TammaiTX
So, it's been a week...
Jul 22, 2010
Wow, my surgery was a week ago today. Seems very surreal! I'm feeling much better. Went all day yesterday with no nausea! I also took the advice of some fellow OH'ers and bought some isopure at GNC. That may save me and allow me to get my protein in! Yeah!
I've had a couple of tough periods with food. I was in the car yesterday on my way to GNC and my boyfriend decided to stop and get lunch for he and our son. He went through the drive thru and ordered. The smell was captivating. I rolled my window down so it wouldn't be so strong. It didn't occur to me to say anything. When he got his food and drove off, he handed me the bag and asked me to get his food out ( a role I typically would do without even thinking about) and I snapped. I didn't take the bag and pushed it back to him and said "I don't think so!" He felt bad, didn't mean to do anything mean. After I calmed down, we talked a bit and I told him there were things that were hard and I didn't even know they were coming. He was very understanding. I think I may need to be away from fast food for awhile. It seems to be a trigger. We sure ate a lot of it before my surgery!
So, I've lost almost 19 pounds from my highest weight and about 11 since surgery last week. That seems pretty good. I sure feel less swollen!
I'm planning to go back to work next week. I'm a little nervous about that. I feel like I'm starting to get into a routine and that will help. Just a little nervous about my energy level and stamina, what to eat at work, how quickly I can get to the bathroom when I need to, etc... I'm sure once I am back I will figure it all out, just a little anxious thinking about it.
My parents left yesterday. It was so nice having them here to help and really just to get to spend time with. As an adult, it's rare to get chunks of time like that with your parents. I'm so glad they came! I miss them though. Funny, no matter how old we get, never too old for Mommy and Daddy!
5 comments
I've had a couple of tough periods with food. I was in the car yesterday on my way to GNC and my boyfriend decided to stop and get lunch for he and our son. He went through the drive thru and ordered. The smell was captivating. I rolled my window down so it wouldn't be so strong. It didn't occur to me to say anything. When he got his food and drove off, he handed me the bag and asked me to get his food out ( a role I typically would do without even thinking about) and I snapped. I didn't take the bag and pushed it back to him and said "I don't think so!" He felt bad, didn't mean to do anything mean. After I calmed down, we talked a bit and I told him there were things that were hard and I didn't even know they were coming. He was very understanding. I think I may need to be away from fast food for awhile. It seems to be a trigger. We sure ate a lot of it before my surgery!
So, I've lost almost 19 pounds from my highest weight and about 11 since surgery last week. That seems pretty good. I sure feel less swollen!
I'm planning to go back to work next week. I'm a little nervous about that. I feel like I'm starting to get into a routine and that will help. Just a little nervous about my energy level and stamina, what to eat at work, how quickly I can get to the bathroom when I need to, etc... I'm sure once I am back I will figure it all out, just a little anxious thinking about it.
My parents left yesterday. It was so nice having them here to help and really just to get to spend time with. As an adult, it's rare to get chunks of time like that with your parents. I'm so glad they came! I miss them though. Funny, no matter how old we get, never too old for Mommy and Daddy!
4 Days After
Jul 19, 2010
Well, I am home. My family is here and being very helpful. It's nice to have everyone around. At times I feel pretty good and other times the gurgling in my tummy is very uncomfortable. This gas is pretty unbelievable. I mean it doesn't come out much but just moves around and hurts. I got some gas-x and that seems to help a little. I'm really struggling with how to get all of the protein in. I'm trying to make sure everything that goes in my mouth has some but it just doesn't add up to much.
Day of the surgery was pretty scary. Had lots of people around me which helped. I was so nervous going in and was really relieved when I woke up in recovery. I was so nauseated and just kept feeling like I would throw up. They gave me some anti-nausea meds and finally it subsided. I remember sleeping for a long time off and on in my room. I had a pump for pain meds and it seemed like I just couldn't get enough. I kept thinking I was pushing it over and over. I know they told me it would only give me a dose every ten minutes but I just kept pushing. Then, as the day went on, the pain subsided and was more tolerable. I noticed I was pushing it like every hour instead of every few minutes. By the evening of the first day, I was actually surprised to be feeling so well. I went for a walk down the hall and did pretty well. I was soooo thirsty and they gave me these cool, green mint flavored sponges I could dip in water. I could swab my mouth with them but not swallow any water. I was very careful.
I didn't sleep too well that first night, ended up watching tv quite a bit. Woke up the next morning and went down for the swallow test. I thought I would be thankful for ANY liquid...but that stuff they had me drink was the nastiest stuff ever! I barely got it all down. They x-rayed me for leaks in the pouch and found none. After that I was allowed to have liquids! Yeah! So, I got some yucky chicken broth with protein powder which I couldn't stomach, some water with something in it which I also couldn't take and some crystal light with protein powder which was pretty good. So, I sipped on that for awhile. I took some pain meds that day but not too much. I was surprised to find that the pump I had was the only pain meds I was getting. I thought the pump was just like boosts of pain meds. Cool, I was on less than I thought! Was able to walk about 4 different times that day (short bursts). I slept pretty well that night.
On Saturday, my doc came in about 7am and told me how well I was doing and that she would let me go home. I got a few shots (a pneumonia vaccine and what else I'm not sure). Finally got checked out about 1:30pm. Went to pick up my meds at the pharmacy and headed home. I was pretty tired after that and dozed most of the afternoon. Was able to walk a few times throughout the day (just small amounts). I have to admit I was frustrated to leave weighing more than I did when I went in. Need to be more patient I guess.
Yesterday was a pretty good day overall. I had a couple of hard times when everyone else was eating. They made grilled turkey and cheese sandwiches and for some reason I wanted one soooo bad! They smelled heavenly and I was already craving something I could chew. Man I wanted a bite of that sandwich! Oh well, made it through. I've been a little confused about what "full liquid" diet means. I have read a few places that it includes pudding, cream of wheat, cream of rice, etc. That doesn't seem like liquid to me but we have made some that was real soupy. I'm trying to put protein powder in everything. Thank goodness for my Dad who has been running to the store every day for something new or different. He has stocked my pantry and fridge. My boyfriend has been great about making sure I walk and do my breathing exercises. He's also been great about doing things around the house. My Mom has taken charge of the eating and drinking...making sure to check in with me every hour.That has been really helpful since I'm not really hungry. My sister has been my constant companion. Been there every step of the way.
So, so far so good. When does the weight loss start? ;) I know it will. I hope it will. Just impatient!!!
6 comments
Day of the surgery was pretty scary. Had lots of people around me which helped. I was so nervous going in and was really relieved when I woke up in recovery. I was so nauseated and just kept feeling like I would throw up. They gave me some anti-nausea meds and finally it subsided. I remember sleeping for a long time off and on in my room. I had a pump for pain meds and it seemed like I just couldn't get enough. I kept thinking I was pushing it over and over. I know they told me it would only give me a dose every ten minutes but I just kept pushing. Then, as the day went on, the pain subsided and was more tolerable. I noticed I was pushing it like every hour instead of every few minutes. By the evening of the first day, I was actually surprised to be feeling so well. I went for a walk down the hall and did pretty well. I was soooo thirsty and they gave me these cool, green mint flavored sponges I could dip in water. I could swab my mouth with them but not swallow any water. I was very careful.
I didn't sleep too well that first night, ended up watching tv quite a bit. Woke up the next morning and went down for the swallow test. I thought I would be thankful for ANY liquid...but that stuff they had me drink was the nastiest stuff ever! I barely got it all down. They x-rayed me for leaks in the pouch and found none. After that I was allowed to have liquids! Yeah! So, I got some yucky chicken broth with protein powder which I couldn't stomach, some water with something in it which I also couldn't take and some crystal light with protein powder which was pretty good. So, I sipped on that for awhile. I took some pain meds that day but not too much. I was surprised to find that the pump I had was the only pain meds I was getting. I thought the pump was just like boosts of pain meds. Cool, I was on less than I thought! Was able to walk about 4 different times that day (short bursts). I slept pretty well that night.
On Saturday, my doc came in about 7am and told me how well I was doing and that she would let me go home. I got a few shots (a pneumonia vaccine and what else I'm not sure). Finally got checked out about 1:30pm. Went to pick up my meds at the pharmacy and headed home. I was pretty tired after that and dozed most of the afternoon. Was able to walk a few times throughout the day (just small amounts). I have to admit I was frustrated to leave weighing more than I did when I went in. Need to be more patient I guess.
Yesterday was a pretty good day overall. I had a couple of hard times when everyone else was eating. They made grilled turkey and cheese sandwiches and for some reason I wanted one soooo bad! They smelled heavenly and I was already craving something I could chew. Man I wanted a bite of that sandwich! Oh well, made it through. I've been a little confused about what "full liquid" diet means. I have read a few places that it includes pudding, cream of wheat, cream of rice, etc. That doesn't seem like liquid to me but we have made some that was real soupy. I'm trying to put protein powder in everything. Thank goodness for my Dad who has been running to the store every day for something new or different. He has stocked my pantry and fridge. My boyfriend has been great about making sure I walk and do my breathing exercises. He's also been great about doing things around the house. My Mom has taken charge of the eating and drinking...making sure to check in with me every hour.That has been really helpful since I'm not really hungry. My sister has been my constant companion. Been there every step of the way.
So, so far so good. When does the weight loss start? ;) I know it will. I hope it will. Just impatient!!!
Night Before I Change My Life
Jul 14, 2010
Hello All!
Well, I am writing to clear my head the night before surgery. I've been pretty nervous the last couple of days but I've stayed pretty busy getting ready to be gone for 10 days or so from work. Plus my parents are coming in town to help me with my recovery and to help my 6 year old son (which they will thoroughly enjoy). So, I've had lots to do to get the house ready for their visit and for my return. It's been very good to keep my mind busy to distract me.
I haven't questioned my decision in any serious way. I've had a couple of fleeting thoughts about this being a selfish thing to do when I have a six year old who needs me (in case anything were to happen)...but then I quickly respond--to myself--with "but this is an investment in his future too". I can only hope if something happens, he would understand. It crushes me to think of that though. So, I will go in determined to make it out! I'm healthy and have had another major surgery in the last couple of years which went really well. So, there is really nothing to worry about!
I'm so ready. I've been ready for a long time. It's hard to believe that all the planning, appointments, mental processing and anticipation will finally be coming to fruition tomorrow....YEAH!
See you on the other side of my new life!
2 comments
Well, I am writing to clear my head the night before surgery. I've been pretty nervous the last couple of days but I've stayed pretty busy getting ready to be gone for 10 days or so from work. Plus my parents are coming in town to help me with my recovery and to help my 6 year old son (which they will thoroughly enjoy). So, I've had lots to do to get the house ready for their visit and for my return. It's been very good to keep my mind busy to distract me.
I haven't questioned my decision in any serious way. I've had a couple of fleeting thoughts about this being a selfish thing to do when I have a six year old who needs me (in case anything were to happen)...but then I quickly respond--to myself--with "but this is an investment in his future too". I can only hope if something happens, he would understand. It crushes me to think of that though. So, I will go in determined to make it out! I'm healthy and have had another major surgery in the last couple of years which went really well. So, there is really nothing to worry about!
I'm so ready. I've been ready for a long time. It's hard to believe that all the planning, appointments, mental processing and anticipation will finally be coming to fruition tomorrow....YEAH!
See you on the other side of my new life!
4 days and counting...
Jul 12, 2010
Hello everyone!
I thought it was about time to take pen to paper so to speak. I am scheduled to have surgery on July 15th, 2010. I'm more excitedly nervous than real nerves. I had a hip replacement surgery almost two years ago and came through that well, so I am hoping the surgery will go just as smoothly. I am in good health so, it is the perfect time to do this! Why wait more miserable years and risk all the health problems I know are coming. The "yets" are plaguing me...
I don't have diabetes....yet.
I don't have high cholesterol...yet.
I don't have high blood pressure...yet.
I don't have heart disease...yet.
And so many more...
I am so ready to start my new life. It really does feel like being reborn in a way. I remember when I had my son 6 years ago...I remember thinking how clean and pure this new life was. How innocent. I wanted to be so careful to treat it (the life and body) with respect. I nursed him for almost 3 years in hopes of giving him a good solid nutritional foundation to start from. When he started eating, I made his baby food. I wanted to keep him as pure and clean as I could. He is so healthy today. He eats too much sugar and we constantly monitor that, but he is a very healthy vibrant little boy.
I want to treat my new stomach like that. I want to care for it and nurture it. I feel like I am getting a chance to start over. I intend to take full advantage of this tool I have been lucky enough to get to use!
Am I concerned? Worried? Scared? Sure a little. I am concerned about excess skin. I am concerned about being one of the few that this tool doesn't work for at all. I am concerned about my body changing and my partner not liking the changes. I'm lucky to be with someone who loves my body now. He is very supportive because he wants me healthier and around to be with him longer but he loves my curves. I keep reassuring him, I will always be curvy...but what if???
I'm concerned about my hair falling out. I keep thinking of this first year as "it will get worse before it gets better". I want to prepare my mind that even though weight loss should occur, my body is going to be in a pretty unhealthy state for awhile. I would imagine I might feel fatigued, look sickly, etc. So, I am trying to prepare myself mentally. I'm ok with that and recognize as our bodies adjust to the weight loss, our health increases and we will start to feel and look better! Just trying to keep myself realistic!
I've also been trying to focus on attainable goals. The goal weight my doctor set is much lower than I had anticipated. I would love to reach that goal but want to feel successful even if I lose only 60% of my weight. I've read that most people lose between 60-80% of their excess weight. So, I think it is conservative to think of the 60% and focus on that as my first goal. I may need help remembering that I intend to be pleased with that marker!!! That amount is approximately 110 pounds with 142 being around 80%. I will be super excited to lose 100 pounds. It's mind-boggling to even say that. How can I possibly be OVER 100 pounds OVERWEIGHT??? Good grief! ANd then to think of losing that amount! Whew! Let's get this started already! :)
So, I'm trying very hard to connect on here and make some contacts. I find other people's stories motivating almost as much as before and after pics. I'll get some before pics posted this week. I've done all of my measurements. What am I forgetting? WHat else did people do before surgery they think I should consider? Or what did you NOT do you wish you had? My therapist suggested I write myself a letter to open in 6 months and one in a year. I haven't done that yet. Will do it this week...the clock is ticking...
Thanks for listening...
1 comment
I thought it was about time to take pen to paper so to speak. I am scheduled to have surgery on July 15th, 2010. I'm more excitedly nervous than real nerves. I had a hip replacement surgery almost two years ago and came through that well, so I am hoping the surgery will go just as smoothly. I am in good health so, it is the perfect time to do this! Why wait more miserable years and risk all the health problems I know are coming. The "yets" are plaguing me...
I don't have diabetes....yet.
I don't have high cholesterol...yet.
I don't have high blood pressure...yet.
I don't have heart disease...yet.
And so many more...
I am so ready to start my new life. It really does feel like being reborn in a way. I remember when I had my son 6 years ago...I remember thinking how clean and pure this new life was. How innocent. I wanted to be so careful to treat it (the life and body) with respect. I nursed him for almost 3 years in hopes of giving him a good solid nutritional foundation to start from. When he started eating, I made his baby food. I wanted to keep him as pure and clean as I could. He is so healthy today. He eats too much sugar and we constantly monitor that, but he is a very healthy vibrant little boy.
I want to treat my new stomach like that. I want to care for it and nurture it. I feel like I am getting a chance to start over. I intend to take full advantage of this tool I have been lucky enough to get to use!
Am I concerned? Worried? Scared? Sure a little. I am concerned about excess skin. I am concerned about being one of the few that this tool doesn't work for at all. I am concerned about my body changing and my partner not liking the changes. I'm lucky to be with someone who loves my body now. He is very supportive because he wants me healthier and around to be with him longer but he loves my curves. I keep reassuring him, I will always be curvy...but what if???
I'm concerned about my hair falling out. I keep thinking of this first year as "it will get worse before it gets better". I want to prepare my mind that even though weight loss should occur, my body is going to be in a pretty unhealthy state for awhile. I would imagine I might feel fatigued, look sickly, etc. So, I am trying to prepare myself mentally. I'm ok with that and recognize as our bodies adjust to the weight loss, our health increases and we will start to feel and look better! Just trying to keep myself realistic!
I've also been trying to focus on attainable goals. The goal weight my doctor set is much lower than I had anticipated. I would love to reach that goal but want to feel successful even if I lose only 60% of my weight. I've read that most people lose between 60-80% of their excess weight. So, I think it is conservative to think of the 60% and focus on that as my first goal. I may need help remembering that I intend to be pleased with that marker!!! That amount is approximately 110 pounds with 142 being around 80%. I will be super excited to lose 100 pounds. It's mind-boggling to even say that. How can I possibly be OVER 100 pounds OVERWEIGHT??? Good grief! ANd then to think of losing that amount! Whew! Let's get this started already! :)
So, I'm trying very hard to connect on here and make some contacts. I find other people's stories motivating almost as much as before and after pics. I'll get some before pics posted this week. I've done all of my measurements. What am I forgetting? WHat else did people do before surgery they think I should consider? Or what did you NOT do you wish you had? My therapist suggested I write myself a letter to open in 6 months and one in a year. I haven't done that yet. Will do it this week...the clock is ticking...
Thanks for listening...
About Me
Austin, TX
Location
31.1
BMI
Surgery
07/15/2010
Surgery Date
Surgeon
Feb 10, 2010
Member Since
