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About this blog

I want to use this blog as a place to vent, share, and journal everything. It may not all be related to my weight loss so just be prepared for ramblings.

Entries in this blog

 

Zumba

kicked my hiney ! ! ! I found another military wife that wants to get in shape. She signed up at the Y last week and she talked me into going tonight.   Let me tell ya, Zumba is NOT for the weak. It kicked my butt, and I am definitely not coordinated enough to keep up. It was quite intimidating.   Tomorrow is strength training and maybe a Hip Hop dance class in the evening.

Tiffykins

Tiffykins

 

YouTube videos

A member here, youknowit, let me know she had seen my before and some after pics of me in some youtube videos.   Least to say, I did not authorize this usage of my photos. I contacted the poster, and advised them that they were violating the TOS of youtube. I'm assuming they snagged my photos from this forum because my OH is completely private. So, I went in and made my photo album here available to only my friends.   I gave the poster 24 hours to reply. If I do not hear from them, I will report the privacy violation to Youtube.   If your album is public, go to your User CP, hit Privacy Options, and then make it available only to your friends.   I'm not completely upset by having my pictures out there. It's the principle that the poster did not ask for permission to use them.   I realize the internet is not private. I realize once it's out there, it's out there. That is NOT my concern so I don't need a lecture on posting pics on the internet. My point is that the pics were snagged, and used without any consideration or authorization. Even a common courtesy to say "hey I'm making some videos on youtube and would like to use your pics." would have been appreciated.   Also, the poster has a weight loss forum/community (not just for WLS patients) that he/she is trying to get people to join.   So, least to say, we'll see what happens.

Tiffykins

Tiffykins

 

Whew I feel better

I was beginning to feel a bit blah, but the protein really helped tonight. I still haven't been hungry, and I'm trying my very best to get in as much liquid as I can. Right now, I'm working on my 3rd 16oz glass. I'm actually finding that plain water goes down best.   I'm not having any signs of dehydration. So, I'm going to try to get in 32 additional ounces before I go to bed for the night. I'll probably be up until midnight, but I took a 2 hour nap this afternoon.   John is doing well. We're halfway through this deployment, and I think the distance and time apart is finally starting to weigh on me. Maybe it's just because of everything that's transpired, but we talked about it. He reassured me that everything is going to be okay when he gets home.   I'm growing rather bored sitting at home, but I'm also trying to take it really easy. I talked to the agency owner today. I told her that Dr. M doesn't want me to go back for at least a month. They need to hire someone, and I'm not upset about it. I'm actually quite relieved. I have no plans on going back. John is pretty insistent on me getting healthy, and recovering fully without the stress of going back to work.   I hope everyone is doing well. Today is just one more day closer to the best husband in the world being home. 8 days until Caysen, the best son in the universe, comes home from Texas. Plus, my brother and best friend are bringing Caysen home, and staying for a week. I can't wait to see my family. . .

Tiffykins

Tiffykins

 

Update - total vent

Not a lot to report to be honest.   I'm having a love/hate relationship with my body right now, and honestly there isn't anything I can do to "fix" it. I'm doing everything "right", I'm eating, I'm enjoying life, but now the scale is being down right evil. I'm not sure how much smaller I can get. Last night and today, I'm weighing in at 123.   Honestly, I'm pretty damn devastated over it. I'm trying so hard to just maintain, and not lose anymore yet my body will not cooperate.   Just when I think I've got it figured out, I step on the scale and BAM 2-3lbs gone. I've even quit weighing every day. I wish it was just water weight, or bloating, but this is actual weight.   I told my husband last night that if I hit 120 I'm going on weight gainer. Because I refuse to slip below 120. I'm hoping my new work out routine will help build some muscle mass, and that will help stop the loss and even add some pounds back to my frame. I'm only going to lift weights, and do ab/core exercises. No cardio, I may go swimming in my neighbor's pool, but nothing to burn the calories I get in every day.   Mentally, I am absolutely drained. Physically, I feel great.

Tiffykins

Tiffykins

 

Ummmmmmmm what size is that shirt? ? ?

Why yes, dear Tiffany, it is a MEDIUM ! ! !   I never thought this day would get here, but I am absolutely elated. I love the sleeve, I love my results, I absolutely love everything about this experience.   I also dropped a size in jeans, and am now in size 14. Some of the lowrise jeans I can't get to fit me comfortable because of my tummy, but I went ahead and bought them because I'll be in them soon enough.   My 16s are so baggy in the thighs and hiney that I actually think they make me look bigger than I actually am, and it kind of bothers me. Okay, it bothers me a lot.   I attended our monthly Spouse's club luncheon today, and sat with one of my new friends. She, of course, asked me why I wasn't eating much, and why I was moving my food around on my plate. Plus, I pretty much just played with the dessert on my plate. Anyways, I told her that I had surgery, and she said "are you serious, you look amazing, and I would of never guessed that you had surgery, how much have you lost, you can't weigh more than 140lbs." I told her I'd lost about 95lbs since June, and had 18lbs to lose before getting to goal. She said something along the lines of ' ummm you look great the way you are, you're going to be rail thin if you lose another 18lbs." It felt great for someone that I just recently got to know to make such great, and positive comments regarding my surgery. She's rail thin, like maybe 115lbs, and she is super sweet. I really like her, unfortunately her husband has orders and they'll be relocating in February.   Anyways, today was a great day. I purchased some college football tickets for myself and John for his favorite team the West Virginia Mountaineers. The game is the day after Thanksgiving, and we'll be driving about 4 hours to get to the game, but it'll be so worth it. He's always wanted to go to a home game, and just never could. So, I surprised him with tickets today. He is so excited, and so am I. Oh yeah, we'll be out of town next week starting on Monday the 23rd through Sunday the 29th. We're visiting John's family, and I won't have internet access at all. We don't even phone service because of how "deep" into the mountains they live. If we get out and about, I'll try to check in, but for the most part I'll be out of pocket for that week.   I'm looking forward to the weekend. I'll be packing, and getting everything ready for our trip.

Tiffykins

Tiffykins

 

Took the first step

So, most of you that follow, and lurk my blog know that we want to have a baby. I am hellbent on quitting smoking, but have failed with the cold turkey attempts, and the patches/gum make me even more irritable/hateful.   I just called and scheduled an appointment with my PCM to look into Zyban. It's essentially Wellbutrin, but the dose can be tailored for smoking cessation. I want to quit, but fear really consumes me.   I'm not really afraid of anything except finding myself in the fridge/pantry and then snacking. I haven't battled a lot of head hunger, and honestly think it's because I smoke about 1/2 pack a day. I know I had surgery to improve my healthy/life, and smoking is just counterproductive.   I've never taken an anti-depressant. The side-effects scare the heebies out of me, and I don't want to fail.   I just want to quit smoking. Our insurance does not cover Chantix, I've called and confirmed with 4 different reps in 4 different departments to ensure that it is NOT covered.   I'll find out on Friday morning if I'm a good canidate for Zyban. I'll admit that I am scared.   But, if it can be a tool to help me kick this nasty habit, I'm willing to give it a try.

Tiffykins

Tiffykins

 

Tomorrow is going to be a good day

Tomorrow, I have 4 goals.   #1 NO LEAKS   #2 Get the TPN decreased   #3 Get jp drains out   #4 Start clear liquids   I'm excited for tomorrow with a little bit of nervousness. I'm ready for the next step in recovery. I've felt good and haven't had any problems this last week. I've made it through the longest 9 days of my life. I remember on Tuesday really feeling down, and I didn't feel like the 22nd was ever going to get here. I'm not looking forward to the ct scan because the last experience on that table was horrible, but it's a necessary evil.   I'll update once I get back home tomorrow afternoon. My mantra for tomorrow is "no leaks, no leaks, no leaks".

Tiffykins

Tiffykins

 

Today was amazing

I went in for my follow up today, and it went great.   3 out of 4 of my goals were achieved.   NO LEAKS ! ! ! YAY YAY   The TPN has been decreased by half.   I started clears.   I still have the drains, but he said that is a precaution because if the drain fluid changes colors/consistency, that could be a sign something is wrong. I go back Wednesday afternoon and if I don't have any fever issues, no abdominal pain, no vomiting, and the drains stay clear, the TPN will be discontinued and he'll pull the line out of my arm.   I was so relieved I cried. He said my new stomach looked good. I got home this afternoon and started sipping water with the Special K protein water packet and it's the best thing stuff in the world. I get a little burpy/gurgly when I drink, but he said that was normal since my stomach hasn't had to work in 3 weeks. It's been an amazing day. I went to Wal-Mart picked up some odds and ends, and least to say that wore me out.   Then, tonight John was able to call, and we actually were able to talk for about 30 minutes. It was so amazing to hear his voice. It's been a week since we were able to actually talk. Their Capt. told them to call their families to let us know they were all okay after yesterday's events over there. He said he was fine, and wasn't close to the bombs. He wouldn't tell me if he was close to them. He doesn't want me to go back to work, and I really don't want to either. After this experience, I don't want to miss my son's stuff anymore. We're fine on money, and he said he'd rather have me home and getting healthy, taking care of the home and Caysen than dealing with all the stress of the agency. I tried being a housewife/stay at home mom before, and I got bored, but I think this time it will be different. My perspective has changed, and I've decided, I'm not going to miss out on events with my child and husband anymore.   Overall, I had a spectacular day, and I hope tomorrow goes smoothly as well.

Tiffykins

Tiffykins

 

To Bookmark: My reasons for VSG over RNY for my revision

The VSG was my 2nd, and final WLS. I could have easily had RNY, but I fought to have VSG as my revision from the band. Some factors I considered in deciding on VSG. The pouch that RNY offers is similar to the pouch with the band. Least to say, a pouch sucks, I love having a normal tummy, just less capacity and still fully functioning.   1) No blind stomach left behind that can be difficult to scope yet can still get ulcers and cancer. 2) 2 years max on calorie/carb/sugar malabsorption, but a lifetime of vitamin/nutrient malabsorption 3) I had a pouch with the band, and it sucked. I'm pretty fond of my pyloric valve and the sleeve let me keep it. I love having a normal functioning stomach, just smaller in capacity. 4) Regain stats and #of RNY patients seeking revision truly scared the poop out of me 5) I have too many friends in real life that struggle with vitamin deficiencies post-RNY, and most of them either never got to goal, or have gained back a significant amount of their weight. 6) The long term complications with RNY were too numerous for my comfort level. 7) I researched gastrectomies that had been performed for stomach cancer and ulcer patients, and found comfort in the long term results and minimal complications of patients that had lost most or all of their stomachs had dealt with over several years. 8) I was a volume eater, and knew a restrictive only procedure would work for me. That was my thought process when I got the band, and I thought I could beat the odds on complications. Sadly, the band only lasted 8 months before I had to revise. 9) I did not want to have food or medication restrictions. I chose WLS to have a "normal" life, and I think it's normal to eat a couple of cookies. With RNY, I wasn't willing to go through the possibility of dumping if I wanted to have a couple of cookies, or a slice of cake on occasion.   I lost all my weight with the exception of 7lbs with the sleeve. It's been a fabulous journey, and I'm easily maintaining with zero issues.

Tiffykins

Tiffykins

 

This dang root canal has

completely set back my progress with my eating. I am having to eat only mushies, and am just down right angry about it. I should of just had the stupid tooth extracted, but I know the consequences of that decision. BUT, I'm so upset that all my progress of eating better, and more calories has been set back 50 steps with this stupid tooth.   My stomach has been upset for the majority of today. I had diarrhea twice today because of mushy food. Plus, I'm tired of taking Tylenol and Motrin for jaw pain.   I know this is a rant, but I need to post this somewhere. I'm just so passed the point of frustration. I want to eat some meat again, but chewing anything of consistency is absolutely out of the question.   Fingers crossed that tomorrow brings less pain, and I can eat.

Tiffykins

Tiffykins

 

The scale

The batteries in my scale are DEAD, and I haven't weighed in 2 days. Of course, this scale can't use just normal batteries. They are those flat, round watch type batteries. I'm a little obsessed with the scale, and don't deny it. This is driving me crazy, as much as I dread going to WalMart, I guess a trip is in order so I can get my scale back up and running.   Deployment is almost over less than 21 days, and I'm getting antsy. I have a hair appointment on the 8th, and nails will follow the next week. Communication is pretty much gone at this point. I know the replacements should be there soon, and it's just so stressful. Projected return dates have changed a couple of times so I'm cautiously optimistic that he'll actually be home before the end of September. I just want it to be over.   Other than that, not a lot going on. I have a mandatory 5th grade parent meeting tonight that I'm not looking forward to attending. Caysen is loving school, and he's doing great.   Hope everyone is doing well.

Tiffykins

Tiffykins

 

Struggling emotionally

John has been home for a couple of months, and I'm struggling emotionally. Not because of my husband, but because of my son, Caysen. It makes my heart hurt, and in turn, my stomach can't handle food very well. I'm a complete emotional mess.   Caysen is acting out in school. He's defiant with me, and completely ignores my discipline. He back talks, and "huffs" every time I ask him to do anything. Last weekend, John removed everything from his room with the exception of his bed, dresser, and book case. No toys, no movies, no dvd player, nothing "fun". Caysen doesn't seem to care. He has been grounded from video games, and spending time with friends for 6 weeks now because of his grades. He just isn't turning in assignments even though I help with homework, and do everything I can to help him. I'm at my wit's end. Caysen is extremely jealous of John. It's worse than when we first moved in together, and started the blending family process.   I have made contact with a counselor on base, and we're working on getting Caysen in to talk to someone. I can't do it anymore. It hurts because Caysen puts me in the middle. He says "you love daddy more" which is not true. I do all kinds of wonderful things with Caysen, I make special trips with him, I make special dinner requests for just him, I spend more time with now than I have ever been able to because John works, and wants me to stay home. It's gotten so difficult that I've turned over all disciplinary stuff to John because when I do or say anything, Caysen just blows me off.   We've set up a chore/reward chart, we've set a schedule. I am just at the end of the rope. I've tied a knot and hanging with everything I have, but I am emotionally just drained.   I know that us talking about having a baby has spurred some of this behavior. Caysen has been an only child for 11.5 years, and for 9 of those years, it was just me and him. He's scared, and worried, we're going to love that child more than him, and he'll be forgotten.   I've suggested, and it will happen, that John and Caysen spend some time together, just for "boy time". I hope this helps because I can't keep doing this anymore.   This isn't really WLS related, but it's what's going on in my life, and I needed a place to vent. Caysen has always been a wonderful, pleasant, and well-behaved, well-mannered child. These last 2 weeks, have been so hellacious, and painful. I have examples, but y'all probably are tired of hearing me whine. If you made it through all of that, thank you for listening.   I just needed to vent it, and get it off my chest.

Tiffykins

Tiffykins

 

Stall broken

Well, today I decided to step on the scale after 10 days of losing .2 or gaining .5, and today I've lost 3 pounds. How did I do it? I honestly have no idea. Maybe a well balanced diet and not beating myself up over food is helping.   I have a mere 3 lbs to goal, and I've decided to just eat what I want, when I want, I'm not going to change my current course. I'm happy with my relationship with food, I'm grateful for my results, and even moreso I'm very thankful for all the support and encouragement.   So, I'm going to keep doing what I'm doing, and see if I can keep my current goal of 150. If I slip below it by 5-6 pounds, I won't be disappointed, but I really need to maintain 145-150.   I admit I'm glad the stall is over, it didn't last long, but it was irritating.

Tiffykins

Tiffykins

 

Squadron Christmas Party

Last night was our annual squadron Christmas party, and I had a great time.   We enjoyed good laughs, good food, and I enjoyed not 1, but 2 glasses of Kendall Jackson Reisling. I had half before dinner, then ate about 3 bites of prime rib, 3 bites of this stuffed chicken (the chicken was too dry), I had about 4oz of mashed potatoes with gravy, and 3 broccoli florets. I felt fabulous after eating, and no ill effects from the wine. I sipped coffee at the meal, and then finished off the first glass of wine. Not even a buzz feeling, so around 9:30 I decided to have another glass. I didn't ever have any burning, or weird sensations. I felt relaxed, and enjoyed our evening out.   Many of the ladies complimented me on my dress, and I felt so great. One of the guys asked " are you K*****'s wife?" I replied " yes", he said " you look a lot different than you did last year." I giggled and said "yeah, that's what 100lbs gone will do for a girl." He said "well you look great, and I know you had a tough recovery with him gone, but you're a trooper." I felt really fabulous all night. Confident, and outgoing, I didn't feel like I had to hide behind John, or sit at the table all night. I went and mingled with a few of the other spouses, and some of the guys I've met.   Overall, we had a great time.

Tiffykins

Tiffykins

 

Something that makes me smile ! ! !

A bit of back story.   When John and I met, I was at my heaviest between 265-270. That meant I weighed more than 100 pounds more than he did, and he didn't care. He loved me regardless of my pant size, or what the scale read. I was never one to hide my weight from him even when we were just dating. I wasn't happy at that weight, but I was happy that he loved me for me.   Today, I now weigh about 30lbs less than he does. When he deployed mid-March, I still weighed 100lbs more than he did. He worked out, strength training mainly, and bulked up a bit. I dropped a bunch of weight, and it's like a new found adventure for us. For the first time in my entire life, my husband can carry me. He can hoist my "tiny hiney" (his words) up in his arms, and carry me around the house.   I'll admit, I was still scared of 'hurting' him. But, not anymore ! ! !

Tiffykins

Tiffykins

 

So elated

Went and saw "Time Traveler's Wife" with my friend "J" this afternoon, and least to say, I was super disappointed. It just wasn't as climatic as I was expecting, plus it pretty predictable. . .   After the movie, we headed to the mall. I wanted to stop in at Old Navy and just see if I could possibly wear anything from there. I have never been able to wear anything from Old Navy except for the men's clothes, and even then it was an XXL. So, J convinced me to try on some clothes. . .   I fit into a woman's XL, not XXL, but XL and I've lost 3 pant sizes almost 4 because I tried on a smaller size, and they almost fit. I almost cried because I was shocked. . .   I bought 3 new shirts (all XL all different styles one is a little snug around the boobs but I'll be super comfy next month) and 2 pairs of pants. It was overwhelming emotionally because even though I've lost the weight mentally I just don't "see it". I was super anxious to try on clothes, I was getting icky feeling because it just felt so weird to try on clothes that are "normal". I know an XL is not "normal", but it's the closest thing to normal I've been in over a decade.I was thinking the whole time "these people think I'm crazy for trying on these clothes because I'm too fat". On the way home, we stopped by the store, and this guy smiled super big, checked me out, and then stood super close to me. Not in a creepy way, it was nice to be noticed.   Overall, today has been great. I didn't eat enough before we left so I felt pretty sluggish once we got home. I ate a little peanut butter, and had a frozen fruit bar. I already feel better. . . I need to carry some beef jerky in my purse for days like today.   Today was my first day out except for short trips to Wal-Mart. It felt so good to be out of the house, and just have a nice day out.   I hope everyone had a great weekend ! ! !

Tiffykins

Tiffykins

 

Sleeve research links, dietary guidelines etc

LapSF Two Year Study LapSF Five Year Study - abstract only LapSF Five Year Study - presentation (requires Windows to play) Literature review on the sleeve - requires $$ to get the full text unfortunately Sleeve best for over 50 crowd Video of a sleeve with lots of education discussion Video of a sleeve that is more about the operation Ghrelin levels after RnY and sleeve Ghrelin levels after band and sleeve Diabetes resolution in RnY vs. Sleeve Comparison of band to sleeve - literature review   http://www.iabsobesitysurgery.com/Media/Forms/SleeveDietGuide.pdf   http://www.cornellweightlosssurgery.org/pdf/dietary_guidelines_sleeve_gastrectomy.pdf   Some of this is outdated, but some of it is great information: http://www.sleeveguide.com/   http://www.ssat.com/cgi-bin/abstracts/08ddw/O4.cgi   http://www.hopkinsbayview.org/bin/c/a/nutrition_sleeve.pdf   Eglin surgeons use small bougies so this is just for informational purposes: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18098398?ordinalpos=4&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_DefaultReportPanel     http://www.medpagetoday.com/MeetingCoverage/ASMBS/20937   http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2791490/vertical_sleeve_gastrectomy_pg2.html?cat=5     5 year post-op stats http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20094819?itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum&ordinalpos=1   http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20338286

Tiffykins

Tiffykins

 

Shopping is so therapeutic

I ended up having to take the jeans back from OldNavy. They were too long even with heels. I exchanged them for the 'short' size, I have short legs. I also picked up a couple of shirts. We stopped by the "Avenue" because they were having a big clearance. I almost fit inot their 14/16, but the boobage makes those shirts really short, and I still have a belly that I like to hide. I had to go with the 18/20 and the 2 shirts are a bit big, but super comfy. For 6 bucks each, I really couldn't pass them up.   We stopped by Gamestop for the new Rockband Country track. I also picked up the Wii Active on a recommendation from a friend. I'm starting tonight, and I know I am going to feel so much better.   Dr. M released me to full activity this last Monday, and I am feeling better this week than I have since this journey began back in June. I bought some adult gummie vitamins and they taste amazing. I still have my rough patches, but for the most part, life is so much better.   We have less than 30 days on this deployment. Communication is slim, and it's frustrating. He's almost home, and I started all my little projects around the house. I bought new bedding for our bed, and he is going to love it. Every time he goes away, I buy new bedding. It's a weird thing I do, and he always loves what I pick out.   I also cleaned out my closet. I bagged up over 100 articles of clothing, and I figured if I could sell each piece for 1-3 bucks each, that would be 100-300 for new clothes. It felt so good to get purged all of those clothes. I'll miss them, but I'll enjoy getting new ones more.   I guess that's all for now. I hope everyone is doing well.

Tiffykins

Tiffykins

 

Rum and coke, Goldschlagger shots, and lots of carbs

WHEW, what a weekend I had. I traveled to Virginia to visit my best friend. Well, least to say, we partied down on Saturday night for the St. Patty's day celebration. I drank like a fish, rum and cokes, several shots of Goldschlagger, and then the eating was out of control, but only by the choices I made, not quantities.   I had an amazing time on vacation. It was by far the best 4 days I've had in a long, long time. I partied, got hit on, danced, got hit on some more, was told by SOBER men that I was "damn sexy". My best friend told me I look much smaller in person which was kind of creepy, but she said that I didn't even remotely look sick or malnourished. Of course, I had to shop, and she took me to colonial Williamsburg.   Overall, it was an awesome trip. Well needed, and I promise it was a blast. I didn't gain 1 pound while gone either. So, that rocks.   Now, I truly feel normal. I did drink way, way, way too much, but no hangover, no headache. And, when I say way too much, I mean, we ran through over $120 bucks in 5 hours between just the 2 of us, and that doesn't include all the drinks that were bought for us. I haven't drank like that in over 3 years. I'm not bragging, but I am admitting that I'm living a normal life. I wasn't binge drinking, just partying, having a good time, and got a good party night out of my system. If I only do it every 3 years or so, how can that be horrible?   Ehhhhh, it was great. Zero regrets, no issues, I didn't have one low blood pressure episode while traveling. Not once did I feel faint or dizzy. The fluids, and salt have definitely helped.   Anyways, so for those out there that wonder about drinking. Well, I didn't get super drunk quickly. I maintained a good buzz until about 1am, then everything, all the little details are a little fuzzy, okay a lot fuzzy ha ha ha.   I'll upload some pictures later on tomorrow or Wednesday.

Tiffykins

Tiffykins

 

Roadtrippin'

I'll be leaving tomorrow for Texas. So, I may not be around as much as I'll be with friends and family. The Skin on my IPhone sucks for forums, and I hate trying to navigate the site via my phone.   I'll check in here and there. And, will be keeping everyone in my thoughts ! ! !   Take care everyone, and I'll update when I return next Sunday. I'll be posting updates on Facebook as well.   Pray for us or keep us in your thoughts for a safe trip, and that I don't throat punch my mother while there.

Tiffykins

Tiffykins

 

Random Update

So, I had my follow up appointment today. Labs looked great, and the final drain has been removed. I talked to him about the nausea and acid reflux type stuff I have been dealing with this last week every time I ate. He prescribed Prilosec, and Zofran for the nausea since the Phenergan was making me so drowsy. I've taken a Zofran and started the Prilosec when I got home, and I feel fabulous. The last pocket that is in my pelvic cavity is shrinking, but the drain was draining anymore so he removed it. He said that the culture wasn't growing anything so my body should absorb the remaining fluid. The culture came back clear for any bacteria, he said something along the lines of "sterile fluid", so I am hoping for the best. He said if it comes back, they will have to get to transrectally. All my fingers and toes are crossed that it goes away. I'm pretty sure "transrectally" is not a pleasant procedure.   For the first time in 2 months, I almost feel normal. I'm hoping that this feeling continues. I've actually been able to eat one of those little packets of colby/cheddar cheese, and I didn't get sick.   John will be home in a couple of months, and he freaked out when I sent him a face picture. He said I didn't look like the same woman. I lost 7 pounds this last week, but I think it's because I couldn't eat hardly anything and everything I ate went right through me.   I'm getting nervous for his return. I look completely different, I've lost 55lbs total and it's going to be so different when he comes home. He's been working out like crazy and gained 25lbs. He sent me a picture, and may I just say, GOOD LORD, he's gotten so "bulky/buff", I don't know a better word for it. We're going to have a great time when he comes home, and it's going to be like falling in love all over again. We're both beyond ready for this deployment to be over. He's 100% homesick, and is really missing us.   Everything else is going well. Caysen starts school in a couple of weeks. I'm going to do a deep cleaning on the house once my energy returns. I'm ready to feel good enough to clean my house.   Hope everyone is doing well ! ! !

Tiffykins

Tiffykins

 

Questions to ask your surgeon

Pre Op /The Op If self pay - What does your fee involve? Is there some follow up care thrown in there, like labs at 3,6,9 and 12 months? Pre op diet � what to eat/drink and how long for? Do I get a nutritionist/psychologist? What size bougie is used? (This is the medical instrument which determines the size of your remaining stomach) Do you oversew the staple line? How many incisions do you make? Do you go in thru previous scars? How many nights in the hospital � is there facility for someone else to stay in my room as well? Do they need to be with me 24/ during my hospital stay? How many leak tests do you do? How many sleeves have you performed? Complication/leak stats? How many if any deaths? Who do I contact if I think I have a problem (most places give out an emergency number)? Is the hospital equipped an ICU and blood bank in case of complications? If complications do happen to occur, are these complications/additional surgery/days in hospital covered by the original quoted price of the surgery? Would you remove my gall bladder at the same time if needed? Can you give me some patient testimonials or do you have any before/after pictures of your patients that I could read/look at? Is it standard operation procedure, ie: no nail polish, no body jewellery? Do I need to stop taking any particular medication pre op? (Take a list of what you take and dosage)   Post Op How often are the post op check ups? Where are they? � is price included? What supplements/anti acid drug would I need to take and for how long? Do I need labs done post op? � Are these checked with you or my local doctor? DO I get a dvd of the operation? Post op diet? How much weight would I be expected loose? What if I loose too much, how to maintain? Do you use heparin? � Will I have to inject it myself? How soon after the op can I��drive, swim, work out, lift weights, lift my kids?

Tiffykins

Tiffykins

 

Protein woes

I've tried the orange and strawberry of the Chike samples I ordered, and neither of them work for me. I'm at my wit's end. I just don't know what to do. I think I'm going to have to order or buy at GNC an unflavored powder and mix it with SF pudding, or something. I can't keep going without, my body is going to start really suffering.   I'm half tempted to go back to the bullets, and mix them with a popsicle. Even though they aren't the highest quality of protein at least it would be some sort of protein. My mother uses them and swears by them. I just can't tolerate the taste, and the gas that follows.   I'm so scared of my hair falling out completely. I have a lot of hair, and it thinning a little wouldn't bother me, but I'm getting paranoid at this point.   Eating is such a chore for me at this point. I know it will get better, but I'm frustrated. I need to really focus on eating, and really trying to in the minimum calories, and protein. Something has to give soon.

Tiffykins

Tiffykins

 

Officially lost 100lbs

That's right, as of today, I've lost 100lbs since beginning my weight loss surgery journey.   I can't believe it, and was shocked to come to the realization today when I stepped on the scale.   I had the band placed on October 1, 2008 then revised to the sleeve on June 3rd, 2009. So, as of today, I'm 100lbs lighter. I am absolutely in shock, and can't believe it. Of course, I've lost 93lbs with the sleeve, and a mere 7lbs with the band, but in the end, it's still 100 pounds.   I'm glowing with pure joy today ! ! !

Tiffykins

Tiffykins

 

Not too much going on

But, I'm so grateful that school is back in session and that John has returned to work. I enjoy my "me" time far too much, and 2 weeks at home with both them was a lot to handle.   I started back at the gym this week. Plus, bowling started again on Wednesday. I had such a good time, and then went out to lunch with a girlfriend. That didn't go over so well. We ventured to Sonic, and I ordered a corny dog and cheese fries. My body no longer likes greasy food. I was uncomfortable all day after lunch, and just felt horrible. I didn't eat but 2 little bites of the breading of the corn dog, and the hot dog on the inside. Then, I only had like 5-7 fries with a little cheese. So, no more greasy food for me.   I also keep losing/gaining this same 1.5lb, and it's really frustrating. I have an appointment with my surgeon soon, and I need to go ahead and make a trip to the lab so I can already have my labs done before I see him. He's already put in the order for the labs. I just have to get down there to have them pulled.   I plan on doing some core/ab work out today, and some leg work. My tummy is shrinking which makes me happy. It's wrinkly, but at least it's shrinking. Tomorrow, I head back to the gym for my last day of strength training for the week. I do 3 days of strength training, 1 day of ab/core workouts, and I bowl on Wednesdays. So, here's to toning up the body that I've been blessed to have after dropping all of this weight.   I'm still smoking, but I'm considering going to my PCP and getting on Zyban (Wellbutrin) to see if will help me quit. All the nicotine supplements aren't working, and I'm super irritable when I try cold turkey.   I really need to quit, but I'm mentally drawn to smoking because honestly I don't want to end up with my head in the fridge.   I find it easier to quit food than cigarettes. I've got the food addiction contained, why am I so scared to give up the nicotine?

Tiffykins

Tiffykins

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