Dorkgirl_41
Up From Under
Aug 13, 2013
I have started posting over on Blogger. You can find me here. :)
It's been a month already?
Aug 06, 2013
Tomorrow will be 4 weeks since my RNY and I can't believe how quick the time has gone and how fast the weight is coming off. As of today I have lost 22 pounds since surgery. That's over 5 lbs a week! I think that's pretty astounding for me, because I sure haven't lost that fast in the past.
So things are still going well, only had a couple issues come up really. The fatigue is still sometimes overwhelming. When I think I've gotten some energy back I get a lot of things done, but then I wake up completely zapped the next morning. Also, I have come across the food getting "stuck" feeling twice and actually vomited for the first time. One was chicken that I think was not moist enough and the other was some baked cod. Not sure what the deal was with the fish but I'm not trying it again for a good long while! I also ordered some papaya enzymes off Amazon since I can't find them around here. I want to be prepared next time! All in all I think I've been pretty fortunate with the surgery so far.
The weight loss is really showing in my clothes. I started out in a 30/32 and my pants/shorts are getting too loose. My guys told me I need to buy a belt! lol I have tried on a pair of my old 28s but they are just a bit too snug I think, so I'm right in between. Hopefully in the next week or two I'll move on down a size! So exciting.
I got my haircut into a bob style in prep for the hair loss that will most likely occur. I have super thin hair already so I'm very nervous about it but there's not much else I can do except good shampoo, a good cut, biotin and protein! And also a little of this stuff. I love it.
I have been having weird dreams occasionally since surgery. Bizarre dreams usually. But last night was my first food dream. I dreamed I was getting ready to eat fast food but I kept telling myself, "You can't eat that! Don't eat that!" That's when I woke up. That was truly weird.
Moving forward..............
Two Weeks Post-Op
Jul 25, 2013
Today was my first post op appointment with my surgeon and I must say it went very well. I am down 14lbs from my surgery weight of 331. Actually, I gained 9lbs while in the hospital from the fluids and gas so I lost that, too! My incisions are healing well, all for one that looks a little angry at the moment. Dr. said it's not infected yet so I'm going to keep some antibiotic ointment on it for awhile. She cleared me for the gym, just treadmill and elliptical....no weightlifting yet. Also, no pool for another 2 weeks. I was hoping to go swimming this week but that will just have to wait. She is a little concerned about my loose stools and diarrhea so I have to do a stool sample to check on it. She said it's probably just my "innards" adjusting, plus all the liquids I've been on, but we'll check to be safe. I was also cleared for Stage III of the diet --- Soft foods! Yahoooo! I'm ready to chew. lol
I'm happy so far with my RNY. I know there are going to be challenges coming, especially with actually eating real food again, but I'm ready to deal with it. I feel good about this and am so glad I had this surgery. I'm off insulin, off one of my BP meds, and off a migraine med. My metformin is cut in half. I just can't believe it. Feeling really good right now!
Can't believe it happened!!
Jul 15, 2013
So last Wed, 7/10/13, I officially became a post op!! From the sounds of it, my surgery and hospitalization went very routinely and I'm so grateful for that.
I had to be at the hospital by 8:30 am and the surgery was scheduled to start between 10 and 11. The preop nurses had me change into this cool gown that can attach to a hose that blows warm air into it to help keep you warm. The anesthesiologist warmed me up before knocking me out on the table. What a cool thing! Anyway, I sat in a recliner chilling with my hubby in one of the little preop rooms while waiting for surgery. While there they hooked my IV up and got my heart monitor pads on and did a vitals check. My surgeon and the anesthesiologist both came in and talked to me and answered questions and really helped me feel at ease. Then when it was time to go one of the nurses walked me back to the OR. I've never had a surgery where you walked yourself to the OR table. lol My surgeon introduced everyone in the room and helped me get up on the table. At this point, I'm ready to cry from all the nerves. She explained again what was happening (I guess so you can get up and run if you chicken out! LOL ) and then held my hand the entire time until I was knocked out. She is such a sweet, compassionate doctor.
A couple hours later I started waking up in recovery. Boy, that was not fun. My throat was on fire and I couldn't really talk. I was in a ton of pain from the incisions. I remember a nurse telling me she will give me pain meds and then I must have fallen back to sleep. Next thing I remember is being whooshed over onto another bed with that thing they put under you then blow up when they transfer large patients to another bed. OUCH! The nurse explained I was in my own room now and told me to push the button on the pain pump whenever I needed to. I pushed that button more times than I can remember. lol
Over the next 24 hours I sucked on ice chips and slept, basically. And walked, walked, walked. I was taking pills fine, although it was tricky to swallow them without taking a big gulp of water. I peed on my own from the start because, to my delight, they do not use catheters anymore. I was released the day after surgery and had a loooong hour ride home on bumpy freeways, but made it by hugging a pillow tight to me.
Since then I've been drinking, walking and resting. The pain has really gotten better, in fact, better enough I'm only taking regular Tylenol now. I was given liquid Lortab to come home with and it was helpful in the beginning for sure. I'm not getting all my protein in yet, but they told me to concentrate on liquids for right now to stave off dehydration. I'm working hard on that. Drinking is not as hard as I thought it would be, thankfully, so I'm keeping hydrated.
I'm tolerating about a 1/4 cup of food at meal times. So far I've tolerated cottage cheese, no sugar added applesauce, creamed soups that are strained and vanilla Greek yogurt. All of these are on my doctor's full liquid plan. Tonight I think I'm going to try some very thinned refried beans with some melted cheese on top. I'm trying all kinds of liquid protein shake samples. It's not easy finding one that is truly good! I'll keep at it. At least I'm getting some protein in while I try.
I feel like I'm really lucky that everything is going so well. I'm on this new journey that is going to make my health and life better and I couldn't have asked for a better start!
Surgery in 3 days!!
Jul 07, 2013
It's only 3 days until I'm on the loser's bench. Been having a lot of emotions lately, but the closer it gets the more ready I feel. I'm physically writing this post to remind myself why I want this amazing tool that is going to help me achieve my goals. Here we go:
1. To walk up my stairs without pain in my knees.
2. To walk even a short distance without being short of breath.
3. Keep up with my husband or kids when we are out.
4. To stand for a long period without pain.
5. Be off insulin and to at least cut down on other meds.
6. Cut down my risk of heart attack and stroke.
7. Bike with my guys.
8. Cross my legs.
9. Have the energy to do daily chores, cleaning without being in pain and exhaustion.
10. Fit in one airplane seat without an extender.
11. Ride amusement park rides with my husband.
12. Fit in a regular lawn chair.
13. Buy clothes off the rack instead of special ordering.
14. Have a smaller shoe size.
15. Not be "the fat friend".
16. Actually enjoy exercise.
17. Have a smaller ring size.
18. Spend a day hiking without feeling like I'm going to die.
19. Increase my chances of living longer.
20. Sit comfortably in and be able to get up and out of the bathtub.
There are many, many more of course, but this is the beginning. I can't wait to start crossing things off the list!
Surgery in 3 weeks!
Jun 18, 2013
July 10th! I've worked hard keeping my blood sugars in control, in spite of a little weight gain. Insulin always "helps" me put on weight. I've had some issues come up that have been hard to get through and still be "good". Hubby had his second heart attack (thank you God, he is doing very well) and I had a car accident that put me in a sling for a few days. It's been rough to say the least. But I'm putting one foot in front of the other and am going to be ready for surgery. I have my preop on June 26th and this time, should have no problems with my A1c.
Some good things that have happened--I joined the gym and have actually been going. I also have been cooking super healthy for the hubs and have started losing again. It's funny, when I think about it. I would do anything to keep my dear Love alive, such as cooking right and encouraging him to do healthy things for himself. But for years I didn't think that way about MYself! It really kind of put things into perspective for me. If I love myself, I should be having the same mentality for me as well! I've put into practice substitutions for stress/emotional eating that I've learned, which I believe has kept me from becoming out of control in spite of all the stress I've had. I can do this, I am sure of it now. Hubs and I can live many more years together as long as we both do what our bodies need. Healthy eating and exercise! I'm so fortunate I get to have this tool to help me, to help my whole family be healthy.
Back to business
Apr 22, 2013
Man, sometimes I feel like I can't catch a break. Then I get real, remember all those who have it way harder than I do and get over myself! Was down in the back the past few days from tripping over a laundry basket and getting a sprained muscle, but feeling better and went back to work today. Came home and - sore back and all - went for a walk. Wasn't long until I got an asthma attack from my allergies, but I worked up a sweat and got my heart rate up which is what I needed. I needed to move! Walking is great for getting my blood sugars down, which is my main priority these next couple months. July is surgery time and I have to have my sugars under control. The insulin makes me hungry, but I'm fighting it hard! I'll be damned if I have to wait another 3 months to get the surgery. So I'm going to try and get off my butt more and get moving. Go me!!
Feeling better today
Apr 12, 2013
So I woke up this morning and got on with my preop life. I was vigilant in checking my blood sugars, was very careful with what I ate and I had good readings all day. I can do this. No more pity party.
The weather is gorgeous now and I'm going to get in some good walking this weekend. I'm looking forward to it. Things are looking up!
Another 3 months
Apr 11, 2013
A1c came back 1.5 points higher than what the anesthesiologist wants it so they have postponed me until July. No exceptions. I'm incredibly sad right now. Tomorrow I'll pick it up and work harder on my sugars. I think I'll go to bed early tonight.
Preop with surgeon....Done!
Apr 10, 2013
I had my appointment today with the surgeon, along with labs and the EKG. EKG was fine and as long as the labs come back fine, I'm good to go! I'm nervous about the labs. The only think that would be get me would be the A1c. She said the anesthesiologist wants it in check or he won't do the surgery. I'm praying it's ok. Hope it comes back quick because I won't be 100% excited until I see it's ok.
To be continued...................