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Angela's Blog
 

Almost There

As we prepare to enter 2015, I have completed the first four months of my insurance required appointments. I successfully passed my psych evaluation and have been steadily meeting with my dietician and exercise physiologist. I have come so far and I am ready...well mostly.   My next two weight loss dr. appointments are scheduled with my last one scheduled for February 11th. Pre-op is scheduled for January 29th. So I could go any time after February 11th. I have been ready. I am prepared and then this little thing called a career popped up and may have seemingly gotten in my way. After years of trying to figure out what I want to be when I grow up did it finally come to me in October. I started doing research about advanced degree programs and found one that was going to work perfect. I enrolled and much to my surprised joy I was accepted into the program. The program is online so it is going to work with my schedule both before and after WLS. However I have to take two classes at a time to maintain my full time financial aid status.   Did I mention that I am already in an MBA program? Of course I didn't lol. Well I understood that I had 18 months left before completing it. Because of that I had decided that I was just going to stop and take the other program in its place since the completion time was the same. I called my adviser at the MBA school and explained that I had a career change coming and what my plans were. His response was, "You do realize that you can complete the program by April 6th right?" I was astounded. I couldn't understand how this could be. He explained that a few years ago there were changes in some of the requirements and I was not required to enroll in the concentration classes. So I could graduate in just a few short months. So I decided right there and then I needed to finish. However I was also already enrolled in my other two classes that are set to start January 22nd.   So here I am in a quandary. Do I wait until April to have my gastric sleeve or do I do it in February/March as originally planned? I want to achieve success in both of these. But I am afraid to wait until April and I am afraid if I don't.   Happy New Year everyone!!! Welcome to the rest of our lives!!!
AngelaIsReady

AngelaIsReady

0
Onederful Opportunity
 

Twenty Days Later - The Weigh In

In a previous post I mentioned that I don't have a scale in my house. I plan to keep it that way. I had my surgical follow up yesterday and I know that I've lost weight but I didn't know how much. Of course, my family decided to "weigh in" and guess my loss:   Me - 15lbs Daughter - 17lbs Sis in Law - 19lbs Husband - 22.5lbs Mom - 23lbs   It was actually 28lbs! I lost 28.bs in 19 days. Praise the Lord!   Things have been going very well. Still no pain or nausea and I'm healing well. I look forward to being able to add swimming to my walking. I'm still in the puree foods until next week but even that's been fine. I keep praying that this process stays as it is. I'm loving it!
rhodywoman

rhodywoman

0
Mark in Ohio's Blog
 

First day of liquid diet - pre-op

Today 12/22/2014 was the first day of my new lifestyle. I started my meal replacement protein drinks. My doctor gave me a guide line to follow for two weeks before my RNY surgery.   Breakfast = one premier protein shake Snack = one premier protein shake Lunch = small side salad, NO CHEESE or CROUTONS two tablespoons light dressing Snack = one premier protein shake Dinner = Lean Cuisine type meal Snack = one premier protein shake   Day 1 went great. Normally I would take 120u Lantus with breakfast and again at bedtime. Plus 40u Novolog at each meal and bed time. Needless to say the Novolog stopped in September. As of today I have taken no Lantus. My bedtime sugar reading was 107. I am so excited. I will be having my surgery on Jan. 09, 2015.   Also today my wife has completed her RNY surgery. Go Barb!!! I am so proud. I am glad we are doing this together.
Mark in Ohio

Mark in Ohio

4
PinkL8tyLori's Blog
 

This is why we lose weight

First, let me apologize if this post is too graphic, I just think its a fabulous way to educate you on a sleeve surgery. When I was at OCC the first week of December I had the amazing opportunity to observe several surgeries. One of them was a gastric sleeve surgery. We know that the sleeve surgery has fabulous results. Our OCC Sleeve patients get results similar to a gastric bypass surgery without all the risks and complications. And this is why...look at what is removed during this surgery. This picture is the removed portion of a stomach from a gastric sleeve surgery. Look at it... look at what it stretches out to when inflated. That is all space you can't fill anymore. AMAZING!! And look... even the part we remove is still AIR TIGHT. Remember, on the remaining stomach our surgeons go back and over suture over the staple line to prevent leaks and prevent stretching - but even this part, the part that is removed is totally air tight. Now that is a safe sleeve.   I know sometimes its hard after weight loss surgery to think about what we might be missing... the foods we can't eat (or eat much of) but I am SO thankful for this... because if I could be eating more, chances are I would be eating more... and I wouldn't feel this healthy, I wouldn't be wearing a size 4 jeans, and this would be a stressful time for me, thinking of how much weight I would gain between Thanksgivng and New Years... and I'm under control, my sleeve keeps me under control. So goodbye excess, stretchy, haven't missed you for a minute stomach.... hello healthy, portion controlled life!   Again, if this is too graphic, I'm sorry, but I can't think of a better way to share this - it was a huge eye opener for me, hope it is for you too!   Here are more pictures for those of you that can "stomach" it   http://www.occforum.com/gallery/album/336-sleeve-surgery-educational-a-little-graphic/   As always, if you have any questions you can reach me at lori@obesitycontrolcenter.com or 1-866-376-7849 ext. 81
PinkL8tyLori

PinkL8tyLori

2
Forskolin and Weight Loss
 

Forskolin Fuel Benefits and Side Effects

Short introduction: Forskolin Fuel is a herbal, 100% natural supplement for weight loss. Based on the forskolin chemical extract, from the root of the COleus Forskohlii, a plant of the mint family.   Benefits of Forskolin Fuel:   - enhancement of the thermogenesis proces, which is creating heat in the body - influences the enhancement of the metabolism - it is supposed to also help with sleeping disorders - provides energy - suppresses the appetite   Now let's see the good side and bad side of this Forskolin product. Let's start with the bad things :   - no evidence of it working when used by mouth - no clinical study or scientific research that proves that it works or that it is safe - no ingredients list   The good things ?   Well there aren't a lot of things that can be said about Forskolin Fuel, that are good, when it comes to weight loss. I am not saying that it does not work but please, look at the facts, look at the evidence and the information, it doesn't look good, i am just being realistic here. if we weren't talking about weight loss i could've told you that it helps with high blood pressure because it lowers it by producing cyclic amp that influences the heart muscles and makes the heart beat faster thus enlarging the blood vessels, or that it also helps with glaucoma when used as tear drops, etc. It has uses, but not for weight loss, not that we know of atleast.   Now you're probably confused, if it's so bad, meaning it lacks evidence and information, how isit popular? Well, i'm guessing because of Dr. Oz, he has a reputation of boosting popularity for such products and also has a talent for extravagant nicknames, such as "lightning in a bottle" . This is the fake publicity that i was talking about earlier above, there is a high probability that many of the comments from users are fake as well, maybe people working for the company or that are paid to make us think they've used the product and to make us think it works.   Let's get to the point, i do not recommend this product and i think it should be avoided. It's not only me saying this, the lack of information is obvious! For those of you that want to use it, you can order it online by visiting the official website. It is not recommended for people that suffer from health conditions or that follow medication, pregnant or nursing women, etc. Please consult with a health care proffesional before using Forskolin Fuel. http://www.diets-usa.com/forskolin-fuel-review/
ferisour

ferisour

0
DizzyLizzie's Blog
 

Pre Op Visit Done

Just had my pre-op visit this week. Everything is on track. I am off on my Xmas holiday on Tuesday until 2nd January. I start my pre-op diet 7th January and my op is 21st January. I still don't know how I am going to manage the pre-op. When I get that hungry I feel nauseaus and I hate that, but I know I have to do this. I'm scared about it all but I'm not going to change my mind! 2015 you and I are going to dance!!! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays Everyone here - may 2015 bring us more health and happiness!
DizzyLib

DizzyLib

1
Gastric Sleeve Surgery - An Unexpected Journey
 

BBQ Sauce - Low Carb - My New Favorite Sauce

UPDATE: 1/2/2015 After creating this BBQ sauce many times, I must caution everyone to let this stuff sit and cool after cooking - for an hour or so. Let the flavors meld together. I've found that when I taste test this sauce before it's had a time to set, it has a weird flavor. It gets even better if left to set overnight - even if it's already mixed into my food.       Hey guys,   I've been using this sauce for at least 4 meals a day for the past 2 weeks. And it tastes great!   I was searching for a replacement for my favorite Kraft BBQ sauce (since it has sugar in it ) and I ran across this one. It had rave reviews and it tastes really good. I'll need to tweak it a few times to get that sweet/tangy flavor I like so much, but for a good low-carb BBQ sauce, this one works well. The best part was, I already had most of the ingredients on hand (you probably do too).   2 Tablespoons is 12 calories vs. 60 calories for the equivalent Kraft BBQ sauce.     Indispensable Almost No Carb Barbecue Sauce This isn't a substitute for the "real thing," it's an improvement. It's so good the rest of the family gobbles it up and I have to keep making more.   3/8 cup vinegar 1 1/2 cup tomato sauce. (1 15 oz can) Don't buy a tomato sauce that has spices or flavorings in it! 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce 1 1/2 tablespoon yellow hot dog mustard 3/4 tablespoon Franks Hot Sauce (the chicken wing sauce) 3/4 tablespoon salt (optional) 1 dash cayenne pepper. Go easy!!!! 3 teaspoons lemon juice 1 1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke flavoring 6 teaspoons Splenda or 18 drops of Liquid Splenda   Optional Things I've Tried and Liked: Instead of 6 tsp Splenda, I tried 3 tsp Splenda, 3 tsp brown sugar - it really gave the sauce "body" and flavor. Toss in 2 or 3 tablespoons of garlic powder Toss in 2 or 3 tablespoons of onion powder Double up on Franks Hot Sauce - I don't find Franks very hot, and I like the flavor Use Apple Cider Vinegar instead of White Vinegar Add 1/3 can of tomato paste   Add vinegar and all other ingredients except mustard to a sauce pan and slowly heat. Put mustard in a cup and slowly stir in a couple tablespoons of sauce until well blended. Then add mustard mixture back to sauce in pan.     Bring to a boil, and lower heat. Let simmer for a 15 minutes. Let cool, then refrigerate till cold then serve.   Note: this sauce might taste a bit peculiar if you taste it when it is still hot. Don't worry! Something magical happens when it sits in the fridge. And it only gets better overnight!!!     Carbohydrates per Serving (1 tablespoon): Less than 1 gram. Half an ounce is 1 gm carbs, 6 calories.   Source: http://www.phlaunt.com/lowcarb/19060001.php
joatsaint

joatsaint

1
Gastric Sleeve Surgery - An Unexpected Journey
 

Dealing With Setbacks or Climb Down Off The Cross, Build a Bridge With The Wood and Get Over It!

This post is just goes to show that even Sleeve veterans aren't perfect. The key is to look at a setback as a delay, not a permanent failure, and get back on track.   I was trying to stay low-carb till I lost about 20lbs, but I fell off the wagon this morning. Over the Thanksgiving week, I gained about 5 lbs and was up to 220 lbs in 5 days - probably from all the salt. So I went back to what's worked in the past, low-carb eating - lean protein (pork loin) and a few vegetables (squash, cauliflower).   Low-carbing worked well, I lost the excess water plus a few pounds. In 6 days I've lost 9.6 lbs. But the stress from work has been pretty overwhelming these past few days. And when I came into work this morning, there was a fresh hot box of donuts waiting in the kitchen. I started to limit myself to 1, but then though about how good I was going to feel when I ate them. So I got 2... Go BIG or Go HOME! and enjoyed every bite!!!!!   Will those 2 donuts affect my weight? Probably not, as long as I don't continue eating junk every day. Will it cause my weight loss to stall? I'll know soon enough, the scale will tell me tomorrow morning.   P.S. I'll be back on pork loin and cauliflower for lunch today.   Keep Pimpin' That Sleeve!!!!   Randy   UPDATE: 12/08/2014 Well, eating the donuts plus my "cheat" meal on Saturday night, I woke up on Sunday morning weighing 1.4lbs heavier. But I got back on my diet on Sunday and Monday (today). I lost the weight and weigh the same as I did last Friday (the day before I ate the donuts). I'm back down to 210.4 Now let's see if I can finally break 200lbs. 2nd UPDATE: 12/10/2014 Hit an all time new low today, 208.2 lbs. Still sticking to my diet.   3rd UPDATE: 12/13/2014 Still low-carbing (sorta) Hit another all time low this morning - 206 lbs.   Haven't been that low since high school (38 years ago). My diet revolves around eating pork loin and Raisin Bran (I eat Raisin Bran cause they give it to us free at work) and coffee (loaded with creamer and Splenda). And I'm taking Puritans Pride "Green Source" whole food vitamins made from whole food concentrates. I swear these vitamins make me feel so much better than any other vitamin I've taken.   I take the vitamins first thing in the morning. If I take them in the evening, I have so much energy I have a hard time sleeping.   During the day, I usually eat about 2 cups of shredded pork loin and 2 snacks - Raisin Bran (dry - I eat it straight up like trail mix in a cup - I have a 12oz cup and fill it halfway).   And 2 cups of shredded pork loin in the evening after work. (Although I did have some spaghetti I was rationing out over the week - I'd have 1 cup of pork loin and 2 cups of spaghetti).   It's Saturday, the cheat meal day. Let's see if I gain weight overnight from eating pizza.   4th UPDATE: 12/14/2014 Sunday morning update. After pigging out on Mexican food and drinking 2 16oz Mike's Harder Lemonades Sat night, I'm up 1.4 lbs. I weighted in at 207.8 this morning vs. 206.4 yesterday.   OMG!!!! I'm getting so FAT!!! (can you hear the panic in my typing or is that sarcasm? ) My old pre-surgery self only dreamed of being 207.8 lbs.   BEFORE:   AFTER:   5th Update: 12/17/2014 Wednesday and I'm at a new all time low - 205.6 lbs. I'd like to get to 199, just to see how it feels, but I may let myself cheat a little extra over Xmas and "balloon" back up to 210. Then go for 199 again, starting on the 26th.   But who knows. I never expected to get below 200. And 2 years ago, my doc said I should realistically expect to hang around 225 - 235 in the long term. So hitting 205 and staying there would be fine with me.   One side effect of eating low-carb, once I got the sugar out of my system, I no longer have the head hunger that literally drove me to overeating. And you would think that something as innocent as apples and bananas wouldn't trigger carb cravings, but they do trigger carb cravings in me.   6th Update: 12/19/2014 Friday and still holding at 204.4lbs, not going up, not going down. But the weather and sinuses haven't let me get out and walk off some extra calories. Still low-carbing, no carb cravings and eating well. Been at 204 - 205 lbs for at least 2 days in a row, so I can mark it as official, I weigh 205. - (I only count a new low in my weight if I have sustained it for at least 2 days!) :-)   7th Update: 12/28/2014 Well, after the Xmas splurge, I woke up weighing 211.4 lbs on Dec 27th. Nothing really unexpected after I ate all that salty ham and had plenty of pecan pie. So I'll see what happens when I go back to low-carbing on Monday and get all that salt out of my system.   8th Update: 12/30/2014 2nd day back on the low-carb diet. I'm was at 209.2 this morning and weighed in at 210.0 after work. So it just bolsters my feeling that all the salt from eating smoked ham was causing me to hold water weight and is now exiting my system.   If you're interested, I'm back to eating pork loin w/my low-carb bbq sauce, and (2) 1/2 cup servings of dry Raisin Bran cereal during the day. I did eat a bag of Snapea Crisps (about 400 calories/100 grams of carbs) on Sunday, but it doesn't seem to have affected my weight loss.   9th Update: 02/01/2015 Still eating my regular old routine of pork and bbq sauce, Raisin Bran and cauliflower and brussell sprouts. My weigh is staying steady at 204 - 205 since the 2nd week of Jan 2015. Just have to watch how much of the Raisin Bran I let myself eat. My new job keeps me moving all day and I tend to want to eat more because of it.
joatsaint

joatsaint

2
Forsythia's Blog
 

Your face!

Well, more like, my face. When I look in the mirror, my face looks the same as it always has. I never had a fat face to begin with, but now, when I look at pictures of my face, it looks too skinny. Yet I'm still above 200 lbs. My face needs to stop losing weight. LOL! Also, this morning, the scale said 211.5, which is over 100 lbs from my program start weight (and well over 120 from my all time high).   Anyhow you be the judge on my face. The first picture is of me and my husband from a few years back. Please note my face was not fat.     The second one was taken Thanksgiving weekend. I think my face looks weird.   I do realize that they were taken at different angles. But still. I guess if my face is the one thing I have to b***h about then I can't complain too much.
Forsythia

Forsythia

0
PinkL8tyLori's Blog
 

Awesome Sauce!

What a great week I had! Last week I got to spend 3 days at OCC, observe surgeries, learn more about the amazing advancements in surgical technique happening at OCC, meet with Dr. Ortiz and Dr. Martinez and Lucia, spend time with the great staff there, record some videos...and the best part, the awesome sauce, I got to meet face to face with patients. I rarely get to do that, and I got to do that in spades this time. I was able to meet an entire family of patients, some that have already had surgery, and several coming in for the first time. What an amazing family this is! Originally 2 of the sisters came for surgery, truly they are sleeve sisters, and they have done so well, and were so pleased with their experience, that another sister came in October, and then more family members. Now think about this... I think we are all willing to put ourselves out there for surgery, but bringing your most prized possessions, your family, your sisters, daughters, sons, aunts, the things that mean the most to you, bringing them to Mexico for surgery... i think that says a LOT about Obesity Control Center! I was so inspired by this family and lucky enough to be taken into this group as a sleeve sister. I've been working with this family, praying for this family, rejoicing with this family, and now watching them succeed towards their goals.... did I say it enough... INSPIRING! So, thank you to my patients, you are truly the Awesome Sauce on the Burrito of Life! Thank you for letting me be part of your journey! As always, if you want to reach me you can call 1-866-376-7849 ext. 81 or email me lori at obesitycontrolcenter dot com
PinkL8tyLori

PinkL8tyLori

0
Traci's Blog
 

Annoyed and frustrated... the good and the bad...

Progress or lack thereof: I'm tired and have been under a lot of stress lately between work and family... I suspect that this has contributed to the slowing of my weight-loss progress... so, today, I came across this article and I just got so annoyed, and its totally irrational, I know. But I'm still annoyed. http://www.pressroomvip.com/shocking-celebrity-weight-loss/ This is a slide show of celebs before/after pics of losing weight.   I know I'm impatient... I know that this is a process to work through... It is so annoying to see these things, though... the annoying part, they are dropping 40, 50, 60, 80, 100 lbs... and many of them look great... I've dropped over 90 lbs... and I still have SO MUCH FURTHER TO GO... I know, its only been 6 months... and over 90 lbs in 6 months is pretty fantastic... in fact... its better than what I have ever accomplished...   I wish I could get to the point where people stopped looking at me like a fat girl... I still see it in how people respond to me... Of course, I don't know if that will ever happen... I don't know if I will ever NOT be the fat girl. As I find my new body over the next year, I feel like going through this process will be a little hell-on-earth. My perceptions and where I'm going will continue to not match up with how others see me or how I am perceived. Does anyone else struggle with stupid things like this? Trying to keep up: Last week, I think I overdid it a little. I went on a day-trip to Chicago with a group of friends and walked around the city all day. At the end of the day, my pedometer said I went some 7.5 miles. Of course, I was wearing nicer dress shoes and not walking shoes. My muscles hurt in my legs and lower abs for the next two days. It was difficult to get comfortable. All's I wanted to do was drink and eat, not that I could eat much... Last night, I participated in a walking group at a nearby mall... we walked almost 5 miles and by the time we finished, I was dizzy and light headed. When I hit 5 miles in a day, its not typically all at once. I was really annoyed that I had to sit down to steady myself for a bit. I wasn't out of breath, just dizzy. I know I'm pushing myself, but it helps be bring down my stress levels, which are up due to work... also, I am trying to change things up so that I can avoid stagnating over the holidays. Confidence, on a positive note: I do have to admit, that as my size is shrinking, my confidence is increasing, especially at work. It has been noticed and commented on by my supervisor and co-workers. I still hesitate or stay quiet in group/social situations, but I'm taking the bull by the horns with my project at work... and I'm feeling grounded enough that I've dusted off my application for my PhD program, which is related to my current job/project... and I will be submitting it in the next month. My 2nd 5K Race post-op: On Thanksgiving, I participated in the local 5k Turkey Trot, and I was blown away on how well I did. My 5k walk time for the Turkey Trot was 56:41.5...That is about 15 mins less than the 1:11:15 time I got for the 5k in September! My average pace was about 18 mins...Back when I started tracking my walks over the summer, my first mile walk was just under 30 mins. I'm close to cutting that initial time in half! Oh, and I didn't come in dead last this time. I was number 3607 of 3745. I still want to lose another 25-30 lbs before I start jogging, because I don't want to put too much pressure on my knees, but with the new year, my goal is to complete 1-5k race each month and want to be jogging/running them by summer. Dusting off the snowboard: I've been talking about it all fall. My goal is get out on the slopes again this winter and really learn to snowboard. I've been working for the last 6 months get myself ready. I've pulled out all of my gear, which fits me all again! The pants are a little snug, but yeah, I'll get over that. I was going to go out over thanksgiving, but had a family emergency pop up that messed up those plans. I'm ready to head over to a ski area this weekend. I'd go on Saturday, but have a birthday party to attend in the afternoon and my niece and nephew to watch in the evening. It will have to wait until Sunday.
Trace Lynne

Trace Lynne

1
Onederful Opportunity
 

The End of the Beginning

My surgery was originally scheduled for December 10th but I was moved to December 3rd so exactly one week ago I was at the end of the beginning of this journey. I didn't know what to expect. I just knew that I wasn't anxious, nervous, or mourning. I was just excited.   All I can say now is that everything went perfectly. I have very little feelings of hunger and no cravings or head hunger. I felt amazing the next morning and when I was discharged the afternoon of my second day the nurses said I was walking the floor faster than most of them. I left with a complete schedule of when and what to eat, a journal to track food, exercise, water, and emotions and a two year plan of surgeon, pcp, and nutritionists visits. The following morning at home I was greeting by the Visiting Nurse who reiterated my plan, checked my meds, and incisions, and just made me feel so at ease and so in control. This made me happy because I find one of the many themes I see on the forums is people not getting proper or just vague instructions after surgery.   Even at this early stage I can see and feel that I'm losing. I tend to be a number obsessive so I don't have a scale in my home but I will wait until my surgeons first follow up appointment and see where I am. I don't want to worry about every half ounce or if I'm wearing a certain pair of shoes or jeans have clouded my results. I just want to follow the plan, stay focused, and let the tool do what it does.   I'm not naive enough to believe that it's going to be like this forever but I feel like I'm off to a decent and prepared start.   Bring on the next phase!
rhodywoman

rhodywoman

0
4me4them's Blog
 

My Surgery...

So....this is a long story but I'm going to put the point right up front. Be prepared to be your own advocate after your surgery! I had my sleeve surgery on 03 December. 04 was a bit rough but that night I was finally making peace with my sleeve when at about 0130 in the morning I slipped into atrial fibrillation...which means the heart is not beating correctly. The atria, which squeeze the blood away from the heart were fluttering and my heart rate was fluctuating between 120-200...normal is a range, but generally under 90.   I was quickly moved out of my room on a floor that has had extra training in bariatric surgery care and moved to the cardiac unit. I wasn't in pain or uncomfortable at all...in fact my surgery healing has been amazing! However, the cardiac nurses required a lot of education about what I could and could not have/eat/drink. The hospital is not prepared to feed a new bariatric patient. The only "protein drink" they had was Ensure which was over 350 calories for only 11 g protein. Then they started bringing the pills. I don't know about you, but it has been drilled into me NO PILLS! So I refused to take them until the surgeon gave his ok which he eventually did. THEN, the put me on nothing by mouth, meaning no water, no nothing until they did a procedure where they tried to shock the heart back into a normal rhythm. This whole time I'm only allowed to go to the bathroom otherwise I had to be in bed...so much for walk, walk, walk.   Conversion attempts failed and they discharged my on the 6th still in Afib but with what we thought was a controlled heart rate. Best.Shower.Ever was how I would describe getting home!   Unfortunately because the heart medications were run through the same IV, I developed cellulitis and by Sunday evening my forearm was hot, swollen and the redness was moving up my arm....so back to the ER we went....here in my hometown which is 75 miles away from the hospital I had my surgery. The local ER folks FLIPPED OUT because my heart rate was 190 when I showed up....and by midnight I had been transported back to the hospital in Tucson.   Now I was a bariatric patient with cardiac complications on a general medicine floor...kind of like the Island of Misfit Toys from Rudolph the Red Nosed reindeer. The staff here were competent, but definitely not the A-team I experienced on the cardiac floor. So back to the same old thing, only in bed and to the bathroom....spend all day Monday waiting for a cardiac consult that never came. Didn't see a dr after 0700...very frustrating. At one point they brought me 2 horse pills to take and when I said I couldn't the nurse asked "Why not?" It took everything I had not to unload on her..."Um...let see because my stomach is the size of a sharpie....let's start there". Then she came back a couple of hours later with 7 pills at once...she was not my favorite as she never did get my situation.   Tuesday morning the surgical fellow came by and I kind of unburdened myself to him...I was frustrated that no one was talking/consulting with me. I had been in Afib for over 4 days now, still had a heart rate that spiked every time I walked the 6 steps to the bathroom and was worried they were going to discharge me still in Afib again. I told him my "island of misfit toys" analogy and he agreed. He also got my surgeon involved (Dr. Galvani is head of surgery at UofA) and by 0900 I had 3 doctor visits! When I told the internal medicine doctor that I was still spking up as high as 205, she had no idea....not a real confidence builder in the staff of the floor. She agreed though that they wouldn't send me home with an unstable heart rate...which is all I wanted to hear.   At about 1130 Tuesday morning as fast as it started, my heart converted on its own back to normal sinus rhythm. YAY! A few quick laps around to ward to make sure it wasn't joking around and I was being processed to leave the hospital!!!!!   So upshot is I'm on a ton of new medications, including a blood thinner and will remain on them for at least 3 months. They think it was all caused by the fluids/electrolytes/stress of surgery but want to make sure.   I'm home, eating my plain yogurt and I couldn't be happier! I'll post later about what my husband brought to the hospital to help me stay close to being on my plan. Cheers! Beth
4me4them

4me4them

0
MyJournry with Sleeve surgery
 

Stalls stink! and so do periods :-)

So far since I had my surgery on Nov 10 2014 I have had 2 stalls. the first one came less then 2 weeks in and I was stalled at 210 for almost 2 weeks. I was so frustrated because I had mentioned I couldn't want to be below 210 and then BAM I stall at 210...now I am stalled at 207. I got as low as 206 but it crept back up to 207. But I also got my period today so I'm hoping that has something to do with it...Again I also said recently I can't wait to be under 200...and again BAM stall.... I need advice on what to eat. I think my sleeve likes carbs more then protein.. I seem to get sick on chicken and stuff I should be eating and I have no issues with crackers and pretzels...I want to get to under 200. I'm losing VERY SLOWLY! its frustrating me. I know I might have less then some to lose, but when I read people losing 38 pounds in 2-3 weeks I just want to scream WHAT ABOUT ME! I kind of feel I could have lost weight faster without this surgery...now how is that possible!   UGH
MariaW

MariaW

0
Sreeves' Blog
 

Round 1

Well, after 6 months of preparing myself for revision, I finally had a date: December 4, 2014. When I met with my surgeon, the very last step before the operation, he told me that things did not look good on the barium swallow. Now mind you, I had a barium swallow done in December of 2012 where the radiologist thought things looked pretty messed up in there. He said I had a hiatal hernia and my stomach was prolapsed up through my diaphragm and that my esophagus was not functioning normally. I went straight to a band specialist and he told me that the only problem was a slightly dilated pouch. He unfilled me completely (I knew I should have left right then and there) and 4 weeks later added back a small fill and then another a couple of weeks after that, both under fluoro. He told me I was good to go and that I needed to keep my calories at 1200 a day. Uh, If I could do that, why was I in this mess in the first place??? I was starving, even with the fill.   My second barium swallow was in September of this year. The radiologist at that time said everything looked just hunkey dorey but this is the same swallow my surgeon didn't like. ! So out of 2 swallows with 4 people reading them, I got one surgeon and one radiologist disagreeing on each exam. so confused.   Well turns out the very first radiologist and my surgeon were right. I had a 4-hour operation that was strictly to remove the band, which had slipped and repair the huge hiatal hernia. Now I get to wait for about 3 or 4 months to let things settle down before I can go back for bypass. This was 3 days ago and it has been hell since the day of surgery. I was in the hospital overnight but came home to a dying dog. Not even a little bit cool. I had (still have, actually) a ton of excess gas to release from surgery so I have been in pretty extreme pain from that despite walking it off, GasX, etc. I am, however, off narcotic pain meds, which is great. I just hate that crap. Makes me sick.   Anyway, it all just kinda sucks right now. I definitely know that my surgeon is looking out for my best interest and I can tell by my pain that he did a ton of work on me so as soon as I am feeling a little better I will adjust my attitude to one of gratitude and wait out the next few months. I have completely forgotten what it feels like to eat normally, so maybe i will get to experience that before bypass. I did just get that amazing new Vitamix, though. I think it is more likely that I will be addicted to smoothies by the time I am ready for bypass. I can definitely think of worse things to do over the next few months than trying out new smoothie recipes!
Sreeves

Sreeves

0
That one fat girl
 

Friends...

Surgery Oct. 27, 2014   My body has gone through so many changes in such a short time. I am so happy and if I had to do it all over again, I would. There is nothing better than being proud of who I am. However, I'm starting to realize that some of my friends arnt happy at all. I have been hurt by some comments on social media. I will admit that there were a lot of people I kept my surgery away from. I dont know exactly why I did that and I know I hurt them in the process. However, making comments saying they were going to eat a greasy cheeseburger and cheese fries around me is crazy and mean. I would kill to be able to eat how I used to before the surgery. But thankful I cant.   I need to grow a thicker skin. I just thought that the people who I have been friends with for years would be as happy as I am. I started dating again, new experience being thinner. No one stares at me when I walk into the room and if they do, Im sure its to stare at my beauty. haha. kidding.   My daughter has been more loving and wanting me to be around her, its a nice feeling, thats for sure.   Need new friends. Ones that will support me in my decisions.
Samantha Ann

Samantha Ann

2
EverLearning's Blog
 

pre op diet

The first 3 days were the hardest. Day 3 especially. Day 4 was AWESOME and I had energy and did stuff and worked full day without falling asleep until bed time!   Today is day 6. I am pretty emotional, sensitive, headachey and without much confidence. I did my weight and measurements this morning and found I am down 6 pounds - 5 of which appear to be muscle. DANG, no energy to exercise and my muscle is disappearing faster than my fat. I am also only down 3 cm as I went up 5 and lost 8. Why in the world? I am feeling frustrated, disappointed, questioning everything except the need for something different than being fat.
EverLearning

EverLearning

1
Gastric Sleeve Surgery - An Unexpected Journey
 

Can I Stretch My Sleeve

How hard is it to stretch my sleeve? This question comes up a lot on the WLS board, so I wanted to share my experience - looking back after 2 years post-surgery.   I was worried about stretching my sleeve pre-surgery. I didn't want to go through all of this and then have the possiblity of gaining all the weight back. From everything I've read, the stretchy part of the stomach (unlike the RNY pouch) is almost completely removed and only the tough non-stretchy part remains.   How Easy Is It To Stretch Your Sleeve I can tell you from 2 years of experience, you will know when you're beginning to stretch your sleeve - you will not like the feeling and avoid doing it in the future!! During the 1st few months, when I would get close to stretching my sleeve, it would hurt like Hell! On the occassion that I do begin to stretch it now, it is merely really uncomfortable.   How to Much Can You Safetly Eat I learned real quick how much I could eat in one meal. I started using a small plastic bowl for every meal. I'd fill it up and know that's how much I could saftely eat. I started with a 1/2 cup bowl for about the 1st 9 months. At 1 year, I moved to a 1 cup bowl, and I've been at 1 to 1 1/2 cups per meal for the last year.   Signs You're Getting Full I am aware of the signs that I'm getting full - feeling bubbles moving around the food in my sleeve or feeling a poking sensation in my chest where the sleeve and throat meet. The days of that good old, "Ohhhh, I'm sooooo full" stretched stomach feeling are gone for good. And I dont miss it one bit!!!!!!!!   I'm sure if someone really worked at it, they could stretch their sleeve. After all, it is tissue, tendons and ligaments can be stretched and lengthened over time. But they would not be enjoying the sleeve stretching process at all.
joatsaint

joatsaint

0
Not a Diet - It's My Life!
 

December 3, 2014 - I'm starving to DEATH! 11 more days!

Day 3 of my pre-op diet. I am counting down the days!   I think I am starving to death...I know most of this is in my head, but yesterday I felt bad. Had a gnawing in my stomach that reached into my chest. I had 3 protein drinks and 3 oz. of ham and some raw carrots. I miss my carbs!   Last night I went to bed and was putting vicks on my lips and said to myself...man that taste good. I'm nuts...vicks vapor rub does not taste good. But woke this morning feeling better. I got my coffee and a Icky protein drink and seem to be making it okay today so far. The nutritionist at my pre-op class said the 3rd day is the hardest...but yesterday was tough for me.   Today I am going to make myself some turkey soup using broth and adding in some onions and carrots for flavor. Hopefully that will fill me up more and satisfy me. Not in the mood to drink protein drinks (cause they are icky to me) but I will! I ordered myself some Isopure drinks and hopefully I will like those better. I do believe it might be the fact that they are milky. Never been a milk person.
dmaddox1

dmaddox1

0
Not a Diet - It's My Life!
 

December 1, 2014 - Day 1 of the Pre-Op Diet

Russell and I got to Dr. Provost office right on time. It is such a long drive. The class was very informative and I think I got it all down. I'm am on a liquid diet (with one meal each day). It has to be within their guidelines, and basically that means 3 oz of lean meat with 2 cups of uncooked (1 cup cooked) veggies. But at least I get to have one meal each day. Not sure if I like the Atkins protein shakes. I bought the mocha ones and they aren't bad. I think I will experiment with those and add ice to them and drink them for lunch. Sort of make myself a fake Starbucks latte!   Best thing is I learned I can keep drinking my crystal light ice tea and have my coffee in the mornings. I like my coffee!   I'm gonna clean out my refrigerator just to help keep me from even thinking of cheating. My head whirls with things all the time. Just knowing that I am on this diet, I start thinking all kinds of things. Like I'm hungry and I'm really not. Another one...I got a headache cause I am not eating. I can't poop...not enough roughage. See...I told you I am nutz!   375.4 lbs
dmaddox1

dmaddox1

0
Not a Diet - It's My Life!
 

November 30, 2014 - Eve of the Pre-op diet!

Tomorrow I have a class at 8 am in Denton. It is my pre-op class and I start my liquid diet. I can have one lean meal a day & plan on having 2 protein shakes a day. I purchased some of the Atkins protein shakes to start off with to get me started. Not sure if I will like them so much. If I don't I will find something else. I have several options and I am sure tomorrow I will get a lot more information. I did go out to the Unjury site and ordered several of the protein powder shakes to try. Also, I am buying the sugar free syrups to add to the protein shakes. They say it gives them a lot more flavor. And of all things I ordered me a activity tracker. Got it from privotalliving.com and it seems to do the same thing as the fitbit but for a lot less money. We will see?!?!? I plan on moving my big body so I can lose more weight.     http://www.pivotalliving.com
dmaddox1

dmaddox1

0
Not a Diet - It's My Life!
 

November 27, 2014 - Happy Thanksgiving!

I know I should not feel this way...but I kept thinking in my mind, this is my "Last Supper"! I know I'm crazy, but I kept thinking liquids for almost a month and then mushy food for another couple of weeks and graduating foods into my diet just seemed like I was about to have my last meal. I read this article on Bariatricpal.com that Jean McMilian wrote called the "Last Meal Syndrome", of course I read it the day before my pre-op diet starts, so it kinda wasn't good timing. But I think it will help me get through my next few weeks if I can just keep it in the back of my mind. What I got from the article is that it isn't really your last meal, it is the quantity rather than the quality that I will be able to eat. It doesn't mean I can't have certain foods....just can't eat a whole gallon of ice cream. OMG!


Thanksgiving was very nice and enjoyed being around my friends and family. We ate like pigs, enjoyed each others fellowship and had a great day! My cousin Nancy had just moved into a new house and it is just darling. I loved it and was so proud for her. She was a wonderful hostess and a regular "Martha Stewart".

Aileen and Dad had a good conversation! She is such a sweet little girl!
dmaddox1

dmaddox1

0
Not a Diet - It's My Life!
 

November 13, 2014 - Good News!

I got the call today from Dr. Provost's office....I am ready to go! I passed my stress tests, got my psych eval, and all my nutrition classes are done. I am now scheduled for surgery on December 15th, 2014 at 2pm. I start my pre-op diet/class December 1st and have a pre-op appointment on December 10th (Wednesday) to get tests run ahead of time for my surgery. So I'm ready!
dmaddox1

dmaddox1

0

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