Sinderela4
Well, here is my story. Once upon a time lived a little girl who was always told how beautiful she was but it was always followed by, “it’s a shame you’re so heavy”. I have been overweight my whole life. I don’t ever remember a time when I wasn’t. I know I was because I’ve seen pictures of me when I was 5 or 6 and I look “normal”. Maybe it all started because my Dad died when I was 9 and my Mom died when I was 13. Maybe it was a child too young to understand what was going on but not too young to realize something was wrong, with my Dad especially. Funny thing is that it didn’t seem to affect my sister or brother in the same way. Maybe I’m looking for something to blame it on. I don’t know. But it was not fun being me and growing up that way, but I made it through. I remember being in grade school and the boys in the neighborhood had a nickname for me – it was “beach ball”. I don’t know why they picked that name but I guess I looked like a beach ball. Surprisingly, I always had girl friends that I was close with and treated me like I was one of them. I’d like to think that I had a personality that won them over.
People who are not obese don’t realize how hard it is to function in society. Half the time I don’t do things with family, friends or co-workers because I’m worried that I’ll have to sit in a seat that I either don’t fit in or I’m sticking out of all over the place or have to do something that everyone else has no problem with but I do. I am so tired of my life being on hold. I want to start living. I’ve come to a crossroads in my life. For years I have tried every diet you can think of from Weight Watcher to Richard Simmons’ “Deal a Meal” to Atkins, Phen-Fen, Optifast, Medifast, Nutri System and even those fly by night 7 day ones and the juice diets. Only to lose 42 and gain 50 or lose 35 and gain 50. I found out a few years ago that I am insulin resistant. I also found out that is very common in obese people. It was explained to me that my body is a fat storing machine. My body produces so much insulin that it is always burning sugar and never gets the chance to burn the fat. I’m so tired of the cycle. I want to break it and be one of the success stories. Every time I read about one or see one on TV all I do is cry and think about what it would be like if it was me. I want that!
I am frightened about the surgery and the time immediately following but I’ve come to realize that if I don’t do this now then I’m sure at some point in time, I will be having open heart surgery. How long can my heart keep pumping at this rate before I have a heart attack? I don’t want to keep living looking over my shoulder waiting and being obsessed about when that time will come.
I feel that I am ready to end this chapter in my life and start a new one. This new chapter is going to be about a healthier, more energetic, happier, and more self-confident me. I want to go on walks, not be afraid to go on rides at amusement parks, go to the movies without stressing about where I’m going to sit so that no one is next to me and feeling squashed, go to the beach and not see the looks and snickers on people's faces. I want that and more to be part of my new life.
I feel I have a great support system. My family, especially my sister, brother-in-law, niece, brother and sister-in-law, as well as my boyfriend are behind me. My boyfriend is a little frightened by the operation itself but I know he understands what I am feeling and how important this is to me. He is a wonderful person in my life and is always looking out for my best interest. My friends are a great support to me also. I couldn't ask for more when it comes to family and friends.
Well, I’ve only just begun with the turning of the page of this new chapter. I’ve had my consultation and I’m starting to schedule my other consultations to clear me for surgery. I don’t know how tough or easy this will be but I’m ready and I’m not going to give up for once in my life. I’m going to keep at this no matter what it takes.
JUNE 1, 2005
I made my appointment with Dr. Kaczmarski at The Bariatric Center in Langhorne, PA. It's scheduled for 6/2/05 at 8:45 a.m. I am looking forward to moving on with this.
I met a friend last Saturday who had the surgery by the same Doctor at the same place and she looked wonderful. Not only thinner but younger and so stylish. And she felt good too! I picked her brain for a while with so many questions and she was very upfront with me. I am going to a meeting with her the first Tuesday of June (the 7th) where people who have had the surgery and those who want the surgery meet. I am looking forward to it and can't wait.
When you realize what you want for the rest of your life, you want the rest of your life to start right away. I'm a little anxious but I am keeping my feet planted on the ground.
JUNE 3, 2005
I had my consult yesterday with Dr. Kaczmarski. What a nice person. You know how some Doctors put you at ease immediately? Well that is what he did for me. I felt comfortable talking with him and my impression of him was that he was very compentent.
I was also impressed with the clinic. Clean, open, big and it actually has a warmth to it as opposed to the clinical feel of a hospital.
The people there were also friedly and willing to help in any way they could. They made you feel like you weren't different. It was a good feeling.
So now I have to get my clearences. Need to call my insurance company to see if I need to be pre-certified for sleep apnea. Then I need to get a cardiac consultation and a pulmonary consultation. I already had a echocardiogram so I will send them a copy of that. One other test I need is a blood test for Hipylori. I take nexium and he wants to rule out an ulcer. Smart man! If all goes according to the average schedule, I should be able to have my surgery by end of August beginning of September. I am so looking forward to this. One thing that surprised me is that the operation should take about 1 hour to 1 1/2 hours. I thought it would be so much longer. I was happy about that. I hate being under for a long time.
Post Script - Found out I do need to be pre-certified for the sleep apnea test so I'm off to start that process.
JUNE 24, 2005
Well, I had my blood work done and it is negative for the bacteria that is associated with stomach ulcers. But I've been on Nexium for a while so even if I did have an ulcer that is the treatment for it. So put one test down to the good.
I have my Cardiologist clearance on Monday, 6/27/05 at 7:30 a.m. and I believe they will also be doing the EKG as well as the ecocardiogram with the doppler. I had it done in 98 but they needed one that was, at the most, 5 years out.
Then at 3:00 I have an appointment for my Pulomary clearance. I actually had an appointment last week but had to cancel due to a terrible upper respiratory infection. After those two I don't have my sleep consultation until 7/25. I will call again to see if they have a cancellation. Jeeze, 6 weeks for an appoinment seems so long especially since it is just the consultation and I won't have the test until 3 weeks after that. They sent me paper work to fill out. I had to complete 16 pages of questions and signatures. Some of the questions were so far from why I am going there. Thank God I answered no to more than half of the questions. I am so hoping that I come out of this one not needed anything to sleep with. Well time will tell.
JUNE 28, 2005
Had my cardiac clearance yesterday. They did an EKG and an echocardiogram. The Doctor said that based on the results of my test she is not going to recommend me for a stress test. That was such a relief. So I am good to go as far as the cardiac clearance. She is sending out a letter to Dr. K.
I went to the Pulomary Doctor and although he didn't think there were any problems he still wants me to go for the PPT Complete/Dx-OSA test. Especially since I don't already have a date and there is plenty of time. I have that scheduled for July 7th. One of my tonsils is rather large (which I knew). That is something the anaesthesiaologist needs to know when they put the tube down my throat. But I've had surgery before where they put the tube down my throat and it was not a problem so I won't worry about that.
One and a half down and one to go! I wish the operation was already over with and I was on the losing side. I'm so anxious to be there I can hardly wait. Like I said, "When you know what you want to do for the rest of your life, you want the rest of your life to start right away." Patience!!!!!
JULY 20, 2005
Well, I went for my breathing test and passed. I was worried with my Allergies that were bothering me but it was fine. If anyone is having this done, it's just a series of breathing maneuvers to see how long you can extend your breath and what it looks like when you hold it for a few seconds and what it looks like when you breath normal.
The good news is that I received my letter yesterday when I arrived home from work from the Insurance Company. I AM APPROVED!!!!! I was worried that they would find something to say no or make me jump through hoops but no, they passed me on the first try. Praise the Lord! Now I just have to go through my sleep test. But I'm taking it one day at a time.
JULY 29, 2005
On Monday I had my consultation with the Sleep Study Doctor. I really do think this could have been taken care of when they did the sleep study. He just explained to me why they were giving me a sleep study. Which, of course, I already knew. Then he measured my neck, weighed me, looked at my throat and took my pressure.
The good thing is that I was able to get an appointment on Thrusday evening. Someone cancelled. I went to University Services and I have to say they are wonderful. My tech was Ali and she was great. The surprising thing is that someone else was suppose to come and never did. Didn't even call. So I was the only patient. The place is nicely decorated and very comfortable. Looks like a hotel room. But I couldn't believe all the wires they put on you. 2 on each calf, 1 on each side of your chest right below your neck, 1 on the front of your neck, 1 on each side of the back of your neck, 4 on your head (2 on each side), 1 on your chin, 2 on each temple and this thing that resembles the oxygen they use at the hospitals that goes up the nostrils but this had a little wire out of each - short - but none the less I never got use to that up my nose. Oh yes, don't let me forget the band around your waist that has a wire and the band around your chest, under your arms that has a wire attached to it. All brought up and behind you and they were wrapped it into my pony tail. They connected into a box that was then connected to the wall. Plenty of room to move around but none the less, the wires are there and you know they are and you don't want to do anything to make them come off so I was always conscious of them.
Sleeping was a little difficult with all that around me cause I change positions frequently during the night. I asked Ali if I fell asleep easy and she said your problem is not falling asleep it's staying asleep. Of course she couldn't tell me anything more so I will wait for the Dr. to call me next week. I already have an appointment scheduled for August 10th in case I need the machnine. I don't want to waste anytime so I was happy to have that appointment.
I did fax Dr. K's Medical Assistant asking for a surgery date since most of the results were in. When I spoke to her the week before, Dr. K is scheduling for September and I want to get on the schedule for then. I don't want to wait any longer. Even if I do have sleep apnea I will have the machine for at least 4 weeks before the operation. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
AUGUST 5, 2005
Had my second sleep study test last evening. Seems I have sleep apnea. Not too bad though. Slept like a baby last night. The unfortunate part is that I must wait to get the machine. Once I get it then I must have it for six weeks. But I'll make sure to get on the surgery schedule so that I will have the surgery six weeks to the day that I get the machine.
I have to say that University Services, specifically Ali and Cheryl have been wonderful. Very accommodating, pleasant and made the experience an easy one and actually enjoyable one. Now I wait for the machine!
August 25, 2005
Last week I had my final consultation with University Services Sleep Diagnostic and Treatment Centers. I do have sleep apnea but it is moderate. Finally today, I had my machine delivered. The gentlemen who brought it, Tom, was so informative and helpful. Hopefully tonight I will be able to sleep with it and get a good nights sleep.
I also received a call today from Andrena, Dr. K's MA and she informed me that they had not received the letter for my pulmonary clearance nor the sleep study report. I was told that the sleep study was mailed on 8/12 so they should have had it by now and I was also told that the letter for my Pulmonary clearance was faxed over a week ago. So I got on the phone and called both places and asked them to fax the letter and the report over. I then called Andrena and left her a message that she should have both reports by now and that I do have my machine and if it would be possible to get a date. Since my sleep apnea is mild, I asked if maybe I didn't have to wait the 6 weeks and maybe only 4 or 5 and hopefully have my surgery in September. I'm just so ready and I want to start living and this surgery is the tool to which I can accomplish that. So again, it is a waiting game of which I have very little control. All I can do is be the squeaky wheel and hope I get the oil!
September 13, 2005
Well, I am still waiting for a date. It has been nothing but aggravation for just about 3 weeks since I received my Cpap machine. I kept being told that the minute I get my Cpap to call and I would get a date for surgery. Well, I was lied to. Seems that even though I was approved for surgery on 7/12/05, 2 months later, my file is now being sent to Benefits Verification. Seems that the deductible must be paid for up front. So why wasn't this done 2 months ago instead of bottle-necking my surgery date? I was told this process can take 10 days to 3 weeks. CRAZY!!! Somebody needs to streamline the process at Barix! Now I get a call cause I need a referral for my pre-admission testing. If anyone is reading this, make sure to ask these question when you get your approval. Talk to the home office and ask them about benefits verification and also about any deductibles. Wish I had done that 2 months ago and maybe now I would be on the loosing side.
So my PCP sent the referral through while I was on the phone with them and they are faxing it also. Lets see how many times I get a call from Dr. K's MA asking me for the very same thing she will have in the file. For some reason I have to have everything sent two or more times. And I mean everything. Starting with the Bloodwork, onto the sleep apnea test to the PFT test to the letters. I know this all went through because my PCP got copies of everything. How come my PCP had it but Barix didn't?
So tonight I will go to another pre-op meeting (my fourth at Barix) and when they go around the room for everyone to introduce themselves, I will yet again say that I do not have a surgery date. It is getting to me. I guess it's about time right? I know this is a process but I was told 3 months and I would have my surgery. I do believe that I don't have a date due to the incompetence of either an employee or employees at Barix. I also believe my file sat on a desk thinking it needed something when it didn't and that assumption is based on phone calls I recevied in the past week asking me for things that when I went through the file with them, they found. You do the math and I think you will come up with the same thing.
On a bright note, I have attended two meetings so far that a fellow WLS member has been having at her home. I have gotten so much information from these meetings that I find it invaluable. Also, the feeling of "I'm okay, your okay" has been a nice advantage of being with everyone who is either going through this or has gone through this. In addition to that, Shauna, our host, has been able to procure some wonderful samples for us for when we are post-op. So it has been a tremendous help to have found such wonderful people to be with at this time in my life. This group, added to my already wonderful group of support between family and friends means a great deal to me.
September 20, 2005
YIPPPPPPIIIIIIEEEEEEE! I got a date. My new healthy life will begin on Friday, 10/7/05. I am more excited and anxious than anything else. I'm sure the day before, especially, I will be a nervous wreck but for now, I am so looking forward to this. I do believe, if I don't do this gastric bypass now then I will be looking at heart bypass or worse later. I have to say were it not for the support of the OH board expecially the PA message board, I don't know where I would be. I do feel I would not be in such a good place were it not for all of these caring people. All of the people on here are so wonderful and encouraging. Thank you!
Just as an FYI. If there is anyone who is getting their surgery at Barix and needed a Cpap machine - when you go for pre-admission testing you must bring your machine with you. They will check it for the hours used and it should register approximately 4 hours per night. So be prepared.
September 21, 2005
Had my pre-admission testing today. Barix is wonderful. They are ready and waiting for you. Had blood work done, chest x-ray, an EKG, an ultra sound of my gallbladder, an ABG test (artery blood gas), urine specimen and a meeting with one the Respitatory Therapist, the Doctor and the nutritionalist. It all went like clockwork. The only thing that hurt a little, and that was only really after the test wasover was the ABG test.
I got a chance to go upstairs and was so impressed by the vast area of the floor and the friendliness of the staff. I can't begin to tell you how happy I am that I will be there for my after care. Just about two weeks to go.
October 5, 2005
My surgery is scheduled for Friday, October 7th. Surprisingly, I am not very nervous. Don't get me wrong, I am giving this operation the respect it is due in that I know it is major but all I can feel is excitement and a sense of happiness. I am looking forward to being on the healthy side of life and losing weight. I can see myself there which is something I was never able to do before and have always failed at every attempt in losing weight.
Some of my strength has come from a lot of the people here on OH and also those at the Barix Clinic. I've been to the pre-op meetings and I feel like family when I am there. This has made such a difference in my journey. I can't thank those individuals enough.
One more night and then it's off to the Clinic to start a life with a different ending.
November 14, 2005
I guess it is time to update my profile. I notice that a lot with people after surgery – the profiles seem to fall behind. I can understand why! You are so busy dealing with your new life that it is kinda hard to get the time to actually sit down and put the info in. You try to limit your time at the computer so you are more active. It’s a good thing!
I had my surgery on October 7th, 2005. I was so relaxed the evening before that I actually over slept and was a ½ hour late to the Barix Clinic. They were wonderful! I would not have changed a thing. When I got there, I gave them my living will, gave them some additional info and then said “so-long” to my family and friends and went into the pre-op room. Pat was my nurse and she was wonderful. Heck, they all were wonderful. I went into the bathroom and put my gown on and also did a urine test (I think that is what happened). Got on the gurney and at that point they do give you a nose spray. I guess that is so there are no problems with any kind of breathing during or after the operation. Dr. Kaczmarski came in and I felt so at ease and confident with him. I had no anxiety at all which is a first in my life. I was prepped (put the wraps on my legs – I couldn’t have the stockings cause they would have cut me at the knee and that would not be good). The anesthesiologist came over and talked to me and let me know what was going to happen as well as Dr. K. Then they wheeled me into the OR and I scooted over on the table (not that hard to do – one of the things I was stressing about) and next thing I know I am in the Recovery Room.
I do remember when I woke up that I was in pain and I felt nauseous. I told the nurse and I guess I must have fallen asleep cause next thing I know I am waking up and the nurse is passing something under my nose. I guess it was to wake me. I had no pain and no nausea. I was wheeled to my room and the nurses were right there getting me settled and everything set-up for me. They were great! You do have a catheter in you and they put that in during the operation. I didn’t even feel it before during or when they took it out. My family was then allowed to come in the room. It was wonderful to see them and I gotta tell ya, I felt great. Not even like I had an operation. My family was relieved and so surprised. Of course the medication was doing its job. You have a pump that you administer your own meds and I sure did use that. (You have that for 24 hours.) I was told the operation was 1 hour and five minutes. I was under the impression that I was going to have my gallbladder removed and possibly have my hiatal hernia stitched up to be tighter. Dr. K, I believe in the Recovery Room or maybe it was in my room the next day, told me that the gallbladder was healthy, pink and he felt it and it was fine. He said he was not going to take out a healthy gallbladder. Also my hiatal hernia was not at all stretched so there didn’t need to be any stitching. The symptoms I was having was all from my weight. I was scheduled to be there at 5:45, I was wheeled into the OR at approximately 7:30 and I was in my room by 11:00 a.m. I was even in a chair by 1:30 p.m. and walking around a few hours later.
Getting in the chair was an effort. Moving in the bed is definitely strenuous. Of course your muscles are cut and you can’t use them. It is amazing how much you use the muscles in your stomach. The nurses helped me sit up and then I had to get up. Well sitting up caused me to become nauseous. And then I became extremely hot and flushed, in spite of the fact that the room was probably 60 degrees. So they went and got me two cold washcloths. Boy did that help and I stayed sitting at the edge of the bed for about 15 minutes before I got up. After that I was fine. The respiratory therapist comes in quite often during your entire stay so be prepared. You must do your breathing exercises and they do matter.
The next day was a bit more of a challenge due to the fact that they take your pain medication pump away. I was not a happy camper. They tried giving me the Percocets that were broken into about 12 pieces but after trying to get down 2, that was it. I had diaphragm gas. Not real bad but enough to be uncomfortable so swallowing anything was difficult. Ice chips were good as well as broth. The nurse then did crush the pill and gave me broth and I put it on the spoon and that did the trick, even when I got home. The key was walking. That truly gets rid or helps to get rid of the gas. That and the Gas X. But I had to eat that in four bites. But it helped.
I finally had the catheter removed that night. Everyone had theirs removed the next morning but my fluids were not being released like they should have so they kept it in me until 10:00 p.m. Once they took it out, I was going to the bathroom like crazy. They still had the IV in me and it was just running right through me. A good thing! The next morning I sat on the john and passed gas. Yeahhhhhhhhh! Never thought I would be so happy to do that but it is a sign that all is working well.
I finally had a shower. So I had my surgery on a Friday and here it is Sunday and I feel like pond scum. I just wanted to get washed. The nurse was unbelievable. She set the shower up for me, took me in there, helped me get undressed, washed my back and hair and got me all the necessities to complete the shower myself. She was great! I did most of the drying myself but she re-bandaged my wound and I got back into the gown and sat and waited for the Doctor. I wanted to go home in the worst way. When Dr. K came in he saw no reason to keep me. The best words I could hear! I went home with the pillow they give you (you will use this a lot), my binder (the one you wear around you if you have an open surgery), my binder with all my instructions (you do meet with the nutritionist), my breathing exercise machines and my prescriptions. The nurse also gave me an ice pop for the ride and that really helped.
The next week was a challenge because you must try and get in 64 oz. of fluid. That is clear broth, sugar free pops, sugar free Jell-O, crystal light, water, decaf coffee or decaf tea. I think I did it one day. I did a lot of broth (but still didn’t get to 64 oz.) and I did a lot of the sugar free pops. I found out one pop is approximately 1.6 oz. of fluid. You sure do have to eat a lot to get to your 64 oz. And you must walk. I did that but eventually you do get tired and you just feel like sitting in front of the TV all day. DON’T DO IT.
The second week you get to go on full liquids which means you can add Dannon Light n Fit Creamy Yogurt (no fruit pieces or anything else in it), skim milk, sugar free, fat free pudding and low fat cream soups. But the cream soups must be blended or pureed and then strained. I lived off of at least one of those cans a day. Campbell’s makes a 98% fat free soup and that tasted better than the Campbell’s Healthy Request Soup.
I had my two week follow up with Dr. K actually at 19 days after surgery. I was down 21 lbs. and my incision looks really good. Although I was to wait 2 more days to go on pureed he told me I could start if I wanted to. I wanted to! I wanted to! On the pureed stage I did mostly 90% lean ground beef, cooked, drained and put in the food processor. I made 8 oz. and that lasted at least a week. I also did a lot of the Hungry Jack Mashed Potatoes made with the skim milk, water and I can’t believe it’s not butter. I just made them a little more luqidified. I mixed the two and it was like shepherds pie. I ate that during most of the pureed stage. I did do a few of the recipes in the back of the binder. They are actually very good. I didn’t mind this stage at all.
Here I am five weeks out and the scale has not moved for the past 8 days. I was told that is it common to have a plateau somewhere around week 4 to 6 so I guess I am normal. I started to watch not only my Fat and Protein but I’m now going to concentrate on watching my carbs. I understand that some of the Barix patients do this and they seem to have success. I’ve also started to walk on the treadmill for 25 minutes a day and I will try and do that for at least 3 days the first week. Well, the scale finally did move today. I will know for sure when I go to the Doctors tomorrow but I think I might actually be down somewhere close to 30 and it’s been 38 days today. This Friday will be six weeks.
I just started my soft food stage and I had some roasted chicken for dinner. 3 oz. was my limit and I used some blue cheese salad dressing for dipping sauce. It is so easy to get full now. I’ve started doing a protein shake for breakfast and so far the best I’ve found is the Unjury. The chocolate really does taste like store bought chocolate milk. There is hardly, if any, aftertaste.
I’m so glad I did this and I wouldn’t change a thing as far as that is concerned. I feel so much better. One of the main things is that I am not bloated anymore. I don’t have half the pains I use to and most of those were from food. Well, I’ll know tomorrow how much I have lost. I will keep posting.
By the way, the PA obestityhelp.com board is wonderful. Between that, the Barix support groups and my personal support network, I am feeling confident that I will not fail at this.
January 13, 2006
Today was my 3 month check-up. Actually, today is 14 weeks but who is counting. Dr. K gave me a clean bill of health. My lab work was perfect. Not a thing out of the norm. I am down 62 lbs. Dr. K did tell me that the target for 3 months is 55 to 65 lbs. I've lost 28% of my body fat. So I started at 349 and I am down to 287. As far as I am concerned, this surgery is already a success! I could never lose weight let alone keeping it off. But it will only get better from here.
One of the main contributors to my success and continued success are the support groups and the tracking of my food in fitday.com. I can't tell you how much the support groups help. It feels so good to give suggestions and, more importantly, get suggestions. I guess it is the "I'm okay, You're okay" theory. It also helps me to remember not to fall into the same bad habits as before, which now that I am this far out, can happen very easily.
Eating is not too much of a problem. I still cannot deal with poultry, pork and fish. I do wonderful on ground beef and some steaks. I did try bread but it was so toasted and so small that I did not have a problem. I think I've had about 3 pieces in the past 2 weeks. I do notice that when I don't snack on high fat foods, it is easier to lose weight. They say not to count calories but to count fat and protein. Well, my calories are below 1100 and most times around 900 to 1000 but the fat grams are in the 50's. My snacks are 1 oz. of cashews which can give you 14 grams of fat. Well, I'm going to try and cut that out and do protein shakes more often and see what happens. I do love my magic bullet that I got for Christmas. Making the protein shakes in them with the Unjury is a treat.
So far, twice I've had the foamies and brought up my food and once I dumped. The foamies happened both times cause I ate too fast. Learning to eat slow is something that is very hard to train your body to do especially after eating so fast (which I didn't realize I did) for so long. As far as the dumping, I don't kown what it was that I ate but I knew it when it happened. It started with the rapid heartbeat, followed by the inability to concentrate. I couldn't focus, nor did I want to, to answer a question. Also, fatigue hit. I just wanted to lie down and be left alone. After about 20-25 minutes it passed and I was fine.
This journey has been one that I am happy to be on. The feeling of fitting into smaller clothes, of feeling 100% better than I did, of fitting into chairs more comfortably, of seeing my body shrink and knowing that I am healthy has all be well worth any kind of negativity that I have had to go through.
I have not been this low in weight since the early 80's. This is truly a blessing for me.
August 9, 2006
Time for an update. Well I am down 90 lbs. Yeah! But the problem is that I have been down 90 lbs. for the past 10 weeks. The scale has not moved in 10 weeks. Not sure what is going on here. I started back at the gym 4 weeks ago. Started cardio 3 days a week, then 4 days the next week, and last week it was 5 days doing cardio. This week I am back also to doing weight resistance every other day as well as 36 minutes of cardio 4 to 5 days a week. I’ve cut my fat in half, which means I am getting not quite 20 grams a day and I increased my protein. That just happened due to what I am eating. I didn’t realize how much protein low fat cottage cheese has in it. I also was not drinking water and I take a water pill. I was getting in about 16 oz. of water a day and one cup of decaf coffee. So this week I also started drinking water, since it seems my body is hanging onto water since I am not giving it enough.
Now that I am 10 months outs, it is kinda unnerving because you can eat a lot more than you could 3 months ago. It’s hard to adjust to. Of course you are no where near what you could eat but because you can eat 3 oz. of meat instead of 1.5, it’s scary. Also, you can eat a lot of things now that you did not have the taste for before. This operation fixes the body but not the mind. This is something you must do. You still have the head hunger especially if you are a food addict. You have to learn to deal with that and it’s best to do that during the first 6 months after surgery cause it just gets harder the further out you are.
I have an appointment with my PCP in 2 weeks for my 9 month blood work. At that time I will also have him check my thyroid. I was told to get a TISH test as well as a T1 to T4 blood test. Maybe there is a chemical reason as to why I am not losing weight. It seems to be more often than not that after WLS people have problems with their thyroid. I’ve also had some problems with leg cramps so I am hoping the water will take care of that.
No matter what, I have lost 90 lbs. and I feel like I have a life again. I would do this all over again in a heart beat!
July 2007
It's been a while since I updated my profile. Seems to be the way things go once the surgery is over. So much going on!
My weight loss is up to 118 lbs. I was always was a slow loser but here I am 21 months out and I am still losing weight. This past month I just dropped another 8 lbs. Usually it is less than that but I had my foot operated on and I realized how often I ate. I tried to do the 4 to 6 meals a day. I think I do better with 3 to 4 meals a day. I found this out because I cannot get my own food (I am on crutches until 8/16) and being alone during the day did not make it easy for me. Of course eating the protein is so much more filling and harder to get down but it is so much better for you than the carbs. In other words, trying to eat a chicken thigh as opposed to pasta with meat sauce - no comparrison. I can do the pasta with no problem but the chicken, takes longer and I can't eat as much and it stays with me longer. Haven't been able to exercise since I cannot put pressure on my foot but as soon as I can I want to purchase a bike. I definitely want it for the Fall.
I want to lose about another 30 lbs. and in the meantime I want to look into plastics. It is becoming a problem with the extra skin. So that will, for sure, motivate me to get the 30 off so I can do the plastics. Life is good.
