maxs_mom
UPDATE - 2 MONTHS POST-OP
Jan 19, 2009
Today was my 2 Month Post-Op with Dr. Srikanth. I was very nervous (my blood pressure was 155/115 when I arrived and I have no history of hypertension) and then very relieved when he told me that I was doing a super job!
I have lost a total of 85 pounds since 10/01/2008. I lost 40 pounds pre-op between 10/01/08 and date of surgery, 11/19/08. Since Surgery (almost 9 weeks) I have lost an additional 45 pounds (I had a stall week 3, but for the past few weeks have been averaging a loss of one pound daily).
I am very pleased with my progress and very happy that I'm achieving it with a purely restrictive procedure. I'm still on soft foods, but this Wednesday, 01/21/2009, I move to the period of virtual endless possibilities. Obviously, my new tiny tummy is doing its part in allowing me to "eat" only about 1/3 cup of most things thicker/denser than soup. I'm very pleased with my decreased hunger - I literally have to force myself to eat because I am just not hungry! As long as I continue to make healthy food choices, drink my protein, and take my vitamins/supplements I am confident that I can continue losing weight at a steady pace.
The exercise component is a burden for me due to osteoarthritis in both knees, chondromalacia patella, Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. While I'm pleased with my weight loss, a part of me is also frustrated because I know that if I could exercise like a normal person; especially aerobic exercise, I'd be losing even faster. That said, I am exercising at least 30 minutes daily; I attend a "gentle yoga" workshop weekly, and physical therapy twice weekly for back pain. My last two PT sessions have been in the pool and I was told today that as a patient, I could use their pool free of charge to walk laps, etc..
I have outgrown most of my clothes. I've been living in clothes that other WLS patients provided to me. In Oct 2008, I was wearing at least 32/24's. I had to purchase a pair of black slacks for a function in Seattle tomorrow night and found that I could fit into pants ranging in size from 22-26 depending on style, manufacturer, etc. I'm wearing size 24 jackets. My regular shirts have gone from 5X to 2X. One of the hardest things to get used to is clothes touching my body. I was definitely of the mind that baggy would camouflage my girth. I am very much looking forward the OH WA Forum members meeting this weekend; to both get rid of some clothes and hopefully find some new ones.
It's not been a bed of roses these past two months. I've dealt with fatigue and exhaustion brought on by both over exertion too quickly and not getting my protein/liquids/supplements in every day with 100% compliance. I'm having issues with rashes under my breasts and in my abdominal folds. I developed a series of boils (I have a history of cystic skin issues) under my arms and around the sides of both breasts which had to be lanced and required antibiotic treatment.
Even given the above, I have never, not for one second, regretted my decision to have WLS. At minus 85 pounds I already have more energy and feel better overall. Each day is a blessing and each day provides a new opportunity for success. I will continue to take advantage of the gifts I've been given and thankful for the support I receive from my family, my friends, my surgeon, and members of this forum.
It's only going to get better!
Amy
ps: MY NSV's are too numerous to recount here, but I will tell you that several weeks ago I took a bubble bath; something I'd not done for almost 10 years!
