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Phoenix Rising

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Blog Entries posted by Phoenix Rising

  1. Phoenix Rising
    Hi Everyone,
     
    Did you miss me? I know some of you did and yes, everything is fine I just had friends over from America and we were out and about and very very busy. I have hardly had time to catch my breath.
     
    The good thing I can report is that I have been back to the doctor, and once again they are very happy with me (even though I wasn't, as I had the longest stall). Since seeing the doctor, who told me when my body was ready it would lose again, I have lost another four pounds, yea me! So yes I am losing, yes it is very slow but the scale is moving again and in the right direction.
     
    I love reading about you fast losers, one recently lost 18lbs in a week, WOW! I do go green with envy at first, but then I think maybe they are having other problems so I wish them well and keep on plodding slowly down the scale. I am getting really quite good at the old step aerobics now. (considering how I started this is some achievement). I am, according to the wii board thingy Rocket fire! I do thirty minutes every day and walk every day. So I am much fitter than I was and now the scale is moving again much much happier.
     
    I love the fact that my hubby and I can share a fish and chip supper, so we save money. Don't panic folks, I don't eat loads of chips, if I manage two I am doing very well. But I do love the fish. I tend to have a third of it and my husband has the other two thirds. I have always eaten well, as in fresh foods, lots of veg and fruit etc but now because I eat so little, I make sure I have the best quality. If I fancy a piece of steak that is what I have. As a weekend treat we will often have scrambled egg and smoked salmon which is delicious. I have also discovered the delights of a poached egg on top of smoked mackerel. I recommend every one try that as it is gorgeous.
     
    I am still losing inches but have not as of yet, lost any hair. I am hoping because the weight is coming off slowly that I will be one of the lucky ones. (Fingers crossed).
    Well that is enough from me today.
     
    Regards to everyone
    Phoenix
  2. Phoenix Rising
    Hi Everyone,
     
    You will all be delighted to hear that my oh so long stall has finally broken. Today I am 2 lbs lighter. Yeah. So this week I am 2 and 1/4 lbs down. I was beginning to think the scale would never move, but at last it has.
     
    The stupid thing is, I never did anything different to what I was doing before. I really have got to accept that whilst I may feel like a phoenix rising from the ashes, in reality I am more a slow snail or tortoise!
     
    I decided to set myself a goal, (another first for me) I want to lose another stone (14 pounds) by the end of June. That will give me another 6 weeks so I am hoping that is possible. I know for many of you on this site, you will probably lose 2 or 3 stone in that time, but remember I am that tortoise.
     
    Wish me luck
    Phoenix :wub:
  3. Phoenix Rising
    Hi Everyone,
     
    Been getting out and about a bit more than usual so have not been on here for a while. As you can see from my title, I actually jogged! Me, who hasn't run since I was 11 years old. Ok, it was only for 3 minutes but I did it. I ran. Wow, it was amazing. My knees held out, my heart didn't burst and I felt incredible, well at least for a short while. After that I just felt plain knackered. Sorry, tired.
     
    I have done this twice now, again only for 3 minutes, but I figure I have to start somewhere and I can build it up as I have my other exercises. My husband was absolutely gobsmacked. His face was a picture, I wish I had had my camera with me as he looked so funny. I don't think I will ever run that far, but at least I can run (in short bursts) It is not a pretty sight, as everything jiggles and flops around something terrible. I don't care only my husband can see, and he has seen me at my very worst.
     
    So what else is new, not much: I have not lost any more weight so I will have to get out my tape measure again as I need a boost at the moment. This stall is lasting way too long! Oh, I went out for my first meal since my operation. It was lunch at a cafe near where my sister lives, we were having a girls day out. I had cauliflower cheese, I asked for and received a small portion and had a small new potato with it too. I ate all the cauliflower cheese but less than half of the potato. It was great to feel 'normal' again. Yes I could only eat a small portion, but no one looked at me as if I was a freak for eating so little. I took my time and enjoyed every mouthful. (My sister doesn't know about my operation). She had a dessert, and I had a teaspoon of her dessert just to taste it. It was a lemon and lime gateaux. Delicious, but after that teaspoon I didn't want any more.
     
    I never imagined a day when I would be able to say that! I am beginning to enjoy the 'power' of the sleeve. Knowing I can try any food, but will be happy with just a tiny amount is empowering. Food doesn't control me anymore, I control it. I can take it or leave it. I know you will all understand what a huge change that is for me. I feel like wonderwoman or superwoman. At the moment I wouldn't be a bit surprised if I was able to leap tall buildings!
     
    So if you see an old woman with lots of jiggly bits leaping a tall building, that will be me.
    Phoenix :wub:
  4. Phoenix Rising
    Hi Everyone,
     
    Well, I said I would report back on my first visit back to my surgeon. 5 weeks after my operation, he was very happy to see how well my incisions have healed and was more than happy with my weightloss.(even though I have been stalled for three weeks). I also saw the dietician who was again, very happy with my food choices and thinks I am doing wonderfully. She fell about laughing when I told her about my step aerobics problems, but apparently she is just as unco-ordinated so fully understood where I was coming from.
     
    Having seen them both I feel easier in my mind about things generally. To top it off this morning my stall broke, only by half a pound but who cares, things are moving again. I feel lighter in my mind some how too. I have been eating very carefully and slowly, and as soon as I begin to feel full stop eating. Even if I have only eaten a tiny bit (although I usually manage a good 2 ounces) I don't worry as I know I can always have something more if I feel hungry later. I don't worry about food now, it is not always on my mind. I enjoy what I have, and I have been very lucky in that everything I have tried my sleeve has liked. I am eating normally now. Not sloppy food, just well chewed and usually with a sauce or gravy to keep it wet.
     
    A standard days food looks a bit like this.
    Breakfast: 1 weetabix with half a banana and semi skimmed milk
    or a few shredded wheat minis with semi skimmed milk
    or egg on toast (either poached or dry fried or boiled) the toast is a small wholemeal slice and yes I do put a little butter on it.
     
    Lunch: a boiled egg mashed with a little cheese and salad cream
    or a slice of toast with pate
    or tinnned mackerel on toast
    or soft cheese on crackers.
    or soup (usually homemade with veg and either chicken or oxtail)
     
    Dinner: It depends on what I have eaten during the day, but will usually be
    Chicken with veg
    pork with veg
    homemade shepherds pie
    homemade fish pie
    fish in some sauce with veg
    steak and a fried egg
     
    Pretty much anything I or my husband fancy.
    I drink thoughout the day and am always over 64 ozs of fluid. So all in all, I think I have cracked it. Oops that could be famous last words!
     
    I do still get tired but know that will improve the further out from my op I get. I am loving this sleeve, I feel better than I have for years, I am under 300 lbs and know that with time I will get to where I want to be. Life is good
    I hope everyone gets to feel how I do today
    Phoenix
  5. Phoenix Rising
    Hi Everyone,
     
    How are you all coping with your sleeves? Mine is behaving incredibly well, I hardly know I have her, until I eat more solid foods, then she gently reminds me to take it easy, and don't eat too much. I think my sleeve is more refined than I am, as she has never made me sick, slime, or hurt. For that I am incredibly thankful. Who knows, she may make a lady of me yet. :wub:
     
    As you know, I started walking from the second day at home, and although not walking for very long or very far, it has been getting easier as the days have gone by. I still don't have a great deal of energy though. I am hoping that will improve as I get on to more solid foods. Yesterday I decided to up the anti on the exercise front, and dug out my wii board. I decided that basic aerobics was the way for me to go...oops.
     
    For those of you that don't know me, I have little to no co-ordination at all, I am scared of heights so even standing on the little wii board is hard for me. (I know, how pathetic does that sound, but it does make me break out in a sweat if my feet are off the ground). So, I started to follow the little me on the screen (who by the way is so much cuter than I am - it's not fair). The first bit I thought I was doing ok ish. Then it got complicated (that is complicated for me, not for the rest of the world). I had to step sideways, not too difficult you would think!!!! OMG, I kept trying to use the wrong foot to step the opposite way to where I should be going. How hard could it be...almost impossible. Once you go wrong, it is very hard to catch up and of course I kept putting the wrong foot on the board each time. Oh well, thankfully there was only my husband for an audience and he thought it was hilarious.
     
    Well, being a glutton for punishment, I thought I would try again today. No, it wasn't instantaneously successful this time, but it was better than yesterday. Did I screw it up again, YES, but not quite as badly this time. I felt that I was getting the hang of it, a bit, anyway. I did manage the side step to the correct side a few times, and quite a few times I didn't. Never mind, I will persevere, good grief if that little computer image can do it, then I should be able to with enough practise. I did find that when I was finished I needed to sit down and rest for quite a while.
     
    My weight loss is good but not as fast as many people on here. That is ok though, as I knew I would lose, but slowly as I retain water. Still, I have lost just over a stone now in four weeks. Hooray. I am really pleased as that stone was the first I have lost with little effort on my part, it just sort of melted away. I love my sleeve. :wub:
     
    I will keep you posted on my tragic fitness efforts
    Phoenix
  6. Phoenix Rising
    Hi Everyone,
     
    Ladies, thank you for your comments, I really appreciate you taking the time and trouble to support me as you do. Well, again from the title of this entry, you will see that my naughty hot cross bun got me in the end!!!
     
    Since I ate it I have been constipated, so had to take some medication to get me moving again. Thankfully, that has now happened, but was very uncomfortable for a while. So perhaps this time I will learn my lesson, and do as I am told by the doctors and not try to run before I can walk!
     
    Don't hold your breath everyone, but I will try.
     
    Well, I have had a lovely easter day, the whole family came around for lunch and I was able to sit down and eat with them. Ok, my portion was a lot smaller than theirs and I ate very slowly, but was able to eat a little turkey, mashed potato and delicious gravy too. I put my food on a small side plate and to me it looked a big meal. I really enjoyed it and yes, I was amazed at how fast my family ate their meals. I was the last to finish, but it was oh so good. I felt 'normal' again eating with everyone else, just much small amounts. Nobody commented on how much I ate as they knew I had been on a liquid diet for over a month and I had told them that my stomach had shrunk!!! I think I can chalk that one up as a success.
     
    My family bought me flowers rather than chocolate for easter, although I do have a tiny little chocolate rabbit that my husband bought for me. So I may indulge later. It is very small so I don't think it will hurt. Actually the sugar content will probably make it pass right on through which at the moment wouldn't be a bad thing. I let you know how it goes.
    Happy Easter to everyone
    Phoenix
  7. Phoenix Rising
    Hi Everyone,
     
    Ok, ok, it is confession time. From the title of this entry I think most of you will be able to guess what I am going to admit.
     
    Yesterday my sister in law baked her very own hot cross buns. Mmmmmmmmmmmmm, they smelt so good and she did offer me one.(She doesn't know about my surgery) I know I shouldn't have but I just couldn't resist them. I choose the tiniest one there and toasted it and then to compound my actions smothered it with butter. I would love to tell you it was awful, I was sick and all sorts of terrible things happened. It wasn't, I wasn't and it was just fantastic. I chewed tiny mouthfuls really slowly and savoured everyone. It was just wonderful. I had no problems eating it at all.
     
    Today I feel guilty, and have decided that in future I must wait until I am further out from my surgery before I do anything like that again. However, saying that, I was relieved to know that my stomach could cope with the small bun especially moistened with butter. (I know, all that fat) oooh it was good. I am also relieved to know that when I am with company no one will ever realise that I have had surgery unless I inform them. They all thought I was eating slowly to savour it, and because I have been dieting they think my stomach is smaller and that is why I am having smaller portions. (Well, they are almost correct).
     
    Is it wrong to keep people in the dark? I know some of my extended family can be so judgemental, and I would rather they just don't know. I may change my mind later on in my journey, but right now this is one little secret I can hug to myself.
    Hoping to be better behaved and not give in so easily in future.
    Phoenix :wub:
  8. Phoenix Rising
    Hi Everyone,
     
    Well, if you have been keeping up with my blog you will know that I was a bit concerned as I felt I was able to eat far too much!!!
     
    Today I again had a boiled egg with cheese for lunch. This time I made sure I counted how many teaspoons worth I ate. I realised that I only took about half a teaspoon at a time and by the time I had finished all the egg I had had eight half teaspoons. In other words 4 full teaspoons of egg and cheese. Woopee. Others can manage three teaspoons so my four, although more, is not too excessive. Boy was I relieved. Now I am sure they did remove most of my stomach and not just make some scars as a placebo effect!
     
    So today is two whole weeks since surgery, and apart from the scars and getting tired very quickly I am extremely well. In fact I would say that everything was ticketyboo! I realise just how lucky I am and am indeed so very thankful. I hate feeling ill, so to feel this good so soon after a fairly major surgery is just wonderful.
     
    Hope everyone else is doing just fine too
    Phoenix
  9. Phoenix Rising
    Hi Everyone,
     
    I can hardly believe I am going to say this...so listen very carefully I shall say this only once..........I weigh under 300 lbs for the first time in 25 years!!!!!!!!!!
     
    I decided to take some measurements to compare from last June, boy was I amazed to find that I have lost 24 and 3/4 inches. Yea me. That of course is spread all over my body, but on my main areas bust, waist and hips I have lost 4, 3 and 1/4 and 7 inches respectively. Woohoo, I can hardly believe it. Well of course, once I saw that I just had to weigh myself didn't I. Again, I could hardly believe my eyes 299.5 Woohoo.
     
    Ok, I know it is barely under the 300, but when you have been this big for sooooooo long you never really believe you'll ever get under that number again. I have been dancing around the room like a whirling dervish, and wouldn't you know it, there is no one at home to tell. I shan't be able to tell my husband until he gets in later tonight. So I had no option I had to come on here and announce it straight away. If I didn't I would probably have burst something!
     
    So, for anyone thinking that the sleeve won't work for them, rubbish, it is obviously working for me. I am just so happy and delighted I can't wipe this smile from my dial.
    Love to all
    Phoenix
  10. Phoenix Rising
    Hi Everyone,
     
    Well yesterday I did manage to hit the 64oz mark Hooray! I felt really proud of myself, how daft, to be proud because I can drink fluids!!! Oh well, it must be because I am still on an incredible high, I can't believe how positive and good I feel. Hope this feeling carries on forever.
     
    Another good nights sleep last night and I even slept some of the night over on my side (not quite all the way but enough to give my poor butt some relief).I have been doing a few things about the house but not much. I feel full of energy go and do something small...and the next minute I feel worn out, weary and in need of a rest. I know my stamina will build up as I get further out from my op and start taking on more protein etc. Luckily my husband is taking care of anything that I don't feel able to do. Mmmmmm...I wonder if I can convince him that spring cleaning is absolutely necessary in the next few days!!!
     
    The burping is easing off, and not all day like it was at first. Now it tends to be when I have a full drink, like chicken soup or protein drink. It is still pretty impressive but I don't think I would win gold now! Oh well, there go my hopes of an olympic medal. I am getting in as much walking as possible but in short bursts. I can only seem to do about ten minutes at a time at the moment. I am hoping that will improve as I go along.
     
    Things are still good for me and I hope everyone else has a good a time of it as I am having.
  11. Phoenix Rising
    Hi Everyone,
     
    Things are still going well for me. I am so grateful for that, believe me. When I have read of others problems on here I cannot believe my luck. Long may it continue.
     
    Now the water weight has gone I did a proper weekly weigh in and am one pound down on before surgery. (However, you could call that 8lbs as that would include the iv fluid weight gain that has gone too) but still one more pound to take off my ticker. Hooray.
     
    Went out and about again today, saw someone I hadn't seen in three weeks and they actually said and I quote "Wow, you have lost weight in your face" Thank you thank you thank you. This is the first time someone other than me and my hubby has noticed!
     
    I do have one small problem, no, that is overstating it. It isn't a problem, just a little query I am hoping someone can help me with. On one of my incisions sites I have what looks like a piece of clear plastic wire/gut/fishing line???? sticking out. It appears to be attached inside me. Do I a) cut it off close to the skin and forget it? or need to get my doctor to take a look at it? The incision itself is healing nicely and there is no pain around it, and is not puffy or red or anything. So Ladies help me out here, what do I do next?
     
    Don't you just love the fact that we can call on each other whenever we need a helping hand. I am as I have stated before, a bit of a luddite when it comes to technology, but here I am asking help from people I have never met who may be half way around the world. Not only that, I am pretty certain that I will get a response too. So thank you in advance if you do respond, and thank goodness for technology too.
    Best wishes all
    Phoenix
  12. Phoenix Rising

    The Scales!

    By Phoenix Rising,

    Hi Everyone,
     
    Well another good nights sleep. Yesterday I managed to clock up 84 ozs of fluid. Woohoo! I am really pleased but as I said before a little disconcerted. Especially when I read of so many struggling to get half of that down. Thanks for the comments ladies.
     
    I am pleased but beginning to think I must have a way bigger stomach left than everyone else. I finally got on the scale today too. (Weird, before surgery you couldn't get me off the darn thing) I knew (again from reading on here) that you could gain weight from the iv fluids etc that they pump you full of in hospital. Also, because I retain water I was kind of expecting to weigh more. Well, I was not disappointed to find I did weigh more, but didn't expect it to be quite so much more. I must be a full 7lbs up on when I went into hospital!!!!!! I am also 6 days out from surgery so had hoped to have lost some of it (if I am honest, I thought I would have lost all of it by now).
     
    So, although I am not too downhearted I am hoping to hear lots of people chime in and tell me the same thing happened to them and within days it will all disappear. OK Ladies that is a very large hint, please.
     
    Apart from the weight, I am still happy that I did this, still feel well, and content.
  13. Phoenix Rising

    Day 2 At Home

    By Phoenix Rising,

    Hi All,
    Thanks everyone for all your lovely comments they are really appreciated. Including the one for my husband too. Bless him, he loved that he got a mention.
     
    Last night I slept reasonably well and woke up this morning with my head a lot clearer too. I guess that I am getting rid of all the anaesthesia out of my body. I am walking regularly and managing to take in plenty of fluid. I managed a final count of 50 ounces of fluid yesterday so felt pretty proud of myself.
     
    I am thinking of asking for belching and burping to be made an olympic sport, if it was I guarantee that I would win a gold medal for Britain this year! Does that go on forever? Or does it slowly subside? I am hoping it does subside as this is rather embarrassing to say the least. On the other hand, if it is a lifelong thing I guess I will just have to learn to live with it. Given the burps or being morbidly obese I will happily take the burps thank you very much.
     
    I am feeling very positive at the moment, but I am very aware that I could 'crash' down and feel pretty low. I hope it doesn't happen, but have read so many peoples blogs where they have crashed and felt very low and depressed that I wouldn't be too surprised if it happened to me too. Still, at the moment I am on a high and loving life.
     
    My husband is still being so warm and supportive, that if I wasn't already married to him I would snap him up in an instant. I realise just how lucky I am to have him totally on my side and with me every step of the way on this journey. So nothing new to report except that I am a day further on and hopefully today will manage my magical 64 ounces of fluids. Good luck to everyone out there about to take this life changing step and I hope you have my luck and have a relatively easy journey.
  14. Phoenix Rising
    It really has happened, I can hardly believe it myself. I went into hospital on Monday 19th March and they allowed me home on Tuesday 20th March. They also sent me home with a ton of medication.I am truly thankful that my husband is here to help me make sense of it all. He has already made me a wipe board with my medications and times to take them on. He is so supportive I couldn't manage without him.
     
    Anyway, the operation went very well, I didn't need a drain thank goodness, everything looks good and my incisions were covered in a glue that holds everything together. They are beginning to heal well because they have started to itch. I am leaving them well alone. I am able to drink albeit slowly and steadily. I am also able to swallow all my pills even the large ones. (they are not comfortable but are doable) I have been both ends (if you know what I mean) so that is all working just fine. In fact, apart from the fact I feel as though I was kicked by an elephant I am just fantastic.
     
    Although I was on a morphine drip the first day I stopped using it at two in the morning as I really didn't need it. I have been incredibly lucky. I haven't really had what I would call pain. I have been uncomfortable but I expected that as a minimum. I am sure that I was able to cope so well was because of everything I have read on this forum. Thank you everyone here, you made this so much easier for me and I am truly greatful. :wub:
     
    I am drinking but not sure how much yet. I have been told different amounts by different doctors (!!***!!) But, I think the minimum I should have would be 1 and a half pints of liquid and if I can do 4 pints that would be amazing. At the moment I am on track for the 1 and a half pints, but who knows I may get better at it sooner than I expect. I will try and keep everyone informed on how I am doing as my head gets a little clearer and I have a little more energy.
  15. Phoenix Rising
    Oh my goodness, this is my last day of pre-op diet. Tomorrow is surgery day, Yea!
    It is finally here (well, almost). I will be off line for at least two probably three days (no laptop to take with me) so don't panic if you don't hear from me immediately.
     
    I am glad we are finally getting there, as the last two days I have started to dream about food. Wow, I have never done that before. The pictures in my head have been wonderful roast dinners with lashings of hot gravy, mmmmmmmmmm. Mountains of steamed vegetables all calling my name. Oh dear, you get the picture. At least tomorrow it won't just be willpower keeping me on the straight and narrow.
     
    A huge big thank you to everyone on this forum who has helped me get this far. Without all of you sharing your stories, both good and bad I would probably never got up the courage to go ahead with this. It was seeing so many people of all ages and sizes having such success with the sleeve that made me believe that maybe, just maybe, this could work for me too.
     
    So I am excited, nervous, but really looking forward to tomorrow and the rest of my tomorrows as a fitter, healthier and thinner person.
     
    See you all on the other side
    Phoenix :wub:
  16. Phoenix Rising

    Not Long To Go

    By Phoenix Rising,

    Hi Everyone,
    I am having a good day today, feeling really happy about the weight I have lost since being on this milk diet for the last 15 days (9.5lbs) Yea! I know others lose more than that on liquid diets but I retain water so losing that much is wonderful for me. I still have another 4 days to go and if I am lucky I may lose another 2lbs. Either way, I know I have stuck totally to my diet and my liver should just be fantastic and not get in the way of my surgery.
     
    Have got my little case down and am wondering what to take with me to hospital, apart from the usual items that is. Books? I usually love to read, but will I have the energy to sit and read? Crossword and sudoku puzzles, but will my brain be able to concentrate on them? Knitting? What did other people do? I have read on here that lots of people take music but I am partially deaf and can't do headphones! I am also re reading all the material I have from the hospital about what to expect so I am as prepared as I can be.
     
    I know I am well informed, I know I am ready for this, sooooo, why do I have this little tiny voice at the back of my head going...could I do this without the surgery? For goodness sake, get a grip, you know darn well that you have spent the last 25yrs yo yo dieting and always always always regaining. Of course you need this surgery. It's true, I do know I need this and I will go forward and have it done but I guess everyone who does this questions themselves. I was just surprised that I did! I have been so sure for so long then all of a sudden I hear this voice.
     
    Well, having had a long straight talk to myself, I have decided to put a load of tape over that tiny voice to shut it up. I really don't need to hear it right now. So, back to being positive and sure. It won't be long, another three days of liquid diet then the next day my operation and the beginning of a new me. One that doesn't quit, won't look back and will keep losing the weight. Yes, I definately like the sound of this voice.
  17. Phoenix Rising
    I know I mentioned before that I was not computer literate, but boy, I didn't expect to be able to show everyone how computer illiterate I am so quickly!!!! Sorry to the person who had commented on my last entry (I didn't even get a chance to see the name!) While trying to read it I managed to delete it. Oh well, hopefully you will see this and understand that it was not intentional.
     
    The last two days have been quite trying. Not because of the lack of food, but because of (for those sensitive types you may want to stop reading) severe constipation. Wow, who knew it could get that bad. Thankfully I had some fybrogel in the house and got it sorted but not before a lot of discomfort. I think I shall take this every other day for a while to make sure everything is back on track. On the up side, I have lost some more weight. Hooray. I am on day 11 of the liquid diet so have broken the back of it now. I am on the downward count to my operation. Only 7 more to go.
     
    As I have not told people about my forthcoming surgery, I have been looking online to see how people who are a long way out are coping and how much they are able to eat. I don't want people to guess by what I am eating about the surgery. I was pleasantly surprised. Before starting the liquid diet I had been eating a fairly full diet but greatly reduced portions and low on carbs. From what I have seen this will be pretty much what I will be able to eat a year from now. I had been eating off a small tea plate rather than a dinner plate to ensure my portions didn't creep up. Judging by the photos people have posted online, this is about the size of meals vsg'ers are able to manage.
     
    I am also losing inches, following someone's advice on this forum I took a great many measurements (which in itself was pretty horrifying) as they said this was a great way to track your losses even when the scale refused to move. I will eventually post those measurements, but not until I have lost some more. (Pathetic isn't it, like if you don't know my measurements you won't be able to tell that I am fat!!!) Who am I kidding, if I wasn't fat I wouldn't be having surgery. Well it is very late in England and I have to be up very early in the morning so Goodnight all and hopefully I won't delete the next load of comments.
  18. Phoenix Rising
    Well, here goes, this will be mainly my ramblings about my vs journey. Never done a blog before so this is another first for me.
     
    I started my pre-op diet on the 1st March 2012. This time around it doesn't seem so hard. I am not sure if it is because I know what to expect now or because at the end of it I get my op. I have lost another three pounds since starting it, but I know that I may not lose much more as my body retains water (on medication for it) and will only let go every so often. I will lose a few pounds then stay still for ages then eventually when I think it will never happen again I lose a few more!
     
    My husband is being truly wonderful and supportive, in fact I have never known him to be this supportive before, but I am loving it. I think the hoops I have had to jump through to get this far have impressed him, and he has decided to be as helpful as possible. I am having my op on the NHS and they are very strict about a ten per cent weight loss and maintaining it before surgery. (We have been married for thirty years and I have been overweight for all of them, but seriously overweight for the last twenty).
     
    I am a regular reader and lurker on this board, but have posted now and then. I have found so much useful information and help here, and have researched all I can, that I feel I am ready for this operation and will do everything I can to make it work. I know from reading other people's stories that it will not be a walk in the park, and that I will probably have to work harder than I ever have before, but I am ready for that. I also know that if I am worried, or down, or just wanting to share good news, I will be welcomed with open and non-judgemental arms here.
     
    So, my posts may not be educational, erudite or that interesting to anyone else, but I will feel the benefit of unburdening myself and who knows, I may be able to help someone who may have felt what I felt, or will feel what I may feel in the future.
  19. Phoenix Rising

    Hard Day!

    By Phoenix Rising,

    Having re read my first entry, I knew it was too good to be true! Today has been awful, I have felt hungry all day and my stomach has been growling and complaining fit to be tied. I am still sticking to my milk diet, but oh dear me, it has been really hard today. I have a constant headache, and just feel terrible. (including feeling really sorry for myself). I have another 12 days to go and although I know I will do it (I must) it will be a very long 12 days. So what does everybody else do to distract themselves when they feel this way? I have tried some exercise, reading, doing sudoku and crossword puzzles but all my brain wants to think about is food.
     
    My husband had a curry tonight as he knew I was struggling and also knows that I cannot stand curry, bless him. His way of helping at the moment is to eat only things I hate. Isn't that sweet of him. Trouble is, I feel so hungry that even his curry looked inviting!!!!!!
     
    I know this will pass eventually, but waiting for that to happen is really tough.
  20. Phoenix Rising

    The Holiday Is Over

    By Phoenix Rising,

    Hi Everybody,
     
    Well I had a very relaxing and refreshing holiday. I came back feeling very good indeed (apart from the jet lag which luckily doesn't last long).
     
    I had been having little treats while I was away including ice cream, and once a small half slice of chocolate fudge cake mmmmmmmmmmmmm! I also had not been able to weigh myself once during the whole three weeks. So of course as soon as I got home I jumped on the scales! I couldn't believe my eyes, I had lost ten pounds!!! OMG, how wonderful, as you all know I lose very slowly so to lose ten pounds in one go was just amazing, fantastic, wonderful...(you get the picture).
     
    So, after I came down off the ceiling and stopped dancing around like a mad thing I tried to work out what I had done differently. The only difference I could think of was that I hadn't been doing quite so much exercise, and had had a few treats. Is this the answer, well no I don't really think so. Perhaps just relaxing and not concentrating on the scales all the time had something to do with it too.
     
    I go back to my doctor in just over a weeks time and will be interested to hear what he thinks happened. But whatever the cause I am thrilled as I am just one stone (14lbs) away from my husbands weight, and with time I know I will weigh the same and eventually go under his weight. For so long I thought I would never get there and was sure I was the one, you know, the one person destined not to lose weight (or much weight) with the sleeve. This has stopped me thinking like that now. I really do believe that I will get to my target weight no matter how long it takes. (It has taken me six months to lose 35lbs) but with the weight that I lost before surgery and this weight I have now lost over 5 stone (70 lbs) Whoopee!
     
    So for all those who are losing as slowing as I was, and probably will continue to do, take heart it will happen, you just have to keep on doing what you know you should be doing and eventually it will happen. I have now lost a total of 41 and a half inches all over my body, and 13 and a half of those were off my hips!!!!! :wub: (yes I am thrilled and also a little embarrassed at the size I was!)
     
    My husband says I have lost a small person in inches and weight, that is just mind boggling. I am so so thankful that I found this board and read about the incredible weightlosses with the sleeve. It has made such a difference to my life, while on holiday I could walk easily and had no trouble on the airplane. I actually sat in comfort (in the cheap seats) was able to get my table down without it touching my stomach, and was only two inches away from not having to use the extension belt. (so, still quite a way to go, but not an impossibility.)
     
    I hope that everyone is doing as well if not better than I am as we continue this journey to our new selves.(like our old selves only wiser and hopefully kinder to ourselves too)
    Regards
    Phoenix
  21. Phoenix Rising
    Hi Everyone,
     
    How are you all doing? I am slowly losing weight and have lost a grand total (from the very beginning of my journey) of four stone and 9lbs. Or for people who don't do stones, 65lb of horrible fat gone. Yea me. Or more importantly, yea my sleeve.
     
    So my ticker is lying, I need to change it again, but for some reason it is not responding how it used to. Before, I could click on the appropriate page, input my new weight and it would automatically change my ticker for me. Now it is a complete hassle, as I have to do a new ticker in order to get it to change!!! Why has this happened? I have no idea, is there an easier way to do it? I am sure there must be, but this technophobe has no way of knowing what that is. Any suggestions will be gratefully received. (Not necessarily understood, but still gratefully received.)
     
    So I am back losing again and hopefully won't go into another long range stall. I am always amazed at how much happier I feel when that needle on the dial drops down another pound. I shouldn't let it make that much difference to me, but it does. How sad is that? I guess there are many of you who feel the same way as I do. It is amazing how comforting that is, knowing there are others out there that really do know what I am feeling. Really understand the highs and lows of trying to lose weight.

     
    I am really busy this week as I am preparing for my trip to America, I have finished my sewing, and the new clothes fit perfectly. (giving myself a pat on the back)
    I am hoping to fly without the aid of an extension belt, not sure yet if I will be able to but am keeping my fingers crossed that I can. I will be off line for the full three and a half weeks but will let you all know how it goes.
     
    Regards
    Phoenix
  22. Phoenix Rising
    Hi Everyone,
     
    So, what did you all think of the Olympics? I was glued to my television set from start to finish. I told a friend recently that I was team GB's secret ingredient, as I am sure we would not have won so many medals without my constant advice, encouragement and screaming and shouting at the telly!!! I do feel I made all the difference! :wub:
     
    Did you all enjoy it too, did you think we did a good job? I thought London looked great and the venues all looked wonderful too. I felt really proud to be British.
     
    Well, what else have I been doing over the last month... I broke my second long stall, only by a pound so far, but every little helps. I worked out that since my operation I have lost 1.08lbs per week. Now that is slow! BUT, it is a loss, I haven't gone up in weight and they do say that if you lose it slowly you give your skin time to recover. (I'm keeping my fingers crossed).
     
    How is everyone else doing? I feel totally confident in my sleeve, and don't worry about going out to eat anymore. I know I can eat anything, just not a lot of it. I still have never been sick or slimed or had horrendous pain, so think I am doing pretty well. (Either that or I am the luckiest sleever ever) My only bugbear is the slow loss, but I am even coming around to accepting that. (probably because nothing I do seems to make any difference)
     
    I am still exercising every day, still don't love it, but keep on doing it regardless. So feel pretty proud of myself for that. Have bought some material and made myself some new clothes. In brighter colours too. Partly because it is summer, and partly because I have lost some weight and feel brighter about myself too. My husband is still incredibly supportive to me, and is always telling me how good I look. God bless him, if ever I feel a little down about the slow weightloss, he is there to pick me up and make me feel better about myself. This journey has been so much easier having him with me every step of the way. How people manage without a loving a supportive partner I do not know. He is still the only person that knows I have had the operation apart from you guys of course, but that is the way I want it.
     
    Well, I hope to hear from you all, about the olympics, your weightlosses and life after the sleeve in general.
     
    Regards Phoenix
  23. Phoenix Rising
    Hi Everyone,
     
    I have been out of action on the forum because of a family crisis. Everything seems to be returning to normal at last, and I am back with my computer. (I really missed it).
     
    As you all know, I am a very slow loser but am very happy to report that I have gone down another 2.5 lbs. This means I have lost 25lbs since my operation (that is 16 weeks ago). Overall that works out at 1.5 lbs per week. Which is not too bad I suppose. I find it difficult because I lost most of it in the first two weeks and the rest in little bits. The main thing is I have lost that 25 lbs and it is never coming back. Hooray.
     
    I saw my doctor recently and he is delighted with me, as my bloods are all wonderful, liver and kidney functions are excellent, cholesterol is way down (3.3) my diabetes is well under control with half the medication I was on (hopefully as the weight goes down so will the rest of the medication) The only thing that is still a problem is the water retention. (this is what is slowing the weight loss according to the Doc). So generally everything is tickety boo.
     
    I am still losing inches and have lost another 2.5 inches off my waist, so again things are good. BUT, there is always a but isn't there! I am so envious of everyone else out there who seem to be losing massive amounts of weight week in week out. I try to stay positive, but it is so hard when all I read is people only three or four weeks out who have lost more than I have already. I know it is pathetic, but that is how I feel. I also know that without the op I would have already gained most of that weight back by now, so I know I made the right decision and am really pleased with what I have achieved so far. I guess I am just feeling a bit low and sorry for myself.
     
    My husband is and has been a wonderful support to me through all this and keeps on reminding me of how much fitter I am and how much more I can do now. So I know I should just suck it up and get on with it, but sometimes I just need to whine and moan and let it all out.
     
    Ok, funnily enough I feel a bit better just getting that down on the old computer! I have improved my fitness levels almost 100 % and have started using the extra step piece to my wii fitness board when doing step aerobics. At first I thought I wouldn't be able to do it as I have a terrible fear of heights and that is incredibly high (for me). However, I persevered and apart from a few problems with balance at that height at first, I am managing pretty well. (Not quite rocket fire but I am getting there)
     
    I think I am beginning to need new clothes. My bra's still fit ok but my knickers are starting to get very big. As you know, I took in all my skirts a good ten inches so they are all ok at the moment. My t shirts are starting to hang over my shoulders so I really need to replace those. I gave away my good coat and jacket as they were both way too big to wear. I guess I will have to bite the bullet and actually go shopping. (I have always hated clothes shopping and am not looking forward to it at all). I am going on holiday in August so will need some new stuff by then. I will let you know how it goes.
     
    Regards Phoenix
  24. Phoenix Rising
    Hi Everyone,
     
    Well at last I have managed to get myself a little more co-ordinated and am now doing the step plus daily. Before you ask, yes I am still a klutz, with two left feet and no sense of direction. But, now I am a klutz with two left feet, no sense of direction and able to move that bit faster and longer than before. Yea!
     
    I have also had a small move on the scales (very small) I have lost another 1/4 lb. Pathetic isn't it. However, I am hoping that this is the start of things moving again. 6 weeks is long enough for any stall.
     
    Actually, the extra time and movement with the step plus is already paying off, as this week I have been out with my husband and one of my sons and we have walked miles. Something I would not have been able to do before, so on that front I feel great. I have upped the jogging to ten minutes at a time now. The first time I did ten minutes I thought I would die, but it does get easier, although I don't think I will ever really enjoy running. Never mind. Walking in general is so much easier and is my preferred choice of exercise.
     
    I am still eating well and carefully, making good choices although I did succumb to a square of my husband's chocolate bar the other night. (it was lovely). I am just loving being able to eat any vegetable and any fruit now. I still can't eat a great deal of salad but that's ok. I enjoy what I do have. The weather here is improving and I am really looking forward to barbecue season. Lots of lovely protein and all alfresco to boot.
     
    I don't go back for another weigh in until June, so I hope I can shift a bit of weight by then. I saw on this site someone managed to lose 90 lbs in just ten weeks. Wow, I was absolutely amazed, and then completely green with envy. Then I figured I don't know how much she weighed at the start, whether she lost any weight on a pre op diet and countless other bits of information that will have had an effect on her weight loss and on mine. We are all individuals, our bodies react differently, and I just have to accept that mine will do it's own thing in it's own sweet time. (sigh).
     
    Don't you just hate the fact that it used to be sooooooooo much easier to put on weight than lose it. At least during my stall I never gained any weight, and that is a first!!! Before the sleeve I would most definately have gained weight in that five/six weeks. So I may be slow, (lets face it, there is no maybe about it!) but I am heading in the right direction. I just have to keep on going.
     
    So to all other slow losers, keep on keeping on
    Phoenix
  25. Phoenix Rising
    Hi Everyone,
     
    As you can see from the title of this entry I finally got around to measuring myself again. Oh boy am I glad I did. I have gone down another 3 and 3/4 inches over my body. Yea! So I have lost a total of 9 and 1/2 inches off my hips. Isn't that fantastic, I am jumping up and down like a lunatic.
     
    So even though the scales haven't moved in a very long 5 weeks I am still losing inches.
     
    Not sure why the scales are not being friendly, as I am still walking, stepping, and now jogging (a little). I am eating healthily, drinking plenty of fluids but it refuses to budge! In fact I was getting a bit stressed so I put the scales away today and won't get them out again for another week, when I hope it will finally start co-operating with me. I think my body has had long enough to 'catch up' and really ought to start getting with the programme! I know lots of you have had stalls for a few weeks but has anyone gone as long as 5 weeks? If so, could you let me know how you got things moving again? I know that eventually with the small amounts I am eating and the energy I am expending it has to happen sometime but I want it yesterday!!!
     
    I also need loads of patience, so if anyone has any to spare could you please send it my way, my stock has run real low. Apart from that, things are tickety boo, (9 and 1/2 inches) Yea!
    Phoenix :wub:

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