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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
 

6 Month Update

Hey there everyone, haven't been on here in FOREVER!! So much has been happening in my life! I wanted to give a brief update (also as usual will plug my YouTube videos which I also did a 6 month update my username: scneaux) I'm down 75 pounds and in a size 6!! I have not been feeling 100 % though. I think I might have a HERNIA...I've been having inclement pain and a bulge above my largest incision (remember, the one where I had the ABCESS??) I've been dealing with it awhile now, and sort of putting it off since I have no insurance at this time (Aetna dropped me when I went to renew and found out I'd had this procedure, another whole rant on that) anywho, I am about to just break down and go see about it, its becoming more and more uncomfortable and I know it has to be dealt with.   On another note, we did have our Key West vacation and it was FABULOUS! I was able to walk and do whatever I wanted, even though I lost my voice and had this aching pain in my abdomen..grrrrrrrr...I did manage to go snorkeling and see some really beautiful sunsets. We rented a suite (and a hot little Camero..whooo hoooo) and all was right with the world even for a few days. Well, Sorry I missed the 5 month update, but all has been good with me regarding food issues (I eat whatever I want) the trick for me is to eat FREQUENTLY. I promise to keep this blog up for those who are new and need information!
Shontel

Shontel

4
 

4.5 Month update

Hey everyone, haven't been here in awhile, but wanted to keep up blog since I've been doing this one from the start. I have been doing more 'vlogging' on YouTube (scneaux is my user name if anyone is interested) Anywho, just thought I'd write to catch everyone up on my progress. I've lost another 4 pounds, so that brings my total to 64 pounds lost in a little over 4 months. I've not been doing the Couch 25K program, due to some muscle issues. But I do plan on getting back on it as soon as I am able. I've been really noticing my weight loss, as has eveyone else. I'm now down to a size 10 from a 16. The 10's are getting to 'roomy' for me now, however. I'm in a med shirt but some smalls fit me better. I am getting a new camera, so will take some new photos soon and post them. Especially when we go on vacation next month (can't wait!!) That's all for now, thanks for reading everyone!!
Shontel

Shontel

3
 

4 Month Update (Part B) and yes, a VACA!!

I posted last week about my update, but today is my official (by day) 4 month...I guess I'm posting because I lost 3 more pounds and wanna bring my monthly total up a little..lol...so this month that would make 8 pounds instead of 5 (isn't it nice how I manipulate my numbers...lol) Also my 'time of month' today, so feeling pretty crappy, maybe more than that. On a side note, just wanted to let everyone know that I am FINALLY going on a VACA!! YAY...I've been dreaming of a beach and a drink for about 6 months now (we usually travel about 2x's a year, but with this crapola economy we've cut back) Sooooo....I cashed in my points, got 2 free tickets and 4 free nights at a Marriot...either Miami or Key West here we come in May...YEEEEE HAAAAAAA!!!! I plan on turning the cell off, being a beach bum & sip adult beverages daily. I don't care how much flab I have baby, I'm buying a sweet bathing suit, and am going to soak in the ocean...ahhhhhh....CAN'T WAIT!!!!!!!
Shontel

Shontel

2
 

Changes....Random thoughts and a little rant

I've been thinking a lot about my new self. The outside, because of course, I'm completely the same on the inside. But yesterday something happened that took me by surprise and frankly stopped me in my tracks. My fiance' and I were sitting, talking as we've done hundreds of times before. Some days we are really in tune to each other, and others not, we own a business so mostly these days it's not. But it was one of those days where he was taking countless calls while we were trying to catch up so he wasn't really in tune to me like I was to him. Here is where I'm going with this story. As we visited, I noticed him looking at my arms. (sidenote: I talk with my hands a lot, and my arms are sagging to high heaven right now if ya know what I mean) so as I was talking, he constantly stared at my arms. I noticed him doing it and said, "Do you like the way I look now" He literally paused (ok girls, you know that pause before the answer...sort of ok, what do I need to say or how can I say this without hurting her feelings) He went on to say "of course I do!" However, that second of silence spoke volumes. When we met I was over 200 pounds..and he likes 'thick' women. I wonder now, if I am as attractive to him as I once was...sure I was overweight, but I have always been height weight proportionate. My skin was fat but wasn't sagging off my bones. I guess I'm just having self-doubt today. I mean, its funny, all my life I thought "....if I just lose this weight, I will be so much happier/better/at peace or whatever. The truth is, I am happy, but its not what I expected. I have to come to grips with the fact that I am 42, and my body looks like a 42 year old that has been overweight for 20 plus years and has yo-yo'd the majority of those years, now my body is a reflection of that. No matter how I try to change it, there are permanent stretch marks, excess skin, indentions, scars from multiple surgerys etc that are a part of me now. The realization that the weight did not DEFINE me after all is harsh. I know I'll overcome, but I wonder how those around me will accept me LOOKING so much different. I went to a family event last week. Most everyone there commented how 'skinny' I looked. I wonder if they were saying that in a bad way. I never wanted to lose too much weight. I don't want to look sickly. This is why I haven't changed my avitar pic yet. I am over 200 pounds in that pic, but as vain as it sounds, I think I look younger than 41 in that pic. When I look at myself now, to me, now that the fat is gone from my face, I look OLD. wrinkles that were stretched out from the fat are now clearly visible. THAT is to me, shocking, I have NEVER had that. (big sigh) I guess I'm whining a little. But just feeling a little down, and know I have done the right thing for myself and health, none of that has changed, just a bump along the road in my lifelong journey to be healthy and happy. Thanks for reading!!
Shontel

Shontel

4
 

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
 

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
 

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
 

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
 

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
 

3 Month Update

Lets see, this week I lost 1 more pound. I really didn't think I'd have lost any due to the fact that it was Mardi Gras and I kinda got off track a bit (darn those adult beverages!) So 46#'s total so far. I did have a Dr.'s appointment (my yearly) He drew some blood (still waiting for results) but after I told him how crummy I have been about taking Vitamins (I know, no lectures please, I know) He gave me that lecture as well. He put me on B-12 injections once a month (have to do them myself...yikes!!) I'm feeling better physically. One thing I noticed in the past week is that I'm able to eat a little more (maybe a bite or 2 more off of 1/2-3/4 c) I am still not really getting hungry, but when its time for me to eat my stomach feels sort of 'weak' don't know if that makes sense, its not a sick feeling, (thanks to switching from Prilosec to Prevacid) My major think I want to work on this month is getting more exercise. I know my weight loss will speed up if I do. Here's my weight loss stats so far. Month 1: lost 26 pounds. Month 2: lost 14 pounds. Month 3: 6 pounds. I'm really ok with losing 5-10 pounds a month. I'd rather lose slowly. But I know I need to begin excersizing. I have been continuing to lose inches though my weight loss has slowed...my hips started at 47" now I'm at 42.5" I need to work out with some weights cause the 'saggies' are settin in! Well, that's about all for now..feeling hopeful and ready to shed the rest of these pounds! Oh, I'm already past my halfway goal! I have about 30 pounds to go!! I know I can do this!! :w00t:   All labs are normal!! Yay!!
Shontel

Shontel

4
 

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
 

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
 

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
 

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
 

8 Weeks out out of stall

Yay today is weigh day...I'm out of my one week stall and down 2 more pounds! In 'onderland'!! 37#'s total! Been awhile since I've been to this place!! This past week has been so weird. I woke up this morning with heartburn..grrrrrr. I hope to get back on track. I'm happy to lose a pound or two a week, slow and steady! Just wanted to share with everyone! Thanks for listening!!
Shontel

Shontel

3
 

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
 

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
 

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
 

Blackhole

WARNING: might be TMI for some...read at your own risk.   So, in an effort to gage how my abscess is healing, I made my fiance' while changing my packing, stick the q-tip down as far as it would go....ok, so I knew that the CT scan showed that it was like 3.5" deep. (ok, lemme take a step back and breathe a sec) So its been 10 days since the drainage. The q-tip went in half way!!!! I almost started crying!! I was thinking it should be so much further on in the healing process! All this packing, this open gash...its just so ughhhhhhhhh!!!! OK, sorry for the mini meltdown, I'm feeling better but this is keeping me from exercising, from doing anything really strenuous...gah! And I'm scared of getting an infection (yeah, I'm a germ-a-phobe at times) So, I sit and wait....tick tock tick tock...till my body heals....talk about a lesson in patience!!! :thumbup:
Shontel

Shontel

3
 

Comin Round

I'm officially 6 weeks out today, and down to 200! That's 35 pounds off, yay! Also, I'm feeling alive again! I still have my wound packet (grrrrrrr) but its healing and I'm finding my energy slowly but surley. My diet is progressing too. I have to remind myself sometimes that I'm sleeved! I made a yummy Jambalaya with Brussel Sprouts last night...it was delicious!! I'm looking forward to walking as soon as this wound heals. So glad to get to feeling normal again! Yay!
Shontel

Shontel

1
 

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
 

Chicken & Dumplings, Rest & Recovery

Tomorrow I will finally get my packing changed/removed (probably just changed...grrrr) So in an effort to make myself feel better, of course I decided to cook something (some old habits ya just can't break) I wanted something comforting, something creamy and warm. Chicken & Dumplings!! I love this dish, but don't love the time it takes, so I used Sandra Lee's recipe that I make my own...its YUMMY!! and EASY! So I made a big pot, rented some movies & fluffed up my couch pillows...what more could I ask for? Oh yeah, that pain pill I needed, but hey other than that, I'm making the best of this situation. I am still getting tired after little effort, don't want to do much of anything, and have residual pain.   Last night while changing my 4 x4 gauze I think I accidentally pulled a little of the packing, and before I knew it, it was like a horror movie! Blood everywhere! I went through 3 4x4's before it got it to stop! The insanity of it all!! Can't wait till 1:30 tomorrow to get an update of all this...Its funny how we take our health and everyday wellbeing for granted. I have always been super healthy (even though I was overweight but this weakness and no energy thing has gotta go, I feel so frail! grrrrrrr.....stay tuned, hopefully tomorrow will be better! :thumbup:
Shontel

Shontel

1
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