paddylundq
June 17, 07
Wow its been over a month since my Total Abdominal Colectomy (I thought earlier it was only subtotal, but found out today they took our the entire colon). I'm hovering about the 131 pound range. Doc would like to see me at 145. He will recheck me in 3 months, so I will see if I can put some more weight on. Right now that seems like an impossibility--everytime I eat anything of substance, 20 min later I'm in the bathroom But we will see. He wants me to start eating 5-6 times a day.
Strangest thing ever to have a doc tell me to gain weight. Kind of surreal.
I would like to put some weight on, I feel very unhealthy looking right now. My hair is starting to thin out a little, so I went and had about 2.5" inches cut off in the length and had it thinned too. I've never been a fan of women with skinny faces and BIG hair. LOL.
Right now my diet consists of the following:
Breakfast: Cottage cheese and fruit
Snack: Yogurt
Lunch: Tuna fish salad or seafood salad and crackers
Snack: SF ice cream in cake cone
Dinner: Salmon steak in teriyaki glaze, rice, sauteed veggies
Snack: Yogurt
Right now If I eat more than that, I feel horribly ill. So working on getting more foods in but slowly.
Well I will try to update you in a few.
Paddy
June 5, 07
Its been about 3 weeks since my Subtotal Colonectomy. Its been a rough ride, but I think it is a good thing I had the surgery. I've so far lost about 20 pounds (hoping that I won't lose anymore!).
April 09, 2007
Well a lot of people have asked about my upcoming surgery (abdominal Colonectomy) and if it was caused by RNY and etc -- so I figured the best way to answer was to put it all down here--at least as much I know about.
About 18-20 months ago I began experiencing really really uncomfortable pain (then again is there a comfortable pain..I digress) and saw my surgeon concerning it. After ruling out several scenarios, he mentioned I may have a dysmotile colon and I may eventually need surgery to remove part or all of it. I was pretty much against that at the time, cause I did realize it was an undoable surgery. I mean once they remove the colon--thats it. They can't go back and put it back. So instead I went thru months of pain. I could control it to a point, but about every 6 weeks I landed in the ER with severe abdominal pain. They'd run the CT scan, and come back with the same results--I was basically FULL OF CRAP, LOL. Anyway, they would send me home with a gallon or two of GoLytely and tell me that would at least clear me out.
Well i would drink that very vile stuff, and normal people would have a clearing within hours. Folks, believe it or not, it took over 24 hours to have it work thru!! (Hey I wasn't kidding when I said Full of crap!!)
Now most of you are probably beginning to think--Hey, did the RNY surgery cause this? Well the answer is NO and kind of yes. Way before I had this surgery I had had problems with my intestines, had also a cancer scare--full of treatment with harsh drugs and lots of ipuprophin--for years which left its mark on my innerds. But since I was morbidly obese, and was eating lots and lots of fibrous foods--love those carbs, ya know--i was manually making my colon work. Well once I had the RNY surgery there was a dramatic shift in the foods I was eating.
Let me put it this way, not only did the RNY help me shed those unwanted pounds, but it also shed light on my colon problem.
The docs had me on at first on Zelnorm (which I only used for a month because I had bad side effects), enemas, laxative, etc. Nothing really was a long lasting solution.
Then I was sent to battery of specialists and all came back with different solutions. So I was sent to one more. He sent me to have what is called a Sitz Marker test. You take these 3 pills over 3 days--and then have xrays for a few days (over the course of 7 days) to see how fast (or how slow) the colon is working. It took 10 days for mine to resolve it self. So they figured the colon was working at about 125 hours. Once I put food in, over 6 days later the food would work its way thru. Most people it works thru in 1-2 days, so you can imagine how slow mine is!
So FINALLY the decision was made to have the surgery. Its called Total Abdominal Colectomy. Here is the basic lowdown on it: I have gotten the following info from http://www.clevelandclinic.org/health/health-info/docs/0300/0342.asp?index=4671&src=news
it is an awesome site for a hospital in cleveland.
What is a laparoscopic total abdominal colectomy?A laparoscopic total abdominal colectomy is an operation that removes the large intestine. (See figure 1.) The surgery is used to treat:
- Inflammatory conditions of the intestine, such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis
- Familial polyposis, an inherited (hereditary) condition in which hundreds to thousands of polyps (small growths) form throughout the entire length of the large intestine
- Severe, chronic constipation
 |
Figure 1: Total abdominal colectomy removes all of the large intestine (area shaded in diagonal lines). |
The term "laparoscopic" refers to a type of surgery called laparoscopy. Laparoscopy enables the surgeon to complete the surgery through very small "keyhole" incisions in the abdomen. A laparoscope, a small, telescope-like instrument, is placed through a small incision near the bellybutton.
What happens during the surgery?
There are three main steps to this surgery.
Step 1: Positioning the laparoscope
Once you are under anesthesia, the surgeon will make a small cut (about 1/2 inch) near the bellybutton. A laparoscope will be inserted into the abdomen through this incision. Images taken by the laparoscope will be projected onto video monitors placed near the operating table.
Once the laparoscope is in place, the surgeon will make 4 or 5 more "keyhole" incisions in the abdomen (see figure 2). Surgical instruments will be placed through these incisions to complete the surgery.
 |
Figure 2: Laparoscopic surgery is performed through 4 or 5 small incisions in the abdomen. |
Step 2: Dividing the sigmoid colon and rectum
The colon is a large organ (about 5 feet long) that starts at the end of the small intestine (ileum) and ends at the rectum. The last section of the large intestine, called the sigmoid colon, joins with the rectum. (See figure 1.) Your surgeon will carefully free the colon in sections, starting with the rectum and sigmoid colon, moving from the descending (left) colon to the ascending (right) colon. The main blood vessels (arteries) that supply blood to the colon will be carefully cut and closed throughout the surgery.
Once the sigmoid colon has been freed from the rectum, the surgeon will free the "splenic flexure," a bend in the colon that lies just below the spleen. Throughout the procedure, the surgeon will use a paddle-like instrument to hold loops of the intestine up and out of the way. Next, the surgeon will free the right colon from the ileum. At this time, your surgeon will identify the part of the ileum that will be rejoined with the rectum.
Lastly, your surgeon will pass a snare-like instrument over the colon to make sure that all of the attachments to the tissue have been cut. Once this is complete, he or she will enlarge one of the incision sites and pull the colon out of the abdominal cavity.
Step 3: Rejoining the ileum and rectum
Next, your surgeon will rejoin the rectum and ileum. This rejoining is called an "anastomosis." A circular stapler with an anvil-shaped head and center post and rod will be used to make the anastomosis. First, the anvil-shaped end of the stapler (the end with the post) is passed into the ileum and stitched into place. The post will extend beyond the cut end of the ileum. To complete the anastomosis, the rod of the circular stapler is passed into the rectum, connected with the center post, then closed and "fired" to join the ileum with the rectum. This is called an ileorectal anastomosis (IRA). As an alternative to the IRA, some patients may require the creation of a reservoir from the small intestine. This reservoir is called an ileal pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA). (If you are having an IPAA, your nurse will give you more information about the procedure. The operation is finished by rinsing out the abdominal cavity and checking the anastomosis for leaks. Finally, all of the keyhole incisions in the abdomen will be stitched or taped closed.
 |
Figure 3: The open ends of the ileum and rectum are rejoined. |
Recovering at home
You will be encouraged to steadily increase your activity level once you are home. Walking is great exercise! Walking will help your general recovery by strengthening your muscles, keeping your blood circulating to prevent blood clots, and helping your lungs remain clear. If you are fit and did regular exercise before surgery, you may resume exercising when you feel comfortable. There are only two things your are not permitted to do for six weeks after surgery: lift or push anything over 30 pounds or do abdominal exercises such as sit-ups.
You will be sent home on a soft diet, which means you can eat most everything except raw fruits and vegetables. You should remain on this diet until your post-surgical check-up. If the diet is making you constipated, please call our office for advice.
Well I did say I'd explain everything!! LOL. Hope it wasn't too graphic for y'all!!
April 4, 2007
Wow--I can't believe its been so long since I updated this. I've been dealing with a health issue (not caused by RNY) and it finally is being resolved. My colon started not working right about 18 months ago, and it slowly got worse and worse. Basically for a normal person, food works thru the colon in about 36 hours. Mine is taking over 120 hours. Yeah, talk about slow. Well after several CT scans, PT scans, barium x rays, barium enemas, and a sitz marker test--and several other x-rays--the decision to do what is called a Subtotal Abdominal Colectomy was finally made.
May 14th of 2007 I will be undergoing the surgery.
Will update you all on that, for sure.
My health besides that is great. I walk about 6 miles a day, am currently underweight but working hard on gaining a few pounds.
July 13, 06
WOW-three years ago I was just coming home from the hospital. Time has flown by! My weight does fluctuate about 4-5 pounds some weeks, but for the most part I stay between a size 2 and a size 4. If I could gain about 10 pounds I'm sure my doc would be ecstatic. But for now, it is what it is.
Hey all! Its been almost 3 years now since I had the surery that totally changed my life. It hasn't been without ups and downs, but I wouldn't change anything about it. I have gone from a size 3x (26) to a size 0/2, sometimes 4 in most clothes. I run daily now--about 6-8 miles and am training for my first marathon in June. Talk about a life changer!!
April 15th, 2006
Hey! Been doing good this week, have logged in about 10 miles a day, 5x this week. One day I went about 13-14 miles but boy did I hurt the next day!!
I'm eating about 6-7x a day just to get in enough calories. Heres a sample of my diet:
Breakfast: Isopure Dutch Chocolate (300 cals, 50 gr protein, 25 gr carbs, 1 sugar)
(I'm trying to get in more pure carbs cause I'm logging in so many miles)
Snack: Detour Bar (125 cals/15 gr protein/18 carbs-0 sugar)
Lunch: Salad with cheese, tofu chunks, or meat slices OR rolled up meat with cheese (150 cals/10-15 gr protein/0 carbs)
Snack: Short bread cookies (1) (100 cals/10 gr carbs/5 sugars)
Dinner: Big Greek Salad w/oil based dressing; piece of fish or chicken (baked); steamed veggies, 1 piece of sourdough bread w/butter (approx: 300-500 cals/20-25 gr protein/25 gr carb/0-3 sugars
Snack: Low Carb Ice Cream Snack (200 cals/5 gr protein/10 gr carb)
So about 100-125 gr of protein per day, and about 1500-1700 cals per day.
thats all for now:)
Paddy
Here is the beginning of my story:
Beginning Journey 2-12-03 (my 42nd birthday)
I have just started testing with PCP (he wanted to test for diabetes and high cholesterol and also if I have any type of thyroid problem). Family has history of heart disease and diabetes. Will write more later.
Update*****
2-13-03
Found out yesterday that no thyroid problems; now I am waiting for a ECHO cardiogram for my heart (doc said he thought he heard a slight heart murmur and wanted to make sure if I have any type of surgery, or dental work we knew what we are dealing with). But they don't have one scheduled until the 25 of Feb. Kind of unnerved me about the heart murmur.
Speaking of nerves, got up the nerve to tell my sister (who is also morbidly obese) about that I was (hopefully) seeing a doctor about surgery. Oh my goodness! She was no unsupportive. She told me I just needed to stick to my diet and not go off of it. Which I told her was the BIG Catch-22--that was the problem--eventually I would go off any diet and then gain the weight plus 20%, she was soooo against it.
I kind of empathized with her a little, when a couple of years ago a friend of mine was looking into doing it, I went ballistic on her about it too. I think looking back, more than anything, I did it out of fear. I was only a few pounds behind her so what did her having surgery say about me? Now I thank God that she did have the surgery--cause she is my staunchest supporter and friend in this endeavor.
A lot of people can't believe it when I tell them I am about 114 pounds over my 'normal' weight. I was an athelete in college and a real jock in high school--doing lots of workouts was the only thing that kept my weight from going up. At one time, I totally starved myself into a close encounter with anorexia--so lets say this weight thing has been a long going battle.
But since I had a few surgeries to combat a uterus and ovarian growths (cysts and other things) which ended up with what was called a radical hysterectomy--my metabolism hit the basement and over the past 5 years have gained and lost and gained over 200 pounds!
Now at this massive weight, with a degerative disk at C5, and some other neck problems, asthma, borderline diabetic, feet problems all the time...I think I am ready for the next step to freedom from this!
I will keep you posted. I am hoping I can get an appt for the ECHO next week, will wait and see tho.
Keep you posted!
Feb 15th
Still awaiting more tests, but these chat rooms and other WLS patient stories have immensely helped waylay some fears and frets I have had. Just jumping in on the chat rooms have helped and I've met some great new friends.
I don't know how long this journey will be, but am assured that one day I will be on the losing side (I just hope its soon!)
Made it thru the 3 day event (feb 12th - 42nd birthday, feb 13th- my 3rd anniversary with my hubby, and of course feb 14th - V-day). The Kings won the day before my b-day and on Valentines Day, so who can complain???
Mar 13, Hi Its me again! Well I have a surgeon, and tomorrow I go to the seminar..in truckee (about a 90 min drive from here, and lucky me they are promising rain!). The office has been very informative and friendly. I am so psyched.
Mar 15, Hello there. Went to the seminar. I think I had done way too much research (is there such a thing?) but except for finding out the surgery is in a different hospital than I thought, there wasn't much 'news'; but I suppose its a hoop you have to go thru to continue on this quest. Don 't get me wrong, it was a great seminar. Its just since I went thru a lot of this when a friend of mine was having her RNY done, and since I've been an internet hound for the past month or so, I think I came with a lot of info. Dr.Billy is very nice, and so personable. Now, next step is finding out when my exam will be. Then he will schedule the other pre-op consult the day before I have surgery. Which I think will probably be after mid-June or early July.
Mar 17 - I got my consult scheduled for THIS friday. Whoa. Talked to the nurse (who is high on my list for friendliness) and she thinks a late June date would work fine. OMG. It is actually happening--well haven't gotten info from insurance so that might slow the works a little, but I did talk to them about qualifying and I do. (All they want is a over 40 BMI and My doc is one of thier providers or on thier list, I am not up on insurance language!!)
April 16th - Had to cancel the first visit in March and tomorrow will be seeing Dr Billy for my consult and to set up the tests and the surgery date (going for end of June). Am excited and tense. Rick and I are taking the bus up there tomorrow (as snow is predicted and I hate driving in bad weather). Will tell you all about it. I now weigh close to 285. I thought I'd be more nervous, but am rather relaxed about the event. I am glad Rick is going along with me. He will help me remember to ask questions I might otherwise forget--two heads are better than one, once you get into your 40's.
Totally psyched....
April 17th - Had my consult. Can not say enough wonderful things about Dr Billy and his crew. They have made me feel at home with them even before the consult, with the phone calls and conversations. We picked June 27th for the surgery date, and now am trying like mad to get all the tests and evals in before long. 10 weeks! Official weight was 289--yikes!
Will officially start on high protein-low carb diet for the next 2.5 months (Well after Easter that is!). He has put a 1000 calorie limit--and altho I am wondering how I will manage, I am also upbeat about only having to be on it a little over 2 months. He'd like me to lose at least 10 pounds. I have been eating everything in sight lately, so I am thinking once I limit it--the weight might come off pretty easy. Plus since I know there is an end in sight (at least where my willpower is concerned)--I am ok with it.
2 days before my surgery I will be on liquids only, and the night before my surgery will be on complete fast. This is sounding so wild--like it actually will happen. Wow.
Anyway, will keep you appraised as to how all the tests are coming.
Need the following:
Psych Eval
Complete Blood Count
Chem-7 panel
Calcium
Albumin
Lipid Panel
Thyroid Function Tests
Liver Function Tests
Pt/PTT
Nutritional Consult
Right Upper Quad Abdominal Ultrasound
Upper GI Swallow
Upper GI endoscope to rule out disease, ulcers, etc
Pulmonary Function Tests
Blood Gases
Whoa....
Well anyway am still dancing on clouds.
Love and Prayers to all
April 21st - Had a nice time on Easter. Today begin my trial run at the Atkins plan -- Protein, some veggies, lots of water--low on carbs. I am already down to 279.5 (thats from starting to cut back on things). The doc wants to drop at least 10 pounds before surgery--I'd like to see about 20 pounds gone. The more I lose, the less weight there is to deal with in the surgery. Well I better sign off. I'll let you know how the diet is going....
June 14th - Sorry for the long delay! Been having all sorts of tests. Have not had a good time trying to lose weight. I have gone back up to 282 due to letting stress get the better of me!
Its almost as if I am trying to tempt fate and wait for the insurance approval before I lose weight. Perhaps not the best way.
Monday I will start a serious liquid diet--900 calories. Yikes. Breckfast: Yogurt Smoothie (low sugar), Snack: jello, Lunch: Protein Shake, Snack: Soup, Dinner: Soup and protein shake...a total of 900 cals and about 20 gr of fat--if I can do that for 2 weeks I should be down to 266 or close to it. But I wonder if I can stick to this plan?
Will let you all know!
June 25th - WOW, just under two weeks away until the surgery--if it is still approved that is. HealthNet FINALLY found the faxes Heather from Dr Billy had been faxing the last week or so. Whew. They said it is in the system and I should have an answer by Friday. Eek! Finished up the last test today (Upper GI Swallow test--totally barfaroma). I have been able to drop almost 9 pounds from doing Slim-fast diet. Now am at about 279 (plus or minus 2-3 pounds). I have gotten the room ready for us at Seaside Inn, and now just am waiting on insurance. Hopefully when I update next it will be great news.
June 27- Got the approval from HealthNet today!! Yippee. It is really happening. WOW. 10 more days. Next Friday I will be getting ready to drive to Ventura for the surgery on Tuesday. Whoa. Surgery is scheduled for 11:30, so I need to be there by 9 am. Wish it could be the early morning one, but this is good too.
So exciting!
****UPDATE****UPDATE*****UPDATE*****UPDATE*****UPDATE!
Surgery Scheduled for Noon, July 8th at Santa Paula Memorial Hospital in Santa Paula (Ventura), California with Dr Helmuth Billy.
I can not say enough great things about Dr Billy and his staff--when I was going thru tough times with insurance they were always so supportive and helpful. I couldn't find a doctor in town to do the endoscopy and Dr Billy called and got one scheduled in 3 days for me. It was awesome.
July 3rd - Well we are getting the house all ready for when I come back on the 14th. (Cleaned, that is!) From my previous surgeries I have learned one thing--you never like to see clutter on your trip home. A nice clean bed to crawl into, thats the ticket!
I keep thinking they are going to call me and cancel--altho everything has been cleared with this hospital, doctor, insurance--just my "I can't believe this is really going to happen" thing.
I don't think I've ever put down my goals (besides weight loss)--well here goes:
Ok, I do want weight loss. I am today 284 pounds. My goal in 1 year is to be at 170-160. A total loss of almost 114 pounds. I am a size 26/28 and would be happy at a size that could range from size 10-12.
Besides WL? I want to have more energy. I want to be able to go on walk-a-thons, swim in the ocean, and not be so tired at the mid-day point that I have to take a nap.
I want my lipids under control, my sugar problems to be gone (diabetes Type 2) and be at a weight that would be a good antidote to my family's history of heart attacks and disease.
I don't want to just lose the weight and still eat junk food. I want to be healthy-eater for the rest of my life (ok, a piece of cake for birthdays, but you know what I mean). I know this surgery is only a tool, and I want to use it to its best possible use. I also am looking forward to working out in a gym again. As a previous body builder--I so miss that. But as the weight piled on, I found every excuse (some health reasons too) not to set foot in the gym.
The day I get under 200 pounds will be an amazing day for me. I haven't seen that since my neices were toddlers--they are turning 13 now.
Another day I am looking forward to is being able to walk into Ann Taylors and buy something off the rack and not have to order in the 'larger women's' catalogue. The day that I can no longer fit into Catherine's, Lane Bryant, the Avenue (I will miss thier jeans--so comfy!), and Macy's For Women. OH yeah--and not have to give my husband a litany of sizes for his Christmas shopping. (These are somewhat selfish reasons, but I do hope to be able to help others with all my new found energy, too)
Anyway, I will catch up with you all after surgery!
July 15, 2003
Wow--its already been one week since my surgery. My doctor and the nurses were awesome. I was so glad my hubby was along and stayed in the room with me. If anything I'd say bring a friend along to be your advocate. Sometimes I didn't have energy to even reach for the call button and he'd do that. Or middle of the night I'd wake up in pain, and he'd help me by either getting me nurse, morphine, or just helping me thru it.
Had no complications--right now I'm having a horrible time with diarreha, but since I am still on all-liquids and I had a reaction to the drink you take for the Upper GI--its understandable.
I have 3 more days on full liquids. I have never looked forward to eating mashed potatos, but right now--BRING IT ON!! Its not that i'm 'hungry', I'm not, I'm just so bored of broth, popcicles, protein drink, broth, jello, broth...well you get the picture.
So I seem to be losing about 2 pounds a day--isn't that weird? I spent the last few months beating myself up trying to get into the low 270's and then ba-ditta-boom I'm at 256! And well besides only eating drinkable liquids, I am not doing ANYTHING but walking. So I guess this surgery does work....!!
I am looking so forward to getting into the gym. The doc has given me the go-ahead to start aerobic excersize. This week I am starting with water aerobics and doing treadmill. He wants me to be in the gym 5x a week @ 55 minutes each time. I have always loved working out,and it certainly will be much more positive seeing results from it this time!!
Well I will post later about the surgery and how the week after was. I am just amazed how quickly I healed from it. So different from an 'open' surgery.
Love to all
Paddy
July 22
Wow--the time keeps flying by. 2 weeks gone. Minimal pain or problems (I am battling thrush infection and I am now having a little problem with constipation--go figure!) I have lost another 10 pounds.
I am never 'hungry'. I eat now to maintain my health. Altho I do have wistful moments when I pass a In-n-Out or KFC. Unfortunately surgery doesn't get rid of those cravings!!
This weekend will have to do some shopping--clothes are all too baggy. When I went to Ventura for surgery I weighed about 287, now I am 247 pounds. Wow. I dropped a good amount of weight the days preceeding surgery (on liquid diet)--so really since surgery I've lost 22 pounds. (WOW)
I get bouts of tiredness that are only solved by naps. And they attack me so quickly. I'll be doing something, and all of a sudded feel zapped. Weird, huh?
Will write next week!
Love and prayers
Paddy
August 1st - over 3 weeks since surgery.
wow. Weight has slowed down, but that made sense to me. I have not been getting in my protein drinks at all, so protein is about at 30-40 grams a day. Not the 65-75 doc wants. I've ordered some nectar drinks, they taste bad but I think I can get them down ok.
I'm down to a little over 240. Wow. I had ballooned up to 297, went down to 267 (liquid diet) and now am 242. so 35 pounds in 3 weeks--pretty good. I still eat too fast, but am still eating not very much. Sample diet would be: B: turkey slices (1-2 oz), small chunk of fruit; L: chicken or tuna (1-2 oz); dinner: refired beans or tofu in some chili beans. 1-2 sugar free fudge pops (45 cals a piece). Not eating much. and need to get more protein in.
Feeling good. Still have bouts with constipation and weakness.
Hope all is well.
Love and prayers,
Paddy
8-23-03
Hey there. I am down a little over 50 pounds now. I hit a standstill point but once I upped my protein and started walking and swimming the weight and inches started falling off. I've always had a lot of muscle, so thought it might take a lot longer to lose weight--but it seems to be melting off. Last week measurements showed I had lost 3" off my waist and hips! Whoa.
The food sometimes is hard to deal with. I am never hungry so many times have to fight to get in 500-700 calories. I've been trying to eat more normal foods than rely on packaged shakes or bars. I still fight being tired--but then I am in classes 4 hours a day, 5 days a week, so that is only normal.
I have gone from a size 26 to a size 18--and the 18's fit looser and looser. I am still weighing myself 'weigh' too much (pardon the pun)--but watching the inches go down is a real boost. I am hoping to be in size 14's by Halloween--its my graduating day from Real Estate classes--so that will be cool.
I still am trying to find a shake I can handle--all of them make me nauteaus right now. Altho I do get in about 1/2 a shake.
Talk to you soon
Sept 2nd
Well have thrown out the scale. Was becoming so obsessed. Now I weigh myself once a week at the gym. The last month I have lost a little over 10 pounds, hit some plateaus--but lost inches like crazy. Feeling slimmer for the first time in years.
Drinking two protein shakes (the entire shake this time!) a day, for a total about 100 grams of protein. Drinking over 48 oz of water as well. I also get in about 2-3 small meals. Mostly havarti cheese, tuna, egg. Sticking close to protein, altho I do have wheat thins with cheese. Breads normally make me dump--as does tomato paste and sauce. Bummer. But then I need to watch the carbs anyway!! My choice of carbs (besides 5 wheat thins) are steamed broccoli and cauliflower, and watermelon.
Working out again. Trying to get in 5 times a week. I swim 10 laps (not very fast mind you, but they are laps!), do some elliptical treadmill, and then workout in the 'Quick Fit' circuit (it combines aerobics and circuit training).
Well will report on my weight later this week--believe it is close to 225.
Toodles!
September 8, 2003
Reached the 2 month mark. Wow. The scale at the gym is a little off, but it looks like I am between 225 or 227. Its so amazing to see the scale dipping into the 220s.
Eating-wise, I am doing ok. I try to get in two protein drinks a day--one in the morning and one mid-evening. Plus I eat slices of havarti cheese (2 oz), tunafish or chicken (2 oz), scrambled eggs, -- as you can see I get my share of protein in. Plus have been eating vegetables (steamed or boiled) altho they tend to give me gas problems. Haven't worked in any fruit as of yet really--the sugar sends me over the edge. Breads are really hard on my system, but have every variety of Wheat Thins under the sun!!
I take one-two chewable Centrum a day, plus about 4 extra strength TUMS (calcium), and lots and lots of water.
Protein-100 grams or more
Carbs- under 35 grams
Fat-I'm not sure but pretty low.
Cals- 600 to 850 cals
Sept 27, 2003
Hey there!
I am now down to 216--yep it was awesome to see that scale weight dip into the 2-teens. I have also lost over 38" since this whole process has begun. Waist, hips and chest are the biggest 'losers'--yeah!
Am fitting into size 16 jeans now. They are tight, but fit.
Talk to you later!
October 12, 2003
Hi there! Three months gone! I am getting closer and closer to getting under the 200 lb mark. Right now I am 12 pounds away (I think--the scale at the gym varies, but I think its about that wt). My size 18's are so baggy, so I really need to go shopping next week for some decent 16 clothes.
I am working out about 4-5x a week, and loving it. Spin classes are the best--I find classes are a better workout for me now--working on my own (besides swimming) doesn't give me a great workout--but in a class I definitely feel it! I walk everyday from 2-4 miles.
One of the problems I am having is lack of sleep. I go to sleep about 10 pm, and never seem to sleep past 4 or 5 am. I don't know if that has any relation to the small amount of carbs I eat.
Well talk to you later.
Paddy
*****************************************************************
October 19th
Hi there. Had my 3 month visit with the doc yesterday. I was at 206.5 and got such a welcome from the staff it was great. My blood pressure is way down, my heart rate is great, and everything is good. I have been given a prescription for a sleep aid to help with my nocturnal problems. Today my weight is down to 205!
I am now is size 16's--at every store--Liz, Casual Corner, Ann Taylor's, Talbots, you name it. Nice! I found this brilliantly red stretch pants from Liz--they are so comfortable, but its weird wearing low slung pants.
I am hoping to keep losing about 10 pounds a month, for the next 3-4 months. I have been losing about 20-25 pounds a month, so I know it will start to settle down. I am still having a horrible time with dumping and carbs, the doc thinks it cause I was a borderline diabetic altho he says (unfortunately) I am in the minority that has problems with carbs--he thinks it will eventually clear up by my 9-10th month.
I am still eating between 750 cals and 950 cals a day. 950 cals are usually on the days I work out heavy. Its such a chore to get even that much in! Breakfast is still a protein shake (mixed with a little sugar-free ice cream from Breyers). Lunch is generally chicken or tuna salad and crackers. Snack is an ounce of two of nuts. Dinner is where I usually have problems. I don't feel good eating at night--weird, but true. I usually get down about 4-5 bites of a salad with ranch dressing, a bite of meat (turkey meatballs are my favorite) and maybe a few bites of al dente noodles.
The problem I have is I love the smell of fried foods--but when I eat them (I pry the breading off) I still get sicker than a dog. I think the grease must seep into the meat or cheese--cause it really makes me sick!
So guess I won't foray into greasy or fried foods for now!
Working out schedule is - 3x a week Spin classes (1 hour each), 4x a week I walk a 5K (45 minutes), and swim about 4 times a week too (1/2 mile to 1 mile). I am starting working out with weights this week (probably in lieu of swimming as the water is getting SOO cold!)--need it for my arms and abs! Hubby bought me a nice 15 speed mountain bike so will try to ride it every day. It is so much fun!!
Hope all is well!
Love and prayers
Paddy
****************************************************************
October 25th, 2003
Hi all. Hit the under 200 pounds mark. Wow. Now my next goal is to hit 187 (then I will have lost 100 pounds). Its so weird, sometimes I see myself in the mirror and its like I am looking at another person all together. I was talking about this with a friend of mine who is 2 years out, and she said the same thing.
A few milestones:
I went to a game at Arco Arena and there was extra room in my seat! The last time I was at a game I had to squish into the seat, and each time there was a rally it was so hard for me to get up. Not a problem now!!
I can go into most stores and just buy off the rack size 14's or 16's. No more having to order from the Women's Catalogue--though when I needed some great clothes in the over size 14 group, that was such a blessing!
I got a Lane Bryant catalogue and a Catherine's magazine and I didn't even look--just threw it away!!
Next payday I have to go buy some new under-thingees. All my bras and underwear have become way too baggy on me:)
Love to all
Paddy
Nov 8, 2003 - 4 month anniversary! Weight (haven't weighed in awhile, but last time -about 1-2 weeks ago I was in the mid 190's) Size: size 14 or size 16 (loose)--some size 16's are too baggy now.
I think I've slowed down to about 1 size a month--fine with me. Loosing faster was getting to be too hectic! NOT that I am complaining.
I realized one goal--I can go into Nordstoms, Macy's, Casual Corner, Liz and buy off the rack. What a great relief. Today I went to Nordies Rack and picked up some 16's and 14's--but when I tried them on at home they were too loose! Woo-hoo!!
I haven't been in the gym for 7 days--been too busy studying for the exam (real estate) on Monday.
TTYL!
Nov 14, 2003
Hi all.
Its been a stressful week, taking the test and now waiting to see if I passed or not (wont find out until next week). I blew off the gym this week too--but have been doing a 10K everyday (walking about 5 mph). My legs are getting so small-woohoo!
I went to lane bryant and officially am too small for thier clothes. I did buy a size 14 jeans, but its already getting baggy on me. Its a weird feeling going into stores (not the Larger Women stores) and not feeling like someone is going to shoo me off. Really! Its been so long since I fit in sizes that don't have an 'X' or a 'W' in front of them. I automatically look for the largest sizes on the racks--I wonder how long it will take to change that attitude?
I look at my body and am in shock of all the changes. When I went to get my hair cut (oh please lets not talk about my constantly thinning hair!) even my stylist said how my face was so slim now. I noticed it too, I would let my chin drop and was amazed at not seeing 3-4 chins!!
My legs seemed to have been the slowest to change, but now they are getting really slim. I'm really only about 40-50 pounds away from goal...wow--can you even believe that??? From 140 to nearing only 40. I use to envy my friends who were ONLY 30-40 pounds overweight. Wow.
love ya
Paddy
November 20, 2003
Wow--going full steam now into my 5th month. WOW. I still have about 45 pounds left to lose. I'd like to weigh 145. But its more of a reality than a dream anymore!
I've had to give away so much clothes. Now I'm even been boxing up the size 16's that are baggy and size 18s too.
I still eat only little bits during the day, and dinner is usually nothing. Today I had a protein shake with CarbSmart Icecream (3 oz), 6-8 lil smokies (mini sausages),a Detour (small) bar, about 2/3 of one chicken flauta, and about 40 oz of water. Oh I did have about 3 tortilla chips while I was at On The Borders waiting for the chicken flautas. About 750 cals all in all, and since its already 5 pm, doubt if I will get much more down me.
For some weird reason I can't eat after 5 or 6 pm. Nibble at a cracker maybe, but not much else--or I get a terrible sick stomach.
I do walk a lot--today was a lite day, only about 3 miles. Have been doing 7-10 miles a day. I want to enter my first mini-marathon in early spring. I have to get up to 13 miles @10 minute a mile rate. Right now I do about 11-12 minute miles. On the slow days its more like 15 minute miles. !!!!!
Well talk to you later.
Paddy
Nov 26th
happy Turkey day Everyone
Well my appetite has good days and not so great days. I really think I have developed some vices! I don't drink caffeine, but have begun to drink carbonated non-caffeine drinks (Diet Coke, 7-Up). I can eat popcorn now....and it tastes good.
I still stay under 1000-1200 cals, so thats good. I also am having a problem with ingesting anything more that 5-6 gr of sugar, so thats great. I am also doing spin classes 3-4 times a week, and have kept up with my walking (5 miles a day now; and 10 miles on the Saturday). the weight is still dropping off, about 1-2 pounds a week usually, with a 2-3 week plateau from time to time. I started lifting weights (very small ones of course) for upper body. Its amazing how fast my arms have become muscular. Loving that.
Here is a sample of my eating:
Breakfast: Detour Bar (11 carbs, 5 g fat, 15 gr protein)
Lunch: 5-6 mini sausages (0 carbs, 15 gr fat, 8 gr protein)
Snack: Atkins banana nut muffins (2 carbs, 3 gr fat, 10 gr protein)
2nd Snack: Protein Shake (0 fat, 50 gr protein, 25 carbs)
Dinner: chicken breast (30 gr protein, 0 carbs, 1.5 gr fat)
Salad, and steamed veggies...
I'm having about 45 gr of carbs a day, over 100 g protein, and under 40 g of fat--so doing still well with that. Sometimes I do better if I don't have the protein shake--but then its hard to get in enough protein.
I am still unable to digest any fruit or fruit juice and that bothers me. But I do 2 centrum chewable a days, and try to get veggies in at night.
Well I better sign off. Love ya!
Paddy
Dec 10th, 2003
Hi all.
Hair loss has started to slow down--Hallelulia! According to the scale (depending on the time of day) I am about 189.
I am less than 40 pounds from goal, either way.
I have really cracked down on carb intake, it was beginning to get out of hand! I eat less than 25 gr a day (most days), and keep my protein intake close to 100 gr. I also have given up on diet drinks (even decaf). Was really making me sick! I also have increased my water intake to close to 90 oz.
I try to do 4-5 spin classes a week, and am also increasing my workouts in the gym. My legs are so much smaller, but they need to firm up now. I fit in a size 12 dress, and close to fitting in a size 12 pants too. Can size 10 be far away???
Its so weird, cause 5 months ago I was 287-size 26-and didn't have enough energy to walk around the block--now I walk about 7 miles a day!!!! Thank God!
I know the weight loss will slow down now, so I'm trying to pick the pace up with my diet and my workouts.
On my workouts at the gym, I go for reps not heavier weights. Especially on my legs. I figure with all the spin and walking I do, I don't want to overdo.
A normal day of food is :
Breakfast: Bowl of Atkins cereal with Hood's Low Carb Milk (24 gr of protien/6 gr carbs)
Lunch: small Can of tuna fish (mixed with 1 tbsp mayo) (21 -30 gr protein, 0 carbs)
Dinner: Grilled Mahi Mahi, or Ahi steak, mango salsa, rice and veggies (47 gr of protein, 10 carbs)
Snack: Detour Bar (15 gr protein, 11 carbs)
See ya!
Jan 4, 2004
A month or so later, and I'm down to a size 10 jeans!! I think my scale was off back in Dec, got a new one--and officially I'm in the low 180's.
I've started to go thru a weird stage where I am not hungry at all. I went back to drinking my protein shake in the morning (otherwise I'd never get the protein amount in).
Sample Day:
Breakfast: Hood's milk mixed with protein powder (62 gr of protein)
Walk 3 miles
Lunch: 2-3 small chicken wings with blu cheese sauce, toast (1/4 piece) - 17 gr of protein
Snack: Yogurt (Le Carb, low carb yogurt)5 gr of protein
Work out in gym: circuit workout (35 min), treadmill (30 min)
Dinner (late due to basketball game at 6 pm): 1/4 Chicken-apple sausage, 2 1" cubes of cheese, cabbage braised with goats cheese. - 25-30 gr of protein
Snack: a couple of pieces of sugar-free candy.
I am taking 2 multi vitamins, 4-6 calcium supplements, B12 pill.
I get in about 110 gr of protein. I also drink my protein drink in 2 installments. It takes forever for me to get it down, so I count it as 2 mini-meals.
Jan 11, 2004
I've been doing a spin class a day now, and am at 185 pounds. I don't truelly know what my weight is, cause it seems to change daily. But at the docs office on my 6th month vist it said I was 185. So, officially 35-40 pounds to go. I originally wanted to get to 145, but if I look ok at 150, I might stop there. I'm fitting in size 10/12 now, so I think 40 pounds might be a lot to lose, but we will see.
Doc wants me to make an appt with a specialist to schedule a stretching. Because I've gone from eating 1000-1200 cals to now eating 500-600 cals, he thinks the opening to my tummy might have closed down a little. I still can get food in, but not a lot. and most of it is liquid--not a great diet.
Will write later, am kind of bushed.
Love,
Paddy
(287/185/145)
Feb 13, 2004
WOW--its been a whole year since I started this journey!
Officially this past month has been crazy--am down another 13 pounds. Had to go to Ventura to have pouch checked out cause was not getting much food in, and worried about losing too much.
It went well, and I feel great. I am about a little over 25 pounds from goal. In only 7 months! WOW! And altho it has been work--getting enough protein and nutrients in and working out 5 times a week--I thank God I had no other complications besides a shrunked pouch entryway or exit.
I am now fitting into size 8/10's--altho I wear size 12's cause I like the roomy feel to them. I have a feeling I might get down to size 4/6 by summer because I am training for a marathon--and lets face it, running and walking are tough workouts!
I really enjoy life--the only thing I worry about is getting enough food in these days--isn't that ironic? My hubby enjoys the 'new me' too--we are constantly going and doing stuff. I do tire in the early evening, but hopefully that will stop now that I am able to eat more.
I use to hate going shopping for clothes--I really didn't shop for clothes--just whatever would fit me. Now a days when I do see something at the mall, I don't question if they have the size that will fit. Usually its--do I have money for this? I admit, have become a bit of a 'shopper'!!!
So yesterday I turned 43--and am a little over 25 pounds from goal. Wow!!
287/178/145 ONLY 33 pounds to go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Anniversary date will be 7/8/04--5 months to go.
Feb 16th--
weighed in today at 170.0!! Still losing about 4 pounds a week--but am trying to get in the food. Have had no desire to eat in the morning, for lunch had couple pieces of swiss cheese and some thin slices of turkey with some mayo.
Dinner will be some sausage and cabbage--maybe some mashers too.
I have gotten addicted to iced tea. Its weird. I have to have 2 glasses a day. I think I'm just tired of water!!
well will write later. Its so cool to be on the cusp of writing a 16* number--haven't been this low in 15 years.
Paddy
March 6, 2004
It actually happened--For the past 3 days I am now in the 160's. Woo hoo.
Had an appt with Dr Billy due to my getting sick (painfully so) after every meal. He is setting me up for gall bladder exrays and ultra sounds, with the thought of surgery. :( But if it stops me from getting so sick--I'm all for that.
Well I'm tired-long day, so I will write later.
Paddy
March 7th, 2004
Hello all-sorry for being so short last night. I had no energy what so ever--was at Dr Billy's at 8"30 am (meaning I got up at 5:30) then had a Home Inspection on a house I'm selling, and by the time I got home was I tired. Add in the fact I'm not able to get much down--and you can see why I was tired.
Yesterdays food went like this:
B-shortbread crackers (my stomach was upset and that was about the extent of what could get in at 6 in the am)
Iced Tea (90 minutes later)
L-late breakfast - the egg yolks of 1.5 eggs, 1/2 ounce of thin slice turkey
Water (90 min later)
D-4 Wheat Thins (big size ones) 1 piece of munster cheese split over them with a thin slice of t
