FluffyChix

Ah, its been two months to the day since my plastics trifecta, and I have to tell you the past month or so has been a little rough.
On Wound Healing:
My healing progress took several steps backwards primarily due to my over-eagerness to get back into my exercise routine.  I pushed myself a little too soon, a little too much and ended up opening up a few incisions. TWICE.
Add to this that my body for the past few weeks has decided to expell my sutures instead of absorbing them, resulting in more broken skin and open wounds.
At it's worst, I had 9 concurrent open wounds that were painful, oozing and stinky.
On Exercise:
Not including the two ill-advised attempts of full-on running and strength training, along with the equally ill-advised crunches I was doing in bed, I have had almost zero exercise. Now, I do go out for 1+ hour walks every few days, but I don't really count this as "true" exercise as I don't get that exercise "high" afterwards.  I consider walking more of mental health remedy, I guess.
On the Blahs:
Due to my slow healing and recurring wounds + the lack of exercise + the fact that I have been basically holed up at home for 2 months + the crappy T.O. winter weather + my self-imposed week-long lack of sleep to watch every marquee Australian Open match, and difficulty sleeping even after it was done + my noticeably increased carb (read: sugar) intake + my obsession with the swelling in my lower abdomen, was feeling pretty sh*tty for a while.
I was in full-on pity party mode and was being a total B to the fam, and picking totally unnecessary fights with them (Sorry Fam!  They deserve trophies for putting up with me).
I went through a week or so of drinking my blahs away, which I put a stop to once I realized what I was doing.
I even shared an ENTIRE pack of cigarettes with BFF one night cuz I was just so annoyed and looking back, probably wanted to give an EFF YOU to the universe.  Of all the things, I am most regretful of this.  Mostly because I admitted it to Mr. & the Kid and while they didn't admonish me, I could see that they were disappointed.  Jeez.
On Possibly Turning a Corner:
Last week, I did a much needed reality check (of which I need to thank @sillykitty for for prompting, along with the break in the winter weather that day, and the first good night's sleep I had in a while the night before).
I upped my protein (thanks @FluffyChix for the reminder), and made sure to get more sleep (thanks me!, LOL).
As of this morning, I am down to only 4 open wounds. The ooze factor of these have decreased ALOT, and they no longer stink. YAY!  Though I'm going to temper my expectations because I have healed and UN-healed TWICE before and it was a definite hit to the mood.
Current PS/body results:
Swell hell continues in my lower abdomen & upper thighs.  Some days are better than others.  The one thing I have noticed is that if I wear my abdominal binder too high, the swelling in these areas get worse.  I have been trying to make sure that the binder sits low enough, which results in lots of tugging throughout the day.  I may have to invest in a full body one. My arm compression garment is no longer compressing me, despite being tailored by my mom earlier, but I wear it anyway as it helps keep my silicone tape from coming off.  That and I have developed a weird security-fondness for it. I stopped wearing my sports bra (or any bra at all, for that matter) weeks ago because of the wounds on my under-boob and side boob.  The arm compression garment is doing a little lifting in that area instead. Some Comparison Numbers:
Pre-PS Weight:  115 lbs
2m-Po Weight:  117.1 lbs
Pre-PS Bust - Waist - Hips measurements:  32.5" - 25.5" - 33"
2m-Po Bust - Waist - Hips measurements:  33.5" - 25.0" - 34"
Pre-PS Left UpperArm Circumference: 10.5"
2m-Po Left UpperArm Circumference: 10.0"
Pre-PS Right Thigh Circumference: 17.0"
2m-Po Right Thigh Circumference: 19.0"
* I didn't think to measure my lower abdomen before, but I did this morning, so I can start keeping track:
2m-Po Lower Abdomen (measuring widest part): 33.0"
Next Steps:
I have my 2 month post op appointment with my surgeon tomorrow.  He had given me homework to stretch/massage my arms at my 6 week appt, as he felt I should a fuller range of motion that I did at the time.  He wanted to see me be able to raise my arms completely straight up with no resistance.  Well....I CAN do it, BUT i can feel the areas between the armpit and upper tricep stretching to its limit.  It doesn't hurt, but I can definitely feel the pull.  I'm not sure if this is where he wanted me to be at, and I guess we'll see what he says tomorrow.
I promised myself I would not go back to my normal level of exercise until ALL my wounds have closed.  This may be overkill, but I really DO NOT want a repeat of last month.  Hopefully this will be in the next couple weeks.
I am going back to "work" in a couple weeks as well, so this should help with the boredom.
Pictures:
My surgeon will be taking pics of me at my appointment tomorrow, will see if I will post those, or take some myself...will decide later.
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Edited to add update from 2 month follow up appt with Doc:
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Soooo....went to my 2 month follow up yesterday and Doc scheduled me for some steroid shots next month...I guess he is not happy with my my scar healing (I was fine with it, but I guess he knows better )
He also asked me again to not wear my tape as much as I have been. I wear them basically 23 hours a day and he wants me to halve that, if not more (he asked me to do this last time, but I didn't listen...but since he asked AGAIN, I guess I should pay attention). I have been tape-less since about 6pm yesterday, and it feels odd. Almost as if the incisions are getting sore again? Only on my arms though...my boobs and tum feel the same. *shrugs*
I do notice this morning that a lot of dried skin was flaking off the (healed) incision lines...not sure what the impact of this is *shrugs again*. I slathered some bio oil on them (he did tell me to moisturize).
Wound update: I was down to 3 open wounds yesterday! BUT...this morning a new one opened on my left underboob due to another suture expelling, so my number stays at 4. Le sigh. Btw, Doc says that part of the reason why I'm expelling so many sutures is because I am "so skinny". Something about no where for the sutures to be absorbed into.
On another note: Speaking of being "so skinny", when I asked Doc about what we can do about my saggy butt, he said that I am not a good candidate for a BBL in my current state, unless I want to gain at least 10 lbs OF FAT. Um, no thanks. He also does not support nor perform implants, which left his option recommendations to:
Traditional butt lift Some machine treatment (I forget the name), which is basically a device that simulates 100's of mini squats per session (think Dr. Ho's) Actual Squats I'm gonna go with the Actual Squats 
 
 
 

If you're like me, you play these little games with yourself - where when you're doing well on losing weight, you tell yourself that you can "afford" something that's not supposed to be on your plan.  Maybe it's a piece of chocolate - something in-control that seems worth it.  For me though, it's not those little tiny things.  It's stuff like deciding to have my morning coffee - which is laden with real sugar and flavored (sugared) creamer.  God I love that stuff.  Yes, I have tried artificial sweetener, but it's not worth it to me - I'd rather just not have the coffee.  So when it's a choice between coffee I'm not into or no coffee at all, I'll choose no coffee.  But when it's a choice between "do I want to do the coffee thing today?" and no coffee, then of course I'll choose yes to the coffee.  It's a really bad way for me start out my day - with all that failure right off the bat.  I did that yesterday.  And then I did a few french fries with dinner (maybe 6?) as I poked at the serving dish out there for everyone else.  Otherwise I did well.  I wanted to do an evening tea before bed, but as I'm sure you can guess, it too is laden with sugar.   I was actually thirsty, so I opted for water instead.  Not nearly as satisfying, but I was able to do it.
Today I got up and wanted to do coffee again.  MY way.  Except that yesterday was the first time that I actually started to feel some of my weight loss - I kept needing to yank my pants up all day.  What the heck, this is actually WORKING?  So today I said no to the coffee.  Instead, I started with water.  And actually made breakfast instead of it being something that I did later when I was hungry hours after the coffee.  A 1/2 cup of low fat cottage cheese, a 1/2 cup of mango pieces, and a hard-boiled egg.  That was hours ago, and I'm just now starting to think about having lunch.  It worked!  So I'm off to a great start today.  I also tackled my shower tile, which needed a bunch of scrubbing - specifically because why not burn the calories now - today?  Later I plan to take the dog for a walk if I can tolerate the cold.  20 minutes of yoga is also on the docket.  I'm going to be doing some vacuuming this afternoon, too.  Today feels..... in control.  I'm going to try to have a day like I'm supposed to, and see how that feels.  Because I want to see how getting rid of all of this fat feels, too!

Today is 3 weeks post-op since my Lap-Band.  It's four weeks since my pre-op visit when I started a no carb/no veggie diet in prep for surgery.  I am the same weight today as I was 6 days after surgery - that's dissappointing!  I do realize that a lot of that weight loss may have been from being on a liquid diet, for 6 days, too.  So I'm still 12 lbs. down from my visit one week pre-surgery.  I should just be happy.  But I've been working VERY hard, and doing pretty well, and I want to see more results.  I don't see anything yet except on the scale, which will have to suffice for now.
He told me to stop obsessing - I'm down 17 lbs. from my heaviest - which I think was back in July when I visited him to kick this off again.  So,... that's promising!
I kept reading about fills here and on Bandedliving.com where people talked about how many cc's of saline their doctor added.  Lots said that their doctor will only do 5 cc's at a time.  My surgeon had previously stated that I will leave there after every fill at the perfect point, and I'll come back when I notice that I'm able to eat more than I used to be - for another fill.  Huh.  Today I asked him how many cc's he starts with.  He was like, "WHERE did you hear that nonsense?  STOP listening to anyone but me!"  (Jeez - I wasn't "listening" so much as hearing!  I'm following no one's recommendations but his.  I tell him that - that I can't believe how he only had me on liquids for 6 days following the surgery, when I see elsewhere in print or online that people have up to 6 weeks on liquids and purees.  He says, "There's no reason for that - it's just that some doctors don't treat any of their weight loss surgeries any differently.  They do the same thing for band, sleeve or bypass.  And their patients are suffering needlessly if they're band patients.  Of COURSE they lose weight - they're on a liquid diet!  He says that it's not the end of the world, and it usually doesn't hurt anything.  But it's really unnecessary.  He says that he'd love to do an experiment where people who want WL surgery are told, "You're having WL surgery", but not told afterward which one they had.  Then treat them all the same as if they'd had the bypass, and you'd find out that they all have the same results.  He's convinced of it.  Lol.  Says that of course bypass patients are on liquids and purees longer than band patients - because they NEED to be - their stomach can rip if they don't do things slowly enough.  But doing that to a band patient is just scaring them when there's no need.  Interesting.
Anyway, he lays me down on the exam table, he asks me where my port is.  I point.  He wipes it off with alcohol wipes.  He says, "Little pinch", and I feel the needle puncture my skin (such a little thing).  He pushes in some saline.  Then he sits me up so my legs are dangling over the table.  The syringe is still in my stomach.  He hands me a glass of water, and says, "chug".  I do, and he makes me stop after about 4 gulps.  Says, "Okay, where's the water now?"  I point to my stomach.  Says, "Okay, tell me when it goes down past the band".  He withdraws a bit of the saline back out, and I think I feel a change.  So I say, "There".  And he says, "Okay, then we're good", and pulls the syringe out and puts a band-aid over the port.  I tell him that I'm not sure of what it feels like for something to go down past the band - I've never had that sensation.  He says, "That's okay - you go home and try this.  If it's not enough, you just come back and we'll work on it more next time."  Ummm, okay?
I asked him a few questions today.  I said, "Your information packet says that the point of the band is to keep the food above the band for a time, alleviating hunger.  But elsewhere, I see that it says, "wait for the food to pass your band before you take another bite."  He says, "Dang - NO ONE has asked me that in all the years we've had that packet.  Now I'm gonna need to fire my nutritionist, who put that in there." (he's obviously joking).  I say, "So which is it?"  He goes into a long explanation with me about how the band is designed to make a pouch at the top that food holds in for a few hours.  If food is passing the band as you're eating, then the band isn't tight enough - and it's virtually pointless.  K, got it.  Next I ask him about why the band needs to be tightened/filled over time - does the saline seep out?  No - it's because of a few factors - one being that your stomach below the band is thinner than above it - just like once you get a ring past the plumpest part of your finger, it slides off from there on down.  So you need it tightened occasionally.  Also, it can slip down a bit and need to be tightened more for that spot.  This is not the "bad" slippage - this is more incremental migration.
I also asked the doctor what makes the food in the pouch above the band move down past the band eventually?  Is it just a log-jam effect that takes time?  Nope - it's that the stomach acid starts eating at the food in the bottom of the pouch, which makes it break down and fall through the band.  Ah - got it.
I'm going back in a few weeks for a pre-holiday check.  I'm hoping to get down past 300 in HIS office (vs. my home) this time!

So this past week has been tough, if you've seen any of my earlier blog posts.  I've been hungry, food has consumed my thoughts, and some days I haven't done as well as I felt I should have.  Still though - I did WAY better than a typical day prior to my pre-surgical consumption.  So I SHOULD be seeing some loss, even if it's slow.  I had lost 12 lbs. in the first 12 days since my no-carb diet started 7 days prior to surgery.  That was my last visit to my surgeon's office.  I have a scale in my bathroom too - one that I rarely used prior to beginning this.  I've tried to weigh in just once or twice a week, but this week has been every day.  Because I feel like I'm mentally a bit out of control, but I wanted validation that I was still doing well enough to be making forward momentum.  A week ago on Thursday, I'd lost another 3 lbs., according to my home scale.  That was a total of 15.  I was really encouraged by that.  But these past few days the scale has gone back up - frustrating.  And it didn't seem to matter if I had a near perfect day, the scale was telling me otherwise.  I communicated all this to my husband last night, saying that I was afraid that when I went to weigh in today at my doctor's appointment, the scale might show that I'd gained a few of the original 12 lbs. back.  He told me that the scale is a whacky one - that it never gives an accurate reading unless it's perfectly flat.  And that our tile floor certainly wasn't that.  For a moment, I had hope.  Then I realized that even if it's off by a few lbs., I should STILL see it going down.
Today I have my first fill scheduled.  So I figured I'd get on the scale just because I wanted to see how close my doctor's scale is to mine (I realize this is pointless since I'll have weighed myself at home buck naked, prior to any food or liquids being consumed.  And by contrast, I'll weigh in the afternoon at my doctor's office, fully clothed after having had both breakfast and lunch.  But still.)  I made sure to put it on tiles vs. any of the in-between sections between the tiles.  I was expecting it to say what it had in the past few days - which was around 308 (I'd started out at 318).  To my great surprise, it said 299.6!  WHAT?!?!?  I got off and got back on.  The same.  I got back on after moving the scale slightly, and it said 300.00.  F THAT noise!  I'm 299!  Lol.  Then I moved it a lot, very haphazardly, and it was 303 or so.  BUT THAT's STILL GOOD!  I'm now very excited to keep going.  This was just the boost I needed.  If my scale is accurate, I'm BACK in the 200's after several years above 300, and it would mean that I've lost 19 lbs. since Nov. 3rd. - which is 2 days shy of one month.  I lost 25 lbs. in about 4 months a good 10 years ago now (when I went from 250 to 225), and it was LIFE CHANGING.  I never thought I'd do this so fast.
I won't be surprised if my doctor's scale says I'm still above 300 later today.  I'm expecting that.  But still - I'm on the right track.  I just wish I could start to see the difference in my clothing or body/face overall.  I figure a few more lbs. and that'll be inevitable.

I was fully aware when I started down this path that bariactric surgery wasn't a magic bullet.  That it would reduce the size of my stomach, but not my cravings, or how much of a change healthy eating would be for me.  What I didn't anticipate was that I wouldn't feel like I had any difference in my stomach size (still haven't had my first band fill), and that I would feel like I was starving all the dang time.  My stomach doesn't seem restricted whatsoever by the band yet, and I have been eating very small meals compared to what I used to - mostly as practice and to get the weight loss jump-started.  I've been following my doctor's rules with about a 95% success rate.  The most difficult thing has been to not drink at all during / after meals.  When I do break that rule, it's only sips though - not large amounts.
I have been completely carb-free.  I have been eating much healthier cuts of meat overall - no more processed foods.  I'm eating exclusively REAL food for the first time, and I'm enjoying the food.  But I'm hungry just a bit later!  I've been trying to stick to the rule of only eating 3 meals a day (vs. eating only when hungry).  I may sometimes have a snack in the evening - if I'm hungry, it'll be something like nuts.  If I'm just feeling snacky, it's something like sugar-free jello with sugar free Coolwhip.  So I'm eating small, good for me meals, and I'm hungry.  And I appear to be losing only very slowly - or hovering around the same 3-5 lbs.  It' maddening! I want the band tightened already!  That doesn't happen until my Dec. 19th appointment.  That's several weeks from now.  I'm losing my excitement here on being able to do this journey.  I did this so I could lose weight without being constantly hungry!  And that issue still exists.
Yesterday I did wonderfully with food - but it was SUCH a hard day!  I ate what I intended to and no more.  But I feel like I thought about food all.day.long.  Ugh.  I hate that.  It's very difficult.

It's Tuesday, but I'm already working on my shopping list for this coming Saturday.  We shop every two weeks (paydays for us) for 2 weeks of groceries.  So it's a large undertaking with a larger family.  The way it seemed to work best in the past took lots of time, but was worth it.  I've just gotten lazy over the years.  And I know that when I was successful losing weight in the past, it was partly because I planned out my meals ahead of time and made the subsequent shopping list.  So,.... here goes nothin'!
I'm going to start with looking at what we already have in the house.  That means taking stock of the fridge, freezer and the deep freezer.  The benefit of this is that we wind up using what we have without overspending, and it gives me ideas of how to use what's already there.  I can also look at my family's schedule and figure out who will be home that night (I have a teenager that works a lot of evenings), and meal plan for that group (my son who works is also a very picky eater, so we try to have meals that we enjoy/he doesn't when he's not around.  I also take into account any plans that my husband and I might have out with friends or such, and try to make easier meals on those nights.  So as you can see, to do this RIGHT right means:
Knowing my family's schedule ahead of time (as much as I can) Knowing the contents of my freezer, fridge, pantry and deep freeze Understanding the dietary limitations for everyone, including myself It.Takes.TIME.  But again, it's every 2 weeks.  And if I'd get smarter about the freezer list, I'd post it on the fridge and cross off things when I use them, eliminating the need to look in the freezers every time.  I've never quite gotten very good at that, but maybe it'll be my new year's resolution.  Lol.
Then I lay out the list of raw foods we have and figure out what night I'd like to make what.  I work from home a few days a week, so I can afford to make longer prep meals or crock pot meals on those days.  I don't feel like cooking anything that takes too long when I'm getting home at 6 pm.  I'm tired and we're all already hungry, so it's about speed on those nights.  I try to lay it out enough that it'll say something like "Meatloaf, green beans and rolls".  Then all those items can go on my list.  It makes sure that I don't have to think so much about food later, and it also ensures that we use our fresh produce before it goes bad.  A lot of times the first week after shopping will be loaded with fresh veggies, and the next week will have more canned and frozen ones.
In addition to my family dinners, I plan my own breakfast and lunch.  On the days that I'm home, that can involve cooking.  And potentially cooking for food prep for the next day, when I'll be going into the office.  Otherwise I need to do that in the later evenings, when I'd rather be doing just about anything else.  Lol.  It's easiest if I completely pack my breakfast (I tend to eat at work vs. at home) the night before.  Because I am NOT a morning person.  Lol.
I'll do this in chunks this time.  I'll start today with assessing what the pantry and freezers and fridge currently has in it.  Then I can plan from tomorrow through the next shopping trip.  I wouldn't need to do tomorrow (Wed.) through Friday if I'd planned correctly last time, but this time I'll need to do it.
If you fail to plan, you may as well plan to fail, as the saying goes.
 

Does anyone read these?  Because I feel like this is more of a diary than anything else.  Which is okay.  It helps me have a place to pour things out and organize my thoughts.
Today I went and got my Upper GI with double contrast.  First time I've had that test, and hopefully, the last.  Actually, it wasn't THAT bad.  But barium isn't exactly pleasant stuff to drink.  But the results were good - everything was fine.  That's my LAST test for pre-qualifying.  I have to meet with my primary care doc for surgical clearance, and then my bariatric surgeon can turn everything over to the insurance company for review/approval.
Today brought a new wave of feelings as I sat in the little waiting room with my gown on for 40 minutes, alone.  All this time since I've had my conversation with my bariatric surgeon the very first time, this surgery has been more of a fantasy.  I've had eight surgeries of various types so far between the ages of 21 and 46, and I know that I handle them well.  I'm less afraid of surgery than anyone I know, and unafraid to take risks to make huge, quality of life decisions for myself.  I'm proud of that.  That doesn't mean, however, that I'm just hunkey-dorey about surgeries - they still scare me a tad bit - mostly for the pain associated with them.  When I think of the downside of having a surgery done, it always starts with thinking about the morning of surgery, and checking in to get prepped for surgery.  GOD I HATE that.  I hate the millions of questions, the constant verifying that yes, I am who I say I am, the cold room, the stupid garb, my husband looking kind of scared and yet bored, and most of all, GETTING THE IV PUT IN.  GOD I hate that part!  Like,.... I think I hate the IV placement worse than surgery.  I also hate the dry, dry mouth that comes after I wake up.  Usually they're encouraging me to drink, drink, drink.  Not sure that this time will be the same.
This time though, it's a bit different.  You see, all the other surgeries I've had were also elective.  And like this one, they gave the promise of a better life.  Some were little - clean-up of my knee, a bladder sling, and a tubal sterilization procedure.  I say little because there wasn't THAT much pain associated with it.  Two of those practically felt like I never had anything done.  A few others were really large surgeries - a knee reconstruction, a complete knee replacement, and a tummy tuck/breast reduction.  The knees HAD to be done - I couldn't walk anymore.  So I wasn't worried about making a decision that I'd regret in any way.  The tummy tuck / breast reduction was long anticipated, and I trusted my surgeon exquisitely - I wasn't worried that the job would be botched.  I did have large complications from that which made healing much more challenging, but I got over it.  THIS surgery though - this surgery is different than all of those.  Those made me look better, function better, be in less pain.  This can also do all those things.  But this is the only one that requires me to make a lifestyle commitment.  And I am trying to get my head around that.  I mean, if I'm just fine with committing to a low carb, low fat, high protein diet with portion control, I don't need a surgery to do that, right?  So,... what's going to change just because I can't put much in my stomach?  I know the portion control will pretty much handle itself.  So that's good.  But craving the foods won't change ONE.BIT, with this surgery.  So, what, exactly, am I committing to?  I think it's a fresh start.  It's a forced way of staying committed.  It's almost like saying, "I swear I'm so committed to not using my right arm that you may as well cut it off - because I don't plan on ever using it again.  It being gone will only help me stay committed to that."
I have made no lifestyle changes this entire time that I've jumped through all the pre-surgery hurdles.  Not.One.Iota.  Because I feel like I'm holding onto the right to eat the way I want right now - because that'll be gone soon.  That thought both scares and excites me.  Excites me because I don't want this big body as my shell anymore.  But scares me because I already know I'm no good at eating the way I should in order to lose weight.  So this isn't a magic bullet - I'm still going to WANT to eat the way I do now.  But I won't have the luxury of ever doing so again.  Maybe I'm looking at it the wrong way.  I'm sure tomorrow will bring new realizations.

Tomorrow I go in for my labwork and EKG. I'm approaching the final steps of a journey that started 08/02/17. What hasn't been much time, sure seems like it has. When I started, I was doing it to appease my wife, my stepkids, and to give it a chance as numerous other diets and exercise regimens have come and gone. As I went through the process, the classes, support groups, etc. I find myself completely swallowed by the excitement and eagerness to get the surgery done and to get my life back! After every appointment, I'd always ask when the next opening was for the next step in the journey, would accept whatever time given to me, and never cancel or reschedule an appointment. No as I get to the final couple of steps, I'm hounding the bariatric department..."What's next?" "When can I see the nurse?" I'm excited, because at that time, I'll get a surgery date. Unfortunately I have to wait about a week to call the nurse to schedule my next visit, but I'm hoping for a surgery date soon. I'm following the 1200 calorie/day preop diet that was given to me, logging my foods, exercising, and moving around. I've spent countless hours reading blogs, forums, and watching youtube videos (cheers to @fighting400, you've been an inspiration). I just know that soon I'll have my life back. I'll be able to ride the rides, zipline, and participate in the treetop adventure courses my family loves so much. To see their smile as I can finally enjoy activities with them is all the reason I need to make this dream a reality. I'm prepared and ready for any obstacle, I will do this.

My Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy was performed on Wednesday 9/2717. Post op I had my wife Ellen and family with me. I spent the day just recovering in the hospital. Thursday morning, still groggy, I did a swallow test with contrast in hospital; all looked good. Later that morning, the PA brought me three 1 oz cups of water and asked I take 30 minutes sipping them.  Then three more over the next 30 minutes. Vitals were normal and IV removed later that morning. Prescriptions sent to my pharmacy and went home early afternoon.  Going back to see the surgeon next week in office as a follow up.
I am now following Dr. Garber's first month meal plan. Goal is 64 ounces of water sipped throughout the day and 60 grams of protein a day. Guidance was if I got heartburn or pressure it means slow down. Sip, not swallow, and try to stay at 1 oz per ten minutes before taking more water. Thursday my protein intake was all basically Muscle Milk - strawberry - I hated the chocolate.
Friday, most of the morning and afternoon, I again stayed with strawberry protein and either Fiji water or Lipton diet decaf iced tea. Last meal Friday I braved three ounces of poached chicken breast, a pinch of salt and white pepper, chopped fine with an immersion blender with a touch of cottage cheese for creaminess and enough chicken broth to get the finer texture I wanted. Wasn't that bad. Guidance was pureed food or chopped super fine. 
Took pain killers as prescribed and nausea meds too just to keep any pain or nausea at bay Thursday and Friday. Popped a Gas-x chewable when the heartburn reared its head.  Looking forward to Saturday.
Three meals daily  
4oz low fat yogurt or cottage cheese, or a scrambled/poached egg 3 ounces chicken or fish. Guidance was go with dark meat it is more likely to be more tender and moist than a breast 3 ounces chicken or fish. My wife Ellen poaches the chicken in chicken broth which I can also drink as part of my 64 ounces of water. If protein is under 60 grams add protein drink to the day.
Guidance was to always wait 30 minutes after a meal before returning to sipping hydration liquids.
What are you eating, cooking your first weeks post surgery?

My weight has been the one thing I can't really control in life. 
I come from a long line of tall, big-boned giants in my family. (Seriously, my dad is a non-athlete and needed a knee replacement the size of a football player's.) I am 5'9 and have always had long legs and curves, even at my highest weight. I developed earlier than other girls when I was in my teens, and owned a size 12 (Between 165-185 lbs) until my sophomore year in college.  I've always loved my body and felt that it was beautiful even if I was more voluptuous than other girls in school. 
During college I ate more. I discovered that beer and wine were good. (You know, before you realized they contained boat loads of empty calories?) My sleep patterns changed and the stress of tests, papers and social life added up-- and so did the pounds. By the time I graduated I was larger (Size 18-20, 240-260 lbs) but still had my curves. Dieting became more of a priority now, but the dieting almost made it worse. I would lose weight, regain. Cut carbs, try intuitive eating, then go to a doctor, go to the gym and try to get on a new plan, try the South Beach Diet, Eat Vegetarian... you get it? Right? 
I felt like my energy was sucked up with trying to lose the pounds and it was discouraging thinking about it. I worked hard at my career while still trying to work out and eat less carbs. I was supervised by a doctor, personal trainer and nutritionist-- but somehow I just couldn't stop the lose and regain cycle I had started. Every time I stepped on the scale, I was more than 20 lbs heavier than the last time. I wore nice clothes to the office, but as my weight creeped higher and higher-- my heels got lower and lower-- because my sitting and walking posture were losing strength. I felt my muscles weaken and it was weird for me. (By this time, I was about 300-320 lbs.) 
I added more time in the gym to help keep me active and to prevent myself from becoming completely glued to my office chair or in meetings. I gave up alcohol and only drank water.For a year and a half before my wedding, I worked out 4-5 days a week (cardio and strength). My diet was balanced, (whole grain, lean meats, vegetables, occasional treats) but between working out, going to work 40-55 hours a week-- I ate way more when I came home. Not out of stress, but because I felt HUNGRY. No fast foods, no crazy fried foods-- just balanced meals choices... but HUGE portions. I ended up losing 5 pounds in a year and a half for my wedding. Then gaining 15 while on my honeymoon-- my highest weight. (376 lbs.) 
So let's fast forward to today: I am a successful profession in marketing. I have some competitive skills and work well with others. I am able to look people in the eye with the same confidence I have always had. I love myself, and I love my life. I just want to be a winner of my own health, too. I am working out in the gym still, eating a balanced diet, now reducing my portions and I weighed in today at 358 lbs. I am currently at a size high 24 and low 26. I still wear heels to work, but low ones. I am at a point where I can walk up and down stairs, quickly through hallways and to my car with a bit of a heavy breath-- but still doable. My chair is snugger than I would like it to be, but it works. I pass on the endless parade of employee birthday cakes, but still participate in the celebrations. 
My struggle now is trying to control the urge to eat at night and keep my calories in check. It's hard. It's hard not to be tired after work. It's hard to be as focused on my duties, be a leader and ensure I take care of my body with the proper nutrients and exercise it needs. I have some aches that I didn't have before. My lower back gets tight and my joints crack more. This is a new development and one of the reasons I am moving forward with the VSG surgery. Working out IS HARDER at this weight, and it still feels like I am not getting anywhere. However, I am staying positive no matter what.
I have decided that I am going to take control and apply this tool (the VSG, is a tool-- not a cure-all) to my gym routine and eat like my nutritionist instructs. Protein, small amounts, stay away from those starchy carbs. I only drink water and iced coffee with a little light cream in the morning. I am already learning to love my scale and thinking of it as a unit of measurement. (The same way I would measure success at work.) I can still be my big-boned, tall self at work-- I just need some help and taking these next steps will help me do that. 
Anyone else struggle with the weight and work? (In the office or at home?) I'd love to hear about it. I will continue to write more. The good, the bad and the UGLY It's here we can all share these experiences and learn from each other. 
 
 

I'm about a month post op now, when I think of how far I've come just in this month I am happy.  Before the surgery, I had thought of every negative thing that I'm sure everyone does...I had a ton of people telling me horror stories, mostly family members.  I even had some of them telling me these things immediately post op after I had come through the worst of it.  I shut it down and didn't let it get to me.
I'm at the age where any kind of surgery is fairly scary.  My main thought was, "Will I wake up?".  I even said that to my surgeon who chuckled and reassured me everything would be just fine.
I woke up after the surgery in horrible pain, I kept breathing through it and then I had to remind myself, "Girl you are not in labor, tell them you're hurting and get some of those pain meds!".  They took care of my pain and wheeled me to my room after recovery.  I got up and walked to the bathroom, walked to my bed and faced having to take that first sip of water.  It felt weird, it tasted terrible but I did it.  I did it because I knew it would make my recovery go smoother and I would be less likely to feel nauseous.
The next morning I went home to face the dreaded clear liquid diet, and I got through that.   To be honest, I wasn't hungry so it wasn't a problem.  Then on to full liquid, yucky protein shakes tasted ok, but that lentil soup I whipped into a thin liquid tasted like heaven to me and I savored every sip.  Then on to pureed and now soft foods and still I savor every single bite.  Food tastes so good to me now, I don't really know why.  I used to eat pizza, slather everything with butter.  Now I eat healthy7 and nothing that I shouldn't and it tastes wonderful.  So happy and counting my blessings on that.
Pre-op I had worried so much about giving all that up and also the tiny portions I would have to eat.  I had forgotten that my point of reference was my normal sized stomach, not thinking that my stomach would be tiny and those tiny portions would be just perfect for me.  I'm finding out, my perceptions are just out of whack and have been most of my life.
I am having very good luck with my surgery, I think part of that is following the program that I am supposed to be on.  I feel blessed that I was able to have the opportunity to have the surgery, many of the health issues I had are already going away and for me that is the most important thing in my life.  I look forward to my new life of health and well being. 

I had my surgery Wednesday I was scheduled for 1:00 pm but patient issues pushed me to 6:00 pm when they finally wheeled me away. I had 5 extra hours of am I really doing this to think about. Sitting outside my operating room listening to my anesthesiologist promise hes my guardian angel. (I really think he was.) It hit me, I am doing this for me 11 months of work no way I'm backing out now so I put on my brave face and with a little liquid brave from my angel I was drifting asleep.  I woke up groggy at 9:00 pm the rest of the night I just wanted sleep. I felt feeling pretty good, my nurses were dolls  and my pain  was totally bearable. I had asked my surgeon if I could leave by Thursday at 1:00 pm  to make it to my daughters surgery. He was willing to let me go if all the tests fell into place....Then I with my per-counted  chickens had an issue Thursday  my drain tube completely filled up with blood, they would empty it and an hour later it would be full again.  So I got an extra day in the hospital I would get sharp pains when I would get up to use the bathroom my doctor was very reassuring just making sure I'm fine and no reason to panic.  Were going to watch it ''he said'' so we did witch brings us to today. Everything I thought I would need in the hospital I didn't need at all. I needed rest and sleep and water. My daughter watched the six blood draws in 24 hours and the countless bags of fluid be emptied, and asked me if I would do it again answer: Hell yes the pain the blood work was minor. I have been home now for 5  hours  in bed and I couldn't resist the scale with my all liquid diet. Day of surgery 214  now 208

Well the scaled moved some today. yay  I'm five weeks post op today and I did my Monday weigh in and it's on 267.0 finally away from the 270. But like I had mentioned before, I was still shrinking because I could tell by my belt. I could tell by my belt. I never got to measure last week.  seems my tape measure did a hoodie and can't locate it. But I'm good. Not letting stalls or anything get to me. I feel much better and that is all that matters. My goals are to up my working out. I walk a mile 5 times a day, but would like to see about doing more cardio. I see doc tomorrow for follow up and see what he says. I do still have incision pain on my largest incision. So not sure what I'm allowed to do. 
I am still trying to get the eating down too. I know I'm not suppose to snack, but to do just three meals a day doesn't get my protein in. I do like five mini meals. All good stuff like diced chicken, yogurt, cottage cheese, cheese stick, protein soups from this site ( so yummy), etc. It works for me. 
My big excitement beside the eclipse everyone is going bonkers over today here at work is, my husband and I are going to Gatlinburg here in TN in Oct. for my 45th birthday/ 23rd Anniversary. So excited. This will be a different trip since we usually focused a lot of our trips on FOOD and places to eat. I'm not a big shopper so trying to figure out the best way to enjoy a NON - FOOD focused trip. 
Well hope everyone is doing well in Bariatric Land.
Blessing to you all,
Later Gaters 
 
 

Had my 7 week PS followup on Monday! Dr is very pleased the boobies are healing nicely. No incisions opened up which is great!  However  my left nipple still has not popped out yet.  Was told to keep massaging it, which I will do. Told I could finally wear a regular bra. However we did discussed the fact that I bought the B cup bra in the style I use to wear  and am smaller than that B cup bra. Yet, my friend gave me her padded B cup bra  and the cup part fits over my boobies nicely. The padding comes out. The Dr and I discussed  sewing those paddings into my B cup bra as I need the back and sides higher which is my bra style. I do sew so I was pleased to hear to go ahead and do that for now.
Good News! The Dr wants me back on Sept 11th for the next consultation for PS which will be my arms. I was hoping for my tummy but I still have about 27 pounds before I get to goal. The Dr felt that the arms were ready to be worked on and the extra 27 I have to lose wouldn't really affect the arms as much as the tummy. Plus I have a hernia so he needs to coordinate with another surgeon  for the hernia repair and tummy surgery at the same time   This will  be done next year.  
I am able to go back to swimming and can go to the gym if I wish to do so. I have been walking with my walker and also my cane and have been riding my bike. I am feeling great and have so much more confidence and am becoming more involved in life. I am looking forward to finding out about the arm lift and how long of a recovery period I will need. I don't know if getting the arm lift will help with my ability to walk better but I do know it will help with the types of blouses I will be able to wear. No more long sleeves!

Four weeks today I did something that was to change me for the rest of my life. I had the Gastric Sleeve done at Centennial Hospital with Dr. Dyer on 07/17/2017. My highest weight was 315. I as of today weight 270.0. i never got my Day of Surgery weight, but I think it was 286. I have been on a roller coaster stall for a couple weeks now. 
I've read this is common but it can still be frustrating, especially since I'm only four weeks out and already hitting one. It seemed to happen when I changed stages and the problems with Constipation started. I was worried also about changing stages a little early may of caused the stall. I did stage one, good. But I did stage two like a week and then moved to pureed stage 3 early. I was getting so nausea's on the shakes. So I added the pureed stuff a little early. I'll admit I'm not good at pureeing the foods. I just chew chew chew till it's pureed in my mouth or eat already soft stuff like eggs, cottage cheese and yogurt. No problems with anything yet, well still no jello and anything strong mint, like toothpaste.... it makes me nausea. Not sure why. But doing good with everything else. I'm still under 500 cal a day. 
I'm going to start my food journal this week as well as measurements. I was told this can help see any bad trends I might need to nip in the butt and make sure it truly is under 500. Its so hard when labels state 1 cup 200 cal, but you only eat 3 T. Hard to calculate.
Still have trouble with the Anal Fissure. Fibers and stool Softener help, but like I had mentioned. Normal stool even for me is not fun. Going to have to go to a specialist and have this looked into more. Really don't want to go through another surgery right now. Not cool  - nope nope. 
Any others who stalled early on? Love to hear your advice. 
Hope everyone is doing well in Bariatric Land. I'll let y'all know how the week goes. I have my follow up next week so can't wait for that. Lots of questions. 
Later Gaters 

Went back to work this past Tuesday and Thursday 6, weeks after PS. The staff was so happy to see me and stated I looked good. This was the first of four excess skin removal surgeries, so it will be a long process. My breasts were made smaller for the ME I will become, so right now they are not in proportion to the rest of my body.  I didn't even fit into the B cup bra that the Dr told me I would be wearing.   I spent the weekend looking for bra enchancers to put fill out the B cups. Even though they adhere to the inside  bra side I do not feel comfortable with them in. However I do look better.  I only work 2 days per week so during the other days I will not be wearing them.   
A few weeks before I returned to work I was out walking with my walker each day. I only used the electric mobility device to shop. Last week I walked into the WLS office with just my cane. He was so impressed. He figured it out that I have lost 89% of my excess weight. I am only about 27 pounds from goal and I told him I would have 100% gone by Jan 26 2018, 2 years after my 3 procedure surgery.   When I went back to work on Tuesday I was able to use my cane several times while in the building to take short walks. Still used my electric mobility device for the longer walks as we have a huge building. The staff was surprised to see me using my cane. After work on Tuesday used the walker to go to Bingo and again on Wednesday to go to Michigan Rummy. Had to use the scooter on Thursday as I was all over the building. Come Friday I was extremely tired and rested most of the day. However for the PS I had being back to work a week earlier than expected, I think I did pretty good. 
I go back tot he PS this Monday for my 7 week followup. We will be discussing a few things I am seeing that I am not real happy with, but I am sure he will tell me things will get even better when the next PS is done. I just have to keep it in my mind that my body is still in the transition stage  and the final outcome of what my body  shape  may not take place until late 2018.  I am not a 497 pounder on a 500 pound limit electric scooter anymore. In fact the Vocational Rehab Department is in the process of trying to get me a smaller scooter as I  the one I currently have is very old, and difficult to load into the van because it is too big and I don't need that big of one now.   I shall continue to use my walker but will try walking more with just my cane, so by the time  my next PS   is over with I may not need the scooter any more.   Some day soon I can say I am walking without any aids and  I DID IT!  Please continue to read my blog and celebrate that day with me when it happens.