AngieK72

I enjoyed chicken broth... it helped... you got this!! I am 8 weeks post op and am down 48 pounds. It's been a real struggle and I've cried a lot. Questioned my sanity but at the end of the day, this was the best decision. I am off diabetes meds, my bp meds have been cut in half and I feel really good now...

I am struggling a bit today. My brain is telling me I am hungry... The mental fight with myself ensues. Yesterday was a great day. Was able to get more than 64 ounces of Water in. Ate like I was supposed to. I feel like I have more room in my stomach (I know I don't). I have had my Protein Shake, my Breakfast and lunch and now just waiting until I can start in on the water. I have only drank 24 ounces so far today. Will keep working at it. TGIF

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. I hope it inspires others to reach out of their comfort zone and take their lives back.

Thank you for the positive comments... I don't feel alone at all. It's so good to know that I have this amazing support group....

I had my VGS on May 8th. I am almost 1 month post-op and am feeling much better. The decision for surgery took over a year of research, seminars, classes, tests...and a long discussion with my husband. Together we decided this life change would be best for me and my health.

Let's go back to the beginning....

At age 6 I was diagnosed with Legg-Calve-Perthe's Disease in my left hip. As described below:

Legg-Calve-Perthes disease occurs when blood supply is temporarily interrupted to the ball part (femoral head) of the hip joint. Without sufficient blood flow, the bone begins to die — so it breaks more easily and heals poorly.

My form of the disease never healed. the femoral head died and fused with the rest of my hip. There are many who go through puberty and the hip heals itself. My childhood was spent in braces keeping my hips aligned to help with the healing process. I was never allowed to play like the other kids, participate in sports or pretty much anything else. It was a long childhood...that turned into long teenage years. From that and poor food choices by my parents and myself I became the fat kid. I was the one everyone made fun of. I had to ride the handicapped bus for 2 years and that's what started it all. The constant bullying made for a very angry girl/teenager. Fast forward to age 20, we went to the orthopedist's office to try and have my hip replaced but he refused stating there could still be some growth in the hip. Most of my 20's were spent on pain meds and weight gain and depression. In 1994 I decided to go on a diet. I went from 288 to 222 pounds in 6 months. I managed to keep it off for a year. It slowly crept back on...again, poor food choices and no exercise.

When I was 28 I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis & Fibromyalgia. Medication was added as well as gaining weight. I was in such extreme pain and found comfort in food. In 2001 I found a surgeon in Seattle to discuss the possibility of hip replacement. At my appointment he was shocked it hadn't been replaced years ago and was disgusted at my previous provider's decision to not help me. During the surgery it took 5 people to dislocate my fused hip so they could replace it. Recovery was a long process and a lot of bad food choices since I couldn't cook. Even after having my hip replaced I struggled with my weight. When I married my 2nd husband in 2005 I weighed 304 pounds. Later that year I was diagnosed with Diabetes, peripheral neuropathy and a slew of other conditions. I was put on Metformin and over 2 years lost 40 pounds. I decided again to lose weight before I turned 40. I managed to get down to 221 pounds for about 6 months. My father passed away in December of 2012. I lost it...didn't care about anything. I was so depressed and had so much anxiety that I turned to binge eating for about a year. The physical pain was way better than the mental pain. I finally admitted to my provider at an appointment what I had been doing and we started working towards being healthy. Yet I still had a hard time controlling my diabetes, my RA was bad, the neuropathy was horrible and I felt so defeated. Like so many others I just gave up at that point. I ate what I wanted. My husband works nights so getting takeout was the easiest choice. I rarely cooked but when I did it certainly wasn't healthy food.

In January of 2017 after many years of only having one insurance, I was able to be double covered!! I work for a Hospital and the insurance covered the bariatric surgery. I checked the benefits on my husbands insurance and sure enough...COVERED!!! I went to the seminar and from that point I decided this is what I needed to have done to save my life. (I've struggled with anxiety of thinking I am going to die at 60 like my dad did). Had my nutritionist visit, nutrition class, labs, EGD, EKG, Pre-op and surgery was May 8th.

I like many others questioned my sanity after waking up from the surgery. I was so uncomfortable and in pain and depressed. That first day anyways...when I got home I felt much better. I am fully committed to this lifestyle change. I've struggled the past month with spasms, feeling too full, trying to get in my Water requirement and the Protein but this is what I signed up for. I want to live past 60. I want to be healthy. I want to get off my medications. I want to be happy with myself.

Today my weight is 215. On admit I was 246 and on 5/10/17 I was 256. I am not in a hurry to lose the weight. I feel blessed where I am right now. I am still learning to listen to my stomach and not my head. I am focusing on the future and trying to live a healthy life. It's interesting to see what your stomach can and can't handle. Sometimes it's painful but heck at least I know for right now what I can eat.

If you are reading this, thank you for taking the time. I know it's really long, I just wanted to share parts of my life and struggles with you. This surgery is a blessing. I am taking that blessing and holding it tight and am going to do what I need to in order to live a long life.

Angie

8 hours ago, Vivian Krueget said:

Hi sweetie! You'll be ok. Remember you're healing and all this will pass. Just wanted you to know I heard you and am wishing you a restful night and pleasant dreams!

Thank you so much. I was home all alone (husband works nights) got a little anxious. Today is a new day! My goal: Water

Having a hard time tonight. Struggled to get my Water in. Made it to about 50 ounces. Was able to have dinner. Took my meds an hour later and my stomach is not handling it well. Feel full, a little burn, spasms in my tummy. Not happy right now. I wanna go to bed but need my sleeping pill. I know I know stop the pity party. I chose this...just trying to make it through the night.

24 days post op. Feeling very good! You got this!!!

I didn't have a pre op diet. Just nothing to eat midnight the night before my surgery. I was trying to keep my blood sugar is check so my "last meal" was a taco salad at our favorite Mexican restaurant. No shell... but everything else. It was so yummy

217 this am!!!

Yesterday was fine. I had a yogurt for breakfast and for lunch. My Protein Shakes and all my Water. For dinner I had some low sodium finely shaved ham and a wedge of laughing cow cheese. Ate really slow and chewed until it was liquified. No problems. Thank you all for your advice 😊😊 TFIG.

I am 23 days post op. 😊

Hey all!

Yesterday was a good day. I drank my Water requirements, Protein requirements and meals. This morning I had my Protein Shake, then an hour later started drinking water. Had my breakfast and was fine. Then an hour later I tried drinking water again but I felt so full. It lasted most of the day. I was able to have dinner around 4:30 and am now working on my water but feel so darn full.

Common?

Three days post op I was up by 10 pounds. It came off within a week. At first it really scared me...but now all is good

Today I was able to have scrambled eggs, ground turkey sausage and a little cheese....it went well. Thought I waited long enough after...about 45 minutes minutes to take my pills. Big mistake. My esophagus started spasming my back started hurting, almost threw up... that foamy stuff is not fun. 35 mins later I am feeling better. I did not like that at all.

I am eating yogurt, chicken noodle Soup. Today I had some vegetable beef soup...it was like havin a steak!! I still drink Protein Shakes and starting Monday I can have scrambled eggs etc...

I felt that way a week before my surgery... the morning of I was questioning my sanity and my choice. I started self doubting. Could I really be successful? What if it doesn't work for me? Today I am 19 days post-op and I feel really good. I am learning to listen to my stomach and not my brain. Well and the fact that you can truly only eat so much...getting that actual "full feeling" is something I've never really experienced. It's still a bit scary but I know in my wart this was the right choice.

My surgery was May 8th and I am going back to work on Tuesday the 30th. I originally thought I would only be out a week...turned into 3. It's all good thought because I am feeling really good.

That sounds good. Thank you for sharing.

Thank you!!

I was thinking of the Protein on the way to work. They said I can try scrambled eggs etc...starting Monday (3weeks post-op). So I was thinking of a few different things starting Tuesday that way I have options "food wise"

I get to go back to work starting Tuesday!! Super excited but feeling a little lost on how to eat/drink during the day.

I start at 7 and get off at 3:30. I have freedom to get up from my desk and get food, Water, bathroom breaks etc.. (my supervisor rocks)

when you went back to work how did you plan your schedule? I am probably over thinking this whole situation and feel anxious on making sure I get the required Protein, water and meals in.

TIA!! ~Angie

7 hours ago, Omieliz said:

5/26/17

166.8 almost to challenge goal!

YAY!!!!!!!!!

Hey all! Just wanted to share my experience so far...
I was down 55 lbs when I weighed myself at exactly 7 weeks post-op!! I have severe PCOS so I was afraid my weight loss would not be as efficient as I wanted. I have had zero complications, and no more cholesterol/blood pressure/sugar/period issues! Not only that but I feel that this journey helped me open up a little and actually share myself with others and accept help from people. My life has significantly improved and I am so happy I decided to go through with this.
The only weird thing is, I don't actually "see" a difference, though my friends/family swear there's been a drastic change. I'm still experiencing some depression from the "grieving phase" of missing food as comfort, but now that I'm actually opening up to people, I find that I'm not so emotionally vacant anymore. Thank you everyone who helped answer my questions along the way, wish you all the best of luck with your journey!

How are you feeling now?

Hi! I've been type 2 for over 8 years now. My BS had been out of control for over a year (totally my fault). At my pre op phone call with anesthesiologist they told me my sugars had to be under 200. I FREAKED!!! So for 3 days I literally watched everything I ate and managed to do just that.

I am two weeks post-op and am healing very well per my surgeon. Had an appointment yesterday. Plus my sugars have been running between 80-150 since surgery!! So awesome.

Happy healing you amazingly brave people!!

Angie