BrickHouse

I am ten days post RNY. I had my one week follow up Thursday and was already down 17 pounds! My glucose and blood pressure are within normal ranges, so no more diabetes or bp meds. I am just starting my Stage 2 diet. One incision is very sore. Tyler, Dr. T.'s PA, told me that's the one that actually penetrates all three layers of abdominal muscle, so they suture it. Sometimes it pulls and there may be some nerve pain for a little while. But that is the only pain I have. Foods and liquids have been great. Nothing disagrees with me. I have to remember to eat a little more slowly since I did get a little woozy yesterday after a meal. I never thought I'd say this, but I'm happy it took as long as it did for me to finally have my surgery. After my breast cancer and chemo, I was weak and tired. This is not an easy surgery and I'm glad I was able to regain some strength before putting myself on the operating table one more time. I am napping a lot and my circadian rhythm has flown out the window (hence a 3:30 am post). But I am thrilled to be on the right track where my health is concerned. Looking forward to tomorrow is a nice feeling.

The EG Coffee Corners (DD and SB) are right up the hill from me! I would love to have a "cuppa sumptin" with yall as soon as I can! Today is my official Last Day of Food and my surgery is Wednesday. Again, I am having RNY, but I learned to love the atmosphere in here when I was planning on being sleeved, so I sorta just stayed around...

Holly Clare, I feel the same way. I will be 50 two weeks after my surgery and I feel like I get to write my next chapter. I deserve to enjoy the second half of my life. I have my final cardiology clearance tomorrow. My insurance requires it within 30 days of my surgery (Dec. 11). I haven't been given an actual number of pounds to lose since I'm diabetic and have had a terrible time losing, but I will be rearranging my diet drastically. Low in carbs, higher in protein, and clean. Onward and downward!

Wow, your incisions look great! I'm assuming you went home today. How are you feeling?

I've been waiting for freaking EVER as you can see in my signature. It still feels like it will never get here. I love the chocolate and vanilla Premier Protein shakes, too. But I'm also good with the vanilla Body Fortress powder from WalMart. My insurance wants me to see the doctor one more time (Oct. 17) since it's been over a year since I saw him. Good luck Monday, rensterness85!

I've been waiting for freaking EVER as you can see in my signature. It still feels like it will never get here. I love the chocolate and vanilla Premier Protein shakes, too. But I'm also good with the vanilla Body Fortress powder from WalMart. My insurance wants me to see the doctor one more time (Oct. 17) since it's been over a year since I saw him. Good luck Monday, rensterness85!

Rensselaer representin'! RNY 12/11 with Dr. Trivedi at St. Peter's! (Originally planned on the sleeve, but comorbidities suggest RNY is a better choice.)

Cut it out! Is that the same guy???!!!

I agree. The Arc is no joke. But it's so fun. You can change it up so much, it's never boring. At one time, I used to do 45 minutes. Can't wait to get back there!

I can't wait to NOT wear baby powder on my neck at night. I can't wait to NOT sweat sitting still. I can't wait to NOT count on my kid to pick up everything I drop. I can't wait to NOT feel like I need another shower by the time I get dressed.

I can't wait to NOT feel like I'm taking up more than half the bed.

I can't wait to NOT feel so high up off the bed when I'm just lying flat. If that makes sense.

Not sure about all the things in the second question, but a small Cherry Berry Chiller (yes, a SMALL) is 200 calories and 49g carbs. All those carbs are sugar since there is no fiber.

I am a huge fan of the Arc! A big benefit is that it protects your knee by never placing your knee farther forward than your toe, You can burn a TON of calories without even realizing it. And it's fully adjustable from the easiest setting with no resistance and no incline, to the hardest where your quads are on fire! You can also adjust it to work the backs of your legs and glutes by upping the resistance and leaving the incline at zero, where you push backwards on the pedals, Start by holding on (but not slumping) and work up to not holding on. Then try arc-ing with your eyes closed. It forces you to concentrate on form and your center of gravity. This will engage your core muscles, too! I used to be a gym rat several years ago and the Arc was my absolute favorite piece of equipment. You get cardio and strength from one machine! Good luck!

If something WERE to happen to your stomach, there's an 80% or so chance that the affected part of your stomach would have already been removed. Right?

What was your pre-op A1C? Did your surgeon have an A1C requirement? I learned today my A1C is 10 . Very high. However, I'm also on chemotherapy for another 3 1/2 weeks. No steroids, though. My morning fasting numbers have been pretty high (200-300) and I am on oral meds, as well as Novolog and Lantus. My endocrinologist would like me at 7 before surgery. Given the amount of time I have waited for my sleeve, I hate to think of anything getting in the way once I finish chemo, but this could be a big problem, I think. I'm hoping my numbers will drop drastically after I finish chemo. Exercise is nearly impossible since my chemo concentrations are quite high after 6 cycles (number 7 in two days). Tired doesn't even come close to describing the level of fatigue. I may just have to try, though. And eating a very low carb diet may be helpful. Any encouragement appreciated.

I saw Dr. Lemanski again today and have a nice visit. He was actually pretty normal and we had a great chat. He is very certain I can be on my way with my sleeve surgery just as soon as I'm recovered from the second stage of my breast reconstruction. I will see him again mid-June and should get my clearance at that visit! WOOT!

I wear a CPAP and wear earplugs. If I can still hear my hubby through that, which is quite often, I'm allowed to wake him up. Why does the snorer fall asleep first anyway?

Dang, you're a power dumper!

I had one for SIX WEEKS with my mastectomies. SIX whole weeks! It was pure evil. It's the only thing I am dreading about getting my sleeve.

Cut it in to medallions, brown in a little olive oil, and remove the medallions to a plate. Deglaze your pan with a splash of balsamic vinegar and a spoonful of brown sugar. You could even use Splenda. Just something to take the bite out of the balsamic. Stir this until it bubbles and reduces a bit. Add the medallions back to the pan to finish cooking.

Upstate NY here!

I've scheduled my updated clearance with Dr. Lemanski for April 12. I sort of look forward to seeing him again and hope he sings to his fish again. My breast reconstruction will come first, then my sleeve. I hope I don't need any additional repeat-clearances. I am hoping for a June sleeve date!

Very inspirational! Congratulations!