Karen L.
-10/4/04 Update - My 3-year postop appointment is coming up next month. Will be interesting to see what the bloodwork says. I've been taking vitamins for a couple of months now so hopefully will be good. I think my iron may be a bit low though since I avoid iron pills at almost all costs due to discomfort if you know what I mean! Still maintaining my weight sufficiently though it creeps up a little from time to time before I know it! I'll try to update after my appointment. Take care all!
-5/31/04 Wow! Time flies! It has been over a year since I updated. Significant other relationships have changed. Still living and learning about myself. Maintaining the 100# weight loss though sometimes fluctuates. Otherwise, doing pretty good. Life is good! God is good! God bless you all.
- 5/6/03 I am now 1-1/2 years post WLS. My life is sooooo much better in that I am happier with how I look though still overweight. I don't hate myself like I did before. Sure I still have "issues" but feel like I can better deal with them, without having the self-loathing in the way all the time. At my 1-1/2 year appointment, I gained 8 pounds. Not good but it was a wake up call for me in that I know that I need to work on making better food choices and get that exercise in. I am able to eat most anything and haven't made the best choices. I am confident that the next six months will be better in that I will be working on eating more fruits/vegetables, less sugars, less calories and making exercise a part of my daily life. Yes, I knew that I needed to do this all along but had just grown accustomed to eating smaller meals and letting that take care of most of the weight. I hope this information helps somebody else out there who may be struggling with some weight gain frustration.
- 03/28/03 - I know, I know....about time I updated huh?!?! ;oP
I still hover around the 200# mark but am going to work on the exercising again now that the weather is a bit nicer, especially walking with that special someone. Being in love is great! I would like to lose about 10# more or so but know that I need to work on my eating habits (less carbs/sugars) and the exercising. I am contemplating a tummy tuck in my future (which surprises me as I thought I could live with a flabby, hanging belly, but things would just feel/fit better if I got rid of that excess skin there. Ya know what I mean?!?! ;o) I do read the profile updates and wanted to say thanks to the folks that do that. It is one way of keeping in touch of how everyone is doing while I am so busy in my life with that special someone. Hugs to all of you! You know who you are! Take care and God bless.
- 11/09/02 - Well, I think I am under the "two double O" mark now which was one of my main goals from surgery. I'm not quite safely underneath that weight yet (where I can be on any scale in the world and weigh less than that) but will achieve that very soon. I can wear a size 16 pants now but have to squeeze my gut in. Don't even get me started on my inner thighs! ;oP
- 10/09/02 - Still hovering around the 2 double "O" mark but I think I am real close to breaking it. I am re-evaluating my carb intake and looking into carbohydrate info to help with that since I love carbs but also like being a smaller version of myself (now if I can only love that new person more than the carbs!). Therapy group should help with that "issue"! ;o) I also wanted to mention that I read all of the updated profiles and wanted to say thanks for updating. It helps keep me encouraged and gives me an idea of what others are going through (both good and bad). You know who you are! Take care and God bless you all! Next update will probably be near my anniversary date of 11/20. TTFN
- 8/29/02 - Nothing much to update at this point except to say that I am part of a bariatric therapy group which hopefully will help my "issues". I consider the surgery to be a success though wish to lose about 25-30 pounds to reach my ultimate goal for myself which I may or may not reach. Actually, about 10 more pounds would be fine too. The weight loss has practically reached a standstill though seem to be losing about a pound a month now I think. I'm glad I have the support group I have to keep me encouraged. Thanks guys!! ;o) Take care and God bless you all!
- 7/14/02 - Well, I'm about 8 months postop now. I am down a little over 90# now which is great. Slow but great! ;o)
I had an appointment the other day with the nutritionist (2nd one since seeing her on my own as I wanted to make better food choices) and let's just say that it didn't go well. I feel I'm doing okay, not real great but still okay with my weight loss. I do believe I am having too many calories and too many fat grams per day. At my last nutritionist appointment, she gave me a food diary to use in order to keep track of what I am eating and to see just home many calories and fat grams I am eating. I hate food diaries! Always have, probably always will though isn't too bad once you start doing it regularly. Anyhoo, she estimated that I am taking in about 1200 calories per day which is way too much for a post RNY patient. She wants to have only 800 calories per day. I mentioned to her about how "normal people" are expected to eat 1500 calories per day. She flat out told me that I am not normal and I will never be normal because of having the surgery. This realization may be part of one of my many food "issues". I guess I was thinking I would be able to eat somewhat like normal people. I can eat most things like normal people, just not in the amounts I used to take in which is why I got so heavy. My nutritionist was very concerned that I may be subconsciously sabotaging myself due to making some very poor food choices on occasion (1/2 a McFlurry to be specific). I also was under the impression that I needed to eat frequent small meals in order to get my nutrition in whether I'm hungry at the time or not. I guess my fear is that if I only wait until I am hungry, I will not get my nutrition needs met. I also know that some old eating habits are creeping back which scares the heck out of me as I don't want to go back, only forward. I never expected to be thin after this surgery. I did want to be healthier and happier which I am already. Ideally, I'd like to lose another 30-40 pounds. We'll see. I still exercise twice a week at Curves and walk the dog 1-2x/day which is about 20 minutes each time. I believe I'll need to increase the exercise component if I am going to be eating the higher calorie items. Some days are better than others. Normal people have this problem too which is probably one reason I am struggling with the fact that I am not nor will ever be "normal" due to my RNY surgery. Well, thanks for letting me vent a little. Anyone who can relate to what I am saying here, I would love to hear from you as I need support. On a positive note, I have met some wonderful RNY folks which has helped tremendously. Until next time, take care and God bless you all.
- 5/26/02 - I had my six-month follow-up appointment a couple of weeks ago. Blood work came back great. Aside from getting light-headed once in awhile, things are going quite well. I feel pretty darn good now that I have more energy and stamina. I discontinued my CPAP machine this last week as I inadvertantly found out that I can sleep without out now, at least so far anyways. About time! I was thinking it would've been earlier than this but I'm just glad I don't need it, especially when worried about falling asleep in front of people or staying away from home.
I've been exercising at Curves about twice a week and am walking the dogs about twice per day. I even rode a bike around the block a couple of times. I used to ride bike all the time when I was younger.
The weight is coming off rather slowly but as long as it keeps coming off. As I said earlier, I get a little light-headed sometimes, usually when I stand up from a bending down position. My hair isn't falling out anymore either. Life is good!
- 4/17/02 - A little over 5 months out now and plateauing big time. I've been trying to exercise at Curves about twice a week though haven't gone for a couple of weeks due to a bad cold. I am, however, walking the dog 2-3 times per day which is still exercise. I am glad I had the surgery. I have more energy and stamina, as well as the desire to do more things and "get out there" amongst other people again. I do struggle some with being able to feel thinner. I seem to go through spurts of feeling thinner and feeling the same. I am pretty sure this is normal though. I rarely weigh myself, maybe once every week or so, so the plateaus are not as noticeable that way. I think I am down about 75# now which is absolutely excellent. I now weigh less than when I quit smoking about 8 years ago and had my second child over nine years ago. I don't know if this is normal or not but my butt aches more now, probably because less cushion of fat? Go figure! ;oP
For anyone out there reading this and considering the surgery, my best advice to you is to 1) learn as much as you can about the surgery before you make a decision about it, and 2) be patient, these things take time and hopefully it will all be worth it (this was one of the hardest things for me to do). Dr. Kothari has a support group which meets once a month for people interested in the surgery and who have had the surgery, as well as seminars about the surgery twice per month. I guess you need to attend the seminar first before you can attend the support group.
- 3/26/02 - I think I am about 18 weeks out now. Down about 70#. Been kinda busy though haven't really accomplished much of anything. The story of my life! ;oP
Things are going okay for me though my hair is thinning out quite quickly which I knew would happen. Thank God I have thick hair! Even having thick hair, I can really notice my hair is thinning out and getting kinda sparse at the top of my head. I am hoping and praying that this is temporary which I feel it will be.
I joined an exercise club the end of last month and have only gone 1-2 times a week. My goal is 2-3 times per week on a regular basis and walking around my neighborhood when the weather is decent.
BTW, I seem to be having a somewhat regular menstrual cycle. Oh joy! ;oP
I know I've mentioned this bible verse before that got me through some tough times: Phillipians 4:13 "I can do EVERYTHING through Him who gives me strength." (not just SOME things, E-V-E-R-Y-T-H-I-N-G!)
- 2/16/02 - I am a little over 12 weeks out now. I am down 56 # since day of surgery. My blood work came back good. I'm still working on getting all my water in each day but seems the other things are falling into place. My surgeon's physician assistant that I saw on Friday, 2/15/02, said that there is a six-month window of opportunity to get into better eating and exercise habits. I'm better on the eating though need to work harder at the exercise. I plan on joining curves before the end of the month to help with that, as well as will walk more when weather gets more mild. He also said that it is possible to stretch my pouch out though it would take a long time to do it. I will not let that happen! I've been through too much to waste it anymore. That's why the exercise has to be done. No if's, and's or but's! For the first time in my life, I feel like I need to buy a belt in order to hold my pants up. I also got my first real period, which I haven't had for probably over five years. I've lost some hair but am grateful that I have a thick head of hair to start with. The weight seems to be coming off more slowly now which is another reason the exercise portion has to get started. Pray for me please. I'll update again when I can. Take care and God bless you all.
P.S. Regarding waiting for the so-called energy burst, my nutritionist said that I have to make my own energy and not wait for the energy to happen. Makes sense! Go figure! ;o)
- 1/12/02 - I am almost 7 weeks postop and have lost almost 40#. My clothes fit better, as well as I am able to wear button/zip pants instead of the usual elastic waist pants. I was also able to put my carseat forward a little. All of these are milestones for me. My self-esteem is much better. I hope to get moving on the exercise soon as my weight loss will be much quicker then I believe. I feel pretty good though still waiting for the boost of energy though do have a bit more than before. I can eat most things, even sweets to some degree. Not sure how I feel about being able to do that. We have to remember that this surgery is a tool, not a cure. It ultimately is up to us and the choices that we make for our new bodies. God willing, I will do this.
- 12/16/01 - I had my postop appointment on Friday. I am down 25# since my initial consultation which was in late August. I feel pretty good, still not ready to say it was all worth it yet though. I have had some people comment that they can see that I've lost weight as my face is somewhat thinner. God knows that my face and neck, as well as everywhere else, could use some shaping up! I am happy about the weight loss and am looking forward to losing a lot more. I have refused to weigh myself regularly as I need to avoid those dreaded plateau stages which I know will come someday. I am starting to walk a bit more, especially since all the mild weather we've had. I'm trying to take the stairs when possible and am parking farther away from the office in order to get some additional walking in each day. I feel slightly more energy at this point though am not quite sure yet what to do with it. Well, the holidays are almost here and I'm planning on partaking of the holiday meal, or at least a little of each item that I choose to eat (turkey, potato, stuffing). I may even allow myself a little pumpkin pie though probably only a little bit of that as I don't want to go overboard. We'll see. I still can't do noodles yet and learned that I am definitely not ready for beef jerky at this point. I had a craving and suffered for quite awhile because of it. Live and learn. Well, thanks for your continued interested. Happy Holidays! Take care and God bless.
- 12/5/01 - I saw the physical therapist on Monday and was instructed on some range of motion exercises and some exercises to improve my strength in my right arm/shoulder. It still amazes me that I came out of major abdominal surgery with a sore shoulder which has been the main source of pain/discomfort throughout the whole postop process. Oh well, just goes to show you that you can't plan on everything which I thought I knew already.
My postop pureed diet is getting pretty boring at this point and I have about two more weeks left to stick to it, just in time for Christmas Eve supper though. Looking forward to that! My grocery bill has about tripled since I am buying healthy foods (low to no sugar, low in fat) for myself. I eat a lot of mashed potatoes with gravy, as well as oatmeal and popsicles for a treat. Everytime I go to the grocery store, I am looking for new varieties of foods which I would be able to tolerate. Everything has a food guide label so that helps tremendously in my quest.
Eating too fast or too thick of foods has caused some discomfort in my new pouch. I haven't thrown up anything yet and am not looking forward to that. I usually need to stop what I am doing, lean back and hopefully it will pass. Because I am a life-long fast eater, this will be the most difficult challenge for me I believe. I am also used to drinking with my meals which is another big change for me. I will be learning many things from my new pouch on what it can or cannot accept from me.
I haven't started exercising yet though am trying to walk more instead of fretting about any walking at all. I hope to start walking in the hallway on my breaks at work, especially since the weather will get icky real soon and going outside will not be an option anymore.
I start back to work tomorrow for half a day and again on Friday for half a day then back to full-time on Monday. I don't foresee any problems doing my job as it is somewhat non-active. There may be some duties that I will not be able to do right off due to my shoulder weakness but will at least try them first before asking for assistance. I work with good people so I don't foresee any problems in that regard.
I don't know how much weight I've lost though feel it is about 10# at this point. I don't plan on weighing myself very much as I want to feel the difference instead of see the difference. I believe that this is the best way for me psychologically anyways as I'd be afraid of obsessing about it.
My follow-up appointment with the surgeon is on 12/14 so I imagine I'll know how much weight I've lost then and hopefully everything will look fine and is progressing as it should be.
Thanks for your interest. Take care and God bless.
- ONE WEEK POSTOP: Surgery went well. My only postop problem was extreme shoulder pain which apparently can happen due to the positioning required, for an extended period of time, during surgery. The rest of my postop aches and pains have been of little or no discomfort to me. Because of the shoulder pain, they had to do x-rays and put me on some pain meds. The x-rays showed that my shoulder bones were fine yet I had some sort of muscle strain/tear in the shoulder from it apparently being pinched for so long. I see a doctor on Wednesday to help get my strength in my right shoulder/arm, with hopefully some minor physical therapy before I can come back to work half days (am) on 12/6 and 12/7.
My postop food needs are pretty strange to me. I feel like I have to eat/drink all the time now even if I don't feel hungry. Isn't that wild!
The first two days home, I felt like I was eating or drinking something all the time, plus had to figure when to get my meds in. Happily, I've found that I can eat pickles though need to puree it in my mouth before swallowing. I will have a pureed diet for about four weeks before I can graduate to real food. It's like learning to eat and cook for myself all over again. Exciting yet can be stressful.
Until next time take care and God bless.
**** ON 11/20/01, I AM NOW ON THE "OTHER SIDE"! WOOHOO! PRAISE GOD!! ****
My inspiration bible verse is Phillipians 4:13 I can do everything through Him who gives me strength!
-11/7/01 *PREOP DAY-13 DAYS TO GO!* I went in for my preop today. Had lots of paperwork which needed to be done though I did not have to fill it all out. Actually, I had very little to fill out. I had blood work, an electrocardiogram which was normal, preop history and physical questions, quick feel of the stomach to see if my liver was enlarged. I saw the anesthesiologist to go over any potential conflicts with their area of expertise. I am not able to eat after midnight the night before my surgery so my "last supper" will be Monday night. I will be staying at my mom's house that night and then she will be bringing me to the hospital in the a.m. for surgery. I believe I am my surgeon's first surgery of the day. I anticipate a two-night stay. My mother will be bringing me home on Thanksgiving if all goes well. God willing, it will. I'm still excited about the upcoming surgery. Time has actually gone quite fast which I figured it would as it usually does. I do get tinges of anxiousness regarding my postop diet needs. I wonder if I will be able to handle it though know that I will because my stomach will let me know if I do something wrong. I hate the thought of dumping though want it to prevent me from eating what I shouldn't. I plan on seeing a therapist every couple of weeks to help with the emotional issues that I will going through. I quit smoking eight years ago and anticipate having some of the same withdrawal issues this time as I am changing my eating habits to a way that I've never known before. Well, pray me for me if you feel so inclined. Take care and God bless.
-10/15/01 *36 days to go!* I think it would be quite nice to get under the 200# mark. If I can get under the 200# mark comfortably, the surgery will have been a success. I believe I weighed about 180# as a senior in high school. That weight doesn't sound so bad from where I am now. Ideally, I guess I'd have to put my personal goal at 160# though 140# would be more height-weight appropriate. Actually, my goals are at various levels so as time goes on, my goals may change. I don't want to be so focused on what the scale says or doesn't say. I would rather judge my success on how I feel in my clothes and doing things that average people do energywise. Who knows.
-10/8/01 *43 Days till 11/20/01!* Had nutritionist appt. on Thursday regarding postop diet. Received good info and samples to try beforehand. I will update more on the specifics later hopefully. I will miss the sugars though am going to check out the sugar substitutes. I hope that I can tolerate them as I guess some are unable to do so after surgery. I know I like Nutrasweet so plan on using that anyways.
-I am so excited/nervous/scared about this new venture. I hope to live a quality life after the surgery. I've missed so much already! ;o)
