Post Plastic Surgery Update

Feb 14, 2011

It's been a long time since I've updated this blog...time just seems to pass by so quickly. It's almost 4 years since my VSG, and over 2 years since my DS. I have 65 pounds till goal. On January 5th, I had a panniculectomy which removed 43 pounds of tissue from my stomach and hips. I'm still recovering from that surgery and have to wear a wound vac for a few more weeks, but to say I look different is an understatement. I feel like a new man and with some more work and exercise, I hope to hit my goal by this summer.

I went to Alaska last September for 2 weeks. A cruise through the inside passage and then a land tour for 3 days. We then went to San Francisco for a few days to visit friends. I could not have traveled before my surgeries and it warms my heart that I  can now fit in an airplane seat with a normal seatbelt and go where I want without worrying about fitting into a seat. I look forward to more travel in the months and years ahead.

When I reach goal, I would have lost almost 400 pounds. I was on the edge of losing my life and now I'm so close to my goal. I'm recovered my health and look forward to what my future has in store for me.

The next time I update this blog will be when I reach goal. And what a moment that will be. I'm so grateful for my VSG and DS which has helped me reach this point.

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8 month Update

Jul 06, 2009

I haven't posted in ages, but several of my VSG buddies here have asked me for updates from time to time and I finally got around to it. I've updated some pics today and have posted them on my profile. I'll post more eventually, but I think the before and after is pretty startling. Yes, I've lost over 200 pounds since my first surgery in March 2007. I had the VSG first, and then went in last October 2008 for the DS. The VSG worked wonders for me and I lost enough weight where my surgeon felt comfortable enough to complete the DS. And even then, he had very difficult time getting the lap instruments in, but eventually he did and I'm very grateful. I've lost almost 100 pounds since my DS and continue to lose. I have never gained anything back. This despite my rather inconsistent food and exercise habits. But I'm much better these last several weeks at following the "DS Rules" with 125+ grams of protein a day, low carbs, and tons of water, and of course my 10-12 pills of vitamins a day which I must do like all DSer's. When I do all this and keep track of my food, I find the pounds just roll off. I walked a mile at my gym the other day - unthinkable just a few years ago. Actually walking anywhere was incredibly difficult and now I think nothing of it. I was almost 600 pounds at my highest - this morning I was 375. I feel like 300 pounds by fall isn't out of the question. I've gone down 6 sizes since my VSG - I have a real "problem" of keeping my pants up. I just bought some new clothes - I had no choice, and can't believe how small they look compared to what I used to wear.

As for the DS, we were meant to be. I was approved quickly for my surgery, recovered at home for 2 weeks and was back at work. No major problems, manageable issues, and my 3 and 6 month labs look great. Yes, I visit the bathroom more regularly than I used to, but that's the trade-off and it's worth it. But really not a "big deal"  :) If anyone would like more information of what life is like as a DS'er, please let me know. I'm excited about both my VSG and DS and love to share about both surgeries. No way could I have lost this much weight without them!

In the meantime, that's my update! I'll post more info as the I get closer to my goal.

Thanks everyone!

Chris
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6 Weeks post-op Update

Nov 24, 2008

Well, 6 weeks have gone by already since my DS. Things have started to settle down. I came through surgery pretty well despite the fact I was on the table for 5 hours. It took a while to get to the "area" because of my large tummy, and my surgeon and his PA let me know that the next morning in no uncertain terms. I think the actual switch was easier than getting down in there. They were very tired afterwards. I knew it would be tough and I'm grateful that they performed the surgery I wanted, and did it lap rather than open. As a result I left the hospital after 3 days. They left my gallbladder in because they said it was pristine and no need to remove it. During the hospital stay, I had some bad gas pains as well as being very cold among my discomforts. I was able to walk up and down the halls and did the best I could with that. They found out during my upper GI the next morning after surgery that there was some swelling in one of my new connections, because they couldn't see any liquids going through my system. They practically had to turn me upside down to figure this out. However, the swelling has slowly disappeared and I'm able to eat normally now. No signs of any leaks or any other problems. Dr Kemmeter really is a great surgeon because I presented a challenge for them.

The last several weeks have been trial and error for me food wise. If I eat too much carbs or fat, I pay for it later in the bathroom. If I just stick with protein only, then there are no bathroom issues. I knew this going in and have tested myself. I had some pizza at work one day and paid the price for it dearly about 4 hours later. Of course I'm not supposed to be having pizza so early out, so I've learned my lesson. I do crave protein and will stick with that from now on.

My weight loss had been 40 pounds since a week before surgery. I last weighed on November 14th, and my 6 week post-op visit will be December 4th. Perhaps a 60 pound loss by then? I could be well on the way to a 100 pound loss by the end of January. If I can ramp up the exercise, I think that is a real possibility. The DS seems to be working for me. Everything seems to be working out. The future looks bright for me.

Will update any further losses soon!

Chris




Three days left...

Oct 05, 2008



I can't believe it's almost here. My DS surgery is Wednesday, October 8th around 2:00. The hospital called me on Friday to go over the final details and it's almost go time. For the last 4 days, I've been on a modified fast which I've stuck to for the most part except for a couple of saltines with the vegetable chili. The first couple of days were a little rough physically, but things have smoothed out. I have jello and sugar free Popsicle's to help out between meals and at night. After surgery, I go on a very reduced food schedule for 2 weeks and then begin again with the new DS rules. I saw the PA as well last week and he reiterated that this was the best surgery for me, and that I should be very successful. He also said that they will make every effort to give me the switch, and that there is a small possibility of getting an RNY in case there is a problem. I don't want an RNY and think I made that clear to him.  But they feel a malabsorbtion type of surgery will work best for me, and he feels the option of an RNY would be better than no surgery at all. But I'm confident that they'll be able to complete the switch for me.

I feel very good and positive these days and am looking forward to being a DS'er. I'm actually looking forward to the surgery. Will check in again before going to the hospital.

Approved for the DS

Sep 25, 2008


About 3 weeks ago, I was approved by Blue Cross/Blue Shield to have the second stage of the DS - finally getting around to posting it here on my blog. I'm less than 2 weeks away now and will go in on Sept. 30th to get food for my 1 week fast, see the Nut. and P.A. Then a blood test a few days later and my surgery on Oct. 8th. It's much easier this time around getting ready, even though this surgery might be considered more complicated and risky. I still see the possibility of something happening to delay it. My biggest fear is that Dr Kemmeter won't be able to reach down with his lap instruments to perform the surgery safely. I carry most of my weight around my middle, and quite frankly it's kind of freaky to look at - especially for those who haven't never seen me or don't know me. So either 3 things will happen...1. The lap instruments will reach and he'll be able to complete this surgery for me, 2. I'll have the surgery open, or 3. he'll be unable to perform the surgery due to my girth and will ask me to lose weight/reduce my stomach size. This almost happened with my VSG, but he was finally able to get in there and complete it. I have lost about 75 pounds since my VSG surgery, but this one is longer and trickier....so we will see.

In the long run, I'm really hoping the powerful effects of the DS will allow me to lose the weight I have to lose and keep it off. I want to have a life without super morbid obesity. I have to do a lot of the heavy lifting too, but I think the DS and I will prove to be a good team.

More updates as I get closer

Chris

My first 100 pounds is gone!!

Jun 21, 2007


Had my 3 month check up a few days ago, and despite my nervousness beforehand, I found I lost 100 pounds since I started the pre-op process in March. Sure, if I had exercised and been maybe a little more careful with my intake, I could have lost more, but I'm very happy with a hundred. If anything, it just proves I can do it and be successful. So now it's time to take it up and notch, exercise more and manage my intake better. 

I will also try to weight every couple of weeks. I'm 475 now, and hope to be around 400 by the end of the summer.

How incredible would that be!!

A brief Post-Op report.....

May 08, 2007


Gee, I finally am getting to my post-op report almost 6 weeks after surgery! This will be brief, but here's the scoop. I've lost about 70 pounds now and feeling pretty good. I spent 3 days in the hospital for surgery and was quite sore on my left side for about a week, but no pain anymore. I lost 38 pounds during pre-op which was just barely enough for Dr Kemmeter to do a lap operation. He told me later he considered waking me up and having me lose a little more weight, but he continued to try to insert the lap instruments and was finally successful. I woke up in recovery having to go the bathroom really bad and tried to get out of the bed, but OR staff pushed me back down. I was confused and feeling the bladder catheter which was uncomfortable. Was finally wheeled up to my room and spent 3 days walking up and down the halls, sleeping, drinking water, crystal light, and carnation instant breakfast. The bariatric unit and nurses were top notch. I couldn't ask for a better experience. Finally went home and was off work for 2 weeks. I'm now back to eating solids again and doing well. Can eat almost anything - just not as much. Although I can eat a little more than I thought. But can't compare to the volume before surgery. The bottom line is that I am shrinking, my clothes are much looser, it's easier to drive, and I'm walking better. And I have more energy. The next big hurdle is exercise - slowly but surely, I'm doing better with that. My goal is to hit my first 100 pound loss by memorial day. That's almost 3 months since I started my pre-op fast on February 21st. I would be very happy if I could do that. And my family would be thrilled. That would be unthinkable before surgery.

So the bottom line is.....the VSG works!!! If I follow the food rules 100% and exercise almost on a daily basis, then this surgery would be beyond successful - it would be a miracle.

The day before surgery

Mar 20, 2007


This morning I had a vena cava filter placed in my belly to prevent blood clots. I had a ultrasound done beforehand to check for clots and there were none. Then a period of waiting, and I was taken down to the lab. After getting me mixed up with someone else, they took me back to my room where I waited maybe 20 minutes before taking me back down again. The bottom line is that the procedure went well, I didn't feel much at all, and my filter is in place for a couple of months. All the docs and nurses were great. Such nice people at Spectrum.

But tomorrow is the big day. I'm a little nervous tonight, but mostly calm. I know I'm making the right decision and am at peace with it. My life will change for the better. All that time buying and eating food, sitting around doing nothing, and feeling lousy most of the time will start to come to an end. So many trips to the stores to feed an addiction I finally realized I couldn't beat on my own. So isn't it ironic that spring officially starts tonight, and for me the begining of the second half of my life. And with the season of Easter here, I too will experience a new life, a chance to be saved. So those are my thoughts tonight as I'm about to go to bed and wake up tomorrow facing surgery. I hope everything goes smoothly. The nurses are lucky - I'm easy to deal with in the hospital. Unlike my Dad!!

Tomorrow I can finally start to have a normal relationship with food. See you all on the other side!!

Chris

Pre-Op Update

Mar 13, 2007

Well, I've almost completed my 3rd week on the fast and have lost 22 pounds. Lost a stunning 27 pounds the first week, gained 5 pounds the second, and tomorrow I'll weigh in again for week 3. I expect to lose a lot tomorrow. If I don't lose enough by next week, they might cancel my surgery for March 21st. I don't want that to happen so I'm staying clean and doing everything they ask. I'll leave the rest to fate. But I suspect everything will be ok, and I'll have my surgery. But what a toll it's taken. I'm so listless and tired, and I feel shakey and weak all the time. I hope I don't feel this way after surgery. I'm getting a little nervous about the surgery, but will "gut" it out. I hope it will give me my life back. I'll miss the food, but it's time to move on.

Till next time....

Chris

My Four week fast

Feb 22, 2007


I started my 4 week fast this morning. It's made up of instant soups, oatmeal, protein bars, cold and hot drinks, and other exciting foods. All for the bariatric patient of course. At least it's better than Optifast - I'd much rather eat something. All in all, I should have a nice weight loss at the end. 

My emotions will be up and down during this time. It'll be hard, very hard at times. Weekends will be hard, and nights. That's when I've done the most damage over the years. But I have to follow through this time. This surgery will give me my life back.


About Me
Grand Rapids, MI
Location
47.4
BMI
DS
Surgery
10/08/2008
Surgery Date
Aug 26, 2006
Member Since

Friends 54

Latest Blog 14
6 Weeks post-op Update
Three days left...
Approved for the DS
My first 100 pounds is gone!!
A brief Post-Op report.....
The day before surgery
Pre-Op Update
My Four week fast

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