Just Keep Swimming

I hit the lost 100 lb mark this week! I feel so much better. Discovered not haveinga protein drink a day was not a good idea as the weight loss slowed down to a pound or so a week. I have since added a drink everyday and am back up to about 5 pounds a week and the best part is my hair quit falling out by the handfuls. Toodles ya'll!

I wish to start off by saying I have nover blogged before so I have no idea if what I am saying is the right thing or if I am even close to what a blog is for. I figure this is my journey so it is all good. So I am one week post-op and I have begun to question why I did this. I have no idea why this is coming up as I have worked so hard to get this done. I was denied by insurance 4 years ago because I had no co-morbid obesity issues other than my weight. I called my insurance company every 6 months while increasing my weight. Christmas this year, I was given the go-ahead to to go to Southwest Bariatric Surgeons in Austin. I went and all of a sudden here I am! Jumped through every insurance hoop thrown in my face. Went above and beyond losing the 30 lbs before surgery could be performed - dropped 60 (since Christmas) and did most of it after visiting with Jerry, the registered dietician at the surgeon's office - great guy by the way! So, here I am on a Sunday morning and pouring my thoughts out here for someone to read in the hopes I get an affirmation that it is OK to have these feelings - I laugh because there isn't anything I can do about it now! HAHA I am missing my satisfying drink of ice cold water. I have never have been a teetotaler - which to me indicates a tea drinker with the pinky extended and sipping politely - no offense intended. I am a grab the glass and drink kind of gal! Used to be anyways. All I want today is to drink ice water - have one statisfying drink and not have it hurt. Yes, drinking water hurts. Popsicles are going down great with no issues what so ever. But the water? The one thing I miss most, is not agreeing with my insides right now. I am angry at my stmach for not allowing me to have one drink. Other than that, it is all good. Need the good to be more that the otherside of the fence though. LOL The things i nver thought I would ever say... Well, I hope everyone has a marvelous day. I will continue to seek out the positives to my new tummy in the hopes that it becomes automatic and everyday I awake with a newfound sense of self. Let's do this people!

I hear ya on the weight loss. I started gagging on the prepared protein drinks I started because the powders gagged me...ugh. We need protein to lose weight. Are you still doing protein enhancement everyday? I noticed when I stopped mine my hair started falling out more and my weight loss slowed to a snails pace. So, I ordered the unflaveored stuff in the hopes I can mix it in a glass of iced tea and get it down without gagging. It'll keep happening. Don't let the stalls discourage you. The hardest step was the surgery for me, so that is what keeps me sane and keeping on swimming as Dori says! YOU CAN DO THIS!!

Happy birthday to me! Tomorrow I turn 50. According to my bucket list, I was supposed to go skydiving to mark this momentus occasion but was fearful that when I hit the ground I would leave a small spaceship size hole because of my weight! LMBO No longer a worry now that I am down 85 lbs, I decided I should wait until I get my kids out of school first before doing something so daring. I went shopping and bought new clothes with the help of the best mother in a law a girl could have. Had no idea how many sizes I dropped. Last Christmas I was wearing 34/36. This past weekend I bought size 24s!!! OMG!!! I can buy clothes in a regular store now too. Thank you Catherine's and Lane Bryant - you have been my go to for so long, but now I have other options. Feeling like a kid ion the candy store! Not missing eating things. My body tolerates all the spicy I can handle - of course that isn't much. But it is a good thing! The tunnel light is bright! No looking back....as Dori says, "Just keep swimming!" I am, and loving every minute of it! Have a marvelous day everyone. I get on here at a whim so...until next time! K

So, I have jumped back into reality - summer vaction is over and I am feeling very good! I still have issues with some foods 8 weeks out but it is all good. I have to remind myself that I am now a sipper not a guzzler! LOL I like my water in gulps not sips so that is always on the back of my mind but I have finally made it out of the pity-pit! I have a dear friend who just had this surgery 2 days ago, as well as having her bladder lifted. She is experiencing the same pain on her right side I had...made her a hard pillow with a towel and tape to hold against her tummy when she coughs - best gift I have ever given her in our 30 year friendship - HAHA. Since I am back at school, I am guessing I won't be around as much, but will continue to write as I I can. It is amazing how many emotions I have gone through to get to this point. Now, if I can just figure out how to get rid of my tastebuds....I would be just fine. Hit my wall (as I have heard will happen - thank you June Sleevers group for your candidness!!). I quit being a scale ***** 4 weeks out. This morning's weigh was disappointing, but I know this too shall pass...not 1 ounce lost BUT not one ounce gained so that will keep the smile on my face this week! Everyone have a rocking great Friday!

My regret began with my waking moment from surgery. The first 2 weeks have been the hardest. Had surgery on June 29th. I notice that with each new day, regret is becoming further from my thoughts as I focus on the fact that I am running up and down stairs (4-5) with no pain in my knees and I am alternating legs. I used to take one step at a time always leading with my right leg. You can do this! I noticed buyers remorse mentioned above. Although hard - focus on the positives of why you chose this and keep it going. You can do this. Keep coming back to this website for encouragement and validation that you aren't alone. The people here have been my saving grace! They will be yours too! Keep it up!! You CAN do this!!

You can do this Blodeej!! You have been my inspiraation to keep plugging along day after day. Don't let this discourage you. Keep working it and Twoville will return.

I learned something new! Thanks so much for replying so quickly!

Hay all! So here's my question. I am 3 1/2 weeks out. On soft foods. chewing the crap out of my oatmeal or scrambled egg and after a few bites (very small ones), I feel great pressure in my diaphram area (painful the other day) and them my mouth waters but it is slimy...going ot the doctor for a check-up today and will mention it to him but thought I would come to you guys as many of you have passed my timeline as faar as recovery goes. Thanks everyone!

Good day world! I woke in much better spirits today! Feel like the pit I had fallen into is gone and my world is do-able once again. So, got up, had my isopure and headed out to work the cows. Gotta love living in the country! Came home and cooked traditional breakfast for everyone. I got to enjoy a meal with my family...been 3 long weeks since I was able to sit and converse, feel like it was ok I wasn't eating like everyone else but still getting my over medium egg (1/2) and 3 country hash browns (which equals about a tablespoon of potato), I even tried a little piece of bacon (meat part). Chewed the crap out of it until it was liquified and it went down easily. I am 1/2 hour later and I am having no pain and feeling very satisfied. I must have chewed it correctly and to the right consistancy. YEAH!! Feeling right with the world today...yes siree Bob! Have a marvelous Sunday everyone - there is a light at the end of the tunnel and everyday it gets brighter!!!

WTG!!! I started at 365 in December...down 60 by surgery on June 29th. I hit the twoderville (LOVE THIS) 2 days ago.. I, too, was slave to the scale and quit after reading some of the posts, so Friday was a wonderful day for me - CONGRATS TO YOU and keep it up!

So, has it been a day or what!? It is amazing how I wander along this crazy journey called life, feeling sane one minute then breaking out in tears the next. Feel like I am reliving every loss I have experienced and now adding the loss of my stomach and the ability to feel normal. I know it gets better with time. I have always beeen one to bounce back quickly after surgery. I was reminded today that this just wasn't any surgery - how quickly I forget and remember in one breath! It is amzing how the brain plays in a major roll in the everyday get along chores. I am usually positive and can do anything but the last 3 weeks have kicked me into a whole new stratusphere. LOL Time to grow and keep moving forward or as my favorite fish, Dori, says,'Just keep swimming, just keep swimming..."

So, woke up feeling rather normal this morning. Had my oatmeal for breakfast -(pureed time) YUMMY. I actually started enjoying my oatmeal. Next week I will go back to my oatmeal with flaxseed. Tired of eating suagr free popsicles to help with my hydration. Drinking G2 to help with it. Forgetting to take my vitamin at night, Morning ritual coming along nicely. Still wondering why I went through with this - and trying to let that go as it is time to move forward. My newest friend , Ann M., has assured me things will get better. She is 5 weeks out and sems to to be doing well! I have no pain anymore. Still have numbness which feels wierd... 2 of my 4 sights have healed beautifully. The drain hole still looks strange. Wondering why the doctor didn't stitich it closed once the drain was removed. All the 1uestions come up now that I am no longer fuzzy from any pain meds. HAHA My son hugged me the other day and said, "WOW. MOM! I can hug you, I mean REALLY hug you!". Validation for sure. I think I will hold onto that for today and smile. Have a good day everyone!

I was nervous and contemplated not doing the surgery. I had lost almost 60 lbs before the surgery. Was told only 30 lbs was necessary...I really got into the lifestyle changes. Anyway, I am finding my biggest hurdle is I am Thirsty!!! All I want is my ice water. I would give anything for one big swallow of ice cold water. Seems silly but it's true! Don't want food just my water...I am not a sipper and it hurts! I was never a big sweet eater, but am munching on the sugar free popsicles (barf) to stay hydrated. I am also experiencing burning sensations around the laproscopic sights. I am numb and as the sensors wake up I go through burning to sore to whatever - ir's all good. I get to start pureed foods next week...funny...U miss my healrhsmart oatmeal w/ flax and crushed almonds for breakfast...kept me going for hours. I feel hungry all the time now. Weird/new sensations! So glad I happened upon this sight this morning!

I have ordered a variety of protein shots and am hoping I find one that works too.

Hi Amy - thanks for the encouragement. I experienced my first and LAST dumping experience this morning. I had been so concerned about being weak that I bought a protein coffee flavored drink and did not even look at the carb count - holy crap - thought I was going to die. Won't EVER make that mistake again!!

Thanks you guys - I really appreciate your responses. I am (usually) such a positive thinking person, but man, this has kicked me for a loop I guess! Your words of encouragement are so welcomed. Thanks for the suggestions. I went to the local Vitamin Shoppe and bought various clear protein drinks in the hopes I can sip on those with success. I am supposed to start pureed foods today...we shall see what I can tolerate I guess. Until then, happy sipping! K

With each passing day I am beginning to regret this decision even more and I have no recourse. I guess I thought aAI should have been feeling better and I am getting more and more tired with each passing day. I am drinking all the time. Had to get an IV today becasue I was dehydrated. Still feeling light headed. At least I don't have a headache. Have had no weightloss because I can't eat anything - body is in shut down I guess. finally found a protein drink I could drink without gagging. I was so excited before and now...blah

Hey all! So, I get to eat pureed foods in less than 24 hours. My stomach is continually growling and am looking forward to eating something other than soup/broth and popsicles! HA Suggestions on easily diegested pureed foods? I am seriously considering putting oatmeal into my blender. I miss my oatmeal w/ flax seed... On a positive note - I am drinking my ice cold water (once again) without any pain or difficulty - YEAH!! I had missed it so much the first week!!

So, been a few days since I have posted anything. Feeling remarkably good. Have my tired spots - out of energy by the afternoon. Jumped back into life by attending workshops all week as well as assisting with provctoring make-up exams. Feels good to be inthe swing of things again. I have gone on-line and ordered a variety of protein shooters. I have tried being creative with creamy vanilla - adding a piece of banana, adding some cinammon, using strawsberries...I gag everytime. Tried chocolate, orange... Let's face it. I am not a sweet eater in the mornings and pretty much throughout the day. I would choose salsa and chips over sweeets 99% of the time...a good cheese cake? Take the cheesecake LOL Anyway, I also ordered saomecoffee flavored protein drinks - looks like a Starbucks drink. Looking forward to trying thosse as there are 3 flavors. Had some incredible itching episodes this week. Dr office recommended Benadryl. Started it a day ago and have seen major imrovement. Redness almost gone and significantly smaller. Trying to figure out what I was reacting too in regards to the surgery. Thankful for this website. Have met a new friend, Ann, who had her surgery at the beginning fo the month and we live about 30 minutes away from each other. Planning to meet up one day next week. How cool! Take care all...the light gets brighter with each passing day! My blessing was the ability to drink ice water without it hurting. I have been able to do this since Monday - YEAH BABY!!.

Hi all - I am newly sleeved as of June 29th. Going through a gambit of emotions and wondering if any of you have been through the same? I am not quite to the 50 yrs of age yet, but damn, I feel like a teenager with all the thigns I am feeling since doing this! I have so much to say but don't want to scare anyone off so I will start with the question about emotions and see what happens from here. So happy I found this website the other day during one of my wits-end crying episodes. HAHA I miss my water...like I used to you be able to drink it...not sipping but taking a real satisfying drink! Looking forward to hearing from someone. ;0)

Nanfranette ~ glad to hear from you! I am missing my water satisfaction more than anything. Gave up my diet coke habit in February for Lent. Didn't trade it for another soda - gave up the carbonation all together. The plus side was my increase in water and oh how I miss to chug of it! I took a bigger sip this morning and it felt so good going down. The next was a bit too big but I learned. It's amazing how your body will letyou know what to do. So we shall be messed up together then! LOL K;0)