Mary Wilson
2 months post-op (8 weeks 5 days)
Jan 28, 2008
I was browsing some profiles the other day and ran across one that gave praise and glory to our Savior. I do this in my private journals but I don't in this one. But I have decided that I am going to do it here from now on.
Jesus, thank you for all you have given me. For I am and have nothing without You. All praise, honor and glory to You this day.
Tomorrow will be 2 months post-op for me. I am sooo glad I had this surgery. I wanted a "cut off point" in my eating and I definitely got one. I have absolutely no regrets except maybe doing this sooner.
I had an appointment with my psychologist, Larry. I can always count on him for a reality check. He was pleased I had the surgery as I'm finally doing something for me. When I made the appointment I was still having daily crying jags. By the time my appointment came I could positively say that I only had one crying jag in 10 days. Also, that blanket of sadness that was hanging over me has finally lifted. I am making a concious effort to get my meds in so I don't have any relapses.
On the weight loss side, according to my scale I have lost 63 pounds! Woo-hoo ring a bell for me!! I am under 250 and can't remember when I last was under 250. I know it's been at least 9 years. I'm not trying to fit into smaller clothes just yet. I have tried on a few things and find I can get into some but they are not as loose as I like so I continue to wear the clothes I have been most recently wearing. Since they are decent looking I really don't mind. I am going to post some new pictures as soon as I figure out what the heck I am doing. I'm starting to think about a tummy tuck and a breast uplift (that I've needed my entire life). But I'm in no hurry to go under the knife any time soon. I want to enjoy this period of no depression for a good long time.
On the food side of things, I have been eating WW meals, Lean Cuisine, and Michelina's Lean Gormet most recently. I have been sticking to chicken and turkey with mashed potatoes and veggies the past two weeks. I bought some with rice and pasta the other day but I have not ventured into those yet. I only eat one of those a day sometimes as I stick to the canned tuna, chicken and cottage cheese. Familiarity is better for me. You may be asking why I don't just cook a meal. Well, it's just me and I can't see cooking something that won't appeal to me later on. I have been recently struggling with things not tasting good or I'm just plain not interested in eating. I am hoping the variety of things I have will spark some sort of interest. It's just easier to not eat than to try to force something down that doesn't appeal to me. Right now, nothing really appeals to me. Gosh, I wish I could have said that years ago. The best part is these small meals are too big now and I don't eat a whole one. Prior to my surgery I could have and frequently did, eat 2 or 3 at one time. This is just so awesome. I never would have thought I would be at this stage.
I have a job interview for a part time position at another hospital. NO I am not giving up on SH but I can't get any over time and my agency hasn't been able to give me work since before Thanksgiving and the creditors are starting to get annoying. I need to bring in a few more $$ for a few months so I can get caught up on bills and get some things fixed around my house so I can sell or rent it. I would like to do some travel nursing but I have to get things around here fixed first.
Oh I have to tell you this...I had a MAJOR case of dumping the other day. I was having my typical difficulty with finding something to eat and I settled on a Soup at Hand the Blended Vegetable Medley. I have eaten this in the past without problems but this particular night I ended up dumping for nearly three hours. As a result of that I ended up behind in my fluid intake and the next day I was light headed and dizzy. I actually considered checking into the ER but I was able to make up my lack of fluids the next day. I can't say exactly what it was that triggered the dumping except that I possibly ate the soup too fast. I also think that not having moved my bowels in 8 days played a contributing factor. My intestines were probably backed up to my pouch then I most probably drank the hot soup way too fast. Can I tell you, I don't ever want to have dumping again.
Well, until next post...
Jesus, thank you for all you have given me. For I am and have nothing without You. All praise, honor and glory to You this day.
Tomorrow will be 2 months post-op for me. I am sooo glad I had this surgery. I wanted a "cut off point" in my eating and I definitely got one. I have absolutely no regrets except maybe doing this sooner.
I had an appointment with my psychologist, Larry. I can always count on him for a reality check. He was pleased I had the surgery as I'm finally doing something for me. When I made the appointment I was still having daily crying jags. By the time my appointment came I could positively say that I only had one crying jag in 10 days. Also, that blanket of sadness that was hanging over me has finally lifted. I am making a concious effort to get my meds in so I don't have any relapses.
On the weight loss side, according to my scale I have lost 63 pounds! Woo-hoo ring a bell for me!! I am under 250 and can't remember when I last was under 250. I know it's been at least 9 years. I'm not trying to fit into smaller clothes just yet. I have tried on a few things and find I can get into some but they are not as loose as I like so I continue to wear the clothes I have been most recently wearing. Since they are decent looking I really don't mind. I am going to post some new pictures as soon as I figure out what the heck I am doing. I'm starting to think about a tummy tuck and a breast uplift (that I've needed my entire life). But I'm in no hurry to go under the knife any time soon. I want to enjoy this period of no depression for a good long time.
On the food side of things, I have been eating WW meals, Lean Cuisine, and Michelina's Lean Gormet most recently. I have been sticking to chicken and turkey with mashed potatoes and veggies the past two weeks. I bought some with rice and pasta the other day but I have not ventured into those yet. I only eat one of those a day sometimes as I stick to the canned tuna, chicken and cottage cheese. Familiarity is better for me. You may be asking why I don't just cook a meal. Well, it's just me and I can't see cooking something that won't appeal to me later on. I have been recently struggling with things not tasting good or I'm just plain not interested in eating. I am hoping the variety of things I have will spark some sort of interest. It's just easier to not eat than to try to force something down that doesn't appeal to me. Right now, nothing really appeals to me. Gosh, I wish I could have said that years ago. The best part is these small meals are too big now and I don't eat a whole one. Prior to my surgery I could have and frequently did, eat 2 or 3 at one time. This is just so awesome. I never would have thought I would be at this stage.
I have a job interview for a part time position at another hospital. NO I am not giving up on SH but I can't get any over time and my agency hasn't been able to give me work since before Thanksgiving and the creditors are starting to get annoying. I need to bring in a few more $$ for a few months so I can get caught up on bills and get some things fixed around my house so I can sell or rent it. I would like to do some travel nursing but I have to get things around here fixed first.
Oh I have to tell you this...I had a MAJOR case of dumping the other day. I was having my typical difficulty with finding something to eat and I settled on a Soup at Hand the Blended Vegetable Medley. I have eaten this in the past without problems but this particular night I ended up dumping for nearly three hours. As a result of that I ended up behind in my fluid intake and the next day I was light headed and dizzy. I actually considered checking into the ER but I was able to make up my lack of fluids the next day. I can't say exactly what it was that triggered the dumping except that I possibly ate the soup too fast. I also think that not having moved my bowels in 8 days played a contributing factor. My intestines were probably backed up to my pouch then I most probably drank the hot soup way too fast. Can I tell you, I don't ever want to have dumping again.
Well, until next post...
Depression update
Jan 21, 2008
Well, I am three days without a crying jag. Woo-hoo for me. I am finding each day a bit brighter. I am still procrastinating on some things but that is normal for me. There is always something better to do than what needs to be done right? RIGHT!!
6 Weeks post-op
Jan 18, 2008
Last Friday was my 6 week followup. I am feeling great. Officially, I have lost 42 pounds with more falling off every day. I have more energy. I am able to climb the stairs (up) at work to the parking deck if I need to. I have needed to twice in the last two weeks. My appointment was with Dr. Huynh (finally got the spelling correct). I have made my dissatisfaction with the change in physicians well known on the Sacred Heart Weight Loss Forum. I still don't like the change and probably won't for the remainder of my followups. Dr. Huynh and staff are all nice but I felt I didn't get the amount or quality of information that I would have gotten from the surgeons office. I ended up re-reading the weighloss notebook (for the 4th or 5th time) for what I could advance to. I was a bit miffed when Dr Huynh said for me to stay away from the junk food. What does he think I am doing...making a habit out of fast food? I didn't go through this procedure to continue with my old ways.
I am still battling with my depression. As posted earlier, I was given permission to increase my prozac. I have been on the increase for 3 weeks. Some days are better than others. The crying jags are still occuring. I'm not noticing a decrease in those. Making plans and carrying them out also help. I just hate that I feel as bad as I did 9 years ago. One positive thing is at least I have better coping skills than I had before. I've also made an adjustment in my Buspar. I added an extra dose to get me back to 15 mg three times a day. I just started that, so that may not show any effect for a week or so. The buspar kicks in quicker than the prozac so hopefully things will get even better shortly.
I have an appointment with Larry...my psychologist. I was going to make the appointment after I returned from VA but I got so busy that I decided I didn't need it after all. Well, la-te-da to me. I needed the appointment and I have to wait until January 28. It will be ok. I've had to wait before.
Well, I am at work and need to keep this short. I still don't have a functional keyboard at home and typing long essays with the on-screen keyboard gets to be a pain in the @$$. I hope to get one this weekend.
Until next time...
I am still battling with my depression. As posted earlier, I was given permission to increase my prozac. I have been on the increase for 3 weeks. Some days are better than others. The crying jags are still occuring. I'm not noticing a decrease in those. Making plans and carrying them out also help. I just hate that I feel as bad as I did 9 years ago. One positive thing is at least I have better coping skills than I had before. I've also made an adjustment in my Buspar. I added an extra dose to get me back to 15 mg three times a day. I just started that, so that may not show any effect for a week or so. The buspar kicks in quicker than the prozac so hopefully things will get even better shortly.
I have an appointment with Larry...my psychologist. I was going to make the appointment after I returned from VA but I got so busy that I decided I didn't need it after all. Well, la-te-da to me. I needed the appointment and I have to wait until January 28. It will be ok. I've had to wait before.
Well, I am at work and need to keep this short. I still don't have a functional keyboard at home and typing long essays with the on-screen keyboard gets to be a pain in the @$$. I hope to get one this weekend.
Until next time...
Psychiatry follow up
Jan 09, 2008
Today was my first f/u appointment w/my psychiatrist since before my wls. Guess who knew about the decreased absorption of meds before I explained all my strange behavior and feelings? Yup, Dr Iserman did. We discussed different options, increasing my current meds, going to brand name meds, possibly even changing meds. We decided, since I had already increased the meds, and I was tolerating the increase w/o adverse side effects, we would see how the increase worked over the long haul. I walked out with scripts for both meds at the increased dosage. That was just too darn easy. I don't know why I expected a hard time. There are a couple of things I have to do...1-clear the increase w/Dr Friedman and 2-go to the support group meetings. Had to do some housekeeping there but I hopefully have not shot myself in the foot with the support group. Dr F probably won't have a problem w/the increase. I'll know soon enough. Ok later...
5 Weeks Post op
Jan 04, 2008
Today is 5 weeks from my surgery. My weight is at 48 pounds. Still in the same size clothes. Of course I haven't tried any others on. I feel really good. I guess the only thing that bothers me is that I still don't feel I am at my pre WLS state of mind. I'm not necessarily depressed but I am at times feeling sad. Having reestablished a routine has helped immensely.
Other things I am noticing...I get stomach cramps if I eat too fast or eat something new. I've been trying some deli meats and I get crampy and nauseated. My new favorite food is South Beach cheese cuts and crackers. I can eat about 4 with crackers. I get more of my protein in that way. It is much easier to get my water in at work. I actually drink plain water because that is what I have a taste for most of the time. I also am liking CL Sunrise Orange. Pre WLS I didn't like the taste. It's amazing how things grow on you especially when you get tired of the old stand-bys.
I have a coworker that just doesn't seem to understand about WLS. She askes why the pouch has to be so small. Then last night she was asking about peanut butter and telling me where they had it on sale. So I went to vent to another WLS friend and we decided that that is her way of showing support. Ok, I guess if that works what the heck!
Until next week...that will be my 6 week followup. I understand I will be seeing the new Dr in the office, Dr Hunyan*(sp?). Looking forward to seeing how he is.
Other things I am noticing...I get stomach cramps if I eat too fast or eat something new. I've been trying some deli meats and I get crampy and nauseated. My new favorite food is South Beach cheese cuts and crackers. I can eat about 4 with crackers. I get more of my protein in that way. It is much easier to get my water in at work. I actually drink plain water because that is what I have a taste for most of the time. I also am liking CL Sunrise Orange. Pre WLS I didn't like the taste. It's amazing how things grow on you especially when you get tired of the old stand-bys.
I have a coworker that just doesn't seem to understand about WLS. She askes why the pouch has to be so small. Then last night she was asking about peanut butter and telling me where they had it on sale. So I went to vent to another WLS friend and we decided that that is her way of showing support. Ok, I guess if that works what the heck!
Until next week...that will be my 6 week followup. I understand I will be seeing the new Dr in the office, Dr Hunyan*(sp?). Looking forward to seeing how he is.
28 Days Post Op
Dec 29, 2007
Well, on Friday I was 28 days post op. Am feeling good. Am back to work and glad to have a routine. Today, Saturday, I showed a 50 pound weightloss per my scale. That puts me at about 45 pounds on the office scale. Getting lots of compliments from coworkers. I see a small change. I'm still wearing the same clothes although they are much looser. I was given some hand-me-down uniforms just before my surgery and I am going to see how those fit now. I'm thinking about digging out my other "too small" clothes and see how those fit. Ok, well more next week...
Back to work
Dec 26, 2007
Last night was my first night back to work after WLS. Boy was I tired this morning. I received many compliments from my coworkers. As I am still wearing the same size clothes, albeit much looser, I don't feel as if I've lost much. I have to keep reminding myself that I didn't get this way overnight and it isn't going away overnight. I am off for 2 nights before I go back but I have given my availability to my agency. They have said they have some needs so we shall see how busy I get. I am going to work as long as I can tolerate it. I do need to build my stamina back up. Getting my fluids in at work was real easy. I was grateful for that. Eating what I brought was real good. I didn't even miss going to the cafeteria. I used to eat at the cafeteria daily on my work days and justified it by saying I deserved to eat out daily because I worked. Well, my tuna salad, applesauce and blended soup were divine. One of girls even said it smelled good. There were lots of goodies in my mail box at work. I put it all on the desk and told everyone they were welcome to it. I appreciate everyone that remembered me...I am so glad to be back at SH. Later...
Home Again
Dec 25, 2007
I am home from VA and very glad to be here. I do miss my daughter and her family but Dorothy had it right..."There's no place like home." My animals missed me and I missed them. The boys were as needy as ever. I return to work tonight. I'm a bit apprehensive - being gone for so long always does that. I'll be glad to be on a routine again. The flights back were very crowded although I was able to change seats on the first flight. No so on the second. I guess everyone wants to come to the sun and sand on Christmas. At least the flights were short. Today I am just going to lounge around. I did most of the cleaning last night and besides who wants to clean on Christmas Day? I am going to pack my food and fluid for work a little later. I want to make sure I have all the right things with me. I will probably blog tomorrow after work. See you then!
21 Days Postop
Dec 20, 2007
I am 21 days post op today. My weight has not moved in the last week. I wonder if it has something to do with lack of water and eating what I shouldn't. I said those old habits are hard to break. My visit with my daughter and her family is fast approaching the end. I have the weekend left. Her in-laws and my youngest daughter are on their way here. Both will arrive sometime today. I am looking forward to seeing my daughter. I haven't seen her in two weeks. I am dreading going home and back to work. I wish I were a wealthy woman (well I am in so many other ways besides financial) that I could just sit around. NOT. I am looking forward to going back to work. I am curious to see how that will be. I've said these last two weeks if I hadn't been in VA I would be begging to go back to work. I've been reading other blogs and seeing that some have had difficulty with work...tired, sore, etc. I just hope I don't have any problems. I was also wondering why post-ops had to eat canned meat. Well, I've tried some real meat and can I tell you that was rough. Only 2 or 3 bites before the incredible cramps started. I've got to quit questioning everything. I've been having some problems getting my liquids in. Diet Ocean Spray Cranberry burns when it gets to my pouch but Diet Ocean Spray Cranberry Grape does not and I'm out of that. Crystal Lite Pink Lemonade...my absolute favorite...burns all the way down. Regular tea with splenda at room temp seems to be the best so far. I get the first 20 ounces in and then I have a problem with the remaining 40. If I'm not consciously thinking about drinking then I don't get all my fluids in. I had my first canned veggies the other day. That went down well and then with my BM the next day it was GREEN just like the veggies! Reminded me of baby poop. I'm also wondering about my hair falling out. So far it has not but its already so thin...Well, gotta go change clothes and rooms. More later...
13 Days Postop
Dec 13, 2007
I am 13 days postop today. In VA visiting my daughter and her family. I'm beginning to feel like my old self again. According to her scale, I'm down 25 pounds. woo-hoo! My clothes are looser. My daughter says I look thinner. I see it in my face...it's not so damn round! Had a problem eating when I first got here to VA, Old habits are so darned hard to break but it didn't take long to figure out what was going on. A phone call to the nurse helped also. I've got the limits I wanted so now I have to practice what I've been preaching to myself. Well I still have some Christmas shopping to do. Catch you later.
