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MsCook

Gastric Bypass Patients

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Blog Entries posted by MsCook

  1. Two Weeks & Two Days Out!

    · MsCook · 08/26/12 11:53 PM

    Well, I'm more than 2 weeks out now. Soreness is all gone, incisions are nearly healed, itching has subsided, and I'm eating regular food now. I was also happy to see that after I got off the mushy food stage and onto "real" food (protien and leafy greens), the weight began coming off better. It was seeming slow to me while I was on the mushy foods, probably because of the carbs and heavier soups, etc. things that Iwas consuming. Now, though, focusing on lean protiens and leafy green veggies has allowed me to jump start the weight loss.
     
    I came to a strange realization after my post-op visit. I always knew the RNY was going to be a "tool" for me to be successful in losing weight. But I guess it didn't really sink in how I would use that tool until after it was over with and I had the green light to eat again. I realized then that it's still up to me to lose the weight through my behaviors and getting more exercise, but the RNY removes the things that prevented me from being successful before (HUNGER! and a feeling of deprivation). I suppose I knew it intellectually beforehand, but the reality set in only afterward.
     
    I tried the Bariatric Advantage multi-vitamins and calcium. The vitamins are fine; however, I couldn't stomach the nasty mint-flavored Calcium Citrate chewables. I found that I'd much rather take 2 caplets twice a day and found a great alternative right in my local GNC store. Each of us is different and we just have to find what works.
     
    I'm starting to notice a difference in my clothing! Things are getting looser and I even had to take a link out of my watchband. It's the little things, right?!
     
    Starting: 317#
    Pre-Op: 296#
    Today: 283.5#
    Total Down: 33.5#
  2. It seems almost surreal to say that I am on my 5th day post-op. I had surgery on Friday 8/10 evening and came home from the hospital on Sunday afternoon. What a whirlwind this last week has been! It somewhat surprised me how much I needed to take care of in the 24 hours or so before surgery: pre-meds, and gathering items to take to hospital, as well as preparing to be away from home for a few days. Then it was off to Palms of Pasadena Hospital in St. Petersburg, FL, where I was so well cared for by the wonderful staff. My surgery time ended up being a bit later in the day than anticipated; however, the hospital staff was wonderful about keeping me posted and comfortable. The next thing I knew I was waking up in ICU and it was all over. My surgeon/hospital always require ICU for the first 18 hours or so after surgery. My NG tube and catheter were removed the next day when I was moved to a regular room in the Bariatric Center. My pain was not horrible because they had a morphine drip going that I could activate with a button as needed. I found that I really didn't have to use it very often. For the first little while after surgery I felt "teathered" in so many different spots by medical equipment. One by one, they came out and I was so happy to be free of all of them just before I left the hospital.
     
    Since coming home, things have been good. My pain has been quite manageable with some discomfort at night and a very "full" feeling all the time. I really have not had hunger at all and am eating very little but making absolutely sure to get my vitamins and calcium in as instructed. I think the water requirement is really helping me to stay full feeling also. One thing I wasn't prepared for was coming home from the hospital about 7 pounds heavier than I went in. It may have been all of the IV fluids and swelling due to surgery, but by the second/third day home it was gone and the losing has started again. Thanks goodness! I mean, that was the goal of this thing, right?!
     
    I actually have six small incisions (three across the bottom of my tummy above the bellybutton, two up my left side, and one at the top a little left of center). So mine looks more like a "C" than a "Y". I have to say that my surgeon, Dr. Ernest Rehnke, is EXCELLENT! He's well known and highly respected in this field and he's been doing these surgeries for decades. My incisions are not painful and only one of them has any substantive bruising. Everything seems to be healing up well and the incision areas are now itching--which is a good sign of healing.
     
    For a busy person who never stays still for very long, it has been hard for me to take it easy and rest and not really DO anything. But I am trying because I know it's important to my recovery. I am also taking short walks as I can. It's August in Florida so I have to admit it's tough to make myself go out into the heat. Each day does get a little better and I hope by the end of the week I'll feel pretty normal... or at least my new normal. The doctor has me on full liquids until my 2-week post-op visit and if all is good he will move me to solid foods then.
     
    Maybe all of this is more than you wanted to know, but maybe it will help someone who is a few steps behind me on this journey. We will get there! It takes time, patience, perseverence, and the ability to change. Well, I'm off now to read or write some thank you notes.
     
    Until Next Time...!
     
    Starting: 317#
    Pre-Op: 296#
    Today: 294.5#
    Total Down: 22.5#

  3. Day 12 Of 17 Of Liquid Diet

    · MsCook · 08/04/12 02:47 AM

    Whew! Day 12 of 17 on my liquid diet. Surgury date is one week from today. It's almost surreal to think I'll be parked in a hospital bed one week from tonight. It's been a rough week but I've done pretty well. Total of 13.5 pounds lost on liquid diet. Not as much as I anticipated in the last couple of days, but I think I might not be getting enough water. Tried to up that intake today and hope that will help the numbers drop again tomorrow. I would love to hear from anyone who is post-op about what you recommend taking to the hospital. That is, besides a healthy dose of optimism and patience. LOL!

  4. Day 6 Of 17 Liquid Diet

    · MsCook · 07/29/12 01:29 AM

    Well, I've made it to day 6 of liquid diet. It is difficult, for sure, but I find that the busier I stay and away from network television (too many food commercials) the better off I am. I can honestly say I feel great, with the exception of hunger for some "real" food. Maybe it's just my brain telling me I'm hungry and i'm really not. Sure, we'll go with that. Anyway, I'm trying to stay super positive and revel in the weight loss I'm already experiencing (9.5 lbs in 6 days). Woohoo!
  5. Are you kidding me? Why do we have Pizza Hut ads showing up on the home page of RNY talk? Saw it today on the site and thought: You know, this was the one place I thought I could go without being bombarded with food ads. And it's here TOO! I know the site has to support itself, but pizza ads?! Please don't put temptation right in front of us!

  6. Day 9 Of 17 Liquid Diet

    · MsCook · 08/01/12 01:31 AM

    Today is day 9 of 17--made it past the half-way point of the liquid diet! It's easier than before but still not easy. Hunger is definitely there and I am learning to cope with cravings as they come up. I know that the rest of the time will fly and the big day will come up much more quickly than I ever expected. So looking forward to getting this done and being on the other side of this. And I've lost 12 pounds on the liquid diet, so I can't complain! Still, what I wouldn't do for a grilled cheese sandwich!

  7. Day 2 Liquid Diet

    · MsCook · 07/25/12 02:32 AM

    Felt pretty good today and no headaches, as I feared. I am hungry, no doubt, but I try to stay busy and not focus on it. Got extra hungry around lunchtime today, so had an additional cup of broth than I had yesterday. Still should not be a problem. I was shocked to see 5 pounds gone on the scale this morning. Big wow!

  8. Starting 2-Week Pre-Op

    · MsCook · 07/23/12 03:18 AM

    My journey toward slimming down and a healthier me begins tomorrow with the liquid pre-op diet. I'm excited and praying for strength to get through all that awaits me on this journey. It won't be easy, I know; yet I am confident it will be the best thing that I've ever done for myself. Actually, when I think about it, my journey really began in February when I went for my first doctor visit and made the decision to do this. I've lost weight before, but every pound returns and brings a few friends. Now it's time to do something different and permanent. So, here goes!

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