kaeli
6 months post-op!
Aug 30, 2009
Well, this past Wednesday marked 6 months since my bypass surgery and to date I have lost a total of 93 pounds! I cannot even believe it. I am a fraction of who I once was! It was a rough beginning as you can tell from my blog entries early on, but things have really come a very long way since I last wrote. Life is so busy and that often gets in the way of posting, but I do feel I need to do it more.
I am now wearing a size 12 pants and I even bought a dress for a couple of weddings I will be attending in the fall - also a size 12! I can't even remember the last time I wore a dress, let alone actually like the way I look in it. There have been so many little victories along the way to this point - one being I use the regular stall in public restrooms as opposed to the handicapped one because I didn't fit in the other ones! What a feeling! My dad hadn't seen me since before the surgery up until about 2 weeks ago and he almost didn't recognize me! So many people are just amazed at how different I look - including myself! I have been able to wear some size small clothes and share with my daughters a few things. I had the confidence to start to look for a new job and found one! A job that pays more money, has more opportunity for growth and is a supervisory position. I never would have had the confidence to do that before surgery and weight loss. Another cool thing is that this is a whole new set of people who don't know I used to weigh 254.4 pounds! I don't even have to ever tell them if I don't want to. I may tell them, but it's nice to have the option - of not being "the girl who had WLS."
I can't believe how quickly I've gone through the sizes and I can't keep up with keeping myself in clothes at times, but I've found a good thrift store and that is helpful. i'm trying not to spend too much $$ on new clothes since I won't be wearing them for long!
I am so proud of myself and so thankful that I had the courage to do this - I HAVE NO REGRETS and it's the best thing I could've done for myself.
Eating is still challenging at times, but for the most part I know what I can and can't tolerate. I still don't drink nearly enough water, mostly diet iced tea. Need to drink more water for sure. Also, I prob don't take in enough protein, but I had bloodwork done last week in preparation for my upcoming 6 month check-up with my surgeon this week. Then I'll find out how I'm doing and how I'm absorbing my nutrients. Hopefully, I'll get a good report from him. I haven't been too faithful with exercise, but I am still trying and not just giving up as I have done in the past. I really need to work out my flabby arms. That seems to be the part of sagginess that bothers me most.
I have a problem with hair loss - I lost so much hair these past few months - it was quite upsetting, however, I choose to not dwell on it becaue I cna't control it! I also used to have very curly hair and all the curl is gone - my hair is poker straight! Very weird. The loss has slowed a bit these past couple of weeks, but it is still coming out. I hope it stops soon and starts to regenerate.
So, for now that is my update and I will try to do more regular postings.
0 comments
I am now wearing a size 12 pants and I even bought a dress for a couple of weddings I will be attending in the fall - also a size 12! I can't even remember the last time I wore a dress, let alone actually like the way I look in it. There have been so many little victories along the way to this point - one being I use the regular stall in public restrooms as opposed to the handicapped one because I didn't fit in the other ones! What a feeling! My dad hadn't seen me since before the surgery up until about 2 weeks ago and he almost didn't recognize me! So many people are just amazed at how different I look - including myself! I have been able to wear some size small clothes and share with my daughters a few things. I had the confidence to start to look for a new job and found one! A job that pays more money, has more opportunity for growth and is a supervisory position. I never would have had the confidence to do that before surgery and weight loss. Another cool thing is that this is a whole new set of people who don't know I used to weigh 254.4 pounds! I don't even have to ever tell them if I don't want to. I may tell them, but it's nice to have the option - of not being "the girl who had WLS."
I can't believe how quickly I've gone through the sizes and I can't keep up with keeping myself in clothes at times, but I've found a good thrift store and that is helpful. i'm trying not to spend too much $$ on new clothes since I won't be wearing them for long!
I am so proud of myself and so thankful that I had the courage to do this - I HAVE NO REGRETS and it's the best thing I could've done for myself.
Eating is still challenging at times, but for the most part I know what I can and can't tolerate. I still don't drink nearly enough water, mostly diet iced tea. Need to drink more water for sure. Also, I prob don't take in enough protein, but I had bloodwork done last week in preparation for my upcoming 6 month check-up with my surgeon this week. Then I'll find out how I'm doing and how I'm absorbing my nutrients. Hopefully, I'll get a good report from him. I haven't been too faithful with exercise, but I am still trying and not just giving up as I have done in the past. I really need to work out my flabby arms. That seems to be the part of sagginess that bothers me most.
I have a problem with hair loss - I lost so much hair these past few months - it was quite upsetting, however, I choose to not dwell on it becaue I cna't control it! I also used to have very curly hair and all the curl is gone - my hair is poker straight! Very weird. The loss has slowed a bit these past couple of weeks, but it is still coming out. I hope it stops soon and starts to regenerate.
So, for now that is my update and I will try to do more regular postings.
30 POUNDS ALREADY!!!!!
Mar 07, 2009
Today marks the 9th day post op and I can hardly believe that I have lost a total of 30 pounds so far (since starting pre-op on 2/11)!!!!!! That is amazing!!!! 
OK, now for the "bad" parts: I am extremely fatigued and find it difficult to do anything. I take a shower and have to rest before I can dress myself. I went to my son's soccer game today and had to nap when I got home. I feel OK other than that (like no pain, etc..) My incisions are healing well it seems as they are itchy at this point - I am still in amazement that they are so small!
I had my cream of wheat Thursday evening (rushing things a bit because I wasn't supposed to start that phase until Friday, but I figured it wouldn't' hurt - and it didn't). It went down well and tasted so good. I made it with skim milk and put a packet of artificial sweetener in it too. I ate less than half of the serving. That's the one of the things I am having trouble with - knowing when I should stop and knowing when I should eat. Like right now I haven't eaten since about 1 and it's 6, but I am not sure if I am hungry. I guess I should try to get something down. I think I need the nourishment to start helping me feel stronger. I am frustrated! I still want a pizza and seeing my family eat is still difficult. Our wonderful church friends have been bringing us food - glorious food - for my family so I do not have to concern myself with cooking for them and that has been a huge blessing - but a huge difficulty for me since I cannot eat any of it!! A Boston Market dinner, chili and cornbread, fajitas and all the fixins with ice cream sandwiches for dessert, sausage with sauce and mac-n-cheese, and a meatloaf, mashed potatoes and broccoli dinner! And i am supposed to get 4 more tomorrow! They are truly wonderful people!
I also had a protein drink yesterday as well and had another for breakfast today. I had some tomato cheddar soup for lunch which was yummy and went down well and stayed down. I may have that again after I am done blogging here. I fear I am not taking in enough fluids at this point - I keep sipping water, but I feel weird after drinking and that probably keeps me from drinking as much as I should. I feel I may be a bit dehydrated - my skin on my face was very flaky today and my lips are all cracked and dry. This could also be contributing to my overall feeling of malaise.
I had a major meltdown last night and went to my room crying! A phone call from my sister made me feel better. That and then I listened to a great Third Day song called Tunnel. It's a very inspiring song for this situation for sure. I fell asleep listening to that.
I see my surgeon on Monday and am really looking forward to that visit. I need to remember to write down all my concerns because I have many and I know I will forget them if I don't make a list! I think that's probably when I'll post again - after that visit. I am excited for tomorrow - my first venture to church since the week before my surgery and it will be great to get some inspiration and see all my friends.
0 comments
OK, now for the "bad" parts: I am extremely fatigued and find it difficult to do anything. I take a shower and have to rest before I can dress myself. I went to my son's soccer game today and had to nap when I got home. I feel OK other than that (like no pain, etc..) My incisions are healing well it seems as they are itchy at this point - I am still in amazement that they are so small!
I had my cream of wheat Thursday evening (rushing things a bit because I wasn't supposed to start that phase until Friday, but I figured it wouldn't' hurt - and it didn't). It went down well and tasted so good. I made it with skim milk and put a packet of artificial sweetener in it too. I ate less than half of the serving. That's the one of the things I am having trouble with - knowing when I should stop and knowing when I should eat. Like right now I haven't eaten since about 1 and it's 6, but I am not sure if I am hungry. I guess I should try to get something down. I think I need the nourishment to start helping me feel stronger. I am frustrated! I still want a pizza and seeing my family eat is still difficult. Our wonderful church friends have been bringing us food - glorious food - for my family so I do not have to concern myself with cooking for them and that has been a huge blessing - but a huge difficulty for me since I cannot eat any of it!! A Boston Market dinner, chili and cornbread, fajitas and all the fixins with ice cream sandwiches for dessert, sausage with sauce and mac-n-cheese, and a meatloaf, mashed potatoes and broccoli dinner! And i am supposed to get 4 more tomorrow! They are truly wonderful people!
I also had a protein drink yesterday as well and had another for breakfast today. I had some tomato cheddar soup for lunch which was yummy and went down well and stayed down. I may have that again after I am done blogging here. I fear I am not taking in enough fluids at this point - I keep sipping water, but I feel weird after drinking and that probably keeps me from drinking as much as I should. I feel I may be a bit dehydrated - my skin on my face was very flaky today and my lips are all cracked and dry. This could also be contributing to my overall feeling of malaise.
I had a major meltdown last night and went to my room crying! A phone call from my sister made me feel better. That and then I listened to a great Third Day song called Tunnel. It's a very inspiring song for this situation for sure. I fell asleep listening to that.
I see my surgeon on Monday and am really looking forward to that visit. I need to remember to write down all my concerns because I have many and I know I will forget them if I don't make a list! I think that's probably when I'll post again - after that visit. I am excited for tomorrow - my first venture to church since the week before my surgery and it will be great to get some inspiration and see all my friends.
5 days post op!
Mar 03, 2009
Well, today marks 5 days post op for me, having had my RNY on 2/26/09. According to my surgeon, it was a boring surgery. Meaning, everything went smoothly and he also told my husband that I did not bleed a lot. OK, so that was his story - now mine:
My first few hours were tough and I got sick a few times after getting out of bed, bringing up blood. All normal per the nurse and it did get less and less each time until I was just dry-heaving. I had a morphine drip that was on PCA, but I was afraid to use it because I didn't want to vomit again and I thought that might be part of the problem. So, I wasn't in tremendous pain anyway, however, I did use the morphine sparingly. The first night was terrible as I got no sleep at all having to get out of bed every hour to use the bathroom. I had to call the nurses to unhook me from all my monitors and unplug my IV every time. Well, they were busy and couldn't come immediately (understandable) but I really had to go! At times the pressure in my bladder was a greater pain than my incisions! Then I was having trouble feeling like my bladder was emptying completely and I still had to go but nothing would happen. So I asked for a catheter. (I know, who the heck ASKS for that? But I have a history of my bladder "freaking" out after anesthesia and I've had to have that before - I knew what was happening.) My doc ok'd a foley but just until 7 am. Great, I thought, maybe I'll get some sleep. But then the nurses waited 2-3 more hours before they tried to put one in. Many attempts by two nurses later, i still had no cath. They couldn't "find" my bladder! Perhaps it was a result of the bladder lift I had a few years ago, but still I was in pain. Then the rest of the night was every hour on the hour like clockwork - unhook me and to the bathroom!
The next day proved a bit better, but I was still uncomfortable. The bladder issue seemed to resolve by mid-morning. My surgeon came to see me and told me that he thought I should stay another night. No going home the next day for me as I had hoped. I was pleasantly surprised at the smallness of my incisions, 4 very tiny and one slightly larger than that one - all able to be covered by surgical band-aid smaller than a regular band-aid. Thank God for that. I was not in terrible pain, but more sore - feeling like some beat me up on the inside. Definitely tolerable. Later that eve at dinner time I took in my first "meal" of broth, tea and crystal light. I took a few sips of each and was done. That night I slept a lot better (two-hour stretches!) and was able to disconnect myself when I needed to go to the restroom. That sure made things easier!
The next morning I was up early and feeling pretty good. I had kept down what I had consumed the night before and ate my breakfast of the same that morning. By 9:30 am my doc had come in to see me and said I could go home anytime I wanted. I was home by 11:30!!!!
First day home: all I wanted was a shower and sleep, which is exactly what I did! Man, did that feel good. Since that day I have slowly felt better each day, except I am terribly weak now. I have absolutely zero energy. Partly why I have taken until now to post - I haven't even had energy to be on the computer! I have been on the clear liquids phase of the post-op diet and getting pretty bored with it at this point. I can't wait until Friday when I can have full liquids - my first choice is going to be very diluted cream of wheat! Sad that that sounds sooo yummy to me right now, right? I am not really hungry but I am struggling with wanting food - especially pizza - if I see one more pizza hut/papa johns/dominos pizza commercial on tv i think i may scream! That and chocolate! I miss chocolate! Ok, feels better to get that off my chest.
I am also struggling with these odd gastric feelings and "noises" that are emanating from my body that I have no control over! It's so weird and it's uncomfortable too. It seems to happen most when I drink tea or water or iced tea, but not when I eat broth or water-ice or jello. I am not sure what to make of this feeling, but hope it passes soon.
I guess that pretty much brings me up-to-date about everything - I am hanging in there - getting better each day and oh - I almost forgot the most important thing - I am down a total of 17 pounds so far (since pre-op diet started 2/12) and that is pretty amazing!!!!
0 comments
My first few hours were tough and I got sick a few times after getting out of bed, bringing up blood. All normal per the nurse and it did get less and less each time until I was just dry-heaving. I had a morphine drip that was on PCA, but I was afraid to use it because I didn't want to vomit again and I thought that might be part of the problem. So, I wasn't in tremendous pain anyway, however, I did use the morphine sparingly. The first night was terrible as I got no sleep at all having to get out of bed every hour to use the bathroom. I had to call the nurses to unhook me from all my monitors and unplug my IV every time. Well, they were busy and couldn't come immediately (understandable) but I really had to go! At times the pressure in my bladder was a greater pain than my incisions! Then I was having trouble feeling like my bladder was emptying completely and I still had to go but nothing would happen. So I asked for a catheter. (I know, who the heck ASKS for that? But I have a history of my bladder "freaking" out after anesthesia and I've had to have that before - I knew what was happening.) My doc ok'd a foley but just until 7 am. Great, I thought, maybe I'll get some sleep. But then the nurses waited 2-3 more hours before they tried to put one in. Many attempts by two nurses later, i still had no cath. They couldn't "find" my bladder! Perhaps it was a result of the bladder lift I had a few years ago, but still I was in pain. Then the rest of the night was every hour on the hour like clockwork - unhook me and to the bathroom!
The next day proved a bit better, but I was still uncomfortable. The bladder issue seemed to resolve by mid-morning. My surgeon came to see me and told me that he thought I should stay another night. No going home the next day for me as I had hoped. I was pleasantly surprised at the smallness of my incisions, 4 very tiny and one slightly larger than that one - all able to be covered by surgical band-aid smaller than a regular band-aid. Thank God for that. I was not in terrible pain, but more sore - feeling like some beat me up on the inside. Definitely tolerable. Later that eve at dinner time I took in my first "meal" of broth, tea and crystal light. I took a few sips of each and was done. That night I slept a lot better (two-hour stretches!) and was able to disconnect myself when I needed to go to the restroom. That sure made things easier!
The next morning I was up early and feeling pretty good. I had kept down what I had consumed the night before and ate my breakfast of the same that morning. By 9:30 am my doc had come in to see me and said I could go home anytime I wanted. I was home by 11:30!!!!
First day home: all I wanted was a shower and sleep, which is exactly what I did! Man, did that feel good. Since that day I have slowly felt better each day, except I am terribly weak now. I have absolutely zero energy. Partly why I have taken until now to post - I haven't even had energy to be on the computer! I have been on the clear liquids phase of the post-op diet and getting pretty bored with it at this point. I can't wait until Friday when I can have full liquids - my first choice is going to be very diluted cream of wheat! Sad that that sounds sooo yummy to me right now, right? I am not really hungry but I am struggling with wanting food - especially pizza - if I see one more pizza hut/papa johns/dominos pizza commercial on tv i think i may scream! That and chocolate! I miss chocolate! Ok, feels better to get that off my chest.
I am also struggling with these odd gastric feelings and "noises" that are emanating from my body that I have no control over! It's so weird and it's uncomfortable too. It seems to happen most when I drink tea or water or iced tea, but not when I eat broth or water-ice or jello. I am not sure what to make of this feeling, but hope it passes soon.
I guess that pretty much brings me up-to-date about everything - I am hanging in there - getting better each day and oh - I almost forgot the most important thing - I am down a total of 17 pounds so far (since pre-op diet started 2/12) and that is pretty amazing!!!!
I'm almost there!
Feb 22, 2009
Well, I've wanted to write so many times, but I've been so busy and I've been very emotional. This pre-op diet is sooooooo hard - extra hard. Went to the mall with a friend and we were there a long time - she had to eat. She had tomato pie and it looked and smelled sooo good - I love tomato pie! I was good and ate my protein meal replacement bar and had a diet soda. It was hard to pass the Auntie Ann's Pretzels place and the ice cream place and the smell of the popcorn form the adjacent movie theater was calling my name! I resisted all! Only through the power of God.
In the midst of these past weeks, I celebrated my 38th birthday on 2/18. I was really a wreck that day. I had my pre-operative testing that day at the hospital. All went well and I saw my surgeon again too. I told his physician's assistant how I was feeling and just broke down. She asked me what I was eating/consuming and after I told her she said I wasn't eating enough! Funny, huh? Food deprivation makes you miserable! I cannot wait until surgery day! Then, even though I will still not be able to eat for a while, the hunger will go away.
I have lost a little over 10 lbs so far and that is encouraging. I can even feel a slight difference in my clothes and I feel a little lighter too. But I feel like for as little as I've been eating, I should have lost 40 lbs! haha! All in due time.
I was finally able to add some pictures to my profile. I want to chronicle this journey and plan to take pictures monthly - same place, same shots to really see the progression - or digression I should say.
For now that's it.
0 comments
In the midst of these past weeks, I celebrated my 38th birthday on 2/18. I was really a wreck that day. I had my pre-operative testing that day at the hospital. All went well and I saw my surgeon again too. I told his physician's assistant how I was feeling and just broke down. She asked me what I was eating/consuming and after I told her she said I wasn't eating enough! Funny, huh? Food deprivation makes you miserable! I cannot wait until surgery day! Then, even though I will still not be able to eat for a while, the hunger will go away.
I have lost a little over 10 lbs so far and that is encouraging. I can even feel a slight difference in my clothes and I feel a little lighter too. But I feel like for as little as I've been eating, I should have lost 40 lbs! haha! All in due time.
I was finally able to add some pictures to my profile. I want to chronicle this journey and plan to take pictures monthly - same place, same shots to really see the progression - or digression I should say.
For now that's it.
Harder Than I Thought
Feb 12, 2009
Day one (yesterday) of the pre-op diet proved to be a challenge! I was (and still am) hungry with a capital H! I didn't like the salad I made for myself for lunch so I didn't eat it all. I munched on carrots throughout the day, but that got old real quick. I am using a sugar substitute Nevella in my tea and I think it makes me thirstier and kind of "cotton-mouthed." Maybe I will get used to it. I like the chocolate protein shake, but not crazy about the vanilla. I am thinking that this is going to be a l-o-n-g two weeks of trial and error. Today I will actually have time to cook my veggies - gonna try roasting them with a little bit of olive oil cooking spray and seasonings. One highlight was that my stepdad, who is amazing, made me escarole soup (without the meatballs, of course) yesterday and that was really yummy.
It was difficult to smell the steak my husband cooked for dinner cooking and then watch him and my son eat it. The only thing that comforted me there was that it was rib eye steak and I really don't like that (too fatty.) But the oreo cookies and tastycakes that were around here were looking quite good as was the hershey bar my husband ate. then he left the wrapper for me to clean up! insensitive?! proabably just thoughtless. either way.....
One co-worker tried to "talk me out of it" and was pretty negative. One reason why I didn't want to tell anyone at work until afterwards. I really don't need any negativity during this time.
I am thinking I will probably spend a lot of time in my bedroom alone praying for strength, maybe crying a bit too. I am feeling weepy these days, but then again I am a pretty emotional person.
Ok - good things to focus on: 1. I made it through day one! 2. I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. 3. I lost another 2 lbs!
2 comments
It was difficult to smell the steak my husband cooked for dinner cooking and then watch him and my son eat it. The only thing that comforted me there was that it was rib eye steak and I really don't like that (too fatty.) But the oreo cookies and tastycakes that were around here were looking quite good as was the hershey bar my husband ate. then he left the wrapper for me to clean up! insensitive?! proabably just thoughtless. either way.....
One co-worker tried to "talk me out of it" and was pretty negative. One reason why I didn't want to tell anyone at work until afterwards. I really don't need any negativity during this time.
I am thinking I will probably spend a lot of time in my bedroom alone praying for strength, maybe crying a bit too. I am feeling weepy these days, but then again I am a pretty emotional person.
Ok - good things to focus on: 1. I made it through day one! 2. I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. 3. I lost another 2 lbs!
"Last Supper"
Feb 11, 2009
Well, yesterday was the last day of the old me! And today I start my new beginning with my 2-week pre-op diet. Hooray! I am so excited! I went to the produce store yesterday after work and loaded up on veggies, then to the grocery to load up on SF pops and SF jello and SF water ice, protein powder, etc.... I had some fun thinking about how to make these next two weeks of eating interesting - it is a challenge. But one I am up to.
So, yesterday I can't even remember what I ate for breakfast. I remember thinking about Dunkin' Donuts or McDonald's or something and then not really wanting it - so I didn't do it. I had a snack pack of Cheez-Its at work mid-morning and then we had a meeting at work and we ordered in Chinese. I got steamed dumplings and only ate half, amazingly. Then for my "last supper", after much deliberation, I chose to have a small Italian hoagie from Wawa and I made bacon and had about 6 slices of that. Drank my last Pepsi, which I also didn't even finish. Dessert was good old milk and cookies - Double Stuff Oreos of course!
Oh -and by the way - somehow I lost 1.5 lbs since Tuesday! I wasn't even trying! I think my body knows it's getting ready to do something fantastic!
So, that's it! I am done!
1 comment
So, yesterday I can't even remember what I ate for breakfast. I remember thinking about Dunkin' Donuts or McDonald's or something and then not really wanting it - so I didn't do it. I had a snack pack of Cheez-Its at work mid-morning and then we had a meeting at work and we ordered in Chinese. I got steamed dumplings and only ate half, amazingly. Then for my "last supper", after much deliberation, I chose to have a small Italian hoagie from Wawa and I made bacon and had about 6 slices of that. Drank my last Pepsi, which I also didn't even finish. Dessert was good old milk and cookies - Double Stuff Oreos of course!
Oh -and by the way - somehow I lost 1.5 lbs since Tuesday! I wasn't even trying! I think my body knows it's getting ready to do something fantastic!
So, that's it! I am done!
