Mary Ellen Wagner
9 Month Post Op Check Up July 20, 2009
Jul 25, 2009
I had my 9 month post op check up on July 20, 2009. I gained a few lbs so I have to get back on track with higher protein, fresh fruits and veggies and whole grains. I have been eating too many simple carbs and sugars and have gained back a few lbs. I also just joined Curves about 10 days ago and go 3 times per week to work out for a half hour. It is helping me with my weight loss and also with my arthritis by getting my joints moving more. I hope to lose more weight by my 1 year surgiversary which will be Oct. 25.
Some Wow moments: I No Longer have Diabetes Tyle 2, my sugars are normal without any type of medication. I am off all medications for diabetes and high blood pressure. My blood pressure has been great and my total cholesterol has come down from 235 to 138. My PC is so happy with the results and health benefits of this surgery. Now I plan to get back on track with more activity, riding my exercise bike 3 times per week on Tues. Thurs. and Sat. and going to Curves Mon., Wed. and Fri. Sunday will be my day off to rest and go to church and visit friends. I plan to eat more high protein foods and at least 1 protein shake per day and eat more whole grains and fresh fruits and veggies. I have my own garden this year and will have fresh tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, zuchinni, butternut squash, cabbage, cantaloupe and watermellon to eat this summer. I am sure this will get me back on track. I will munch on fresh veggies and fruit when I need a snack as well as protein such as peanut butter, nuts, cheese, etc. I will have 1-2 protein shakes per day to up my protein a lot more. I am lucky to get 80 grams of protein in each day and my Nut just told I should be getting at least 90 grams of protein per day. I am going to try to get at least 100 grams or more per day to help jump start my weight loss again. I love my DS and I will really try to use this tool to the best of my ability.
I found out I have an Umbilical Hernia, when I cough, sneeze or lift heavy items, I get some pressure and pain in that area and I can feel the bulge coming out from inside my belly button. It is not serious because it reduces on its own and they do not like to do hernia repairs until at least 1 year out of surgery. I have an Appt. with my Nut at my 1 year mark on Oct. 20th and will have a bunch of Labs done before that appt. to see where my vitamin, blood count, etc. labs are at so I can adjust my vitamins and supps accordingly. I will also see my Surgeon on Oct. 20th to evaluate my Umbilical Hernia. I had Open BPD/DS Surgery and have an incision from just below my breast bone and down to the right side to below my belly button so the bulging is in and around the belly button and a short way above the navel.
Here is My Vitamin Schedule - it is not endorsed by OH or any other member here, it is just what I am taking for my own health needs....I am taking Bariatric Advantage High A,D,E & K 3 times per day as well as an extra 1 Vitalady Tender A-25,000 cap daily which I get from Bariatric Advantage, I also take Bariatric Advantage Dry Vitamin D3 10,000 IU daily. I also take 1 Complete B Complex from Puritan Pride Daily. I take 1 Bariatric Advantage Chewable Iron 29 mg. with Vit. C Daily in the middle of the night. I take this with Fruit Juice and 500 mg of Vit. C and Copper 2 mg with the Iron in the middle of the night to help absorbtion. The Vit. C and Copper I get from Puritan Pride. I take Calcium Citrate 500 mg 4 times per day during the day. I take Bariatric Advantage Calicum Citrate Chews, chocolate flavor, 2 chews 2 times per day and I take another Calcium Citrate Tab. 2 times per day, 500 mg. for each dose. This Calcium Citrate is Elemental 500 mg and found in my local CVS Store., 2 Tabs equal 500 mg. I also take a Good Probiotic 2 times daily which and Coromega once daily to get my Omega 3. I get this from Bariatric Advantage too. I have AutoShip with them and I earn Reward Points each time I buy from them and I can then use those reward points toward future purchases to save money. I also get a B12 Shot from my Dr. every 3 months.
Other supps. I take are Green Tea Extract Caps. from Puritan Pride. I take 1 cap 2 times per day. Magnesium 250 mg daily cut into 2-125mg halfs and take with my Cal. Citrate 2 times daily. I also take Zinc 25mg daily at bedtime. I get both the Mag. and Zinc from Puritan Pride. Very reasonable prices at Puritan Pride and a lot of vitamins you get buy 1 get 1 free... I take 2 tablespoons of a Blend of Noni, Goji, Mangostene and Acai Concentrated Juices called Exotic Furit Blend that I get from Puritan Pride. These juices are suppose to be very beneficial for our health so I am trying it to see if it makes a difference in how I feel and my labs. etc. I also just started taking Red Wine Extract (Resveratrol) which is an antioxidant that you would get if you drank a lot of wine but without having the drink the alcohol beverage. With this I take 2 caps. daily and I get it from Puritan Pride. This is my regemen and not endorsed by OH or any other person.
I do have more energy than I did before surgery and my clothes are all getting too big. I am holding at around 50 lbs lost but am now starting to really up my protein and complex carbs so that I can jump start my weight loss. I am also getting a lot more exercise now and hope to be losing more weight soon. I still have Osteo Arthtitis and have a lot of Joint and Back Problems but I expect that to get a little better with more weight loss and exercise. I will update here again in 3 months when I have my 1 year check up and see my surgeon for my hernia on Oct. 20th, 2009. I still do get a lot of gas but my bowels have been good. I usually have a bowel movement about 2 times per day, mostly in the mornings. No loose stools since right after surgery. I think with cutting out more of the simple carbs and sugars, I can get some relief from the gas problems. The gas is usually later in the day toward evening and during the night. I live at home alone with pets so it is not a problem as long as I am not out in public and around a lot of people.
I want to thank everyone here on OH for all the support and advise. I still come and read the posts and learn more all the time. I love the recipes from Egg Face and others too. This is a wonderful forum with lots of really great people ans support. I want to thank you all for your continued help and support for myself and others. Take care and have a great summer.
Mary Ellen
0 comments
Some Wow moments: I No Longer have Diabetes Tyle 2, my sugars are normal without any type of medication. I am off all medications for diabetes and high blood pressure. My blood pressure has been great and my total cholesterol has come down from 235 to 138. My PC is so happy with the results and health benefits of this surgery. Now I plan to get back on track with more activity, riding my exercise bike 3 times per week on Tues. Thurs. and Sat. and going to Curves Mon., Wed. and Fri. Sunday will be my day off to rest and go to church and visit friends. I plan to eat more high protein foods and at least 1 protein shake per day and eat more whole grains and fresh fruits and veggies. I have my own garden this year and will have fresh tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, zuchinni, butternut squash, cabbage, cantaloupe and watermellon to eat this summer. I am sure this will get me back on track. I will munch on fresh veggies and fruit when I need a snack as well as protein such as peanut butter, nuts, cheese, etc. I will have 1-2 protein shakes per day to up my protein a lot more. I am lucky to get 80 grams of protein in each day and my Nut just told I should be getting at least 90 grams of protein per day. I am going to try to get at least 100 grams or more per day to help jump start my weight loss again. I love my DS and I will really try to use this tool to the best of my ability.
I found out I have an Umbilical Hernia, when I cough, sneeze or lift heavy items, I get some pressure and pain in that area and I can feel the bulge coming out from inside my belly button. It is not serious because it reduces on its own and they do not like to do hernia repairs until at least 1 year out of surgery. I have an Appt. with my Nut at my 1 year mark on Oct. 20th and will have a bunch of Labs done before that appt. to see where my vitamin, blood count, etc. labs are at so I can adjust my vitamins and supps accordingly. I will also see my Surgeon on Oct. 20th to evaluate my Umbilical Hernia. I had Open BPD/DS Surgery and have an incision from just below my breast bone and down to the right side to below my belly button so the bulging is in and around the belly button and a short way above the navel.
Here is My Vitamin Schedule - it is not endorsed by OH or any other member here, it is just what I am taking for my own health needs....I am taking Bariatric Advantage High A,D,E & K 3 times per day as well as an extra 1 Vitalady Tender A-25,000 cap daily which I get from Bariatric Advantage, I also take Bariatric Advantage Dry Vitamin D3 10,000 IU daily. I also take 1 Complete B Complex from Puritan Pride Daily. I take 1 Bariatric Advantage Chewable Iron 29 mg. with Vit. C Daily in the middle of the night. I take this with Fruit Juice and 500 mg of Vit. C and Copper 2 mg with the Iron in the middle of the night to help absorbtion. The Vit. C and Copper I get from Puritan Pride. I take Calcium Citrate 500 mg 4 times per day during the day. I take Bariatric Advantage Calicum Citrate Chews, chocolate flavor, 2 chews 2 times per day and I take another Calcium Citrate Tab. 2 times per day, 500 mg. for each dose. This Calcium Citrate is Elemental 500 mg and found in my local CVS Store., 2 Tabs equal 500 mg. I also take a Good Probiotic 2 times daily which and Coromega once daily to get my Omega 3. I get this from Bariatric Advantage too. I have AutoShip with them and I earn Reward Points each time I buy from them and I can then use those reward points toward future purchases to save money. I also get a B12 Shot from my Dr. every 3 months.
Other supps. I take are Green Tea Extract Caps. from Puritan Pride. I take 1 cap 2 times per day. Magnesium 250 mg daily cut into 2-125mg halfs and take with my Cal. Citrate 2 times daily. I also take Zinc 25mg daily at bedtime. I get both the Mag. and Zinc from Puritan Pride. Very reasonable prices at Puritan Pride and a lot of vitamins you get buy 1 get 1 free... I take 2 tablespoons of a Blend of Noni, Goji, Mangostene and Acai Concentrated Juices called Exotic Furit Blend that I get from Puritan Pride. These juices are suppose to be very beneficial for our health so I am trying it to see if it makes a difference in how I feel and my labs. etc. I also just started taking Red Wine Extract (Resveratrol) which is an antioxidant that you would get if you drank a lot of wine but without having the drink the alcohol beverage. With this I take 2 caps. daily and I get it from Puritan Pride. This is my regemen and not endorsed by OH or any other person.
I do have more energy than I did before surgery and my clothes are all getting too big. I am holding at around 50 lbs lost but am now starting to really up my protein and complex carbs so that I can jump start my weight loss. I am also getting a lot more exercise now and hope to be losing more weight soon. I still have Osteo Arthtitis and have a lot of Joint and Back Problems but I expect that to get a little better with more weight loss and exercise. I will update here again in 3 months when I have my 1 year check up and see my surgeon for my hernia on Oct. 20th, 2009. I still do get a lot of gas but my bowels have been good. I usually have a bowel movement about 2 times per day, mostly in the mornings. No loose stools since right after surgery. I think with cutting out more of the simple carbs and sugars, I can get some relief from the gas problems. The gas is usually later in the day toward evening and during the night. I live at home alone with pets so it is not a problem as long as I am not out in public and around a lot of people.
I want to thank everyone here on OH for all the support and advise. I still come and read the posts and learn more all the time. I love the recipes from Egg Face and others too. This is a wonderful forum with lots of really great people ans support. I want to thank you all for your continued help and support for myself and others. Take care and have a great summer.
Mary Ellen
6 Month Post Op Update
May 07, 2009
I had my 6 month post op check up in April and I am doing well with my protein and able to eat just about anything. However, I am stalled at 249 lbs but have lost about 60 lbs since I started the program before surgery and since surgery together. I am eating too many carbs and need to cut back on those, eat a little more protein and get more exercise. I was trying to do too much and sit ups and my recumbent exercise bike and really had my lower back out of whack. I was told to lay off the sit ups and just to the bike and slowly increase the amount of time I am on it and to also do some upper body exercises daily. I have a lot of degenerative joint and also degenerative disc disease as well as other problems with my back so I cannot do a lot of things or for too long.
I had some labs done and my vitamin D levels were in the normal range but on the low side so I increased my intake of vitamin D3. I also had a B12 shot at my check up visit. I will be having a Bone Density Test on May 15th. I go back in July for my 9 month check up and another B12 Shot. I no longer have Diabetes Type II or High Blood Pressure. I am off all medications for both those conditions and my cholesterol and triglycerides are very good also. The DS have given me my life back and resolved my diabetes and high blood pressure and all risks associated with those conditions that I had before surgery. I belong to a very supportive church and my Lord Jesus has been there and helped me through everything.
I am now going to concentrate on getting more active, doing some gardening and increasing my protein and lowering my simple carbs. I do have more energy now and more stamina too. I plan to drink at least 1 protein shake per day along with food sources of protein in hopes it will help me start to lose weight again. Even if I did not lose anymore weight, this surgery has been worth it just to be healthier and in resolving a lot of my co-morbidities. I am much happier and healthier than I was before my DS. Thank God for the DS and my wonderful surgeon and everyone here that has helped me along the way too. Best wishes to you all and if anyone wants to chat or contact me for support, please do so. Take Care and God Bless You All.
Mary Ellen
0 comments
I had some labs done and my vitamin D levels were in the normal range but on the low side so I increased my intake of vitamin D3. I also had a B12 shot at my check up visit. I will be having a Bone Density Test on May 15th. I go back in July for my 9 month check up and another B12 Shot. I no longer have Diabetes Type II or High Blood Pressure. I am off all medications for both those conditions and my cholesterol and triglycerides are very good also. The DS have given me my life back and resolved my diabetes and high blood pressure and all risks associated with those conditions that I had before surgery. I belong to a very supportive church and my Lord Jesus has been there and helped me through everything.
I am now going to concentrate on getting more active, doing some gardening and increasing my protein and lowering my simple carbs. I do have more energy now and more stamina too. I plan to drink at least 1 protein shake per day along with food sources of protein in hopes it will help me start to lose weight again. Even if I did not lose anymore weight, this surgery has been worth it just to be healthier and in resolving a lot of my co-morbidities. I am much happier and healthier than I was before my DS. Thank God for the DS and my wonderful surgeon and everyone here that has helped me along the way too. Best wishes to you all and if anyone wants to chat or contact me for support, please do so. Take Care and God Bless You All.
Mary Ellen
3 Month DS Post Op Update
Jan 20, 2009
I am 3 months post op DS now. I have lost about 50 lbs and have been at a stall now for about a month or more. I feel I may be eating too much. I am trying to get in 3-4 oz of protein at least 4 times per day. I also eat some veggies and fruits and whole grains, sort of like childs portions now. I am drinking at least 64 oz of fluids per day. I am still at a stall in weight loss but now my hair is falling out in large amounts. I washed my hair this morning and had handfuls of hair in my hands when I rinsed my hair, it is so thin. I am used to having very heavy thick hair. How long does this last and when will it start to grow back? How can I jumpstart my weight loss again. I am thinking of doing at least 1 protein shake per day again along with lean meats, cheese, milk, etc. Cutting down on starches and carbs, esp. simple carbs.
I tolerate just about everything well, all meats go well for me, unless I eat them too fast and eat too much. I seem to be tolerating all foods well at this point. I also want to start getting in more excercise, I have a lot of joint and back problems but am trying to get more active. Any suggestions and advise is appreciated. Can I do anything else to help stop more hair loss? I am taking Bariatric Multi that are high in ADEK 3 times per day and Calcium Citrate 1800 mg in 3 doses per day. My multi has biotin in it but maybe not enough if that is needed for hair loss. I am also taking an iron with vit. c at bedtime separate from my other vitamins and supps. I will have my first post op labs done around the end of March and then can add or change my vitamin schedule after I see what needs adjusting.
I have no real bowel isses now, I did for the first 2-3 weeks. I do get a lot of gas, not really painful but I pass a lot of gas later in the day and at night. That may be from food choices as well and I live alone with pets so not a big issue. I do get hungry but try to drink instead of eat and when I do eat, I try to choose a snacks high in protein or a few raw veggies, fresh fruit or nuts.
I do have more energy and my clothes are getting loser too so I am very pleased with those results so far. My blood sugars have been great, around 99-110 fasting in the mornings and I am no longer taking Any meds for diabetes since my surgery. My blood pressure is better too but I am only taking 1/2 the dose of blood pressure meds than I was taking before surgery. My joint and back pain have improved somewhat but I do have major arthritis issues as well as degenerative disc disease in my back but I am able to be more mobile than I was before surgery. All thanks to my DS.
I have No Regrets at all in having the BPD/DS, the only thing I would do different would be to have done it much sooner. I am so glad I found out about the DS here before I had the RNY. I know DS was the right choice for me and I would have regretted having the RNY if I had not learned of the DS before I had my surgery. Thanks to OH and the DS forum for all the info. that helped me make the right choice to have my DS. Best wishes to everyone on OH.
Mary Ellen
0 comments
I tolerate just about everything well, all meats go well for me, unless I eat them too fast and eat too much. I seem to be tolerating all foods well at this point. I also want to start getting in more excercise, I have a lot of joint and back problems but am trying to get more active. Any suggestions and advise is appreciated. Can I do anything else to help stop more hair loss? I am taking Bariatric Multi that are high in ADEK 3 times per day and Calcium Citrate 1800 mg in 3 doses per day. My multi has biotin in it but maybe not enough if that is needed for hair loss. I am also taking an iron with vit. c at bedtime separate from my other vitamins and supps. I will have my first post op labs done around the end of March and then can add or change my vitamin schedule after I see what needs adjusting.
I have no real bowel isses now, I did for the first 2-3 weeks. I do get a lot of gas, not really painful but I pass a lot of gas later in the day and at night. That may be from food choices as well and I live alone with pets so not a big issue. I do get hungry but try to drink instead of eat and when I do eat, I try to choose a snacks high in protein or a few raw veggies, fresh fruit or nuts.
I do have more energy and my clothes are getting loser too so I am very pleased with those results so far. My blood sugars have been great, around 99-110 fasting in the mornings and I am no longer taking Any meds for diabetes since my surgery. My blood pressure is better too but I am only taking 1/2 the dose of blood pressure meds than I was taking before surgery. My joint and back pain have improved somewhat but I do have major arthritis issues as well as degenerative disc disease in my back but I am able to be more mobile than I was before surgery. All thanks to my DS.
I have No Regrets at all in having the BPD/DS, the only thing I would do different would be to have done it much sooner. I am so glad I found out about the DS here before I had the RNY. I know DS was the right choice for me and I would have regretted having the RNY if I had not learned of the DS before I had my surgery. Thanks to OH and the DS forum for all the info. that helped me make the right choice to have my DS. Best wishes to everyone on OH.
Mary Ellen
8 Week Post Op Visit, Dec. 16th, 2008
Dec 24, 2008
I will be 8 weeks out on Dec. 21st so I had my 8 week check up scheduled a little early on Dec. 16th. I have lost 44 lbs in weight since surgery plus more with over 20 lbs of fluid gained in the hospital. I moved on to the last stage of foods which is 3-4 oz. protein first and then about 1/4 C. Starchy food and 1/4 C. Veggies or Fruit per meal if I have room after I eat all my protein. I am to get in at least 80 grams or protein per day and I am personally aiming for 90 grams or more per day. I am also getting in about 48-64 oz. of fluids per day. I got my B12 Shot at my visit and am taking Multi-Vitamins twice per day plus another vitamin that has high doses of Vitamins ADE&K. I am taking about 1800 mg of Calcium Citrate per day in 3 doses of 600 mg. each.
My Diabetes type 2 seems to be cured at this time. My blood sugars are ranging from 101-118 now without taking any medications at all for it. I used to be 130 to 150 with taking oral medications for it. My blood pressure has come down some but still a slightly high so they have me on 1/2 the dose of blood pressure medication than I used to take. My arthritis pain is a bit better but I am also back taking my Celebrex for my joint and back pain and that has also helped a lot. I also had an abdominal CT Scan done on Dec. 16th and my surgeon said everything looks good inside. I have a 120 cm common channel and eating is going very well. I take some benefiber daily and that helps with my bowels and I usually have 2-3 soft formed bowel movements daily. I had issues early on with diarrhea and accidents with this but none since about 4 weeks out. When eating and I am getting full, I get some feeling now of fullness where I did not early out, if I ate too much then, I just brought it all back up. Now, no issues with vommiting or nausea, I usually will hick-up or burp when I am getting too full and I stop eating right away. I try to drink fluids separately though because if I drink too much with meals, I cannot get all my protein, etc. in then.
I go back in 3 months on March 27th and will have lots of lab work done then to check my nutrition and vitamin levels and also will have my next B12 shot. I will get the B12 Shots about every 3 months for the rest of my life now. My clothes are getting looser and baggy, I got some free clothes at some local church clothing drives and they are in smaller sizes so I can move into them as I get smaller. I will then donate my larger sizes to the free clothing drives or offer them here or at my local GB Support group.
My DS Surgery is a Wonderful Christmas Gift for me, helping me get my quality of life back and my health back is the best gift I could have ever given myself. I Thank God for seeing me through this and for this great chance to get my health and life back. No regrets at all in having the BPD/DS Done. It truely is an amazing surgery and journey and it is just getting better every day. I hope to lose at least another 75-90 lbs before it is all said and done. I am at a stall right now, but I know that is normal and with the holidays and starting to eat some starches and fruits and veggies, I expect the weight lose to pick up again soon. I will try to up my protein and drink at least 1 protein shake per day in addition to protein foods 3-4 times per day. I also will start riding my recumbent stationary bike more and walking more as I am able with my joint and back pain. Wishing You All a Very Merry and Blessed Christmas and a Happy, Healthy and Safe New Year. God Bless and Keep You All. Remember Jesus is the Reason for the Season, Celebrate his Birth and Glorify Him...
Mary Ellen
1 comment
My Diabetes type 2 seems to be cured at this time. My blood sugars are ranging from 101-118 now without taking any medications at all for it. I used to be 130 to 150 with taking oral medications for it. My blood pressure has come down some but still a slightly high so they have me on 1/2 the dose of blood pressure medication than I used to take. My arthritis pain is a bit better but I am also back taking my Celebrex for my joint and back pain and that has also helped a lot. I also had an abdominal CT Scan done on Dec. 16th and my surgeon said everything looks good inside. I have a 120 cm common channel and eating is going very well. I take some benefiber daily and that helps with my bowels and I usually have 2-3 soft formed bowel movements daily. I had issues early on with diarrhea and accidents with this but none since about 4 weeks out. When eating and I am getting full, I get some feeling now of fullness where I did not early out, if I ate too much then, I just brought it all back up. Now, no issues with vommiting or nausea, I usually will hick-up or burp when I am getting too full and I stop eating right away. I try to drink fluids separately though because if I drink too much with meals, I cannot get all my protein, etc. in then.
I go back in 3 months on March 27th and will have lots of lab work done then to check my nutrition and vitamin levels and also will have my next B12 shot. I will get the B12 Shots about every 3 months for the rest of my life now. My clothes are getting looser and baggy, I got some free clothes at some local church clothing drives and they are in smaller sizes so I can move into them as I get smaller. I will then donate my larger sizes to the free clothing drives or offer them here or at my local GB Support group.
My DS Surgery is a Wonderful Christmas Gift for me, helping me get my quality of life back and my health back is the best gift I could have ever given myself. I Thank God for seeing me through this and for this great chance to get my health and life back. No regrets at all in having the BPD/DS Done. It truely is an amazing surgery and journey and it is just getting better every day. I hope to lose at least another 75-90 lbs before it is all said and done. I am at a stall right now, but I know that is normal and with the holidays and starting to eat some starches and fruits and veggies, I expect the weight lose to pick up again soon. I will try to up my protein and drink at least 1 protein shake per day in addition to protein foods 3-4 times per day. I also will start riding my recumbent stationary bike more and walking more as I am able with my joint and back pain. Wishing You All a Very Merry and Blessed Christmas and a Happy, Healthy and Safe New Year. God Bless and Keep You All. Remember Jesus is the Reason for the Season, Celebrate his Birth and Glorify Him...
Mary Ellen
2nd Post Op Visit on Nov. 18, 2008
Dec 11, 2008
I had my 2nd Post Op Visit with my Surgeon and NUT on Nov. 18th, 2008. My incision is healing well except for the very top where they had a large knot to start the sutures and at the very bottom a small opening near my belly button. No infection but some drainage from these areas. I am too keep them clean and cover them if they are draining. I am still wearing my binder and sleeping a little better now. I am off all narcotics and have very little pain, just some discomfort, esp. if I eat too much and with some gas issues. If I eat too much I throw it up right away. I am learning how to tell when my tummy is full and when to stop and not take another bite. I am still slightly anemic and get very tired, but my blood counts are improving. I had another CBC Blood test today to keep check on this. I am to have an Abdominal CT Scan at my next visit on Dec. 16th, 2008 to make sure everything is working well. I still get diarrhea at times but not as bad as the first couple of weeks.
My NUT told me I was doing well and to move on to the next stage of foods which is soft and moist meats and proteins. I am to increase my protein now to a min. of 80 grams per day and to continue to get between 48-64 oz of liquids in per day. I am drinking mainly water because crystal lite and other flavored drinks just do not taste right to me or settle well with my tummy. I still do at least 1 protein shake per day.
I go back to my surgeon and NUT on Dec. 16th and have my CT Scan done early that morning. I am doing more around the house like laundry and dishes, etc. but I am still limited to lifting no more than 20 lbs.
Mary Ellen
My NUT told me I was doing well and to move on to the next stage of foods which is soft and moist meats and proteins. I am to increase my protein now to a min. of 80 grams per day and to continue to get between 48-64 oz of liquids in per day. I am drinking mainly water because crystal lite and other flavored drinks just do not taste right to me or settle well with my tummy. I still do at least 1 protein shake per day.
I go back to my surgeon and NUT on Dec. 16th and have my CT Scan done early that morning. I am doing more around the house like laundry and dishes, etc. but I am still limited to lifting no more than 20 lbs.
Mary Ellen
1st Post Op Visit with my Surgeon and NUT
Dec 11, 2008
I had my first Post Op Visit on Nov. 4th with Dr. Udekwu and my NUT. I am still very tired and get a rapid heart beat and short of breath with excertion. My incision appears to be healing well. I am still wearing my abdominal binder and it is helping with my movements. Still no deep bending or lifting anything over 20 lbs. My surgeon had me get another CBC Blood test, my white blood cell have been elevated and my red blood cells have been a bit low. I am slightly anemic and that may be why I am so exhausted and getting short of breath and rapid heart beat at times. I am still on 60 grams or protein with protein shakes, etc. and to get at least 48 oz. of fluids per day. I have trouble some days to get all my protein and liquids in as I get full very quickly. I go back on Nov. 18th for my next post op visit.
Mary Ellen
DS Post OP Update
Nov 03, 2008
Hi All and thank you all for your support and Prayers from my surgery on Oct. 25th until now. I had my Open BPD/DS surgery around 12 noon on Sat. Oct. 25, 2008. I also had my gallbladder taken out due to stones and a liver biopsy for research purposes. I think my surgery took about 3 hours to complete. I came home Fri. evening 10/31/2008 around 5:30 pm and I have been very tired and sore. Pain is not really that bad, well controlled. They think I may have had an internal infection so they loaded me up with IV Antibiotics for several days until I came home. They tested for blood clots, leaks, blockages, etc. and found nothing but my white blood cell count was off. I have been struggling to get my protein and fliuds in, I drink a few small sips and I feel full right away.
I have no appetite but I am trying to do protein supps first and then other liquids. SF Jello goes very well but not so much for ice pops, they make me feel full. Most of my water and cyristal light tastes like metal to me so I guess that is a sign of ketosis already. I have also had swelling in both my feet and ankles pretty bad from all the IV Fluids in the hospital, it is getting better each day though. I could not wear my TED Stockings because of all the swelling in my ankles, feet and legs. I gained 24 lbs after surgery just with all the fluids they pumped into me. I went into surgery at 276 lbs and went home at 299 lbs. I think I am down now to about 286. I have to give myself Lovenox shots twice per day in the lower abdomen to help prevent blood clots. I have to do this for 2 full weeks after I come home. I have my first post op visit tomorrow Nov. 4th. They want to do some more blood work to make sure my white blood cell count is returning to normal. No bad nausea so far and no throwing up, however, I did have 2 bouts of diarrhea (accidents) since I am home and 1 in the hospital and I believe those were from all the antibiotics because my guts seem to be settling down now. Boy did I have gas and my guts sounded like a train running through them for the first couple of days home as everything was wakening up. Things are much quieter now and I hope they stay that way.
I sleep in a recliner or hospital bed and wear my binder most of the time, that helps a lot, so wear those binders. My insicion is very long from my breast bone down to the right side of my naval and I still have steri-strips on, no draining and no tubes, which is great. All sutures are disolvable. Not a lot of pain, well controlled in the hospital and mostly discomfort with moving, etc. now. I am just taking it slowly, walking, sipping and resting a lot during the day. I am sure I will continue to feel exhausted and need lots of rest as I continue to heal but things are getting a little better each day. My Hospital, Surgeon and All the Staff there took very good care of me, they are the absolute best.
Thank You Gina-MajorMom for being my Angel and for everyone who supported me in thoughts and prayers during my surgery and recovery. You are all the best here and I will continue to look to you all for advice and encouragement. Best wishes to you all and God Bless You.
Mary Ellen
I have no appetite but I am trying to do protein supps first and then other liquids. SF Jello goes very well but not so much for ice pops, they make me feel full. Most of my water and cyristal light tastes like metal to me so I guess that is a sign of ketosis already. I have also had swelling in both my feet and ankles pretty bad from all the IV Fluids in the hospital, it is getting better each day though. I could not wear my TED Stockings because of all the swelling in my ankles, feet and legs. I gained 24 lbs after surgery just with all the fluids they pumped into me. I went into surgery at 276 lbs and went home at 299 lbs. I think I am down now to about 286. I have to give myself Lovenox shots twice per day in the lower abdomen to help prevent blood clots. I have to do this for 2 full weeks after I come home. I have my first post op visit tomorrow Nov. 4th. They want to do some more blood work to make sure my white blood cell count is returning to normal. No bad nausea so far and no throwing up, however, I did have 2 bouts of diarrhea (accidents) since I am home and 1 in the hospital and I believe those were from all the antibiotics because my guts seem to be settling down now. Boy did I have gas and my guts sounded like a train running through them for the first couple of days home as everything was wakening up. Things are much quieter now and I hope they stay that way.
I sleep in a recliner or hospital bed and wear my binder most of the time, that helps a lot, so wear those binders. My insicion is very long from my breast bone down to the right side of my naval and I still have steri-strips on, no draining and no tubes, which is great. All sutures are disolvable. Not a lot of pain, well controlled in the hospital and mostly discomfort with moving, etc. now. I am just taking it slowly, walking, sipping and resting a lot during the day. I am sure I will continue to feel exhausted and need lots of rest as I continue to heal but things are getting a little better each day. My Hospital, Surgeon and All the Staff there took very good care of me, they are the absolute best.
Thank You Gina-MajorMom for being my Angel and for everyone who supported me in thoughts and prayers during my surgery and recovery. You are all the best here and I will continue to look to you all for advice and encouragement. Best wishes to you all and God Bless You.
Mary Ellen
My DS Surgery is Tomorrow, Sat. Oct. 25 at 10:45 AM.
Oct 24, 2008
I wanted to update everyone that tomorrow, Oct. 25th is my DS Surgery Day. I have to be at Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, PA. at 9:30am and my surgery is scheduled for 10:45am with Dr. Anthony Udekwu, MD. Please support me and think good thoughts and send up Prayers for me through this surgery and my recovery afterward. I look forward to joining you all on the losers bench. I expect to come home around Tues. Oct. 28th if everything goes well. MajorMom-Gina is my and we will try to update her after my surgery so she can update and post here so you all know how I am doing. Thank you all for your support, prayers and kind thoughts. God Bless You All and Best Wishes To You All as Well.Mary Ellen
Surgical Consult Oct. 7,2008, DS Scheduled for Oct. 25,2008
Oct 08, 2008
I had my Surgical Consult with Dr. Anthony Udekwu, MD on Oct. 7, 2008. He is very nice, very experienced and very knowledgeable. He does both RNY and DS Open procedures and we discussed what would be best for my situation and we both decided that BPD/DS was the best choice for me. I have had all my pre-op testing done, my psych. eval., 6 month suppervised diet and lost 25 lbs and now insurance approval so I am ago. I am scheduled for 2 weeks from this Sat. on Sat. Oct. 25th at Geisinger Medical Center, 100 N. Academy Ave, Danville, PA. 17822 I start my 2 week Pre-Op full liquid diet this Sat. Oct 11, 2008. I am so excited and I have so much to get done around the house, etc. to get prepared for this surgery. I thank you all for your support and Prayers during this process and recovery. God Bless You All.
Mary Ellen
Mary Ellen
Finished my 6th Month Final Program Visit - on to see Surgeon n
Sep 18, 2008
I had my 6th Bariatric Program Visit on Sept. 12th. I lost 2 more lbs and need to lose about 9-10 lbs more before surgery. I had my Ultrasound for my liver and gallbladder done at this visit as well as an EKG. I do have gallstones so I will need to have my gallbladder out when I have my Open RNY. I paid off my program fee which was $355 for me since I already had the book by Barbara Thomas, I got a credit of $20 for that. I got the go ahead from the program director as well as my dietician and psych. to see the surgeon now.
My Surgical Consult will be on Oct. 7th with Anthony Udekwu at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, PA. I am hoping to have my Open RNY surgery by this surgeon sometime around Mid Nov. through Early Dec. I will update here when I have a date for sure. I will be on a 2 week liquid diet before surgery. I am so excited to finally be through the 6 month program and to be seeing my surgeon. I hope to join you on the losers bench in a couple of months. Best wishes to everyone here on OH. Yippie for Me...
Mary Ellen
My Surgical Consult will be on Oct. 7th with Anthony Udekwu at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, PA. I am hoping to have my Open RNY surgery by this surgeon sometime around Mid Nov. through Early Dec. I will update here when I have a date for sure. I will be on a 2 week liquid diet before surgery. I am so excited to finally be through the 6 month program and to be seeing my surgeon. I hope to join you on the losers bench in a couple of months. Best wishes to everyone here on OH. Yippie for Me...
Mary Ellen
About Me
Millmont, PA
Location
44.1
BMI
Surgery
10/25/2008
Surgery Date
May 28, 2005
Member Since
