7 week update

[Nancy Rivers 24]

I had my "6 week" checkup today - just one day shy of 7 weeks post-op. I've had several NSV's during this time - especially in the last few days. I asked the dietician to take my measurements again today. They were originally done when I first saw the surgeon on May 18 - about 2 months before my surgery.

All measurements are in inches.

Body measurement May 18 August 29

Upper Arm 16 13

Forearm 11 9

Chest 46 43

Waist 52.5 44

Hips 61 57

Upper Thigh 33 28

Mid Thigh 29 22

Calf 19.5 19.5

The only measurement that did not change is my calf. I can't believe how much my waist and thighs have changed though!

I have gone from a size 28W pants to 24W. My tops have gone from 3/4x to 1x. I am able to walk greater distances without loosing my breath (about 1/2 mile actually), stand for longer periods of time (about 1/2 hour) and take about 30 stair steps without loosing my breath. I couldn't do any of that before surgery. My back is feeling better, as well as my knees.

The actual weight loss isn't as much as I was hoping for, but it's still not bad. I'm currently in my 2nd stall.

I was cleared today for solids and to start with the personal trainer at the healthplex (2 personal trainer meetings and 6 month membership at the healthplex was included with my fee for the surgery). I'm currently waiting for the healthplex to call me to set up the meeting and start the membership.

The dietician today said that in another month and half I should start feeling normal again - like I never had surgery. I told her that I already feel that way - with the exception of some occasional itching in my stomach area from the healing incisions. She was a bit surprised by that.

The surgeon looked at the one incision that bled a bit the other day and confirmed that it still looks good and is not infected. In fact, he said they all looked good.

[longer-life 139]

Awesome! Good news all around.