deniseg
STALLED!
Sep 01, 2007
Ok, so I've stalled out at 72lbs. lost. I knew it was coming, but its still very frustrating 
So now I plan to increase everything...my fluids, protein, exercise, and calories...and see if that will jump start the loss again. If that doesn't work then I'll go back to just liquids for a few days and see what happens. If that fails too, then I guess I'll just have to wait it out.
I really shouldn't complain, this is my first real stall since my surgery, I've been pretty consistent up to now. And I have lost another inch off my waist and hips, so that's something. Guess I'll wait a couple of weeks and see what happens. Till then....
So now I plan to increase everything...my fluids, protein, exercise, and calories...and see if that will jump start the loss again. If that doesn't work then I'll go back to just liquids for a few days and see what happens. If that fails too, then I guess I'll just have to wait it out.I really shouldn't complain, this is my first real stall since my surgery, I've been pretty consistent up to now. And I have lost another inch off my waist and hips, so that's something. Guess I'll wait a couple of weeks and see what happens. Till then....
6 month follow up with surgeon
Aug 19, 2007
I had my 6 month follow up with my surgeon on August 7th. He said I was doing great, that whatever I was doing to keep doing it. My labs were all good, I'm not low or deficient in anything...that was a relief, to know that I'm healthy and all the hard work over the last few months really is working and doing my body good. My only problem right now is not eating enough. I've been having headaches and dizzy spells almost daily for the last couple of months, my surgeon says I'm not eating enough and my blood sugar is dipping too low between meals. I'm still supposed to be eating around 1000 calories a day, but I still top out at around 850...and that's a good day. So I'm just going to have to force mself to eat. I think I'm afraid to let myself eat more or eat things that I really like for fear of going back to my old habits. I just cannot allow that to happen.
I'm now 30 wks. out from surgery and have lost 72lbs., I have 39lbs. more to lose to reach my goal. I think I can, I think I can, I think I can....
I'm now 30 wks. out from surgery and have lost 72lbs., I have 39lbs. more to lose to reach my goal. I think I can, I think I can, I think I can....
6 months out from surgery!
Jul 23, 2007
Ok, so keeping up with my blog at least once a month hasn't worked out either...oh well. I am now 26 wks. out from surgery and have lost 64 lbs. I have 47 more pounds to lose to get to my goal of 135...so I am more than halfway there. Getting my fluids every day is no longer a problem, I can now take regular drinks and can drink a 32oz. cup of water (or whatever) in about 20 minutes. Protein is not a problem either. I still don't do protein shakes, I was drinking Slim Fast Low Carb chocolate shakes for the protein, but quit after deciding they had too much fat in them. So now I make my own protein fruit smoothie using New Whey vanilla protein powder (1 scoop), 3/4 cup of fat free milk, and 1 cup of frozen berries...yummy and 31g of protein. I also use the New Whey protein bullets, half at a time, when I need the extra protein.
I still can't make it to 1000 calories a day, which is what my NUT says I should be eating. The only way I can reach 1000 calories a day is to eat high fat foods and I refuse to do that. Yesterday I ate 1 1/2 pieces of thin crust cheese pizza, and still only topped out at 685 calories for the day. I guess that's better than over eating
That's all for now...
I still can't make it to 1000 calories a day, which is what my NUT says I should be eating. The only way I can reach 1000 calories a day is to eat high fat foods and I refuse to do that. Yesterday I ate 1 1/2 pieces of thin crust cheese pizza, and still only topped out at 685 calories for the day. I guess that's better than over eating
That's all for now...
19 WEEKS
Jun 01, 2007
So the keeping up with this blog once a week thing didn't work out, maybe once a month? Anyway, as of today I am 19 weeks out from surgery and I feel fantastic. I am down 51 pounds and 40 something inches. I was worried at the beginning that I would struggle with eating right and making the right choices, but I don't. I no longer crave the foods I once did. Instead of a bag of chips, I'll now reach for a banana. I've heard that your body craves what you feed it and I think its true...I eat healthy foods now and that is what I crave. This surgery truly is life changing.
I'm looking forward to the next few months. My goal is 135 pounds...that would put me in a "normal" BMI range and would no longer be classified as overweight. I've given myself until June 30 (my birthday) of next year to reach that goal, I think I can do it.
That's all for now, take care....
I'm looking forward to the next few months. My goal is 135 pounds...that would put me in a "normal" BMI range and would no longer be classified as overweight. I've given myself until June 30 (my birthday) of next year to reach that goal, I think I can do it.
That's all for now, take care....
I've been so bad!
May 07, 2007
So bad at keeping up this blog thingy, that is. I am going to make a real effort to keep it updated at least once a week. I am now 15weeks and 3 days out from surgery and I'm feeling great. Not every day is a great day, but most of them are. I have lost 43lbs. and over 36inches as of today. That is the most weight I have ever lost in one attempt. If I didn't lose another pound, I'd certainly be disappointed but I'd still be happy.
Food wise, I'm doing pretty good. I get in all of my protein on a daily basis, usually get all of my fluids. If I don't get all 64oz. I am within a few ounces of getting it, some days I just run out of time at the end of the day. I orderded the New Whey protein bullets, 42g of protein per 3.1 oz...I got the orange because it was the only flavor they had at the time (www.bariatriceating.com). They are really not that bad, I keep them in the fridge and just drink them straight. Most days I only need half of it. I'm at the point now where I can drink instead of sipping, so about 3 drinks and the whole thing is gone. It's a great way to get your protein in. My biggest problem with eating right now is that I'm not eating enough. I never thought that would be my biggest problem. My dietician says I should be getting about 1000 calories a day, with 500 (50%) of those calories from carbs. I've yet to reach that goal. On a good day, when I feel like I've done nothing but eat all day, I get around 800 calories. I've been eating more fruits to try to up my carb count, I need more veggies too. She wants me to eat 3 meals a day with no snacking. Its impossible for me to eat that many calories with just 3 meals a day because I can't eat very much at one time, I have to spread my meal out over a couple of hours. But overall, I'm doing really good. I'm continuing to lose weight and I feel great.
I'm only taking my B-12 shots once a month now, rather than once a week. My energy level is up and that's good. I exercise every other day, sometimes every day depending on time. I bought a recumbant exercise bike, which I love, and I ride that at least 30 minutes a day. I also have a band flex (its like a bowflex, only less expensive) and I work out on it for about an hour every other day, or when time permits. I also do the Thighs of Steel and Abs of Steel workout videos...I know they're old but they're great workouts and the ladies on them are fun to work out with.
I have gone from a tight size 22 jean to a comfortable, almost loose, size 18. My skirt size has dropped from a 20/22 to a 14/16. My shirt size has dropped from a tight 22/24 to a 16. My bra strap size has dropped from a 42 to a 38. I have no regrets about having this surgery. For anyone reading this who is considering having this surgery, I would say GO FOR IT! I won't lie, the first couple of weeks can be horrendous, but then suddenly overnight it gets better and it gets easier day by day. And you have to take it day by day. You won't have a great day every day...if you have a bad day put it behind you and start over the next day. It truly is a journey and one we'll be on for the rest of our lives.
Until next time, take care....
Food wise, I'm doing pretty good. I get in all of my protein on a daily basis, usually get all of my fluids. If I don't get all 64oz. I am within a few ounces of getting it, some days I just run out of time at the end of the day. I orderded the New Whey protein bullets, 42g of protein per 3.1 oz...I got the orange because it was the only flavor they had at the time (www.bariatriceating.com). They are really not that bad, I keep them in the fridge and just drink them straight. Most days I only need half of it. I'm at the point now where I can drink instead of sipping, so about 3 drinks and the whole thing is gone. It's a great way to get your protein in. My biggest problem with eating right now is that I'm not eating enough. I never thought that would be my biggest problem. My dietician says I should be getting about 1000 calories a day, with 500 (50%) of those calories from carbs. I've yet to reach that goal. On a good day, when I feel like I've done nothing but eat all day, I get around 800 calories. I've been eating more fruits to try to up my carb count, I need more veggies too. She wants me to eat 3 meals a day with no snacking. Its impossible for me to eat that many calories with just 3 meals a day because I can't eat very much at one time, I have to spread my meal out over a couple of hours. But overall, I'm doing really good. I'm continuing to lose weight and I feel great.
I'm only taking my B-12 shots once a month now, rather than once a week. My energy level is up and that's good. I exercise every other day, sometimes every day depending on time. I bought a recumbant exercise bike, which I love, and I ride that at least 30 minutes a day. I also have a band flex (its like a bowflex, only less expensive) and I work out on it for about an hour every other day, or when time permits. I also do the Thighs of Steel and Abs of Steel workout videos...I know they're old but they're great workouts and the ladies on them are fun to work out with.
I have gone from a tight size 22 jean to a comfortable, almost loose, size 18. My skirt size has dropped from a 20/22 to a 14/16. My shirt size has dropped from a tight 22/24 to a 16. My bra strap size has dropped from a 42 to a 38. I have no regrets about having this surgery. For anyone reading this who is considering having this surgery, I would say GO FOR IT! I won't lie, the first couple of weeks can be horrendous, but then suddenly overnight it gets better and it gets easier day by day. And you have to take it day by day. You won't have a great day every day...if you have a bad day put it behind you and start over the next day. It truly is a journey and one we'll be on for the rest of our lives.
Until next time, take care....
My first post-op visit
Feb 09, 2007
Went to my first post-op visit with my surgeon on Tuesday, Feb. 6. He said I was doing great and cleared me for any type of physical activity I wanted. According to their scales I've lost 13 lbs. My scales were off by about 4 pounds, but I'll still take the 13lb. loss! My B-12 was really low so he put me on B-12 injections once a week for two months, then monthly until my next follow-up at 6 months. He said if it was normal then maybe I could switch to the sublingual (under the tongue). I hope so because getting injections that frequent is going to get old really fast, but I'll do it if it will help me feel better.
I've found a better way to get in all my protein. I do one protein shake in the morning and that starts me off with around 36g. Then I mix 8 oz. of Calorie Countdown chocolate milk with 8 oz. of fat free white milk and drink that later in the day. It tastes really good, is really smooth, and gives me 17g. of protein. That puts me to 53g, then I can eat enough to get in the rest, or have another glass of milk at night to get it all in. Much easier than drinking 2 protein shakes a day. I can handle one, but I just can't stomach 2.
That's all for now...
I've found a better way to get in all my protein. I do one protein shake in the morning and that starts me off with around 36g. Then I mix 8 oz. of Calorie Countdown chocolate milk with 8 oz. of fat free white milk and drink that later in the day. It tastes really good, is really smooth, and gives me 17g. of protein. That puts me to 53g, then I can eat enough to get in the rest, or have another glass of milk at night to get it all in. Much easier than drinking 2 protein shakes a day. I can handle one, but I just can't stomach 2.
That's all for now...
WELL.........
Feb 04, 2007
since my last post I increased both my walking time and my fluids and I've dropped 3 lbs. in 2 days! WOOHOO!!!!!! I wish it would have been this easy before surgery.
Made it to 2 wks.
Feb 02, 2007
I'm now 2 weeks post-op and feeling really good. After battling terrible gas pains for 7 straight days, I am now pain free. A couple of my incisions are still a little tender, but that's to be expected. I'm down about 13 pounds, lost all of that the first week. The scale hasn't moved, not one ounce, in a week. I'm trying to not be discouraged. Sometimes I think, am I doing all of this for nothing? But then the sensible side of me reminds itself that its only been 2 weeks and I'm still healing. I didn't gain this weight overnight and I'm sure not going to lose it overnight. I'm just ready to be able to put on my jeans and have them feel baggy. I know I'll get there. My first post-op visit with my surgeon is on Tuesday, Feb. 6. I'll post afterwards to let everybody know how it went. Till then...
8 days out
Jan 27, 2007
I am now 8 days post-op and I'm feeling really good. No pain, just soreness still. I never really had any pain, the IV was more painful than the surgery itself :). I have to admit that this past week has been one of the longest and most difficult week's of my life. I knew it wasn't going to be easy, but I also didn't know just how difficult it would be. I was fine until I got home and was able to see and smell food. I felt like I was starving for the first 3 days. It was all in my head, but all I could think about was food...that was when I realized just how much impact food has had on my life. So, I just simply had to stop thinking about it...easier said than done. But by thursday, which was the day I could start eating soft foods, I was doing much better. I was soooooooooooo looking forward to thursday because I could actually put something in my mouth and chew, not just swallow it down like liquids. So I started the day with a little bit of egg for breakfast and everything went downhill from there. After breakfast my husband and youngest daughter went shopping for about and hour and by the time we got home I was hurting pretty bad. I figured it was just a little gas and it would go away soon. I had a little tuna for lunch and that seemed to settle well. Withing a couple of hours after that I was hurting so bad I could barely breathe. Pain, awful pain like labor pains, kept coming in waves through my upper abdomen. I knew it was gas, but it hurt like the dickens. Finally, about 7pm that night my husband went out and got me some Dulcolax suppositories, that is what my doctor had recommended. I used one, it didn't seem to help a whole lot. I laid down for a little bit then decided to take a warm bath. The bath felt really good and it helped relax my muscled so I went straight to bed afterwards. The pain kept on for several hours then finally around 3am it just disppeared. Relief never felt so good! So the moral of the story is: watch out for gas bubbles because if they get trapped, it hurts!!
But today is saturday and I'm feeling good. I've gotten in all of my protein already and am working on the fluids. I have a real taste for mashed potato with cheese melted into it, it doesn't bother my stomach at all. Hard to believe 2 tablespoons fills me up, but it does. To any pre-ops who may read this, I sincerely hope you have done all of your homework and research and please understand that it is not easy. Those first few days are extremely difficult. But you can do it, you just have to take it one day at a time. Good luck to all of you on your journey!
But today is saturday and I'm feeling good. I've gotten in all of my protein already and am working on the fluids. I have a real taste for mashed potato with cheese melted into it, it doesn't bother my stomach at all. Hard to believe 2 tablespoons fills me up, but it does. To any pre-ops who may read this, I sincerely hope you have done all of your homework and research and please understand that it is not easy. Those first few days are extremely difficult. But you can do it, you just have to take it one day at a time. Good luck to all of you on your journey!
JUST OVER A WEEK!!
Jan 11, 2007
8 days and counting!! I am no longer nervous about the surgery itself. I have total confidence in my surgeon, plus I have God on my side. I will put myself in His hands and know that I will be ok. I trust Him to know what is best and I trust Him to give Dr. Gibbs the skill and knowlege necessary to get me through this.
I am trying to keep myself busy, but I'm running out of things to do! I have my daughter's birthday party, plus a little friend of her's party, this Saturday. Then church and laundry on Sunday. After that, who knows? I guess I will go grocery shopping for things I will need on Wed. and I will have to do the laundry also. Its not that I don't trust my husband to do it while I'm gone, but I'm anal about my laundry. I don't want anybody doing it but me!
Thursday I will travel to Little Rock for my 3 pre-op appts. Then report for surgery at 5:30am on Friday and hopefully home by Sunday afternoon. The only thing I'm really worried about right now is that my surgery won't happen for some reason, get delayed or something. MUST THINK POSITIVE THOUGHTS!
I am trying to keep myself busy, but I'm running out of things to do! I have my daughter's birthday party, plus a little friend of her's party, this Saturday. Then church and laundry on Sunday. After that, who knows? I guess I will go grocery shopping for things I will need on Wed. and I will have to do the laundry also. Its not that I don't trust my husband to do it while I'm gone, but I'm anal about my laundry. I don't want anybody doing it but me!
Thursday I will travel to Little Rock for my 3 pre-op appts. Then report for surgery at 5:30am on Friday and hopefully home by Sunday afternoon. The only thing I'm really worried about right now is that my surgery won't happen for some reason, get delayed or something. MUST THINK POSITIVE THOUGHTS!
About Me
Monticello, AR
Location
30.4
BMI
Surgery
01/19/2007
Surgery Date
Jul 13, 2006
Member Since
