Clapton

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Today I had a three month follow-up. I met with an RN who is the exercise coordinator and then I met with Dr. Eibes, and then Janelle - the nutritionist.

The Good
Ok, here is the good. I blew the lid off the exercise test. I have been working out 3-5 days a week so I did a great job on the tread mill test. I really enjoyed the consult and I learned some great target spots for my exercise routine. I said my goal was to run a 5K this spring/summer and  I was given tips and routines to help me get to this goal. I was told I was in very good condition. My resting BP was 104/74 and got up to 117/78 when exercising and my heart rate increased at a nice gentle pace. I was really happy with the results and I am motivated to keep improving. I am now going to start to incorporate weight training into my exercise routine as well.

When my consult was done I got on the scale - I have lost somewhere around 168 pounds since my surgery on 9/22/08. I am 32 pounds from getting my tattoo (which I am planning and getting drawn up). I am very happy with my progress!

The Bad
Dr. Eibes comes in and I hop up and shake his hand and thank him for all he has done for me.  We exchanged some pleasantries and then he just looked me in the eye and told me I was loosing weight too fast and it is causing me to loose muscle mass also. He told me I was starving myself and it was not a healthy loss. We talked a little about my diet he told me that he suspects I have a stricture that is preventing me from eating as much as I should. He told me i need to be getting lots more protein in my diet - but I am pretty much unable to eat meat without getting sick so I have resorted to eating tiny amounts of high carb foods and getting my protein only from protein shakes.

The Ugly
Dr. Eibes told me he wanted to run a scope down me and then widen the opening into my pouch so I will be able to eat a little bit more. He told me it could wait, but not very long. He also told me my weight loss would level off for a period of time before starting up again. He made me feel better when he told me that I wouldn't have any problem with reaching my goal weight. I just need to eat the right kinds of foods.  So.;..I am now scheduled for another outpatient procedure on tuesday the 10th of February to get this stricture fixed. I guess I am going to be under heavy sedation and then they run a camera down my throat and then somehow widen the "path". I will give more details.

Anywho...the good, the bad, and the ugly.  Good night and God bless.

Peace & Love

Clapton

Yesterday I had a vena cava filter removed. The device was implanted the day I had my open RNY. So much has changed in my life since that day. It seems a distant lifetime ago that I was having the surgery. I was concerned that the physicians would not be able to remove the filter. I was told it was no big deal if it stays in but I really wanted the thing out. Why?? It was something left over from my old life. I don't want to ever forget where I as far as my health, I will never forget this, but I don't want to have things left in my body from this past. I needed the filter becasue I was so heavy that I was at a high risk for blood clots.

I saw the nurses who were there on the day I went in for surgery. They couldn't believe the changes that I have gone through. I try to be humble and modest but I love hearing the comments! It doesn't give me a big head - it motiviates me to be a better person. A better me, a better husband and a better father.

I had to be at the hospital at 7:30 to check in. Once that was done I was asked to put on a hospital gown. An IV was started - which has always been difficult for the nurses but today the insertin went very well! The doctor came in and explained the procedure. I was told not to exercise for a few days and to lay low for 24 hours and to not drive for a couple of days. The nurse told me this particular physician (I don't remember his name) was the best at fishing these things out. That reassured me greatly.

I sat waiting with Jocelyn for a few more minutes and then I was wheeled down to the radiology ER. I chatted with the assistants for a few minutes and then the nurse put me to sleep. I remeber coming back as they were finishing up. The nurse told me that the doctor had some difficulties but had just latched the filter. The filter was placed through the jugular vein on 9/22/08 and implanted at the vena cava junction which is about 12" inferior to the insertion point in my neck. The filter was also removed through a cut in my jugular vein. I could feel the thing being pulled out - it was a very weird sensation and slightly uncomfortable when it was pulled out. I then fell back asleep. I don't remember going back to my room.

I had to wait in the recovery area for 2 hours before Jocelyn could drive me home. I guess when I was in recovery I spent my time singing and flapping my arms. I guess I entertained everyone there with "Fly Like an Eagle" and "867-5309" along with some of my own compositions. Jos of course was very sensitive to my sedated condition and laughed and video taped me.

Jos said after I sang for a while I slept for about an hour. I then woke up and Jos drove me home. The staff at Methodist were great as usual.

I was quite sore once I was at home. I also spent much of the day sleeping on and off which is out of character for me. This morning I was still quite sore. I am not able to turn my head. Tomorrow I get to take the dressing off.  I am just glad to have the thing out of me!

Peace & Love

jb

As I have mentioned previously this is all about developing habits. I don't think this is going to work if I don't develop sound and healthy habits. I have to admit I don't measure my food out...at all. I eat reasonable and real food very slowly and stop after I think I have had enough. I try to stop before I get full. I need to develop what I call real world habits. I don't want to get too wrapped up in how many calories I am eating. I stay clear of sugar, starches (sweets and breads) and fats. I have eaten pizza and to be honest sometimes it makes me very sick and sometimes it doesn't. I no longer eat a complete large pizza like I used to. I eat 1 or maybe 2 small slices. Having just said I don't count calories let me add that I don't do a formal calorie count. I do keep track in my head. My reason is to make sure I am getting enough food in me. I tend to eat around 800 calories a day. This is a level where I feel good.

I need to work on exercise. I have not been going to the gym on a daily basis. I am getting there but it is hard to get going. I have found it is best to exercise first thing in the morning but I am pretty fast on shutting off the alarm. If I miss the morning I make sure I go in the evening and I am sorry to say that sometimes I don't go at all. My goal is to go every day and never to allow 2 days without exercising. I feel great after I do it.  Its just a matter of forming good healthy habits.

Peace and Love,

jb

Hey folks - sorry it has been so long since I have last reported. I appreciate all the prayers and well wishes I have received. My live is truely a blessing.

OK, I am not going to go into a huge amount of details about the past months. Let me just say that my life is changing in so many ways. I sum up the surgery like this. The first two weeks after surgery I felt great. I had tons of energy, I was exercising and just loving life. For the next three weeks after that I felt like crap! I was sick, throwing up, and passing out. I did not know what was going on. I couldn't make it through a full day of work.  I spent a lot of time talking to the doctors wondering what was going on. I was told I just wasn't getting enough calories in me and that was why I was passing out. After a short period of time and being careful of what I was eating I began to take a turn for the better - not that there was a real turn for the worst.

I had my surgery on September 22, 2008. Today is January 28, 2009. I have my life back. This is the greatest gift from God one could ever hope for. Prior to surgery I made a promise to Jocelyn that every pound lost will never return and I intend to keep that promise.  In the 4 months since surgery and the two weeks prior to surgery I have lost 160 lbs. My goal is to loose 90 more. Prior to surgery I was wearing 6X shirts - I know wear 2XL or XL. My pants have gone from size 60 to 44 or 46. I still wear my belt as a constant daily reminder.
 
I feel great! Prior to surgery I tried to do the eliptical machine. I was able to do it for 4 minutes at a speed of 2 miles/hour. This moringing I was able to do the eliptical for 30 minutes at 8 miles/hour. I try to work out every morning and get in some type of daily activity. This is all about habits. I see it as focusing on two habits. The first is the eating habit. Combating the head hunger and learning good eating skills. The second habit is the exercise habit. The realization of the need for daily activity. I don't kno if these are developed yet but I am sure working on it.

When I hit the 100 pounds lost mark I got my ear pierced. I use this as a daily reminder of where I was and where I am going. When I hit the 200 lb lost mark I am getting a tattoo.

Each day is a gift from God. Take advantage of this gift! I will try to start writing more. I have been very involved living my life! It a blast! Please do not hesitate in contacting me if you have any questions or concerns.

Jeff

Today I had my first post surgical follow-up with Dr. Eibes. I am thrilled to tell you that I have lost 53 lbs since the start of my pre-surgical diet on 9/8/08! I feel great.

Dr. Eibes told my I was progressing better than could be expected and I could expect losses of up to 200 to 220 lbs. I have been cleared to drive. I still have two weeks of pureed food but that not going to be a problem. I am on a lifting restriction for a couple of weeks and no vigorous exercise until seen next month. I am ready to take off!!

I am starting back to work on Monday. I will only do light duty (paperwork) starting for a couple hours a day.

I have been walking 1 - 2 miles a day with our new addition to our family. His name is Boone. He is a cute little furball. He is actually a golden-doodle (I call him a mutt). We got him from the Animal Rescue League. He is a great addition to the family. I think he helps poor old Magnus feel better.

I have been off all pain meds for the past 5 days. I still have some ouch times but not too often.

A good friend stopped by today and we had a great time talking about faith. This man had a very lucrative career and owned his own company. He is an active volunteer in the church but always knew there was more to his life. In a leap of faith this man closed down his business and took a leap of faith to begin a new ministry through our church. This is a man I admire for heeding the call of God. This is a man of great faith.

When God speaks we have to be sure we are listening!

Peace & Love
Clapton

Okay time to get everyone caught up. But first, a special thank you to those of you who sent your prayers and well wishes to me. I am eternally gratefull to my wife, my boys, my mom and my family and all my great friends who have helped my and encouraged me all along. My love and gratitude goes out to all of you.

So, Jos and I wake up early on the September 22 and head to Methodist Hospital. We arrive at 6:00 am and get checked in. Jos and I were then directed to the pre-surgical waiting area where I had to change into a gown and robe. An IV was placed and blood was collected and all my vitals were checked. By that time it was close to 8:00 and Jos and were taken to radiology. I was on a gurney and felt pretty stupid being wheeled through the hospital like that. I was in radiology to have a vena cava filter inserted into my...well, vena cava. The filter was inserted in to my jugular vein in my neck and then descended to an area near my stomach. I thought this filter was a tiny thing but it wasn't at all. It was about 2 inches long and when it was in place a sleeve was removed and these prongs stuck into my vein wall. The filter was placed in order to catch any blood clots before they get to my lungs. It will be removed in a couple of months. I was placed in a happy mood my the drugs I was given and I remember very little of the procedure. I was rolling back to the pre-surg area giving everyone the peace sign as I rolled along.

It was about 9:15 when we got back to the pre-surg area. Dr. Eibes came in and said he would operate on my at about noon. He still had two lap bands to do. I told him to make sure he eats some lunch and feels in prime form prior to opening my up. He told me all the tests were fine and everything was getting ready. Jos and I just chatted and watched TV. My mom arrived at about 10:00am.

About 11:00 the anesthesiologist came by and asked me a few questions and told me everything was going well and I was next in line. Was a nice guy, I can't remember his name.

At about I was told its time and the nurse came to wheel me down to surgery. Everything was moving fast and they told Jos and my mom to wait in the surgery waiting room. I started to be wheeled off when I said wait and requested my wife. Jos came over. I asked for a prayer. Jos rubbed my head and prayed for me and Dr. Eibes while everyone waited. It was beautiful. We kissed and hugged and then I went into the OR. When I entered the room it was filled with bright lights and nice music. I was introduced to everyone but they were wearing gowns and masks so I have no clue who they are. I climbed out of the gurney and onto the operating table. The table looked way to small for me but I managed to climb on and not fall off. I was then strapped on. The anethesiologist came in and requested my name, date of birth, and what type of surgery I was getting.  I did not see Dr. Eibes prior to surgery. I remember just laying on the table. The anethesiologist asked me if I was ready. I said lets go. He said good night Jeffrey. I don't remember the rest but I am told the surgery took about an hour and a half.

The next thing I remeber is a little hazy. I think I was in the recovery room. I woke up with this incredible pain in my abdomen. My eyes were shut but I know I was groaning and moaning pretty loud. I heard a voice ask me if I was feeling any pain. I said yes. I was then asked what is it on a scale of 1 - 10. I started yelling 10, 10, 10, 10...I feel asleep again. I woke up again when I was being wheeled into my room. Jos was walking beside me. It was all sort of hazy. First I was taken into a semi-private room. I could hear the other person's TV. Jos explained that Dr. Eibes came to see her after the surgery and told her the gastric bypass was a breeze and went off without any problems, but the gall bladdar removal was a different story. He told Jos that I must have been having gall bladdar problems for a long time based on the amount of scar tissue around it. He said he really had to dig to get it out and that I would be sore from that.

The next thing I remember I was taken into a private room. I was allowed to rest for a short while. I was wrapped in an abdominal binder with a dressing over my incesion. I had the dreaded cathedar in also. The nurse came in took my vitals and told me to get out of bed and start walking. I looked at like she was crazy. I somehow got out of the bed and went for a short walk - 1 lap around the floor with the nurse. It wasn't as bad as I though. I pushed my magic pain button prior to getting out of bed and that helped. I rested for a couple of hours and then took another couple laps.

I slept on and off through the first night. I had to get vitals every hour and blood work every four hours. My blood pressure was very low and my oxygen was also low. I had to wear the oxygen cannula to get my oxygen up.

That ends September 22.

After a restful night interupted by hourly vitals and 4 hour blood samples I actually got some rest. I was up early at 6 and walking around the floor. the nurses and staff at Methodist hospital are great and were very caring and considerate. When I wasn't walking I was in bed sleeping. I have not ever slept this much in my life.

Late afternoon the dreaded time came when the catheder was going to be removed. I had heard how painful it was when this happened and nightmare of people who have been unable to urinate after it is removed so it had to go back in. The nurse asked me if I wanted it our and I said sure. I gritted my teeth, pulled up my gown, closed my eyes and that was it. It was out. It didn't hurt a bit!  I immediately headed into the bathroom to try to pee. I stood there waiting. I had to scold Jos becasue she was asking me how it was going a breaking my concentration. I was starting to sweat it. Jos turned on the water in the sink and I felt a little trickle. That was good enough for me. I took a few laps in celebration without the catheder. Mom stopped by along with Justin and Gabriel. It was great seeing them. I have a great family. My mom has been a great support through this process.

I did not sleep well tuesday evening. I woke up at about 3:00 am and just stayed awake. I watched TV and just sat there.

Wednesday was the worst day of the hospital for me. I just did not feel good. I was taken off clear liquids and given pureed food. I was not hungry but still ate the food. I hurt all over. The IV was removed so I was not on my morphine injector. I just ached all over. I did not want to walk and literally had to be forced to get out of bed. The best friends in the whole wide world stopped by, Brian and Becky Roseland. It was great to see them but I felt like crap. After they left I actually requested some pain meds. They helped a whole bunch and I was able to get around better.

On Thursday morning Dr. Eibes' PA came by and told me things were going great and I was ready to go home. I was ready to go home. I was really bored. I was walking all the time by this time and bored with TV. I called Jos and we left the hospital at about 10:00 am.

It was great to be home! The boys had brought up my favorite chair that Jos had relegated to the basement. It was planted in front of the TV.  My wife, Jos, has been a blessing through this whole process. She is my angel. I am so blessed by all my friends and family.

Blessings

j.

I know I have said this before, but I am overwhelmed at all the love, support, and encouragement. Thank you for your continued prayers and your many kind words. I talk about my quest for change and self discovery and I see so much of this happening in my life.

The prayer circle tonight with my church small group shows me that I am loved unconditionaly. I cannon thank all of you enough.

I am ready for this. I am ready to enter a new chapter in my life. What a great ride it has been so far! I am blessed to have a great family, great friends, and my savior, Jesus Christ. Theses are not just part of my life...they are my life.

God Bless, Peace & Love

j.

Today is 9/19/08 and it was the last day of my 1200 kcal/day diet. Starting tomorrow I begin my liquid diet stage for 2 days (Saturday and Sunday) and my surgery is on Monday.

The hospital called me today and told me to come to the Methodist Hospital at 6:00 am for prep work. At 8:00 am I am having a vena cava filter placed inside me. This is to catch any blood clots before they reach my lungs. After that procedure I wait until 12:45 pm before my open RNY surgery.

I have to admit I am both excited and anxious regarding this procedure. Today was the first time I had second thoughts. I mean...I am going to be completely cut open and my insides re-plumbed. I quickly wiped the second thoughts out of my head when I started to thinking of the improvement I will make on my life.

I am going to be OK!

j.

Please take some time out of your day to pray for those killed on 9/11. The innocent victims in the airplanes, the heros who ran into the building while everyone was running out, those at the pentagon, and those on a plane who took action - knowing their consequence. Pray for all the families affected by the sensless act.

Also pray for those in Afganistan and Iraq. It does not matter if we agree or disagree with the war - they are over their getting shot at.

Republican or Democrat, gay or hetero, man, woman or whatever race we are Americans. God Bless America.

jb

Today was the first day of my 1200kcal/day diet to shrink my liver prior to surgery. I am now two weeks out from surgery and time is going by very quickly. I still have a lot of loose ends to tie up but I should be able to get all of that stuff done. I am excited and a little scared. I don't really understand the scared part, but I guess its because I have never had any type of surgery and I am not that fond of being cut open.

Anyway, still fighting the head hunger and looking forward to keeping everyone posted.

Many Blessings,

Jeff