endee
Home from Cuba & 3½ Month Post-op Update
Feb 05, 2009
My daughter and I returned from Cuba on Tuesday February 3, 2009 and as beautiful as the weather was, I am glad to be back home. I had a rough week as everything that I ate or drank made me want to throw up. I drink a lot of water normally but the bottled water there just tasted weird and upset my tummy. I was so glad that I brought some little pouches of instant oatmeal with me. I was able to eat about 2 teaspoons of it at a meal so it kept me going. I came home dehydrated and undernourished and it is taking some time to get back to feeling like myself.
On the bright side, I had a few Wows while I was away.....
I am now officially in Onderland! YAY!!!
The seat belt on the airplane fits with plenty of room to spare
The fold down table in the airplane folds all the way down
I was able to wrap a bath towel around me and tuck in into itself
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On the bright side, I had a few Wows while I was away.....
I am now officially in Onderland! YAY!!!
The seat belt on the airplane fits with plenty of room to spare
The fold down table in the airplane folds all the way down
I was able to wrap a bath towel around me and tuck in into itself
I had the first picture of me in a bathing suit in a long long time
I even had a fellow look down my shirt! lol
Overall, I am happy with how things are going but I'm pretty sure I am losing too quickly. I know I am eating and drinking all that I can in a day but it doesn't seem to be enough. I am having a BIG problem with my mouth being so dry all of the time. I feel like I could drink a gallon of water but my pouch will only allow so much. Nighttime is the worst. I have to bring a bottle of water so I can sip through the night. Otherwise, my mouth feels like it is glued!
I have to make an appointment with Dr. Klein and will try to get in touch with the Dietitian (again). Hopefully I can get an appointment the same day.
12 Weeks Post-op
Jan 21, 2009
As of this morning, I weigh 205 lbs - only 6 more until I am in onederland! Yay! I am down 79 lbs since PATTS - 65 lbs of that since surgery! 79 FREAKIN' LBS! I was hoping to do well but not THAT well! Trust me, I am not complaining.
Because of Isla's post yesterday, I tried crossing my legs and I CAN!
My eating is getting much better. I went to a Union function last night and was able to have a decent sized bit of everything. I knew that I had one bite too many but I didn't get sick! That's a biggie for me considering the issues that I was having a few weeks ago! I still have moments through the day where I get a bit nauseated but nothing like it was before. I haven't thrown up in well over a week. I had been doing that after almost every meal so I went back to eating a full fluid diet and am slowly making my way back.
I can take pills whole now but still prefer them crushed in applesauce so that I don't fill up on water first thing in the morning.
I bought some new clothes to wear on my trip to Cuba next week (I thought I was going to have to go naked as I had nothing to wear!) They are sized 18 and XL! I was a size 26/28 and 4X or 5X. I also bought a cute tank top as Walmart in size XL IN THE NORMAL SIZED SECTION! Three months ago, I couldn't fit into most of their 4X clothes! That's a big WOW!
I'm still a little more tired than usual but then I caught this cold and I think it has been dragging me down a bit. I have been having some difficulty at times with dizziness but I think that has to do with my ears being blocked because of that damn cold. I sure hope to be feeling better before Tuesday as that is when my daughter and I leave for Cuba! Our plane leaves at 6:24 am so we will be at the resort before lunchtime. I think the warm weather will do me the world of good. I am a little nervous about the food offerings so I am going to bring some stuff from home just in case.
I had to quit taking my iron supplements as they were causing me MAJOR bowel issues. I tried everything on the market and finally took some phosphates laxative. NOT a good idea. It hurt like hell when it hit my pouch. On the bright side though, it did the trick! My doctor says that I am just a little low on iron so I will risk not taking it as I feel much worse when I do.
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Because of Isla's post yesterday, I tried crossing my legs and I CAN!
My eating is getting much better. I went to a Union function last night and was able to have a decent sized bit of everything. I knew that I had one bite too many but I didn't get sick! That's a biggie for me considering the issues that I was having a few weeks ago! I still have moments through the day where I get a bit nauseated but nothing like it was before. I haven't thrown up in well over a week. I had been doing that after almost every meal so I went back to eating a full fluid diet and am slowly making my way back.
I can take pills whole now but still prefer them crushed in applesauce so that I don't fill up on water first thing in the morning.
I bought some new clothes to wear on my trip to Cuba next week (I thought I was going to have to go naked as I had nothing to wear!) They are sized 18 and XL! I was a size 26/28 and 4X or 5X. I also bought a cute tank top as Walmart in size XL IN THE NORMAL SIZED SECTION! Three months ago, I couldn't fit into most of their 4X clothes! That's a big WOW!
I'm still a little more tired than usual but then I caught this cold and I think it has been dragging me down a bit. I have been having some difficulty at times with dizziness but I think that has to do with my ears being blocked because of that damn cold. I sure hope to be feeling better before Tuesday as that is when my daughter and I leave for Cuba! Our plane leaves at 6:24 am so we will be at the resort before lunchtime. I think the warm weather will do me the world of good. I am a little nervous about the food offerings so I am going to bring some stuff from home just in case.
I had to quit taking my iron supplements as they were causing me MAJOR bowel issues. I tried everything on the market and finally took some phosphates laxative. NOT a good idea. It hurt like hell when it hit my pouch. On the bright side though, it did the trick! My doctor says that I am just a little low on iron so I will risk not taking it as I feel much worse when I do.
The Good, the Bad and the Ugly.......
Jan 05, 2009
The good news is that I am officially halfway to goal! WOO! HOO! I have lost 67 lbs total since PATTS and 53 lbs since surgery. (10 weeks).
The bad news is that I feel like crap after I eat any regular food at all. I think I am eating slow enough and I know that I chew it to nothing but I have had to go back to soups again. I am hoping that this is not unusual. I stayed home from work yesterday because I was still throwing up supper from the night before. I have no idea how a person can get rid of 10X what they ate but it feels like I can! I thought I had the flu as it is going around work like wildfire but I feel normal today so I guess it was my pouch being picky again. I am getting turned off of most foods and don't know what to eat.
Now, for the ugly. I HAVE NO CLOTHES! lol Everything I own looks like hell on me. I have been trying to find a winter coat to wear this year without spending fortune. The problem is I am too picky. I have this coat that is a car coat length but is made like a ski jacket. It has a nylon lining so it doesn't stick to my clothes like the polar fleece lined ones do. I can't find one anywhere without spending $100 on it. That would be stupid because it won't fit me next year. I am going to spoil myself next year and buy a Columbia jacket because I have never been able to own a brand name like that as they never fit!
My daughter and I are leaving for Cuba in 3 weeks and it's a good thing I won't need many clothes because I don't have them! lol Last year I bought a bathing suit that didn't fit and now it is baggy in the butt. I do have one that seems to fit - for now at least. I am hoping to be under 200 lbs by the time we leave. It's hard to imagine being under 200 lbs. I haven't been there in 20 years! Funny thing is, the shape is different than it was 20 years ago. lol And where did all those wrinkles come from??? lol
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The bad news is that I feel like crap after I eat any regular food at all. I think I am eating slow enough and I know that I chew it to nothing but I have had to go back to soups again. I am hoping that this is not unusual. I stayed home from work yesterday because I was still throwing up supper from the night before. I have no idea how a person can get rid of 10X what they ate but it feels like I can! I thought I had the flu as it is going around work like wildfire but I feel normal today so I guess it was my pouch being picky again. I am getting turned off of most foods and don't know what to eat.
Now, for the ugly. I HAVE NO CLOTHES! lol Everything I own looks like hell on me. I have been trying to find a winter coat to wear this year without spending fortune. The problem is I am too picky. I have this coat that is a car coat length but is made like a ski jacket. It has a nylon lining so it doesn't stick to my clothes like the polar fleece lined ones do. I can't find one anywhere without spending $100 on it. That would be stupid because it won't fit me next year. I am going to spoil myself next year and buy a Columbia jacket because I have never been able to own a brand name like that as they never fit!
My daughter and I are leaving for Cuba in 3 weeks and it's a good thing I won't need many clothes because I don't have them! lol Last year I bought a bathing suit that didn't fit and now it is baggy in the butt. I do have one that seems to fit - for now at least. I am hoping to be under 200 lbs by the time we leave. It's hard to imagine being under 200 lbs. I haven't been there in 20 years! Funny thing is, the shape is different than it was 20 years ago. lol And where did all those wrinkles come from??? lol
Weight Loss Targets
Dec 28, 2008
As of today, I have lost 60 lbs! YAY!!!!! I did lose 14 lbs of that on the Optifast pre-op but still....60 lbs!!!!!
I found this little tidbit on Diminishing Dawn's website home.cogeco.ca/~diminishingdawn/
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I found this little tidbit on Diminishing Dawn's website home.cogeco.ca/~diminishingdawn/
For patients weighing 250 to 300 lbs.
10 to 12 lbs. in first 10 days
15 to 25 lbs. in 6 weeks
25 to 35 lbs. in 3 months
45 to 60 lbs. in 6 months
80 lbs. or more in 1 year
90 lbs. or more in 18 month
I have lost a little more than the chart suggests but I am not too concerned at this point. I am just starting to have days where I am not throwing up something. This past weekend was bad bad bad. I was so stupid to eat deep fried anything but I figured, only a couple won't hurt! Yeah, right! Note to self "smarten up!"
I tried the iron supplement that I needed this morning. The pharmacist said I could try crushing them but they did not stay down very long. Ugh! I think I am going to try to swallow my pills whole tomorrow to see how that goes.
General Ramblings After 8 Weeks
Dec 26, 2008
I hit my 8 week mark on Wednesday (it is Saturday today). At that point I had lost 53 lbs since PATTS and 39 lbs since surgery. I was hoping to hit the 50 lb mark before I went back to work last Monday so I was very pleased to have done so.
Overall, I am feeling not too bad. I have been a little more sluggish than I had been a couple of weeks ago but I had some blood-work done and it shows that my iron is low so I need to get a supplement. Hopefully that will kick things up a notch.
The eating is ummm......interesting! lol I have been eating less than 2 tablespoons at each meal. Meat is still difficult as it will just sit in my pouch like a lump. Even though I chew my food well, I have found that I do a little better with the meat if I grind it up first. Even then, I eat maybe one or two very small bites of it. Potatoes usually go down well but sometimes even they don't want to stay put. I am still throwing up after some meals but it isn't nearly as bad as it was before.
I had a turkey dinner on Christmas and surprised myself on how much I ate of it. That's the most I had in weeks! Don't get me wrong, it wasn't much compared to a normal portion size (about 2 little bites of about 4 or 5 items) but was a lot for me! It was sooooo good. I had a finger lick of the dessert but didn't want a piece of it at all. That sure wouldn't have happened pre-op!
I have to be really careful at work with my food and drinking. The building is extremely dry and I drink a lot of water. I am usually rushing around so I tend to drink fast too. That's got to stop! One problem is that I will forget and have a drink with my meal. Then I will spend the afternoon feeling sick. It is going to take time to get into a routine but it will happen just like it did at home.
It has amazed me of the people at work who are coming up to me and commenting on how good I look. I told a few people about my surgery before I went off work and news travels fast in my workplace! lol I don't mind because my weight problems was certainly not a secret. The only "negative" comment that was made to me was from a concerned co-worker who was afraid that I would die in surgery. When I saw her after surgery I said "See! I didn't die!" and she gave me a big hug.
I want to be able to help anyone who is interested in having Weight Loss Surgery. In my town, I don't think people realize that there are options available to them. The local doctors haven't really gotten on board with the idea and some are stuck in thinking that the surgery is still done the old way and are totally against it. Eventually, I want to get some of my fellow WLSers from town and start up a support group locally. It would be a great way to provide information about the accessibility of the different surgeries as well.
I have lots of long term goals but for now, I am just trying to get back into the swing of things especially at work. In a way, it feels like I have been away for a long long time. As much as I enjoyed having some time to myself, I need to get back to normal.
Until next time........
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Overall, I am feeling not too bad. I have been a little more sluggish than I had been a couple of weeks ago but I had some blood-work done and it shows that my iron is low so I need to get a supplement. Hopefully that will kick things up a notch.
The eating is ummm......interesting! lol I have been eating less than 2 tablespoons at each meal. Meat is still difficult as it will just sit in my pouch like a lump. Even though I chew my food well, I have found that I do a little better with the meat if I grind it up first. Even then, I eat maybe one or two very small bites of it. Potatoes usually go down well but sometimes even they don't want to stay put. I am still throwing up after some meals but it isn't nearly as bad as it was before.
I had a turkey dinner on Christmas and surprised myself on how much I ate of it. That's the most I had in weeks! Don't get me wrong, it wasn't much compared to a normal portion size (about 2 little bites of about 4 or 5 items) but was a lot for me! It was sooooo good. I had a finger lick of the dessert but didn't want a piece of it at all. That sure wouldn't have happened pre-op!
I have to be really careful at work with my food and drinking. The building is extremely dry and I drink a lot of water. I am usually rushing around so I tend to drink fast too. That's got to stop! One problem is that I will forget and have a drink with my meal. Then I will spend the afternoon feeling sick. It is going to take time to get into a routine but it will happen just like it did at home.
It has amazed me of the people at work who are coming up to me and commenting on how good I look. I told a few people about my surgery before I went off work and news travels fast in my workplace! lol I don't mind because my weight problems was certainly not a secret. The only "negative" comment that was made to me was from a concerned co-worker who was afraid that I would die in surgery. When I saw her after surgery I said "See! I didn't die!" and she gave me a big hug.
I want to be able to help anyone who is interested in having Weight Loss Surgery. In my town, I don't think people realize that there are options available to them. The local doctors haven't really gotten on board with the idea and some are stuck in thinking that the surgery is still done the old way and are totally against it. Eventually, I want to get some of my fellow WLSers from town and start up a support group locally. It would be a great way to provide information about the accessibility of the different surgeries as well.
I have lots of long term goals but for now, I am just trying to get back into the swing of things especially at work. In a way, it feels like I have been away for a long long time. As much as I enjoyed having some time to myself, I need to get back to normal.
Until next time........
Santa Brought Me A Bike!
Dec 26, 2008
Santa (aka Jesse, my husband) brought me the most beautiful red bike. I had mentioned that I would love to have a bike so that I can ride it when the weather gets nicer - hopefully to and from work. He even bought me a bunch of accessories to "pimp my ride" lol My man is such a sweetheart. I think I will keep him!
This is the first bike that I have received in 30 years! The last time I got one was for my 14th birthday from my parents. We finally took it to the dump a couple of years ago. RIP! lol
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This is the first bike that I have received in 30 years! The last time I got one was for my 14th birthday from my parents. We finally took it to the dump a couple of years ago. RIP! lol
8 Healthier Weeks Post-Op
Dec 23, 2008
One year ago I was morbidly obese and impatiently waiting for my June consult with Dr. Klein. Today, I am 8 weeks post-op, lost 53 lbs, have more energy and am now just obese!
I have been very fortunate to have so many people who have supported me but none can compare to all of you on the forum. From the anxious days of waiting to see if I qualified to pre-op concerns to post-op worries to the encouragement during my WOWs. You were there for me whenever I needed something and I appreciate it so so much. THANK YOU!
For anyone who is thinking about surgery or is waiting for their day to come, you have found a wonderful resource and feel free to ask anything. You can't get any better advice than from those who have been there.
I want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa or whatever you may be celebrating. Here's to a happy and HEALTHY New Year!
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I have been very fortunate to have so many people who have supported me but none can compare to all of you on the forum. From the anxious days of waiting to see if I qualified to pre-op concerns to post-op worries to the encouragement during my WOWs. You were there for me whenever I needed something and I appreciate it so so much. THANK YOU!
For anyone who is thinking about surgery or is waiting for their day to come, you have found a wonderful resource and feel free to ask anything. You can't get any better advice than from those who have been there.
I want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa or whatever you may be celebrating. Here's to a happy and HEALTHY New Year!
A couple of little WOWs!
Dec 22, 2008
I went back to work yesterday (just 6 hours shift this week - back to 8 hours next week) and it felt good to have more energy but the best part was the compliments especially from those who didn't know that I had the surgery. I am not shy about it and have been telling everyone. I get lots of questions about the RNY from people and I answer every one of them to the best of my ability.
My first WOW was when I was trying to find something to wear. The stuff that I kept in the smaller sizes is too big. My shoulder seams are hanging on my arms instead. I've got material bagging down the sides. It's great! Now I've got a great excuse to do some post-Christmas shopping! lol
My second WOW is a little funny. At work, there are steel posts at the top of the stairway to keep the Residents of the home that I work at, from falling down the stairs in their wheelchairs. Before surgery I would have to walk through them sideways, but yesterday I walked straight through with room to spare! What a great feeling!
I had a mini-stall last week and could lose the one pound that would bring me to 50 lbs lost before returning to work. It was a goal to get there and I finally did on Sunday. This morning, I weighed myself and lost another 3 lbs! Thankfully, it seems the stall is over - for now!
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My first WOW was when I was trying to find something to wear. The stuff that I kept in the smaller sizes is too big. My shoulder seams are hanging on my arms instead. I've got material bagging down the sides. It's great! Now I've got a great excuse to do some post-Christmas shopping! lol
My second WOW is a little funny. At work, there are steel posts at the top of the stairway to keep the Residents of the home that I work at, from falling down the stairs in their wheelchairs. Before surgery I would have to walk through them sideways, but yesterday I walked straight through with room to spare! What a great feeling!
I had a mini-stall last week and could lose the one pound that would bring me to 50 lbs lost before returning to work. It was a goal to get there and I finally did on Sunday. This morning, I weighed myself and lost another 3 lbs! Thankfully, it seems the stall is over - for now!
Grateful....
Dec 15, 2008
I met with my Supervisor last week to set up my return to work program. I am a little nervous as I am having a lot of problems with my bowels and I can't really deal with that at work. I am so glad that I have a workplace that will assist with the return. I am going to work 3 - 6 hours shifts next week and then will go back to my regular schedule the following week.
I am grateful for my wonderful supportive family, in particular, my husband, Jesse. He is a rough and tumble mechanic but was so patient and caring with me at the hospital, at the hotel and at home following surgery. He is still watching me eat and reminds me to chew well. As annoying as it is at 7 weeks out, I wouldn't trade him for all the money in the world!
I am also grateful for my wonderful OH family. Knowing that there was (and is) always people who will answer my questions, calm my fears and celebrate my victories helped make this whole journey the success that it has been so far. Thank you to everyone. I only hope that I can pass on some wisdom to anyone beginning this journey.
To Sharon (MDWife) and Cheryl (crazyfurlabs2), having you visit me in the hospital mean't more to me than you will ever know. Knowing that you are always willing to give me advice and support is priceless. Thank you both.
I think I am being so sentimental because one chapter is closing and I will be back to work and trying to get a new routine. I think I am gonna do just fine thanks to everyone in my life.
I am grateful for my wonderful supportive family, in particular, my husband, Jesse. He is a rough and tumble mechanic but was so patient and caring with me at the hospital, at the hotel and at home following surgery. He is still watching me eat and reminds me to chew well. As annoying as it is at 7 weeks out, I wouldn't trade him for all the money in the world!
I am also grateful for my wonderful OH family. Knowing that there was (and is) always people who will answer my questions, calm my fears and celebrate my victories helped make this whole journey the success that it has been so far. Thank you to everyone. I only hope that I can pass on some wisdom to anyone beginning this journey.
To Sharon (MDWife) and Cheryl (crazyfurlabs2), having you visit me in the hospital mean't more to me than you will ever know. Knowing that you are always willing to give me advice and support is priceless. Thank you both.
I think I am being so sentimental because one chapter is closing and I will be back to work and trying to get a new routine. I think I am gonna do just fine thanks to everyone in my life.
Updated Measurments
Dec 15, 2008
Weight 236 lbs (283 lbs) = -47 lbs
Height 5' 6"
Bust 44" (49") = -5"
Waist 42½" (48") = -5½"
Hips 52" (58") = -6"
Thighs 24" (28") = -4"
Arms 14" (15") = -1"
Neck 14½" (14½") = no change
Calf 16" (16½") = -½"
Ankles 9½" (9½") = no change
Height 5' 6"
Bust 44" (49") = -5"
Waist 42½" (48") = -5½"
Hips 52" (58") = -6"
Thighs 24" (28") = -4"
Arms 14" (15") = -1"
Neck 14½" (14½") = no change
Calf 16" (16½") = -½"
Ankles 9½" (9½") = no change
About Me
Renfrew,
Location
25.8
BMI
Surgery
10/29/2008
Surgery Date
Apr 12, 2008
Member Since
