New Beginnings!

[Rosario911 4]

Hello everyone! I am introducing myself to this forum for the very first time as a member; I have been a lurker for over a year, and I have to say that many of you have been so inspiring and helpful in my decision to get my surgery, and have been a helping hand (without knowing it!) through all of my pre-and-post op trials and tribulations. So, for that I am 100% grateful for your honesty about your stories and how supportive you are to one another. I am not much of a social person in my real life, so joining this forum is just another one of the lifestyle changes I am making to continue on a path to success.

My name is Amy, a 28 year old student nurse from CT. I am happily married for 9 years to the love of my life Jorge, and we have a beautiful handful of a 2 year old name Jillian. I have struggled with my weight for most of my life, as many of you have. Even when I was younger and weighed my (now) goal weight, I was always teased for my size and thought of myself as the dreaded F-A-T girl. Many people say "wow, I wish I knew back then how thin I actually was" but in reality, a 12 year old at 150 lbs carries herself much differently than a woman of the same weight. So of course, like many, I was barraged with insults and self-esteem issues from a young age--and as anyone who has been there can vouch, food can sometimes be your only friend.

Even with my size of 250 lbs at age 26, I was an active and healthy woman. I had recently lost 30 lbs (down from 280) and boom--after 7 years of trying while combating the dreaded PCOS, I finally got pregnant with my miracle baby! However, as little girls tend to "steal their mom's beauty" she definitely changed my body. Unfortunately my health started to deteriorate shortly after giving birth, and I found that my gestational diabetes decided to stick around for the long haul. I delivered at 315 lbs.

I never realized until I saw pictures how big I really was. I do believe that body dismorphia is more common than we think and is not just for those who have anorexia...I would look in the mirror and say "wow, I look really nice today, and my clothes fit perfectly" and see pictures of that day and see a person I do not recognize. I decided to look into a surgical option after many failed attempts at low-carb, weight watchers, paleo, portion control--you name it. My sugar, my hormones, and eventually my blood pressure and heart were all out of wack. That's when I met Dr T. and his team at Backus Hospital in Norwich, CT, and they started started me on a track to a brand new life.

I am currently 3 weeks post op gastric bypass, down 30 lbs (20 lbs since my surgery date), and I am ready to be part of this wonderful community of brave men and women who are fighting the good fight as I am. I am having minor complications with getting my nutrition, but I hope to rectify this by reading your threads and getting good advice. Thank you all for taking the time to read this novel. I cannot wait to take this journey with you all.

Sincerily,

Amy

Edited April 26, 2015 by Rosario911

[Djmohr 6,965]

Hi Amy and welcome!

Thanks so much for sharing your story. As I am sure you already know, you are not alone in your journey. It is so exciting to get to the post op phase so you can begin a whole new life.

If there are any questions you might have, feel free to throw them out here. I am guessing someone has experienced the same thing and might be able to help.

You mentioned you are having a few complications related to eating......

Good luck on your new journey!

[Rosario911 4]

Thank you for your response Djmohr! Yes, I'm having issues getting in Protein (I am now exactly 4 weeks out) because most of the shakes I've tried make me feel nauseated. I found one in particular that my pouch and taste buds don't reject, but even sipping that fills me up rather quickly and I can't get the full 6 ounces down, no matter how long I drag it out. (Also, that may have something to do with the fact that keeping it cold enough for an extended amount of time--even in a thermos that claims to keep drinks cold--to where it doesn't gross me out is nearly impossible.)

I also used to have a major sweet tooth before the surgery--now I can't even think of sweets without feeling nauseated, so the Protein Drinks that are chocolate, vanilla, fruit flavored, etc, all turn me off big-time.

My other concern is my lack of Fluid intake. I know that I'm not getting the proper amount in, and yes, I know its going to land me straight into the hospital or worse if I don't push myself. But all the nausea meds and antacids that i've been prescribed don't help when it comes to feeling awful after I drink anything.

I've had quite a bit of buyer's remorse, which I know is normal at this time. I'm hoping as the time goes on it gets easier.

Thanks for being there!