Paige Dukes

Major non scale victory for me today!

I was banded on the 14th. Altogether from starting the pre-op diet to now I have lost about 28 lbs. I have only been really conscious of it due to the scale moving and my clothes becoming baggier. I didn't look in the mirror and feel like I looked any different.

Today I had one of my first NSVs. I noticed my Facebook picture was kind of old and needed updating, so I took a few selfies. This was the first time I was like "wow, nearly 30 pounds does make a difference." Well, I have vacation in a week or so and my husband reminded me to try on my old swimsuit to see if it fit in case I needed to buy another. After trying it on and looking in the mirror I, for the first time, really saw myself. My luck with my selfies inspired me to take a picture, which led to me making the jump and posting the photo to my Facebook page. This may not seem like a big deal to some but I don't even wear shorts in public and feel naked if I leave the house without a cardigan, regardless of the temp outside. I have always felt uncomfortable in my own skin and to post a photo of myself in a swimsuit on social media was MAJOR for me. I was sweating bullets with my finger over the "post" button and was so afraid I would be met with negativity over it but friends have come out of the woodwork to leave positive messages on the photo. It has become my most liked and most commented on photo. I even had a girl friend say "God, I wish I had your legs!" I have NEVER had ANYONE say they wanted a part of their body to look like mine. I was floored.

The point of this lengthy post is that I overcame a major fear today and it came as a result of this weight loss journey. I feel like I have made a step forward with my confidence and self worth today. And it didn't come from the people who commented on my photo, it came from the realization that I am a person of worth and beauty and I deserve to be happy and healthy. I couldn't have made it to this point without having decided I was worth WLS. I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to do this and am looking forward to more personal growth and additional NSVs along the way.

Has anyone else had a NSV recently? I would like to hear more uplifting stories, no matter how small or large!

My surgeon and dietician required 2 days of Clear Liquids (day of and day after sx), 6 days of full liquids, then two weeks of pureed foods before advancing slowly to solids. I am in the pureed stage now. I pretty much skipped half of the full liquid stage because I felt so bad post op I didn't consumer anything for 3 days. All surgeons like different things, though. If you are concerned or have questions I would contact his office.

For me it was one night at work I started to feel pretty bad. I knew I had blood pressure issues but left it untreated (like a dummy). I had a CNA take my vitals and my BP was 208/120. My supervisor sent me home and I ended up being on two different blood pressure medications twice a day. And then my bp was STILL elevated. I knew from past experiences I couldn't lose the weight on my own.

I was banded on the 14th of this month and I had a little freak out myself right before. To make matters worse I developed an abscessed tooth 4 days before the surgery, then developed intractable vomiting 3 days before from a reaction to a medication prescribed by my dentist. I was really scared for my health and afraid that the surgeon would cancel the surgery. He didn't, thank goodness, but my stress level was about a 20 on a 1-10 scale before I went in.

I really think the wait in pre-op was the hardest. The anticipation and nervousness just feel like they are going to overwhelm you. Once I was wheeled back to the OR everything went super fast. I got onto the operating table, everyone was super nice, and the anesthesiologist put the mask over my face. He said "take some deep breaths for me" and literally after two deep inhales I was out. Woke up later in PACU groggy, nauseous, and in pain. The PACU nurse was very diligent though and got me medicated pretty quick and everything got a lot better. I ended up having to stay overnight because the anesthesia didn't clear my system fast enough. I was loopy and hallucinating almost all of the first night. Dilaudid and Zofran were my bestest friends that first night, lol.

The only time I felt true pain was anytime I used my stomach muscles to shift, or sit up, etc. You don't realize how often you flex your abdominals, but it became obvious then. Kind of felt like a combination of WAY too many crunches and a pulling sensation. The worst thing for me was the first pee after having the indwelling urinary catheter removed. My god. Felt like peeing little serrated knives. Second and thrid times werent as bad, though.

Adapting at home has been a journey in itself. I couldn't tolerate anything more than an ounce on my stomach at a time. I lost 9 pounds in 3 days. I made the mistake of trying to get out and go grocery shopping on one of these bad days. Almost passed out in Publix. I also wanted to hurry up and start eating solids but knew I couldn't stress my stomach. Now that I am on pureed it has been a challenge to find the happy medium between satiated and overstuffed. I'm either still hungry or about to burst. And hungry every hour or so. I am looking forward to a fill so I can feel the satisfied fullness earlier.

Even still, I do not regret having this done. Those first few days were full of discomfort, but the body adapts pretty quick and I was even able to sleep on my side/stomach by about day 4/5.

Jitters and nerves are normal. This is SURGERY for god's sake. I'm a nurse and even I was scared going in. What you are feeling is very normal. We are all rooting for you and know you will do great!

PS: I cannot stress enough finding a good small pillow for bracing your abdomen for coughing afterwards. I could have forgone everything else but my little pillow I brought from home.

Awesome job! So happy for you!!