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Welcome to my journey toward being able to walk again!
 

8 weeks post op and haven't lost weight since March 8th.

Very discouraged as it has been 18 days since my last posting and I haven't lost a single pound. I guess I am in my 2nd stall since weight loss surgery. I like to see the scale go down, however I have been trying to focus on Non-Scale Victories. About the only things that I see changing are 1. this week I finally am able to eat without that horrible pain I was having. 2. my overall body measurements, have decreased which is resulting in my clothing fitting better but still not in the next size down. 3. my ability to bike a farther distance in less time. 4. am still trying to hit the 60 grams of protein an eat no true carbs. Over the last 18 days I have hit the 60 gram goal only 5 times of which 3 days this week were 60 or over. So I finally think it is happening. I haven't had a single true carb you know like bread, pasta etc. 5. I have no hunger but know I have to eat. I am still not that great with establishing an eating routine but I am getting better. I only work 2 days a week and when not working I have a totally different eating and exercise schedule. 6. I am hitting the mark every day and having no problems with drinking my water.   So overall I am seeing changes and will continue to work on them all. I hope this 3rd month will show better results than the 6 pounds I lost in month 2. I see the Dr again on April 20th and hope to see at least 10 pounds down this 3rd month. Hope whom ever is reading this blog is doing well. Please feel free to let me know your following my progress towards getting healthier and being able to walk again without mobility devices. If you want to be friends feel free to send an invite.
ssflbelle

ssflbelle

0
GastricSleeveGalJourney
 

3 Month Measurements

Bicep (l)   1M 14.5 2M 13 3M 12.5   Bicep 1M 13.5 2M 13 3M 12.5   Bust 1M 42 38 38   Thigh (l) 28 24 25   Thigh 28 24 25   Waist 45 39 36   Neck 14 13.5 14   Abs 45 42 41.5   Bum 43.5 42 41   Calf (l) 17 16 15   Calf 17 16 15   Knee (l) 19.5 17 17   Knee 19.5 17 16   Ankle (l) 9.5 9.5 8.5   Ankle 9.5 9.5 8.5   Hips 42 41 39   Forarm (l) 11.5 11.5 10   Forarm 11.5 11.5 10.5   Chest 36 36 36   BMI 36 30.9   Total (Inches)   466.5   430.5   418
skp

skp

0
The transformation of one crazy goose
 

Anxious, excited and can't sleep at night

I don't know what is wrong with me but as the surgery looms closer I can't sleep at night. So anxious and excited. Keep thinking about my future, I've never been so optimistic and filled with so much hope. So many good things happening at once. First and foremost I'm thankful to God, without him with the way things were going last year I would be dead by now for sure. I was on the verge of being homeless, constantly sick and being diagnosed with more health problems but now look at me, I could possibly get my own place this week, this week is also when my weight loss journey kicks off. I hope I can do this upcoming liquid diet Wednesday. 2 weeks of no solid foods just liquid, then bam! Surgery time then more liquids. I know it won't be easy. I can't even stand the feeling of being hungry, it drives me absolutely crazy and makes me really grouchy and mean, but just to think a year from now I could very well be half my size!   I think about this lifestyle I want, I want to be healthy. Having a place of my own will give me that advantage. I won't have to look at a fridge full of tempting food that would throw me off course, don't have to choose foods I don't even want when grocery shopping because I have to compromise and share the grocery bill with other people. I can eat whenever I want also and I no longer have to be ashamed when I eat around people because whatever I'll be eating would be healthy and within the parameters of my required diet and my sleeve would restrict my portions.   I would like to get a little dog to take on walks, and actually utilize the gym in the apartment building I'm moving into or go to a regular gym or both. I want an active lifestyle, try things I can't do now like maybe go hiking even though nature and I don't necessarily get along, (I'm scared of insects, snakes and mountain lions) but I'll give it a try. I also used to love bike riding (until I rode off a curb one day and broke the bike in half), I want to try indoor rock climbing, maybe join a dance class -just all kinds of things I can't even think about now because I'm so big and out of shape, but maybe even do the little things like going to the beach and walking across the sand without sinking ankle deep each step.   I want to spend the next two to three years years getting to know myself and becoming my true self. Who I am right now is not really me because my life has just been so restricted because of my weight and other issues I've had to overcome. I've been through hell and now things are changing for the better and I just want to seize the opportunity to live life to the fullest and function like a well adjusted healthy human being for once.   The scary thing is I haven't confronted all my demons yet, namely the ones that have triggered my binge eating and overeating all these years and the one that equates a belly full of big greasy double cheeseburgers and soda with a loving hug from my mother who rejected me. But you know what? I'm putting on my fighting gloves and when my poor tummy roars from thinking I'm punishing it by feeding it only liquids I'm going to arm myself with self-help books and prayer and I'm going to confront this motherfucking demon head on and defeat it because that's all I can do. I have my mind set -I'm going to have this surgery April 6 and its going to hurt a little bit, -maybe a lot, but as they say, anything worth having is worth fighting for.   I'm spending the next few days learning all I can about this surgery, about my diet and getting in tune and mentally preparing myself -things I probably should've been doing all along but I just never thought this surgery was actually going to happen even though I've went through most of the process. I've had all these people I'm related to whom I expected to be my cheerleaders say nothing but negative and discouraging things to me about how I won't be able to do this. All I really got egging me on is myself and some of the nice people from bariatricpal. Some of these people have experienced the same things and things I haven't experienced yet but will go through. I can learn a lot from them.
crazygoose

crazygoose

0
A journey without end
 

POD 5 - feeling great

so strange - i feel so well. No nausea, no issues with drinking (other than forgetting), no lightheadedness. No need for pain medication. Bowels moving well. Weight 257.7, down around 7 lbs since surgery. Loosing pretty fast, but given the calorie intake not all that surprised. The important thing is that I don't have any symptoms of protein deficiency - fatigue, constipation, excessive sleepiness, hair loss. So far so good.   Very early in the process, but so very glad I made the decision to do this. So very happy.
bal

bal

0
pegrae's journey oh happy me
 

The journey begins

Most of the blogs I have read on Bariatric Pal start with a surgery date or actual surgery itself, I am starting now. My first appointment is April 14th to see the weight loss clinic and get my process started. For me it started the day I said to myself now it the time to do this and the day I had the courage to ask my family to support me in doing so. I still am in awe that my children all thought it was an amazing idea, I knew my husband would he has been through 35 years of my obesity, never complaining alway encouraging. We have had to all work and sacrifice to save as I am a private pay, they are an amazing group of young people. I should have enough money to schedule surgery in late May or early June. I will try to share as openly as I can with you all, in the hopes it will help my success and perhaps someone else who is looking for support and friendship.................. until tomorrow.... drink water and sleep well
pegrae

pegrae

2
A journey without end
 

March 17 - post op day 4

I had a laparoscopic gastric sleeve & gall bladder removal on monday the 14th. The surgery went without a problem, and I was up and walking a few hours later. I have been very fortunate - many of the side effects that people report (gas pain, nausea, vomiting) seem to have passed me by. AND my bowels are already moving.   Last night I slept very well (so glad to be back in my own bed). Today I'm working hard to keep up with fluids and proteins - I feel like I'm drinking continuously. But no nausea.   It almost feels surreal - I've actually had to check the incisions a few times just to confirm for myself that the surgery took place. I have no appetite, and it takes very little to make me feel full.   I started at a highest weight of 278. At surgery I was 262. Plan to wait a week before weighing again.   I'm so very happy that I finally made the decision to move forward with improving my health. I expect set backs and challenges - after all, this is a huge life change. But so far so good.
bal

bal

0
AH.healthyfit's Blog
 

New to Bariatric Pal/About Me & Healthy/Fit Goals #1

Hello!   About Me:   I am new to BariatricPal and I look forward to connecting with people who have had/will have the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy. As of today, 03/16/2016, I am 19-years-old and I weigh 263 pounds at a height of 5'9.   Recently both my mom and my aunt got the VSG done and they both look and feel great. My nanna got the Gastric Bypass many years ago and has kept her weight off. I am very excited to make this life changing decision myself too!   As you may notice already from what I've told you, I come from a family of overweight/obese people so I really feel that it is in my best interest to do it while I'm young to start to train myself into better eating habits and also to not have to carry around this additional weight that I know is not healthy. _____________________________________________________________________________   The Nitty Gritty: Anticipated Surgery Date- November or December of 2016   Right now I am just in the process of during research on where I would want the procedure done. I am looking into Mexico due to the significantly lower costs there. I am however being very picky about this. I will not go to Juarez, and I am very iffy about Tijuana. All my family had their bariatric surgeries done in the U.S. (except for the time my mom had her lap band put in, way before her VSG, in Mexicali--she says her experience was actually very nice).   I plan on paying about half just out of my savings and the rest either on a credit card or through a loan. I am quite sure insurance will not cover any portions of the surgery.   My mom has been watching this doctors YouTube videos for a while now and even considered going to him but was just unsure of going out of country again, she felt more comfortable getting it done in the U.S. This doctor is Dr. Alvarez of Endobariatrics in Piedras Negras, Mexico. I have been doing some research on this clinic/hospital and I am pretty impressed so far, people who have gone to him seem to love him and his staff so I feel that he is a great option for me. The location seems very safe and nice as well. If anyone has gone to him I would love it if you would share your experience with me as well ! Likewise, if you recently (within in the past 6 months) got your VSG somewhere in Mexico and you loved your experience I would love to hear about it. _____________________________________________________________________________   Healthy/Fit Goals #1   One pre-op goal that I have is to lose 10 pounds on my own before starting the liquid diet. I know that I can do this, I have done it once before. It took a lot of hard work and dedication, I feel that I could've gone even further with it but I ended up going through a break-up doing that time and thats what broke my good habit of going to the gym 4x a week and eating better.   I actually have a gym membership to Curves but I haven't gone in forever (and I still owe them money); but today for the first time in months I went to the gym with my best friend (at her gym) and it felt so good. We didn't stay long but that was okay with me because I was new again and I know it's best to start slow. I did the elliptical for 30 minutes and then we had to go. We'll be going this Friday too and we've decided to at least go once every Wednesday which I think is a really good start.
AH.healthyfit

AH.healthyfit

0
foevlo's Blog
 

Very excited

I have completed all the steps necessary to go forward with surgery. I am waiting to meet with the surgeon now and then my surgery will be booked. I live in Canada and the wait for surgery is very long. It has been 14 months since I went to orientation to get this process started. Finally, in January they called and I have seen the social worker, nurse, internal medicine doctor and nutritionist. All my testing is done and I am approved to go forward.......the wait is driving my crazy. I wish that they would just call and give my appt so at least i know what I am waiting for.   I would appreciate any tips or advise about preparing for the surgery and I enjoy reading how people manage after their surgeries to get me ready to manage my adventure.   Dawn
foevlo

foevlo

0
GastricSleeveGalJourney
 

10 Weeks :) w Pic

As of today I lost 31.5 lvs since Jan 5th   Just about out of the 170"s   I started working out last week alternating cardio and stength weight training. Food i still a struggle, I dont have a whole variety of eating yet.   I just starred adding fruit such as an apple and i can only eat half, I also had pb with it.   Still struggle to get my water and all my protein in.   Still a learning curve, of finding out which foods I can handle. I had a baby blizzard and it was so good. But at he end must of bene a big sugar attack and i was not feeling well at all, i wanted to make myself throw up, he feeling went away after an hour or so. And the next day no effects from the icecream, before I would hve direhea. I been having milk products for a while in, motly in thr greek yogurt and cheeses. I stick to almond Milk.   Also i am Having the odd fruit smoothie every now and then, i can drink a cup but it takes me well ovr 30-60 mins depends how thick it is.   Here is an updated pic  
skp

skp

0
Welcome to my journey toward being able to walk again!
 

Day after surgery until now 6 weeks out

Hi Everyone It has been awhile since I wrote the last posting in my blog. The day after surgery Wednesday was the day I was suppose to go home but it turns out I didn't leave until the following day. I was still way to weak, in the morning to even get myself off the toilet without the PT lift belt and three people pulling me up. By about 1 pm the PT finally got me up on my feet with the walker to do a little bit of walking. That afternoon I was able to eat some of the Jello. Later that night they changed my IV meds to Tylenol. Come Thursday morning I was anxious to get out of the hospital and was home by noontime. The 35 minute ride home was ok only because I had my little bucket with me in case I got sick. Thank goodness it never happened.   Once I got home I change into my nice warm Mumu and went to my recliner chair and got on the computer. I hardly had anything that day to eat but I was drinking water and by Friday I was finally able to drink a protein shake. It took me over 4 hours to drink it but once I got that first bit of protein down I really started to feel a lot better. Each day was getting better and better and by my 1 week followup I felt great. Everyone at the surgeon's office said I looked great for just 1 week post op. My surgeon was very happy with the way my incisions were healing so nicely. I had no bruising, redness or itching like I had read a lot of people had. In one week I had lost 13 pounds. I was hoping for 15 so I would have been below 300. However 2 days later I did drop down 6 more pounds and was finally seeing a 2 for the first time in over 35 years. There I sat at 295 for over 17 days not losing another pound. I had come to the dreaded stall and I wasn't even 3 weeks out of surgery. But I stayed positive and kept telling myself I am still healing and my tummy is in shock and trying to adjust. I tried my best to "Embrace the Stall" as I had read that thread over and over again that a follow Bariatric Pal had written.   Finally by the first month's post op followup I had lost another 3 more pounds.The surgeon was pleased with my 22 pounds loss since surgery. We discussed how I started riding my trike again and how I did in the one egg a day stage and liquid protein. I told him I had terrible pain under my left breast area when ever I ate the egg. He told me that was my signal that I either ate too fast or I was full. I tried to tell him I ate very small amounts and very slowly, but he didn't seem to think it was a problem. With drinking the protein shakes and soups I was able to get to the 60 grams of protein. So he just told me to slow down my eating even more. He said I could move on to the next stage and introduce a variety of foods. I was so happy to finally be able to eat more than an egg. I asked him how many calories should I be eating now and he said don't count calories just protein. So I asked where should my protein be at now. I was expecting him to say to increase it to 80 grams. I got the shock of my life when he told me 41 grams of protein. I said what? I thought I had heard him incorrectly as everything I had read for the past 8 months said to increase not decrease the protein. He said since I had lost 38 pounds with the 6 months preop and 22 with the surgery that now I should be getting in less protein and to stop drinking the shakes and soup. This surgeon's office has no NUT. He has been doing this WLS for the past 16 years. I don't know if his NUT left the practice or what happened but during the 6 months pre-op diet I saw the Hospital NUT once and that was during the first month. All the nutrition info was coming directly from the surgeon. Since Feb 17th they hired a NUT and they are still working out her schedule and the insurance plans so our insurances will cover her visits. I tried to see her during the one month followup but she was not even there that day.   I left the office on Feb 26th weighing 292 pounds. I tried for a week to follow what the surgeon said and I lost another 5 pounds and got down to 287. However I saw a decrease in my energy level and felt so tired that in the past week I went trike riding 1 time compared to 8 times during the egg and 60 gram protein stage. I tried for the second week at that protein level and within 5 days I GAINED back up to 292. I immediately got online to BP and posted what the surgeon had told me to do and what my results were. I also told everyone I still had that terrible left under the breast pain. I got over 20 replies telling me they had never heard of decreasing protein and maybe I was also constipated. They suggested I up my protein and my water. The day I wrote that thread I was so discouraged and wondered What did I do to myself. Up until that time I was very positive and encouraged. However the 2 1/2 to 3 weeks of this pain when eating was really getting to me. After reading all the postings I came to the conclusion that my surgeon is an excellent surgeon but I think he is off his rocker about nutrition. So since this past Sunday I upped my protein back to 60 grams and started to drink more water and took something for the constipation and within 2 days I was back down to 287.   I am so grateful to all who replied to my post and helped me through this difficult time. I am going to keep my protein up and even try to get past 60 grams. I am still drinking at least 1 shake a day and have been back on my trike and managed to go 3.81 miles on Monday. Oh the best thing is yesterday when I ate my 3 small meals and a snack I had no under the breast pain. I think I may have finally turned this around and am heading down the right path and am looking forward to what the future will bring. I see the surgeon again on April 20th and we shall see how much more weight I lose my then. I am kind of interested in seeing if he will reduce my protein again. However if he does I think it will be falling on deaf ears as now I know better thanks to all my friends on BP. Hugs Everyone Till I write again stay Healthy and Happy! I know I will thanks to all of you, my friends!
ssflbelle

ssflbelle

1
darnelladwashington's Blog
 

Day 4 after surgery

Hello everyone, I am feeling occasional pain on my left side but other then that no other pain. What I am feeling is very weak and no desire to eat or drink. I am literally forcing myself to drink the protein shakes. Did anyone feel this way? It is very scary because I am alway full of energy. Just sitting and trying to do homework drains me. Will this go away and how soon?
darnelladwashington

darnelladwashington

1
GastricSleeveGalJourney
 

2 Months In :)

Update:   This week I gained almost 2 . I guess because Im starting to eat a lot more. And I'm eating what ever I can eat! Not good. I need to change my mind mentally and start eating properly. I need to get over my unwillingness to have my veggies. Im prepared mentally for that by finding recipes thatI think will help me eat my veggie, now its a matter of cooking it and eating it.   I still can't eat as much, I get full my a chicken leg, or half a small pork chop, an dI mean the size of the 2 fists of a newborn. Veggie soup: A few carrots, potato, and turnip, with probably a tablespoon or 2 of meat I can eat a cup no problem. I can have all meats, potato, carrot, turnip. Thats my veggie and meat range so far.   I tried a fruit smoothie, 1/2 c Mixed berries, with a bit of orange juice with protein powder.   Today I did some cardio; according to my fitbit I burned 450 cal in 45 mins. I was just doing dance videos. And a bit of my xbox kinnect dance games.   Tomorrow Im going to do some weights.   So much to learn, I still have yet got my water intake yet, and Im getting better with protein, I have been having about 60 so far and thats including protein supplement.   Sometime today I will more then likely do my 2 month measurements and post and update pic. You definitely see a difference.   Bye for now
skp

skp

0
The journey finally begins
 

Losing a small person and feeling good about it!

OK, so today is seven months since my surgery and I have lost a small person (about 125 lbs). It's hard to wrap my head around that. I am still having serious issues with exercise (or the lack thereof) and finding motivation for working out. My eating is going better, and I am tolerating a lot more foods. Even when they don't go down right, they at least stay down. I am also not understanding calories. I upped my calories from 1000 to about 1100 and my weight loss has picked up. I am also focusing on protein (125+ gms per day) and I am feeling better. I am very close now (8 lbs) from my goal, but my Doc is urging me to go 15 lbs beyond that so that when I bounce back it my weight will still be within goal. I have also discovered lots of snacks at the bariatric pal store and I have been integrating them into my diet. I'm happy where I am right now and looking forward to keeping the positive momentum going!
fernandfj

fernandfj

0
The Rambling's of a Quirky Wanderer
 

One month post-op, who'd a thunk it? lol.

So my very good friend that is going through this process with me had her surgery yesterday morning and I am officially one month post-op!   The first few weeks I after I was doing spectacularly... meeting all of my nutritional goals, getting in all my fluid, and getting in a ton of physical activity. I was healing like a dream. The pain was luckily minimal in my own case beyond the usual discomforts.   However, given all of the outside stuff going on and also being away from work for so many weeks I've just got way TOO much time to myself to focus on other less important things... and this has really been getting to me and grating on my nerves as I am dealing with quite a lot of stuff aside from just needing to focus on me and recovering from my RNY surgery. I've also been a bit depressed.   I know being a bit depressed is also normal. I just can't seem to shake it and it's driving me nuts... I decided on a whim to go back to work way earlier than anticipated merely to get myself out of the house more, back to work, and just back into a regular routine (plus it's nice to get paid to do stuff too, lol!). I've been a little stressed too with the random bills coming in from the surgery, plus the bills I am going to have to pay my employer once I get back for my medical benefits while I've been out... etc, etc... so anxiety, depression, stress... I'm not my usual bright ball of sunshine.   It's been really bad this past week since starting on the "soft food" phase of my diet. I know I am not getting enough protein , I am not eating enough period. I am getting all of my vitamins, yes. But I am not getting enough food or fluids. SO, I may just need to stop and go back to square one with my soups/puddings and whatnot from the liquid phase just to re-kickstart things... that is the general advice from the support group at my bariatric program; if you feel like you're having trouble, just start back at step one and slowly go from there.... I think I can do that and get back to where I need to be without sacrificing too much. I know most of it is this freaking depression that I've let overcome me... but I'm gonna try to start kicking it to the curb.   Hasta La Vista, Babay!
BlueBongo

BlueBongo

0
The Rambling's of a Quirky Wanderer
 

So I'm re-starting a blog before I go crazy...

So I had RNY on 1/27, the beginning of my new life! All smiles, all prepped, and the first few weeks were right on track with all my meds, fluids, water... PERFECTO! I was up and walking within a few hours of my surgery, no pain meds... I wasn't being superman, I just felt a mild discomfort from gas and my incisions more than any internal pains. I was rather happy with the exemplary outcome of all of that.   Anywho... unrelated to all of that. The reason I needed the surgery was Pseudotumor Cerebri (with Papilledema)... wtf is that, you ask? Women in "child bearing years" that are generally overweight, their bodies have this tendency to create extra spinal fluid (ALL the fluid in your skull, what you cry/fluid in your sinuses etc, is spiinal fluid). When the pressure builds up because this extra fluid has nowhere to go, the women needs a spinal tap ASAP or a shunt put in as a permanent surgical option to alleviate said extra fluid. I opted for frequent spinal taps.... not brilliant, but better than the shunt and MUCH better than my head exploding (which could happen if I fly or scuba dive, which are two of my favorite hobbies as I work for an airline and have my scuba certification... so... anyway...).   Enough of the medical background, I needed the RNY to drop more weight drastically (and quickly as the meds I was on were preventing this even with drastic workouts/physical activity/proper diets) so I didn't go blind and die due to the afore mentioned affliction. I got really sick in the middle of last year.... this is how 2015 went for me (I have a hidden super power and impulsively marry people too!) April I got married in Georgia to a former ex-hubby (longer story), he moved to Arizona in June... I got really sick in July and we both had to move in with my parents and had his cat in tow (I don't like cats and my parent's aren't fond of them either, they own a giant German Shepherd)..... so we've all been at my parent's home because of my illness keeping me from work a lot and my now hubby unable to motivate himself to find a second/better job, I was working as much as I could (I make a bit more money and was paying 90% of all of our bills before I got really sick and was still paying about 80% even when I wasn't able to work quite as much.. it drained all of my savings and retirement to keep us afloat, but I wasn't physically able to work a second job..). Anywho.. I am giving y'all way too much info.. but it was rough and we were really putting my parent's out... then come October/November I am working a bit more but I'm realizing the marriage thing was just a bad idea in all fronts and I am making all of "our decisions", doing all of the cleaning, and having to seriously nag to get things done... I don't like being this person, it isn't me. I tell him this, but things don't get any better as December comes. So I filed for Divorce on New Year's Eve.   With my illness, the need to regain control of my life and the need to rid myself of the toxic elements keeping me from being happy... it was a rough patch through the Holidays. But I am changing my life... I can't let toxic people, toxic places, or toxic things keep me from reaching the goals that I have set forth. I need to be healthy, alive, and happy... these are my very basic goals. My hubby bringing home pizza's every night after work, eating fast food 3-5 times a day, and not taking care of himself when I have tried to help him prep meals, go to the doctor's, take and have even packed lunches for him to take to work.... I just don't get why someone, especially knowing what I am going through and commiserating with me and telling me they also want to be healthier and better... would fail to even try, and then also try to impede me at great lengths as though we are children in grade school and not adults. It's all so ludicrous.   As we are living with my parents, I can honestly say that my habits have washed off on my parents quite a bit.. they pack their lunches and don't drink soda, they eat better, though they do still keep unhealthy stuff around... I don't care about any of that. I just appreciate that they understand what I am going through and though I don't expect them nor force them to live healthier, they enjoy living better and healthier! This definitely makes it a lot easier on me at home, even with my almost ex-hubby who isn't in line with us on this!   It's just a tense situation which will be rectified in the coming weeks when he moves out, I move myself up to Oregon/Washington State (where I want to be, transferring with my airline), and I keep on my current path of trying to be happy and staying positive!   It's just all crazy and so much going on. I feel horrible for my parents. I don't understand how some people can't truly be independent or take care of themselves, but I suppose that is just how life goes for some. I am glad to be feeling better, but this is only the beginning.   I take my frustrations out by going to the gym, and though I am not ready to go back to work.. I am heading back to work this week just to get myself back on a regular routine and get back to reality. It's been a wild 7-8 weeks off... but gotta get back to reality sometime, eh?
BlueBongo

BlueBongo

0
GastricSleeveGalJourney
 

Almost another week in :) 8 Weeks

My last post, I mentioned about having the stomach flu or sleeve problems. it wa stye stomach flu Its passed now.And i am now starting to try to introduce more foods.   Still hard to get all the water and protein in, Im trying a method of eating every 2 hours. Would love ideas for snacks and things to eat. I am on week 8 of eating now.   Today I was surprised that I made my own shake today with berries and a banana and was able to finish it but be able to drink it normally. Not like sip, wait, sip wait. I used a straw, had a few sips and was fine.   Weight Update: Starting Weight: 203 Current: 175 Net loss: 28 lbs This week was my lowest weight loss of 1.3 lbs.   Around the 5th of March I'll post my update on my 2 month measurements. And update pics   Stay tuned!
skp

skp

0
Welcome to my journey toward being able to walk again!
 

My Jan 26th 2016 three procedure surgery experience

Hi to everyone who is reading my blog. I see it was viewed over 1,000 times and I thought it was time for an update. I am writing this posting 23 days after my surgery. I have posted on many threads during these past 23 days about my surgery and recovery but some how neglected writing in my blog. So today I am taking the time to post about my surgery experience. Sorry this is rather lengthy, but should offer you all in the pre-surgery stage another glimpse into what happened at least to me during my surgery. Each person's surgery is different, so yours may not be anything like mine. If in some small way it helps just one person to understand how to prepare for their Weight Loss Surgery it will be worth it to write this. Plus next year when I am at goal I would like to have the posting to read back on.   I was called on Monday Jan 25th 2016 and told to report to the hospital at 11:30 am Tuesday Jan 26th. My surgery took place 2 days after my Birthday. Sunday, my Birthday I started my clear liquid diet even though I didn't need to start it until Monday. However the night before my 60th Birthday we had a Wine, Fondue and Cupcake party so I wanted to be sure all that junk was out of my system for surgery day. After midnight on Monday I was not allowed to eat or drink anything. On Monday I had photos taken, took my measurements and packed my bags.   This is my first surgery and I was a bit nervous of the unknown, whether or not I would wake up from the surgery. How bad would the pain be and how long would I be in the hospital. However everything I have read on line for the past 8 years has shown me that this is the right thing for me to do. Over many many years I have lost 180 pounds on my own and the last 160 do not want to leave my body. After Jan 26th I knew that the numbers would go down a lot faster than the first 180 did. I was thrilled to finally be able to have this much needed surgery that was denied me in 2008 when I first joined the site.   Come Tuesday my roommate drove me to the hospital. I remember on the 30 minute drive how thirsty I was and how much my throat hurt from not being allowed to drink even water. They took me in to the preop area within 10 minutes of my arriving at the hospital. I changed into the gown and they put on the nonskid booties as I couldn't do it. Then they put on those white support stockings and the velcro leg compressions. I have a history of lymphedema and neither one of us wanted to deal with that on top of surgeries. They tried to get an IV line started on my left hand but as soon as they put the tourniquet on me the vein they had found disappeared. So the nurse located and got one on the right hand. After that I complained I was cold on my shoulders so they put on a few blankets and even had a heater hose under the blanket at my legs. Next they hooked me up to the EKG but they were having problems getting it to register. They asked me all kinds of questions about the meds I had taken and when I last ate or drank anything. They moved the EKG pads, replaced them twice and finally replaced the lines. After about 20 minutes they had a good reading. It was about 1 o'clock when I was wheeled into the operating room. I remember thinking wow there are at least 6 to 8 people in here who were going to be there for me. Within another minute I was asleep. I don't even recall a mask being put over my face. I was the first one for the day as Dr Vaughan starts in the afternoon on Tuesday. Dr. Vaughan started the bariatric surgery program at Jupiter Medical Center in 2000. He is highly regarded among his peers for his technical skills, excellent outcomes and low complications rates. In addition to bariatric surgery, he performs an entire range of general surgery, including gallbladder removal, hernia repairs, heartburn surgery, colon and intestinal, stomach and skin cancer surgery.   Since the surgery I have gotten reports as to what Dr Vaughan did in the 2 hour surgery time. First he repaired a hernia that we both knew about. I had 6 visits with dr Vaughan before he did the surgeries. During that time he thought I might have an umbilical hernia and if I did he was going to leave it in. He said during weight loss they grow back so better to leave it in and get it taken out when I have skin removal surgery. However it turns out the hernia was not an umbilical and he had to repair it After that he moved on to do my sleeve and the last thing he did was removed my very badly diseased gallbladder. I never had an problems with the gallbladder. However he told me it was a porcelain gallbladder and had to come out.   According to my room mate the hospital provided a computerized following of me that day. He told me I was in the operating for 2 hours and in recovery for 3 hours. In recovery they had a very hard time getting my pain under control. I have read that people woke up with tubes in their throats and remember everything they said. I have no memory of the 3 hours in recovery.   The first memory I have is being wheeled through the doors of my private room. I remember asking for ice chips as my throat was as dry as a bone. Those first ice chips in over 18 hours felt so good as they melted down my throat. I slept off and on the rest of that night. The only pain I had was right under my breast on the left side. I remember holding onto that area for most of the night and being cold. I also remember not liking that my feet were still restricted and asked of all that stuff could come off and they said no. I asked if they could at least expose my toes so they did take off the nonskid slippers and pushed the open toe support stocking up just above my toes. Oh what a relief that was as I never wear socks. So once I felt more comfortable I drifted off to sleep again until they came to take my vitals. I don't remember when but at one time in the night I saw my blood pressure bottom number had dropped down to 38. I have no idea if that wa good or bad as I drifted back off to sleep. However all the hospital staff was wonderful so I am sure they took care of the situation as they needed to.   Since this turned out to be so long, I will end it here and start another posting about the Day after surgery. Feel free to ask any questions, leave a command or two or become friends with me.
ssflbelle

ssflbelle

1
GastricSleeveGalJourney
 

Sick :(

I don't know if I am experiencing dumping syndrome or not. But I had TMi; vomitting and diarhea for over 12 hours.   or due to me not eating enough, and eating the wrong foods :S   or simply the 24 hour bug.   I had no incidences now for 3 hours. I can keep food and water down now. So I hope this not fun day has passed.   Update:   Other then today, everything is going great. Down 27 lbs now. Trying to do a bit of cardio, I was supposed o strength train but my body had other plans.   Soon going to add my 2 month measurements
skp

skp

0
GastricSleeveGalJourney
 

The Gurglies

Anyone else experience it? I'm 6 weeks Post, and my stomach/chest make sa while lot of noticeable noise as I eat solid food or liquids sometimes. It can be funny at times, but annoying as well.   I wonder when it will go away.   I am not trying a bit of pasta, not too much. Pasta is my downfall, thats what caused me to gain a lot of my weight. It will be easier now since theres only pretty much only room for protein and veggies. Unless you make that you main meal.
skp

skp

0
GastricSleeveGalJourney
 

February 5th- 1 Moth Post Op Update w Pic

Here is my 1 month pics   I lost 18 lbs, and 36 inches, you can see it the most on my stomach and my face.   I still have liquid protein, and i have mashed potato, carrot, and Rutabega so far. I also have chicken, ribs, turkey. Just small amounts. I try to limit to 2 tbs of meat and 2 tbs of mashed veggie.   I try really had to have water, Im still not even to 20 oz yet. But I don't constantly sip. Its hard especially when you go to stop 30 mins before and not have to drink 30 mins after for each meal you want to have. its hard to fit it all in. I get about 60 protein, and thats with 2 shakes and some meat.   I still have yogurt and pudding still. I also can have a few fries, and had yam fries. And haven gravy.   I find it hard now cuz when I eat I like to take more then 1 bite, and the food gets cold because you can't eat at a normal pace. I need to get used to one bite, chew swallow, wait a minute then take another.   When I get full, I have a heavy chest feeling. and i just take a sip of a drink to help wash it down.   My incisions have closed up, still red but healing Its been a good month. I want mac and cheese and pop!
skp

skp

2
Just Another Day in the Life of Bea
 

Grr...

So this week has been a not so great week.. and its only Tuesday!! Anywho the scale is back up.. which annoys me.. but I know, I know - we fluctuate.. so I will take it with a grain of salt. In meantime, cravings for all the bad foods has hit me hard this week.. so I'm trying to behave myself.   With that being said, I decided that since its been nice out, (as long as there is no rain) I will begin to ride my bike. Yes, this big girl actually has a bike. Of course there are two things that worry me a bit, one - I abhor these crazy California drivers.. I mean how can they miss me going down the road? Seriously though, though there are plenty of bike paths near my home, i still worry. Secondly, I hate the idea of being the fat lady on the bike. But I need to vary my workouts right? So who gives a hoot what people think! Right?   And well the next thing? I had a consult with Dr. Troy Lamar about the possibility of having a revision. The upside is that because I have the band, the insurance may not require the 6 month waiting period, the downside is I could get denied. So cross your fingers, toes and eyes for me, and keep me in your prayers because this girl needs the surgery.   Until next time my peeps! Keep strong!!
beabenitez1978

beabenitez1978

0
Perfect Biotics Review
 

Ask anyone! Perfect Biotics is the best!

Millions of people are opting for this great product each day. All these people say that there is no other product available on the market that can help them as much as this one does. All those who decided to try this amazing natural supplement said that all their digestive problems were solved. They also said that their energy levels improved, that their metabolism also improved and that their overall vitality increased. Considering this, we also recommend you to try Perfect Biotics. Are you still not sure that you should start treatment with Perfect Biotics? Then, find out some more useful information about this natural supplement.   Find out more about the content of this probiotic supplement.   We recommend you to try Perfect Biotics from Probiotic America because it can actually improve your health. It can help you so much because it contains some special ingredients. These ingredients were carefully selected by professionals in the field after many years of studies. The main compounds you will find in Perfect Biotics include a probiotic blend and some other natural ingredients. The probiotic blend contains Lactobacillus, Streptococcus and Bifidobacterium. The other ingredients are: Vegetable cellulose, Stearic acid, Rice Maltodextrin and Anhydrous Dextrose.   Do you want to know more about Perfect Biotics by Probiotic America? Then, let’s discover more interesting facts.   Perfect Biotics by Probiotic America doesn’t contain any artificial ingredients. You won’t find refined or processed sugars, fillers or binders in this natural supplement. This means that Perfect Biotics has no side effects. You doctor can confirm that this is true. This is another advantage that this product has.   In order to start seeing the differences you should take 1 vegetarian capsule per day. Take this capsule with one of your main meals, preferably with the first meal of the day.   If you are not pleased with the results brought by Perfect Biotics you can simply return it to the manufacturer. The producer will give you your money back without asking any extra questions.   You might also want to know if you have to store your Perfect Biotics in a special place. Well, we are here to tell you that Perfect Biotics is sold in dark-amber glass bottles and because of that you don’t need to refrigerate it. The product is also stable at room temperature and you can even take it with you when you are traveling.   Do you have all the useful information you need about Perfect Biotics? Are you now sure that this probiotic supplement is the best on the market? Are you convinced that you should go out and purchase your own bottle of Perfect Biotics by Probiotic America right away? We recommend you not to hesitate anymore. Perfect Biotics is all you need if you want to transform your life for ever, so try it now!
DustinHorton

DustinHorton

0
Finding Healthy
 

Five Weeks Out

So I'm five weeks out from surgery, and I thought I'd be amazingly transformed at this point. Well....maybe not AMAZINGLY transformed, but SOMEWHAT transformed would be a step in the positive direction! I have before pictures, and my after pictures look almost identical. But I've lost 27 pounds. You'd think that after 27 pounds, there'd be SOME aesthetic change. Especially considering I was heavy, but not extremely heavy. My co-workers tell me I look like I've lost weight, but I wear a girdle to work, so that doesn't encourage me too much. I should have taken measurements before my surgery and then kept up with it. So...that will start today. Another thing I have not been doing is exercising. Now my surgeon doesn't want his patients exercising before their six week checkup which mine will be next week. So I've rested on those laurels despite the fact that I know I've been ready to exercise for a couple weeks now. I haven't had one twinge of pain in probably two weeks. If my surgery isn't healed now, I'm guessing it won't be healed, hah! So I'm going to do ab exercises today as I noticed that my back hurts all day at my desk and it never used to do that. And some back strengthening exercises.   Which reminds me....found a GREAT suggestion in a magazine last week. Write exercises on popsicle sticks (or pieces of paper) and put them in a cup marked "daily workouts." These exercises should be like "10 push ups" and "50 crunches" etc. Then, when it's time to work out, pull five of them out and go to town! Keeps the workout full of variety and won't let you get too bored!   Good luck out there to everyone on this journey....stay tuned to find out how my progress is going!
LaurJo

LaurJo

1

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