EDUCATE Yourself ......

Nov 02, 2009

Being a Registered Nurse I feel it is important to post information on the importance of self education as a PATIENT !!! 

Doctor's are to inform you of all the options, benefits and risks prior to your surgery.  Some doctor's do an outstanding job and others are lacking.  BUT as a someone who went through the seminars and spoke to different doctors......... I feel like there is education that is missing to make that informed choice.

I went through the process of getting approval for the RNY and was not fully educated about all my options till I started doing my own research and it started with  HAYLEY's  (OH member) comparison chart.  I then went to a phyisician that does more then one or two options for WLS and believed in educating his patient's to help them make up their OWN minds which procedure would be best for them.  If you are considering WLS, are going through the process of approval OR even if you are already approved for WLS..........it is NOT  TOO  LATE!!!!

Educate yourself on how the procedure is performed, what happens to your organs during / after the procedure, how it will effect you short term and long term.  Look at research - see what the success rates of different surgeries are..........talk to people, read information, keep an open mind !!!

Education is something NO ONE can take away from you AND you will be grateful that you have the facts to make an informed choice!!

My choice was the DS - I personally feel it is the superior WLS.........but does that mean if you choose a different surgery you will not have success or feel like you settled for less..........NO!  

You have to make the right choice for your situation and as long as you take time to make an informed, educated decision then you should not regret that decision.

                              Live with NO regrets!!!

DSFacts.com

DS Forum on Obesity help

Chart for DS/RNY/Lap comparison
by Hayley ~ OUTSTANDING facts!!   
Thank you for providing me with information I needed to realize there is more then 2 choices for WLS !!! I am FOREVER grateful !!


Hayley_Hayley: RNY compared to the DS

 

RNY – expected weight loss

*50-65% expected excess weight loss (percentage varies in opinion – this is the most commonly seen estimate)

 

Regain

*Possible regain: more prevalent after 5 years

*50-100% regain of weight has been recorded

*Results may vary

*Must follow “pouch rules” in an attempt to not regain

 

DS – expected weight loss

*85% expected excess weight loss

*Results may vary

 

Regain

*Studies show little to no regain (no one recorded as to gaining all of weight back like with the RNY)

*Results may vary

*Highest success rate over 10 year study (78% avg. Excess Weight Loss – EWL)

 

RNY – have a stoma (stomach made into a pouch – size of an egg)

*Size: 2 oz

*Stretch to average size of 6 oz in 2 years  (possible to stretch up to 9-10 oz)

*You can eat more as time goes by

*Average after 1 year is 1-1.5 cups of food

 

No Endoscopes on blind stomach/remnant stomach that is bypassed

*Doctor evaluation: cannot use an endoscope (to find ulcers and tumors)

 

*RYGBP construction makes the large bypassed distal stomach inaccessible to standard non-invasive diagnostic modalities. Neither x-ray contrast studies nor endoscopy can assess this potentially important but hidden area.

 

Stomach: pouch

*Should not take Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory drugs (NSAID).

*NSAIDs are: Advil, Alka Seltzer, Aleve, Anacin, Ascription, Aspirin, Bufferin, Coricidin, Cortisone, Dolobid, Empirin, Excedrin, Feldene, Fiorinol, Ibuprofen, Meclomen, Motrin, Nalfon, Naprosyn, Norgesic, Tolectin, Vanquish

 

NSAIDs are used for arthritis, bursitis, tendonitis, back pain, headaches, and general aches and pains.

*Taking NSAIDs could develop into a bleeding ulcer and interfere with kidney function.

 

Possible Problems

*Ulcers (Some doctors recommend taking prilosec for 6 months to 1/2 years in an attempt to prevent the ulcers)

*Possibility of a staple line failure

*Noncompliance: simply do not lose enough (even with following the rules)

*Vitamin Deficiencies

*Narrowing/blockage of the stoma

*Vomiting if food is not properly chewed or if food is eaten to quickly

 

*Dumping syndrome, NIPHS, Hypoglycemia

No Valve (pyloric valve that opens and closes to let food enter intestines is bypassed) which means food empties directly into the small intestines and causes dumping and/or can cause NIPHS or Hypoglycemia

 

Dumping: food (most commonly sugar but not necessarily “just” sugar) enters/dumps directly into small intestines and causes physical pain (some people believe this pain enforces good eating habits)

*Dumping varies in degree of occurrence and discomfort

*Dumping symptoms:

Nausea

Vomiting

Bloated stomach

Diarrhea

Excessive sweating

Increased bowel sounds

Dizziness

“Emotional” reactions

 

NIPHS (insulin over production): “the body overproduces insulin in response to food entering the intestines at a point where food would normally be more digested already - this part of the intestine is not used to coping with metabolizing glucose in the condition it arrives after RNY, and it is suspected that the intestine signals the pancreas for more insulin to aid digestion, causing a MASSIVE overproduction.  The change occurs on a cellular level, hard to diagnose.  Treatment: Removal of half the pancreas.”

 

*RNY stoma that is created allows food to go straight through the stomach into the small intestine unrestricted so it does not control the flow.  Because of that the body reads that it needs more insulin because the food is moving through so quickly and it thinks there's going to be a lot more food.  With the DS, the normal peristalsis works because the pyloric valve is in place and can control the movement of food into the small intestines.  

 

*NIPHS, Hypoglycemia is deadly if not corrected

 

DS – whole stomach (size of banana)

“Whole working stomach” - meaning the stomach’s outer curvature is removed as opposed to making a pouch/stoma.

 

*Part of the stomach removed is where most of the hormone called Grehlin is produced.

Grehlin gives the sensation of hunger so by removing most of that section of the stomach a DSer is not as hungry as before.

*Whole working stomach: no blind stomach.  Endoscope can be used.

*Can take NSAIDs

*Do not need to take Prilosec to prevent ulcers.

*Valves are in tack: no Dumping Syndrome or NIPHS

 

RNY – Eating

*Eat protein first

60g of protein a day

*Recommended to chew food to liquid consistency (pureed, soft, thoroughly chewed)

This is more important for people early out (new pouch stomach will stretch out with time).

Food is thoroughly chewed to prevent blockage (the hole/path leaving the stomach and into the intestine is roughly the size of a dime).

To get food unstuck, patients drink meat tenderizer mixed with water.

*Low carbohydrates

Carbohydrates can slow weight loss and lead to possible regain

Avoid sugars in particular (to prevent dumping syndrome)

*Low fat

Foods high in fat may cause Dumping Syndrome

Fatty foods can lead to slow weight loss or possible regain

*64 oz of water

Stop drinking within 15-30 minutes of a meal

Do not begin drinking after a meal for 1-1.5 hours

Some doctors do not encourage the use of a straw (pushes food too quickly through the stomach and can cause gas/discomfort)

*Water Loading

15 minutes before the next meal, drink as much as possible as fast as possible. 

Water loading will not work if you haven’t been drinking over the last few hours.

You can water load at any time 2-3 hours before your next meal if you get hungry, which will cause a strong feeling of fullness.

Disclaimer: this is a practice some people use to feel “full” and lose weight. Not a requirement.

DS – Eating

*Eat protein first

80-100g of protein

DS patients can on average eat more food than any other type of weight loss surgery.

*Low carbohydrates

Carbohydrates can slow the weight loss and lead to possible regain

No dumping syndrome from eating sugar (or fat)

*Eat high in fat

DS only absorb 20% of fat (do not need to eat low fat)

 

If a taco has 20g of fat, a DSer only absorbs 4g while a person without surgery or RNY absorbs ALL 20g. (this is just an example, measuring absorption is not an exact science)

 

*When experiencing a “stall” (slowed weight loss/plateau) a DS patient commonly increases fat consumption to resolve

 

*64 oz of water

Can drink with meals

Can use a straw

 

RNY – Possible Issues

*Vitamin deficiencies: Must follow a vitamin regime for the rest of your life

Common vitamin deficiencies found in vitamins B12, iron, and zinc

Calcium must be supplemented for the rest of your life

*Bathroom issues

Gas

Constipation

Dumping in the form of loose stools

*Reversible procedure (Reversals of any surgery is very complicated)

Revision often performed instead of reversal

Revising to a different type of surgery is possible.

 

 

DS – Possible Issues

*Vitamin deficiencies: Must follow a vitamin regime for the rest of your life

Common vitamin deficiencies found in vitamins A, D, and iron

“Water soluble”/ “water miscible” / “dry” vitamins absorb best (in other words get vitamins that are not fat/oil based)

Calcium must be supplemented for the rest of your life

*Bathroom issues

Gas

Loose stool (Most common in the first few weeks of surgery. Generally food related)

*Reversible procedure

The intestinal bypass is reversible for those having absorption complications revision: lengthening common channel (to stop losing weight and/or to absorb vitamins)

Stomach is obviously not reversible (part of stomach was removed)

 

RNY - Diabetes

*85% cure rate

*RNY can put diabetes in remission.

Diabetes may come back in two or three years--even if the
patient maintains most of their weight loss.

Even a small amount of weight gain, long-term, can cause a diabetes
relapse.

 

DS – Diabetes

98 % cure rate for type II diabetes.

 

 

DS – Myth or Fact

 

DSers will have a heart attack from all the fatty food they eat = Myth / Not True

-Cholesterol levels lower after having the DS. 

-80% of the fatty food is not absorbed – the fatty food is healthier to eat as a DSer than a person without surgery.

      **The fat therefore does NOT enter the bloodstream**

 

If a taco has 20g of fat, a DSer only absorbs 4g while a person without surgery or a person with the RNY will absorb ALL 20g.  Good meal for the DSer. (this is just an example, measuring absorption is not an exact science)

 

The DS is only recommended for the super morbid obese (BMI over 60) = Myth / Not True

-To be eligble for ANY type of weight loss surgery, a person has to be 100 lbs. over weight or have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or more.

-BMI’s under 40 have also been approved (usually require a comorbidy/health problem - an example is sleep apnea).

 

The DS is “experimental and investigational” = Myth / Not True

-Medicare approves the DS

-Many insurance companies are starting to cover the DS.

-DS has been performed since the 1970s

 

DSer will have a problem when they become old = Not True

-We wont need to eat as much when we are older b/c our bodies will adapt

-The little hair-like villa located in the intestines grows longer to adjust to the new digestive system (grows longer to increase absorbtion).

 

DSer’s gas stink = true

-The gas does smell. (This is true for the DS and RNY)

      *Most people see no difference in gas smell but more in the way their poop smells.

-There are products called air fresheners that a person can use.

-Controllable by diet (stay away from trigger foods)

-May take Flagyl or fish zole

 

DSers may need to wear a diaper = Myth / Not True

-That is silly

 

Skin color turns yellow or pallor = Myth / Not True

-Patients who follow their regular vitamin regime (keep up with blood work) do not turn pallor

-If someone looks pallor, they could have a vitamin deficiency.  This applies to any type of weight loss surgery. For both RNY and the DS.

-Vitamins and blood work must be monitored for life. For both RNY and the DS.

 

Dsers don’t need to exercise = Myth / Not true

-DSer’s are aware of the benefits of exercise (body and soul).

-Exercise helps in losing weight and maintaining goal weight 

 

 

*Some practices may not be used by all patients. Some recommendations will differ depending on a person’s surgeon.  Possible issues are just that, “possible,” and may or may not occur.

 

Not every surgery will be right for everyone. Not every surgery will be covered by insurance. Good luck to everyone and thank you for reading my comparison chart. Hayley F.

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Journey 2009

Oct 29, 2009


One year ago today I had the Duodenal Switch, WLS that has changed my life in so many ways!  It is hard to describe the emotions that you go through when you have lived the majority of your life as an obese person. 

Once you loose the "mask" of being obese and can enjoy life ........it brings many things out.  I am more aware of how the public is rude and disrespectful to people who are overweight.  It just amazes me how as someone looses weight - how people can treat you differently.  I want to scream  " I am the same person I was !!! "

I first heard about RNY from a friend 4 years prior and thought "why is she doing something SO drastic to her body?"  Little did I know .......the seed was being planted for my WLS journery.

Less then 24 hours before the deadline to sign up for health benefits at the hospital that covered the WLS...........I  started talking with a co-worker who told me all the information she had researched, gave me the name of a doctor, and encouraged me to check it out.

I then go through all the requirements for the RNY........almost to approval. THEN I find out about the DS and I totally changed my mind after educating myself about the different procedures.  It was the best choice for me!

The first few weeks/months after surgery were hard for me to adjust!! I had always turned to food for coping......... I could no longer do that.  I had times I felt weak......thought it was my iron.......but think it was just an adjustment period.  I finally figured out that I needed to change my medications since I was taking time released.  As time went by things did improve and my food choices increased.  I remember Hayley telling me she ate pasta at Olive Garden - I was so jealous and wondered if I would ever be able to eat there again.   Hayley told me it would happen......she was right - I did eat at Olive Garden and it was GOOD!

I did try drinking carbonated drinks after 7 months.....but they do not appeal to me anymore.  I am thankful for that because I feel they are not the best choice for anyone......WLS or not.  I do miss the ability to "go through the drive through and grab anything I want".......... it does take more thought and planning.

I took my vitamins everyday for 7 months straight and then faced some struggles with those.  I tried CELEBRATE which are WONDERFUL but have sugar alcohols and those did not agree with my intestines!!! I have been nauseated more in recent months and plan to have my gall bladder checked out.  I know the importance of taking my vitamins and strive to take them everyday because I don't want to face and up hill battle.

The weight coming off has been a WILD ride as people have told me - although I know the person on the outside looks different.......the person on the inside still faces some of the struggles.  I really believe that some talk therapy would be beneficial to all WLS patients.  There is a reason we all abuse food (my own opinion) and that reason doesn't go away when we have surgery and loose the weight.

I am so grateful to all the wondeful people on the DS forum, the TMB that have been for me along the way in this journey.  I never thought I would make it below the 200 lb mark......let alone make it to goal.  It was one of those things "I hoped for.....but really wondered if I could do it"  

One of the hardest things to do on OH is ...........NOT compare yourself to others!! I admit looking at charts and wondering if I was on track - "why did she loose more....... why am I not loosing, etc"  It is a SELF defeating game and it is like playing with fire.  It goes back to that advice "Do as I say.......not as I do" - I think it is sometimes more harmful mentally to compare instead of just enjoying the journey we are on.  Each person has something to offer in their experience and it is the individuals experience that will help someone else........we never know who or when.  

I thank God for bringing people into my life when I needed to have information about WLS and have support along my journey.........which will continue tomorrow.....and the next day .........and the next day............ 
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Journey 2009

Jul 11, 2009

July 11, 2009

Today is the day I normally weigh for an "official weekly weight check" but yesterday I got on the scale and it said 199.  199 - 199........I must be dreaming.  I can NEVER remember being below 200 - never.  This has been an incredible journey and I am so thankful for everyone's insight while going through all of this.  There are still good days and bad - but overall it is good.  I would have the operation again in a heartbeat.  I am enjoying helping others going through or beginning this journey - I believe in helping others as people have helped me.  I did this surgery to be healthy and live hopefully a longer life with my children, be able to take care of my mom and have faith in God's plan for my future -whatever that may bring.  I still have moments where I feel like I am the overweight Teri in another person's body.  I am flattered when someone flirts with me but it still makes me feel uneasy.  It is different when you have one on one attention from someone you want it from then men you don't know.  I have noticed how different society treats overweight people versus thin - and it is amazing when you are the same person on the inside but change physically on the outside  - it is hard to understand mentally.  People have started saying "don't loose anymore - you look good like you are" and I have 22 lbs. till I hit the "goal" of being a normal BMI.  It is amazing because I have always made excuses why those tables are inaccurate or why I couldn't be that weight cause of big bones - but now I can almost see the goal within my reach and it is scary yet exciting.  With this operation there is the feeling "what if I don't make it to goal"  - then that is another thing  I failed at...........yet I believe if you mentally set your mind to something that you can do anything!   I know in losing my weight on my own I had a hard time putting my mind to achieving success so I never made it.  I believe with this surgery I will be able to reach my goal and live a life I have always wanted.
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Journey 2009

Jun 13, 2009

June 13, 2009

It is hard to believe that so much has happened in such a short period of time.  I have not kept up with my journey as much as I would have liked to........but live and learn.  This journey has not been without struggles but they were struggles that I am willing to have in order to live a healthy life.  It is frustrating getting full so quickly from food and not being able to eat as much mentally as I would like to but the physical part of the surgery telling me I am full is still working! Today I got on the scale and lost 10 lb in one week - this is just crazy!  I stayed the same weight for about 3 weeks and thought I was slowing way down and wondered if I would make it to goal - you know those self doubts are still there it is just a matter of how they surface.  I am the lowest weight I can ever remember and 27 lb from my doctor's goal at 7 months out.  Although I don't get on OH as much - it has been the most valuable thing for me during this journey.  There were times when I was so frustrated with food and drink choices BUT there is always someone with suggestions on new things to try!!  I still struggle with attention from men - it makes me feel uncomfortable.   I know when I was heavier I hid behind the weight even though my height was 6ft 2in I couldn't hide behind that.  I am sure this is part of my journey and learning to love myself so eventually I will find someone who loves me for me.  I have to believe in myself before I can expect anyone else to believe in me.  I am just trying to take it day by day and go from there. I experience other trials in my life and although food was used as a crutch I have to make sure I don't switch to something else to fill that void.  Getting enough sleep has been a challenge - basically life is challenging anyway and it is just a matter of managing it all.....some people are better - some not so much.

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Journey 2009 ~ 6 month milestone

May 03, 2009


I can not believe it has been 6 months since surgery and I have lost 110 lb.  It is a wild ride with the surgery, recovery and weight loss.  It is hard to put your head around such a big change in such a short period of time.  I see pictures of myself on surgery day and can't believe I looked like that. I have done that before looking at pictures when I was thinner and thinking "was I ever that thin?"  Each day comes with more excitement for the future.  I had my labs done and the main thing I need to work on is my Vitamin A - it was low pre-op and it is even lower now.  I am taking 100,000 IU a day from Vitalady and hopefully my labs in 3 months will come up!  My potassium was low too but not as worried about that cause I haven't really had symptoms.  I have been having blurred vision and am trying to get enough sleep.  It just seems like life is crazy right now and things are hectic.  I need to learn "NO"..........hmm - have needed to learn that most of my life and now it is even more important so I do not over committ!  I am taking some time to go to a scrapbook retreat and think it will help me recharge! I am also going to a scrapbook convention to take some classes and hopefully jump start my creative side again.  I don't know if the things around the house are just adding up or I am just not as quick as I use to be or both.......but seems like there is more and more to do.  My friend Fedupat44 (Janet) had surgery 6 months to the day that I had my surgery - and that was great that I could be there for her like Kathy was there for me and my family. It is one of those things you never forget having someone helping you and then being able to pay it forward to someone else. The journey continues with 49 more lbs to goal!! I can't believe I would be this close - this soon!
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Journey 2009

Apr 18, 2009

April 18th  - today is my son's birthday!! We celebrated and I even had some cake ....yummy! I did not eat half of it as I usually would but a small one inch slice was perfect and satisfied my desire for birthday cake.
Yesterday APRIL 17th - I weighed at the spur of the moment and had lost 101 lbs.  I made it to the century mark before 6 months!! YES!! It is one of those goals that was mentioned and I wondered if I would be successful at reaching it before 6 months.....you know those "failure" thoughts are still there and when you have the surgery you don't want to fail again.  I know the bigger hurdle for me is when I lose about 20 more pounds because I have not been that weight.......hmmm since birth?? I am realizing more and more how society does treat people who are overweight.......is it right - NO! But it does happen still the same.  Somethings that have happened since my last post is my hair is thining - there are not big clumps coming out just finding multiple strands when I put my hand through my hair or find them on my top.  I have always had very thick hair so at this point it is not a major concern but I can tell the difference in the amount.  I also got my 6 months labs - I go back to Dr Stewart on the 23rd of April so we will see what he says. My Vit A and potassium are low but I have increased the Vitamin A so we will see when he wants to recheck.  I have 58lbs till I reach goal ~ it just seems sureal.  I am planning on being an angel to Janet and it will be wonderful to help her through this experience.  It is a wild ride and you really can't explain it till you go through it yourself.  It is harder then I thought it would be but not something I regret doing or would change.  BUT most things that are hard are worthwhile!! 
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Journey 2009

Mar 16, 2009

March 3rd, 2009

I did it!! I made it below 250lb!! I can remember when I hit this milestone before.  I was in a great place mentally and physically.  I was training for a marathon in Ireland.  After being on steroids and gaining weight all my weight and then some I felt like I would never get below 250.  I feel like I am doing well on my journey but someone told me that I would probably get to 100 lb loss by 5 months - I was doing really well watching carbs/getting protein in and then the carb monster appeared. I am trying to figure out if it is because I mentally was afraid of making it to the 100lb mark at 5 months........maybe it was too much pressure or I don't know but I have to look at why I pay so much attention/focus to words people say.  It is so hard for me to just realize my worth is more then someone else's words or opinions.  Ironically this was a positive thing and encouraging but for some reason I set myself up not to get to the 100lb loss.  I think it goes deep that I would rather set myself up for failure - but WHY!! I keep doing this to myself in relationships, work, etc.  I think the journey starts with the WLS and will continue in finding out more about myself each day and working on those things that helped me gain the weight in the first place. 

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Journey 2009

Feb 14, 2009

February 21, 2009

I have lost 84 lbs to date - wow this is the wild ride that everyone has been telling me about! Although I have not gone down but a couple of sizes - I am excited about the journey of going down and not up.  I keep remembering in my head to focus on the protein and stay away from the carbs! I remember people saying when you get to goal then you can add carbs.  It is exciting and scary for me to think about getting to goal since I have never been below 200 at any time I can remember in my life - of course I am sure my mom will tell you that I didn't weigh 200 at birth but you get what I am saying.  I have been thinking that my interrupted sleep cycle could be why I am so tired. I take my vitamins regularly - but have sometimes taken them late (I am human).  I have switched to the pettite calcium......which are easier for me to swallow.  I can take the big ones but it is just easier when you take so many pills.  Tonight I went to the PRETTY IN PINK dinner for the TMB and when I ran my fingers through my hair - a few stands came out.........I am wondering if this is the beginning of my hair loss?  As I am thinking of growing my hair out.....of course this would happen :o).  I need to start doing more free weights so I can build up my muscle OR at least make sure it doesn't go away.  I am trying to write down my food intake to make sure I get enough protein but I think I need to work more on my fat intake (feels strange saying that).   I met a man the other day who is planning on having WLS and although he told me he did not look like his picture I was surprised when meeting in person because it looked like they weighed at least 100 lbs more.  I struggled with this because although I feel open to meeting people and helping in any way I can.......he did not look at all like his picture. At one point in talking, emailing I felt like there could be a connection.....and then meeting face to face it took me back and I then realized I had somethings I needed to deal with.  I was up front and honest with him and told him I could be his friend and help him in his journey but not sure about anything else. I think the hard part for me is I don't want someone judging me because of my weight but this is what I did with him........well at least I was honest and told him that I would be his friend which is more then most men would do for me.  I can see where they tell most people to wait at least a year before getting into a relationship because you go through not only the physical but mental challenges.   At least I realize this and that is half the battle.  I am looking forward to more  moments where the light bulb comes on!


February 14, 2009

Valentine's Day - is usually my least favorite holidays of the year! I don't like the holiday because usually I am alone or hoping, wishing, expecting someone to be in my life to make this day better. BUT in reality I am the only one who can choose to make this day better. It is time that I love myself -because until I do..... how can I expect anyone else to love me? If I don't feel worthy of love then how can I expect someone else to show me more love.  I went to our DFW DS support group last night and I meant to ask a veteran WLS patient how she deals with self image. She has been so successful - a true role model and yet I wonder how or if she deals with images, feelings of her past body.  For me I have been overweight for 40 years so this is all I know and to be losing weight and changing my body image is great but for me the mental part is the hardest thing.   I know my mind is the most powerful thing and if I can think it but THEN actually believe it - that is one thing. I think visualization is important and I wish that there was a computer program that you could morph your picture and be able to visualize yourself in a smaller image.  It is hard dealing with the "tapes" that have played in your head for so long.  I am usually a very outgoing person with most everyone and can make friends easily but I am always wondering what someone thinks of me and if they will accept me.  I am sure it goes back to childhood and the fear of being abandoned so I want everyone to like me YET in my head I know that is not going to happen.  So basically today I want to focus on trying to love myself more and realize that people WILL come and go in my life AND that is okay - I will be okay that I can not control when people decide to leave.  I think that is the key I want control! I controlled food in the past........well actually it controlled me.  I think it is scary when you don't have the old vices to deal with life.  I can see where dual addictions can come into play.  Now on to the real point of the post - I am over half way on my journey as of toady!! I have lost 50% of my EBW in 3 months and 2 weeks!! I want to try and keep track of somethings also.  I had problems with Celebrate vitamins which tasted so good BUT they contain sorbitol and it caused so much gas - I had to return them.  I have not had any hair loss, acne to this point.  I still feel tired and ordered some iron from Vitalady.  Speaking with other DS patients I think I am not eating enough fat.  I switched to the petite citracal and take those easier.  I have noticed facial skin showing more wrinkles and that is because of losing so much weight -NOT because I am getting old (right?? -laughing).
I have struggled getting enough water in and some days getting enough protein.  It is amazing how some days seem so easy to get it all in and others are a struggle.  I still have not had any carbonation - drinking crystal light, sf kool-aid, lemonade, tea and fuze.  I am still looking for that magic drink that will be as good as diet coke - something I could get through a drive through...but haven't found it yet.  I drink my chocolate wal-mart brand protein with the chocolate carb countdown milk.  I like steak, chicken, eggs, cheese and am eating more salads.  I have tried walnuts toasted in the oven covered in melted butter and brown sugar - high protein!! I think one of the struggles with this surgery at this point is that I can not eat as quick I use to and my lifestyle (heck every one's is) fast paced.  I am having to slow that part of my life down and it is hard since for 40 years I have learned to eat in a rush. BUT if I want to be successful then I have to change the way I do things - I knew this from the beginning.  Knowing something and doing something is the HARD part and nothing in life worth doing is easy.  I think those people who fail at WLS - want the quick fix or don't want to do the HARD part.  Don't get me wrong - I don't want to do it but I also know that if I want to be a success that is what I need to do.  I also know that it is a proven fact when you write down everything you eat - those people keep their weight off ..........so if it is proven then why do I not do it consistently - cause it is HARD!! LOL  I never said I was perfect but I am going to keep trying!! 
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Journey in 2009

Jan 22, 2009

January 29, 2009
Today is my 3 month mark since surgery and I have lost 70 lb in that time - it is surreal.  I still don't feel hungry - I know in my head I need to eat protein and still get all of it in.  I am having more trouble getting my fluids in - nothing is really tasting appealing.  I either get lemonade with blackberry flavoring or cherry but sometimes that is too sweet.  I do  flavor some water but that gets boring too.  I know I can adjust but it has been hard to make myself drink.  I am still losing at a steady rate and haven't had a stall to this point (lets hope I am not bringing one on by saying that!)  I walk around the block a couple times a week but have not started a structured exercise plan.  I still focus on eating protein and not so many carbs.  By the time I eat I can't imagine trying to eat carbs because I would probably explode.  I have to eat over a long period of time which is good.  I wish I could have learned that a long time ago.  I am getting back near a weight when I had to be put on steroids for my sarcoidosis and am feeling better about being in public.  Still not overly confident but I have never been that way.....so that is something I will continually have to work at.  I hope through my learning/struggles/life lessons I can help my daughter deal with her emotions and feelings so she can cope better then I did.  I am excited about the journey thus far. Hayley said looking at past surgery patient's that a good place to be by 6 months is 100lb lost.  I am hoping to beat that but I am excited right now that I am getting my health back! I am thankful for all the new friendships and this journey that hopefully will change my destiny.


January 22, 2009

I went for my 3 month follow up appointment and "exercise class" today with Dr. Stewart.  Each time I talk with Dr. Stewart I gain more respect for this man!  According to his scale I have lost 67lb (mine says 68) and lost 9 points on my BMI.  He said if I continue the way I am going that I could make it to goal by one year.  He said with the DS we have more flexibility (about 18 months) versus the bypass (12 months).  I have been tired but he feels it is not getting enough rest and my body adjusting to the weight loss.  My pre-op iron levels were good so he doesn't think it is that but stated I could take iron if I wanted to.  He doesn't like to set a specific number goal but thought I could realistically get down to a BMI of 25.  I can NEVER remember being that small.  It was nice to hear that he thought I realistically could loose that much weight - it is like hearing someone believe in you when you are not sure if you can make it or not.  This journey has brought to my awareness just how much my success hinges on comments people make and how powerful my own thoughts are.  IF there is one thing I am realizing is how powerful the "I can do this" attitude is.  Instead of playing a victum which I think sometimes I used my weight so I could play the victum role.  Not getting involved and participating because of "my weight" - instead of just saying I am not interested because I don't want to do something OR doing things because I want people to like me and if I don't then I might not have people around me who care. In reality - I know in my head those are not rationale thoughts and if someone is so trivial that they would choose not to be around me because of weight then I don't need them as a friend.  But the fear of being alone is constantly in the background peaking its head out - yet I know that I am okay alone and I will survive...... I have done well for the last 9 years and have done many things that were dreams of mine.  It is those voices and tapes in my head from growing up as a fat girl in high school and being teased that I have to fight. Knowing I am worth the fight and that this is part of God's plan for me so I can hopefully help others - and particularly help my daughter so she doesn't experience the pain I have felt.  Yet  I know she already is going through some of the things that will stick with her the rest of her life which I am saddened by and deeply regret not standing up to my own mother for that.  All I know is that I have to go forward because the future is where dreams are made - being in the present allows me to realize the importance of my actions and looking at the past only makes regrets ......I want to give my power and energy to the present and future.  I want to make it to goal and be successful - I know I will always battle with the tapes in my head but I have to put up a fight - because IF I don't think I am worth it -who will?? I am so thankful for the DS and all my friends on OH that I can share this journey and not be scared of what anyone thinks because there is always someone who can relate to what you are going through!
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My Journey

Jan 08, 2009

January 8 ,2009

New Years Day has come and gone and although I feel it is important to set goals - I don't set resolutions.  I try to look at I want to do and make my goal small steps to focus on.  If I have a huge goal it seems impossible unless i break it down in small steps.  I have been walking for my exercise but not as much as I would like.  I am getting protein in and think I am doing better with my meals but it is still a struggle cause I have lived my life a certain way for so long and change is hard BUT so very worth it!  Taking time eating is a big challenge because I hate just sitting there.  I have found sometimes I just get up and go do something else and then come back later to eat a bit more.   Taking vitamins can be so confusing and although I get labs drawn at 6 months I want to try to prevent low levels.  I did find out if you have a note from your doctor that the vitamins / protein should be covered by your flexible spending account.  I went for a massage the other day and my massage therapist said "you need to drink more water - your skin is so dry".  I told her I drink all the time but I have noticed my skin being drier.  I have started going down in clothes sizes (it is about time) - when you are tall I think you have to loose more weight to drop sizes which is a pain - but the opposite is nice in that I can carry more weight because of my height.  I know the one goal I want to work on is saying NO more to work and spending time with my kids!! I am blessed that I have the ability to do that and hopefully I can impact their life more when I am home.  I am worried about my daughter - she does the boredom, emotional eating, hides food and I feel helpless in trying to get her to understand the importance of managing her weight now.  I don't want to make it so much an issue that she resents me but I don't want to ignore the issue also.  I bring good food into the house but she sneaks larger quanities and then denies eating them.   It breaks my heart that I feel like I can't help her because I want to be there for her.  I guess I have a lot of guilt for not being stronger and standing up against my mother when she brought things into the house.  My mom continued to buy cokes after I told her to stop - it is very disrespectful and although I love my mom it is hurting that she doesn't listen to me.
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About Me
TX
Location
23.7
BMI
DS
Surgery
10/29/2008
Surgery Date
Apr 20, 2008
Member Since

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