HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME! I turned 32 today and I love life!

I had a follow up with my Surgeon today and he said that I was doing really well. He was amazed at the amount of  weight that I have lost in such a short time period (46 lbs as of today-My current weight is 229). It was a pleasant surprise for me as well!  I don't stress the whole weight issue. Matter of fact, I only weight myself once a week. ( I have read where some weigh themselves everyday and I don't understand that. That's just too much unnecessary pressure on yourself while your body is healing and adjusting after surgery. )  I am just happy to notice the positive effects  of the weight loss. If I keep doing good, I may be in ONE-derland in the next few months!

People at work are starting to really notice too. One girl who I see in passing stopped me in the hallway and said..."You know what...You have lost a BUNCH of weight since I last saw you! How did you do it??"  I told her that I had the Gastric Bypass. She was like "Wow! That's really something! You look really good!" I thanked her and went on about my way.  I don't mind telling people about the surgery as long as I am not approached in some crazy way...like "Sweet Jesus girl! You looking sick in the face! You ain't on that crack stuff, are ya?"

My mother and I was talking about the weight loss this past weekend and she told me that she thought I was doing really well, and to just let things take its course. I agreed with her. Things were touch and go at first, but everything seems to be falling into place. My eating is getting a lot better too.

Today for my birthday, my mother bought me some shows and my grandmother bought me a book of confessions. She fixed me a chicken thigh, with Garlic potatoes. She also fixed me a "Bariatric" birthday cake. It's an applesauce cake that I found on one these websites. It was soo good! It was also the first time that I had tried anything "sweet".  It had a thin spread of Vanilla "reduced sugar" icing on it, and it tasted DELICIOUS! It was just one small layer and I gave over half of it to my mother and grandmother.  I am eating better, but I am still slow with it..so it would take me a while to eat it all myself.  Besides, I didn't need all of it to myself!

It has been really cold here in Birmingham. I had to scrap my car off this morning. I'm not complaining considering what my friends in the Northeast are dealing with!

You know what? I am excited about life now. I look forward to being more healthy and active, and I am looking forward to growing with God. I am going to continue to take life one day at a time and embrace each new challenge that comes may way. A challenge is only a stepping stone to the "next level" of life, and with God, I can't  fail!

Today I went to my PCP and had a "wow" moment.

My PCP, Dr. Odi is a very good, sweet Dr. and I am glad to have him as my Dr. He is always real with me about my health, what I need to do, what I didn't need to do. He was the one who revealed to me that I was diabetic and had a couple of other issues that my other Dr. never told me about. I was so shocked when I found out that I was diabetic and had high cholesterol. He got me on a steady regimen to get my numbers in line, but he was always honest with me about my weight.  Every issue I had/was dealing with was connected to my weight. He was the one who referred me to my awesome Bariatric Surgeon and I had his full support on the WLS Surgery.

Well, today was my first visit with him since the I had the surgery. He was excited, but he noticed right off that I wasn't feeling well. And I wasn't. Once again, I was having a problem with eating and throwing up. I was getting frustrated and sad, and wondering if I had made a terrible mistake with the whole thing. Granted, I was losing weight, but I couldn't eat anything!  So, I explained to him everything that I went through since the surgery up to now. He was very kind and even apologetic that I had such a rough time. I mean, I didn't blame him at all...my health has always been kind of delicate. If someone got a 24 hr flu, I had it for 36. If someone had a slight stomachache, I had the stomach flu.   I am not a hyperchondriac in any shape, form or fashion...that's just how things have always been for me. I don't enjoy being sick nor do I seek attention from it.

Anyhoo, the main thing for me has been nausea. He noticed that I was swallowing a lot and asked where my sinus bothering me. I have always had allergies, and my nose had been running since the weather changed. He said "AHA! That's the problem. Your sinues are draining into your stomach, which is now much smaller. So it fills up with mucus, whch makes your nauseas, and then by the time you do try to eat something, you have no room for it, which cause's you to throw up. We will get that zapped and on its way TODAY!"

 But of course! It all makes perfect sense!

He gave me a shot for the drainage and told me to go get some Zyrtec-D (Which I got the CVS version to save money). He also gave me a B12 shot, and he said next month he will teach me how to administer it to myself. YIKES! I prefer to let him do it...if I don't have to pay a co-pay. LOL

He also told me to drink warm liquids which will help  break the mucus down that's draining into my stomach and to eat warm soft foods. I can tell a difference already! On my way to work, I stopped by the grocery store and got a variety pak of teas that I can keep at my desk. I then stopped at a coffee shop that just opened and bought some tea that they made behind the counter. It was called "Georgia Peach" and it was DELICIOUS! The warm liquid also soothes my tummy, and I had a pretty good day to day! Before I was going to eat something, I always made sure to have a warm drink before it was time for me to eat. I KEPT IT DOWN!  Even as I type this blog, I made myself some Tea to drink. Later on, I will eat my dinner.  I am feeling sooo much better about things...you just don't know.

I got my Zyrtec-D (store brand), my variety of Decaf flavored teas, and my soft foods. Your girl is good to go! Woot, Woot!

I didn't know anything about the DS procedure until after I became more active on this forum.  My Dr.'s office didn't even offer this procedure as an option. They offered the Lap-Band, RNY, and the sleeve. I went with the RNY. So, after reading more about the DS, I was a bit bummed out and wandered if I had missed out on something. I read about people being able to eat more of what they want, being curred quicker, losing more weight...I had started wondering..."Oh No! Did I make the wrong decision?"

Well, after more reading on the procedure, and talking to my OH friends, I calmed down and I am once again happy about my RNY procedure. True, I have had been on a bumpy road to recovery, but each day gets easier. I was googling something...at the moment, I don't even remember what...but I came across this Dr.'s comparison of the RNY vs DS/BPD.

Of course, everyone's situation is different and its not meant to show preferential treat or "Holier Than Thous" attitudes about one procedure over another. I also recognize its an older article, and a lot has changed since 2003 I just found it informative and wanted to share it in my Blog.

I welcome comments/feedback. Just don't be ugly about it because its not necessary and I don't want it on my blog!

Direct Link: http://gastricbypass.netfirms.com/clark-ds-rny.htm

RNY vs DS/BPD

by Wesley Clark, MD
co 2003 - reprinted by permission.

 

Dear SueW,

You raise the issue of the value of the DS/BPD vs the RNY. We have had considerable experience with both procedures, beginning in 1986, when we began doing the BPD. By about 1992, we had one of the largest series in the United States, and were strong proponents of the operation. We then began to offer the RNY also, after associating with Dr. Richard Catlin, who was one of the pioneer proponents of the small-pouch RNY (15cc volume, vs 60cc with the older style). For a while, we offered both procedures, according to the preference of the patient, but within about 2 years, without any conscious decision to favor one procedure over the other, we found we were doing almost exclusively the RNY.

The reason was simple: our RNY patients got equally good weight loss, with much less side-effects, and risk, than the patients who had a BPD. When observed side-by-side, RNY patients had better skin color and looked healthier. BPD patients tended to look pale and sallow, often appeared weaker, and sometimes even tended to smell bad. Until recently, two of our BPD patients worked in our office, and both observed the results of the two operations, from the standpoint of someone who owns one. Both stated emphatically, that they would prefer to have had an RNY. And both were very careful to do everything we told them, to get the best results. Patients who did not follow instructions, and did not return for regular checkups, sometimes became very ill.

WHY?

The DS/BPD causes weight loss primarily by impairing the absorption of certain foods, namely fats and starches, as well as some vitamins and minerals. They are called "malabsorptive procedures", because interference with normal absorption of food is the way they operate. Although there is some decrease in the capacity to eat, caused by reduction in the size of the stomach, the re-arrangement of the bowel, with a short segment of "common channel", in which absorption is fully empowered, causes most of the fat consumed to be wasted, and about 75 - 80% of starch as well. Patients can eat fairly normal meals, and absorb only a small fraction of the total calories that pass thru their mouths. Most persons who are hearty eaters are captivated by the concept that they can continue to eat large amounts, without suffering the adverse health consequences.

Althought this seems superficially to be a great solution, it is an illusion. The physiology of digestion and absorption of the many nutrients we need is a very complex process, of which we really understand very little. Surgical tinkering with this complex process is a bit like letting a 5 year-old pull parts out of the back of one's color TV. The downside and risks are considerable:

a.. Protein malnutrition occurs in up to 10% of patients, and may require revision (not reversal).
b.. Absorption of essential vitamins and minerals is seriously impaired (Calcium, iron, Vitamins A, D and E).
c.. Metabolic bone disease is quite common.
d.. Bizarre effects on overall metabolism occur, causing strange halitosis and body odors, and a pasty pallor in many patients.
e.. Wasted starches which are eliminated in the colon (large intestine) lead to production of severely foul-smelling gas, which can be a serious social problem.
f.. Wasted fats which are passed to the colon are acted upon there by bacteria, to produce irritating byproducts which cause irritable and explosive bowel activity.
g.. Patients can still regain weight, or fail to lose, by eating foods containing simple sugars or simpler carbohydrates.
h.. Patients expend a considerable amount of energy and effort in seeking solutions and work-arounds, to avoid these side-effects and inconveniences.
The Duodenal Switch (DS) attempts to solve some of these problems, although the success of this modification has not yet been clearly demonstrated. Neither the BPD nor the DS are easy to reverse, but in most instances a reversal is well within the capability of the experienced surgeon. However, reversal should seldom be necessary, so I don't see this as a major liability. Revision is more often needed, and if serious malnutrition has occurred, the risk of that surgery may be much increased by the underlying poor health.

The RNY works by limiting the volume of food which one can eat, and simultaneously producing a sense of satisfaction after eating just a small amount. Almost all of the food which is eaten is absorbed, and nutritional deficiencies are quite rare, provided that a simple food regimen is followed. Even though the amount of food that can be eaten is very small, the early sense of satisfaction (which I call the "Who Cares?" feeling) means that there is no sense of loss or deprivation, such as occurs with dieting and eating small portions.

It is necessary, as with the DS/BPD, to take a broad-spectrum vitamin and mineral supplement every day, and there are some basic rules to follow, for best results, the most important of which is to avoid eating between meals, which can slow down weight loss, or lead to weight regain (the surgeon changes your stomach -- you have to change your mind). Although there can be some bumps in the road, during the first few months of the recovery process, RNY patients very rarely suffer any metabolic problems over the long term, and can live a normal life in a normal-sized body, without abnormal gas, irritable stools or diarrhea, and with a very healthy and happy lifestyle. Compared to the DS/BPD, their existence seems so much more happy and normal, that I am thrilled to do the RNY, and reluctant to even consider a BPD any more.

After all, every surgeon wants the satisfaction of a successful operation and a happy patient.

I hasten to add that some very eminent and experienced surgeons have a different view than I do. I had the privilege of debating this very issue at the annual June meeting of the American Society for Bariatric Surgery. Although about 75% of my colleagues agreed with my position and arguments, many very significant figures in Bariatric Surgery did not. I respect them and their views. We agree to politely disagree, and I'm sure we will continue to debate and argue for many years to come.

G. Wesley Clark, MD
http://www.gastricbypass.com/

I had a rather eventful weekend!

Saturday, I met with the Alabama OH forum at the Logan's Roadhouse off of 280E. I wasn't feeling my best, but I was still looking forward to meeting new people and being among people who were have been along the same path as me. Everyone was so nice and welcoming! I was the baby in the bunch as I was 4 weeks out from my surgery, and then Lisa was 6 wks out.  I got to see my "angel" Carmen and her husband, and even Sue Bunnell came by.  I felt so honored to be among such a great group of people. I look forward to making forming new bonds as I make my way down the road of Looserville!

I was looking at some of the pictures taken, and I want you to know it never dawned on me to wear something "Christmas-y". I was like ...dang, I could of at LEAST worn a red shirt or something.

Saturday, I was just totally BLAH. I couldn't keep ANYTHING down..not even WATER. I knew something wasn't right with that so I called the office and the Dr. on call was paged. He called me back really quick. I told him how I was feeling, what I was experiencing and he told me I could come in to the hospital tonight or wait to come into the office that morning. I chose to go to the hospital...ONCE AGAIN. I suspected I was dehydrated or on my way to being dehydrated, and I wasn't keeping anything down, and I wanted to feel better NOW. So, I called my mom and off to Trinity we go.

I was treated for bad nausea and dehydration. They gave me a prescription to help me with the nausea, which in turn helps me to eat/drink and keeps things down. I did pretty good on the meds today. I can take as needed every 4 to 6 hours, so I took one twice today to help me with lunch and getting my liquids.

Can I just tell you, I do NOT like the protein drinks? Unjury, has been the best, but at the moment, I don't have Unjury funds. I did get a sample pack of Nectar products which are good when well mixed, but have a protein after-taste. YUCK!
Being that nausea is an issue for me, I'm pretty sensitive to taste and smell. That aftertaste is NOT helping. Yet, I push forward....

I was suppose to start work yesterday, but since I went in the hospital Sunday evening, that delayed my start. I told the Dr. to write my return to work date for TUESDAY. So soon? Didn't I wan't to rest a day? NO! I HAVE BEEN RESTING FOR OVER MONTH. I AM RESTED OUT. There is only so much "resting" and watching TV that one can do. I just don't understand how people just choose to slack off and do nothing. I have to be doing something or I get anxious and rattled. I have an easy desk job and I don't have to move around a lot. So, I was HAPPY to go to work. I was sooo glad to be back.

I went to my first support group session today and I enjoyed it. It wasn't that many of us. Me and another lady were post op, and there was a guy who was pre-op who was there with his wife. Sue wanted us to share our experiences with him. The other lady had a typical turnaround from surgery to home. My experience has not been anywhere near "typical"..lol.  I told him about my experience but I made sure to tell him not to be scared because of what I went through. My surgery went fine and I have not had any issues with my "parts". My issues sprang up from things that were not directly related, and I am thankful that my Dr'.s are THOROUGH and care enough to listen to me and try to figure things out.  This past weekend was the 3rd time within 30 days that I had been in the hospital. I have not blogged about the first two instances...I will eventually. All in all, I am grateful and thankful, and happy to be on my way.

The weather is really wacky tonight. Very strong winds....its just like a summer day when a thunderstorm is approaching. I checked to see what the temperature was suppose to be for tomorrow, and it said Low 25/high 50. What??? That's INSANE! However, I shall be bundled up and pushing on.

Today was a good day and I continue to praise God for guiding me through!

As of today, 35 lbs lost! *Woot, woot!*

I weighed myself today and I am 249 lbs. I am so...wow...

This whole surgery thing has not really been easy for me.  2 hospital stays, gas, throwing, struggling drinking even just one glass of water....

However, I am so thankful to God for each day that it gets a little easier. I am learning to "listen" to my body, and I am pushing myself to be more active.

This journey has not been easy for me...not one bit... but it is my testimony to God's goodness and faithfulness to His Children. PRAISE HIM!

Well, I have had my first bad today. I had just come in from walking around the house. I only did one lap, but my mom's house isn't on flat land.  The hills got to me a bit on the last lap. I was worn out, but I felt GOOD because it just  one step closer to healthier living. Everything that I do is a step torwards a Healthier DeShanna and THAT'S what its all about.

I am downstairs on my mother's computer and I felt gassy. I am now at a point where I can burp and be ok. HOWEVER, I am still getting use to "sipping". I am carrying my green water jug around with me and I had just filled it with some DELICIOUSLY cold water.  Well..I am use to just chugging away on my ice cold water. WELL, my lil pouch said NOT TODAY SISTA!  Next thing I know, I'm upchucking water.

Upchucking water is easier then upchucking food....but..upchucking is no fun.
I'm cool now. Back to sip, sip, sip....