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Entries in this blog

 

What is that? a TAPEWORM?

So today was the big day to have my packing removed & changed. The first time since it was drained last tuesday. OK, can I just say that when she begins to remove this ribbon type of packing, I thought it would NEVER end...a Tapeworm comes to mind!! Needless to say I was amazed. It hurt a little...pressure, stinging, very uncomfortable...ewwwww....so then, the nurse shows me and my fiance' how to do it ourselves...by this time, I'm just feeling faint. But she showed us and said that when it got to the point that it wouldn't 'pack' anymore its healed. Next week we have to go in so she can check it again. I'm not squeamish at all, I worked in surgery before, but I don't know what it is, its like, I just want this to be OVER!! I'm tired of hurting, tired of being weak, tired of being tired, tired of not feeling good...(big sigh) Well, ok, I'm done whining I'm sure I'll be better tomorrow...
Shontel

Shontel

2
 

Weigh Day...10 weeks out

Yay!! Down 4 more pounds!! 44 pounds down! This week I've been under a lot of stress with work...not doing well with protein although I did buy some protein bars. One thing I've noticed this week is that I'm just NOT EVER hungry. Not necessarily a good thing for me, I find myself working at my desk and its noon or 1 o'clock without anything but coffee...yikes! Also, I'm thinking of switching from Prilosec to something else...I find that I am getting sort of a upset stomach, maybe its a little heartburn, not sure but annoying. I have started drinking Carnation Instant Breakfast to get me some protein, maybe not the best choice but I like it. I'm finding ways to cope with eating so little. My fiance' and I share entrees or he eats what I can't. I'm still only able to eat maybe 1/2 cup, depending on how dense the food is. I just don't care about food anymore, this has been a big emotional issue for me. I've lost my friend. (sigh) I think it will take me a long time to adjust to that part. Its a daily struggle. Last night when I was cooking, (and I LOVE to cook) it was like I was just going through the motions, weird, not satisfying or fun...just a task to complete. I realize now that the journey is complex, the physical part is nothing compared to the emotional part. An everyday struggle. I'm finding that, though I'm happy about the weight loss, this feeling of loss of my (food) friend is greater. I know it will balance itself out sooner or later, I know I will adjust as I have with everything else in my life, just a bumpy road for now...Stay Tuned.
Shontel

Shontel

4
 

Weigh Day! Yay! 2 Month Update

3 more pounds!! yay total of 40! 2 months out! This past week has been another up and down week, but I'm determined to end it well. I'm noticing and paying more attention to the amounts I eat. What I love about the sleeve vs the lap band is that when your full, you just know it...when I take my last bite and I feel full, I stop. With the band, you might take 3 bites past your feeling full point, then you feel MISERABLE..usually hacking up what you just put in. I haven't vomited at all since I've been sleeved (ok, I dry heaved my first 3 days after I got sleeved because of swelling due to the band, but I'm not really counting that..lol) I think having the band gave me an insight and tools that I wouldn't have had otherwise. It made me think about chewing my food and the speed at which I scarfed down my food. I can't say this past few months have been that hard. The liquids were, but I was fighting head hunger mainly, not so much that I was even hungry. My emotional state is improving as well, after weeks of being sick from the abscess, I'm finally feeling physically healthy again. I still find myself wanting to eat more than I can, but I find that if I just eat what I want, I don't feel deprived. I treat myself to ice cream when I feel like it. I dont' know if my weight loss will be typical, I mean I'm sort of breaking a lot of rules...but I know I'm eathing healthier, so that's gotta count for something Thanks to all for listening! Stay Tuned for more...:001_tt2:
Shontel

Shontel

2
 

Weekly Update & Couch25K - Week 1 Workout 2

I didn't think I lost any weight this week, but I ended up losing a pound. I am feeling way to good to let that get me down though. I made it through my second workout of the Couch25K program yesterday. whew...I even improved my time and distance a little...YAY!! I'm definitely feeling soreness in my legs but I hope its melting all this flab, so I'll take that anyday..lol The fight of the flab is on!!! So total I've lost 56 pounds in 3.75 pounds! Not as much as others, but I'm really happy with my own progress. Well stay tuned & thanks for reading!!
Shontel

Shontel

4
 

Weekly Update

Today was my weigh day, and I'm down 2 more pounds! Yay. 55 total!! I've been concentrating a lot more on getting my water/liquids in these past few weeks and I think that is helping alot. I still have yet to incorporate some organized exercise into my daily routine, although I am way more active than I used to be. I know I'll have to get some weight training in to reshape my body. Other than that, I'm doing great, feeling good and waiting for spring to get here!
Shontel

Shontel

0
 

Week 13 Update

I usually post my 'weigh day' on Fridays, but I always weigh Thursday to 'prepare' myself for my post on Fridays (in case its not too good..lol) But decided to post today cause when I weighed this a.m. I lost 6...yes...six pounds! A total of 52 pounds!! (doin the happy dance around my livin' room) yay!!! I was really surprised because the past few weeks I'd lost only a pound or 2...We celebrated the saints winning the Super Bowl, and Mardi Gras almost back to back, so contributed all my adult beverages to my slow down. I've been more active but still haven't really done any organized exercise (bad me) I'm going to take my measurements later and post the inches lost. I am still never hungry and am reminding myself to eat constantly. My current favorite snacks are peppered beef jerky & string cheese. I'm doing better with my water intake in spite of the head cold that my fiance' so graciously gave me. Other than that, life is great...LOVE MY SLEEVE!!!:w00t:
Shontel

Shontel

2
 

Week 11 Weigh Day

Down 1 more pound, 45 total. I noticed the first part of the week I was feeling sort of sick/tired....I switched from Prilosec to Prevacid and that helped alot!! Other than that, this week has been slow. Dreary weather, rain, cold....grrrrrrrr.....bringing me down! Ready for some warm weather. Have been researching some vaca places....tropical, beach, hut....lol...drink with umbrella...ahhhhhhhhhh....
Shontel

Shontel

1
 

waiting...

OK, I have an appointment tomorrow at 10:00am. Found a surgeon that consulted with my ER doc...he even does VSG's...yay...oh, but cash only of course (big surprise there) Meanwhile, the pain is horrible. I wish I knew how to post a pic here..but the incision site is cherry red and protruding. I just pray for relief...just want this pain to go away! I'm scared of what they are going to have to do, what I'm going to have to go through, but anything has to be better than this. I remember reading a post by someone recently that said they just drained in office, didn't have time to freeze or numb it, people had to hold her down...I'm no woos...but I'm praying that's not the scenerio for me.
Shontel

Shontel

3
 

Vlogging on YouTube

So, being the private person that I am, I cringed at the thought of ever posting videos for the public to see. Something changed that though. In researching I found some valuable information on YouTube. Personal stories that inspired me. I thought 'I can do this, but who would be interested in my boring life?' After someone found me on YouTube and recognized me from this board (same pic) and asked me some questions about my surgeon (she had the same one) It sort of got me going. I did private video to her, and have done some on my WLS progress and Couch25K progress (and other random things I think about..lol) anywho, if anyone is interested, my name on YouTube is scneaux. Not very exciting videos, but hope to help people have a better understanding of VSG through my personal experience. Guess we'll see how it goes!
Shontel

Shontel

2
 

Setback

Well, since my New Orleans trip, I have been having pain in my left side by my big incision. Pretty much worse than post op. I just kept dealing with it, can't bend over without being in pain...so Christmas eve night, I noticed above my large incision, a ball formed about the size of an orange...and it was warm & red. My fiance' & I decided we'd go to the ER Christmas morning in the hopes it wouldn't be busy. (my kiddo's are all older so no worries there) So, long drawn out story short, I had a contrast CT scan done...which shows a large accumulation of fluid? Blood? abcess? They put me on mega antibiotics and said that I have to contact this surgeon on Monday. Apparently, if it doesn't go down on its own, it will have to be DRAINED...ok...now, look, my thresh hold for pain is HIGH....but this is some serious pain. Well a real tenderness....so the thought of an elephant syringe/needle or even worse...another cut...with a tube drain...the thought just makes me want to cry...in fact that's pretty much what I have been doing since Christmas Eve. On a high note, the CT image w/contrast showed absolutely no leak in my sleeve...and believe me, drinking 3 glasses of that Metalic Crystal Light was NO FUN!!! (Can you say nausea?) Well, I guess I just had to vent...I know that if this doesn't go down, draining it will probably provide immediate relief. I mean I'm a month out so I guess I just figured if this was going to happen it already would have. If anyone is reading this and have had a similar situation feel free to comment...I'm scared to have the draining process, but look forward to some relief.
Shontel

Shontel

4
 

Relief!

Went to the doc today. He took one look at it. Scheduled me as an add on today to have it drained. RELIEF...he said that when he cut it, it just gushed. The CT report said it was 3.5 inches deep. So now its packed and left open to heal from the inside. Still hurts but not NEARLY as it did before. I'm home now and feeling much better. Another step! Will update again in a few days! :thumbup:
Shontel

Shontel

2
 

Post Op 18 days

My first entry here. No special story to speak of, My start weight is 235 at the hospital, which I went to Monterrey Mexico. Today, Dec 15th I'm down 21 pounds. I am on mushy foods, but I have to admit the only real mushies I've had is ground down tuna salad and Popeyes mashed potatoes with extra gravy. (yum by the way) I tried a mashed sweet potato with butter, sugar & cinnamon but it just wasn't happening, 2 bites was all I could manage. Did I mention I'm a revision from Lap-Band? Had it for 3 years, lost 60 pounds, gained 30 back...I'm going to try an egg tomorrow for breakfast...will keep my fingers crossed on that. I've not been having any problems getting in my fluids, and have been getting my 60 g of protien, but not without dread. Still looking for drinks that I can tolerate. Isopure is ok..tolerable. Also, I'm on GNC Wheybolic? something...ok I guess...I've just ordered some Unjury Chicken Soup, so really hope this is as good as the reviews are...Also trying the Calcet chews, and Biariatric Advantage chewables...I'm on Tums & Flinstones (can we say G R I T??) So here's to the future...stay tuned :001_tongue:
Shontel

Shontel

5
 

New Year, New Attitude

I've been coming along since my 'drainage incident' lol. I still have the packing which will be changed on Monday. In the meantime, the common cold has made a home in my nasal passages. Oh, its just lovely. I'm on these mega antibiotics, but of course the viral cold just laughs at this. (sigh) So aside from hacking and sniffling, I'm beginning to feel better. On a high note, got on the scale this a.m. and I'm at 204...kewl..31 pounds in 35 days, not too shabby. I'm seriously needing to get back on track with my protien & vitamin schedules. It's been hit & miss through all this. I'm praying for a new attitude with this new year. Slight changes, that will add up to a new me. Can't wait to see where I am at this time next year! YaY Me!!
Shontel

Shontel

2
 

New Orleans Weekend...

Ok, so I'm a big Saints fan, and my fiance and I decided to go to New Orleans this weekend for the Dallas-New Orleans game (big bummer Saints lost!) Anyhow, it was my fist time back to New Orleans since VSG. We travel to New Orleans a lot. Its one of my very favorite places to go and since its only about a 3 hour drive its a great weekend trip. So, I'm not 100% but I was glad to get away. I just had a flood of feelings...first the food. New Orleans is known for its top notch food and dining. I thought, no problem...bought some protien shakes in a cooler...but I wanted to just be normal...everywhere we went I was like, no way can I eat this, no way can I drink these collosal drinks...and the waitresses...can I just say....please don't comment on what I do or don't eat...if I clean my plate, I never remember them saying...wow you sure do have a healthy appetite...but they sure don't mind saying...is the food alright? no one ever leaves any of the crab cake...I felt embarrassed! I think my fiance was too, the second time we went out to eat, he ate some of my leftovers so it wouldn't look like I had so much left...I also found myself looking at everyone doubting myself. Feeling like a freak almost...like I didn't belong in the restaurant....and I always liked to drink. I admit it. I'm a full blooded cajun and drinking goes along with our love of food. I drank a bloody mary (delicious) but took an hour to finish it, and I was good, but then my fiance' was like bring her another one...I wanted to tell him, I'm not the old Shontel, I'm a new one, heck, in the 'old' days I could finish 2 or 3 in no time...(sigh) I know this will get better, I mean I'm 23 days post op...but I don't want to have to explain myself, I'm paying for my meal no matter how much I eat! OK, off my soapbox...the other thing I noticed is my stamina...I really thought I had more than what I did. Couldn't walk or stand for long periods. Burbon St...are you kidding me? Soooooo many people. I just wanted to veg out in the room. I felt like I was disappointing my fiance' even though he was very understanding and took good care of me..then, my left side where they removed the port and pulled my stomach out is really hurting...to the point of all I can do is sit or lie on my couch, maybe I just wasn't ready for such a trip. My head can't keep up with my mending body. I hope and pray I get my strength back! I'm tired of being tired!!
Shontel

Shontel

3
 

My first real 'dress up' since surgery

OK, this past weekend, I rewarded myself for my 45# weight loss, bought a pair of Buckle Jeans! I never ever ever have been able to fit into ANYTHING in that store. My sis is a pro at what to buy there, so she helped me pick out a snug fitting pair (to get more wear out of them when I lose more weight) so here are a few pics of me all 'cleaned' up :w00t: p.s. I feel so dorky, (like my teenage daughter) snapping pics of myself in the mirror!
Shontel

Shontel

7
 

My 1st Workout: Couch-2-5K

So, as all of you know who follow my blog, I haven't been the best a the big E....yes, sad to say, but my exercise has been lacking. So, while surfing YouTube a few days ago, I noticed a lot of those who had WLS were trying/doing/completed this Couch 25k program. For those of you who aren't familiar with it, its a 9 week program that trains you to run a 5K. Its for beginners so I thought, well, I'm a beginner, I'll try it. Lemme just start by saying that, its been more than 20 years since I have jogged. Now, mind you, the last time I jogged, my body was ripped like Britanny Spears (ok, maybe not that hot, but I was an athlete at least..ha ha) Sooooooo....the workout goes like this: work out 3 times a week, walking and running in intervals (more walking than running at first) for 30 minutes. You can download various podcasts with someone guiding you when to walk/jog. OK, I got my 3 sports bras on, my skin tight leggins, and my running shoes..I get on the treadmill and start, hmmm..as I'm warming up I'm thinkin I'm going to rock this workout!! HA HA HA. I can report that I DIDN'T QUIT, and I DID all 8 (was it 8? I coudn't count much less breathe) sixty second jogs...however, I was seriously sweatin, huffin & puffin...but I DID IT!!! I am so proud of myself, even though I was jiggling in places I didn't know a person could jiggle..lmao! I felt like my body just 'woke up'! I know tomorrow I will be looking for the Ben-Gay or Icy-Hot, but for now, I'm damn proud of myself!! Friday is my next workout day, so wish me luck and stay tuned!!
Shontel

Shontel

3
 

Motivation

So tomorrow is my weigh day. Those of you who follow my blog might remember so far I've lost 35 pounds. 2 inches in my hips and 2 in my waist....but since my abscess, I've not really been doing any organized form of exercise. I have a state of the art treadmill in my living room that I just can't bring myself to get on...grrrrr. I can't do any ab workouts because of this wound...and I think I've been using that as my ticket to get out of exercising. ok. there. I said it. So as I'm typing this, I'm looking at my treadmill (cursing it) But I think that I am going to get on it today. I have to start somewhere! Why is it so hard to get MOTIVATED to exercise??
Shontel

Shontel

2
 

Long Week

OK, so this week has just been one of those long long weeks...nothing has tasted right, felt right, I guess I've just been in a funk. Tomorrow is weigh in day. I don't know what the scale will say, but my clothes are literally falling off of me (yay!!) Stay tuned :001_tt2:
Shontel

Shontel

2
 

Inspiration

After I posted earlier, I got the courage to....dust the treadmill...lol...lol...yes, I dusted it, then actually started it, and got on it for 20 minutes...yay me! It felt good, and I even put the incline on!!
Shontel

Shontel

2
 

Inches Lost @ 3 months

Just wanted to post that I've lost a TOTAL of 20.75" overall! which includes 6" in my waist, 5" in my hips and 4.5" in my chest. This after only a little over 3 months! Yay me!:biggrin0:
Shontel

Shontel

3
 

Feeling more myself again...

So I noticed despite last weeks lul, that I'm feeling more myself again. My energy is returning, my attitude is changing as I am adapting to my life now. My incision is healing nicely, no more packing, almost fully healed, not opened at all. I'm adjusting to my diet, not totally staying on track I must admit, but the effort is there. I'm thinking of trying some protein bars this week, since I'm not able to hack down the liquid type. I haven't done much in the way of exercise because of this incision problem, but keep saying I need to do some organized exercise. I think my Wii will seriously reprimand me if I turn it on at this point...lol I'm in a size 14 now but will soon be in a 12 (some already fit) now people are noticing my weight loss. Not sure how I'm feeling about going from invisible to people staring...that's going to be an adjustment.Well, I'll post again on Friday for weigh day. Don't feel as if I've lost, but ya never know. Stay Tuned. Oh & p.s. Go Saints! WIN the Superbowl!!! yeee haaaaaa!!!
Shontel

Shontel

1
 

End in Sight & A Little Rant

So yesterday I went for my wound check. (Recap: I had an abscess in my largest incision that had to be drained. Its been packed for 14 days now.) The nurse said it is healing nicely and switched my packing material from the 4x4 gauze sponge material to the ribbon type packing. She thinks by Friday it may be healed enough to do the final step which is putting an ointment on it to make it 'scab' and heal. This was all good news to me, since right before I left I did the 'q-tip' test only to get half the darn thing down there. She also explained to me that the body heals in different ways (not necessarily from the bottom to top, sometimes from the sides in..(big sigh) So, I'm optimistic. At least the packing is not so bulky now. She also said no abdominal exercise for a good while (I don't want a hernia!) She cleared me for walking, and arm exercise with free weights. I'm glad of that, I need to get out or on the treadmill...need a boost, need to feel normal again.   I did go out with friends Sunday night, it was nice to be out and around people again. I've become a shut in! Afraid to get sick, trying to cope with not feeling 100%.   I'm struggling with my protien..just can't choke down another protien shake. Waaay past being sick of them. I do still drink the chicken soup protien I got from Unjury..not bad. I also been taking my vitamins/calcium irratically. Just hate the taste/texture. I guess I need to get off my 'feel sorry for yourself' box and get on with it.   I am going to be in a parade on Monday for MLK day, so I'm pretty excited about it. My cousin saw me Sunday night (the first time since my 35# weight loss) She was amazed. Said she could really see it in my face. Well, I DID fit in a size 13 Jr. pair of Levis that I hadn't fit in in a LONG time..lol They were stretchy, but better than the 16's (almost 18's) that I was fitting in in November. I've lost 2 inches in my waist & hips! I guess I need to pat myself on my back for that :svengo: I'm thankful for all that, and need to stop the pity party! OK, resolved to do just that!! Yay me! :thumbup:
Shontel

Shontel

0
 

End in Sight & A Little Rant

So yesterday I went for my wound check. (Recap: I had an abscess in my largest incision that had to be drained. Its been packed for 14 days now.) The nurse said it is healing nicely and switched my packing material from the 4x4 gauze sponge material to the ribbon type packing. She thinks by Friday it may be healed enough to do the final step which is putting an ointment on it to make it 'scab' and heal. This was all good news to me, since right before I left I did the 'q-tip' test only to get half the darn thing down there. She also explained to me that the body heals in different ways (not necessarily from the bottom to top, sometimes from the sides in..(big sigh) So, I'm optimistic. At least the packing is not so bulky now. She also said no abdominal exercise for a good while (I don't want a hernia!) She cleared me for walking, and arm exercise with free weights. I'm glad of that, I need to get out or on the treadmill...need a boost, need to feel normal again.   I did go out with friends Sunday night, it was nice to be out and around people again. I've become a shut in! Afraid to get sick, trying to cope with not feeling 100%.   I'm struggling with my protien..just can't choke down another protien shake. Waaay past being sick of them. I do still drink the chicken soup protien I got from Unjury..not bad. I also been taking my vitamins/calcium irratically. Just hate the taste/texture. I guess I need to get off my 'feel sorry for yourself' box and get on with it.   I am going to be in a parade on Monday for MLK day, so I'm pretty excited about it. My cousin saw me Sunday night (the first time since my 35# weight loss) She was amazed. Said she could really see it in my face. Well, I DID fit in a size 13 Jr. pair of Levis that I hadn't fit in in a LONG time..lol They were stretchy, but better than the 16's (almost 18's) that I was fitting in in November. I've lost 2 inches in my waist & hips! I guess I need to pat myself on my back for that :svengo: I'm thankful for all that, and need to stop the pity party! OK, resolved to do just that!! Yay me! :thumbup:
Shontel

Shontel

2
 

egg & ricotta yay

ok, so today I was feeling much better, and maybe a little froggy. On a whim, I met my fiance' at Cracker Barrel for breakfast. I'd been contemplating trying more than soup and yoghurt on my mushies but up to now had been too chicken. Well, I just did it...I ordered an over easy egg with some grits, and ya know what? I ate about half of the egg and a few bites of grits...no problemo!! I was SO EXCITED. I did chew it till it was a pulp, but it tasted so good! Later I felt even more froggy and made a recipe I think I found here...maybe eggface...ricotta, marinaria & parmesan baked....yuuuummmmyyy....got about 1/4 c down and it was devine!! I never knew simple foods could taste so darn good!! Oh, I also received my can of Unjury Chicken Soup, and it is YUMMY! I was so tired of sweet shakes...so savory and warm for this cold weather! Has tons of ideas for recipes also. So, all in all...I think today was a resounding success for me...I'm progressing, slowly but surley, to normal foods. Yee ha! Stay Tuned.
Shontel

Shontel

3
 

Couch 25K Week 2 - Workouts 1,2 & 3

So, week two on the couch 25K has been challenging to say the least. The jogs are upped from 1 minute to 1.5 minutes. Now, for someone like me, who hasn't run in better than 20 years, it was tough for me. That being said, I DID IT!! I'm worried about moving over to the 3rd week, as you have to run a segment for 3 minutes (yikes!!) But may try it and if its too much, go back to week 2 till I feel ready. I've been doing all the workouts on my treadmill, but soon want to hit some pavement or trails. Nothing better than sucking in some fresh air and scenery while gettin fit :scared0: I have noticed a change in my stamina. My runs are more thought out, more deliberate. At first, I would just do whatever it took to get through, now I am watching my form more and it feels GREAT. I can feel my body responding to the intensity. My thighs, my butt (no hope for the flatlands, lol) my arms, it feels great. And let me just say, that the energy level is THROUGH THE ROOF!! I have been a walker nearly all my adult life, the energy I feel after an interval run is SO MUCH more than if I'd walked for 30 minutes. I went from low energy to high def energy...woooooo hooooooo!! I got me a new pair of running shoes, and watched countless YouTube videos about running, so I'm pumped to continue the program. I'll let yall know how I do on the 3rd week workout (which I'm trying today) Also for anyone interested, I'm vlogging about all this as well on YouTube, just search my username: scneaux. Stay tuned and thanks for reading/watching :sneaky2:
Shontel

Shontel

0
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