Ron .
4 months, 9 days 266 -85 Graduation
Dec 18, 2006
The graduation ceremony went great on Saturday. I'm now officially an alumni of Southeastern Oklahoma State. I now need to change gears from school to job mode. I have two offers, one in AZ, the other in Kansas City. Right now K. City is looking like the better job to me.
Everything is sailing along smooth on the weight loss front. Eating meals has pretty much returned to normal. That doesn't mean before surgery normal, just being able to eat like a normal person. I hated having to chew until everything in my mouth was pureed. That's nasty. If I'm eating dry chicken, for example, I still have to take a little extra time eating, but it's not bad. A little over 4 months and I'm down 85 lbs. I couldn't be happier to start my new job with my new lease on life.
Happy Holidays!
Ronnie
Everything is sailing along smooth on the weight loss front. Eating meals has pretty much returned to normal. That doesn't mean before surgery normal, just being able to eat like a normal person. I hated having to chew until everything in my mouth was pureed. That's nasty. If I'm eating dry chicken, for example, I still have to take a little extra time eating, but it's not bad. A little over 4 months and I'm down 85 lbs. I couldn't be happier to start my new job with my new lease on life.
Happy Holidays!
Ronnie
12/02/06 3 months and 24 days 271 lbs. -80 lbs.
Dec 02, 2006
Well I finally have everything taken care of for college graduation. All that I need now is 6 passing grades to get that diploma handed to me. Just between you and me, I think it's in the bag. December 16, 2006 is the big day. It all happens at 1 PM for me. The graduation is so big the university has two, the first at 11 AM, and the second at 1 PM. Just as long as I'm part of it, I really don't care how they do it. I'm so thankful that it is done and behind. Well almost behind me. This coming week is my last followed by finals week. Finals are always a blast. Not really. I haven't done so hot this past week with my weight loss. Only lost 1 lb. I was on a plateau until this morning so I'm glad that it wasn't a total loss. I won't even guess as to why the loss is so small. I'm not discouraged though. Next week I'll try to walk more and work out more and eat less or at least better foods. Anyway, have a good one.
Ronnie
Ronnie
First Time For Everything 272 lbs. -79
Nov 24, 2006
Happy Thanksgiving 2006! Well, I have a lot to be thankful for, but what I'm more excited about is I lost 2 lbs. on this Thanksgiving. I've never had that problem in the past. The meal was great. Actually, I had a plate of food around 12 Noon, then again around 7 PM. I also had two slices of homemade apple pie that my wife made. MMMMMmmmm. Here's hoping your Thanksgiving was as great as mine.
Ron
Ron
3 Months 10 Days 275 lbs. -75
Nov 19, 2006
I want to start by talking about the improvements since the surgery. I can walk basically as far as I want without any pain. I can wear all my old and smaller clothes (many are too big). I can fit into any restaurant booth and even those little chairs that swing back and forth at fast food restaurants. I can fit into all the desks at school. I can walk the dog instead of the dog walking me. I can get a good night sleep without strapping a goofy device to my head (I wake up refreshed, no kidding). I'm actually excited to start each day. FOOD is never the first thing on my mind in the morning anymore.
Well, I'm glad I had the surgery. The surgery changed my life, no doubt about it. The relationship to food changed in ways I couldn't have imagined before surgery. My only complaints are having to take multi-vitimans, B-12, Calcium, Urso, and Zantac. My body can no longer absorb the nutrients from food, but it also has trouble absorbing fat as well. Urso keeps me from forming gal stones. The Zantac helps to prevent ulsers in the new stomach.
What am I able to eat? I am able to eat about 3/4 cup to 1 cup of breakfast cereal, though I usually have coffee for breakfast. For lunch I have either a salad with grilled chicken and low fat dressing or a bean burrito (more like most of one), I drink water with lunch, usually 20-30 ozs. For dinner I usually have grilled chicken or turkey with mashed potatoes, or broccoli, or some other veggie. IF I ever snack it's usually cheese cubes or cottage cheese with peaches on top. I will sometimes crave sweets like pie or cake, but for now no sugar free desserts taste good to me so I just stay away from them. I do however like SF pudding now and again. I do not eat 5-6 times a day. I eat 3 times minimum. I do not ever overeat. When I'm full, I stop eating and throw what's left in the garbage, period.
I hope this information helps and answers any questions you might have. When I was in the thinking stages of the surgery I read lots of blogs and they answered a lot of questions for me. We've all been where you are now. Don't hesitate to send me a question through the e-mail. If I didn't care I wouldn't take my time and keep this blog in the first place.
Thanks for reading along!
Ron
12 weeks 283 -68 lbs.
Nov 02, 2006
It's official! I'm ready for my exit from college. In order to graduate all of my credits had to be cleared. Today was the day to do that. I was very nervous watching the person doing the checking. After it was all said and done, I"m done!!! December 16 I will graduate from college. The first to do so in my immediate family and most of my entire family. At that time I will post some pictures on my profile. I'm so excited to leave school behind and start a new life doing something I love. I haven't actually found a job yet. That will come soon enough though. Well I have to get up early so I need to go to bed. Thanks for reading along!
Ron
11 weeks post-op 287 -64 lbs.
Oct 26, 2006
I feel great. I sometimes forget that I've had surgery. Well I can only eat about a cup of food and food sometimes gets hung in the stoma. Other than that, everything is good. School is buzzing by fast. I need to concentrate a little more on attendance. It's lacking just a bit. December 16 is graduation day and I can't wait. The more weight I lose, the more I'm glad for having surgery. Have a great day.
Ron
Ron
10 weeks post-op 293 -58 lbs.
Oct 17, 2006
Well I finally got switched over to the new profile. You'll notice that I've posted some new pictures. Actually, most of them are not new but were taken about 2 years ago. I picked them because I weighed about 10 lbs. more than I weigh now.
The weight loss is starting to slow just a little. I can't seem to find the time to exercise as much as I need to. I have plenty of excuses but they're all BS as far as having a reason not to take care of myself. After all, why would I have the surgery and not take care of myself afterwards. It's a complete hunk of horse crap to think that my body will just take care of itself. I'll try harder in the coming weeks.
My wife, kids, and I are going camping this Thursday through Sunday. I plan to do a lot of hiking and get some much needed exercise in.
That's about it, have a great one.
The weight loss is starting to slow just a little. I can't seem to find the time to exercise as much as I need to. I have plenty of excuses but they're all BS as far as having a reason not to take care of myself. After all, why would I have the surgery and not take care of myself afterwards. It's a complete hunk of horse crap to think that my body will just take care of itself. I'll try harder in the coming weeks.
My wife, kids, and I are going camping this Thursday through Sunday. I plan to do a lot of hiking and get some much needed exercise in.
That's about it, have a great one.
Copy and Paste Portion
Oct 14, 2006
After my pre-op I will update this blog.
7/31/06 8 days + pre-op
Well, I went for my Pre-op testing today. I had an EKG, chest Xray, sonogram, blood work, breathing test, long talk with the nutritionist, got a once over by an intern, had another long talk with the surgical nurse, and then finally, it was over. Overall it wasn't as bad as I originally thought. I only hope the surgery goes as smoothly. They told me that I would have a pain med button. Which is cool, just that it limits the medication. My wife had one after gal bladder surgery a few years back. Up above this you will see the clock ticking. The closer that clock gets to zero the more nervous and anxious I'm going to get. I've had lots of surgeries before, but this one seems to be getting to me more than usual.
8/01/06 7 days + pre-op
Well I'm getting very nervous. It's starting to sink in that this thing called wls is really going to happen. I've been instructed by the nutritionist to stop drinking caffine. Caffine dehydrates your system and for this fact I will not be able to have it post surgery. She said it's better to kick it now then to kick it while going through the pain of surgery. I can't have aspirin either. I get migraines and nothing takes the edge off like Excedrin Migraine. I just happen to get a migraine this morning and had to take Tylenol instead. It's not as effective, but something I know I have to deal with. I purchased a blender today along with some of the items on my list from the nutritionist. I plan to experiment with some shakes and stuff. Hopefully, my tastes don't change to drastically post op. If my taste changes my recipes I come up with won't be any good to me.
08/02/06 6 days + pre-op
6 days to go until surgery....I'm getting nervous and having second thoughts. My thoughts are how will the surgery affect me when I'm a lot older, then I think that I may not make to older if I don't have the surgery. My doc says I'm 170 lbs. overweight, when I think about that and how many times I've tried to lose, then I'm good. It's just when I think how will the surgery will affect me long term, I start going the other way. I'm not making any sense. I'm going through with the surgery, that's for sure. It's just that I can't stop my mind from thinking all these crazy thoughts. I've tried some of the protein shake stuff and it really isn't too bad. I also stocked up on the items from the full liquid grocery list the nutritionist gave to me. When I say stock up, means I bought one of everything. I know I won't be able to consume more than that anyway. I also started using the CPAP machine last night. I felt a litlle better this morning, as opposed to most mornings, I'm sure it will get increasingly better as I get used to having something strapped to my face while I sleep :-). Well I've been walking on treadmill everyday about this time so I've got to go.
08/03/06 5 days + 15 hours pre-op
A big thanks to Jeff S. for meeting with me today in person and talking about the surgery. I've been so nervous about it. Jeff had open RNY on May, 23 of this year, his wife 2 years before that. Jeff has lost 56 lbs. at 2 months and 1 week post-op. WOW. The last diet I was on, which was Atkins, I only lost about 40 or so lbs. in 7 months. Let's get back on track here. I knew Jeff could give me lots of inside information that I needed to know. It's so amazing how people on this website stick together and help one another. All the people on OH have so much in common, it's like we have known each other our whole life. At this moment I have 5 days, 15 hours until my open RNY. I feel so much more confident about the road ahead. Thanks to all who e-mailed me and especially to Jeff.
08/04/06 4 days pre-op
Time is flying by!!! 4 more days and change to go. It's been a roller coaster of emotions...yeah I'm a guy....but can't a guy be emotional....well I am...especially about something like this....this website is like a gigantic support group. People from all over the nation have sent me encouraging e-mails. It's helped, all of it. My nerves are starting to settle down a bit. I'm still hoping and praying for a speedy recovery with no complications...and who isn't. I'm thankful that I'm able to have the surgery and lose the weight that I've been trying to lose for over 15 years. I'm willing to make the sacrifices necessary to make this surgery a success. A little affirmation, if you will. Alright, another day is gone and I'm one step closer to be one of the biggest losers. I've read that statement on so many profiles, but it sounds demoralizing. Oh well. LOL...
08/05/06 3 days to go....
Whoa...OK....time can just slow down a bit now....I'm nervous enough, but with time warping by makes it worse. I had pancakes this morning. Well, I won't be able to have them at least for a while anyway. I'm not like some going on the tour of duty eating everything they won't be able to. There's some foods I will miss and I've tried having them this week. Kind of a good riddance meal. Good riddance to the fat that is. I love the food. Hate the fat. You know what I talking about. I tell you that if getting skinny was a side effect of food, then I would be among the skinnest in the world. Instead, it seems, I'm among the fattest. I'm going to stop beating myself over the head. I've been sleeping with the CPAP on and I sleep OK, but I've been waking with a severe headache. If you're reading this and know anything....email me....I may call LungStar today and ask what can be done. One of the biggest mental obstacles I've faced in this whole ordeal is the changes the doctor will make in my digestive system. He's going to change what GOD put there. Ironically, that's also who I'm praying to for a safe surgery and recovery. I think HE knows the trouble I've had losing the weight and will help me as HE's done many times in the past. Growing up with a single mom, who passed in 1990 from what started as breast cancer. If you've read this entire blog, then she died exactly 40 days before I had the car accident that almost took my life. My mom raised my sister (Jena) and I. Mom died when Jena was only 16, I was 20. Her and I are closer than any other family we've got. Having said that, I recieved a phone call from my sister yesterday. She lives in Florida. We talked about the surgery. She already knew that I've researched it and everything. When she heard that I've actually got a date, she was real quiet. She wanted to know if there was any other way to lose the weight. Any way at all. She says the surgery seemed like a huge risk just to lose the weight. I told her, yes, the surgery is a huge risk and I could very well die from it. I could also die from a heart attack from being 170 lbs over my ideal weight. My ideal weight also happens to be 170. So there are two of me. Never looked at it that way. I asked her -how many times have I been able to lose more than 40 or so lbs. since I gained it after the car accident. The answer to that is zero. I would also gain it all back and then a bonus 10% or more. After a long talk she came around to my side. She is still worried though. Hell, I'm worried. I've had plastic surgery at least a half dozen or more times. I've also had surgery on my right foot, left hip, upper and lower arm, appendix removal, jaw to reset and wire shut and my foot and arm again to remove the hardware. I've been through some surgery. The surgery to repair my skull in 2000 and this surgery are about equal as far as my nerves go. The plastic surgery consisted of pulling my face completely of my skull, the doc cuts you from one ear straight up and across the head to the other ear, the tops of my ears were cut away as well, only held on by a staple. If you're wondering, 50 staples altogether. It seems extreme that WLS would scare me as much as that one, but it does. Not only from the standpoint of mortality, but the lifestyle changes, and the fact that re-gaining is possible. If I had the surgery and re-gained the weight, I would be in a depression that I would never get out of. But know this, I'm going to make every effort for that not to happen. This entry has went on more like a rant or something. It's made me feel better that's for sure. I'll write more tomorrow I'm sure. Until then.
08/06/06 2 days + 15 hours til WLS
Well another day is gone and I'm one step closer to having my dreams come true, as far as my weight goes anyway. I try to picture myself in the lower 200's, but can't. I just can't. I've been overweight for so long that I don't know anything else. Things are starting to fall into place as my wife and I had planned. I had to tell my morning show audience this morning that I won't be back for at least two weeks from today. It's my last day until after the surgery. Saying that over the air really made it sink in that this surgery is closing in. Barix only requires one 24 hour period on liquids. So after I eat lunch (and it better be a good one, cause it's my last big one) just before noon this Tuesday 8/8/06, then I have to stick to clear liquids only until midnight. Of course with any surgery eating after midnight is never allowed. Once the liquids start I'm sure the nervousness will start back up. I plan to just chill here at the house enjoy all the liquids I can try to relax, except for my nightly walk on the treadmill. You would think that my nightly walk would be getting increasingly easier. NOPE. I try to walk a mile, sometimes I make it and others I don't. My back hurts so bad when I'm done, and I'm soaked with sweat. Sounds like a really hard workout. Well, the treadmill is only set on 2.5, which is a slow walk. I got stupid and tried the stairclimber yesterday, lasted about a minute. My legs felt like jelly when I left. I've also been swimming with the kids. No laps or anything, just fun. If I could somehow bottle up their energy and put it into me, that would be something. I have two boys, age 8 & 11 years. They're both skinny like their mom, so lucky. There is so much life that I'm missing out on. Although I do try to participate in as many things as I can. It's just that I get worn out a lot quicker than the rest of my family. Hopefully, change is on the way. I've went on long enough. Until tomorrow everyone.
8/7/06 1 day +
Today is going to be a busy day. I've got to enroll both my kids in school. Summer is over. I would say "yeah", but that also means I've got to head back to school myself. Thank goodness this is my last semester. Hopefully, I will be able to find a good job afterwards. After were done at school and my wife get home from work, then we have to take the kids to grandma's in Oklahoma. My wife and I are going to have a nice dinner on our way back home. We may wait unitl we return and eat at Olive Garden (one of our favorite places to eat). By the time all this takes place the day will be pretty much over. I have a feeling this day is going to go by fast. I am really excited about the surgery now. It's going to be amazing watching the weight come off. The most amazing thing is watching all the obesity problems go away (sleep apnea, borderline high blood pressure, back pain, leg and foot pain, GERD, migraines and whatever else I missed). That's it for today.
8/8/06 D-day tomorrow
Well, it finally here. I have my open RNY first thing in the morning. I've been reading blogs, looking at before/after pictures, reading the men's board, etc. It's really helped and I've gotten a lot of information just from reading all of these things. At this point, I wish there were another way out of obesity other than surgery. I know that's not the typical post in here, but that's how I truly feel inside. I'm hoping that my cravings for food will diminish as time passes, they could go away immediately and that would be ok too. So I've got my loose clothing, comb, toothbrush, fan (not an admirer), very comfortable slippers I bought yesterday, pillows, and a keg of courage. I'm not sure the keg is going to cover it though. My wife is going to be with me most of the time. She manages a restaurant and can't be away from work the entire time I'm in the hospital. Hopefully, I won't go out of my mind while she is not there. Right now when I bored I eat. Seeing how I won't be able to do that anymore might be a challenge during my stay at the hospital. On a lighter note, I started this journey at 351. The immense stress along with a little exercise have lost me about 9 lbs. putting my pre-op weight at 342. My pants don't fit better yet, but it's 9 lbs. I don't have to concentrate on post-op. That's a good thing. I'm off to my last meal before having to hit the clear liquids. My kids are in Oklahoma with grandma and grandpa, my wife is at work until 8 PM tonight, so I'm all alone for the last meal. Sad don't you think. I'll try to enjoy it anyway. Here is what the last meal is: Smoked Turkey w/ low carb BBQ sauce, potato salad, and spicy pinto beans with a glass of tea. My good friends at Dickey's BBQ are fix that for me as they have many times in the past. Hopefully, I will be able to eat this post-op in a much smaller portion. Thanks to everyone who has sent messages. They have all, each and every one, helped. I have my surgery in the morning so I won't post again until I'm home from the hospital. Barix Clinics of Texas, 972-429-8000. Hopefully everything will goes smoothly and I'll post my return on Saturday afternoon.
8/14/06 Home from hospital
Sat. came and went so fast. I did come home from the hospital that day. My stay at Barix was one that I would recommend to anyone. They only do RNY and LapBand. The nurse to patient ratio is 1:2, which made it seem like Intensive Care. The nurses check on you every 15 minutes or so and when you need help they have the time. My pain right after surgery was greater than I had imagined. The nurses curbed it quick with extra pain meds. The first and second day were pretty miserable, by the third I started to feel like my old self again. I was not allowed any food or water for the first 48 hours, didn't matter cause I had no appetite. I left with Rx for Lortab for pain, Urso for prevetion of galstones, and Zantac for prevention of ulcers. Sunday night 8/13/06 at midnight was my last dose of Lortab. I'm still tender, but I get around better by the minute. At this stage my only regret is I really liked the feeling of having a good meal with my wife. I want those days back just with smaller portions. At this point, I can't see to far in the future. I do see a difference in the mirror. My shirts are fitting a little better. I look forward to my new weight loss journey. Stay tuned for more. I appreciate you reading my blog....email me with any questions....I'd be happy to answer any questions.
8/16/06 1 week post-op
Ok. I want to let anyone who is having WLS that depression is a normal part of the deal. Nobody warned about this. It sucks. For me, it only happens at night. The nurse at Barix told me that normally it will only happen when I'm tired and that if it persists they will prescribe sleeping pills and that they will help. Also the liquid diet thing. You will become so sick of liquids that you could just puke your brains out. The nutritionist wants you to get in a lot of protein and it's nearly impossible at this stage. I've been getting in about half what I'm supposed to. The surgery also hurts more than I thought. Once I was aware in the hospital I was shocked at how bad my stomach hurt. Yes, I was doped up on morphine which helped a lot. I could still tell how much it hurt though. The first two days in the hospital are the worst as far as pain goes. During the first two days no intake of liquid or food is allowed. The only thing that got me by is the nurses would allow me to swish water in my mouth. It felt like heaven everytime. The third day I was allowed a shower, again heaven, and started on clear liquids. You're taste change so some of what you liked before taste like crap afterwards. I was given broth, popsicles, crystal light, water, jello and stuff. I felt good to be eating/drinking something, but everything tasted aweful. I was discharged from the hospital on the fourth day and was so happy to be home. It was still painful to get up from a chair and bending was nearly impossible. It has gotten better. Be prepared to sleep in the recliner for a few days once you're home. I did and it was like heaven. I stayed there for 3 days and then moved to the bed. I still have trouble laying flat so I have a pillow used for sitting and watching TV and two more pillow on top of that to prop me up. It feels good just to be in the bed and sleep along side my wife. I really am feeling a lot better. This entire message is for people who might me thinking of WLS or have a date and are just interested. This is real stuff. Don't take the surgery lightly, because it's perm. and cannot be reversed unless it's a life/death situation. It's hard to picture in your mind what's about to happen and then you're on the other side and can't go back. Not that I want to go back. I just wish for my normal self to come back to me. I think once that happens everything will start to fall into place. Good Luck everyone.
08/23/06 Two weeks Post-op update 322 lbs. -29
First off I don't have any numbers yet. My first doctors appt. isn't until Friday. I do know that I am losing a lot of weight because I'm wearing smaller pants and my shirts fit great now. However, I will tell you this is not the easy way to lose the weight. Having the surgery, so far, is one of the hardest things I've ever do in my entire life. Nothing, I mean nothing can prepare you for the changes that you are forced to make right after surgery. The surgery does help you to eat a lot less and you're not hungary all the time, like before the surgery. My addiction to food was comparable to a drug addiction. I feel better now than I have over the last two weeks. I've actually been cheating a little bit by eating some refried beans and mashed potatoes. I'm happy to say neither made me sick and tasted awesome. I'm supposed to start pureed food today anyway. Refried beans and mashed potatoes is kind of pureed so it's all good.
If you're looking at this profile and you're thinking about having any WLS, make sure to get all the information you can before committing to the surgery. Once your approved you have about a 6 month period to have the surgery. If you're having second thougts, then put off the surgery and think about it some more. Make sure you are ready for the life changes and know that it's not reversible in most cases.
Take care. I'll update after I see the doctor.
I seen the doctor today and everything is going fine. We addressed the depression and he said it was normal. Actually, I haven't been that depressed the last few days since starting back to college. I'm getting plenty of fluids, but my protein intake needs to increase. It's hard to get the protein from the liquid diet. Thankfully I start the next phase today, which is pureed. I intend on being very creative with this diet. My weight was the next thing. I left the hospital weighing a whopping 351 lbs., I'm down to 322 lbs. Yep, that's 29 lbs. that I'm not carrying around with me anymore and will never carry again.
08/30/06 Three weeks post-op 312 lbs. -39
It's official! I'm 36 years old. Today is my birthday and I can't even have cake. The normal way or with sugar. I did get my self a sugar-free cupcake and planned to do something with it. After eating something I was not able to eat anything else so I went to bed with birthday cake. This would probably be the first time in my life to not have cake on my birthday. Oh well. That kind of being the bad news, and now for some good news. My weight topped out at 351 lbs. and now I'm at 312 lbs. That's 39 lbs. in three weeks. I must admit that I haven't even started an exercise program yet. Although, I have been walking a lot. The college I attend is spread out over 21 city blocks so I do a lot of walking to my classes. Before surgery I would relocate my car near my class, now I just park in a central location and walk to all of them. Also, I go to the mall and to Wal-Mart every couple of days and walk around. My belly is still sore and I have a hard time bending over to tie my shoes. I can't wait for that to clear up. I'm in the pureed stage of eating, but I can't lie; I've been trying foods in small amounts to see what I can and cannot eat. So far mashed potatoes, refried beans, stuffing, chili, cheerios w/bananas, ritz crackers, cheddar cheese have not given me any trouble. I miss being able to eat the 'old' way, but I'm excited to finally being able to lose all or most of my excess weight. My doctor thinks that I will level off at around 225 lbs. That sure sounds good right now. Next Wednesday I'm on to the next food phase, which is soft foods, and I can't hardly wait. One reason is that it's impossible to get the protein the nutritionist wants me to get in. 101 grams per day is what she wants me to take in and I'm probably getting about 50 grams. Hopefully, once I'm eating steak and chicken that number will increase. That's if I'm able to eat those things. I'm eating Cheerios w/bananas as I type this post. Just thought you would like to know. I'm only 3 weeks out, but this revalation has occured to me. Before surgery I always associated food with everything. For example, if my family and I were going to the mall I would think to myself 'where are we going to eat when we are done' 'should we eat in the mall or in one of the restaurants outside the mall' 'should we eat first, then shop or vice versa' 'what about a snack, can I eat a snack and still be able to eat' well you get the picture. After surgery, thus far anyway, I rarely think about food, but rather have to make sure that I eat at certain times of the day. I don't get as much enjoyment out of eating as I used to either. Part of that is it takes so long just to eat a small amount and you have to chew until the food has pureed in your mouth. I realize that sounds disgusting. So basically I went from craving and eating large portions of food 3-4 times a day to rarely craving food and eating VERY small amounts 6 or more times a day. The difference is weight loss in this word problem. I'm sure all of us like that answer. I'm slowly getting used to my new eating style and hope to get to some exercise soon. Right now I still have some regrets for having to surgery, but I feel better about it than I did when I was first released from the hospital. That's the honest truth. Well I guess I'll close on that note. I'll post again next week.
9/6/06 One month post-op 310 -41lbs.
41 pounds down and I feel better. I can walk further and climb more stairs without getting as winded as I used to. Eating is getting better as well. I been eating easily tolerated solids for a few days now. I'm sorry but pureed foods can go on for only so long. I'm taking it really easy with what I'm eating, don't want to rupture my stomach or anything. I eat mashed pot., refried beans, soups, soft veggies, stuff like that. No steaks or anything, not yet anyway. I look forward to making a filet when I'm able to. For now I'm just happy to be eating solids. One WLS rule that I've been breaking is the eat every 2 hours rule. I go to school 60 miles from home and it's hard to eat every two hours. I do get in all my water and more and try like hell to get the protein in. I probably eat 4 times daily. It's shocking at first how much one can eat after WLS. Which is about 1/2 -3/4 cup at a time. I would have starved to death eating this amount before surgery. Eating small amounts of food and exercising is how you lose weight. Eating small enough amounts of food was a big hurdle before surgery. Now it's as easy as it could be. I eat until I'm satisfied and walk away and don't have a problem never looking back. Exercising is getting easier as the weight decreases. I walk so much at school that I haven't started walking on the treadmill. I plan to once I hit the 6 week mark. Well I 've got to go eat breakfast. This morning it's Cheerios w/banana slices and 2% milk, it's actually pretty good. I'll probably eat about 1/2 cup cereal w/ half banana and just enough milk to cover them. I may even have to throw some in the garbage disposal. But that's OK. For lunch either a baked potato or chili down at Wendy's. I haven't thought much further than that. Happy Trails.
5 weeks post-op 308 -43 lbs.
There is not very much to say this week. I've been very busy at school and work this week. I'm still struggling with the protein intake. I've been eating 3-4 very small meals per day. My father-in-law says that he would starve to death eating the small amounts that I've been eating since surgery. My wife and I went to the Roadhouse restaurant yesterday. We both enjoyed eating here before the surgery. Now that I can't eat but 1/2 cup or so at a time it's a whole new experience. We shared a grilled chicken, baked potato and a ceasar salad. We couldn't even finish it together. Our server thought something was odd, but didn't say anything to us. I didn't volunteer anything either. At this point I still have not become comfortable with explaining the surgery to anybody. When it comes up, I simply say I've had gal bladder surgery. Fortunately, it hasn't come up at all in sometime. The weight loss has stalled out a bit the last couple of weeks, hopefully it will kick back into gear pretty quick. I've lost some weight every week so far, so I'm not complaining. The journey continues. I'll post next week.
6 weeks post-op 305 -46 lbs.
Another 3 lbs. down and I'm pretty excited about it. At this point, I'm starting to feel like myself again. My stamina is up, but still not at 100 percent yet. I'm able to eat just about anything I want. Of course I stay away from sugar and fried foods. You can't lose weight eating those foods anyway. That's about it for now. I've got to get to school, class begins in about 2 hours. I live 1 hour away. I'll have the bachelor's degrees in December and I'm planning to get my Master's. I'm still not sure if I'll choose safety or communication for the master's. I love to pat myself on the back as you can see.
Later.
7 weeks post-op 301 -50 lbs.
I think I may have missed my 6 week checkup. Nobody has called me and I haven't seen the doctor since 2 weeks post. I guess I'll have to call them today and find out. It's hard to believe that I've lost 50 lbs. in such a short time. I'm still not able to get all the protein that nutritionist wants which is 101 grams/day. I probably get around 70-80 per/day though just by eating the right foods. Time is passing by fast. I have until October 27 to complete my portfolio for my broadcasting degree. I haven't started on it yet. If I make it through this last semester, it will be a miracle. You know what's crazy, I'm thinking about getting my master's in communication. Another 2 years of school? Well, only if I'm not able to find a good job. I just applied to a company as a media production specialist. Hopefully they contact me for an interview. Thanks for reading along. The journey continues.......
8 weeks post-op 298 -53 lbs.
Drum roll please.......Finally made to the 200's, haven't been in the 2's in about 10 years. I'm so excited. Eating gets easier everyday. It seems I'm able to eat more and more. I'm not hungary often so I'm able to easily watch what I'm putting in my mouth. No junk. Lots of chicken, salads, sugarfree lemonade, that kind of stuff. I've had lasagna and mexican food, but try to limit the amount and also watch what mexican food I eat. Also when my stomach says it's full, I get up from the table and throw the rest of the food in the trash. Thanks for reading along. Good Luck to you......
9 weeks post-op 295 -56 lbs.
Time is flying by. Life gets better with every pound lost. The early stages of the surgery get you down and everyone kept telling me that it would get better and it has and is getting better. I've got to head to bed, early morning coming up. It's hard to believe that I'm two months away from graduating from college. If my mom was still alive, she would be the proudest of them all. Good night all.....
7/31/06 8 days + pre-op
Well, I went for my Pre-op testing today. I had an EKG, chest Xray, sonogram, blood work, breathing test, long talk with the nutritionist, got a once over by an intern, had another long talk with the surgical nurse, and then finally, it was over. Overall it wasn't as bad as I originally thought. I only hope the surgery goes as smoothly. They told me that I would have a pain med button. Which is cool, just that it limits the medication. My wife had one after gal bladder surgery a few years back. Up above this you will see the clock ticking. The closer that clock gets to zero the more nervous and anxious I'm going to get. I've had lots of surgeries before, but this one seems to be getting to me more than usual.
8/01/06 7 days + pre-op
Well I'm getting very nervous. It's starting to sink in that this thing called wls is really going to happen. I've been instructed by the nutritionist to stop drinking caffine. Caffine dehydrates your system and for this fact I will not be able to have it post surgery. She said it's better to kick it now then to kick it while going through the pain of surgery. I can't have aspirin either. I get migraines and nothing takes the edge off like Excedrin Migraine. I just happen to get a migraine this morning and had to take Tylenol instead. It's not as effective, but something I know I have to deal with. I purchased a blender today along with some of the items on my list from the nutritionist. I plan to experiment with some shakes and stuff. Hopefully, my tastes don't change to drastically post op. If my taste changes my recipes I come up with won't be any good to me.
08/02/06 6 days + pre-op
6 days to go until surgery....I'm getting nervous and having second thoughts. My thoughts are how will the surgery affect me when I'm a lot older, then I think that I may not make to older if I don't have the surgery. My doc says I'm 170 lbs. overweight, when I think about that and how many times I've tried to lose, then I'm good. It's just when I think how will the surgery will affect me long term, I start going the other way. I'm not making any sense. I'm going through with the surgery, that's for sure. It's just that I can't stop my mind from thinking all these crazy thoughts. I've tried some of the protein shake stuff and it really isn't too bad. I also stocked up on the items from the full liquid grocery list the nutritionist gave to me. When I say stock up, means I bought one of everything. I know I won't be able to consume more than that anyway. I also started using the CPAP machine last night. I felt a litlle better this morning, as opposed to most mornings, I'm sure it will get increasingly better as I get used to having something strapped to my face while I sleep :-). Well I've been walking on treadmill everyday about this time so I've got to go.
08/03/06 5 days + 15 hours pre-op
A big thanks to Jeff S. for meeting with me today in person and talking about the surgery. I've been so nervous about it. Jeff had open RNY on May, 23 of this year, his wife 2 years before that. Jeff has lost 56 lbs. at 2 months and 1 week post-op. WOW. The last diet I was on, which was Atkins, I only lost about 40 or so lbs. in 7 months. Let's get back on track here. I knew Jeff could give me lots of inside information that I needed to know. It's so amazing how people on this website stick together and help one another. All the people on OH have so much in common, it's like we have known each other our whole life. At this moment I have 5 days, 15 hours until my open RNY. I feel so much more confident about the road ahead. Thanks to all who e-mailed me and especially to Jeff.
08/04/06 4 days pre-op
Time is flying by!!! 4 more days and change to go. It's been a roller coaster of emotions...yeah I'm a guy....but can't a guy be emotional....well I am...especially about something like this....this website is like a gigantic support group. People from all over the nation have sent me encouraging e-mails. It's helped, all of it. My nerves are starting to settle down a bit. I'm still hoping and praying for a speedy recovery with no complications...and who isn't. I'm thankful that I'm able to have the surgery and lose the weight that I've been trying to lose for over 15 years. I'm willing to make the sacrifices necessary to make this surgery a success. A little affirmation, if you will. Alright, another day is gone and I'm one step closer to be one of the biggest losers. I've read that statement on so many profiles, but it sounds demoralizing. Oh well. LOL...
08/05/06 3 days to go....
Whoa...OK....time can just slow down a bit now....I'm nervous enough, but with time warping by makes it worse. I had pancakes this morning. Well, I won't be able to have them at least for a while anyway. I'm not like some going on the tour of duty eating everything they won't be able to. There's some foods I will miss and I've tried having them this week. Kind of a good riddance meal. Good riddance to the fat that is. I love the food. Hate the fat. You know what I talking about. I tell you that if getting skinny was a side effect of food, then I would be among the skinnest in the world. Instead, it seems, I'm among the fattest. I'm going to stop beating myself over the head. I've been sleeping with the CPAP on and I sleep OK, but I've been waking with a severe headache. If you're reading this and know anything....email me....I may call LungStar today and ask what can be done. One of the biggest mental obstacles I've faced in this whole ordeal is the changes the doctor will make in my digestive system. He's going to change what GOD put there. Ironically, that's also who I'm praying to for a safe surgery and recovery. I think HE knows the trouble I've had losing the weight and will help me as HE's done many times in the past. Growing up with a single mom, who passed in 1990 from what started as breast cancer. If you've read this entire blog, then she died exactly 40 days before I had the car accident that almost took my life. My mom raised my sister (Jena) and I. Mom died when Jena was only 16, I was 20. Her and I are closer than any other family we've got. Having said that, I recieved a phone call from my sister yesterday. She lives in Florida. We talked about the surgery. She already knew that I've researched it and everything. When she heard that I've actually got a date, she was real quiet. She wanted to know if there was any other way to lose the weight. Any way at all. She says the surgery seemed like a huge risk just to lose the weight. I told her, yes, the surgery is a huge risk and I could very well die from it. I could also die from a heart attack from being 170 lbs over my ideal weight. My ideal weight also happens to be 170. So there are two of me. Never looked at it that way. I asked her -how many times have I been able to lose more than 40 or so lbs. since I gained it after the car accident. The answer to that is zero. I would also gain it all back and then a bonus 10% or more. After a long talk she came around to my side. She is still worried though. Hell, I'm worried. I've had plastic surgery at least a half dozen or more times. I've also had surgery on my right foot, left hip, upper and lower arm, appendix removal, jaw to reset and wire shut and my foot and arm again to remove the hardware. I've been through some surgery. The surgery to repair my skull in 2000 and this surgery are about equal as far as my nerves go. The plastic surgery consisted of pulling my face completely of my skull, the doc cuts you from one ear straight up and across the head to the other ear, the tops of my ears were cut away as well, only held on by a staple. If you're wondering, 50 staples altogether. It seems extreme that WLS would scare me as much as that one, but it does. Not only from the standpoint of mortality, but the lifestyle changes, and the fact that re-gaining is possible. If I had the surgery and re-gained the weight, I would be in a depression that I would never get out of. But know this, I'm going to make every effort for that not to happen. This entry has went on more like a rant or something. It's made me feel better that's for sure. I'll write more tomorrow I'm sure. Until then.
08/06/06 2 days + 15 hours til WLS
Well another day is gone and I'm one step closer to having my dreams come true, as far as my weight goes anyway. I try to picture myself in the lower 200's, but can't. I just can't. I've been overweight for so long that I don't know anything else. Things are starting to fall into place as my wife and I had planned. I had to tell my morning show audience this morning that I won't be back for at least two weeks from today. It's my last day until after the surgery. Saying that over the air really made it sink in that this surgery is closing in. Barix only requires one 24 hour period on liquids. So after I eat lunch (and it better be a good one, cause it's my last big one) just before noon this Tuesday 8/8/06, then I have to stick to clear liquids only until midnight. Of course with any surgery eating after midnight is never allowed. Once the liquids start I'm sure the nervousness will start back up. I plan to just chill here at the house enjoy all the liquids I can try to relax, except for my nightly walk on the treadmill. You would think that my nightly walk would be getting increasingly easier. NOPE. I try to walk a mile, sometimes I make it and others I don't. My back hurts so bad when I'm done, and I'm soaked with sweat. Sounds like a really hard workout. Well, the treadmill is only set on 2.5, which is a slow walk. I got stupid and tried the stairclimber yesterday, lasted about a minute. My legs felt like jelly when I left. I've also been swimming with the kids. No laps or anything, just fun. If I could somehow bottle up their energy and put it into me, that would be something. I have two boys, age 8 & 11 years. They're both skinny like their mom, so lucky. There is so much life that I'm missing out on. Although I do try to participate in as many things as I can. It's just that I get worn out a lot quicker than the rest of my family. Hopefully, change is on the way. I've went on long enough. Until tomorrow everyone.
8/7/06 1 day +
Today is going to be a busy day. I've got to enroll both my kids in school. Summer is over. I would say "yeah", but that also means I've got to head back to school myself. Thank goodness this is my last semester. Hopefully, I will be able to find a good job afterwards. After were done at school and my wife get home from work, then we have to take the kids to grandma's in Oklahoma. My wife and I are going to have a nice dinner on our way back home. We may wait unitl we return and eat at Olive Garden (one of our favorite places to eat). By the time all this takes place the day will be pretty much over. I have a feeling this day is going to go by fast. I am really excited about the surgery now. It's going to be amazing watching the weight come off. The most amazing thing is watching all the obesity problems go away (sleep apnea, borderline high blood pressure, back pain, leg and foot pain, GERD, migraines and whatever else I missed). That's it for today.
8/8/06 D-day tomorrow
Well, it finally here. I have my open RNY first thing in the morning. I've been reading blogs, looking at before/after pictures, reading the men's board, etc. It's really helped and I've gotten a lot of information just from reading all of these things. At this point, I wish there were another way out of obesity other than surgery. I know that's not the typical post in here, but that's how I truly feel inside. I'm hoping that my cravings for food will diminish as time passes, they could go away immediately and that would be ok too. So I've got my loose clothing, comb, toothbrush, fan (not an admirer), very comfortable slippers I bought yesterday, pillows, and a keg of courage. I'm not sure the keg is going to cover it though. My wife is going to be with me most of the time. She manages a restaurant and can't be away from work the entire time I'm in the hospital. Hopefully, I won't go out of my mind while she is not there. Right now when I bored I eat. Seeing how I won't be able to do that anymore might be a challenge during my stay at the hospital. On a lighter note, I started this journey at 351. The immense stress along with a little exercise have lost me about 9 lbs. putting my pre-op weight at 342. My pants don't fit better yet, but it's 9 lbs. I don't have to concentrate on post-op. That's a good thing. I'm off to my last meal before having to hit the clear liquids. My kids are in Oklahoma with grandma and grandpa, my wife is at work until 8 PM tonight, so I'm all alone for the last meal. Sad don't you think. I'll try to enjoy it anyway. Here is what the last meal is: Smoked Turkey w/ low carb BBQ sauce, potato salad, and spicy pinto beans with a glass of tea. My good friends at Dickey's BBQ are fix that for me as they have many times in the past. Hopefully, I will be able to eat this post-op in a much smaller portion. Thanks to everyone who has sent messages. They have all, each and every one, helped. I have my surgery in the morning so I won't post again until I'm home from the hospital. Barix Clinics of Texas, 972-429-8000. Hopefully everything will goes smoothly and I'll post my return on Saturday afternoon.
8/14/06 Home from hospital
Sat. came and went so fast. I did come home from the hospital that day. My stay at Barix was one that I would recommend to anyone. They only do RNY and LapBand. The nurse to patient ratio is 1:2, which made it seem like Intensive Care. The nurses check on you every 15 minutes or so and when you need help they have the time. My pain right after surgery was greater than I had imagined. The nurses curbed it quick with extra pain meds. The first and second day were pretty miserable, by the third I started to feel like my old self again. I was not allowed any food or water for the first 48 hours, didn't matter cause I had no appetite. I left with Rx for Lortab for pain, Urso for prevetion of galstones, and Zantac for prevention of ulcers. Sunday night 8/13/06 at midnight was my last dose of Lortab. I'm still tender, but I get around better by the minute. At this stage my only regret is I really liked the feeling of having a good meal with my wife. I want those days back just with smaller portions. At this point, I can't see to far in the future. I do see a difference in the mirror. My shirts are fitting a little better. I look forward to my new weight loss journey. Stay tuned for more. I appreciate you reading my blog....email me with any questions....I'd be happy to answer any questions.
8/16/06 1 week post-op
Ok. I want to let anyone who is having WLS that depression is a normal part of the deal. Nobody warned about this. It sucks. For me, it only happens at night. The nurse at Barix told me that normally it will only happen when I'm tired and that if it persists they will prescribe sleeping pills and that they will help. Also the liquid diet thing. You will become so sick of liquids that you could just puke your brains out. The nutritionist wants you to get in a lot of protein and it's nearly impossible at this stage. I've been getting in about half what I'm supposed to. The surgery also hurts more than I thought. Once I was aware in the hospital I was shocked at how bad my stomach hurt. Yes, I was doped up on morphine which helped a lot. I could still tell how much it hurt though. The first two days in the hospital are the worst as far as pain goes. During the first two days no intake of liquid or food is allowed. The only thing that got me by is the nurses would allow me to swish water in my mouth. It felt like heaven everytime. The third day I was allowed a shower, again heaven, and started on clear liquids. You're taste change so some of what you liked before taste like crap afterwards. I was given broth, popsicles, crystal light, water, jello and stuff. I felt good to be eating/drinking something, but everything tasted aweful. I was discharged from the hospital on the fourth day and was so happy to be home. It was still painful to get up from a chair and bending was nearly impossible. It has gotten better. Be prepared to sleep in the recliner for a few days once you're home. I did and it was like heaven. I stayed there for 3 days and then moved to the bed. I still have trouble laying flat so I have a pillow used for sitting and watching TV and two more pillow on top of that to prop me up. It feels good just to be in the bed and sleep along side my wife. I really am feeling a lot better. This entire message is for people who might me thinking of WLS or have a date and are just interested. This is real stuff. Don't take the surgery lightly, because it's perm. and cannot be reversed unless it's a life/death situation. It's hard to picture in your mind what's about to happen and then you're on the other side and can't go back. Not that I want to go back. I just wish for my normal self to come back to me. I think once that happens everything will start to fall into place. Good Luck everyone.
08/23/06 Two weeks Post-op update 322 lbs. -29
First off I don't have any numbers yet. My first doctors appt. isn't until Friday. I do know that I am losing a lot of weight because I'm wearing smaller pants and my shirts fit great now. However, I will tell you this is not the easy way to lose the weight. Having the surgery, so far, is one of the hardest things I've ever do in my entire life. Nothing, I mean nothing can prepare you for the changes that you are forced to make right after surgery. The surgery does help you to eat a lot less and you're not hungary all the time, like before the surgery. My addiction to food was comparable to a drug addiction. I feel better now than I have over the last two weeks. I've actually been cheating a little bit by eating some refried beans and mashed potatoes. I'm happy to say neither made me sick and tasted awesome. I'm supposed to start pureed food today anyway. Refried beans and mashed potatoes is kind of pureed so it's all good.
If you're looking at this profile and you're thinking about having any WLS, make sure to get all the information you can before committing to the surgery. Once your approved you have about a 6 month period to have the surgery. If you're having second thougts, then put off the surgery and think about it some more. Make sure you are ready for the life changes and know that it's not reversible in most cases.
Take care. I'll update after I see the doctor.
I seen the doctor today and everything is going fine. We addressed the depression and he said it was normal. Actually, I haven't been that depressed the last few days since starting back to college. I'm getting plenty of fluids, but my protein intake needs to increase. It's hard to get the protein from the liquid diet. Thankfully I start the next phase today, which is pureed. I intend on being very creative with this diet. My weight was the next thing. I left the hospital weighing a whopping 351 lbs., I'm down to 322 lbs. Yep, that's 29 lbs. that I'm not carrying around with me anymore and will never carry again.
08/30/06 Three weeks post-op 312 lbs. -39
It's official! I'm 36 years old. Today is my birthday and I can't even have cake. The normal way or with sugar. I did get my self a sugar-free cupcake and planned to do something with it. After eating something I was not able to eat anything else so I went to bed with birthday cake. This would probably be the first time in my life to not have cake on my birthday. Oh well. That kind of being the bad news, and now for some good news. My weight topped out at 351 lbs. and now I'm at 312 lbs. That's 39 lbs. in three weeks. I must admit that I haven't even started an exercise program yet. Although, I have been walking a lot. The college I attend is spread out over 21 city blocks so I do a lot of walking to my classes. Before surgery I would relocate my car near my class, now I just park in a central location and walk to all of them. Also, I go to the mall and to Wal-Mart every couple of days and walk around. My belly is still sore and I have a hard time bending over to tie my shoes. I can't wait for that to clear up. I'm in the pureed stage of eating, but I can't lie; I've been trying foods in small amounts to see what I can and cannot eat. So far mashed potatoes, refried beans, stuffing, chili, cheerios w/bananas, ritz crackers, cheddar cheese have not given me any trouble. I miss being able to eat the 'old' way, but I'm excited to finally being able to lose all or most of my excess weight. My doctor thinks that I will level off at around 225 lbs. That sure sounds good right now. Next Wednesday I'm on to the next food phase, which is soft foods, and I can't hardly wait. One reason is that it's impossible to get the protein the nutritionist wants me to get in. 101 grams per day is what she wants me to take in and I'm probably getting about 50 grams. Hopefully, once I'm eating steak and chicken that number will increase. That's if I'm able to eat those things. I'm eating Cheerios w/bananas as I type this post. Just thought you would like to know. I'm only 3 weeks out, but this revalation has occured to me. Before surgery I always associated food with everything. For example, if my family and I were going to the mall I would think to myself 'where are we going to eat when we are done' 'should we eat in the mall or in one of the restaurants outside the mall' 'should we eat first, then shop or vice versa' 'what about a snack, can I eat a snack and still be able to eat' well you get the picture. After surgery, thus far anyway, I rarely think about food, but rather have to make sure that I eat at certain times of the day. I don't get as much enjoyment out of eating as I used to either. Part of that is it takes so long just to eat a small amount and you have to chew until the food has pureed in your mouth. I realize that sounds disgusting. So basically I went from craving and eating large portions of food 3-4 times a day to rarely craving food and eating VERY small amounts 6 or more times a day. The difference is weight loss in this word problem. I'm sure all of us like that answer. I'm slowly getting used to my new eating style and hope to get to some exercise soon. Right now I still have some regrets for having to surgery, but I feel better about it than I did when I was first released from the hospital. That's the honest truth. Well I guess I'll close on that note. I'll post again next week.
9/6/06 One month post-op 310 -41lbs.
41 pounds down and I feel better. I can walk further and climb more stairs without getting as winded as I used to. Eating is getting better as well. I been eating easily tolerated solids for a few days now. I'm sorry but pureed foods can go on for only so long. I'm taking it really easy with what I'm eating, don't want to rupture my stomach or anything. I eat mashed pot., refried beans, soups, soft veggies, stuff like that. No steaks or anything, not yet anyway. I look forward to making a filet when I'm able to. For now I'm just happy to be eating solids. One WLS rule that I've been breaking is the eat every 2 hours rule. I go to school 60 miles from home and it's hard to eat every two hours. I do get in all my water and more and try like hell to get the protein in. I probably eat 4 times daily. It's shocking at first how much one can eat after WLS. Which is about 1/2 -3/4 cup at a time. I would have starved to death eating this amount before surgery. Eating small amounts of food and exercising is how you lose weight. Eating small enough amounts of food was a big hurdle before surgery. Now it's as easy as it could be. I eat until I'm satisfied and walk away and don't have a problem never looking back. Exercising is getting easier as the weight decreases. I walk so much at school that I haven't started walking on the treadmill. I plan to once I hit the 6 week mark. Well I 've got to go eat breakfast. This morning it's Cheerios w/banana slices and 2% milk, it's actually pretty good. I'll probably eat about 1/2 cup cereal w/ half banana and just enough milk to cover them. I may even have to throw some in the garbage disposal. But that's OK. For lunch either a baked potato or chili down at Wendy's. I haven't thought much further than that. Happy Trails.
5 weeks post-op 308 -43 lbs.
There is not very much to say this week. I've been very busy at school and work this week. I'm still struggling with the protein intake. I've been eating 3-4 very small meals per day. My father-in-law says that he would starve to death eating the small amounts that I've been eating since surgery. My wife and I went to the Roadhouse restaurant yesterday. We both enjoyed eating here before the surgery. Now that I can't eat but 1/2 cup or so at a time it's a whole new experience. We shared a grilled chicken, baked potato and a ceasar salad. We couldn't even finish it together. Our server thought something was odd, but didn't say anything to us. I didn't volunteer anything either. At this point I still have not become comfortable with explaining the surgery to anybody. When it comes up, I simply say I've had gal bladder surgery. Fortunately, it hasn't come up at all in sometime. The weight loss has stalled out a bit the last couple of weeks, hopefully it will kick back into gear pretty quick. I've lost some weight every week so far, so I'm not complaining. The journey continues. I'll post next week.
6 weeks post-op 305 -46 lbs.
Another 3 lbs. down and I'm pretty excited about it. At this point, I'm starting to feel like myself again. My stamina is up, but still not at 100 percent yet. I'm able to eat just about anything I want. Of course I stay away from sugar and fried foods. You can't lose weight eating those foods anyway. That's about it for now. I've got to get to school, class begins in about 2 hours. I live 1 hour away. I'll have the bachelor's degrees in December and I'm planning to get my Master's. I'm still not sure if I'll choose safety or communication for the master's. I love to pat myself on the back as you can see.
Later.
7 weeks post-op 301 -50 lbs.
I think I may have missed my 6 week checkup. Nobody has called me and I haven't seen the doctor since 2 weeks post. I guess I'll have to call them today and find out. It's hard to believe that I've lost 50 lbs. in such a short time. I'm still not able to get all the protein that nutritionist wants which is 101 grams/day. I probably get around 70-80 per/day though just by eating the right foods. Time is passing by fast. I have until October 27 to complete my portfolio for my broadcasting degree. I haven't started on it yet. If I make it through this last semester, it will be a miracle. You know what's crazy, I'm thinking about getting my master's in communication. Another 2 years of school? Well, only if I'm not able to find a good job. I just applied to a company as a media production specialist. Hopefully they contact me for an interview. Thanks for reading along. The journey continues.......
8 weeks post-op 298 -53 lbs.
Drum roll please.......Finally made to the 200's, haven't been in the 2's in about 10 years. I'm so excited. Eating gets easier everyday. It seems I'm able to eat more and more. I'm not hungary often so I'm able to easily watch what I'm putting in my mouth. No junk. Lots of chicken, salads, sugarfree lemonade, that kind of stuff. I've had lasagna and mexican food, but try to limit the amount and also watch what mexican food I eat. Also when my stomach says it's full, I get up from the table and throw the rest of the food in the trash. Thanks for reading along. Good Luck to you......
9 weeks post-op 295 -56 lbs.
Time is flying by. Life gets better with every pound lost. The early stages of the surgery get you down and everyone kept telling me that it would get better and it has and is getting better. I've got to head to bed, early morning coming up. It's hard to believe that I'm two months away from graduating from college. If my mom was still alive, she would be the proudest of them all. Good night all.....
About Me
DFW, TX
Location
27.0
BMI
Jul 28, 2006
Member Since
