My Story Begins

[Ragdollorchid 128]

To make a long background short, every 10 years I've gained at least 20 lbs. After I had my youngest son in 2000 I thought I could lose it. Soon my new baby was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. I remember comforting myself with mash potatoes and gravy from the hospital cafeteria. I had to focus all my strength on him. I never was able to stay below 200 lbs. again.

15 years later I am so happy to say my son is in good health, but my weight kept climbing. After my friend in the Midwest lost weight through bariatric surgery, I told myself I'd try on my own one more time. Although I lost 17 lbs., the cravings returned and so did the weight.

So in February I talked to my PCP who was encouraging. I contacted the surgeon's office, met with him in April and my adventure with gastric sleeve began. I didn't lose much weight on my 4 mo. Preop diet, but I did change many food issues in my head. I followed the liquid preop diet to a t and lost 15 lbs. So a month after my 54th birthday with a HW of 245 and surgery day weight of 228, I headed into the OR.

My surgery was Tuesday, 9/27. The sleeve part of surgery has not been painful compared to the hernia repair he did. The surgeon said my neck and shoulders are sore because he had to mess with my diaphragm. I feel like I have whiplash, but heat helps. It has been a distraction from any incision soreness. I stayed one night in the hospital. They were all amazed at my quick progress, but I was determined to get out and progress. Last night the pain meds made me feel sick. So I'm trying other ideas for my neck and shoulders. sleeping is the biggest challenge. I've been thankful for this site. I knew to walk, walk, walk and sip, sip, sip! And to remember chapstick for the hospital.

I've taken two weeks off work and hope that my strength will be back by 10/10. So I'm setting small goals each day. Today my goal was to log my liquid and Liquid Protein. It is tough to get it in, but I can tell that logging it helps. Seeing the numbers I can keep pushing myself to get it in. Tomorrow's goal is to get up and move around at least a dozen times as long as I feel up to it.

I'm proud of myself for doing this. I've mentioned in a couple of posts that my 80 y/o mother is my biggest cheerleader through this. Her mind is sharp, but her body hurts from carrying so much weight over the years. She wants better for me. And I do too!

I'll work on getting up the courage to post pictures along the way.☀️

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Edited September 30, 2016 by Ragdollorchid

[redfire_angel75 62]

Congratulations!! You'll do great!!

[Rosey posey 176]

Ragdoll don't know you but admire your spunk. Join me on Bariatric Pal, that's where I usually am. Rosey

Sent from my S55 using the BariatricPal App

[Mimi52 103]

Congrats my surgery was on the 27th also. Stayed 2 days in hospital as blood pressure too low. I am not having much pain but having difficulty getting in fluids. Only able to get in about 32oz a day. Trying to sip all day but everything has terrible taste even Water. Have follow up with Dr tomorrow. Know she won't be happy but hopefully will give me a few new ideas on how to get it in. Probably doesn't help that I have a terrible cough.

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