proteinprincess
One year post op Feb 2004
Feb 13, 2004
February 3, 2004
Weight: ???
BMI:
I am not weighing until my one year check up, but I will say that at this point losing weight is difficult. I have ordered the "South Beach Diet" book because I need clear guidelines on what I should and shouldn't eat. I know that in theory, I should not ever have to "diet" again... I have the owners manual and it is a helpful tool but I need more concrete instructions. I need to learn the difference between good foods and bad foods and it's not as simple as it sounds. For years, I ate as I pleased, and now I'm finding that I don't really know very much about proper nutrition. However, all is not lost because I am willing to learn. I want this to be a permanent weight loss, a permanent life changing experience so I am willing to re-learn how to eat. If you think all your struggles will end with the surgery, think again!! Surgery is only a tool and a tool is totally useless unless you know how to use it properly.
February 10
WEIGHT: 136
BMI: 23
Today, I went of my one year check up. All my labs were normal and I was given a clean bill of health. I love going for my check ups and getting to see all the other patients at different stages after surgery. It's not very common for people to love to go to the doctor but as a general rule, gastric bypass patients enjoy going.
I had originally set a goal for my first anniversary... it was 135 pounds. I missed it by only one pound, but my actual one year anniversary is not until February 17, so I still have a week. It is not like me to lose a pound in a week, but who knows?
February 14, 2004
Happy Valentine's Day
I got a new hair cut and new color to complete my new look.
Weight: ???
BMI:
I am not weighing until my one year check up, but I will say that at this point losing weight is difficult. I have ordered the "South Beach Diet" book because I need clear guidelines on what I should and shouldn't eat. I know that in theory, I should not ever have to "diet" again... I have the owners manual and it is a helpful tool but I need more concrete instructions. I need to learn the difference between good foods and bad foods and it's not as simple as it sounds. For years, I ate as I pleased, and now I'm finding that I don't really know very much about proper nutrition. However, all is not lost because I am willing to learn. I want this to be a permanent weight loss, a permanent life changing experience so I am willing to re-learn how to eat. If you think all your struggles will end with the surgery, think again!! Surgery is only a tool and a tool is totally useless unless you know how to use it properly.
February 10
WEIGHT: 136
BMI: 23
Today, I went of my one year check up. All my labs were normal and I was given a clean bill of health. I love going for my check ups and getting to see all the other patients at different stages after surgery. It's not very common for people to love to go to the doctor but as a general rule, gastric bypass patients enjoy going.
I had originally set a goal for my first anniversary... it was 135 pounds. I missed it by only one pound, but my actual one year anniversary is not until February 17, so I still have a week. It is not like me to lose a pound in a week, but who knows?
February 14, 2004
Happy Valentine's Day
I got a new hair cut and new color to complete my new look.
Size 5/6 Dec 2003
Nov 30, 2003
December 1, 2003
Weight: 141
BMI: 23.5
I am now only 6 pounds away from my original goal. I can eat what I consider to be "normal" portions. I stay hungry though!! I know that most of this is "head hunger" but no matter what you call it, it's still hunger just the same. I guess these ghosts will never completely go away.
I never throw up... or almost never. I can tolerate everything except fried foods... and yes that includes sugar. I probably can't tolerate large doses of surgar but I can indulge in a "treat" every once in a while.
I can wear a size 5/6. Shopping is FUN!!
Weight: 141
BMI: 23.5
I am now only 6 pounds away from my original goal. I can eat what I consider to be "normal" portions. I stay hungry though!! I know that most of this is "head hunger" but no matter what you call it, it's still hunger just the same. I guess these ghosts will never completely go away.
I never throw up... or almost never. I can tolerate everything except fried foods... and yes that includes sugar. I probably can't tolerate large doses of surgar but I can indulge in a "treat" every once in a while.
I can wear a size 5/6. Shopping is FUN!!
9 months post op Oct 2003
Oct 29, 2003
October 4
WEIGHT: 150
My weight loss has slowed down but I am OK with that. I still wear a medium in most clothes but I can wear a small in scrubs. I have joined "Curves"... I try to go at least three times a week but with my work schedule, sometimes that is impossible. I haven't thrown up or been bothered with frothing in months.
Tonight, I am going to a "Bariatric Ball". Dr. Freeman has a ball every year for his gastric bypass patients. This is my first so I will post later to tell you about it... and who knows, maybe I'll also post some pictures.
October, 2003 - 9 Months Post-Op
October 30
WEIGHT 148
BMI 24.6
It's official!! As of today, I am no longer considered to be overweight. My BMI is finally below 25 which means that I am now NORMAL. I wear a size 8 and I am content with that. I actually got into a size 8 a few pounds ago... at 152 but was considered to still be slightly overweight. Can you believe that a size 8 is overweight? I think that gastric bypass patients should add about 20 pounds to our ideal body weight because we look different when we loose weight that naturally skinny people do.
WEIGHT: 150
My weight loss has slowed down but I am OK with that. I still wear a medium in most clothes but I can wear a small in scrubs. I have joined "Curves"... I try to go at least three times a week but with my work schedule, sometimes that is impossible. I haven't thrown up or been bothered with frothing in months.
Tonight, I am going to a "Bariatric Ball". Dr. Freeman has a ball every year for his gastric bypass patients. This is my first so I will post later to tell you about it... and who knows, maybe I'll also post some pictures.
October, 2003 - 9 Months Post-Op
October 30
WEIGHT 148
BMI 24.6
It's official!! As of today, I am no longer considered to be overweight. My BMI is finally below 25 which means that I am now NORMAL. I wear a size 8 and I am content with that. I actually got into a size 8 a few pounds ago... at 152 but was considered to still be slightly overweight. Can you believe that a size 8 is overweight? I think that gastric bypass patients should add about 20 pounds to our ideal body weight because we look different when we loose weight that naturally skinny people do.
6 months post op July 2003
Jul 30, 2003
July 31
WEIGHT: 160
BMI: 26.7
I still can't "comfortably" wear a small. I have bought a small and wore it but it is NOT comfortable. Today, I bought some new clothes... size 9. I hate to keep buying clothes because I can't wear them very long but it sure is fun.
I'm taking flax oil. I have heard that it helps to shrink skin and to keep hair from falling out. I think it's working. My hairloss has slowed down but I haven't reached seven months post-op so I realize that it might fall out between now and then. I'll let you know. ANYWAY, today I was reading about flax oil and read that it is also an appetite suppressant and helps maintain longterm weight loss. I thought that was pretty interesting... kind of an added bonus.
I am going to be a grandmommy again. I had two grandchilren born this year and now there will be another... the grandson (born in January) is going to have a sibling. This child is due March 23.
My 6 Month Check-Up.
WEIGHT: 160
BMI: 26.7
I still can't "comfortably" wear a small. I have bought a small and wore it but it is NOT comfortable. Today, I bought some new clothes... size 9. I hate to keep buying clothes because I can't wear them very long but it sure is fun.
I'm taking flax oil. I have heard that it helps to shrink skin and to keep hair from falling out. I think it's working. My hairloss has slowed down but I haven't reached seven months post-op so I realize that it might fall out between now and then. I'll let you know. ANYWAY, today I was reading about flax oil and read that it is also an appetite suppressant and helps maintain longterm weight loss. I thought that was pretty interesting... kind of an added bonus.
I am going to be a grandmommy again. I had two grandchilren born this year and now there will be another... the grandson (born in January) is going to have a sibling. This child is due March 23.
My 6 Month Check-Up.
Grandmommy again May 2003
May 28, 2003
May 1
I am not anemic!! I am back to taking my usual vitamins!! All my pathology tests were normal and I feel fine.
May 8
WEIGHT: 185
I'm still feeling good... but my weight loss is slow. I am eating a lot of carbohydrates (easy to digest) so I am going to try cutting some of them out.
I am expecting another grandchild within the next few weeks so I probably won't post any updates for a while.
May 28
I'm a Grandmommy, again!!!
My second grandchild was born. It's a GIRL!!! Now, I have one of each. She weighs 6 pounds 1 ounce and is 18 inches long.
May 29
WEIGHT: 175
I can wear a size 12. Of course, some styles are too tight but as a general rule, I can wear a 12. Today, I tried on some scrubs and when I got them over my hips, I wanted to announce over the loud speaker that "I have on a small". I didn't buy the small scrubs though because they were a bit snug... maybe next month.
I am not anemic!! I am back to taking my usual vitamins!! All my pathology tests were normal and I feel fine.
May 8
WEIGHT: 185
I'm still feeling good... but my weight loss is slow. I am eating a lot of carbohydrates (easy to digest) so I am going to try cutting some of them out.
I am expecting another grandchild within the next few weeks so I probably won't post any updates for a while.
May 28
I'm a Grandmommy, again!!!
My second grandchild was born. It's a GIRL!!! Now, I have one of each. She weighs 6 pounds 1 ounce and is 18 inches long.
May 29
WEIGHT: 175
I can wear a size 12. Of course, some styles are too tight but as a general rule, I can wear a 12. Today, I tried on some scrubs and when I got them over my hips, I wanted to announce over the loud speaker that "I have on a small". I didn't buy the small scrubs though because they were a bit snug... maybe next month.
Onderland- April 2003
Apr 27, 2003
April 18
While at work, I became sick after eating. I am not a stranger to throwing up, but this time I was SICK. I vomited 12 times in 2 1/2 hours. My stomach was empty and I was still vomiting. I went to the emergency room and was given reglan, phenergan and 2 liters of IV fluids. The doctor was going to admit me with dehydration but I didn't want to stay. I went home but was sickly for a few days.
My conclusion to my sickness: I either ate too fast or took bigger bites than I should have. The food blocked the outlet of my pouch and I vomited. After my pouch was empty, (I think) it had "spasms", thus I kept throwing up.
April 23
Just a note to say that I'm feeling better. I'm going to go by Dr. Freeman's office tomorrow to weigh.
April 24
WEIGHT: 190
BMI: ?
I have lost 40 pounds in 9 1/2 weeks. I think that is a little less than average but it is 40 pounds that I have LOST and that is the important thing. I also checked my BMI but I forgot what it was.
April 25
I am home from the hospital again. Within a couple of hours of weighing (yesterday) I was in the emergency room. As you can see, I am having a difficult time, but this time it was not related to my surgery. I had to have emergency surgery. I had an artery to rupture in my cervix and I hemorrhaged. At least, at this time, that is what we think happened. Anyway, I am now anemic. I have done well with my vitamins and my labs have been good. I am taking 3 multi-vitamins with iron, trying to build my iron back up. If I am still low when I have my follow-up appointment, I guess I will increase to 4 a day. I was also low on my calcium, so I am switching from Tums to Citracal. (I am aware that Tums is not asorbed well after weight loss surgery, but I thought I'd be safe for a while).
April 28
WEIGHT: 190
BMI:31.6
I weighed today because I had forgotten my BMI and I was curious. My weight had not changed, but I am not alarmed. Candrice told me that I could increase my iron to 4 a day. I have a follow up appointment with my GYN on Thursday and I might have to increase it again.
While at work, I became sick after eating. I am not a stranger to throwing up, but this time I was SICK. I vomited 12 times in 2 1/2 hours. My stomach was empty and I was still vomiting. I went to the emergency room and was given reglan, phenergan and 2 liters of IV fluids. The doctor was going to admit me with dehydration but I didn't want to stay. I went home but was sickly for a few days.
My conclusion to my sickness: I either ate too fast or took bigger bites than I should have. The food blocked the outlet of my pouch and I vomited. After my pouch was empty, (I think) it had "spasms", thus I kept throwing up.
April 23
Just a note to say that I'm feeling better. I'm going to go by Dr. Freeman's office tomorrow to weigh.
April 24
WEIGHT: 190
BMI: ?
I have lost 40 pounds in 9 1/2 weeks. I think that is a little less than average but it is 40 pounds that I have LOST and that is the important thing. I also checked my BMI but I forgot what it was.
April 25
I am home from the hospital again. Within a couple of hours of weighing (yesterday) I was in the emergency room. As you can see, I am having a difficult time, but this time it was not related to my surgery. I had to have emergency surgery. I had an artery to rupture in my cervix and I hemorrhaged. At least, at this time, that is what we think happened. Anyway, I am now anemic. I have done well with my vitamins and my labs have been good. I am taking 3 multi-vitamins with iron, trying to build my iron back up. If I am still low when I have my follow-up appointment, I guess I will increase to 4 a day. I was also low on my calcium, so I am switching from Tums to Citracal. (I am aware that Tums is not asorbed well after weight loss surgery, but I thought I'd be safe for a while).
April 28
WEIGHT: 190
BMI:31.6
I weighed today because I had forgotten my BMI and I was curious. My weight had not changed, but I am not alarmed. Candrice told me that I could increase my iron to 4 a day. I have a follow up appointment with my GYN on Thursday and I might have to increase it again.
South Beach Diet- April 2004
Apr 08, 2003
April 15
WEIGHT: 137
Yes, my weight went up while I was in California (visiting my daughter and the grandbabies). ANYWAY, I am home now and I'm back to following the pouch rules.
I am doing good with drinking plenty of water. Previously, I had ONLY drank water but the water at my daughter's was terrible and I could not tolerate it... so I resorted to drinking sugar free kool-aid. After a few days, I was hooked!! Now that I'm home, I still prefer the sugar free Kool-aid.. it is so good. I am drinking between 8 and 12 glasses a day. Needless-to-say, I have not had any problems with dehydration.
For the record, the south beach diet book was of no use to me. I am just following the pouch rules.
WEIGHT: 137
Yes, my weight went up while I was in California (visiting my daughter and the grandbabies). ANYWAY, I am home now and I'm back to following the pouch rules.
I am doing good with drinking plenty of water. Previously, I had ONLY drank water but the water at my daughter's was terrible and I could not tolerate it... so I resorted to drinking sugar free kool-aid. After a few days, I was hooked!! Now that I'm home, I still prefer the sugar free Kool-aid.. it is so good. I am drinking between 8 and 12 glasses a day. Needless-to-say, I have not had any problems with dehydration.
For the record, the south beach diet book was of no use to me. I am just following the pouch rules.
1 month post op- March 2003
Mar 30, 2003
March 11
I called my employer today and discussed returning to work. I do not appear on the schedule until March 20, but he said that he could use me on earlier. I am a little nervous about returning to work; we frequently snacked and ordered out during my shift.
I had my first experience with vomiting. I ate three bites of my supper and vomited 7 times. (I am not sure how I vomited more than the bites that I had, but I did). I know that I eat too fast. In the first "orientation" meeting, it was discussed that some people would learn quickly (after just one mistake) and others would learn more slowly. Well, I certainly never thought that I would be one of the slow learners. I have always eaten on the run, so now, I have pain with almost evey meal.
March 12
Weight 206
BMI 34.3
I dropped by the office today. I'm down by 6.5 pounds. I am not losing as quickly as I expected but at least I am losing. Ironically, I am no longer eligible for surgery, as my BMI has dropped below 35 (haha). I have lost three inches in my chest and in my hips. I have not changed clothing sizes but my clothes are fitting differently these days and I can get into some things that I have not been to wear.
My one month check up is coming up Tuesday (March 18). I'll post more after I see the doctor.
One Month Check-Up
March 18
WEIGHT 202
Today was my one month check up and I have lost a total of 23 pounds. I was kind of surprised that my follow up appointment was a group meeting but I was impressed by the people that I met. Some people were having trouble with "frothing", some had lost hugh amounts of weight, some had lost (some of) their hair and still some seemed to be breezing through this with little or no difficulties. Where was I in this group? Well, I guess I was somewhere in the middle. I am pleased with my progress.
Later in the afternoon, I attended my first gastric bypass support group meeting. This was the highlight of my day!! The company that manufactures the equipment that Dr. Freeman uses in surgery had two representives there. They brought the equipment and demonstrated the actual procedure. This was very informative. Even as a nurse, I had no clue about the equipment, or how it works.
I called my employer today and discussed returning to work. I do not appear on the schedule until March 20, but he said that he could use me on earlier. I am a little nervous about returning to work; we frequently snacked and ordered out during my shift.
I had my first experience with vomiting. I ate three bites of my supper and vomited 7 times. (I am not sure how I vomited more than the bites that I had, but I did). I know that I eat too fast. In the first "orientation" meeting, it was discussed that some people would learn quickly (after just one mistake) and others would learn more slowly. Well, I certainly never thought that I would be one of the slow learners. I have always eaten on the run, so now, I have pain with almost evey meal.
March 12
Weight 206
BMI 34.3
I dropped by the office today. I'm down by 6.5 pounds. I am not losing as quickly as I expected but at least I am losing. Ironically, I am no longer eligible for surgery, as my BMI has dropped below 35 (haha). I have lost three inches in my chest and in my hips. I have not changed clothing sizes but my clothes are fitting differently these days and I can get into some things that I have not been to wear.
My one month check up is coming up Tuesday (March 18). I'll post more after I see the doctor.
One Month Check-Up
March 18
WEIGHT 202
Today was my one month check up and I have lost a total of 23 pounds. I was kind of surprised that my follow up appointment was a group meeting but I was impressed by the people that I met. Some people were having trouble with "frothing", some had lost hugh amounts of weight, some had lost (some of) their hair and still some seemed to be breezing through this with little or no difficulties. Where was I in this group? Well, I guess I was somewhere in the middle. I am pleased with my progress.
Later in the afternoon, I attended my first gastric bypass support group meeting. This was the highlight of my day!! The company that manufactures the equipment that Dr. Freeman uses in surgery had two representives there. They brought the equipment and demonstrated the actual procedure. This was very informative. Even as a nurse, I had no clue about the equipment, or how it works.
SURGERY February 2003
Feb 27, 2003
February 3, 2003
Just 2 weeks until surgery!!
I paid Tim Barnes (Dr. Freeman's assistant). His fee is $750. My insurance will be filed (but most insurance companies do not cover assistants). If my insurance covers this service, I will get (part or all) my money back.
February 5
Weight:225
BMI: 37.7
I had my pre-admission appointment with Dr. Freeman. This is the appointment that my husband was required to attend. (He was nervous). Dr Freeman spoke of possible complications, including death. I am not comfortable with discussing death, as most people are not comfortable with death, but death is a reality and it had to be addressed. Other possible complications include, (but are not limited to): bleeding, infection, and leaks. Now, that that has been discussed, I prefer to not mention it again. I am going to be fine!!
On the lighter side: It was great to see Dr. Freeman again. It had been a year since I'd seen him, other than passing him in the halls at the hospital. (He looks really good since his surgery). He was very pleasant and informative.
February 10
Just 1 week until surgery!!
Weight: (on different scales) 230
BMI: 38.3
I went for my PAT (pre-admission tests). Everything went fine except for the wait. The truth is that the wait really was not that bad but I had another appointment (job interview) that I wanted to get to. I tryed to re-schedule the appointments but was not able, so there I was, fighting the clock. I finally got called for my tests and from that point on, things went quickly and smoothly. Reading the consent for anesthesia has got to be one of the scariest things in the world. (I wonder how many people back out after reading it). The employees were friendly and courteous, but that did not help the fact that having blood drawn just plain ol' hurts!! And yes, I did make it to the job interview.
February 14
My favorite day of the year. I don't know why, it's not the candy and cards! I guess it's just that it's symbolic of love. (Valentine's Day was my father's birthday. He died at age 56 of a stroke.. we thought he was in good health).
One of my daughters took me out to eat (my last supper). We went to Garfield's. I had a Chicken Caesar Salad (my favorite food).
February 15
CLEAR LIQUID DIET
I like to dabble in photography and today I photographed a wedding. I took multiple pictures of everything including the cakes. Now, let's notice that I am on a clear liquid diet. I didn't even taste the icing.
An added note: The woman who hired me to photograph the wedding recently (about 5 months ago) had gastric bypass, and she looks remarkable. I do not know how much weight she has lost but I could see no evidence of sagging skin. I wonder if I will look that good in ONLY 5 months.
February 16
MAG CITRATE DAY.
The clear liquid diet is going OK, but the mag citrate is for the birds!! -- I don't know what to write. Tomorrow, I check into the hospital at 5 o'clock in the morning and I am short on words. I'm nervous at times and at times I am fine. Oddly, I am more concerned with the running my household than I am with the actual surgery. Keep me in your prayers.
February 17
SURGERY (I'll update more afterwards)
February 20
I'm home from the hospital. Things went well. I had surgery on Monday, the leak test on Tuesday, then Tim Barnes (Dr. Freeman's assistant) came into my room with a selection of popsicle. That was his way of letting me know that everything was fine. I wasn't hungry but thought I'd better start getting use to the popsicles so I chose banana and took a few bites.
WALKING: I walked within a few hours of surgery. My first walk was to the door. Getting out of bed is more difficult than actually walking. Walking is the easy part, sleeping in a hospital bed is the hard part.
PAIN: I don't re-call having a lot of pain, except for a continuous headache. (I have headaches a lot). My stomach area is mostly just sore... not painful. It hurts to get up from a lying position, but once I'm standing, the pain quickly goes away. In the hospital, I had a PCA so I could self administer pain medicine as I needed. At discharge, I got a prescription for plenty of (liquid) pain medicine. Dr. Freeman understands that pain interfers with recovery.
HUNGER: I am still on clear liquids and I have not experienced hunger, yet. I am not crazy about some of the liquids, but I am trying to tolerate them for the next few days. While in the hospital I got three meals a day of jello, broth, popsicle, and water. I am trying to continue that cycle at home.
February 24
Weight: 212.5
DRAINS: I got my drains removed. WOW! This was an experience to say the least. I was scared so I carried my pain medicine with me. It hurts but as soon as you recognize the pain, it is beginning to go away. This is not something to dread because you will feel better when the drains are gone.
FOOD: I got my diet advanced today. To my surprise, I was not suppose to eat solid food until my drains came out, but I had misunderstood that. My booklet said that the drains would be removed on day 6 and that on day 6 you could have an egg and half a piece of toast. My day 6 was on Sunday, so I could not have my drains removed, but I ate the egg and toast. (I really was not clear on that). But I did fine with it. Anyway, the drains are out now and my diet was advanced to soft proteins as tolerated.
February 27
EXERCISE: I am not walking as much as I had planned. The weather is not cooperating with walking and when I venture to the mall to walk, I run into too many people to talk to. I need to look into an alternate exercise program.
FOOD: I made a serious mistake today. I decided that I was doing so well, I could eat out. I ordered some catfish and white beans from a local eatery. Things were going good, and I got brave. This restaurant has the best cornbread in the south and I reasoned that a pinch would not hurt anything. It was all down hill from there. The pain the cornbread caused is not describable. I have never had such pain.
February 28
EXERCISE: Today, I joined the Y. (I purchased a family membership, so that my whole family can get into shape). They have a great facility with multiple exercise programs. I started slow. I walked one mile and sat in the hot tub.
Just 2 weeks until surgery!!
I paid Tim Barnes (Dr. Freeman's assistant). His fee is $750. My insurance will be filed (but most insurance companies do not cover assistants). If my insurance covers this service, I will get (part or all) my money back.
February 5
Weight:225
BMI: 37.7
I had my pre-admission appointment with Dr. Freeman. This is the appointment that my husband was required to attend. (He was nervous). Dr Freeman spoke of possible complications, including death. I am not comfortable with discussing death, as most people are not comfortable with death, but death is a reality and it had to be addressed. Other possible complications include, (but are not limited to): bleeding, infection, and leaks. Now, that that has been discussed, I prefer to not mention it again. I am going to be fine!!
On the lighter side: It was great to see Dr. Freeman again. It had been a year since I'd seen him, other than passing him in the halls at the hospital. (He looks really good since his surgery). He was very pleasant and informative.
February 10
Just 1 week until surgery!!
Weight: (on different scales) 230
BMI: 38.3
I went for my PAT (pre-admission tests). Everything went fine except for the wait. The truth is that the wait really was not that bad but I had another appointment (job interview) that I wanted to get to. I tryed to re-schedule the appointments but was not able, so there I was, fighting the clock. I finally got called for my tests and from that point on, things went quickly and smoothly. Reading the consent for anesthesia has got to be one of the scariest things in the world. (I wonder how many people back out after reading it). The employees were friendly and courteous, but that did not help the fact that having blood drawn just plain ol' hurts!! And yes, I did make it to the job interview.
February 14
My favorite day of the year. I don't know why, it's not the candy and cards! I guess it's just that it's symbolic of love. (Valentine's Day was my father's birthday. He died at age 56 of a stroke.. we thought he was in good health).
One of my daughters took me out to eat (my last supper). We went to Garfield's. I had a Chicken Caesar Salad (my favorite food).
February 15
CLEAR LIQUID DIET
I like to dabble in photography and today I photographed a wedding. I took multiple pictures of everything including the cakes. Now, let's notice that I am on a clear liquid diet. I didn't even taste the icing.
An added note: The woman who hired me to photograph the wedding recently (about 5 months ago) had gastric bypass, and she looks remarkable. I do not know how much weight she has lost but I could see no evidence of sagging skin. I wonder if I will look that good in ONLY 5 months.
February 16
MAG CITRATE DAY.
The clear liquid diet is going OK, but the mag citrate is for the birds!! -- I don't know what to write. Tomorrow, I check into the hospital at 5 o'clock in the morning and I am short on words. I'm nervous at times and at times I am fine. Oddly, I am more concerned with the running my household than I am with the actual surgery. Keep me in your prayers.
February 17
SURGERY (I'll update more afterwards)
February 20
I'm home from the hospital. Things went well. I had surgery on Monday, the leak test on Tuesday, then Tim Barnes (Dr. Freeman's assistant) came into my room with a selection of popsicle. That was his way of letting me know that everything was fine. I wasn't hungry but thought I'd better start getting use to the popsicles so I chose banana and took a few bites.
WALKING: I walked within a few hours of surgery. My first walk was to the door. Getting out of bed is more difficult than actually walking. Walking is the easy part, sleeping in a hospital bed is the hard part.
PAIN: I don't re-call having a lot of pain, except for a continuous headache. (I have headaches a lot). My stomach area is mostly just sore... not painful. It hurts to get up from a lying position, but once I'm standing, the pain quickly goes away. In the hospital, I had a PCA so I could self administer pain medicine as I needed. At discharge, I got a prescription for plenty of (liquid) pain medicine. Dr. Freeman understands that pain interfers with recovery.
HUNGER: I am still on clear liquids and I have not experienced hunger, yet. I am not crazy about some of the liquids, but I am trying to tolerate them for the next few days. While in the hospital I got three meals a day of jello, broth, popsicle, and water. I am trying to continue that cycle at home.
February 24
Weight: 212.5
DRAINS: I got my drains removed. WOW! This was an experience to say the least. I was scared so I carried my pain medicine with me. It hurts but as soon as you recognize the pain, it is beginning to go away. This is not something to dread because you will feel better when the drains are gone.
FOOD: I got my diet advanced today. To my surprise, I was not suppose to eat solid food until my drains came out, but I had misunderstood that. My booklet said that the drains would be removed on day 6 and that on day 6 you could have an egg and half a piece of toast. My day 6 was on Sunday, so I could not have my drains removed, but I ate the egg and toast. (I really was not clear on that). But I did fine with it. Anyway, the drains are out now and my diet was advanced to soft proteins as tolerated.
February 27
EXERCISE: I am not walking as much as I had planned. The weather is not cooperating with walking and when I venture to the mall to walk, I run into too many people to talk to. I need to look into an alternate exercise program.
FOOD: I made a serious mistake today. I decided that I was doing so well, I could eat out. I ordered some catfish and white beans from a local eatery. Things were going good, and I got brave. This restaurant has the best cornbread in the south and I reasoned that a pinch would not hurt anything. It was all down hill from there. The pain the cornbread caused is not describable. I have never had such pain.
February 28
EXERCISE: Today, I joined the Y. (I purchased a family membership, so that my whole family can get into shape). They have a great facility with multiple exercise programs. I started slow. I walked one mile and sat in the hot tub.
January 2003
Jan 30, 2003
My First Official Pre=Op Picture
MY JOURNAL:
Jauary 6, 2003
Weight: 221
BMI: 36.8
A few months ago my weight was 202, but I have been off diet pills for several months so my weight is on the rise.
First Appointment: I arrived at Dr. Freeman's office not knowing what to expect. It was a full day. First we watched a video, then had an informal discussion about the surgery. We had opportunities to ask questions and we were told that we were free to leave at any time. It was also pointed out that we were not obligated to decide on surgery at this time.. we could make up our mind at a later date. (I think most everyone had already made up their mind by the time they scheduled their appointment). We were weighed, had our BMI calculated, our blood sugar checked, and had an abdominal sonogram. After these procedures we had another opportunity to ask questions and were free to go.
January 8, 2003
My insurance company said they needed additional information. They needed proof of past diet successes and failures. Plus, they needed proof of diet counseling. After a few phone calls, this information was faxed to Dr. Freeman's office and then forwarded to my insurance company.
January 17
I called my insurance company. My case manager was absent. I was told to call back on Monday.
January 18 - I'm a Grandmommy!!!
This has nothing to do with bariatrics but I wanted to share it anyway. My first grandchild was born today. It's a BOY!! He weighed 6 pounds 11 ounces and was 19 inches long.
January 20
I spoke with my insurance company and they said I am approved!! I called Susan at Dr. Freeman's office to let her know.
January 30
I went for my psyc consult (a requirement of Dr. Freeman's). I was found to be sane. I chose Dr. Bodenheimer and found her to be delightful. She was well informed concerning the surgery, we were therefore able to discuss the pros and cons. My insurance does not cover this expense so I had to pay the $150 out of pocket.
About Me
AL
Location
Surgery
02/17/2003
Surgery Date
Jan 21, 2003
Member Since
