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MWilliams42's Blog
 

As the day progressed...

AwAwAw aass Aw AwskskslddsdfafAwssddddd dddddssdsssdfjldfkjaaw man...what a day! First I have to get stern with my employees, already not feeling so great, I'm sure that it all came out of my mouth in the wrong tone! Spilled water ALL over my desk, good thing it wasn't the decaf I was drinking! The little bit of coffee I think I was having didn't need to end up all over my desk!!! UGH...THEN I tried to eat a half of a veggie "burger" for lunch, well that was a huge mistake, I still feel like it is stuck in my chest, and I chewed that sucker until I couldn't chew anymore! What used to happen when icky days would happen, I would march right out of the office and grab the biggest hunk of chocolate I could find and YES...it would make me feel better! What did I do today? Had a tiny little pea sized nugget of chocolate, and YES it helped!!! LOL...I have to say, one bad day in less that a month of surgery, or at least one bad day that I'm willing to admit to myself, is better than a month full of them! I'll take the one, because I know great days are ahead of me! I am so lucky to have been given the opportunity to go through this, to once again teach myself, that I am stronger than I ever thought, that I am a fighter, and that when the day is over...my diabetes is finally getting under control and I have to be super thankful for that! I've been reading successes and struggles on here, and I just wish I could reach out to everyone struggling and tell them it will get better, and for those successes, HIGH FIVES to you all, so proud that you made this wonderful choice to change your lives for the better! All in all if you look at it with the successes and struggles we all chose to take this journey to a better US!!! Another quote that I have hanging in my office (these things keep the spirit lifted, I'm tellin' ya!!!) is this: "Go CONFIDENTLY in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined." - Henry David Thoreau
MWilliams42

MWilliams42

0
PhotoLover8's Blog
 

Figuring Out a New Way…

Today I am 3 weeks post op and I tell you what, many things have happened in the past 3 weeks. I am going to tell you about the positives things because those are the ones that matter and are worth remembering!   I’ll start with the fact that I have lost 31 lbs so far! I am 2 pounds away from being in Onederland! At this point I have mostly figured out how much I am able to eat. I sometimes eat a little fast or a little too much and feel uncomfortable for about 30 minutes but then it passes. The only thing my stomach hasn't really liked was some creamed corn I ate from Rudy’s BBQ. Other than that I have been able to keep everything down…ground beef, fish, chicken, turkey, rice, beans, etc. I have not had the problems others have had with eating bread. I can eat pretty much anything, just not a lot. For example, we took our youngest daughter out to eat for her birthday yesterday and my husband and I split a plate. I basically took enough food for about 8 bites and he ate the rest. My girls both ate and the whole thing was just $32 with tip for all 4 of us. That’s another great thing…saving money when we go out!   Something else I love is that many of my clothes are very loose and you can tell I have lost weight which is cool. I had to go digging in my closet for some smaller jeans that I haven’t worn in a while and they fit perfectly. I also wore a dress that I haven’t fit into since my husband and I were engaged over 5 years ago. That was a nice feeling! I am excited about fitting into other things that have been just sitting in my closet waiting to be used!   Now to get a little more personal, a difficult but great thing happened to me last week. I was dealing with some emotional issues that made me cry a lot. I walked home from where I was and on the way there I just kept thinking about how much I wanted to go stuff my face. I got home, opened the fridge and just imagined myself getting sick if I did it. I couldn’t do it. In that moment I was forced to deal with my emotions a different way. I cried some more and then talk to God about it. About 30 minutes after that I talk to my husband about it too. It was such a big moment for me. To realize that I can walk away from the food that will do nothing but make me sick in that moment and over time and rely on a God that loves me unconditionally. It came to the surface…what I already knew….that I wasn’t giving Him all of me. Now I am surrendering the rest of me…slowly but surely. He deserves it all, not just the parts I am comfortable giving. What a wonderful experience! Such a moment of growth!   I am grateful for all the special moments I have had so far and I can’t wait to see what new adventures await me!
PhotoLover8

PhotoLover8

0
Kay__S' Food Blog
 

Protein Mocktails

Today's protein shake is too good to be believed. After seeing the recent Dr Oz show about cancer risks from eating too much dairy, I wanted to try making a protein shake without adding yogurt or milk. The following ingredients were put in the personal blender:   1/2 protein scoop (target's market pantry chocolate whey protein) 1 whole peeled lime ice water   And that's all. It's GORGEOUS. It's probably a bit too tart and could use the rest of that protein scoop to balance out the lime. But I wanted to break up my protein shake into 2 shakes.   EDIT:   I take it back. It's WAY too tart. It needed the full scoop and maybe yogurt to soften it up.
Kay__S

Kay__S

0
MWilliams42's Blog
 

Today I feel DOWN

Well...I started this journey with much optimism. I am wrapping my head around the changes I am seeing, I have been learning to do other things with my hands instead of eating...and so far I've been doing great. Today, however, I just don't feel so great. Of course we as women get that "wonderful" visitor EVERY month, and I know some of how I am feeling is due to that. But I have been stuck at the same number on the scale all week now. How is that possible when my eating is little to none, but I am still getting all my protein in AND I'm exercising! This is what has frustrated me all the time in my weight journey. The scale goes up and down, I exercise and feel great, the scale doesn't move...then I would get mad and EAT...NOW I can't do that because I'm not hungry, THANK GOD FOR THAT! I have been eating healthier than ever, exercising and now mother nature decides she wants to throw a wrench in my progress by making an unwanted visit????? I really don't like that woman. My mood today...I just want to sit and cry, then I will be better... ...at least that is what my head tells me. Then I get angry... knowing that I'm doing what's right and the scale isn't moving. Its not going up, but it is not going down. Don't get me wrong in just a couple days I will be a month out of surgery and I am down 21 pounds, I am so very thankful for that, but what can I do to make that dreaded scale MOVE???????????? I'm not into pity parties and yet as I sit here writing this it seems as if that is what I am having...I've been seeing changes...I need to just remember its one day at a time, and I'm going to be better because of this. I'm already down to almost no insulin, just one shot a day, from 5 shots a day! My numbers are great, my energy is up and ...OH MAN, I forgot my vitamins this morning...see what one bad thought contributes to???????????? ugh! I have got to just pick myself up, shake this off and get over the feelings of being down. I do not want to go down that road ever again. I want to be an inspiration, not a burden because of my moods. This is the first day I have admitted to having a down day, but as you see, it's in a blog, I HAVE to be strong and keep my "game face" on for my family. I can't let them see me down. I am blessed and I know this, I am loved, and I can get through this~ I hope everyone remembers this quote: "Believe in yourself and all hat you are. Know that there is something inside you greater than any obstacle" - Christian D. Larson...Today is just a hurdle I need to get over. Be blessed!
MWilliams42

MWilliams42

5
hockeyMa's Blog
 

woo! 60# down post op (75# total)

Hit another milestone this morning Down 60# since my surgery, 75# total...it's amazing to look back through pictures and see the transformation that I've made. I'm so much happier than I used to be. I'm more active, I'm more outgoing- and everything I do- I realize I do with more pep in my step, more sparkle in my eye- and just generally more enjoyment and appreciation. This is without a doubt the best decision I've ever made for myself. Hope you all are doing just as well!!!!
nygurl

nygurl

6
cheryl2586's Blog
 

Why I love cucumber water

I have been drinking cucumber water for a while now and I must say it really taste good. There are so many benefits to drinking this drink and aids in getting rid of water weight. The only thing you need to do is have a pitcher of water and sliced cucumber, put It in the fridge and enjoy. If you are carrying around water weight then this is a great help to get rid of it very cheaply. Enjoy! Health Benefits of Cucumbers   antioxidant properties
anti-inflammatory benefits
anti-cancer benefits
rich source of vitamin C, beta-carotene & manganese
free radical scavenger
anti-estrogenic effects
helps with hydration
helps with blood pressure
beneficial for pyorrhea
aids in digestion
helpful with constipation
natural remedy for treating tapeworms
high silica content helps brittle nails
may relieve gout & arthritis pain
beneficial for diabetes
may reduce cholesterol levels
may help with kidney stonesids in weight loss
good source of B vitamins
effective hangover cure
cheryl2586

cheryl2586

3
vsginkc's Blog
 

Mornings are better than evenings (6 days til surgery)

I woke up happy, joyous, and free this morning. I had a dream last night that my two BFFs were trying to talk me out of surgery and saying, "Just try one more time to do it on your own." I responded, "IT WON'T WORK." I woke up feeling so secure about my decision. The feeling I had in the dream is so right on - I have tried and tried and tried and tried. And even if I could take off 75lbs, the chances of me keeping it off are slim. Also, on Good Morning America today they showed results of a study showing that 18% of premature deaths are caused by obesity. That's another good reminder. Bottom line: Today, I am at peace with my decision. Caveat: It is only 8:30am. When I'm hungry later today, I may start questioning again. Hahahah. What a ride this is....! 6 more days til surgery!
vsginkc

vsginkc

0
vsginkc's Blog
 

One week from today, surgery will be over!

I can't believe surgery is one week from today. It's strange because the closer it gets, the more calm I feel. The weeks leading up to now have been pretty miserable because I've done so much worrying. Strange that, now that surgery is closer, I feel better about it. One of the hardest things about preparing for surgery was the month long food funeral. I know that others talk about how healthy they were pre-op, etc. etc. and that always makes me feel bad. I was the opposite. I felt like I had to eat everything under the sun - all I could think of was food some days. It made me feel so pathetic. And insane. Now that the liquid diet is in full swing and surgery is right around the corner, i feel much more in control. Don't get me wrong -- I'm still scared. My most common fear (today...!): If I could plan and cook healthy meals and stick to that plan, I wouldn't be in this situation - I would have lost the weight and kept it off a long time ago. What makes me think that surgery is going to make it any easier to meal plan and stick to the plan? Unfortunately, I don't know the answer to that question. I'm going to sleep on it tonight....
vsginkc

vsginkc

0
My New Life
 

Pre-surgery efforts

Yesterday I signed consent papers and was instructed on the diet that will in effect "detox" my liver. Limited carbs, no sugar, avoid alcohol (gulp) and tons of protein. I can do this (I keep telling myself) but have some events coming up in the next 1 1/2 weeks that will be challenging. If I can get past those hurdles, I should be ok. Last night I spent time with a friend that had the sleeve 4 years ago. It was encouraging to have the support and she joined me in one last round of cocktails and chips and salsa to celebrate. The one thing she said that stuck out was how she wished she had journaled her experience so she could look back on it. I'm committing to doing that on this forum so I can remember the big and small things. I also came home with 3 huge containers of protein shakes, vitamins, etc. from the Center and filled my prescription for some surgery day meds I will be taking. Now counting the days until I check in - 10 days to go.
smryan

smryan

5
Somebody's Blog
 

Body perfect with good activities

Hello all, I am Peter 22 years. last year, I'm so worry about my body cause my weight increase in every month. I knew I don't do anything to take it off. So, I'm decide to loose it by a good activities like play tennis, walking, running and even Yoga. It is very useful for me and my friends. you can do that, and what do you think about that?..........
Somebody

Somebody

0
Fibro Diva's Bariatric Blog
 

Dry Heaves

My Fibro experience includes Irritable Bowel Syndrome [iBS] and immediately post op I didn't notice any difference. Now that my FM pain has died down, I can see the difference.   It seems every other day I'm having dry heaves. Now that the bowels are coming back to life, I have dry heaves on the days I have a bowel movement.   This is worse than my Irritable bowel because I could control it with Alka-Seltzer® but now that I am post op, I can't use this prouduct anymore.
FibroDiva

FibroDiva

0
SkinnySizeMe
 

On The Other Side

I am Finally On The Other Side..I am now Post-Op. August 8th I awoke, cool as a cucumber. Today was the day that my life would forever change. Today was the day that I would be getting my vertical sleeve gastrectomy. When I arrived at the hospital at 530AM I was quickly greeted and prepped for surgery and asked a gazillion questions. My husband waited with me until 7AM when I was swept off to the OR. As I sat on the operating table I saw my refection through the mirrored light. Goodbye old friend I said to myself. I prayed silently the prayer that my daughter and I say every night together "Now I lay me down to sleep" and before I knew it I was in LaLa land. Next thing I knew I awoke. Ughhh the GAS. More pain killers Please. I stayed in ICU over night where I was bothered every hour or so to get up and walk to the bathroom. 5 more minutes I pleaded like a teenager. I was so incredibly naseaus but scared to death to vomit that I didnt want to move much. The few times I did get up I had to stop myself from getting sick. Finally the next morning I did my Barium swallow to check for leaks. As yucky as that stuff was it felt soooo nice going down my dry sore throat! Everything looked great and I finally got to meet my new stomach on the utrasound machine. Like a new momma seeing her unborn baby during an ultrasound..It looked like a little jelly bean..awe so cute lololol. When the moved me to a new room I was Incredibly nauseous from the wheel chair ride. The room smelled like food or I was just HYPER sensitive. I quickly realized 1 day Post-op that it was the pain killers making me so sick. So I decided to forgo the meds! I felt much better after that. I took a few sips of chicken broth but as I stared at my bottles of water piling up from meal trays I really wanted nothing at all I began walking the halls but really just wanted to go home to my kids ang husband. The gas was still horrible. So bad that it felt like it was all the way up to my throat. On day 3 I put on my makeup brushed my hair and I was out the door. As I emerged from the hospital in my wheel chair I felt like a new person, it was my rebirth. My husband greeted me at the door and helped me to the car. On the way home every bump in the road hurt since I was no longer on pain meds. When I got home I was welcomed by my two girls who were sooo excited to see me they were pulling on my dress.. Mommy I missed you..up up. It was heart breaking that after being away from them for 3 days I couldnt scoop them up and smoothing them with kisses. I layed on the couch and tried to rest as they climbed all over me, kissing me : ) I ate nothing and vowed to start the following day with my Isopures. First day home I started my Isopures at 9am sipping slowly. I went to my parents so the kids could go in the pool and my parents were cooking dinner for everyone. I showered, put on makeup, slipped into a sundress, dryed my hair and we were off. It felt great to look like a normal person again. My parents said I looked great, like I never had surgery. I spent the day hanging out and sipping on my isopure. By 10Pm that Isopure was only 3/4's of the way finished. Never mind chicken broth or anything else. I couldnt even finish that with a full days effort. When I weight myself I had gained 11 pounds since my pre-op surgery day weigh in. I knew it was from all the gas and fluids in the hospital but called the nurse to check. A few days later i was down for a total of 17 lbs since i started my pre-op diet. People were already saying how I look like I lost weight. 6 Days post-op was my daughters 3rd birthday party. I got in my car and we drove to the mall/movie theather. We walked around the malI and she picked out 1 special gift! We saw a movie and headed home. I wasnt up to having a full 4 hour dinner party so we just did cake and coffee. 30 people arrived at my house. I felt great! I was running around like I was back to my old self. Cutting cake, serving coffee, helping my little one blow out her candles and open presents! I was a little sore after the night was over but that was understandable. So here I am 7 days post -op. I was 230 lbs the day before my pre-op diet started. As of last night I weighed 213lbs. Later on today I have my 1 week post-op appointment wih Dr. Barkan. I pray he puts me on full liquids. Missing my Protein shakes and yogurts!!!
supermom223

supermom223

0
Kay__S' Exercise Blog
 

Aqua Dance

I joined Premier Lady Fitness today after looking all over for water aerobics classes. It turned out they were just down the road and for a great price. Tonight I took my first class there, and I'm exhausted. It had all kinds of dancing, but I was safely immersed in water where no one could see me! It was great. I look forward to doing it again. My calves are screaming! I haven't felt proper exercise-induced tiredness in the longest time. It feels so much better than my usual 300-lb-person-having a normal-day tiredness. I'm looking forward to having energy again once the results start appearing.
Kay__S

Kay__S

0
Kay__S' Food Blog
 

Bloody looking protein shake!

My favorite protein shake concoction yet occurred yesterday.   1/3 of a large beet, microwaved a bit and peeled chocolate whey powder (target brand) ice 2 tablespoons of ff organic vanilla yogurt     All blended up it was absolutely gorgeous!
Kay__S

Kay__S

0
My journey
 

First Fill!

First of all, thank you for your comments and support. You have no idea how much that means to me. It makes me feel that I'm not alone and that people are rooting for me!   SO! I got my first fill today. I had to sneak out of work to get it. I was very nervous and sweaty when I was called in the fill room. The first thing they did was weigh me. I gained 2 pounds in 2 weeks. SIGH.   I thought I was going to get my fill from my surgeon, but it ended up being the PA. She is probably better at them anyways, so I was fine with that. But I think she was a bit annoyed with some of my questions. I asked if there was any chance this fill could be too much and i wouldn't be able to swallow anything. She said there was no chance of that because I was going to drink water before I left to make sure liquids at least go down. Then I asked if it was possible that I'd reach the perfect restriction level with just this one fill and she said there was no chance of that!   She poked me with a needle to numb the area, which really hurt. And then she took the fill needle and started doing weird things to me. It felt sooo incredibly disgusting. It totally reminded me of getting a pap done! How weird is that?!?! It was not painful ... but there was tons of pressure where I didn't want pressure. My eyes were squeezed shut and I kept thinking "is it over, is it over". I could feel the liquid moving through my body (or at least I imagined I could). The whole process lasted less than 7 minutes. I had 4 cc put in my 10 cc band.   It was weird and uncomfortable. But if it makes me skinny, then I'll make the sacrifice!   I'm on liquids for 2 days, then mushies for 2 days, then back to normal after that. Meh .. what's normal ... I don't even know anymore!
colorado_chick

colorado_chick

3
baby steps in boston's Blog
 

Hurdles

This day is a long time coming. I have just received my appointment with the Surgeon. I'm excited and terrified. I feels like i have been looking forward to this for ever. I know it is the right decision for me. I trust the medical team. I trust the support of my family. Now I need to trust ME..
baby steps in boston

baby steps in boston

0
Momonanomo's Blog
 

12 weeks since surgery, moving right along

Haven’t blogged in a month, so this will be long. Today marks 12 weeks since surgery and 14 weeks since the beginning of the pre-op. I’ve lost 43 lbs since surgery and 53 lbs in total. I’m damn happy with that!   How funny….at the end of that last sentence, I made a typo, and instead of an exclamation point, I typed a question mark. If that’s not my subconscious peeking through, I don’t know what is! No really, I’m happy. No way would I be at this point if I hadn’t had the surgery. I am impatient. I am dismayed that the weight loss is slowing a bit. But, I do find hope in knowing that if I apply myself, the losses will continue and time will pass and every little bit adds up to a lot. So much of weight loss is a mental game. This is the true test. To make sure that I stay the course, not just because eating healthfully is actually good for me, but because I cannot – will not – comfort myself with the wrong kinds of food. I will lose weight at exactly the rate that I am supposed to.   Now, I take this time to analyze what I am responsible for. I believe that I am eating the proper way and that I am getting a balanced diet. I am tracking my food, another plus for me. I will be downloading my sparkpeople logs and submitting them to my NUT so that she can review and give feedback. I am taking my vitamins. I am definitely reaching my protein goals. I do not feel that I am under eating nor do I feel that I am overeating.   What could I be doing better? I probably am not getting my fluids in. I am not tracking that, and how would I know for sure if I don’t track it? I am hiking 6 evenings a week, up the hills behind my house, for at least 30 minutes & sometimes longer. That is waaaaaay more than I used to do, so while I applaud myself for that, it is time to step it up again. And I have not been doing the strength training I should be doing.   I do sometimes have the fear that I will be someone for whom this surgery only gets me half way to goal. Or that the weight loss will stop altogether. I remind myself frequently that there are still things that I am responsible for, and I have no choice but to take responsibility. I have this sleeve as a tool, I have been lucky that my body has taken so well to this surgery, and I also have a tremendous source of support in the resources my surgeon’s team provides. I can contact my NUT and exercise specialist any time I want. For the rest of my life I have these tools.   What has changed for me since surgery that seems to be a Forever change for me now? Well, like I said, I am much more active. I am much more mobile and my balance is better. I love that because I can see evidence of things to come! As far as intake, I am still following a pretty pure, unprocessed, paleo type diet. I have had bread on about 2 occasions, in the form of ½ of those whole wheat skinny buns. Other than that, no bread, no rice, no pasta. No sugar! I am having fruit once a day and more vegetables than I was eating at the beginning of my diet progression.   The sleeve has certainly relaxed, so I am being careful to do the protein first thing. That definitely does the trick for filling me up, and it gives me peace of mind that I have the ability (for the rest of my life!) to be in control of my appetite. I got the sleeve because there have been times in my life that I felt insanely hungry. Now I know that I just need to eat some good dense protein and I will not feel that way! No doubt if I ate slider foods (and I could now if I wanted) I could eat and eat and feel that out of control hunger and keep eating. So I love that I have that control measure. I ALWAYS eat the protein first. And often I find that one last bite, the one bite that would be the One Bite Too Many, I discretely spit into my napkin. I will not push myself and make myself sick. I’ve gotten over the whole clean-my-plate thing. I’ve had alcohol on a couple of occasions and have been fascinated to discover that I have become a one-drink-nurse-it-all-night kind of gal. I was never like that before. I always felt driven to be gluttonous with food and drink in my previous life, and I no longer feel that way. I am so happy about that!   This is an amazing journey indeed. I am so very grateful to have been given this opportunity. Onward!
Momonanomo

Momonanomo

0
Crystal VSG Journey!!
 

3 weeks Post-Op

Can't believe it is already 3 weeks. I had my sleeve on 7/22 without Complications. Had 2 hernia's that had to be fixed also umbilical hernia and hiatal hernia. 2nd day was the worst day of all. I weighed in at 283 day of surgery and today I am 268, so 15 pounds gone. I have lost 28 since pre-op. Unbelievable and so happy about it. I have had a bit of an annoying pain that just won't go away and it is under my left breast it is like a muscle spasm it has gotten better though. My back also hurts all the time now on the left side. It is more annoying now but was an awful pain up until this week. Food wise I was sent home on pureed foods and ate eggs and chicken salad most of the time. Started on solids on August 2nd after my 1st post op appointment. My normal day is a protein shake for breakfast, chicken and cheese for lunch and some sort of meat for dinner. I have to be on meat, cheese and eggs until week 9 when I can introduce vegtables again. I am so looking forward to that. I feel like my doctor is extremely strict but I am following almost 100% . I did have some carbs once or twice since surgery. Exercise was a late start because of that pain I was having but I have finally been walking 3 to 4 x's a week for a 1/2 hour or more and I LOVE it. So missed my walking. I have my next follow up appt on Sept 4th which is an hour nutrition course and doc appt. So excited for that because I am hoping he releases me to do more activity like weights.
Cmt7831

Cmt7831

2
Cici22's Blog
 

SLEEP APNEA

Well the sleep Center call me today and told me that I tested positive for sleep apnea and is severe. So they schedule me appointment to go try the CPAP mask and machine and I have to stay overnight again. In part this will definitely get me approve as a medical necessity however, it's sad that I'm in this predicament. My mother and brother both suffer from this disease, and they let it get horribly bad. But I am going to do everything in my power to not end up with a trachea tube and in a position that I can't barely move. I met my surgeon already I'm in a supervised diet, I'm walking, I'm potion controlling. I'm doing this.
Cici22

Cici22

2
Cici22's Blog
 

SLEEP STUDY

Well I'm here on one of the many steps before the Gastric Bypass Surgery, the sleep study. They at monitoring my sleep, movement and ban activity plus recording me asleep and recording sound. I don't know if its the weird feeling that someone is watching me sleep or all the cables but I am not even thinking of sleep. Well this is normal for me I go in to bed and I won't sleep for 2-3 hours. So I'm writing this.... So the room is hotel like, bed is comfy, temperature is perfect, tv in room, very quite in here, nice and dark room, lots lots of cables hooked all over my body specially my head. There is coffee on the way out and granola bars. Awesome roomy bathrooms. So it's not half bad. Just got to get over carrying all my cables to the bathroom hoping I do t drop the little machine in the toilet.... q
Cici22

Cici22

0

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