misslady

Thought I would share some pics of right after surgery and today.
 

I've been horrible about blogging-- can I say that first? When I started this process I thought there would be nothing I'd rather do than write about my experiences before and after weight loss surgery. Well, I still would LIKE to, but life and all of its obligations have continued, so forgive.
But I had to write today. Today, I got under 200 pounds for the first time in. . . I don't know. . . 14 years? That's before I started teaching.
I can't believe how amazing I feel. I've lost 63.4 pounds total, putting me at 196.6 this morning. (I always record my official weight on Fridays.) I knew that I was right about there, but actually having that number pop up on my weigh in this morning was amazing. (My surgery was 12/11/12, btw.)
 
Let's see. . . what else. Protein bars are my friend, eggs are not. Which is too bad because I used to love eggs. I'm averaging about 3 pounds of weight loss a week, and I'm working on my running. Last night I ran the most I EVER have, going about a mile and a half in 20 minutes of continuous jogging. I'm not very fast, but I'm getting stronger. The biggest challenge I've had on that front is that I'm having trouble switching my runs to the outdoors. I'm not as successful, but I'm trying to stay positive. I have a 5k scheduled on 4/20. I don't know if I will run the whole thing, but I should be able to do most of it, hopefully. I just hope my knees cooperate.
 
So that's where I am! What a wonderful day, and I'm looking forward to blowing all kinds of goals right out of the water! My next goal is to get into the 170s by the end of May for my son's graduation. Piece o' cake!

My husband, Pat, and I have several friends who have had great success with the Gastric Sleeve surgery, so in December 2012, we both decided to go to the doctor to see if we qualify for our insurance to cover the procedure. Luckily, after several tests, we were approved. I had diabetes, high cholesterol and sleep apnea. My husband had high cholesterol, sleep apnea and heart disease runs in his family. We also both has joint issues so we were approved at the end of January 2013. We had our psychological evaluation, sleep study (where we found out about the sleep apnea), then we were on our way.
Today, March 25, 2013, I am 6 days post op (March 19). We have a great surgeon, Dr. Nick Nicholson, in Dallas. I threw up for 3 days so my stomach is more sore than what it would normally be I believe. I've got the routine down now. I came back to work today and I'm really tired ... Tried to get in the 42 grams of protein in the first couple of hours to give me some energy. I go for my one week checkup today. My husband went in today for his pre-op testing. His surgery is scheduled for April 9.
So, here are a few things you should know ... know going into the surgery that you will come out of the surgery weighing more than what you went in weighing. I had to lose 11 lbs. pre-surgery. I had lost 11.5. I had the surgery on Tuesday and discharged on Wednesday. I left the hospital weighing 11 lbs. more than when I went in so, basically, I lost nothing. Here it is not even one week later and I am down 17 lbs. I left the hospital not taking any diabetes, high cholesterol medicine (not that I took it anyway, LOL!)
 
Helpful hints. When they say walk, then do it. The more you walk, the less sore you feel.
 
3/26/13 - I weighed this morning and even after gaining so much back right after surgery, I am down 19.5 lbs. (including the 2 week pre-diet. Woo hoo! My stomach is so much better today. Yesterday I went back to work and thought I was going to die. I had no energy at ALL. I left after 8 hours and went home and iced my stomach for about 2 hours. OMG, why didn't someone tell me I could this? It made all the difference in the world.
 
Tomorrow I get to start cream based soups. I bought 2 strainers (1 to carry in my purse). I will thin out my cream of chicken, cream of mushroom, cream of potato and tomato soups. Beef broth is terrible.
 
Another helpful hint: Get up in the morning and first thing take your chewable vitamin and Pepsid AC. I then have an empty water bottle and pour in my bullet of liquid whey protein (grapes my favorite so far) and add a little water so it isn't so thick. If your physician didn't give you the little 1 oz. shot glasses, go get you some. I put out 4 and fill them each and drink those 4 per hour. In no time at all I have 42 grams of protein finished. I then start water, doing the same thing, then my SlimFast (but I've changed to Walmart brand because it's cheaper).
 
I ordered six 4 oz. ramekins. When I can actually eat food in 2 weeks, I'm going to make up little meals so I don't overeat (and I can determine in my mind how much is enough). I'm going to do layers like mashed potatoes, then meat loaf (90/10) and brown gravy. Another one might be lean turkey (90/10) with spaghetti sauce and put either ricotta or cottage cheese on top, then pop in microwave when ready to eat.
 
I'm 3 weeks ahead of my husband so I know all my helpful hints will work for him. Thanks for listening
 
Week 2, day 1 (8 days post-op) March 27, 2013 - went to my 1 week visit - yep down 19.5 lbs. now I had lost 11 pre-surgery diet but gained all of that back after surgery - so I seriously did lost 19.5 lbs in one week - woo hoo!
 
Found out some new things - I was using the bullet liquid whey protein and they were good mixing them with water and it was supposed to give me 42 gms of protein - WELL, didn't know it has collagen in it so you only get about 50% of the protein She had me change to a protein shake that's pretty good. It's called Premier Protein. In 11 oz. you get 30 true gms of protein and it's low in sugar. It's not as good as Slim Fast and a little more expensive BUT I can drink 2 of those and get 60 gms of protein a day
 
I get to start eating any soup I want today (if it has chunks then I have to blend it) - this for 2 weeks. Then I get to start food like thin sliced deli meat, canned tuna or chicken, ground turkey, ground chicken or ground beef (sirloin) as long as its 90/10 lean, mashed potatoes, eggs (you know the softer stuff).
 
Feeling pretty amazing! Going to Painting with a Twist tonight after work cannot wait - it's so much fun! And remember, I'm only one week and one day post-op
 
3/28/13 - Day 9 Post-Op
Worked all day yesterday and went to a painting class for 2 hours - had a great time but was a little tired come 10 pm but I'm back and at it again today at work. I am feeling great. Still holding at 19 lbs. to 19.5 lbs. (fluctuates a little). Still swollen around my stomach area. Talked to dr.'s office and they said I could buy an abdomenal binder (going to see about that and see if the support makes it better, not that it's bad but instead of it bouncing around ... lol!)
 
We have weekly family dinners so going to a hibachi grill tonight. I'll have their broth soup. Funny thing is, I never feel hungry but my stomach growls, which, in turn, tells my head - oh you're hungry, but it's a mind hunger thing - I don't feel hungry (does that make sense?)
 
4/1/13 - Day 13 Post-Op
I cannot tell you how great I feel. I went and purchased an abdominal wrap and that has helped a lot. I wear it all day at work and then take if off when I get home. Just gives some support. I haven't had any additional weight loss - holding between 19 and 19.5 lbs. Yesterday was Easter and for the first time I purchased Easter (or any holiday) lunch. It not only cost me 1/2 of what I normally spend, I didn't have to do anything I blended some cream of potato soup (watered down a bit) and it was really good. So, I felt like I was getting my mashed potatoes at least

Well the scale is tucked away in the closet...I'm not saying I'm never going to use it but I think once or twice a month will be good. My clothes are falling off me but the numbers weren't moving fast enough for me......Mentally...I needed to see the number moving....not sure why....
 

I was banded in May of 2009. I was at a starting weight of 235 lbs. (I was 260 lbs at my highest weight. I lost 25 lbs in two months on my pre-op diet.) Surgery went well. I had no issues. I loved my band. I was very careful to follow all of my doctor's rules. It worked well at first. In February of 2011 I weighed in at 179 lbs. I had lost a total of 81 lbs. I had set my own goal weight at 175 lbs. I was only 4 lbs away when all of the trouble started. I became sick with a stomach bug. I was vomiting very heavy for a day. I started to get severe pains in my port area. That is when I went to the hospital. I was told that I had a large gas bubble. My bariatric Dr. was called in to empty my band. My band was left empty for three weeks. I gained ten pounds. I was constantly hungry. In March, I started having my band refilled slowly. Soon I was refilled to the point I was before I had become sick. The problem was, I continued to gain weight. I went back to my doctor numerous times with complaints. I continued to follow his meal plans and work out routines. However, I continued to gain weight. I knew something was wrong. In September of 2012 I started getting heartburn. I visited my doctor and he decided that my band was too tight. He took out some of the fluid. I continued to have heartburn. I went back to the doctor. He took out more fluid. It still did not stop. In February of 2012 I went to my doctor and demanded an upper GI. Guess what? I was told my band and slipped. Emergency surgery! While visiting me, post op, my doctor informed me that during the operation nothing was wrong. My band was in fact in the correct place and he did not have to reposition it. A year later, I have continued to gain weight. I am back to a weight of 234 lbs. I have "cut all ties" with my first bariatric doctor. I have looked into various options. I am consulting with a new surgeon next week. I am hoping that he can give me the answers to the numerous questions I have that my last doctor just brushed away and refused to answer. I am frustrated but grateful at having the chance to start over.

Ok. So i am four days out of surgery and doing much better. The first three days ..well they were rough, but that can be expected... After all it is surgery. I joined this forum to get support and encouragement from others ..not dangerous and incorrect advice that some seem to be giving. Promoting eating solid foods after sugery within the first three weeks is just insane to me. Your stomach has staples in it and solid food could cause a leak! Anyone who does not get this and is more worried about what food they can get down right after surgery is not compliant to the protocol. Peroid. This is an indicator that some folks might not have been "mentally " educated and screened prior to the surgery. Not trying to scare anyone, or make them feel bad.. Just stating the facts. Members are only doing a disservice to fellow newbie sleevers saying it is ok and no big deal to eat solid foods within the three week post surgical peroid. I just find this unbelievable that jokes ate being made about it. Shame on you! To my knowledge these members are NOT doctors and are not experts in the what the medical implications of not following the sleeve protocol could be. You do not know each individuals situation nor is your situation the same as anyone elses. I hope in the future that folks will give anyone reaching out for help the right information. Information that all sleevers are given prior to surgery. i understand know each surgon has a different protocol but NONE of the surgons I approached/ interviewed in my research and selection allowed solid foods in the first three weeks. I did tons of research before making my selection based on the median of data that I collected. They ALL stated it was dangerous and could cause leaks. There are obviously some folks who were not educated as well as others prior and post to their surgery. Giving out wrong info is only hurting newbies not helping them... Had to get this off my chest.

Well its been 10 days since my surgery and these are my thoughts so far.
1. It has been better in many ways then I thought it would be, no vomiting, no nausea, no gas pains, no bathroom issues,
2. It has been harder in that I still want to eat, I miss food! I feel depressed and so much of my social life revolved around food and drinks I not sure how to balance the changes with being in those situations.
3. I am off work for two more weeks and don't have the energy I want to exercise and getting some small projects done while I am home. I feel like my butt has been glued to my recliner and have started to go a bit stir crazy.
4. I have not been drinking enough water or exercising enough.
5. I have lost 22 pounds since I started my preop diet a month ago. I stalled at a week out from my surgery and the scale hasn't budged in a few days.
6. I didn't hide the fact that I was having weight loss surgery so I feel like when I do start back to work and being out in public everyone will expect me to have dropped a ton of weight. That is what my boss asked me a few days after the surgery "have you lost a ton of weight?"
 
Changes to make:
1. Exercise 30-60 minutes of walking or exercise bike a day.
2. Weight resistance exercise 30-60 minutes a day.
3. Plan out snacks and meals and water and track on MFP.
4. Plan out projects to work on while I am home.
 
Hopefully with these changes I will see the scale move once again and feel less depressed

I have done the steps, accepted that I am over weight, took the steps to see the doctor, asked some questions, had the blood test and went to the seminar. I am now in the process of seeing the cardiologist, pulmonologist, dietician, and therapist. I have to wait a month to see them, but I am willing to wait and do what I need to personally to get myself prepared for what is to come. I was also given a tentative month for surgery and it looks like April it is. So many emotions each day seem to catch me by surprise.
 
Today I felt blue because I don't have many to turn to about my process. My husband is hard to talk to about it because he likes me just the way I am. He knows that I am depressed about it, and agrees with me to do something to make myself feel better, but sometimes I feel that is not enough. We have kept the news of my decision to go through this on the down low becuase I am still embarresed for the things I have to do to get what I want. The hospital that I am going through has a group that meets this Monday and I think I am going to check it out. I hope this helps with the blues that I get from time to time. Maybe even connect with someone and build friendships. I do know that God is on my side and going to take it one day at a time!

ooooh, my stomach cramps everytime I drink. I just had the vertical sleeve procedure yesterday, Feb. 5th, so this is my 2nd day post-op. I am following the sleeve diet regimen: 1 ounce of liquid diet every 15 minutes x 12 hours/day. My starting weight was 212.4 lbs and I my goal is 150 lbs.
 
After surgery, I had gas pain which went away soon after my nurse administereda dose of mylicon and pepcid. Other then this, I'm doing fine. As for the cramping, my new stomach has to heal.

I started this journey for a change. From the time learned about what a gastric sleeve was (on 10 Nov), within 16 days, I had read extensively about it, drilled a friend of mine who had the procedure and paid over $15,000 cash for my very own sleeve.... Why, because I was tired...tired of the struggle....

Lets see where do I began...... This journey is a long time coming for me. I didn't just wake up one day, tired of being fat. Honestly I've been tired a long time. I guess now I'm just brave enough to really do something about it. That's why I'm writing this blog. I want to remember every step of this journey. One day I want to look back and see how far I've really come. In order to do that I have to start from the begining.
I've struggled with my weight my whole life. I can remember my sister finding a note from the school nurse when I was in the fifth grade. The note was letting my mom know that I was 10 yrs old and 150lbs. The nurse wanted her to monitor my eating over the summer. How embarrasing is that ? By middle and high school my height kind of evened everything out. I still wasn't headlining any swimsuit issues, but at 5'9" I stood pretty tall and curvy. I was okay with that. fast forward 8yrs. I met the love of my life and I had just gave birth to twins, a boy and a girl. I quit my job to become a stay at home mom, and everything went down hill from there. Don't get me wrong, My babies were the best thing that happened to me.
I started my pregnancy at 280lbs, but I was so sick during the first 8 months with morning sickness, that when I gave birth I weighed 245lbs. Staying at home with no job and not doing any exercise. My weight skyrocketed to 375lbs . I wasn't happy and neither was my husband . I tried every diet and workout video known to man. After many months of hard work I got down to 330lbs. This is where I am stuck. I have gotten as far down as 316lbs. But every time I hit a stall I get discouraged and balloon back up to 330lbs. I'm been riding this weight loss/gain rollercoaster for 10 yrs and now I'm ready to get off.........
I contacted a doctors office in my area (Cooper Hospital in Camden, NJ) Dr. Rohit Patel is my surgeon. I went to my first appointment on October 2, 2012. I got the information and decided to wait until after the holidays to schedule my pre-op appts. Not so I could pig out on food, but this was the first Thanksgiving and Christmas I would be able to spend with my kids in 3 yrs since I left my job in September for eye surgery. I'm not good with pain and didn't want to be a party pooper for the holidays.
Now its the beginning of February. I contacted my Surgeons office in January and they got right on scheduling all the appointments I need. I have to do 3 months supervised diet with a nutritionist for my insurance. I have went to one visit and I have already been to my Psyche evaluation. All of my appts are spread out in 3 months. I complete my last nut appt March 27th. If everything goes according to plan I could be getting a surgery date as soon a s April. I'm super excited for what this surgery will mean for me and my kids and my marriage :wub: . My husband has been my bestfriend and my rock through all of my ups and downs. He has truly been supportive in all my decisions and helping me do whats best for me and my health.
I looked into this surgery eight years ago when everything first got out of hand. But at the time the main option was gastric bypass. My babies were about 2yrs old, My husband was so concerned for my safety that he begged me not to do it so I backed out. Now with the kids being ten and safer options available, I now feel like I can do something for me. And my husband is comfortable with my choice so I am excited and ready to embark on this life changing adventure. As I write this blog and move forward, I hope to encourage someone who is looking to change their lives for the better. I will document every aspect of my journey, until I cross the fininsh line of my goal weight. I am looking forward to meeting new peolple and making many friends and life-long encouraging relationships. If we hold each other accountable we will no doubt succeed!!! So feel free to read and comment.....To Be Continued...God Bless.

This is the first day of the rest of my life. Day one of the clear liquids pre-operative diet. I have dreaded this day for some time now. About two weeks ago, my 10-year-old daugher told me, with resignation in her voice, that I should, "Eat what you can, while you can." I wholeheartedly agreed. Every day after that, I thought about what I would love to eat and how much of it I would eat. After a couple of days I realized that I didn't really want anything! I was sick of food and my dysfunctional relationship with it! I couldn't wait for...today.
 
Now it's here. I didn't sleep well last night. I had wicked weird dreams. I think that my stress level is probably through the roof. Thank goodness I am not prone to high blood pressure. I woke this morning with butterflies in my stomach. I'm excited and scared at the same time. I'm afraid that my brain will sabotoge the pre-op requirements. I know I can keep my stomach full. I am allowed only a few things. Protein drinks (3x per day) mixed with water, broth, clear juices, Gatorade, and water. Not the most palatable diet, but obviously I can live through it. My sort of sick thinking takes me to people who are not as fortunate as I. I think of those who have no running water and would give anything for broth. Third world countries. That's what I'll rely to get me through. Demented.
 
The center that I am going through for this surgery is very helpful. They require each patient to take pre-surgery classes and a post-surgery class. It's been very interesting and enlightening. In each pre-surg class, I could pick out the people that will fail at this. They are the ones complaining about each step of the process and whining about requirements. I wanted to scream at them and tell them that they need to start taking responsibility for what they've become. I know that it's my fault that I'm fat. I know that it's my fault that I've put everyone's needs before mine for the last 15 years. I chose not to make the right decistions. I chose to live to eat rather than eat to live. I am responsible. Now I am going to be held accountable.
 
During one of the pre-surg classes, three different people asked the nurse about caffeine and whether or not they should stop indulging in it. All three times, the nurse was very vague. She stated that, "The surgeon prefers you to be caffeine free right before and right after the surgery." Hmmm. That's not really an answer. I decided not to press for it because I like caffeine. It wards off the demons. I tried to wean myself off of my one can per day Diet Coke habit, but it seems that unless I want a dull, roaring headache on a daily basis, I cannot. So, I won't. I have decided that I will sip my Diet Coke and ration it to the smallest amount possible and still be pain free. I will refrain from any caffeine a few days before surgery. I'm thinking that I will be sick of living on liquids by then and a headache will be a welcome change of focus.
 
I have learned, by reading this forum, that there are a million different pre-op diets and that each surgeon has a preference. I have researched why we are on this pre-op diet and why my surgeon has required it for such a lengthy period of time. I understand all of this, but that doesn't mean I'm happy about it! Because my insurance is paying for this, I have decided that I will just be thankful and comply with most all of the doctor's wishes.
 
My surgeon's office have stated to me that the MANDATORY protein diet should include Bariatric Advantage protein powder and bars. Apparently, they used to sell it right from the office but when I asked the nurse how I would be held accountable for using this specific product, again, she was vague. So, I purchased the bars. They taste like cardboard now, but on day seven they will probably taste like heavan. The powder is icky. So, I'm supplementing with Premier and Muscle Milk. They just taste better. Protein is protein. As long as I'm not loading up on sugar, I will survive. My liver will shrink and my stomach will be removed.
 
The photo is of my support team. My husband, son, and daughter. If I had a photo of all of my friends together, I would include it. I am very lucky to have such wonderful people in my life. My colleagues are rooting for me too. The key person in my success, besides myself, will be my very best girlfriend, Tammi. She has been my bff for over 15 years now. She was sleeved in August 2011. She reached her goal just over her year anniversary and has since had some plastic surgery to tighten up those loose areas. She was always beautiful inside and out to me, but now she actually feels it for herself. I'm so proud of her. She is my encyclopedia of vertical sleeve gastrectomy information. I feel very empowered and knowleadgeable and prepared because of her.
 
Last February (2012) I embarked on my millionth time to start Weight Watchers. I weighed myself one morning and cried. I had never been as heavy...299 pounds. I couldn't let myself go over that 300 mark. My husband hugged me and told me that we could do it together. I thought of Tammi and said to myself that I didn't need WLS. That I could do this. I was seriously ready. I joined a gym and got a trainer. First time for losing weight and excerising at the same time. I loved working out! It was really fun. I was losing weight and, most importantly, losing inches! Seven weeks in, I stopped losing. I injured myself in the gym. This went on for 5 months. I didn't give up. I was stuck. I would lose a pound and gain a pound. Then I injured myself a second time. I gave up. I really don't think that the average trainer understands that a fat person cannot do what a more fit person can do. This isn't The Biggest Loser!
 
In June, our insurance provider changed. I was browsing the list of changes to our policy and coverage when it caught my eye. The new policy actually covered some weight loss surgeries! With bated breath, I read it and reread it. I decided that I was going to swallow my pride, go to my primary care physician, and spill my guts.
 
The day that I went to see my doctor was cathartic. I had never spoken about my weight out loud, in anything besides a self-deprecating manner, to anyone. Ever. I told him everything I've ever done, every pain I have, every fear I have, and cried. He hugged me and told me that he would help. And he did. I had already had a consultation with the bariatric surgeon. He told me I was making the right decision. Now I had to jump through the hoops. So we started jumping together.
 
Now, here I am. My insurance company said YES! I'm so very excited about how my life is going to change. I know this is not going to be easy. The surgery is the tool. It's my brain I worry about. I have to let go of all of the thoughts and habits that I've adopted through the years. I have to start living for me and me first. I have to start eating to live rather than living to eat. The Southern in me is going to have difficulty, but I know that with the support at home and at the surgeon's office...I GOT THIS!
 
Beginning weight on day one of pre-op diet is 289.6 lbs.

I have to be honest, I thought this would be better for me, cause I have had so many surgeries in the past. It isn't all what I thought it would be, I'm not whining or complaining, just thinking out loud.
 
From waking up in intermediate ICU to all these tubes hooked up to me, wasn't how I had envisioned it. Oh, I knew there would be pain and soreness, been there done that, but simply swallowing or in my case munching on ice. The doctors and nurses were awesome, they made this experience doable.
 
So, what was so surprising? I thought it would be a breeze and I would bounce back faster than anyone, stupid thinking I know. I think I'm morning the loss of the old me, the one that flicked her nose at rules and did what she wanted. My sleeve said nay, nay nay you have to be accountable now. As I stomp my foot and say bummer! I've read a lot of posts where ppl say they love their sleeve, hum, love is sorta a strong word at the moment. We are tolerating each other at this time.
 
I was trying to drink Isopure, gag, gag, gag. Well I have a great shake that has a lot of protein I can drink in the am and pm with enough protein. So why am I trying to drink the crappy stuff? Silly me!
 
Now getting my fluids down! I want to take gulps and you know what gulps do. So I'm using lil cups to sip out of. Problem solved!
 
Next is gas. I swear I walked 2 miles a day at the hospital, not even one lil poof, notta piff, notta fuff. Nothing. I could burp a sailor under the table but no gas insite. Until I went home, that sailor would be proud! Lol
 
So as I'm laying here listening to the splitter, splatter of my new tummy I'm thinking... Lil Sleeve you better be worth it!!!
 
All for now.......