My protein intake is generally good but I do struggle with eating the wrong foods.  I had this surgery with the hopes of having severe dumping, but I don't.  That's why I say, it is a tool and only a tool.  The surgery provided me with a smaller stomach so I can't eat as much as I used to at once.  My struggle will always be with what I eat and I work on it everyday.

So, that's where I am two years later...............and truly can't believe it's been two years.  Some days it seems like more and other days it seems like it was just yesterday.  If you are someone who is considering or contemplating this surgery, please do the research about the different surgeries, talk to your primary care physician and then attend many seminars at all the bariatric clinics to see which one feels comfortable for you.

Thanks for checking in on me!

Carol

On Feb. 11th I will be officially one year post op...........or as some people say "one year out".  I feel terrific today and still can't believe where I was a year ago today.  I don't feel like I've had surgery except when I eat and then I know.  I have been at the same weight (195) since about November and that is up from my lowest weight of 182.  I am very happy to be where I am and feel great about how I look and feel.  I eat like I was taught to eat way back in the beginning...........small portions, small bites, chew to mush.  I exercise six of seven days each week, and sometimes I workout at Curves and then spend another hour on my Gazelle after I eat dinner in the evening.  I drink tons of water.............have always done that so it wasn't hard to do that part.  My biggest struggle and daily battle, is avoiding sweets and keeping my portions down.  I knew that would be my toughest battle and it has been.  But the bariatric nurse has reminded me that the surgery is only a tool and I still have to use the rest of what I've hearned to be successful.  I will have to fight the demons that cause my weight to go up and I am so pleased with how much I've learned and grown this past year.  

One thing I'd share with all who are considering this surgery, it is a tool and only that.  It's not a magic cure all, because you still have to do all the work that goes along with losing the excess weight...........eating right and exercising. 

I have my one year appointment on Friday and look forward to hearing from the clinic staff just how I am doing from their perspective.  I am happy with my results and would strongly encourage anyone considering this surgery (RNY) to research it thoroughly, talk to others who've had it done and discuss the surgery option with you PCP.

Thanks for checking in on me. 
Carol

It has been six months since my surgery and I am still doing well.  I had to be hospitalized overnight earlier this month for dehydration because I picked up an intestinal bug somewhere.  It was not related to my surgery but Dr. Jamal decided to check me out via a CT scan followed by an endoscopy and things were fine inside.  I feel fine and things are going well but it was an eye opener to the fact that I HAVE to keep drinking water even if I don't feel good.

My weight loss continues and I am down 80 pounds from last August when I had my last physical.  I haven't seen Dr. Jamal for my six month post op appointment until August 21st and I'm interested in seeing how much I've lost according to his records.  My weight loss has slowed down but I think it's because I am only about 9-14 pounds away from my goal weight.  Everyone says the last 10-15 pounds take forever to come off and I think that's where I am at.

Have been exercising at Curves three times a week and walking or working out on the Gazelle three days a week.  I need to be more faithful about the walking because it's hit and miss and usually not as long as I should be walking.  That would help my weight loss continue to be strong until those last few pounds are off, I think.

I am currently down four sizes in clothing and may or may not go down another size.  I am fine with where I am size wise and somedays can't believe I'm that small.  Never thought I'd say that!  This journey is amazing and I'm so happy I am on it.  There are days when it seems like I never had the surgery and then other times when I can't believe how much the surgery tool helped me lose the weight. 

This is it for now and I'll try to post again after I have my appointment with Dr. Jamal on Friday.  Thanks for checking in on me and check back again.

Carol

Well, here I am about 22 weeks post op.  I still can't believe I've had the surgery because I feel so good.  Everyone told me that each day would get better but I can't believe how fast that happened for me.

I continue to workout at Curves three days a week and sometimes four days a week.  I haven't been totally faithful about walking the other three days but I do try.  Summer is a busy time for me and I find that I am doing other things and they fill  my time so I don't get that walk in.  I know I have to keep exercising or I'll be one of the folks who ends up gaining weight instead of losing it.

Speaking of the weight loss, I am stuck for some reason at 187 pounds and can't seem to get the scale to move.  I keep thinking that I might need to work harder at Curves to get my metabolism moving, but I don't know.  I am eating as I should be (too scared to eat otherwise!) and drinking the water is the easiest part for me so that's okay too.  The only part I think that I could improve on is the workout/exercise.  I have to keep focused and work hard at those things because I am on this journey for life!!

As for the mind changing with the body, I am working on that.  I still think of myself as "fat" even though I can see that I am smaller than before the surgery.  When I look at my "reference points" (i.e. others who I used to compare myself to in terms of size), I can see that  I am smaller and in some instances, smaller than others whom I used to be bigger than.  I am still waiting for my head to catch up with my body on this weight loss journey and I know it will, in time.

My energy level is unbelievable!!  I can go and go and go, just like the Energizer Bunny.  What used to tire me out in the past doesn't even phase me now.  I am sure it's because I am eating good food, smaller portions, exercising, have built muscles and there's less of me.  I have played badminton, frisbee, horseshoes, baggo, ladder golf, bocce ball and catch with my daughter this summer and that would not have happened had I not lost the weight.  I have tried things I'd never do before because of my size and I am finding the new adventures wonderful.

This has been such a great experience and I believe it's because of my surgeon and his staff.  They are wonderful and care deeply about my health.  I am so grateful to them for their care and ongoing support.  They are the best!

Thank you for checking in on me and keep checking.

Carol

I am now four months post op and feeling terrific.  Eating is going well and I'm exercising six days a week (hey, even the Lord took one day off!).  I find that some foods sit well in my new stomach and some not so well.  Mostly some meats are the problem foods and not really problems but just feel like they sit there for too long.  Things are going very well so far and I am anticipating they will continue.

As of this morning, I have lost 72 pounds.  I cannot believe it when I say that because I have NEVER lost that much weight in my life.  I am wearing a size 14 pants/shorts and a size large shirt and that is almost unbelievable to me.  I held up a pair of shorts in the store recently and told myself that they were way too small for me.  My friend encouraged me to try them on and they fit perfectly.  Too amazing, huh?

I told someone today that I have such even energy now because I am eating so healthy.  No surges of energy and then slumps of no energy and I find that amazing.  Exercising is so easy too..........I workout three days a week at Curves and walk or workout on my Gazelle the other three days and there's no problems there.  I am hoping to continue to build up my workout intensity at Curves so that I continue to build muscle.  They are there and I can tell there's some definition but there's still some saggy skin on my body too.

As always, I am glad to answer questions about my experience for anyone who is considering the RNY surgery. 

Thanks for checking in on me!

Carol

I made it to "onederland" this week and it feels so good.  Haven't been under 200 pounds in a long time so I am happy.  Sometimes when I fold my arms across my body it feels weird because they actually reach all the way across my body and then some.  I feel terrific physically too and that's one question that people ask me often.  I think my body was so full of junk and too much food all the time that I didn't realize I felt so crummy.

I am eating a general diet now and it is going so well.  I am doing quite well choosing a variety of foods (thanks Amy for the wonderful menus you gave me) thanks to the dietician at UIHC.  I am eating the right portions/amounts at each meal and it is really going well.  I have tried fresh fruits a little bit more and they are going down just fine.  Chewing to mush is the key!  I have not tried meats other than chicken, turkey, tuna, hamburger (in casseroles/tacos), venison and soy meats (Boca burgers).  I don't want to push those too quickly but will try them once in awhile.

I have lost a total of 46 inches and 60.2 pounds since October.  I have never lost this much weight before so it's new territory for me.  I am down four sizes in clothing and will be down another size pretty soon.  It is so wonderful to be losing and feel terrific for the first ime in a long, long time.

Thanks for checking in on me and let me know if you have questions for me.  I'm always happy to talk about my personal experience.

Carol

Here it is eight weeks post-surgery and I am doing so well.  Since I began this journey in October, 2008, I have lost 57 pounds.  That is amazing if you ask me!! 

The eating has progressed just fine for me with no problems whatsoever.  At my one month post-surgery appointment, things looked well except my protein level was a little low but nothing to make them overly concerned.  I started to journal my food each day so I am positive I get all my protein in and that is going terrific.

I go to Curves now and feel great about going there.  If you have one close to you, consider joining because it is a workout that can be done by every woman no matter how big or small, how old or young.  On the other days of the week when I don't go to Curves, I walk or workout on my Gazelle for 30 minutes.  I have to keep my exercise going and sometimes it's hard but I work at it to make it happen.  My health relies on it.

For anyone out there considering having this surgery, I say do research on it and talk to others who have had it in the past ten years so you get an idea of what their experience has been like.  Just remember, everyone is different and their experience may not be yours.  I just can't stress enough how pleased and well taken care of I feel at the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics.  Dr. Jamal, Lynn, Debi, Amy and the rest of the team there are so awesome! 

Well, I will try and post again in another month to let you know how I am doing.  Happy Spring........if it ever gets here..........and thanks for checking in on me.

I had my surgery on Feb. 11th.............a mere six days ago and I cannot believe how great I feel.  Still have to move slowly but I am picking up speed with each walk I take.  As they have told me to do, I am taking lots of walks!  The more I lose the easier it gets to move.

Had my post-op appointment on the 16th (yesterday) and all is well.  I am down 32 pounds since starting this journey on October 17th, 2008 so I am more than happy.  This just makes me want to work harder at the things I need to do to be successful.

Thanks for checking in on ame and take care.  I'll post with each follow up appointment I have so you know how I am doing.

Carol

I have a date for my surgery.................Feb. 11th.  I am excited and hope that I am prepared for it.  I think I'm experiencing some butterflies as I anticipate the surgery.  I am ready though because I have been working on this for the past several years.  Now that the time has come, and I have an actual date for my surgery, I can't believe it!  I am looking forward to the date and realize in a month I will be in the recovery mode of this journey.

Thanks for checking in on me.
Carol

I started this process on Oct. 17th and today received notice that I was approved by my insurance company.  I am so happy to know that I am one step closer to the surgery.  Have to wait for the program nurse (Debi) to get back from vacation and set up my surgery date.  I am excited and patiently waiting to get the call from Debi.
Will post again............