Jo Scott

I have lost 80lbs since last September. This is great and all but my most accomplished was getting off all insulin and pills. That was the real goal for me. My co-workers were very skeptical when I told them what I was planning. They discouraged me each and every day and said all kinds of things like, "you are taking the easy way out!, you will have to take Vitamins for the rest of your life." etc. In response t0 the negativity I kept thinking I would rather take vitamins every day for the rest of my life than have to stick myself 4-6 times a day with an insulin syringe. I would rather have a few possible complications after surgery than feeling like crap every day (no energy, did not like to look at myself in the mirror). For those people that think this is the easy way out, I have to say, this is an ongoing working journey, eating 6 small meals per day, counting Protein and fat intake, finding time to exercise, even on holidays, etc, etc. (no complaints by the way, I really do love my new life!!). So, all in all, I sometimes feel like telling my co-workers to trust in themselves when looking at the unknown. It will be great if you have the faith and believe in yourself (smile).

I love my fitbit! I agrees it keeps you accountable for yourself and I like liking it to my phone so I can look at my accomplishments in chart form. Very easy to use as well!

Okay. I need to talk about this topic nobody wants to talk about, but I really am having some trouble. I get really loud, stinky gas! This is my only problem, but it is a big problem in my profession. My manager has already approached and told me I need to take of this problem. Not only are my co workers complaining, but my patients as well. I really can't blame them. I cannot figure out if it is from the Protein drinks or nerves or what!!!??? Please, any information or suggestions are welcome at this point. I am almost 7 months post-op, and this problem is getting worse.

Yep. The hardest part for me is slowing down to eat. I have eaten quickly ever since my daughter was little (she is now 31 years old). I still eat with a baby spoon to help me slow down. I get way too full too fast, so I know I still need to eat slower and chew much longer than I do. Hardest habit I've ever had to break!

My worst problem is one no one ever talks about. Gas, severe stinky gas. It has gotten so my manager has pulled me aside and told me to fix it, as both my co-workers and my patients are complaining! I cannot figure out if it is from something I am eating, or nerves, for real. I have no warning, just stink. How embarrassing. I did talk to one doc about it, and I think he was embarrassed as he just laughed. If anyone has any suggestions, I am all ears!!

I am so sorry to hear about these problems post op. I did have a slightly similar experience. 3 weeks post op, I started throwing up coffee grounds (looked like) for about 2 days. My throat felt like glass shards when ever I swallowed I went to the ER in my home town and they shipped me to my doc about 2 hours away, bigger hospital. He did do an xray, upper GI study and later on an upper endoscopy. Turns out I had a partial bowel obstruction. I had thrown up so violently, I kind of burned the inside of my esophagus, therefore the painful swallowing. Even though I had these set backs, 7 months later it was all worth the hassel. Diabetes is kicked, my hemoglobin a1c had gone from 9.6 to 6.2, no more insulin or meds and I have lost 78lb, feel much more energetic and happier as well.