Kookichu

Jamie and vmt, how are things going for you? Jamie, I thought of you when I was at Ruby for my yearly check up. Dr. Tabone was running an hour behind. I figured I would see him since Dr. Quinlin retired, but I saw a physicians assistant. I loved Ruby's program and team, but wish they gave out cards stating we are WLS patients so at restaurants, we could pay for a children's portion. I am too frugal to dine out often, but when I do, I would like to freely have that option (especially buffet type establishments). You all take care. Check in when you can.

the results are in from one year post-op bloodwork...all is well except for Vitamin A and Vitamin K. I am to take over the counter Vitamin A (5 pills of 5000IU) every day for 20 days and have a script of potassium chloride which must aid the Vitamin K issue but that liquid has quite a putrid taste...simply horrid. I don't know how to stomach that for three weeks. Yesterday when I updated, I forgot to mention a post op issue that never occurred to me during the pre-op thought process of what would change. challenge: shaving armpits effectively now that i have a concave armpit...even my pits have changed.

Just a quick check in. Life is good. I have been around 150lbs and maintaining give or take a few pounds since early December. I never expected to lose that much in one year. I am wearing a size 12 jean comfortably. The Salvation Army, food pantries, Goodwill and hand-me-downs have been real blessings as I go through sizes so quickly. Shoe size has changed from a 11 to 9 even. My hair is long and has definitely become thinner. I have no obvious bald spots but washing my hair is like walking through cob webs so, soon, I plan to go to a cut that suits my situation better. This is me and my boyfriend (friend of 25 years, as well).

vmt, 202lbs, smaller clothes, energy...way to go!! Yes, keep me updated after your appointment on the 18th. My energy level is less than it has been...it was on fire between surgery and the middle of September. Lately, noticing quite more fatigue than I want. Staying hydrated is also more difficult as time goes on. I guess what I mean is my focus post surgery was me, Water, nutrition (forced or otherwise) and as time slips by, the focus changes. I always have water with me and drink it, but I am probably not drinking enough...it's not easy. In the same way that I look around at what other's are eating and wonder how did I used to be able to eat a mindless amount, I look at my water drinking friends finish a bottle in less than 30 minutes while mine is 4 drinks gone IF it's a good day... so it is. I have hanging skin, expected worse but it's not great either. It's okay...I weighed that consequence before surgery. You take care, too!!

Hi Jamie. I am a little familiar with Dr. Tabone...just received my letter that Dr. Quinlin is retiring. I feel you will be in excellent hands and of all hospitals, one of excellence. Congratulations! Have you started nutrition classes with Sarah or is she moving on too? If you have any questions or need anything, let me know. My newest pain: the lack of butt cushion has left my tailbone protruding...like what feels like out of my skin. Sometimes it's only bothersome, but other times, it's ALMOST intolerable. It's like a pressure sore. I've had to wear a small mini pad between what is left of my buttcrack. lol. Sorry, but it's true. These are the things you don't expect. Holding steady at 170lbs with small fluctuations. The rate at which I have gone through sizes is nothing short of shocking. I have found many give always, food pantries, salvation army and goodwill to stay clothed. My mind barely allows me to choose the L or XL, but that is what I need. This week, I had my first entire piece of long john's chicken. I wasn't proud and was only slightly miserable, but it was good--very very salty with my refined palate. But it's generally Soups, milk, cottage cheese, Cajun salmon, chicken salad. Correct portion size is so much more obvious to me now that I look back. It's been a quite the process...but OHHH, so worth it!

Just checking in. My weight is holding at 170lbs. If I never lost another pound, I could live with that, but expect more weight loss will come. The rapid weight loss part may have ended. The cool weather is merciless on me this autumn. The changes that you never consider always amuse me. This time last year, my core temperature was NEVER an issue. My frugality and weight made it possible to function in 50° weather without a jacket and no need for the furnace until the last minute...not this year. I am tempted to turn the furnace on, but will try to hold out. My electric heater is getting a workout right now. Hair loss is/seems normal, or back to normal. The burning fist feeling in my stomach is gone for now. I diligently take medicine for that now and should have taken it faithfully as directed the first 6 months of surgery. I find that I can tolerate a bite or two of anything and feel fortunate for that. So far, I have no obvious tolerance issues so long as I go easy and light. vmt, I hope you are doing well. My next appointment with blood work is Dec. 12th. I am now doing monthly vitamin B injections instead of a daily sublinguals...seems to be more convenient and less maintenance. My best to all!!

vmt, there are going to be slow losses and with you possibly having a urinary tract or kidney (or bladder) infection, that will have an effect on your overall well being and weight loss. Get yourself well. The weight loss will pick back up. Remember, I have weeks of no weight loss then lose 5lbs in 3 days. Everyone gets discouraged. You are not alone. Take care of yourself. And just keep on keep in on!

Amazing results vmt. Way to go!! How are soft foods feeling? I also feel better than I have felt in many years, if ever. And at 41! Being off meds is also a victory I understand. And I am so proud of you. This morning I weighed 174lbs. I am wearing size 18 jeans though a size 16 might fit. My shirts are all loose and I need to buy a few that actually fit. Seven months out and I still prefer to eat softer foods. Ice water never leaves my clutches. I examined my skin today and yeah, there are a few issues. My butt has disappeared! Ha. It's hiding out with my boobs probably. I just remind myself of how great I feel and that I look smashing in clothes. If that's the most of my trouble then I am a lucky woman. Keep up the good work!!

VSGAnn, so happy that you are enjoying my diary...relieved, actually. Thank you!

vmt, there is no easy way out of obesity. For me, it was do or die. No doctor ever said it like that but I knew it. And no, you cannot let negativity in. There is always going to be someone along the way who has an opinion (that should be kept unspoken). You aren't a passenger, you are the driver! Congratulations on your successful surgery and weight loss thus far!! Awesome. In the beginning, I did not have any problems with my pills or with my stomach burning. In the past two months, I DO have what feels like a burning fist in my stomach. I will mention it during my follow up but will confess that I quit taking my prescribed Prilosec for about 3 months which was probably the first mistake. Second mistake, I do sip soda on occasion now and that also seems to aggravate it. I don't know if our burning is the same but I feel for you...not pleasant whatsoever. Let me know how your visit goes on Sept 2. Best of luck to you, keep up the good work, and also keep me updated. And thank you for sharing your story with me.

hopetochangemylife, glad you are finding comfort and peace through reading the accounts of others. Congratulations on the 32lbs you have already lost!! I am 8 months out and still face temptation of old eating habits. It gets easier, but it is always there. There are days my mind insists that it wants an entire pizza the way "it used to be" or I have found myself thinking "if I could just eat for one hour like I used to be able to..." but, I will not and not only because I physically can't. I am down to 180lbs. My butt is bony. I do have some loose skin but not so much that I am in psychological crisis. The best days are when I eat lightly and frequently. There are days where I cannot eat much (it all depends on bowel movements which are either full on or completely not). When feeling backed up, there literally becomes no room for more nutrition. The up side is normal blood pressure, normal pulse, normal glucose, down to only taking thyroid medicine and prilosec (and necessary vitamins and such), walking without misery, less need for sleep, shopping for clothes anywhere and everywhere, second glances... NO regrets. May you find all the strength, hope, and inspiration you need to make it to where you want to be. Whatever it takes!

Hi fellow losers. I hope life for everyone who follows is falling into the new and, comfortable, norm. Seven months out and things are going well. I am at 180lbs. That's 130lbs since surgery in January and 154lbs total. Life has changed so quickly...for both good and bad. A solid relationship seems to be blossoming. The ever cautious me has been true to myself and my health, but this kizmet seems to have set in and I am enjoying the company of a 25yr old friend in a new light. Job changes have occurred. I am much happier now and am looking into school again...just looking but I am a determined woman. As for eating, it's still a challenge some days. Some days are excellent. But I am always diligent. Hydration, Protein, exercise, nature and enjoy the newfound zest for living have become priorities in my life.

It's been a while since I've updated. In June, my rapid weight loss slowed down as I stayed between 208lbs and 210lbs. Yesterday, I saw 205lbs! That is 105lbs gone since January and 139lbs since last July. I feel fantastic except for occasional bouts of being light headed. My hair loss is better, thankfully. And I am experiencing real hunger again...not ravenous hunger but twinges of real hunger. I wore a dress last weekend and that felt so liberating. It's strange to feel pretty and comfortable. Now that I can cross my legs when I sit, that's how I sit. Life is beautiful. [ATTACH]46234[/ATTACH]

Today: 224lbs and out enjoying basket bingo with my mom and aunts.

As a sufferer of migraines, I am relieved to report that I have only had one since surgery and I can assign dehydration as the cause. Pre surgery, I had migraines often. Topamax was prescribed but the side affects were horrible so I found myself living on Excederin migraine formula which actually worked wonders. My concern was that I was coming off caffeine and would not be allowed anything other than tylenol. I have found that 3 small meals, 2 healthy snacks and plenty of water helps keep headaches in check. They are so infrequent that this topic actually reminded me of the old days of suffering. I wish you well and hope your results are as positive as mine.