Sammy D.

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What a ride this has been! Words cannot describe how much better I feel at 293! Truth be told if I fail to lose another pound this has been well worth it. For those who followed me pre op and immediately post op my apologies for being gone so long. Life has improved so much, I find myself active and not finding a few minutes to post updates. I still have a way to go before I am where I want to be, but I must say I am happy now and will keep pushing.

Now let's pay it forward....

To those who are new to this being researching, pre op, or fresh post op....

1. What are you waiting for, DO IT! You won't regret it in the least.

2. Follow your pre op diet and post op diets to the tee.... It will save you a lot of grief in the long run.

3. Post op, once you learn your sleeve and how it behaves... stick with it.

4. Diet is a cuss word! I still eat what I want, just not as much and with discretion. Trust me it is easier to have a little sliver of pizza or cake than it is to feel deprived. Just use some common sense with it, protein first, treat later, and not every day either.

5. Stop eating before you body says it's full, trust me on this.... puking and the foamies suck!

6. Water Water Water

7. Eat slow and savor your food, I find I actually enjoy food even more now than I ever have.

8. Stalls happen, and weight loss will most likely be stair stepped, don't stress or be hard on yourself, it will come off.

Hopefully, I will be able to come on and chat more often. Miss you guys, and hope everyone is enjoying their journey as I have.

Woah! What a ride this has been! I must say things just keep getting easier and easier. The sleeve is working great with no complications to speak of. Getting in protein and water is no sweat at all! I'm melting, and dressing in layers to keep clothes on! I could list so many NSV's I could write a mini novel. I feel the best I have in years, and I must say I am loving it! Now for the numbers.

HW 478+

SW 438

CW 397!

TWL 81

Finally under 400! I never thought I'd be this far along this fast! 81lbs gone so far total, and 41 since surgery! 200's here I come!

 

Today marks 1 month out from my VSG Surgery. What a ride it has been so far! Surgery itself was uneventful with no complications, I have to say the first 3 days were the worst as far as pain. I honestly felt like I had been run over multiple times by a Mack Truck, after a couple days things improved rapidly. Getting in liquids and protein has really been no issue for me. Figuring out how much I can eat has admittedly been trial and error. It seems there is no set amount of food I can eat. It just depends on what I am eating and it's consistency. Sometimes it's 1/4 cup, sometimes 1/2 cup. Others it's 1.5 oz, sometimes 4 oz. I notice capacity seems less the denser the protein, and less tolerable the drier it is. I have discovered my restriction finally, and yes I do know what it's like to eat too much. Trust me it sucks, and throwing up is not fun. I don't seem to have much problem with sticking with plan, although what the Psych said is so correct. A bite of this or that every once in awhile will not harm a thing and will help kick the dieter mentality we all hate. So far I am having no regrets, only gripe I have which honestly is a good thing as it shows my progress, is the clothes falling off of me and not being able to replace them at this point. I have experienced the "week 3 stall" but I wouldn't call it a stall as much as a slow down. I could list many NSV's I have already seen, but for the sake of not having a absurdly long post I'll just name a few.

1. Much Less Pain - I can get around much better with nowhere near the pain I had preop.

2. I am No Longer Diabetic and off Metformin!

3. I No Longer need BP Meds!

4. The Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease is Resolved!

Certainly I do not regret my decision in the lest, and I already feel better for it. Now onto the numbers...

HW: 478+

Consult: 478

SW: 438

CW: 413

That is 65lbs gone from my HW, and 25lbs since surgery!

To God be all the glory!

This time next week, I should be in recovery room, or wheeled to my hospital room, taking my place on the loser's bench. Realization is just now beginning to set in, and beginning to get a little nervous. I'm sure I will only become a bigger ball of nerves as the hours and seconds get closer and closer. Then a few hours after surgery, I will realize I was nervous for nothing! I am going back and revisiting my blog post about why I am doing this to remind me that God brought me to this, and He will see me through it as well. I want to thank everyone for their continued support through this process. I'll be sure to keep everyone updated as often as possible.

Just keeping a log of how things are going during my 4 Week Optifast diet.

10-9-14 Day 1 - It wasn't too bad. Only mild to moderate headaches. Wasn't too hungry, but I did have an old habit try to sneak a craving on me. I wanted a cigarette some kind of bad for a few minutes. I quickly realized it was all in my head, I used to have an old habit where if I was lacking in one habit I would increase the other. (Ex: Stop Smoking = Eat More, Stop Eating = Smoke More) I combated this urge with prayer and Bible reading.

10-10-14 Day 2 - Hunger pains a little stronger today, but still manageable. Light headache. I notice my sense of smell is getting way stronger and now I can smell even more than before food.

10-11 and 12-14 Days 3 and 4: Okay much harder especially the first half of day 4. I don't think this is physical hunger but more so reality setting in. I was more upset about leaving the church and being anti social to avoid food. Today was Homecoming, so you can imagine the smorgasbord I missed out on. What I think hurt me the most was missing the fellowship. Had a great sermon tonight that set me back on track, and have pretty much stayed on plan. The only slip ups I have had was a little FF Cottage Cheese, and a piece of lettuce. One awesome thing is since my last weigh in Sept 19th, I have lost roughly 17lbs.

10-13-14 Day 5: Feeling much better today. Montezuma's Revenge has begun! Liquid in liquid out they say, but has finally set in for me. Another odd thing was a found an uncontrollable craving for apple cider vinegar. After research I found this actually helps curb carb and sugar cravings. Who would have thunk it? God has provided me escape from the carb monster!

10-14-14 Day 6: Still on plan, but noticing my attitude souring. I think it's a combo of Chantix and not eating, but last night and this morning I haven't been myself. My usual long-suffering and long fuse has gotten much shorter. It's time to take a moment, take a deep breath and pray. I know it's nothing but my fight with my flesh manifesting itself outwardly. Staying on track. I WILL OVERCOME!

10-15-14 Day 7: Doing much better than yesterday. The feelings are still there, but able to keep things in real perspective. They say there is nothing wrong with the bird flying over, just don't let him nest. I believe that is very sound advice, it's ok to have a passing thought, but don't let it dominate you. Seems to be working well for me. Still on plan and still have Montezuma's Revenge but all is good. 21 Days left! I got this! I will probably begin to space out my reports now or only log in significant events from this point on.

Days 9-12:

First off what a great weekend. Pre-op was great with 25lb loss so far. And reat anniversary dinner with wife at Cracker Barrel (Approved and planned deviation).

Saturday morning began for me a slight shift off course from plan. I ended up having breakfast at the hotel, and ate 2 meals traveling home.... No problem get back on track Sunday right? Nope. Started the day on plan then woke up to pizza smell after my after church nap. Of course it immediately attracted me and I ate the last slice of ham/pineapple pizza that was left. Then after church Sunday night I grab small dinner with wife. One of those things where "oh you messed up, myswell try again tomorrow".

After last night I took a head check. Sometimes it's like a shark smelling blood. I know it's the flesh talking and nothing more than a small battle within myself.

I'm back on plan today and no looking back, and no more excuses. I've done well so far, no need to derail and screw this all up. Keep me in your prayers. I've most definitely learned something from this experience. Enough to carry me to the finish line.

10-23-14 Day 15: Over the Halfway point. I'm still on plan but man is it still tough. I don't think it is because of hunger as much as it is this God Awful after taste from the Optifast. I am so looking forward to surgery which is exactly 2 weeks from today. At least then I will be off this optifast and have a little something different. Broth or anything allowed on my liquid diet after surgery would be a vast improvement. I'm telling myself to hang in there. It's like the nasty medicine we were given as kids. Though it was almost unbearable, somehow it always made us feel better. Which amazingly enough I am already beginning to feel a difference and able to do more physically already.

10-30-14 Day 22: Still not doing too bad, I will admit, I have not been perfect but I have done nothing to completely derail me. So far I'm down roughly 35lbs. The Optifast is not only getting old, but it's getting more and more unbearable to drink. Good news is, I am in my last week and the short roads of this stuff, just a few more days and I will graduate from the Loser's Bench Boot Camp to a promotion to the Loser's Bench!

11-4-14 Yay! I made it! Last day tomorrow as I travel to Mooresville, NC for surgery 7am Thursday! I'm thankful surgery is right around the corner. This was most definitely one of the hardest things I've done. I will say ENVY those who only have to do 2 week diets. I'm proud to say just 3 more pounds (I'm expecting it when I step on the scale before surgery) and I will have a 40lb weight loss pre-op! Everyone make room.... Loser's Bench Here I Come!

After my post yesterday about debating on food funerals before I begin my 4 week Loser's Bench Boot Camp (Optifast Pre Op Diet) I began to think about what I am about to embark upon. Though I have been nothing but excited and anxious since I seen Dr. Heider, and got my loan for surgery. Now reality is beginning to set in. It is not that I am overly nervous or scared at this point, but I know those thoughts and feelings will begin to creep in as November 6th approaches.

I decided to write this post as something I could go back to and read when the nerves and fear begin to set in, or when I'm post op facing some of the common periods of buyer's remorse, stalls, and in case I have a weak moment and get off plan. I also want to share this for others who may be experiencing some of these very things.

So why am I having WLS?

1. God has convicted me several times about destroying the temple, and He has made a way for me to have WLS even when there seemed to be no way. I must obey God's will.

 

2. This Surgery is NOT ELECTIVE for me. If I do not have this surgery and change my lifestyle, I WILL DIE at a very early age.

3. My Wife NEEDS me. She is blind and she does so much for me, but actually she needs me to do for her. I have been physically unable to take care of her needs and she is suffering as a result.

4. I want to have children, They deserve nothing less than a loving father that is physically able to do what fathers do.

5. My family is really worried about me.

6. My health is failing me very fast, it is only a matter of time before I am in he hospital fighting for my life.

7. I hurt so terribly bad. I am literally in so much pain I can barely stand or walk for periods of 5 minutes or longer. I am tired of suffering.

8. I want to live life again, get out and actually do things. I also want to be able to do work for God's Kingdom.

9. I am more scared of Obesity related complications than I am surgery complications.

10. I want a career change, and without surgery my options may be severely limited.

11. I no longer want to live a life of "what ifs". (If i did this instead of that, I would be this.)

12. If diet and exercise alone worked for me, I would have had a significant weight loss in my early 20's as I was dedicated for 2+ years. I only lost      30lbs.

13. I'm done with excuses, it's either put up or shut up.

14. I'm tired of feeling old and disabled, I am only 34 and still young.

15. I don't want to sit dying of my obesity and regretting that I let this opportunity pass me by.

16. It is time for me to be happy, and experience the true joy of the Lord.

17. I want to experience all the NSVs others have shared.

18. I want to make God, My Wife, My Family, and My Friends proud of me.

I hope and pray when I come back to revisit this post, and I know I will. I want you to remember why you are or have done this. Get motivated and renew your commitment.

I also hope this helps those who need it. I think it's really important to know why we are considering, doing, or have done this. Sometimes we even need a reminder from time to time.

 

 

 

Well here I am. In the short roads in preparation for a complete and total life change. In just 3 very short days, I begin what forever will change my life. I start the Loser's Bench Boot Camp (Pre-op diet) this Thursday. I have gathered from what the vets say, it is pre op that changes everything, not the surgery itself. Gone forever will be drinking my calories, eating a great deal of carbs such as a nice pot of spaghetti, and those good ole breakfast biscuits.

I have spent the last 2-3 months mentally and physically preparing for this moment. I have mostly sampled protein shakes, and at least replaced 1 meal a day with slim fast. I began to focus on getting at least 64oz of water in daily, and slowing down on soda/sweet tea intake. I also had the wife to work on getting the carbs out of the house either by fixing it, or giving away. I have had a few "food funerals" along the way, but overall I was really ready to go.

Now that I am right there at that moment. Put up or shut up, no turning back once I begin. But here I am debating on how I should spend these last 3 days. The sensible side of me says drink your slim fast and water, then have a sensible dinner tonite. The other side of me is thinking of what I will miss and how to obtain it now. A nice plate of sketti, or a pot of some good ole collard greens sound super nice to me at this point. I know I am not alone in this debate.

My surgery isn't for another month, and for some reason I'm beginning to lose sleep at night. I'm not too nervous at all, as VSG is all I have thought about every single day since June when I began my research. I begin my 4 week pre op diet (Loser's Bench Boot Camp) 1 week from today. I don't know if nerves are beginning to set in, or anxiousness to get the surgery itself behind me, or possibly other factors. My family doctor not too long ago gave me Chantix to ensure I do not touch any nicotine product whatsoever and jeopardize my surgery. I am thinking it may be the Chantix screwing with my sleep. Regardless, I know my date is in 5 weeks, and I know how time flies. I am so looking forward to the loser's bench.

Yesterday I had my Nutrition consult, and Nurse Coordinator consult. I had both consults over the phone, because I live on the other side of the state as my surgeon. Amanda and Tiffany were completely awesome in educating me. They were pretty excited I already know the drill as I read my surgery binder cover to cover more than once, plus knowledge gained here at OH.

My 4 week Optifast Pre Op Diet begins October 9th. I'd rather call this period "Boot Camp for the Loser's Bench". 4 Weeks is going to be tough but well worth it. Amanda (Nutritionist) expects I should lose 10% of my body weight during this time. At my current weight that would be a 47.5lb loss! That in itself is going to make me feel a whole lot better!

Another awesome thing is, On October 17th my 5th wedding anniversary I will be able to carry my wife out to dinner as long as I order a protein forward dinner with a serving of veggies. It is super awesome I can do this without messing things up. I may post or link the menu of the place I will be going and post online for opinions of what I should order (Inspired by GwenMo on the VSG board).

Here is what I have left to do before taking my seat on the loser's bench.

10-9-14: Begin Optifast Pre Op Diet (Loser's Bench Boot Camp)

10-15-14: Psych Consult

10-17-14: Pre Op and Upper GI

11-6-14: Surgery Day (Graduation from Boot Camp... Loser's Bench Here I Come!)

 

Here is a sample meal plan during my Boot Camp.

B: Optifast Shake

S: SF Jello

L: Optifast Shake

S: Optifast Protein Bar

D: Optifast Chicken or Tomato Soup with 1/4 cup cucumbers or celery

S: Optifast Shake

All in all, I would say my mission titled "Restore the Temple of God" is well underway and all is going as planned! Can't wait to join everyone on the Loser's Bench.

Last Friday, I found out that I was officially approved for the loan. I make it official today when I go sign the paperwork. Now I can do the happy dance! .

 

Okay, enough dancing, and time to get serious. Pre Op diet should begin in the next 2-3 weeks. My Pre Op diet will be 4 weeks because of my 63 BMI. I know this will be a challenge to me, but it is something I can accomplish. I'm certainly glad I found this site. Lots of great support from those who have been there and done that. I can't wait to pay it forward! November 6th can't come soon enough. Save me a seat on the loser's bench guys!