VegasgalVS

Well, it's official. My surgery is on the 27th.
 
The good news is that my pre-op diet is only for 5 days and it won't be too much of an alteration of my current eating habits. From my research, I already had a good idea of what the pre-op diet was going to be like, just didn't know how long I would be expected to be on it. I had prepared myself mentally for a 2 week liquid diet. So it was really a surprise to hear that it is only 5 days and I can drink as much of the high protein/low carb shakes as I want and eat soups (like chicken noodle) as long as they don't contain high carb vegies like potatoes.
 
I've already figured out a combination of dutch chocolate EAS carb control shakes with 1 scoop of Total Soy (chocolate) that tastes great and has a combined 30 grams of protein and 11 grams of carbs per 20 oz shake. I highly recommend getting a shaker bottle with the little ball spring inside. It really breaks up the Total Soy powder making a smooth creamy shake. I bought a 2 pack at Sam's club for $12, and I saw them at Wal-Mart for $7 each. But with the 2 pack I can keep one at work and one at home.
 
I figure I'm having the same thoughts and feelings as others in the pre-op stage. So I wanted to share a moment I had last week that makes me laugh at myself now. I had a small panic attack until I realized how stupid it was. I actually got worried that post op, I wouldn't be able to eat as much I as I could in the past. Stupid, right?
 
But I guess it plays on my basic fear of change. How am I going to handle being thinner and how people will react and treat me at work and socially. As it is, I have 40 years of knowing how people treat the fat me. Now, I have to worry about how people will treat me as a thin person.

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

How To explain away my scars?
 
OK, this is awful so don't read if you are easily offended and do not appreciate a sick sense of humor.
 
 
 
 
Warning! Don't read if you are easily offended!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Last Warning! Sick Humor below!!!!!
 
 
 
 
Shanked in prison... Shuts them up every time! - VSGKirk
 
Some idiot: What happened?
You: I had abdominal surgery.
Idiot: What kind?
You: The kind that involves the abdominal area. - newat52
 
Tijuana knife fight. - Kristina J.
 
I had some "woman issues " - chell1978
 
Texas mosquito bites
 
I was knifed by an exotic dancer in TJ.
 
Full contact scrapbooking injury...
When you get the weird look, you can fill in that scrapbooking is getting really intense now that scrappers are trying to make the hobby "athletic enough" for the Olympics.
 
Bears. But never mind my scar, you should check out my awesome new rug!
 
My wife said somtimes I don't know my place.
 
Tell them you are trying to avenge your father and ask if they have six fingers on their right hand.
 
Two words, "Satin sheets"
 
I don't want to go into details, but suffice to say, I won't be allowed in that Benihana for a while.
 
The first rule of Fight Club is 'don't talk about Fight Club'
 
They say you can't get blood from a stone - well, the IRS tried!
 
Remember when your mom told you not to run with scissors?
 
I was watching the DIY network and they did a show on bodylifts...
 
A zombie tried to eat my brains and missed.
 
Tell them as much as you'd love to talk about it you just can't because your defense attorney and parole officer advised you to keep your mouth shut until after the trial.
 
I got this in a bar fight when I used to ride with Hells Angels.
 
That's where the aliens probed me
 
Don't worry about it. Because of me, they now have a to put on warning labels!
 
Well, let me just tell you this: You should NEVER EVER, under ANY circumstances, go out with a guy/girl that you met on the internet.
 
"I was oyster hunting." They give me a blank stare. Then I say, with a wink, "You've obviously never been oyster hunting before."
 
I was at this party with Marilyn Manson and everyone was giving out hugs.
 
I lost a fight with a can of tuna fish.
 
I slipped while making a salad.
 
I fell asleep, and the clown got me.
 
I'll just put it this way: when they tell you not to feed the bears, it's for a damned good reason.
 
I'm a blade sharpness tester
 
"I had an accident with a scalpel." [person asks why] "Well, you know that guy who woke up in an ice bath and his kidney was gone? Er... this had nothing to do with it. Honest."
 
You know how dogs chase their tails? Well it has nothing to do with that. Nor does it have anything to do with cat scratches. Or the faeries that visit me nightly *ramble on*... What was I talking about?
 
I thought those security tags on pants just sprayed ink, but apparently they spray shards of broken glass, too.
 
"Oh, these?" *embarrassed face* "I know they look horrible, but the sex was INCREDIBLE!"
 
"...Are you consipring aginast me? What's with all the questions? Who wants to know the answers?" *and upon interrupting "I'm doing the talking here" and then continue to ramble until they back away. "...They'll come and get you too. Run while you still can"
 
Knifed by an exotic dancer. Terrible. Yes, they're nasty that way.
 
I had unprotected sex with a porcupine.
 
I took my lizards for a walk and they held on for dear life.
 
The neighborhood cat and I had a disagreement about the paw prints on my truck.
 
The police didn't comply with the terrorists' demands fast enough, so they took it out on us hostages.
 
I keep falling off of cliffs trying to catch that damned roadrunner.
 
The voices told me to do it.
 
I did this as a sacramental offering to my dark lord, you prick. ::Smile::
 
In my past life I was a ninja.
 
It sucks having parents who are sadists.
 
My boyfriend and I accidentally went overboard during our last S & M session.
 
I moon light as a stunt-woman who dives through glass windows.
 
Look at your scars and frown You mean you don’t have any?
 
Well, last time it was an alien baby. I’m actually kind of relieved.
 
I had a narrow escape from a firing squad.
 
Now that is an interesting question; it all ties in with the eternal enigma: why are we here, for what purpose does life on earth exist? go on about the meaning of life until everyone gets bored and goes away
 
Carving a turkey is harder than it looks
 
You want me to show you? smile evily
 
Don’t EVER give blood abroad!
 
Well, I tend to get a little violent with the computer when it doesn’t cooperate.
 
Oh those? Bad juggling accident. I don’t like to talk about it. I’m much better now
 
Oh these? Hmm, I dunno, they’ve just always been there. Well, I mean, ever since I took over this body, anyway. Strange, don’t you think?
 
Ozzy Osborne is my uncle and we have some kick butt family reunions!
 
Those psychology experiments are soooo not worth the extra credit…
 
Oh my god! Never, EVER try taking candy from a baby!
 
A reminder of my Pirating days....
 
My trained attack dragon did before I got him trained...
 
I had a duel.
 
Did you know chickens aren't all soft and fluffy?
 
Playing Slug Bug with a cat is a reaaally bad idea.
 
Oh this? *point at scar* That's where my twin used to be attached.
 
Lightsaber battle
 
I kicked Chuck Norris' ass all I got was this lousy scar!
 
Tell them you had to help Jack Bauer escape from the Russians and that's the last time you'll cover his pansy ass.
 
Narrowly escaped a zombie attack
 
Fell on the runway-it's Fashion Week
 
Rachel Ray's dog attacked me.
 
I just tell people it's a "sex wound."
 
My husband is ... just ... a WILD MAN, what can I say?
 
 
 
 
 
 
That's all folks!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Really, that's all there is.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
No hablo the english? There isn't anymore. Stop scrolling!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ok, okay, one last one.
 
It's where the alien burst out. What, you think they only come out of chests?
 
 
 
 
Satisfied!??????????

I've had the past four days off of work to go back to my hometown for my mom and grandpa's joint birthday party. It was awesome as I haven't seen some of my family members in 6 months and they were all shocked at how I look. Okay, so here is my deep, dark secret. I've always kinda envied those women who are small and delicate looking (yet a total steel magnolia underneath!) but at 5'5 and within spitting distance of 300 pounds THAT wasn't a term applied to me. The best I could hope for was that I had a pretty face, or nice eyes or hair. Underwhelming since I always knew they were tacking on the "too bad you're so big". *rolls eyes*. Yet I had soooo many people tell me how tiny and dainty I looked. My uncle even picked me up when he hugged me and spun me around! I still have about 30 pounds I want to lose...but what a great feeling! I'm at a stage where you can actually notice 5 or 10 lb weight loss and I LOVE LOVE LOVE what I'm starting to look like. I adore my kickboxing, zumba and yoga classes and if I don't run several times a week I feel weird. Whats even better is that my amazingly supportive grandparents (so funny now as my grandma was not 100% on board when I told her about my surgery a year ago!) have said that when I run my first 10K this summer that they'll be there at the finish line. That's amazing considering they want to travel to ME and at their age (late 80s) the 3.5 hour trip is hard for them. Wow. Just...wow! This entire long weekend has been great motivation to continue my 'Battle of the Bulge' until I get to my goal!!

I am finally half way through the this! I have to admit that it's been hard. It's not because I've had stomach hunger or head hunger. It's because I miss eating. Last night, I went to my mother's house and it was tapas night. This morning my roommate made ham, onions and eggs. I love eggs. (heavy sigh) Oh well moving onward, all of this will be over in one week. Woo Hoo! Not to mention that as of friday I've lost 5 pounds. A pound a day is pretty good. If I could only do it for 86 days in a row. Hahah!
 
I have been think about getting a few tattoos. Here are a few ideas:
 
1.) Promise tattoo on my pinky finger, for the promise I am making to take the best care of myself from now on.
 
2.) "You never know how strong you are until being stong is is the only thing you have left"
 
3.) "Enough" because no matter what anyone says, I am good enough, smart enough, thin enough and beautiful enough. In addition, I have to remind myself that I have enough food and stuff. I think I like this one the most. What do you think?
 
If you are reading this, good luck in your journey. I wish you the best of everything.