investigator77
Weight loss stalled
Mar 01, 2009
After my initial thrill at losing 15 pounds in 10 days, I've only lost 1 more pound in that past 8 days! Sixteen pounds doesn't seem like a lot for 18 days. I'm trying to up my protein intake, but still haven't received the bullets I ordered from the U.S.
Today I'm trying to drink some milk in place of water, and had a protein shake this morning made with milk. Those protein shakes just don't agree with me, and make it impossible for me to go out! I'm afraid to be too far from a bathroom, which also makes walking very difficult. I also ordered some of the protein chips from Kay's Bariatrics, but the Parmesan ones have onion powder in them, and I'm alergic to onion. Not a good thing at all. I thought I might get away with it, because it was listed way down in the ingredients, but Nooooooo. Onion is just a bad, bad thing for me! The cinnamon toast pretzel sticks are yummy, with 10 grams of protein per bag.
I might trot out my Wii Dance Dance Revolution tonight and see if I can get some exercise in that way.
I'm going back for my follow up in Michigan on Wednesday.
2 comments
Today I'm trying to drink some milk in place of water, and had a protein shake this morning made with milk. Those protein shakes just don't agree with me, and make it impossible for me to go out! I'm afraid to be too far from a bathroom, which also makes walking very difficult. I also ordered some of the protein chips from Kay's Bariatrics, but the Parmesan ones have onion powder in them, and I'm alergic to onion. Not a good thing at all. I thought I might get away with it, because it was listed way down in the ingredients, but Nooooooo. Onion is just a bad, bad thing for me! The cinnamon toast pretzel sticks are yummy, with 10 grams of protein per bag.
I might trot out my Wii Dance Dance Revolution tonight and see if I can get some exercise in that way.
I'm going back for my follow up in Michigan on Wednesday.
Down 15 pounds in 10 days!!
Feb 19, 2009
I am feeling so good, I can hardly believe it. I weighed myself today, and I am down 15 pounds from my day-before-surgery weight, and 31 pounds from my highest weight when I went for my initial consult.
I'm so excited! I'm in a different bra size, and wearing tops that I haven't worn for a long time. I can really feel the difference that just 15 pounds can make, and I see it in my face too.
They called me today from Barix to follow up, and Tanya was amazed at how good I'm feeling. No trouble swallowing, no pain, sleeping regularly, no problems with my incisions, all my plumbing is working fine, I'm getting in my water, and doing my best to reach my protein goals (but I'm going to buy some protein bullets until I'm on regular food).
8 comments
I'm so excited! I'm in a different bra size, and wearing tops that I haven't worn for a long time. I can really feel the difference that just 15 pounds can make, and I see it in my face too.
They called me today from Barix to follow up, and Tanya was amazed at how good I'm feeling. No trouble swallowing, no pain, sleeping regularly, no problems with my incisions, all my plumbing is working fine, I'm getting in my water, and doing my best to reach my protein goals (but I'm going to buy some protein bullets until I'm on regular food).
1 week since RNY
Feb 17, 2009
It's one week today since I had my RNY surgery. I'm actually kind of shocked at how good I feel!!
I didn't have any drain tubes. The only thing was the urinary catheter, and they took that out the day after surgery. I've had no bleeding, and I have only taken 3 doses of pain medication since I got home!
I've been eating some wonderful soups that my friend, and now my daughter are making for me. I love the pureed soups, because they're savory. I don't have a huge sweet tooth, so a lot of the protein shake recipes don't appeal to me as much as something like a butternut squash soup. My daughter is out now, getting me unflavoured protein powder to put in yogurt and my soups. I've been able to tolerate everything that I've eaten, and had to drink.
She's returning 4 big honkin' containers of protein shake powder that I bought at Wal-Mart. They're $30 a jug, and I just don't think I will use them. I kept a vanilla one, but even THAT is not appetizing if I make it according to the directions. My daughter cut it back by about 20%, and that works really well. The vanilla taste isn't so strong, and I'm still getting 24 grams of protein, plus 4 from the milk. She puts frozen mango, half a banana, frozen peaches, or frozen blueberries in it, and it is a lot easier to drink for breakfast.When I have the unflavoured protein powder, she's going to mix it with plain yogurt, and make some of the recipes from my book. Tomorrow is Key Lime Pie!!
Today I got down my first 32 oz jug of water, and I'm working on my 2nd one now. I'm not putting any pressure myself to be perfect right out of the gate. There are a lot of things that I have to remember. My whole world changed overnight, and I have a lot of things to learn now, so I know I'm not going to get it right away. I think if I remember to add something every day, I'll be in good shape within a few weeks, and on a more regular schedule.
I've already noticed a difference in the way my bra fits! Excellent!!
The dietician called today to see how I was doing. I told her I was great! She told me to just work on getting in the 64 oz of water, my protein, and remember to take my vitamins and minerals. I told her that I am experiencing hunger, which I didn't expect. It's weird, because I feel strangely disconnected from my stomach, and it's a little bit hard to know if it's a gas pain, a "healing" stretching pain, or actual hunger. It really feels like hunger though!
Two nights ago I was dreaming about a big, juicy hamburger from Kelsey's! I had 2 or 3 huge bites, and was just drooling, and then I thought to myself "Oh crap, I'm not supposed to have this". The night before, I was dreaming about having a big hot dog, on a doughy white bun, with mustard, relish and cheese. LOL! I don't know if I can get sugar free relish, but I'm really looking forward to having a hot dog!
2 comments
I didn't have any drain tubes. The only thing was the urinary catheter, and they took that out the day after surgery. I've had no bleeding, and I have only taken 3 doses of pain medication since I got home!
I've been eating some wonderful soups that my friend, and now my daughter are making for me. I love the pureed soups, because they're savory. I don't have a huge sweet tooth, so a lot of the protein shake recipes don't appeal to me as much as something like a butternut squash soup. My daughter is out now, getting me unflavoured protein powder to put in yogurt and my soups. I've been able to tolerate everything that I've eaten, and had to drink.
She's returning 4 big honkin' containers of protein shake powder that I bought at Wal-Mart. They're $30 a jug, and I just don't think I will use them. I kept a vanilla one, but even THAT is not appetizing if I make it according to the directions. My daughter cut it back by about 20%, and that works really well. The vanilla taste isn't so strong, and I'm still getting 24 grams of protein, plus 4 from the milk. She puts frozen mango, half a banana, frozen peaches, or frozen blueberries in it, and it is a lot easier to drink for breakfast.When I have the unflavoured protein powder, she's going to mix it with plain yogurt, and make some of the recipes from my book. Tomorrow is Key Lime Pie!!
Today I got down my first 32 oz jug of water, and I'm working on my 2nd one now. I'm not putting any pressure myself to be perfect right out of the gate. There are a lot of things that I have to remember. My whole world changed overnight, and I have a lot of things to learn now, so I know I'm not going to get it right away. I think if I remember to add something every day, I'll be in good shape within a few weeks, and on a more regular schedule.
I've already noticed a difference in the way my bra fits! Excellent!!
The dietician called today to see how I was doing. I told her I was great! She told me to just work on getting in the 64 oz of water, my protein, and remember to take my vitamins and minerals. I told her that I am experiencing hunger, which I didn't expect. It's weird, because I feel strangely disconnected from my stomach, and it's a little bit hard to know if it's a gas pain, a "healing" stretching pain, or actual hunger. It really feels like hunger though!
Two nights ago I was dreaming about a big, juicy hamburger from Kelsey's! I had 2 or 3 huge bites, and was just drooling, and then I thought to myself "Oh crap, I'm not supposed to have this". The night before, I was dreaming about having a big hot dog, on a doughy white bun, with mustard, relish and cheese. LOL! I don't know if I can get sugar free relish, but I'm really looking forward to having a hot dog!
I'm back...........
Feb 16, 2009
I've been taking it really easy, first with my friend staying here Friday till Sunday. My daughter is here now, and I'm just relaxing, and letting her look after me. It's heaven!
Things are really better than I thought they would be. Other than feeling a little tired, I'm doing great. I'm sleeping well, and I'm not drinking nearly the protein shakes that I thought I would be.
The vanilla protein shake that I bought, was too sickening if I mixed it per the instructions
. It had an almost greasy feeling to it. I had heard that some people find things too sweet after surgery so I was prepared for that, but not for it just being yucky in general. So this morning my daughter and I decided to cut back the amount of protein powder by about 25%. That made a HUGE difference in the taste and consistency, and she blended it with 1/2 cup of frozen mango, and half a banana. It was delicious.
I've had some pureed soups which have tasted soooo good! My friend made me some lovely fresh butternut squash/carrot soup, with a little slice of fresh ginger in it for some zip, which I love. Campbells Bean with Bacon soup, pureed and strained, is delicious, and has protein in it too. I find it much more satisfying to have something savory a couple of times a day, instead of always having milkshake type things.
I keep forgetting to walk. I'm still trying to get in 64 oz of liquids a day. I've been able to tolerate everything really well. I figure if I can remember to add a new thing every day to my routine, by the time I'm 2 or 3 weeks out, I should be OK.
My daughter and I are going shopping tomorrow, and she's going to try some of the recipes in the Barix Bible. I'm going to simmer some chicken thighs, and make chicken stock, and then freeze the cut up chicken in 1/4 cup packages so I'll be all stocked up when I can eat it.
I weighed myself the other day, and I was down 9 pounds from the last time I weighed myself before I went for surgery! Cool! I'm not going to be obsessed about weighing myself though. Maybe once a week. That's it!
Away for Surgery!
Feb 08, 2009
It's just after midnight, and I'll be leaving this morning for Michigan at 9:30. I'm stoked!
Surgery is Tuesday morning. I can't wait to start a whole new life. Can't wait to be on that "losers bench".
I have such wonderful support from friends and family, it's really making it exciting for me now!
Have to finish packing my bag, and then try and get some sleep. I don't know if I'll be able to, because I'm so excited. It's kind of like being a kid on Christmas Eve.
Tomorrow will probably be a long day, because I can only have clear fluids, so I'm sure I'll get a headache or feel sluggish and tired. But that's OK because I know what the next day is!!
Bye for now,
Nancy
2 comments
Surgery is Tuesday morning. I can't wait to start a whole new life. Can't wait to be on that "losers bench".
I have such wonderful support from friends and family, it's really making it exciting for me now!Have to finish packing my bag, and then try and get some sleep. I don't know if I'll be able to, because I'm so excited. It's kind of like being a kid on Christmas Eve.
Tomorrow will probably be a long day, because I can only have clear fluids, so I'm sure I'll get a headache or feel sluggish and tired. But that's OK because I know what the next day is!!
Bye for now,
Nancy
2 days to go!
Feb 07, 2009
Well, the countdown is ticking along. 2 days to go now. I'm leaving Monday morning for Michigan, and my surgery is scheduled for Tuesday morning. I have to be at the hospital at 9:00.
4 comments
Thanks for keeping me in your thoughts and prayers. I need all the help I can get. I am really excited now. It's like waiting for a vacation, and then when it gets down to just a few days to go, the reality kicks in and the excitement starts to build!
I'm not nervous at all. At least I don't think I'm nervous! LOL Maybe that continual craving for a smoke, means I am nervous, because I'm certainly over the nicotine addiction by now. So there must be another reason why I keep thinking about having a cigarette.
I'm very tired, after cleaning and putting away a lot of accumulated clutter. I wanted everything clean and organized when I get home from the hospital, but I had to go back to bed 3 times today!! I was just so sleepy
Tomorrow I have to go out and get a key cut for my girlfriend who's looking after my kitty cats while I'm away, and then is staying with me for the weekend after I get home. I also want to have my nails done, but I'm not sure if I'll be able to get it done in my timeframe. Have to pack my suitcase, change my bedding, and pick up a few groceries to have here when I get home.
Fortunately for me, Dr Schram doesn't require a liquid diet before surgery. Just one day of clear fluids, and a Dulcolax tablet at 10:00 a.m. the day before surgery,or a Dulcolax suppository at 6:00 p.m. (Too much information, I know)
Well, off to bed! I'm really tired, and have a lot to do tomorrow.
Best to all,
Nancy
5 days to go!!
Feb 04, 2009
I've been a little lazy about blogging, so I'm updating.
I have 5 more days to go until my surgery!! Feb 10th is the big day. I went last week for my PAT's, and everything went well I guess. I haven't heard anything bad, so I suppose all went well. I'm still waiting to hear from the hospital about my surgery time though. I know it's not a huge deal, but it would be nice to know when to show up at the hospital!
I had to go off one of the pain medications I take, prior to surgery. It's a really strong arthritis medication. I've been off them for 3 entire days now, and I am really feeling it. It makes it really difficult to sleep, even though I'm exhausted.
I get into bed, and then everything starts to hurt. My knees, hips, back, shoulders, even my neck. No amount of wishful thinking can make it stop, so I just have to get up out of bed and wait until I'm even MORE exhausted.
Needless to say I'm counting the days until I start losing weight, and I know that will start to ease the pain. I'm looking forward to getting off some of my medications. I'm hoping I'll be able to lose the sleep apnea machine.
I'm praying that my skin still has some elasticity left, and I won't need a complete head-to-toe plastics job! I'm pretty sure I'll need a breast lift, and maybe a tummy tuck or panni, but I'm hoping my face holds together OK!
I've got my little dishes, cutlery, and mug warmer to sit my plate on and keep my food hot. My sister got me a little dip dish, that sits in a jar of ice, so that will be good for cold things. I've got those cold mugs that you put in the freezer, and the liquid layer between the plastic freezes and keeps your drink cold.
I did all my laundry. I got rid of a huge bag of clothing in my largest size already, because I won't need them for long, and I needed the room in my drawers and closets. I told the girl I gave them to that I'll probably have a lot more for her in about a month. She was thrilled. She didn't even have a coat! I gave her a nice faux fur one, that's warm for walking her kids to school. It felt really good giving my things to someone who needs them so much.
I've got a cleaning lady coming in on Friday, to clean my entire condo before I leave on Monday. That way everything will be nice and shiny clean when I get home from the hospital. I'm even arranging for a guy to come by tomorrow, and hook up my HD television, personal digital recorder, DVD player, and Wii System! I've got 3 of them working, but I'm afraid to start unplugging anything for fear I'll never get it back working again. Sometimes you've got to call in the experts. As there were no 11 year old boys listed in the classifieds, I had to call someone else.
4 comments
I have 5 more days to go until my surgery!! Feb 10th is the big day. I went last week for my PAT's, and everything went well I guess. I haven't heard anything bad, so I suppose all went well. I'm still waiting to hear from the hospital about my surgery time though. I know it's not a huge deal, but it would be nice to know when to show up at the hospital!
I had to go off one of the pain medications I take, prior to surgery. It's a really strong arthritis medication. I've been off them for 3 entire days now, and I am really feeling it. It makes it really difficult to sleep, even though I'm exhausted.
I get into bed, and then everything starts to hurt. My knees, hips, back, shoulders, even my neck. No amount of wishful thinking can make it stop, so I just have to get up out of bed and wait until I'm even MORE exhausted. Needless to say I'm counting the days until I start losing weight, and I know that will start to ease the pain. I'm looking forward to getting off some of my medications. I'm hoping I'll be able to lose the sleep apnea machine.
I'm praying that my skin still has some elasticity left, and I won't need a complete head-to-toe plastics job! I'm pretty sure I'll need a breast lift, and maybe a tummy tuck or panni, but I'm hoping my face holds together OK!
I've got my little dishes, cutlery, and mug warmer to sit my plate on and keep my food hot. My sister got me a little dip dish, that sits in a jar of ice, so that will be good for cold things. I've got those cold mugs that you put in the freezer, and the liquid layer between the plastic freezes and keeps your drink cold.
I did all my laundry. I got rid of a huge bag of clothing in my largest size already, because I won't need them for long, and I needed the room in my drawers and closets. I told the girl I gave them to that I'll probably have a lot more for her in about a month. She was thrilled. She didn't even have a coat! I gave her a nice faux fur one, that's warm for walking her kids to school. It felt really good giving my things to someone who needs them so much.
I've got a cleaning lady coming in on Friday, to clean my entire condo before I leave on Monday. That way everything will be nice and shiny clean when I get home from the hospital. I'm even arranging for a guy to come by tomorrow, and hook up my HD television, personal digital recorder, DVD player, and Wii System! I've got 3 of them working, but I'm afraid to start unplugging anything for fear I'll never get it back working again. Sometimes you've got to call in the experts. As there were no 11 year old boys listed in the classifieds, I had to call someone else.
16 days until surgery!
Jan 24, 2009
I'm going on Tuesday for my PAT's, and then in 2 weeks it's surgery on Feb 10th!!
I keep getting emails from friends asking me if I'm nervous. I'm actually remarkably calm, and just eager to get on with it. I have every confidence in Dr Schram and the staff at Barix in Ypsilanti, MI. I've heard nothing but great things from the people I know who've had their surgeries there.
It just feels right to me, that I'm having this surgery. It's like I was destined to have it.
I'm not obsessing about food. I'm just eating because I have to at this point, and I'm kind of anxious to not have to think much about food at all for a few weeks! I have family support, my best friend will be staying with me for 2 nights when I get home, and then my daughter will be here for the entire next week. She arranged with her boss to work from home (or my place in this instance). She told them she was going to either take it without pay, or was willing to work from home if that would work for them. Fortunately they said that was fine, so she doesn't have to be out any of her pay at all.
My best friend, wants me to leave the WLS for Dummies book for her while I'm away. She wants to read up on what types of food I can eat when I get home. She's a wonderful cook, and I'm sure she'll whip up something great for me while she's here. She was a little concerned at first when I told her I was having the surgery, because she felt it was quite a drastic step to take. Now she is 100% behind my decision, and just told me on Thursday night, that after listening to me over the past 6 months, describing the stages I'll be going through , and knowing how prepared I am mentally, she's really comfortable that this is the right thing for me.
I just feel so blessed to be having this surgery. If I'd had to pay for it myself, it wouldn't be happening, and if I had to wait to have it here in Canada, I could be waiting 1-3 years. Everything just fell together so easily for this to happen.
Now I need to have good test results on Tuesday, so there are no problems with my scheduling for surgery. I've been practicing my deep breathing exercises, cleaning out my closets, have all my appointments in order, and have a list of things to do before surgery day. I've even got a packing list made.
I've got my fridge/freezer loaded with sf popsicles, sf jello, sf puddings, Whey Gourmet Strawberry Banana Smoothy protein shake mix, individual sf applesauces, ff gravy mixes, chicken broth, sf Nesquick, sf Carnation Instant Breakfast, etc.
Everything is going really well. I'm very grateful.
Nancy
4 comments
I keep getting emails from friends asking me if I'm nervous. I'm actually remarkably calm, and just eager to get on with it. I have every confidence in Dr Schram and the staff at Barix in Ypsilanti, MI. I've heard nothing but great things from the people I know who've had their surgeries there.
It just feels right to me, that I'm having this surgery. It's like I was destined to have it.
I'm not obsessing about food. I'm just eating because I have to at this point, and I'm kind of anxious to not have to think much about food at all for a few weeks! I have family support, my best friend will be staying with me for 2 nights when I get home, and then my daughter will be here for the entire next week. She arranged with her boss to work from home (or my place in this instance). She told them she was going to either take it without pay, or was willing to work from home if that would work for them. Fortunately they said that was fine, so she doesn't have to be out any of her pay at all.My best friend, wants me to leave the WLS for Dummies book for her while I'm away. She wants to read up on what types of food I can eat when I get home. She's a wonderful cook, and I'm sure she'll whip up something great for me while she's here. She was a little concerned at first when I told her I was having the surgery, because she felt it was quite a drastic step to take. Now she is 100% behind my decision, and just told me on Thursday night, that after listening to me over the past 6 months, describing the stages I'll be going through , and knowing how prepared I am mentally, she's really comfortable that this is the right thing for me.
I just feel so blessed to be having this surgery. If I'd had to pay for it myself, it wouldn't be happening, and if I had to wait to have it here in Canada, I could be waiting 1-3 years. Everything just fell together so easily for this to happen.
Now I need to have good test results on Tuesday, so there are no problems with my scheduling for surgery. I've been practicing my deep breathing exercises, cleaning out my closets, have all my appointments in order, and have a list of things to do before surgery day. I've even got a packing list made.
I've got my fridge/freezer loaded with sf popsicles, sf jello, sf puddings, Whey Gourmet Strawberry Banana Smoothy protein shake mix, individual sf applesauces, ff gravy mixes, chicken broth, sf Nesquick, sf Carnation Instant Breakfast, etc.
Everything is going really well. I'm very grateful.
Nancy
4 weeks until surgery!
Jan 14, 2009
The countdown is officially on now. 4 weeks today until my surgery!
Today is day 4 of quitting smoking. I've had some cravings, mostly at night, but I've been able to avoid them:
A) by keeping myself doing other things (like eating),
,and
B) because my car is in the shop still, and if I wanted to buy a pack I'd have to freeze my butt off walking to the store!
Consequently, because of the extra eating I've been doing to fight the cravings, when I got on the scale this morning I was UP 4 pounds since I weighed myself a few days ago!! Oh well. I guess it's better than smoking, and then not being able to have my surgery. If I can get through the cravings when I have my car back, I'll know I have it licked.
Nancy
6 comments
Today is day 4 of quitting smoking.
I've had some cravings, mostly at night, but I've been able to avoid them:A) by keeping myself doing other things (like eating),
,and B) because my car is in the shop still, and if I wanted to buy a pack I'd have to freeze my butt off walking to the store!
Consequently, because of the extra eating I've been doing to fight the cravings, when I got on the scale this morning I was UP 4 pounds since I weighed myself a few days ago!! Oh well. I guess it's better than smoking, and then not being able to have my surgery. If I can get through the cravings when I have my car back, I'll know I have it licked.
Nancy
Day 2 of No Smoking!
Jan 12, 2009
Well, I finally, finally quit smoking. I have quit 2 or 3 times since November 30th, but kept falling off the wagon. This time I know I'll make it. It's been 2 full days now since I've had a cigarette. I've had some cravings, but I tried to busy myself with something else, and I got over it. I did eat a lot yesterday, but I went cold turkey with the smokes, so something had to give! LOL
I think the reason that I know I'll stay off them now, is because the day I quit was exactly 1 month until my surgery. I know that Dr. Schram said I had to quit 6 weeks before, but I didn't smoke continually during the previous month, and then I had my last one on the 10th of January. I'm hoping that Dr. Schram will accept that, and not reschedule my surgery! I don't want to lie to him about it, but I also don't want to mess up my plans either. It's only a week and a half short of the 6 weeks he recommended.
My car is in the shop, AGAIN. Even with the stress of that, I didn't have a smoke. I've felt incredibly tired, and really lethargic since I quit, which is weird, because it's supposed to decrease your oxygen when you smoke. Maybe it has nothing to do with me quitting.
I'm looking forward to my surgery, and I'm counting down the days on my calendar, just like a prisoner does! After every day, I cross off another one. I think I'm down to 30 days now!
Nancy
6 comments
I have quit 2 or 3 times since November 30th, but kept falling off the wagon. This time I know I'll make it. It's been 2 full days now since I've had a cigarette. I've had some cravings, but I tried to busy myself with something else, and I got over it. I did eat a lot yesterday, but I went cold turkey with the smokes, so something had to give! LOLI think the reason that I know I'll stay off them now, is because the day I quit was exactly 1 month until my surgery. I know that Dr. Schram said I had to quit 6 weeks before, but I didn't smoke continually during the previous month, and then I had my last one on the 10th of January. I'm hoping that Dr. Schram will accept that, and not reschedule my surgery! I don't want to lie to him about it, but I also don't want to mess up my plans either. It's only a week and a half short of the 6 weeks he recommended.
My car is in the shop, AGAIN. Even with the stress of that, I didn't have a smoke. I've felt incredibly tired, and really lethargic since I quit, which is weird, because it's supposed to decrease your oxygen when you smoke. Maybe it has nothing to do with me quitting.
I'm looking forward to my surgery, and I'm counting down the days on my calendar, just like a prisoner does! After every day, I cross off another one. I think I'm down to 30 days now!
Nancy
About Me
Oshawa, Ontario, XX
Location
28.8
BMI
Surgery
02/10/2009
Surgery Date
Jul 11, 2008
Member Since
