Elisa V. from Houston, TX

Still holding!

Mar 09, 2009

I'm still maintaining my 110 lb. weight loss and feeling great!  I want to lose 10-15 more pounds, though.
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Updated Photos

Apr 12, 2008

I just got back from vacation.  I uploaded four (4) new photos to my profile.  I've been cleared to start my strength training with my personal trainer.  Looking forward to getting tone again after my plastic surgery hiatus.

My Reconstructive Surgery is complete!

Mar 05, 2008

I am now completely healed from my lower and upper body lifts and thigh lift.  No more excess skin, baby!  I feel and look great!!  I will take some new pics at the end of the month when I go on vacation.

10 Top Mistakes that WLS Patients Make ...

Jan 28, 2008

1st Mistake:  Not Taking Vitamins, Supplements, or Minerals

Every WLS patient has specific nutritional needs depending on the type of surgery you have had. Not only is it a good idea to ask your surgeon for guidelines, but also consult with an experienced WLS nutritionist. Understand there is not a standard practice that all surgeons and nutritionists follow in guiding WLS patients. So, it is important to do your own research, get your lab tests done regularly, and learn how to read the results.  Some conditions and symptoms that can occur when you are deficient in vitamins, supplements, or minerals include:

Osteoporosis; pernicious anemia; muscle spasms; high blood pressure; burning tongue; fatigue; loss of appetite; weakness; constipation and diarrhea; numbness and tingling in the hands and feet; being tired, lethargic, or dizzy; forgetfulness, and lowered immune functioning.

Keep in mind, too, that some conditions caused by not taking your vitamins, supplements, or minerals are irreversible.

2nd Mistake:  Assuming You Have Been Cured of Your Obesity

A "pink cloud" or honeymoon experience is common following WLS. When you are feeling better than you have in years, and the weight is coming off easily, it's hard to imagine you will ever struggle again. But unfortunately, it is very common for WLS patients to not lose to their goal weight or to regain some of their weight back.

A small weight regain may be normal, but huge gains usually can be avoided with support, education, effort, and careful attention to living a healthy WLS lifestyle. For most WLSers, if you don't change what you've always done, you're going to keep getting what you've always gotten -- even after weight loss surgery.

3rd Mistake:  Drinking with Meals

Yes, it's hard for some people to avoid drinking with meals, but the tool of not drinking with meals is a critical key to long-term success. If you drink while you eat, your food washes out of your stomach much more quickly, you can eat more, you get hungry sooner, and you are at more risk for snacking. Being too hungry is much more likely to lead to poor food choices and/or overeating.

4th Mistake:  Not Eating Right

Of course everyone should eat right, but in this society eating right is a challenge. You have to make it as easy on yourself as possible. Eat all your meals--don't skip. Don't keep unhealthy food in sight where it will call to you all the time. Try to feed yourself at regular intervals so that you aren't as tempted to make a poor choice.  And consider having a couple of absolutes: for example, avoid fried foods completely, avoid sugary foods, always use low-fat options, or only eat in a restaurant once a week. Choose your "absolutes" based on your trigger foods and your self knowledge about what foods and/or situations are problematic for you.

5th Mistake:  Not Drinking Enough Water

Most WLS patients are at risk for dehydration. Drinking a minimum of 64 oz. of water per day will help you avoid this risk. Adequate water intake will also help you flush out your system as you lose weight and avoid kidney stones. Drinking enough water helps with your weight loss, too.

6th Mistake:  Grazing

Many people who have had WLS regret that they ever started grazing, which is nibbling small amounts here and there over the course of the day. It's one thing to eat the three to five small meals you and your doctor agree you need. It's something else altogether when you start to graze, eating any number of unplanned snacks. Grazing can easily make your weight creep up. Eating enough at meal time, and eating planned snacks when necessary, will help you resist grazing.   Make a plan for what you will do when you crave food, but are not truly hungry. For example, take up a hobby to keep your hands busy or call on someone in your support group for encouragement.

 7th Mistake:  Not Exercising Regularly

Exercise is one of the best weapons a WLS patient has to fight weight regain. Not only does exercise boost your spirits, it is a great way to keep your metabolism running strong. When you exercise, you build muscle. The more muscle you have, the more calories your body will burn, even at rest!

 8th Mistake:  Eating the Wrong Carbs (or Eating Too Much)

 Let's face it, refined carbohydrates are addictive. If you eat refined carbohydrates they will make you crave more refined carbohydrates. There are plenty of complex carbohydrates to choose from, which have beneficial vitamins. For example, if you can handle pastas, try whole grain Kamut pasta--in moderation, of course. (Kamut pasta doesn't have the flavor some people find unpleasant in the whole wheat pastas.) Try using your complex carbohydrates as "condiments," rather than as the center point of your meal. Try sprinkling a tablespoon of brown rice on your stir-fried meat and veggies.

9th Mistake:  Going Back to Drinking Soda

Drinking soda is controversial in WLS circles. Some people claim soda stretches your stomach or pouch. What we know it does is keep you from getting the hydration your body requires after WLS--because when you're drinking soda, you're not drinking water! In addition, diet soda has been connected to weight gain in the general population. The best thing you can do is find other, healthier drinks to fall in love with. They are out there.

 10th Mistake:  Drinking Alcohol

If you drank alcohol before surgery, you are likely to want to resume drinking alcohol following surgery. Most surgeons recommend waiting one year after surgery. And it is in your best interest to understand the consequences of drinking alcohol before you do it.

Alcohol is connected with weight regain, because alcohol has 7 calories per gram, while protein and vegetables have 4 calories per gram. Also, some people develop an addiction to alcohol after WLS, so be very cautious. Depending on your type of WLS, you may get drunker, quicker after surgery, which can cause health problems and put you in dangerous situations.

If you think you have a drinking problem, get help right away. Putting off stopping drinking doesn't make it any easier, and could make you a lot sicker.


Stage 2 Surgery Scheduled

Jan 21, 2008

My arm lift, chest lift and inner thigh lift is scheduled for January 29, 2008.

October 13, 2007 - WOW Moment

Oct 14, 2007

I bought size 12 stretch jeans today from Marshalls ... and I still have some swelling around my waist!!  I was a size 16 prior to my lower body lift and a size 26 prior to my WLS!!  I will post some new pics soon.

Plastic Surgery Compression Garments

Oct 06, 2007

Below are two great Texas-based websites to order plastic surgery compression garments:

MedicalZ.com: http://www.medicalz.com/plastic-surgery.htm
ContourMD.com: http://www.contourmd.com/default.asp

October 1, 2007

Oct 01, 2007

I had my one month post op appointment with Dr. LoMonaco today.  I'm feeling 100% better!  I have some minor swelling in my abdomin and minor discomfort as my incisions continue to heal.  I am scheduled to return to work on October 15. 

September 18, 2007

Sep 18, 2007

I did it!  I had a lower body lift and breast lift on September 5.  I'm home recuperating.  This was a tough surgery!  I'm feeling much better nearly two weeks out.  Twelve pounds of excess skin was removed from my waist, trunk and buttocks.  I have minor swelling.  I love my flat stomach and perky breasts! 

My Reconstructive Surgeries have been scheduled!

Aug 06, 2007

Bout 1 with Dr. LoMonaco scheduled for September 5, 2007 - lower body lift & breast lift.

Bout 2 with Dr. LoMonaco scheduled for January 21, 2008 - arms, inner thighs and chest lift.

About Me
Houston, TX
Location
28.5
BMI
RNY
Surgery
06/27/2006
Surgery Date
Sep 07, 2006
Member Since

Friends 54

Latest Blog 30
Updated Photos
My Reconstructive Surgery is complete!
10 Top Mistakes that WLS Patients Make ...
Stage 2 Surgery Scheduled
October 13, 2007 - WOW Moment
Plastic Surgery Compression Garments
October 1, 2007
September 18, 2007
My Reconstructive Surgeries have been scheduled!

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