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Tiffykins

LAP-BAND Patients
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Blog Entries posted by Tiffykins

  1. Tiffykins

    I did it, I did it

    By Tiffykins,

    Today, I hit my first goal of 60lbs lost, and gone forever. I almost cried when I stepped on the scale. My initial goal was 60lbs lost before John got home, and I still have over 30 days before he gets home to see the new me.
     
    I am feeling better every day, and am finally starting to enjoy eating some things. Some days are still a battle, but I know at least I am on the right track. I seriously can't believe I have lost this weight. I looked at myself closely in the mirror today. Even though my body looks kind of funny (I have the "spare tire" syndrome around my tummy), I know that it's something I can work on. I actually have a defined waist, my face isn't super chubby which to be honest was kind of adorable, but I love having a normal size neck so I can wear an 18" necklace, and it not look like a choker.
     
    I'm not trying to brag, but I am seriously elated today. It's been a long, exhausting road, and today was a good day. I've learned to cherish the good, and drudge through the bad. The good is starting to outweigh the bad at this point, and I'm on my way to a healthier, more fulfilling life.
  2. Tiffykins
    Caysen has been bugging me for weeks to go have Mexican food at the local dive mexican food joint here. Well, I decided today to venture out and give it a whirl. . . The most exciting part of the meal was when I went to sit down and I didn't have to move the table closer to him to fit in between the seat and table. I almost moved it habitually, then stopped myself and thought to myself "go ahead, try to fit there, no one is looking, if you have to move it then move it" So, as I glided in slowly I realized not only was i going to actually fit, I had a good 8+ inches of space between my belly and the table. I know that sounds crazy, but living my life as fat as I was, moving tables to accomodate my size or asking for a table because booths were too small was an every outing occurence. It was so embarassing, and degrading, as I sit here almost in tears, I am so grateful to have my life back, and to not have to move the table anymore is such a great accomplishment. I don't care how much weight I lose, nothing will feel as good as this NSV.
     
    We ordered chicken fajitas for one off the lunch menu, and brought home enough food for another person to eat a fajita. I had 4-5 little strips of chicken with sour cream and salsa. It was by far the best feeling in the world with the booth situation, and I didn't get sick on any of the food.
     
    YIPPEEEEEEE! ! !
     
    We went to the school this afternoon after lunch for the teacher meet-n-greet. He got a fabulous teacher, and I am so excited for him this year. He got Mr. B, and Mr. B is a buff, body builder teacher. He's strict yet fair, and we already talked about Caysen's attitude, and how it's time for Caysen to grow up. He will have homework every night, not in every subject, but 1-2 hours of homework can be expected. I think this year is going to be fabulous. We stopped off and spoke with his gym coach who had already found out who Caysen's primary teacher is this year. He said that Caysen was going to have a good year this year, and while he isn't bothered by Caysen's "smart assness", he can see how it can be distracting in a classroom setting. Caysen is really sarcastic, ummm kind like his mama ha ha ha. I know I need to set the example, but it is just how I am, and truthfully my entire family is the same way. We don't mean it negatively, it's just easier to be sarcastic than it is to be dry and dull. Caysen is always respectful, and minds his manners, but he can be a bit of a smartass.
     
    Day 2 of not smoking is going well. I really want to smoke, but at the same time, I haven't been nauseated today. I almost drove to the corner store, and Caysen touched my arm and said " but mommy, I don't want you sick anymore." I made a u-turn and headed to the house. I have eaten more today than I have in a week, and been able to keep everything down. I'm still only getting in 400-500 calories a day, but it's better than 200. I got a little nauseous right after we ate only because it's hot outside today, and when I get hot, I get icky feeling. The heat pretty much zaps me.
     
     
    John called this morning, and we were able to talk for 40 minutes. He is so ready to come home. Projected return date is the same so far, but I'm not getting my hopes up. He told me this morning, just be prepared to be flexible and expect delays. He literally made my day today, I was pretty down in the dumps, and he knew exactly what to say. We had a good giggle over my fat roll, it's an inside joke, y'all definitely wouldn't understand it, but lordy it's hilarious. We both had a good giggle, and he told me how much he had missed hearing me laugh. I haven't had a good laugh in months it seems like.
     
    Anyways, August is techincally 2/3 done, just another 10-11 days and then we'll definitely be in the homestretch.
  3. Tiffykins
    I've lost 29lbs, and almost can't believe it. I'm 25% closer to my goal weight, and I actually feel pretty good today. I'm staying hydrated, and trying to keep distracted. I haven't been hungry at all, and that is such a refreshing feeling. I guess after so many years of eating large quantities, not eating, or even being hungry is quite odd. But, I welcome it.
     
    I have errands to run tomorrow, and had planned on doing them earlier. Least to say, procrastination has won. I ended up staying up way too late watching TV, and slept in. But, tonight, I'm going to bed earlier and will get up and get things accomplished.
     
    Caysen will be home in 4 days. It feels like an eternity since I've seen him when in reality it's only been 3 weeks. It's been the longest 3 weeks, and I'll be so happy to have him home with me.
     
    I can't wait for July to get here. 3 months until the husband comes home, we're both so excited, and I'm really excited for him to see me for the first time.
     
    Hope everyone else out there doing well. . .
  4. Tiffykins

    I'm FREE

    By Tiffykins,

    I went in and had the drains and line removed from my arm. No more TPN, and no more cumbersome drains .
     
    I am on clears for 2 weeks, and then I go back in to discuss transitioning into full liquids/mushies on July 9th. I can't believe how good it feels to not have all that crap attached to my body.
     
    My main goal is to stay hydrated. Dr. M isn't going to release me for work for at least a month. He said he just wants me to take it really easy. I can't vacuum, sweep or mop, but I can fold and put away laundry. Luckily, I have an amazing neighbor, who volunteered to come over and help me out with the housework.
     
    My younger brother, and best friend are heading out here on July 4th from Texas. They had this little vacation planned, and it worked out that they can bring Caysen home at the same time. 10 more days until they get here! ! !
     
    Overall, it's been a great morning.
  5. Tiffykins
    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.
  6. Tiffykins
    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
  7. Tiffykins
    I've switched over to blogspot.com
     
    It's not going to be focused completely on VSG, or my WL journey. It's life, and I believe I'm more than just a WLS patient.
     
    If you care to follow me, feel free to do so and comment if you can.
     
    Thanks ! ! !
     
    http://unraveledapronstringsinmypinkstiletto.blogspot.com/
  8. Tiffykins

    YouTube videos

    By Tiffykins,

    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.
  9. Tiffykins
    If you haven't seen this, I found this on OH, and think it'll give you an idea of honestly how minimal difference in a 32 and 40 really is.
     

     
    Just a visual to offer more pictures of how minimal the difference is between the sizes your concerned about.

     
    Here is a fabulous link for bougies. It physically lists every size of bougies, with the millimeter measurements.
    Scroll to pages 3 and 5 to see the table of reference for bougie sizes.
    http://www.medovations.com/pdf/Esoph...Dilatation.pdf
  10. Tiffykins

    Zumba

    By Tiffykins,

    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.
  11. Tiffykins

    The scale

    By Tiffykins,

    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.
  12. Tiffykins

    Random Update

    By Tiffykins,

    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 ! ! !
  13. Tiffykins
    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. . .
  14. Tiffykins

    Today was amazing

    By Tiffykins,

    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.
  15. Tiffykins
    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".
  16. Tiffykins
    My phone rang this morning to let me know John's base had been bombed, and that communication was going to be down for several days. She told me to check Yahoo, and right there it was in black and white. My heart just sank, but she reassured me that if John would of been affected, I would of been contacted by now.
     
    It's been a long day already, and think it's dragging on because I'm looking forward to tomorrow so much. I go back to the surgeon tomorrow in hopes of good news for the TPN bag to be decreased. I'm also ready for the jp drains to come out.
     
    The pets are all doing okay. Hank (basset hound) is being needy, but I feel bad because he is used to the kiddo being home. Harley (cat) is being his old, cantankerous self, and Boxster (the turtle) is doing just fine.
     
    On the weight loss front, I haven't lost anything in a couple of days. This stupid TPN is giving me over 1800 calories a day, the first nurses were mistaken when they told me close to 3000 calories. The dietician told me my body needed that many to recover. So, I'm even more hopeful that my surgeon decreases this stuff, and lets me start getting in some liquids. I know it'll be okay in the long run.
     
    I warned y'all it would be rambling. I hope everyone has had a good weekend. . .

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